Patent Publication Number: US-2017368398-A1

Title: Exercise Table

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/829,568, filed on Aug. 18, 2015, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/421,185, filed on Mar. 15, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,108,079, which claimed priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/465,229, filed Mar. 16, 2011. The foregoing applications are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The current invention generally relates to exercise equipment, including an improved exercise table or “reformer” with improved adjustability and/or storage capability to be used in Pilates&#39; type exercises. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Exercise and other efforts to improve physical fitness and general health have become increasing popular. Many different forms of exercise and fitness routines have come into being such as aerobics, weight training, yoga and more recently, exercises related to Pilates, Gyrotonics and the like. Pilates has become increasingly popular since it provides a unique blend of training to improve flexibility, strength and aerobic stamina. 
     Various forms of exercise may be performed without the use of any equipment, while other forms may require basic or specialized equipment. Many exercises associated with Pilates involve an exercise table that is commonly referred to as a reformer. A reformer typically includes a frame which supports a platform or carriage that may move back and forth along the frame&#39;s length. A user may lie, kneel or assume some other body position on the platform. Springs are typically connected to the platform and extend to the frame where one or more of the springs are typically attached to adjust the resistance to be experienced by the user. The user may press against the frame with his or her hands or feet, and thereby move the platform away from the end of the frame against the spring&#39;s resistance. The bias of the springs will then tend to move the carriage so that it returns to its original position, and the user may exert resistance to control this return motion. The carriage thus moves back and forth along the length of the frame. 
     Typical reformers include a foot bar which extends upward from the foot end of the frame and against which the user may apply pressure to move the platform away from the foot end against the spring&#39;s resistance. Typical reformers also include handles attached to ropes which the user may also pull to move the platform against the spring&#39;s resistance. 
     Many Pilates studios have one or more reformers that are used by different people. Sometimes, a given reformer will be used by numerous people in a given day. The height and body proportions, such as leg and torso lengths, may vary between users, sometimes significantly. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need to adjust the start position of the spring resisted platform or carriage relative to the foot bar so that users of all heights and leg lengths may exercise in an appropriate and safe range of motion. For example, if a user with long legs were forced to lie down on the carriage in the same starting position as a user with short legs, the legs of the taller user may be unsafely cramped at the starting position. 
     When the start position of the carriage is changed, that typically also changes the starting resistance of the springs connecting the platform to the frame. For example, where the carriage starts at a position near the foot end of the frame, the springs may hang loosely and provide no resistance. Alternatively, if the carriage starts at a position further away from the foot end of the frame, the springs may already be taut and therefore provide resistance. 
     Accordingly, there is also a need for a means to adjust the start position of the resistance springs, preferably commensurate with the start position of the carriage. In this manner, users of various heights and with different leg lengths may experience the same or similar start tension and resulting force curves for whatever combination of spring(s) are attached to the frame as the springs are extended through movement of the carriage. 
     In prior reformers, all the springs are typically attached at one of their ends to the platform underside. One or more of the other ends of the springs are typically attached to a bar that is in turn removably attached to the frame. Sometimes, this bar is referred to as an anchor bar. To adjust the start position of whatever spring(s) are attached to the anchor bar (and thus to the frame), the anchor bar is typically moved between several mounting or functional locations on the frame, such as slots. Several types of mechanisms have been used to adjust the spring anchor bar on Pilates equipment, but they typically face several drawbacks. 
     As an example, certain adjustable anchor bars may be generally cumbersome to adjust between functional locations on the frame because they need to be pulled out of angled slots or the like. This may be cumbersome and result in less than optimum performance where quick adjustment of the anchor bar functional location is desired. 
     As another example, certain adjustable anchor bars must be completely removed from the reformer when adjusting their functional location. As such, they are loose parts which may be lost, leading to inconvenience and extra expense. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved adjustable anchor bar mechanism which addresses the foregoing issues associated with adjusting its functional location. 
     As noted above, one or more the springs are typically attached to the anchor bar (and thus to the frame) to vary the resistance experienced by the user. Many adjustable anchor bars are simply round rods that have a number of eyebolts attached thereto. The spring(s) are selectively attached to the eyebolts to vary the resistance to be experienced by the user. However, because these anchor rods are round, they may rotate within the functional slot locations. And oftentimes when the number of springs attached to the anchor bar is adjusted, there are no spring(s) attached to the eyebolts. When this happens, the weight of the eyebolts typically causes the rod to rotate so that the eyebolts are pointing downward. Because of this, when the user or instructor wants to re-attach one or more springs to the rod, they must first rotate the rod in the other direction so that the eyebolts are pointing toward the carriage, and then re-attach the spring(s). This is a cumbersome operation and typically requires two hands, and may result in less than optimum performance where quick adjustment in the number of springs attached to the anchor bar is desired 
     Many Pilates studios are relatively small. In such studios, space may be at a premium, especially if there are a number of reformers in the studio. For example, a Pilates studio may provide reformer instruction but may also provide mat or other types of instruction requiring space. Accordingly, a studio may need to move the reformers to provide space for other instruction. Also, where the reformer is intended for home use, the user may want to store the reformer after its use. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need to provide improved storage capability of reformers. Where reformers may be stored by stacking them on top of each other, there exists a need for an improved manner to pick up the reformer to place it on top of another, as well as the manner in which stacked reformers engage each other. Where reformers may be vertically stored, there exists a need for an improved manner to tilt the reformer from its horizontal functional position to a vertical storage position, as well as improvement in the stability of the reformer once it is in a vertical position. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The exercise table, or reformer, of the current invention addresses the foregoing and other issues. 
     In one aspect of the current invention, an adjustable foot bar assembly that includes a storage position is described. 
     In another aspect of the current invention, an adjustable foot bar may be securely positioned in a storage position. The adjustable foot bar may also be used as a lift handle to help pick up the reformer for stackable storage. 
     In another aspect of the current invention, an adjustable anchor bar assembly that may be quickly adjusted from one mounting location to another is described. The anchor bar assembly preferably remains attached to the reformer so as to avoid getting lost. 
     In another aspect of the current invention the rotation of the anchor bar assembly is prevented or limited when there are no springs attached thereto. 
     In another aspect of the current invention, a mechanism to adjust the starting position of the platform or carriage is described. 
     In another aspect of the current invention, the adjustability of the foregoing in combination is described. That is, the starting position of the carriage and the starting position of spring resistance may be adjusted in connection with each other or separately. 
     In another aspect of the invention, storage of multiple reformers is described, including nestable stacking and vertical storage, as well as improvements in the manner in which reformers are so stored. 
     Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the drawings and appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exercise table. 
         FIG. 2  is an underneath perspective view of an exercise table. 
         FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of an exercise table. 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view of a foot end portion of an exercise table including an adjustable foot bar assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of an exercise table showing components of an adjustable foot bar assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is detailed view of a components associated with adjustment of the starting position of the carriage and adjustment of the anchor bar assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of an adjustment block. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an anchor bar assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a head end of a reformer including pulley assemblies. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an anchor bar assembly. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a bracket for an anchor bar assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a positioning plate for an anchor bar assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an anchor bar assembly. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an end bracket. 
         FIG. 15  is a side view of a positioning plate. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the current invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. To facilitate the description, any reference numeral representing an element in one figure will represent the same element in any other figure. The current invention is not limited to the specific description below, as one skilled in the art will appreciate that variations may occur to the subject matter described below while still being within the scope and content of the current invention. The description below makes reference to reformers, but one skilled in the art will recognize that the current invention is suitable for use with other types of exercise equipment, such as equipment wherein the starting point of spring resistance is desired to be moved. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exercise table or reformer  1  typically used for certain Pilates exercises is shown. Table 1 includes frame  10  that may be rectangular and extend about the periphery of table 1, thereby defining an open interior  3 . Frame  10  may include side members, a head member and a foot member. More particularly, frame  10  may include a longitudinally extending right side member  11 , a longitudinally extending left side member  12 , a head member  13  and a foot member  14 . The frame members  11 ,  12 ,  13 ,  14  may be attached together by any appropriate means. 
     Exercise table or reformer  1  also includes a platform  16  on which the user lies or assumes some other body position, and which may longitudinally move back and forth along the sides of frame  10 . To this end, side frame members  11 ,  12  may include inwardly opening channels  15  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , which may define tracks in which vertical rollers may move. Channels  15  may comprise inward facing u-shaped flanges that include a bottom horizontal flange, a vertical wall attached to the side member  11  or  12 , and an upper horizontal flange. In a preferred embodiment a channel  15  may be contiguous with a side member  11  or  12  such that they comprise a single piece. In other embodiments, channel  15  may be separate from side member  11  or  12  but may be attached thereto by suitable fastening means. 
     Vertical rollers  17  may engage the bottom horizontal flange and slide in the channel  15 . Vertical rollers  17  may be attached to platform  16  by a bracket or other suitable device, and may support platform  16  at it moves along the length of frame  10  as shown in  FIG. 2 . As also shown in  FIG. 2 , horizontal rollers  18  contact the vertical wall of the inward channel  15  and may also be attached to and support platform  16 . Horizontal rollers preferably help ensure that platform  16  moves in a straight line as it longitudinally articulates back and forth along frame  10 . 
     Platform  16  is now more specifically described with reference to  FIG. 3 . Platform  16  preferably includes a rigid structural panel  19  of generally rectangular configuration. Platform  16  is preferably designed to support the weight of the user and is sized to accommodate the trunks of larger users. Platform  16  preferably includes support cushion  20  to provide comfort to the user when he or she lies or kneels on it, or assumes some other body position thereon. Cushion  20  may be attached to panel  19  in any suitable manner. 
     Platform  16  and panel  19  may include a head end and foot end that correspond to the head end  13  and foot end  14  of frame  10 . At the head end of the panel  19 , an adjustable height head support  21  may be centrally positioned for supporting a user&#39;s head. Head support  21  may be arranged flat (as shown) or tilted up to place the user&#39;s neck in predetermined angles. A pair of shoulder blocks  22  may be located on either side of head support  21 . Blocks  22  may support the shoulders or other body parts such as feet, hands or knees of the user depending upon the exercise being performed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-3 , rope locks  23  may be attached to the underside of panel  19 . Rope locks  23  may be positioned on each side of shoulder blocks  23 , and their purpose is described later. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , a plurality of resistance members  24  may be attached to platform  16  at their first ends  25 . The current invention also contemplates using a single resistance member  24 . In one embodiment, resistance members  24  comprise coil springs that are attached to the underneath of panel  19 . The second ends  26  of springs  24  may be selectively attached to anchor bar assembly  27 , so that different spring resistances may be experienced by the user. In  FIG. 3 , second ends  26  are not shown attached to anchor bar assembly because in practice, the number of springs attached to anchor bar assembly  27  will vary according to the strength of the user and the exercise being performed. In any event, and as shown in  FIG. 8 , anchor bar assembly  27  may include a bar or rod  50  and a plurality of eyebolts  51  attached thereto. The second ends  26  of one or more springs  24  may be selectively attached to eyebolts  51  to suit the exercise and user. It should be noted that other suitable devices for attaching springs  24  to anchor bar assembly  27  may be used. 
     Anchor bar assembly  27  may include anchor bar positioning devices  61  that are attached to either end of bar  50  and that serve to couple anchor bar assembly  27  to frame  10 . In a preferred embodiment, positioning devices  61  may comprise u-channels  52  that engage frame  10  at different mounting, or functional, locations as explained later. In this manner, the start position of spring tension may be adjusted. As discussed in more detail below, the anchor bar assembly  27  of the current invention preferably allows for the quick and efficient adjustment of the start position of spring tension. 
     While anchor bar assembly  27  may move relative to frame  10  between different functional locations, it is preferred that assembly  27  generally remain attached to frame  10 . In a preferred embodiment, this occurs by virtue of the positioning devices  61  comprising u-shaped channels that surround positioning plates attached to the frame as discussed below. This is advantageous since it avoids the anchor bar  27  from becoming a loose component that may be lost or damaged. It is also preferred that the positioning devices  61  prevent or limit the amount of rotation that anchor bar assembly may undergo when no springs are attached to it. In a preferred embodiment, this occurs by virtue of the length of positioning devices  61  as they engage the positioning brackets attached to frame  10  as discussed later. This is advantageous because it simplifies changing the spring attached by the user or instructor, i.e., rod  50  will not rotate so that eyebolts  51  are facing downward. Instead, eyebolts  51  remain generally horizontal so that selection of springs may be a one-hand operation. 
     With the reformer configuration described above, it will be appreciated that the support platform  16  may move back and forth in the open area  3  of frame  10  by rolling along the side frame members  11 ,  12  from a start position proximate the foot end  14  toward the head end  13  of frame  10  against the bias of resistance elements  24 , which will automatically return platform  16  toward the foot end  14  when the counter bias force (such as the user pushing his or her legs) is released or lessened. 
     An aspect of the current invention involving a foot bar assembly for an exercise table is now described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 . Foot bar assembly  29  may be mounted to frame  10  near its foot end  14 . Foot bar assembly  29  may comprise rod or bar  29   a  and side links  30  which may be mounted to each end of bar  29   a . The lower ends of side links  30  may be mounted to frame  10 , and more specifically to sides  11 ,  12 , via pivot pins  31 . Pivot pins  31  preferably rotate so that foot bar assembly  29  may be adjusted as described below. 
     Foot bar assembly  29  may also include support bar assembly  32 , which may in turn include side bars  33  that are mounted to each end of round engagement bar or rod  34  as shown in  FIGS. 2-3 . Side bars  33  are preferably pivotally connected to side links  30  as shown to allow for adjustment of foot bar assembly  29 . 
     To facilitate adjustment of foot bar assembly  29 , engagement bar  34  may engage any of the slots  40  of positioning flanges  35 ,  36  as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . The slots of each flange are preferably at the same vertical position of the corresponding slots in the other flange. Flanges  35 ,  36  may be mounted to foot end leg assembly  37 , which may in turn include vertical legs  66  and horizontal connector leg  67  which serves to connect legs  66 . The top ends of legs  66  may be mounted to the underside of frame  10 . More specifically, positioning flanges  35 ,  36  may each be mounted to a vertical leg  66 . Alternatively, flanges  35 ,  36  may be mounted to the underside of side frame members  11 ,  12 . 
     As noted above, flanges  35 ,  36  each preferably provide a plurality of slots  40  in which engagement bar  34  may be located. Adjusting engagement bar  34  into any pair of positioning slots  40  serves to vary both the horizontal and vertical positions of foot bar  29   a  to better accommodate users of different anthropomorphic measurements and for proper positioning for the execution of various exercises. 
     It is preferred that each positioning slot  40  includes a locking feature  38 . The locking feature enhances safety by preventing engagement bar  34  from becoming dislodged from a pair of positioning slots  40  if foot bar  29   a  is accidentally pulled toward the head end  13  of reformer  1 . If foot bar  29   a  is pulled toward the head end  13 , the configuration of slots  40  preferably provides that engagement bar  34  will move upward until contacting the roof  39  of a respective left and right positioning slot  40 . If foot bar  29   a  is pulled further toward the head end  13 , engagement bar  34  is preferably restricted by locking feature  38  which prevents further movement. If the user releases the force on foot bar  29   a , slots  40  are configured so that engagement bar  34  preferably returns the bottoms  39   a  of the respective pair of positioning slots  40 . 
     To release engagement bar  34  from a pair of slots  40 , foot bar  29   a  is preferably first pulled slightly toward the head end  13  of reformer  1 , thereby raising engagement bar  34  to a position proximate the center of the particular positioning slots  40 . Support bar assembly  32  may then be moved through the mouth of the positioning slots  40  thereby withdrawing engagement bar  34  from its locked position. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , an alternate embodiment for positioning plate  35 ,  36  is now described. In this embodiment, the shape of the engagement slots  40   a  preferably further guard against engagement bar  34  accidentally discharging therefrom. As shown, each slot  40   a  may include a latching surface that is generally located on the bottom portion of slot  40   a . In this embodiment, engagement bar  34  is more secured by this latching surface  40   b , as opposed to a feature on the top of slot  40   a  like locking surface  38  near the top of slot  40  in  FIG. 4  in the prior embodiment. 
     Another aspect of the invention involves the storage of foot bar assembly  29 , which is now described with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . As described in more detail later, such storage facilitates storage of the overall reformer  1  in a stack of similarly configured reformers. It also helps the reformer to be lifted to be moved. The storage aspect described below also generally allows foot bar assembly  29 , and foot bar  29   a , to be lowered if that is otherwise desired. For this aspect of the current invention, reformer  1  may include a pair of storage brackets  41  to receive engagement bar  34 . 
     Brackets  41  may be mounted to the underneath of the left and right side frame members  11 ,  12 . Each storage bracket  41  may include a horizontal slot  42  with an opening sized to accept engagement bar  34 . Links  33  may pass to the outside of brackets  41  so that bar  34  may extend into horizontal slot  42 . Horizontal slot  42  is preferably contiguous with a substantially vertical slot  43  that extends downward. To store foot bar assembly  29 , engagement bar  34  is first released from the pair of positioning slots  40  as described above. Foot bar  29   a  is then lifted and support bar assembly  32  positioned such that engagement bar  34  may first enter horizontal slots  42 , and may then be dropped into vertical slot  43  to a storage position. Engagement bar  34  may then generally be held in place by the sides of vertical slot  43 , i.e., foot end wall  44  and head end wall  45 . 
     When in this storage position, foot bar parallel side links  30  may be substantially parallel to the ground and are preferably within the vertical profile of sides  11 ,  12  of frame  10 . Also when in this storage position, foot bar  29   a  is preferably located beyond the foot end  14  of frame  10  and also positioned within the vertical profile of frame  10 . 
     The vertical slots  43  in storage brackets  41  are preferably sized and positioned to allow the user to use foot bar  29   a  as a lift handle when lifting reformer  1  for stacking or relocation purposes. To this end, when the user lifts foot bar  29   a , engagement bar  34  is pulled forward against the foot end wall  44  of vertical slot  43 . As shown, the top of foot end wall  44  is curved towards head end  13  so as to help secure bar  34 . The direction of force is such that engagement bar  34  is pulled into the vertical wall  44  and secured by its curved top section rather than being pulled upward releasing it from slots  43 ,  42  of storage brackets  41 . This allows rod  29   a  to be used as a lifting handle for the foot end  14  of reformer  1 . 
     In order to remove the foot bar assembly  29  from this storage position, side bars  33  of support bar assembly  32  may be lifted, i.e., rotated about the pivot points connecting bars  33  to side bars  30 . While side bars  33  are so moved, it is preferred that the rest of foot bar assembly  29  is not moved which allows engagement rod  34  (attached at or near the ends of side bars  33 ) to move in an arcuate path about those pivot points. In this manner, rod  34  generally moves up and to the left from the bottom of vertical slot  43 . 
     To avoid jamming of engagement bar  34  with brackets  45 , however, it is preferred that the head end wall  45  of vertical slot  43  has a shape that is the same as or similar to the arcuate path followed by rod  34 . To this end, head end wall  45  may be curvilinearly directed up and towards the head end  13 . With the head end wall  45  being shaped in this manner, as engagement bar  34  follows its arcuate path, it preferably moves in a path that is coincident to the curve of the head end wall  45 , so that bar  34  stays centered in the slot. Engagement bar  34  may then be removed from horizontal slot  42  and foot bar assembly  29  may be set to one of the positions in brackets  35 ,  36 . 
     An aspect of the current invention relating to adjustment of the starting position of the carriage or platform  16  relative to foot bar  29   a  is now further described with reference to  FIGS. 2, 6 and 7 . As noted earlier, reformer  1  will be used by people of different heights and having different leg lengths. Varying the start position of platform  16  relative to foot bar  29   a  helps accommodate users of various anthropomorphic measurements as well as various exercise patterns. For example, it may be desired to adjust the starting position of platform  16  further away from foot bar  29   a  for users having longer legs, so that when in the starting position, the user&#39;s legs will not be unduly folded. As another example, it may be desired to adjust the starting position of platform  16  to be closer to foot bar  29   a  for shorter-legged users so that they may perform exercises with a full range of motion. 
     To vary the start position of platform  16 , reformer  1  preferably includes a position block  46  located in the inwardly facing channel  15  side  12 . Only one position block  46  is generally necessary for this aspect of the invention, and block  46  may alternately be located on side  11 . Generally, block  46  limits the movement of platform  16  by stopping vertical roller  17  from advancing closer to the foot end  14 . 
     Before beginning an exercise, positioning block  46  is preferably placed in any one of holes  47  located in the right side frame member  12 . Though four holes  47  are shown (with one of the holes receiving block  46 ), another number of holes  47  may be used. In general, block  46  may be placed in a hole  47  closer to the foot end  14  of reformer  1  for shorter users or for certain exercises. Similarly, block  46  may be placed in a hole farther away from the foot end  14  for taller users and other types of exercises. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , positioning block  46  may include engagement pin  48  overmolded with a cylinder  49  of rubber or similar like material. Other methods may be used to manufacture pin  48  and cylinder  49 . Engagement pin  48  is preferably sized so as to snugly fit within any of the holes  47 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, side rails  11 ,  12  may comprise extruded aluminum members that are contiguous with their respective inward channels  15 . In this embodiment, each side rail member  11 ,  12  may be hollow inside, and it is preferred that a wood block (not shown) with a commensurate hole pattern be assembled inside this cavity (not shown) so that the hole patterns of the wood block and channel  15  match up to receive pin  48  of block  46 . The wood block in the side member cavity provides additional support for the engagement pin  48  by providing a deeper hole to receive such pin  48  (as opposed to only being received by a hole  47  having a thickness equal to the aluminum extruded wall. This insures that block  46  is not dislodged when contacted by the front right wheel  17  of the support platform.  16 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     An aspect of the current invention relating to adjusting the starting tension of springs  24  or other resistance mechanism is now further described with reference to  FIGS. 2, 3, 6 and 8 . When moving the starting position of platform  16  by adjusting block  46 , the starting tension of springs  24  may vary. For example, if the starting platform position is moved to the position closest to foot end  14 , springs  24  may have slack or very little tension. And springs  24  may experience more tension only after platform  16  is moved away from the foot end  14  by the user. However, if the starting position of platform  16  is located farther from foot end  14 , springs  24  may have tension before the user pushes platform  16  away from the foot end. 
     In order to adjust the starting tension of resistance elements  24  so that the starting tension is the same or similar regardless of the start position of support platform  16 , the position of anchor bar assembly  27  may be adjusted commensurate with the start position of support platform  16 . This preferably results in a consistent distance between anchor bar  27  and support platform  16 . And if the starting position of platform  16  is moved again, the position of anchor bar assembly  27  may be moved a commensurate amount. Furthermore, if for some reason it is desired to adjust the starting tension of springs  24  for a given platform  16  starting position, anchor bar  27  may be adjusted regardless of the starting position of platform  16  to provide more or less starting tension if desired for a particular exercise. 
     Anchor bar assembly  27  may generally engage positioning plates  28  that are preferably mounted in the inward facing channels  15  of side members  11 ,  12  of frame  10 . Generally, plates  28  preferably provide one or more functional locations at which anchor bar assembly  27  may be mounted to frame  10 . The interaction between anchor bar assembly  27  and plates  28  is discussed in more detail below. 
     Anchor bar assembly  27  may include bar  50  with eyebolts  51  attached thereto. Eyebolts  51  are preferably spaced to correspond to the spacing between springs  24  as they are attached to platform  16 . In a preferred embodiment, one or more resistance elements  24  may be selectively attached to eyebolts  51  at their second ends  26 . Reformer  1  preferably includes springs  24  having different resistances so that they may be attached to eyebolts  51  in different combinations to provide different overall resistances. Which springs are attached to eyebolts  51  may depend on the user and the desired exercise pattern. 
     As noted above anchor bar assembly  27  may include positioning devices or brackets  61  that may be attached to the ends of bar  50  and that may include outwardly facing U-channels  52 . U-Channels  52  may include top and bottom flanges  52   c ,  52   b  that may be horizontal and that may be connected by vertical wall  52   c . U-channels  52  are preferably configured so that they generally surround anchor bar positioning plates  28 . More specifically, the distance between the top and bottom flanges  52   c ,  52   b  is generally larger than the vertical dimension of plates  28 . However, as discussed below, the distance between flanges  52   c ,  52   b  is preferably not significantly larger than the vertical dimension of plates  28  to prevent or limit rotation of bar  50 , which might otherwise occur when, e.g., no springs are attached to eyebolts  51 . The relative dimensions of brackets  61  in relation to plates  28  also allow efficient adjustment of anchor bar assembly  27  in relation to plates  28 , in that excessive play therebetween may be avoided. 
     Anchor bar assembly  27  preferably includes rollers  53  that are rotatably mounted on axles  54  that extend between top and bottom flanges  52   c ,  52   b . Rollers  53  are preferably sized so that their diameter fits within the u-channel  52 . Rollers  53  are also preferably positioned so that they are in close proximity to the face  55  of the positioning plate  28 . In this manner, rollers  53  may rotate against positioning plates  28  when anchor bar assembly  27  is adjusted as discussed below. Anchor bar assembly  27  also preferably includes positioning pins  56  that extend from each end of bar  50  and into u-channel  52 . 
     Anchor bar positioning plates  28  are preferably mounted to each side frame member  11 ,  12  and include horizontal slot  57  and one or more vertical slots  58 . Plates  28  are preferably mounted at the same relative location on each of side members  11 ,  12  so that horizontal and vertical slots  57 ,  58  correspond. Positioning pins  56  are sized to snugly fit within the horizontal and vertical slots  57 ,  58 . When pins  56  are located in corresponding vertical slots  58 , anchor bar assembly  27  is located at a functional position (or mounting location). Pins  56  may travel through horizontal slot  57  to adjust to another functional location associated with another pair of corresponding vertical slots  57 . 
     The interaction between anchor bar assembly  27  and positioning plates  28  is now further described. Anchor bar assembly  27  may reside in one or more different functional positions, i.e., when it has been adjusted to the desired position and is thus functional for an exercise to begin. When in a functional position, positioning pins  56  rest at the bottom  58   a  of corresponding vertical slots  58  on either side of frame  10 , and the lower surface  59  of corresponding top flanges  52   a  rest on or are otherwise in close proximity to the upper edge or top surface  28   a  of positioning plates  28 . 
     With this configuration, the upper wall  59  of top flanges  52   a  prevent or limit any rotation of anchor bar assembly  27  when the resistance elements  24  are removed. The weight of anchor bar assembly  27  may also help prevent or limit any such rotation. This is in contrast to prior anchor bar designs that are essentially a rod placed into slots on either side of the frame, and which are free to rotate when the springs are removed. (The rotation typically occurs because the weight of the eyebolts or other devices used to attach the springs to the rod causes the rod to rotate so that the eyebolts are facing downward.) 
     The prevention or limiting of rotation provided by the current invention is advantageous because even when all springs  24  are disconnected from rod  50 , eyebolts  51  remain in a generally horizontal position making it much easier and efficient to reconnect one or more springs  24  to eyebolts  51 . This can typically be done with only one hand. This is in contrast to the situation with prior anchor bars where the rod must first be rotated so that the eyebolts are in a position to receive the springs. This operation is more time consuming and takes two hands. The efficiency provided by the anchor bar assembly  27  of the current invention facilitates quickly adjusting reformer  1  to accommodate different exercises or different users. 
     The anchor bar assembly  27  of the current invention also provides a secure engagement between assembly  27  and frame  10  when an exercise is performed. During exercise, the second end  26  of one or more of the resistance elements  24  is selectively attached to a respective eye bolt  51  on anchor bar  50 . Platform  16  is moved toward the head end  13  of reformer  1 , for example, as the user presses against foot bar  29   a . As this occurs, resistance elements  24  are stretched and the tension caused thereby also serves to pull anchor bar assembly  27  towards the head end  13  of reformer  1 . This in turn causes positioning pins  56  to firmly engage the wall  60  of vertical slots  58 . 
     To adjust the position of anchor bar assembly  27 , all of the second ends  26  of resistance elements  24  are preferably removed from their respective eyebolts  51 . Bar  50  may then be lifted until the upper surface of the bottom flange  52   b  of u-Channel  52  contacts the bottom edge  28   b  of positioning plate  28  and the positioning pins  56  of bar  50  are withdrawn from a respective pair of vertical slots  58 . At this point, pins  56  are aligned with horizontal slot  57  and anchor bar assembly  27  may then be horizontally moved toward the foot end  14  or head end  13  until the positioning pins are aligned with the new desired vertical slots  58  and dropped into place. 
     Rollers  53  located in each u-channel  52  facilitate the smooth adjustment of anchor bar assembly  27 . When anchor bar  27  is being adjusted, if the user (or instructor) applies unequal force causing bar  50  to angle, rollers  53  preferably contact the face  55  of positioning plate  28  to prevent u-channel assemblies  61  from jamming in place. 
     Another advantage of the anchor bar assembly  27  of the current invention is that it need not be completely removed from reformer  1  to effect adjustment. In fact, it is preferred that anchor bar assembly  27  generally remains attached to reformer  1  which avoids the risk of losing the anchor bar. This is accomplished by the engagement of the u-shaped brackets  61  with plates  28 , as well as horizontal slot  57  having closed ends which may prevent assembly  27  from being removed. This is an advance over prior designs where the anchor bar is a simple rod or other device that must be completely removed from the reformer and then reinserted into another mounting location. In those prior designs, the anchor bar is a completely removable component that may be lost or damaged. 
     An alternate anchor bar assembly  100  and corresponding positioning plate  103  are now described with reference to  FIGS. 10-12 . As shown, spring anchor bar assembly  100  may include anchor bar  101  which may be similar to anchor bar  50  in the previous embodiment. Eyebolts or other devices (not shown) to engage springs  24  may be attached to bar  101 . These devices may be similar to eyebolts  51  of the previous embodiment. 
     Brackets  102  may be attached to either end of anchor bar  101  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The attachment may be by welding or other mechanical attachment. A more detailed view of bracket  102  is shown in  FIG. 11 . Brackets  102  may include a central portion  102   a  and u-shaped flanges  102   b  at its ends. Brackets  102  may also include an outer wall  102   aa  that may contiguously run from central portion  102   a  to and through end flange portions  102   b . Each flange  102   b  preferably includes upper flange  104  and lower flange  105 . Central portion  102   a  may include downward flange  106  and horizontal flange  106   a . Downward flange  106  may be connected to wall  102   aa  by a section  102   aaa . The distance between wall  102   aa  and downward flange  106  may be defined by the length of section  102   aaa , and may be the substantially the same as the length of flange  106   a . In this manner, the outward face of flange  106  and the edge of flange  106   a  may generally reside in the same plane, and the lower edge of downward flange  106  and the end of flange  106   a  are generally aligned, with the space between them forming slot  111 . 
     Brackets  102  may comprise a contiguous piece of sheet metal that undergoes several bending operations to result in the bracket  102  shown in the figures. Alternatively, bracket  102  may comprise several components fastened together. 
     As discussed more fully later, brackets  102  preferably engage positioning plates  103  which are mounted on side members  11 ,  12  of reformer  1 . Positioning plates  103  may be mounted to side members  11 ,  12  by fastening screws  112  or by other suitable means. Plates  103  include an upper edge or surface  109 , a bottom edge or surface  110 , an inward face  103   a  and one or more pins  108 . 
     The inside surfaces of flanges  104  and  105  shown in  FIG. 11 , i.e., the lower surface of flange  104  and upper surface of flange  105 , generally engage or surround the anchor bar positioning plate  103 . More particularly, flanges  104  engage or are located above the upper surface  109  of plate  103 , and flanges  105  engage or are located below the lower surface  110  of plate  103 . 
     The flanges  106  and  106   a , and more particularly, the outward face of flange  106  and the outward face or edge of flange  106   a , or in close proximity to the face  103   a  of each positioning plate  103  mounted to the left and right frame members  11 ,  12 . The engagement between flanges  106 ,  106   a  and their respective plate faces  103   a  prevents or limits anchor bar assembly  100  from racking or otherwise becoming angled in relation to side frame members  11 ,  12  when assembly  100  is moved along the length of reformer  1  to adjust the starting spring tension. This engagement preferably enables the anchor bar assembly  100  to be adjusted between positions more smoothly and avoids binding. 
     Flange  106  preferably includes slot  107  which may engage any of the one or more pins  108  attached to positioning plate  103 . When anchor bar assembly  100  is in a functional position, the top of slot  107  bottoms against or otherwise engages a pin  108  in positioning plate  103 . Also when in the functional position, the two flanges  104  are in close proximity to the top edge  109  of the positioning plate. If anchor bar assembly  100  rotates even slightly when in a functional position, one or the other or both of flanges  104  will contact the top edge  109  of positioning plate  103  and prohibit further rotation. 
     To adjust anchor bar assembly  100 , resistance elements  24  are preferably detached. Anchor bar  101  may then be lifted up so that slot  107  disengages pin  108 . When so lifted, bottom flanges  105  preferably contact bottom edge  110  of positioning plate  103  thereby limiting the height of the lift, which also serves to align pins  108  with horizontal slot  111  between flanges  106  and  106   a . Accordingly, it is desired that the distance between flanges  104  and  105  be configured to provide this alignment. Anchor bar assembly  100  may then be moved to the head or foot end of reformer  1 , with the positioning pins passing through slot  111  as indicated. Anchor bar assembly  100  may then be moved to the desired location and dropped down over the desired pin  108 . At this time, pin  108  again engages slot  107  and anchor bar assembly  100  is in a functional position. 
     Positioning plates  103  may also include stop pins  112  to ensure that anchor bar assembly  100  is not accidently slid past the edge of the positioning plate. This again provides the benefit over prior designs involving anchor bars that are completely removed from the reformer as discussed above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13-14 , an alternate embodiment  121  for anchor bar assembly  27  is now described. Assembly  121  may be similar to the embodiment described in connection with  FIGS. 6 and 8  in that it includes rod  123  with eyebolts attached thereto. Furthermore, the ends of rod  123  may be fitted with brackets  127  which may generally comprise the same u-shape as discussed above. But as shown in  FIGS. 13-14 , the ends of rod  123  may be fitted with flanges  125  at each end. These flanges may be welded to the ends of rod  123  and brackets  127  attached thereto by any suitable mechanical means. Once assembled, anchor bar assembly  121  functions similar to the other embodiments in that they are generally not removed from reformer  1  and prevent or limit rotation of bar  123 . Brackets  127  may also include rollers similar to those discussed above. 
     An advantage of this embodiment relates to the assembly of the overall reformer  1 . That is, the rod  123  along with attached flanges  125  may be positioned between the positioning plates  28 . Then brackets  127  may be slipped onto flanges  125  by virtue of the slot  129  in each bracket  127 , and may then be assembled. This preferably eases overall assembly. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 9 , additional aspects of the current invention are now described. At or near head frame member  13 , a pair of vertically adjustable pulleys  62  may be mounted to redirect the path of flexible ropes (not shown). Pulleys  62  may be mounted on vertical posts  63  that preferably move between an elevated functional position, and a retracted storage position as shown in  FIG. 9 . To this end, posts  63  may slide up and down within housing  63 a. Posts  63  may include several holes which correspond to the raised functional position and lowered storage position. Pulleys  62  may be locked in their elevated functional position with lock pins  64  extending into a hole located relatively low on post  63 . Posts  63  may also be restrained in their storage by gravity and friction, or by lock pin  64  engaging another hole located higher up on post  63 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9 , additional aspects of reformer  1  are now described. Reformer  1  may generally be supported by head support leg assembly  65  and foot support leg assembly  37  which are secured to the head and foot ends, respectively, and which may extend downwardly from the side frame members  11 ,  12 . Each leg assembly  65 ,  37  may include a pair of vertical upper elements  66 , horizontal element  67 , and two vertical lower leg elements  68 . The positioning plates  35 ,  36  for the foot bar support bar  32  or engagement bar  34  may be attached to the vertical upper elements  66  of the foot support leg assembly  37  as noted above. Rollers  69  may also be attached to lower leg elements  68  on the foot end assembly  37  for transporting the table. The exercise table  1  may be easily rolled between desired locations by lifting the head end  13  of table 1 and rolling it along the ground to a desired final location. 
     Another aspect of the current invention relating to storage and stacking of multiple reformers  1  is now described. Generally, because various components of exercise table  1  are movable between functional and storage positions, and because vertical lower leg elements  68  are configured in a certain manner, multiple reformers  1  may be stacked one on top the other. This is a significant advantage where reformers  1  will be used in a small pilates studio where space is at a premium. 
     More specifically, the vertical lower elements  68  are configured to fit within the open area  3  between side frame members  11 ,  12  by locating the legs  68  of each of the head and foot assemblies  65 ,  37  at a distance which is less than the distance between side frame members  11 ,  12 . This allows legs  68  to pass through and between side frame members  11 ,  12 . Furthermore, both foot bar assembly  29   a  and pulley assemblies  65  may be placed in their storage positions. 
     When stacking reformers  1 , the reformer to be placed on top of another reformer may first be lifted by foot bar  29   a  at the foot end  14  and by head end plate  70  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) at the head end  13 . Because foot bar assembly  29  is preferably secured when in the storage position as discussed above, foot bar  29   a  may serve as a lifting handle. The upper reformer may then be placed over the lower reformer by locating support legs  68  of the upper reformer so that they are aligned with the support leg assemblies  37 ,  65  of the lower reformer, and the upper reformer may then be lowered until stacking bumpers  71  (as shown in  FIG. 9 ) located on the underside of the horizontal portion of each leg come to rest on the top of the side frame components  11 ,  12  of the lower reformer. 
     To also help in the efficient stacking of reformers  1 , the platforms  16  may be securely positioned so that they also do not interfere with the legs  68  of an upper reformer extending down into the open spaces  3  of the lower reformer. To this end, block  46  may be inserted into the hole  47  closest to head end  13 , and anchor bar assembly  27  is positioned in the slot  58  that is closest to head end  13 . At least one resistance member  24  may then be attached to rod  50  or  101 . This serves to maintain an open space  3  between the foot end of the platform  16  and foot end  14  of frame  10  so that the legs  68  of the rear leg assembly  37  may protrude down into that open space  3 . 
     The exercise table  1  of the current invention may also be vertically stored. To vertically store reformer  1 , support platform  16  may first be placed in a preferred position by inserting positioning block  46  in the positioning hole  47  closest to foot frame member  14 , and anchor bar  50  may be placed in the vertical positioning slot  58  in the anchor bar positioning plate  28  that is also closest to foot member  14 . At least one resistance member  24  may then be attached to rod  50  or  101 . The foot bar support bar assembly  32  may then be placed in the highest positioning slot  40  of positioning plates  35 ,  36 . 
     The reformer  1  may then be then lifted from head component  13  until vertical storage bumpers  72  (as shown in  FIG. 4 ) contact the flooring surface. Reformer  1  may then rest on the two transport wheels  69  and the two vertical storage bumpers  72 . Because carriage  16  is located nearer the foot end  14  of the reformer, the overall center of gravity is lower which helps tilting reformer  1 , and also makes it more secure in its vertical storage position. Preferably the center of gravity in the vertical storage position is located between the line connecting the contact points of the two transport wheels and the line connecting the contact point of the two storage bumpers  72 . 
     Furthermore, when in this vertical storage position, the reformer  1  is preferably tilted slightly toward the person who had tilted it up towards vertical. This provides stability during the tilting phase as opposed to other reformers which ultimately tilt away from the person tilting it, i.e., it is problematic to tilt a reformer upward knowing that its weight will be beyond true vertical when reaching its storage position. 
     While various embodiments of an exercise table and aspects thereof have been presented in the foregoing disclosure, numerous modifications, alterations and alternate embodiments may be contemplated by those skilled in the art and may be utilized in accomplishing the various aspects of the present invention. Thus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.