Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an exercise recliner and in particular a recliner chair that conceals an exercise device. An exercise recliner is provided which includes a recliner chair and an exercise device. The exercise device is mounted to a movable and extendable frame that is associated with a power mechanism, an actuating mechanism and a locking mechanism allowing the exercise device to be moved rectilinearly between an extended position and a retracted position.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to an exercise recliner, and in particular a recliner chair that conceals an exercise device. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    In recent years, it has become more popular to exercise and as such the number of fitness centers and fitness equipment available on the market has greatly increased. This trend may be in response to the numerous studies promoting the significant benefits that can be achieved from undertaking physical activity on a regular basis. Despite the existence of this trend to be physically active and participate in physical activity, good intentions often cannot be reconciled with people&#39;s busy lives. There are a number of reasons why people quit exercising. Often there is not enough time in a day to visit a gym or fitness center, and the repetition required while exercising can be boring and uncomfortable. In addition to time constraints, people who want to partake in home exercise programs find that the limited space available in the home often can impact negatively on carrying out a home exercise program. 
         [0003]    In order to address these problems, companies have begun manufacturing exercise equipment that can be used efficiently in the home. However, more often than not, home exercise equipment is not only expensive to purchase but also takes up a significant amount of space to house. Thus, people who decide to begin a home exercise regime must have or create additional space in their house, condo or apartment where they can store the exercise equipment. Housing the particular piece of exercise equipment more often than not detracts from the decor of the users home. Furthermore, should the owner of the exercise equipment tire of using the particular piece of equipment, or become physically unable to do so, the owner will have no other use for that piece of equipment and must either dispose of it or store it. 
         [0004]    In an effort to provide home exercise equipment that is not bulky, cumbersome or intrusive, much has been developed in terms of collapsible exercising apparatus. However, prior art collapsible exercise equipment has not been satisfactory in that they are unattractive, serve a single purpose, and must be stored out-of the way when the room is being used for every day living. 
         [0005]    In an attempt to solve the shortcomings associated with collapsible exercise equipment, furniture and exercise equipment manufacturers began manufacturing exercise equipment which can be stored in a piece of furniture or which is incorporated in a piece of furniture. However, many prior art exercise devices incorporated with a piece of furniture were neither attractive nor easy to use. 
         [0006]    For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,649 issued on Jun. 12, 1973 to Miller for “Combined Chair and Exercising Device” discloses a combined chair and exercise device, which has the exercise equipment mounted to a platform in a space beneath the seat portion of the chair. Although this combined chair and exercise device is more convenient than most collapsible exercise equipment, this chair and exercise device requires the user to first get up off the chair, pull out the platform onto which the exercise device is mounted and then position and lock the exercise platform into position before beginning their exercise routine. This operation is both cumbersome and time-consuming and compromises the ease of use of the equipment, especially for seniors. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,963 issued on Jul. 13, 1976 to Sileo for “Chair-Type Bicycle Exercise Device” discloses a combined chair and exercise device, which has the exercise device mounted to a frame that is elongated and attached to the underneath of the seat by a track so that the frame can be hidden under the seat when not in use but can be extended outward to the front of the chair when in use. As stated above, the disadvantage of this combined chair and exercise device is that the user must get off the chair to pull the exercise device from beneath the seat of the chair and then the user must sit on the seat of the chair before they can adjust the pedals of the exercise device. Also, the exercise device is not mounted on a platform to provide the needed stability. Using this exercise device is a time consuming process and limits the convenience of the equipment. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,247 issued on May 1, 1990 to Sterling for “Exercise Chair” discloses a chair with a multitude of exercising devices incorporated into the back, arms, side panels and beneath the chair. Contrary to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,738,649 and 3,968,963, Sterling&#39;s “Exerciser Chair” does not require the user get off the chair in order to begin their exercise routine. However, in order to use the exercise device, the user must pull on the handle to move the band ring which simultaneously moves the telescoping frame in or out from underneath the chair exposing the exercise device that is mounted on a platform. Although, this type of exercise apparatus is more practical than the exercise devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,738,649 and 3,968,963, it still has its disadvantages. Firstly, the user must manually pull on the handle in order to expose the exercise device as well as lock or latch the exercise device into a particular position. Manually pulling on the handle while remaining seated on the chair requires a certain amount of upper body strength and coordination that may prove to be difficult for a segment of the population, especially seniors, or individuals with little or no upper body strength. Also, the location of the handle requires the user, while seated on the chair, to reach over the side of the chair in order to pull on the handle. Once again, this may be difficult and may result in the user leaning off the seat of the chair to locate and adjust the exercise device. Furthermore, this type of chair does not include a reclining mechanism or footrest and would not be practical if combined to a recliner chair comprising a footrest. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,298 issued on Nov. 28, 1995 to Curtis for “Exercise Apparatus” discloses an exercise apparatus comprising a chair, an arm-exercising station, and a leg exercising station. The leg exercising station is mounted within the footrest portion of the chair and includes an elongated support bar. The lower end of the support bar is positioned to engage the floor surface when the footrest is fully extended. One of the disadvantages of this exercise device is while it is stated that the user can set up the exercise equipment while seated on the seat of the chair, it does not appear to be practical. The set up process is time-consuming, awkward and physically demanding for the user. In order to use the leg exercising station, the user must extend the footrest, open the footrest to expose the leg exercising apparatus, position the lower end of the support bar on the floor and then adjust the height of the upper end of the support bar to adjust the position of the leg exercising station. Furthermore, once the footrest is extended and the footrest is opened to expose the exercise device, the footrest portions on either side of the leg exercise device may be in the way of the user as they are exercising. In addition, the support structure may not be sufficiently stable to support the weight of the user while using the exercise device. 
         [0010]    Many users, including the elderly and disabled, may be incapable of the physical actions required to put the prior art exercise devices in position for use. Because of these limitations, in that they require the user to bend, stoop, lift, or otherwise awkwardly exert themselves in order to expose or access the normally concealed exercise device, there is a need for an improved exercise device. 
         [0011]    The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an exercise recliner comprising in combination a recliner chair and exercise device concealed beneath the seat of the recliner for use by a user without needing to get off the chair to personalize the exercise device for use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise recliner which doubles as a useful piece of furniture. 
         [0013]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise recliner that is more easily and conveniently set-up or placed in position or condition for use. 
         [0014]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise recliner that can be used without requiring the user to perform time-consuming, cumbersome, and awkward set-up procedures, or require the user to kneel, lift, pull or undertake other physically demanding tasks to prepare the exercise device for use. 
         [0015]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise recliner in which the footrest can be used as a conventional footrest when the exercise recliner is being used as a recliner or as a stabilizing platform when the exercise recliner is being used for exercise. 
         [0016]    In accordance with these and other objects flowing from the following description of the present invention, an exercise recliner is provided which broadly comprises a chair having a back panel, a seat, arms, front legs, back legs, a pair of side panels, an open space beneath the seat, a footrest having a top surface, an under surface, a top edge, a lower edge, and two side edges and an exercise device. An extendable footrest support structure coupled to a securing mechanism connects the recliner chair to the footrest at the lower edge of the footrest. The footrest support structure is conventionally extendable so as to position the footrest in an extended position and retractable so as to position the footrest in a non-extended position. The securing mechanism coupled to the footrest support structure also allows the footrest to pivot downwards as the exercise device is moved out from the space beneath the seat of the recliner chair. When the exercise device when it is in an extended position, the footrest acts as a stabilizing platform. In another embodiment, the footrest can be removably detached from the recliner chair and moved out of the way or may open outwardly to the left or the right or may open like a double door when the footrest is in a non-extendable position. 
         [0017]    The exercise device of the present invention is mounted to a movable and extendable frame. The movable and extendable frame is attached to a support mechanism located underneath the recliner chair. The frame extends from underneath the seat of the recliner chair. Attached to the support is a power mechanism, an actuating mechanism associated with said power mechanism and a locking mechanism associated with the actuating mechansim allowing the extendable frame to be moved and locked in different positions to personalize the settings of the exercise device. 
         [0018]    The movable and extendable frame may include in one embodiment a pair of floor supports. The floor supports are adapted to unfold so as to extend between the exercise device and an underlying floor surface when the frame is extended and to fold and retract into the underneath of the recliner chair. 
         [0019]    The exercise recliner of the present invention also has a control unit that in one embodiment is connected to the motor through a suitable cable. In another embodiment, the control unit may be wireless. The control unit may be sized for hand held use, or alternatively may be attached to one of the arms of the recliner chair or incorporated to one of the arms of the chair. The control unit will provide the circuitry and components necessary to move the movable and extendable frame in and out from beneath the exercise recliner. 
         [0020]    It is another object of the present invention to provide an exercise recliner in which an actuating mechanism is coupled to a power mechanism and whereby a user by using the control unit may easily and conveniently move an exercise device mounted to a movable and extendable frame in and out from the open space underneath the seat of the exercise recliner. 
         [0021]    The exercise device of the present invention is a pedaling system. The pedaling system includes pedals that are configured for rotational movement about an axis. The pedaling system may also include a dampening mechanism that can be adjusted by the user to set the desired resistance and thereby vary the desired level of difficulty of exercise. The pedaling system may also include a display unit that displays information of interest to the user, such as the energy burned (calories), the distance traveled, and the user&#39;s heart rate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particularly, the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the exercise recliner with the exercise device in a stored position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the exercise recliner with the exercise device in an extended position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the exercise recliner with the exercise device in a store position and the chair in a reclined position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a rear view of the exercise recliner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the exercise recliner in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the pedaling system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    Turning now to the drawings, and particularly  FIG. 1 , an exercise recliner ( 10 ) constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment is illustrated. The exercise recliner ( 10 ) broadly includes a recliner chair ( 12 ) and an exercise device ( 50 ). The person skilled in the art will understand that “recliner chair” ( 12 ) is used in the broadest sense and is meant to include recliner loveseats and recliner sofas. 
         [0030]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a recliner type chair ( 12 ) is illustrated as having a frame ( 9 ), a back panel ( 11 ), a seat (not shown), arms ( 14 ) and ( 15 ), front legs ( 16 ) and back legs ( 17 ), a footrest ( 18 ) having a top surface ( 19 ), an under surface ( 20 ), a top edge ( 21 ), a lower edge ( 22 ) and two side edges ( 23 ). The recliner chair ( 12 ) also has a pair of side panels ( 24 ). A recliner handle (not shown) is located on one side panel ( 24 ) of the recliner chair ( 12 ). An extendable footrest support structure ( 26 ) connects the recliner chair ( 12 ) to the footrest ( 18 ). As seen in  FIG. 3 , the footrest support structure ( 26 ) may be selectively extended to a forward position through conventional means by pulling on the recliner handle (not shown) as provided in a conventional recliner chair ( 12 ). The footrest support structure ( 26 ) may be selectively retracted to a non-extended position by pulling on the recliner handle (not shown) in the opposite direction as provided in a conventional recliner chair ( 12 ). 
         [0031]    In another embodiment, the footrest ( 18 ) may be detached from the recliner chair ( 12 ) and moved out of the way by the user when the footrest is in the non-extended position. Alternatively, the footrest ( 18 ) may have hinges at one of its side edges ( 23 ) so that it pivot outwardly to the right or left when the footrest ( 18 ) is in a non-extended position. Also, the footrest ( 18 ) may have hinges located at the center of the top surface ( 19 ) such that it opens like a double door when the footrest ( 18 ) is in a non-extendable position. 
         [0032]    Beneath the seat (not shown), the recliner chair ( 12 ) has an open space ( 8 ), which receives the exercise device ( 50 ) when the recliner chair ( 12 ) is in the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 1 . In the retracted position, the back panel ( 11 ), footrest ( 18 ) and side panels ( 21 ) of the recliner chair ( 12 ) completely conceal the exercise device ( 50 ). 
         [0033]    The footrest support structure ( 26 ) is also attached to a securing mechanism ( 7 ) at its lower edge ( 22 ) at the under surface ( 20 ) of the footrest ( 18 ), which allows the footrest ( 18 ) to pivot downwards as the exercise device ( 50 ) is moved out from the open space ( 8 ) beneath seat (not shown) as shown in  FIG. 2 . The securing mechanism ( 7 ) can be for example, hinges, latches, screws or rivets or any other suitable fastener. In one embodiment, the securing mechanism is a pair of hinged lids located at the lower edge ( 22 ) of the under surface ( 20 ) of the footrest ( 18 ), which permits the footrest ( 18 ) to pivot downwards as the exercise device ( 50 ) is moved out from the open space ( 8 ) beneath the seat (not shown) of the recliner chair ( 12 ). Attached to the hinged lids is a spring that ensures the footrest ( 18 ) can return to its original position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , the exercise device ( 50 ) is mounted on a movable extendable frame ( 30 ). The movable extendable frame ( 30 ) consists of a pair of track assemblies ( 31 ) that extend along the sides ( 6 ) of the recliner chair ( 12 ) between the back legs ( 17 ) and the front legs ( 16 ) of the recliner chair ( 12 ) to allow the exercise device ( 50 ) to be moved rectilinearly between an extended position and a retracted position. These track assemblies ( 31 ) are of the same type as commonly used for full-suspension filing cabinet drawers. In one embodiment, the track assemblies may consists of a telescoping frame, telescoping into a frame. In another embodiment, the track assemblies may be a chain mechanism or belt mechanism. The frame ( 30 ) has a first end ( 32 ) and a second end ( 33 ). The frame ( 30 ) is fastened at its first end ( 32 ) to a support ( 34 ) located at the rear of the recliner chair ( 12 ). The support ( 34 ) is attached to the underneath of the recliner chair ( 12 ) between the two back legs ( 17 ) by hinges, screws, latches, rivets or other suitable fasteners. Attached to the support ( 34 ) is a power mechanism ( 25 ) comprising a motor ( 35 ), which in turn is connected to a gear and pulley system ( 36 ). The person skilled in the art will understand that the power mechanism may be mechanical or powered by an electrical power source, a battery power source or controlled by any other type of propulsion mechanism. In one embodiment, the motor ( 35 ) and gear and pulley system ( 36 ) are powered either by a battery or connected by a suitable cable (not shown) having a plug (not shown) at its free end to a power outlet (not shown). 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, cross-member bars ( 60 ) are attached to the underneath of the recliner chair ( 12 ) extending from one side ( 6 ) to the other side ( 6 ) of the recliner chair ( 12 ). The support ( 34 ) and the cross-member bars ( 60 ) form the non-moving foundation of the exercise recliner ( 10 ). 
         [0036]    Attached to the gear and pulley system ( 36 ) is an actuating mechanism ( 39 ) that moves the frame ( 30 ) forward or backward from an extended position to a retracted position. In one embodiment, the actuating mechanism ( 39 ) is a threaded rod ( 40 ). The threaded rod has a first end ( 41 ) and a second end ( 42 ). The first end ( 41 ) of the threaded rod ( 40 ) is coupled to the gear and pulley system ( 36 ). The second end ( 42 ) of the threaded rod ( 40 ) is inserted into a locking mechanism ( 44 ) and into a threaded rod guide ( 43 ) located at the second end ( 33 ) of the frame ( 30 ). In one embodiment, the locking mechanism ( 44 ) is a nut. When the motor ( 35 ) and the gear and pulley system ( 36 ) are engaged, the threaded rod ( 40 ) turns and moves the frame ( 30 ) in or out from beneath the seat of the recliner chair. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, a control unit ( 70 ) is connected to the motor ( 35 ) through a suitable cable ( 71 ) and an output cable ( 72 ) having a conventional plug ( 73 ) at its end is connected to the motor ( 35 ), which in turn is connected to an electrical power source (not shown). In another embodiment, the control unit may be wireless. The control unit ( 70 ) may be sized for hand-held use, or alternatively, it may be attached to one of the arms ( 14 ) ( 15 ) of the recliner chair ( 12 ). In any event, the control unit ( 70 ) will provide the circuitry and components necessary to take advantage of the operational control capabilities of the exercise recliner ( 10 ). In one embodiment, the control unit ( 70 ) has a button or switch that a user presses which in turn engages the actuating mechanism ( 39 ) to move the frame ( 30 ) in or out from beneath the exercise recliner ( 10 ). As the frame ( 30 ) moves forward from beneath the seat (not shown) of the recliner chair ( 12 ), the footrest ( 18 ) pivots downwards so that the frame ( 30 ) and exercise device ( 50 ) can extend over the under surface ( 20 ) of the footrest ( 18 ). In this position the under surface ( 20 ) of the footrest ( 18 ) acts as a stabilizing platform for the exercise device ( 50 ). 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, also located at the second end ( 33 ) of extendable frame ( 30 ) and proximal to the exercise device is a pair of floor supports ( 61 ). The floor support ( 61 ) has a first end ( 62 ) that is pivotally attached to the second end ( 33 ) of the frame ( 30 ) by a hinge ( 64 ). The floor support ( 61 ) has a second end ( 63 ) adapted to touch the floor or surface on which the recliner chair ( 12 ) rests and thereby acts to assist in supporting and stabilizing the weight of the exercise device ( 50 ) on the floor. The second end ( 63 ) of the floor support ( 61 ) is preferably shaped in a manner that widely and evenly distributes any pressure transferred through the floor supports to the floor. 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first pivot point ( 62 ) of the floor support ( 61 ) is connected to the second end ( 33 ) of the frame ( 30 ) and the two are aligned and cooperate such that the floor support ( 61 ) unfold and extends to the floor when the extendable frame ( 30 ) is extended and the floor supports ( 61 ) folds and retracts back underneath the seat (not shown) of the recliner chair ( 12 ) when the frame ( 30 ) is retracted. The location of the floor supports ( 61 ) on the floor will vary depending on such factors as the length of the user&#39;s legs and desired position of the frame ( 30 ) when it is extended. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the exercise device ( 50 ) mounted to the frame ( 30 ) is a pedaling system including pedals ( 51 ) that are configured for rotational movement about an axis. The pedaling system ( 50 ) preferably includes a dampening mechanism ( 52 ) for adjusting the rotational movement of the pedals ( 51 ). The dampening mechanism ( 52 ) may be for example, a conventional mechanical brake including a friction pad, band or other suitable resistance mechanism. The dampening mechanism ( 52 ) can be adjusted by the user to set the desired level of resistance and thereby vary the desired level of difficulty of exercise. The pedaling system ( 50 ) preferably also includes a display unit ( 53 ) that displays information of interest to the user, such as the energy burned (calories), the distance traveled and the user&#39;s heart rate. 
         [0041]    In use, the exercise recliner ( 10 ) allows the user to exercise his or her legs. The user merely positions himself in the recliner chair ( 12 ), engages the control unit ( 70 ) button, which causes the power mechanism to engage the actuating mechanism ( 39 ), which causes the frame ( 30 ) to begin moving forward out from the underneath the seat (not shown) causing the footrest ( 18 ) to pivot downwards. When the desired position of the frame ( 30 ) is reached, the user releases the control unit ( 70 ) button and the locking mechanism ( 44 ) locks the frame ( 30 ) in position. The exercise device ( 50 ) is ready to be used. To return to a recliner position, the user once again engages the control unit ( 70 ) button, which cause the motor ( 35 ) and gear pulley system ( 36 ) to engage the actuating mechanism ( 39 ), which causes in the frame ( 30 ) to move in the reverse direction until the exercise device ( 50 ) is back underneath the seat (not shown) of the recliner chair ( 12 ). When the exercise device ( 50 ) is back underneath the seat (not shown) of the recliner chair ( 12 ), the footrest ( 18 ) pivots back to its original position and the exercise device ( 50 ) is concealed from view.