Abstract:
A seat bound exercise system provides resistive rotational motion of the ankle to combat potentially fatal problems such as lower leg thrombosis. The system comprises an attachment member with upper and lower ends. The lower end is provided with a bore and extends to a ground surface. A support cylinder with a top end, a bottom end, an inner edge and an outer edge is provided. The bottom end has a coaxial bore allowing rotatable coupling with a bore of the attachment members with a pin. A handle bar, including a cylindrical receiving bar and a cylindrical intermediate portion, is provided next. The receiving bar has a lower portion telescoping over and coupled to the top ends of the support cylinders and upper portion. The intermediate bar telescopes over and is coupled to the receiving bar. Also included is a source of resistance force with piston rods. A foot pedal with a foot receiving portion is provided.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a seat bound exercise system and more particularly pertains to allowing passengers to engage in exercise of the type requiring resistance rotation of the ankle while seated during travel. Such exercise combats such potentially fatal problems as lower leg thrombosis. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     The use of exercise devices of known designs and configurations is known in the prior art. More specifically, exercise devices of known designs and configurations previously devised and utilized for the purpose of exercising through conventional methods and apparatuses are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. 
     By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,013,287 to Dickman discloses a leg exerciser and foot rest for automotive vehicles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,204,675 to McGinnis discloses an air chamber leg exercising device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,315 to Mortenson discloses a pneumatic variable resistance rehabilitation/therapy apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 6,066,076 to Wang discloses a stepping exerciser. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,855 to Dean discloses an in-bed exercise machine and method of use. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a seat bound exercise system allowing passengers to engage in exercise while seated during travel. 
     In this respect, the seat bound exercise system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of allowing passengers to engage in exercise while seated during travel. 
     Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved seat bound exercise system which can be used for allowing passengers to engage in exercise while seated during travel. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of exercise devices of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved seat bound exercise system. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved seat bound exercise system and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages. 
     To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a seat. The seat is secured above a load bearing surface. The seat is adapted for a user while sitting during exercise with a limited amount of room in front of the seat. The exercise is of the type requiring the user&#39;s legs to be extended in front of him and the load bearing surface to be in front of the seat. It is preferred that two seats are utilized, a rearward seat upon which the exercising person sits and a forward seat supporting the exercising system. Also provided is a pair of laterally attachment members. Each attachment member has an upper end and a lower end. The lower ends extend to the load bearing surface. Axially spaced bores are provided through the lower ends of the attachment members. In this manner, the bores lie along a common axis. Next provided is a pair of support cylinders. Each support cylinder has a top end, a bottom end, an inner edge and an outer edge. Coaxial bores with pivot pins are provided through the bottom ends. This arrangement allows for the rotatable coupling of the support cylinders with respect to the attachment member through the alined bores when attached by the pins. The support cylinders have slots along the inner edges. Each slot has an elongated component which runs parallel with the cylinders and its associated slot. The slots each have an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edges include short circumferential segments which extend about 90 degrees to allow for stowing the system beneath the forward seat when not in use. Provided next is a handle bar in an inverted U-shaped configuration. The handle bar is comprised of a pair of cylindrical L-shaped receiving bars and a cylindrical linear intermediate portion. The receiving bars have lower portions adapted to telescope over and couple to the top ends of the support cylinders. The receiving bars have upper portions. The upper portions bend perpendicularly toward each other. A laterally extending horizontal space is provided between the upper portions. A source of resistance force is also provided. The source of resistance forces is comprised of a pair of pistons. Each piston has an air chamber. Each air chamber has an air nozzle. Each air chamber also has a piston rod opposite the air nozzle. The piston is coupled to the intermediate portion of the interior of the support cylinder. The piston rod points downwardly and is retained in place by a second spring. A pair of flexible tubes is operatively coupled to the nozzles. The flexible tubes run to an upper portion of the handle bars. A pair of connectors is provided. Each connector has a first end. Each first end of each connector is rotatably coupled to the piston rod. A second end is also provided. Each second end is provided perpendicular to the first end. Each second end has a threaded aperture. Each second end is adapted to fit through the slot of the support cylinders. Further provided is an adjustment member. The adjustment member comprises a valve. The valve has opposed ends. The opposed ends are coupled to the flexible tube. The adjustment member resides in the handle bar. A knob passes through the intermediate portion. In this manner, the user is able to control the flow of air between the pistons to consequently control the resistance of the pistons. Provided last is a pair of foot pedals. Each foot pedal has a foot receiving portion. A bore passes through the foot receiving portion. A spring loaded threaded coupler also passes through the foot receiving portion. The spring loaded threaded coupler is received in the second end of the connector on the piston rod. In this manner, the user is able to control the rotation of the pedals around the threaded coupler. The connector passes through the upper edge of the slot, allowing the pedals to point away from the user. This position allows the pedals to be stored. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved seat bound exercise system which has all of the advantages of the prior art exercise devices of known designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved seat bound exercise system which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed. 
     It is further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved seat bound exercise system which is of durable and reliable constructions. 
     An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved seat bound exercise system which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such seat bound exercise system economically available to the buying public. 
     Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a seat bound exercise system for allowing passengers to engage in exercise while seated during travel. 
     Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved seat bound exercise device is comprising an attachment member with upper and lower ends. The lower end is provided with a bore and extends to a load bearing surface. A support cylinder with a top end, a bottom end, an inner edge and an outer edge is provided. The bottom end has a coaxial bore allowing rotatable coupling with a bore of the attachment members with a pin. A handle bar, including a cylindrical receiving bar and a cylindrical intermediate portion, is provided next. The receiving bar has a lower portion telescoping over and coupled to the top ends of the support cylinders and upper portion. The intermediate bar telescopes over and is coupled to the receiving bar. Also included is a source of resistance force with piston rods. A foot pedal with a foot receiving portion is provided. 
    
    
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention operable between two seats. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the central components of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the foot pedal of the present invention taken along line  3 — 3  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the foot pedal of the present invention taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the foot pedal taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the support cylinders taken along line  6 — 6  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the present invention with extension members. 
     FIG. 8 is perspective view of the pivot point of the extension members shown in FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrating in dashed lines the pedal raised. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of housing of the alternative embodiment taken along line  11 — 11  of FIG.  10  and with the pedal raised. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of housing of the alternative embodiment similar to FIG. 11, but with the pedal lowered. 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of housing of the alternative embodiment taken along line  13 — 13  of FIG.  12 . 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of housing similar to FIG. 13 but showing alternative compression assembly. 
    
    
     The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various Figures. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved seat bound exercise system embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10  will be described. 
     The present invention, the seat bound exercise system  10  is comprised of a plurality of components. Such components in their broadest context include an attachment member, a support cylinder, a handle bar, a source of resistance force and a foot pedal. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective. 
     First provided is a seat  14 . The seat is secured above a floor functioning as a load bearing surface  16 . The seat is adapted for a user while sitting during exercise with a limited amount of room in front of the seat. The exercise is of the type requiring the user&#39;s legs to be extended in front of him with the load bearing surface located beneath and in front of the seat. It is preferred that two seats are utilized, a rearward seat upon which the exercising person sits and a forward seat supporting the exercising system. 
     Provided next is a pair of laterally spaced attachment members  20  preferably formed as the legs of the forward seat. Each attachment member has an upper end  22  and a lower end  24 . The lower ends extend downwardly to the load bearing surface. Axially spaced bores  26  is provided through the lower ends of the attachment members. In this manner, the bores lie along a common axis. 
     Next provided is a pair of support cylinders  30 . Each support cylinder has a top end  32 , a bottom end  34 , an inner edge  36  and an outer edge  38 . Coaxial bores  39  with pivot pins are provided through the bottom ends. This arrangement allows for the rotatable coupling of the support cylinders with respect to the attachment member through the alined bores when attached by the pins. The support cylinders have slots  41  along the inner edges. Each slot has an elongated compartment which run parallel with the cylinders and its associated slot. The slots each have an upper edge  42  and a lower edge  43 . The upper edges include short circumferential segments, which extend about 90 degrees to allow for stowing the system beneath the forward seat when not in use. 
     Provided next is a handle bar  48  in an inverted U-shaped configuration. The handle bar is comprised of a pair of cylindrical L-shaped receiving bars  50  and a cylindrical linear intermediate portion  52 . The receiving bars have lower portions adapted to telescope over and couple to the top ends of the support cylinders. The receiving bars have upper portions. The upper portions bend perpendicularly toward each other. A laterally extending horizontal space is provided between the upper portions. The intermediate portion is adapted to telescope over and couple both upper portions of the receiving bars. 
     A source  56  of resistance force is also provided. The source of resistance forces is comprised of a pair of pistons  58 . Each piston has an air chamber  60 . Each air chamber has an air nozzle  62 . Each air chamber also has a piston rod  64  opposite the air nozzle. The piston is coupled to the intermediate portion of the interior of the support cylinder. The piston rod points downwardly and is retained in place by a second spring  66 . This second spring keeps the handle bar extended during an operative state, but allows the handle bar to be compressed over the support cylinders when in a stowed state and held in place by a retention member  68  attached to a bottom surface of the forward seat. A pair of flexible tubes  70  is operatively coupled to the nozzles. The flexible tubes run to an upper portion of the handle bars. A pair of connectors  72  is provided. Each connector has a first end  74 . Each first end of each connector is rotatably coupled to the piston rod. A second end  76  is also provided. Each second end is provided perpendicular to the first end. Each second end is adapted to fit through the slot of the support cylinders. Each second end has a threaded aperture  78 . 
     Further provided is an adjustment member. The adjustment member comprises a valve  80 . The valve has opposed ends. The opposed ends are coupled to the flexible tube. A knob  82  passes through the intermediate portion of the handle bar. In this manner, the user is able to control the flow of air between the pistons to consequently control the resistance of the pistons. 
     Provided lastly is a pair of foot pedals  84 . Each foot pedal has a foot receiving portion  86 . A bore  88  passes through the foot receiving portion. A spring loaded threaded coupler  90  also passes through the foot receiving portion. The spring loaded threaded coupler is received in the second end of the connector on the piston rod. In this manner, the user is able to control the rotation of the petals about the threaded coupler. The connector passes through the upper edge of the slot, allowing the pedals to point away from the user. This position allows the pedals to be stored. 
     A variation of the primary embodiment is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In such embodiment, a pair of laterally spaced links  92  and  94  are coupled at a central pin  96 . The ends of the links are pivotally coupled to the attachment members  20  and support cylinders  30  for allowing exercising at varying distances from the user&#39;s seat. 
     An alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9-14. In such embodiment a seat bound exercise system  110  is disclosed for use by a passenger wanting to engage in exercise while seated during travel. The seat bound exercise system includes a pair of housings  112 . Each housing has a base  114 , a top face  116 , a front wall  118 , a rear wall  120  and a pair of side walls  122 . The top face has a rectangular aperture  124 . The aperture has an internal edge. The top face has a lip  126 . The lip extends externally past the walls. The housing also has a pair of ledges  128 . The pair of ledges is provided below the top face. The pair of ledges attaches to the side walls. The ledges end at the front and rear wall. The ledges extend past the internal edge of the aperture of the top face. 
     Included in this alternate embodiment is pair of compression assemblies  132  in each housing. Each compression assembly has a support base  134 , an upper arm  136 , a lower arm  138  and a spring  140 . The support base is coupled to the base of the housing adjacent the rear wall. Both arms have an inner end  142  and an outer end  144 . All ends are beveled. The inner ends are pivotably coupled to the base. In this manner horizontal motion of the assembly is provided between the two side walls. The spring is coupled between the outer ends of the upper and lower arms. 
     A pair of foot receiving platforms  148  is included. Each foot receiving platform has a rectangular configuration. Each platform has a top face  150 , a bottom face  152  and a pair of side edges  154  between the top and bottom faces. The platform is pivotably coupled to a brace arm  156 . The brace arm is rigidly coupled to the support base. In this manner the platform lies adjacent to the upper arm of the compression assembly. The platform has a retention aperture  158 . The retention aperture is on the bottom face adjacent the side edge. The platform has a first state when the spring is fully extended. The platform has a second state when the platform is lying parallel and between the ledge and the top face of the housing. 
     Also included in this alternate embodiment is a pair of spring loaded locking members  162 . Each spring loaded locking member has a supplemental spring  164  and a block  166 . Only one spring  164  is shown, but a plurality of laterally disposed springs, as for example two, or preferably three, could be utilized. The block has a cylindrical bore  168 . The supplemental spring is coupled to one of the side walls between the ledge and the top face. The supplemental spring is also coupled to the bore of the block. When the platform is in its second state the block can slide the platform horizontally on the support base to be retained between the top face and ledge of the opposite side. A retention knob  170  is coupled to the ledge adjacent the block. The retention knob is adapted to be received in the retention aperture of the platform. In this manner, the platform is held in the second state. The block is able to be adapted to reside around the supplemental spring and between the top face and ledge of the housing while the system is in use. 
     Movement of the block  166  against the spring  164  in a direction opposite from the arrow may be caused by an operator controlled solenoid  169  shown in FIG.  12 . Only one solenoid is shown but a plurality of laterally disposed solenoids, as for example two, or preferably three, could be utilized. All of the solenoids are concurrently actuated by a common source. 
     The rotary motion of the ankle under resistance, as provided by the present invention, is of a therapeutic value in fighting lower leg thrombosis. 
     In an alternate embodiment the locking members can be a pair of pneumatic pistons  174  adapted to retain the foot receiving platforms, wherein the foot receiving platforms have an aperture in the side edges to receive the pneumatic piston. Such pistons essentially replace the function of springs  132 . 
     In a further alternate embodiment of the present invention the resistance force can also come from electronic means, pneumatic means, controllable cylinders as well as springs. 
     As to the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. 
     With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.