Patent Abstract:
An example apparatus for a user in a wheelchair includes an exercise device providing an exercise area configured to receive a wheelchair. A primary handle is moveable by a first user in the wheelchair from a first position to a second position. A resistance assembly opposes movement of the at least one primary handle. A spotter handle is coupled to move together with the at least one primary handle. The spotter handle accessible by a second user from a position outside the exercise area. An example exercise device for a user in a wheelchair includes an automatically adjustable pick.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/855,066, which was filed on 7 May 2013 and is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to equipment for exercising. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a device that can be used by a mobility-impaired user, such as user of a wheelchair. 
     Various exercises have been utilized to develop and train various areas of the body. Exercises have historically been performed with resistance provided by free weights, such as barbells or machines, or even using a user&#39;s body as resistance. 
     Many exercise devices contain adjustment features allowing a user to adapt the exercise devices for a particular exercises. Many of the adjustment features are not accessible to users with impaired mobility. Further, many areas of the assembly will not accommodate devices, such as wheelchairs, frequently utilized by users with impaired mobility. Thus, a mobility-impaired user cannot effectively train on many exercise devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     An apparatus according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an exercise device providing an exercise area configured to receive a wheelchair, at least one primary handle moveable by a first user in the wheelchair from a first position to a second position, and a resistance assembly that opposes movement of the at least one primary handle. At least one spotter handle is coupled to move together with the at least one primary handle. The at least one spotter handle is accessible by a second user from a position outside the exercise area. 
     In another example of the foregoing apparatus, the primary handle comprises a first primary handle to be positioned on a first lateral side of the first user and a second primary handle to be positioned on an opposing, second lateral side of the first user. The spotter handle comprises a first spotter handle to be positioned on the first lateral side and a second spotter handle to be positioned on the second lateral side. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a wheelchair guide to position the wheelchair within the exercise area. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a link coupling movement of the at least one primary handle together with movement of the at least one spotter handle. The wheelchair guide is positioned between the link and the exercise area. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a second exercise area that is separate and distinct from the first exercise area, and a pick accessible from the second exercise area. Exercises using the pick are resisted with the resistance assembly. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing apparatus, the resistance assembly comprises a weight stack. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing apparatus, the apparatus further comprises a lap pad configured to stabilize a user between the lap pad and the wheelchair when the user is utilizing the pick. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing apparatus, the lap pad is pivotable back and forth between a first position where the lap pad extends substantially vertically and a second position where the lap pad extends substantially horizontally. 
     An exercise device for a user in a wheelchair according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an automatically adjustable pick. 
     In another example of the foregoing exercise device, a belt is secured to the pick. The belt is configured to be driven to move the pick. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the belt is looped such that opposing ends of the belt are secured to the pick. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the belt is clamped to the pick. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the belt is a toothed belt. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the device comprises a sprocket to drive the belt to move the pick. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the pick is configured to adjust between a first position that is vertically above a head of a user during use, and a second position that is vertically below a knee of the user during use. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the pick is configured to be infinitely adjustable between the first position and the second position. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, a lap pad is configured to stabilize a user between the lap pad and a wheelchair. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the lap pad is pivotable back and forth between a first position where the lap pad extends substantially vertically and a second position where the lap pad extends substantially horizontally. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the lap pad is pivotable about a pivot location on a first side of the user to a selectively engage a support on a second side of the user that is opposite the first side. 
     An exercise device for a user in a wheelchair according to yet another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a pivotable lap pad configured to stabilize a user between the lap pad and a wheelchair. 
     In another example of the foregoing exercise device, the lap pad is pivotable back and forth between a first position where the lap pad extends substantially vertically and a second position where the lap pad extends substantially horizontally. 
     In another example of any of the foregoing exercise devices, the lap pad is pivotable about a pivot location on a first side of the user to a selectively engage a support on a second side of the user that is opposite the first side. 
     A method of exercising when positioned within a wheelchair includes, among other things, positioning a user and the wheelchair within an exercise area of an exercise device, and moving a primary handle of an exercise device. The moving of the primary handle is resisted by a resistance device. The method includes moving a spotter handle to assist the moving of the primary handle. The spotter handle is coupled in movement together with the primary handle. 
     In another example of the foregoing method, the moving of the primary handle is a pivoting movement around a first axis, and the moving of the spotter handle is a pivoting movement around a second axis spaced from the first axis. 
     In another example of the any of the foregoing methods, the method comprises moving to another exercise area and automatically adjusting a height of a pick. 
     In another example of the any of the foregoing methods, the method comprises pivoting a lap pad from a first position where the lap pad extends substantially vertically and a second position where the lap pad extends substantially horizontally, stabilizing the user between the lap pad and a wheelchair, and exercising using the pick. 
     The embodiments, examples and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, the claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or respective individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless such features are incompatible. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The various features and advantages of the disclosed examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description. The figures that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an example wheelchair accessible exercise device. 
         FIG. 2  shows another perspective view of the  FIG. 1  device. 
         FIG. 3  shows a user utilizing a row exercise portion of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows the user making an adjustment to the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows the user making another adjustment to the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  shows the user utilizing a forward press portion of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  shows a handle of the forward press portion of  FIG. 6  in a first position. 
         FIG. 8  shows the handle of  FIG. 7  in a second position. 
         FIG. 9  shows the user utilizing an overhead press portion of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  shows the user positioning a lap pad of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  shows the user positioning a lap pad support arm of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  shows the user engaging the lap pad with the lap pad support arm. 
         FIG. 13  shows the user automatically adjusting a pick location of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a button on the lap pad support arm utilized to adjust the pick position. 
         FIG. 15  shows the user performing an overhead cable pull. 
         FIG. 16  shows the user performing a chest cable pull. 
         FIG. 17  shows the user performing a bicep curl with the lap pad in an engaged position. 
         FIG. 18  shows the user performing a bicep curl with the lap pad in a disengaged position. 
         FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of an adjustable pick and rail of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of an adjustable pick and rail of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of an adjustable pick and rail of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an example exercise device  10  includes, generally, a first exercise area  14  and a second exercise area  18 . The first exercise area  14  is used for exercises, such as rows, chest presses, overhead presses, etc. The second exercise area  18  is used for exercises that involve an adjustable pick  22 , such as cable-based pulls, curls, etc. Notably, the user may remain seated in a wheelchair  26  when performing exercises within the first exercise area  14  and the second exercise area  18 . 
     Exercise, in this disclosure, encompasses training, therapy, drills, calisthenics, and other pursuits requiring physical effort. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 to 5 , during a row exercise, the user grasps rowing handles  30  extending from row bars  32 . To start a row, a chest of a user presses against a pad  34  as the user is seated in the wheelchair  26 . The user then presses the rowing handles  30  away from their chest, which pivots the row bars  32  about a rowing pivot R p . The rowing handles  30  are user handles in this example since the exercising user grasps these handles when exercising. 
     The row bars  32  are coupled to chest press bars  40  via a linking member  42 . The chest press bars  40  are attached to a weight stack  44  via a belt  46 . When the user pivots the row bars  32  about the pivot R p , the linking member  42  pulls the chest press bars  40  causing the chest press bars  40  to pivot about a chest press pivot C p . The weight stack  44  provides resistance to the rowing exercise through the belt  46 , the chest press bars  40 , the linking member  42 , and the row bars  32 . 
     Notably, a trainer (not shown) may press and pull on the chest press bars  40  to assist or “spot” the user during the rowing exercise as needed. This assistance can be provided in an area clear from the wheelchair  26  and outside the exercise area  18 . When used for spotting, the chest press bars  40  are considered spotter handles. 
     The user may adjust the position of the pad  34  via a pin and socket type attachment to place the rowing handles  30  at a desired location relative to the user when the user&#39;s chest is pressed against the pad  34 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 to 8  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , during a forward press exercise, the user in the wheelchair may position their back (or a back of the wheelchair  26 ) against the pad  34 . The user in the wheelchair may then adjust resistance of the press by increasing or decreasing the resistance by moving a pin  48  within the weight stack  44  to cause more or less weight to be during the press. 
     When performing the chest press, the user grasps chest press handles  43  extending from the chest press bars  40 . The pivoting movement of the chest press bars  40  as the user pushes the chest press handles  43  forward pulls the row bars  32  forward via the linking member  42 . Forward movement of the chest press handles  43  and chest press bars  40  is resisted by the weight stack  44 , which, again, is coupled to the chest press bar  40  via the belt  46 . The trainer may manipulate the position of the rowing handles  30  to assist the user when performing the chest press. During this exercise, the chest press handles  43  act as user handles, and the rowing handles  30  act a spotter handles. 
     The chest press handles  43  are moveable between the retracted position of  FIG. 7  and the extended position of  FIG. 8 . Other handles of the device  10  may be similarly moveable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , an additional exercise performed by the user within the first exercise area  14  is an overhead press. During such an exercise, the user pivots overhead press bars  50  about an overhead press axis O p  by repositioning overhead press handles  52 . Rotation of the overhead press bars  50  is resisted by the weight stack  44 , which is coupled to the overhead press bars via a belt  54 . 
     The first exercise area  14  may include guides  56  to help position the user, and the user&#39;s wheelchair, within the first exercise area  14 . The guides  56  also prevent the wheelchair  26  from interfering with the moveable linking member  42  and other moveable structures. Many exercises are possible within the first exercise area  14 . These exercises are accessible to the user confined to a wheelchair. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 to 18 , the wheelchair accessible exercise device  10  provides further exercises within the second exercise area  18 . The second exercise area  18  includes a pair of supports  58 ,  58 ′ extending generally horizontally from a tower  60  of the device  10 . The supports  58 ,  58 ′ define an open area therebetween, which can receive the wheelchair  26 . 
     One of the supports  58 ′ is hingably secured to the tower  60 . The user may pivot the support  58 ′ by moving the handles  62 . The user may pivot the support  58 ′ when entering or leaving the second exercise area  18 . In other examples, both supports  58 ,  58 ′ may pivot relative to the tower  60 . 
     Handles  62  extend vertically upward from the supports  58 ,  58 ′. A lap pad  68  is hingably connected to the supports  58 . The lap pad  68  can be rotated to lift the lap pad  68  vertically. This allows user to enter the second exercise area  18 . When the wheelchair  26  and user are properly positioned within the second exercise area  18 , the user rotates the lap pad  68  from the position in  FIG. 10  to the position in  FIG. 11 , where the lap pad  68  rests on a lap of the user (or knees) of the user in the wheelchair  26 . 
     The user then rotates the support  58  in a direction S ( FIG. 12 ) such that a bar  70  of the lap pad  68  is received within an aperture  72  defined within a plate  76  of the support  58 ′. The plate  76  limits movement of the lap pad  68  so that the lap pad  68  provides a suitable support during exercises within the second exercise area  18 . Notably, no support structure extends between the user&#39;s legs, such structure could potentially interfere with the wheelchair  26  entering the second exercise area  18 . 
     If a vertical height adjustment of the lap pad  68  is required, the supports  58 ,  58 ′ may be adjusted between one of several positions on the tower  60  by selectively engaging with one of several apertures  74 . 
     After the user has appropriately positioned themselves within the second exercise area  18 , the user may adjust a location of the adjustable pick  22 . In this example, the user presses one of two buttons  78  positioned on each of the supports  58 ,  58 ′ to adjust the vertical height of the adjustable pick  22 . Actuating the button  78  causes a motor  84  to rotate and move a belt  80  (see  FIGS. 19 to 21 ). Opposing ends of the belt  80  are attached to the adjustable pick  22 . Rotating the belt  80  causes the adjustable pick  22  to move vertically up and down along a track or rail  86 . 
     The adjustable pick  22  is effectively infinitely adjustable between a lowest position that is, in this example, below the knees of the user (see  FIG. 17 ) to a vertically highest position that is well above a head of the user (see  FIG. 16 ). Notably, the user is not required to stand or get out of the wheelchair  26  when adjusting the adjustable pick  22  to a desired position, even if that position is well above the head of the user. 
     As can be appreciated, various exercises may be performed using a cable  88  that is attached to the weight stack  44 . Example exercises include the overhead rope pull shown in  FIG. 15  and the chest pull shown in  FIG. 16 . During the overhead rope pull of  FIG. 15 , a back of the wheelchair  26  may be positioned against the lap pad  68  to stabilize the user. 
     Other example exercises include the bicep curl shown in  FIG. 17  and the bicep curl shown in  FIG. 18 . The bicep curl of  FIG. 18  does not require the lap pad  68  to be engaged within the plate  76  of the handles  62 . Other exercise may not require the lap pad  68  to be engaged with the plate  76 . 
     The adjustable pick  22  rides along the rail  86  when moved by the motor  84  and the adjustment belt  80 . The example belt  80  is a toothed belt, which helps avoid slippage of the motor  84  on the rail  86 . The motor  84  turns a sprocket  82  to drive the belt  80 . The cable  88  loops over the top of the belt  80  through two horizontally spaced guide pulleys  90 . 
     Features of the disclosed examples include an automatically, infinitely adjustable pick point location. Also, two primary belts and a single weight stack are used for effectively three machines—a row, chest press, and overhead press. The adjustable pick exercises are also off of the same weight stack. 
     A single user, such as a user seated within a wheelchair, can complete an effective workout, including making desired adjustments to weights and positions, without requiring a spotter or training partner. 
     The preceding description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed examples may become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not necessarily depart from the essence of this disclosure. Thus, the scope of legal protection given to this disclosure can only be determined by studying the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0