Patent Publication Number: US-7223220-B2

Title: Exercise device attachable to chair

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an exercise device. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable exercise device attachable to a chair which employs elastic resistance to strengthen muscles. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   We all are in need of keeping in shape, and while most of us are ‘stuck’ in badly postured chairs worldwide. Increasingly, both at work and leisure, individuals find themselves in seated positions for extended periods with little or no opportunity for physical activity and with a resultant diminution of their faculties. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for a device for providing stimulating activity in the form of exercise to individuals to be seated over extended periods. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention comprises a device for performing resistance exercises. The exercise device is provided which comprises a generally “W”-shaped frame separately mounted on a post of a height-telescopic executive type chair, an elastic band disposed and extending through said W-shaped frame, and a tension adjusting mechanism mounted on said chair and connected to said elastic band wherein said adjusting mechanism is manipulated to adjust the tension of said elastic band. 
   The exercise device mounted on the telescopic height adjuster of an executive chair creates a unique and most serious exercise-station at one&#39;s home or office. The tension adjusting mechanism slides up and down with the chair, and by this action the tension of the elastic band increase or decrease significantly, making the workout routine a challenge or pleasure as per one&#39;s choice. 
   The exercise device has a dual function capacity: by lifting the two grips connected to the rubber bands up and down by hands, the exercise device allows full and correct performance-routine for most upper body exercises; there is also anther function of the present invention that allows tension exercise in same manner for legs by working forward and backward with the grips by legs. 
   While not in use, the exercise device of the present invention tucks away and hides from plain sight and allows a ‘hidden-gym’ to be mounted on an executive type chair at home/office use and avoids the all too common &amp; ugly home-exercise-machines that ultimately become expensive ‘coat hangers’ in most home and garages. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective illustration of an exercise device of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective illustration of an exercise device according to the present invention attached to a chair. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device includes a W-shaped frame  2 , an elastic band  4  and a tension adjusting mechanism  6 . The elastic band  4  runs through the W-shaped frame  2  and the tension adjusting mechanism  6 . 
   The W-shaped frame  2  includes a base member  22  and two “V”-shaped tubular members  24 . The two “V”-shaped tubular members  24  are mounted on the base member  22  symmetrically. In the embodiment, the base member  22  is a cylindrous base separately mounted around the post of a height-telescopic executive chair. The elastic band  4  is inserted through the two “V”-shaped tubular members  24 . 
   Each of two ends of the elastic band  4  connects a handgrip  42  for user&#39;s holding. 
   In the embodiment, the tension adjusting mechanism  6  is a hook mounted on the bottom of the seat  10  of the executive chair. The height of the seat  10  is adjustable. By means of adjusting the height between the seat  10  and the undercarriage  8  of the chair, the distance between the tension adjusting mechanism  6  and the W-shaped frame  2  can be adjusted and the tension of the elastic band  4  also can be adjusted. 
   The present invention meets the need to be able to do exercise while working or on break without leaving the chair, and saves time and costs for same purposes elsewhere. 
   While the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function of the present invention without deviating therefore. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the appended claims.