Patent ID: 12246214

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Select embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the Figures. Like numerals indicate like or corresponding elements throughout the several views and wherein various embodiments are separated by letters (i.e.100B,100C,100D). The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive way, simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the invention described herein. A multitude of improvements to translating carriage exercise machines such as Reformers are introduced in this document. It is recognized that any one or more improvements introduced in this document may be individually or collectively used to upgrade existing or create entirely new translating carriage exercise machines.

FIG.1illustrates one embodiment of a translating carriage exercise machine comprising a generally vertically adjustable footbar248A. A frame portion102A comprises a first elongate side rail108A, a second elongate side rail112A, a first rail end118A, and a second rail end120A. The footbar248A is mounted to a first end104A of a translating carriage exercise machine100A. Footbar248A is adjustable along a single plane transverse to plane-C comprising a first elongate side rail108A and a second elongate side rail110A. Footbar248A is generally vertically adjustable.

In this embodiment footbar248A is mounted to a first end104A of a Reformer having at least one of a solid or tubular cross section. Here, footbar248A is generally U-shaped with a generally straight horizontal base portion250A of the ‘U’ and each leg portion252A of the ‘U’ generally parallel to each other. An outer surface256A is padded with resilient foam or rubber covering said outer surface.FIG.2illustrates a footbar pad258A having an outer limb engagement surface257A for engagement by the user's limbs.

In some embodiments, the footbar is fixed with respect to elongate side rails. In other embodiments, a footbar248A adjustably translates towards and away from the floor.FIG.1illustrates a footbar248A comprising a pair of spaced leg portions252A received within complementary footbar anchors254A secured to a frame portion102A. Footbar anchors254A are in the form of tubular footbar anchor sleeves fixed or integrated to a first end104A of a Reformer frame portion102A.

In one form, a footbar positioner259A, such as a stop, a ball detent, straight pin, or spring pin and aperture may be utilized to serve as interface between the footbar leg252A and anchor sleeve to fix the footbar248A in a plurality of selectable pre-determined distances away from frame portion102A as best suited to fit a user. In this embodiment, footbar248A is fully releasable from a foot bar anchor or frame portion102A of a Reformer for storage.

In the embodiment ofFIG.3, a moveable carriage150A comprises a carriage spring anchor assembly172A. It further comprises a pair of removable spaced shoulder rests extending from an upper support surface152A of moveable carriage150A. Carriage spring anchor assembly172A comprises a spring housing174A to house one or more elastic tension members156A. In preferred forms, elastic tension members156A are in the form of one or more of springs and elastic cords. Spring aperture178A in spring housing174A serves to support a body of an elastic tension member156A from falling towards the floor. Terminal anchor portion173A anchors one end of an elastic tension member156A to spring housing174A and is illustrated here in the form of a support wall. Spring housing rails here in the form of carriage guides186A with carriage guide surface188A provide a surface for the carriage spring housing174A to translate at locations under the carriage along axis B. In this embodiment, a carriage spring anchor assembly172A is used to anchor elastic tension members156A to the bottom portion158A of a moveable carriage at a predetermined distance from a first end of a carriage.

In one embodiment, a carriage spring anchor assembly172A is configured to release then re-lock an elastic tension member156A at any plurality of positions from a first end of a moveable carriage along carriage axis B. The term first end and second ends of various parts refer to the end of a part adjacent the first end or second end of a frame portion102A.

In the embodiment ofFIG.4-6, a spring housing174A is captured on a bottom portion158A of a moveable carriage150A and is configured to translate along axis-B in a plurality of selectable positions between predetermined end points at a first end and a second end of a moveable carriage150A. This serves as an alternate method to adjust the distance between a footbar248A and shoulder rests230,232A for best user fit. A spring housing stop assembly stops a spring housing at pre-determined distances from a first end of a Reformer when a moveable carriage150A is in a resting position. In one embodiment, a spring housing stop assembly180is in the form of one or more of a block, bump and screw anchored to one or more of first and second elongate side rails. The block of a spring housing stop assembly is cushioned in some forms.

In this embodiment, a linear positioning mechanism182A is utilized to position the spring housing beneath a moveable carriage150A. A linear positioning mechanism182A may be in many different forms including rails, glides, rods, tracking, and a guide system. As illustrated inFIG.6, a guide system184A comprises one or more guide retainers187A captured within a carriage guide186A to keep spring housing174A captured to the underside of moveable carriage150A and thus elevated from the floor on which the machine rests. In this embodiment, guide system184A comprises a spring housing glide surface190A on spring housing174A with a complementary carriage guide surface188A on carriage guide186A. Carriage guide186A may also serve as elongated supports on the carriage underside to prevent carriage deflection due to the user's weight when the user is on the moveable carriage.

In other embodiments, a carriage guide surface188A may reside on structures other than a carriage support such as on a separate rail, wall, or rod that are mounted to the moveable carriage150A to provide carriage head end to foot end spring housing guidance. In this current embodiment, spring housing174A is locked into a selected position utilizing a carriage spring anchor lock194. Carriage spring anchor lock194A is in the form of an interference lock pin196A that extends out the side of moveable carriage150A or below a frame portion. In this embodiment, by incidence of a user reaching down to a side of a moveable carriage and retracting a pin of a carriage spring anchor lock194A, the corresponding carriage spring anchor assembly172A is free to translate with respect to the carriage. An anchor lock knob or lever at the end of the anchor lock194A is then held by the user while the positional relationship along axis B between the carriage spring anchor assembly172A and moveable carriage150A is adjusted to achieve a desired carriage distance from footbar248A. Once the desired position is achieved, the user then pushes the interference lock pin196A back into the locking interference position in a lock notch195A of the carriage spring anchor193A. This locks the carriage spring anchor assembly172A in a specified position on the underside of a moveable carriage150A.

In one form, a spring housing174A is configured to linearly adjust under a moveable carriage150A using a stationary portion of an undercarriage as a linear guide. Spring housing174A guide surfaces190A move cooperatively along linear surfaces of carriage guides surface188A to a predetermined spring housing location. Here, carriage guides186A are in the form of elongate supports comprising an upper carriage guide flange198A for fastening or otherwise fixing to a carriage platform and a lower C-shaped portion200A for housing a glide bearing202A.

As illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG.30-31of one form of frame configuration, a glide bearing202A comprises rolling bearings or slide sleeves to provide low frictional movement between a moveable carriage150A and a frame portion102A. Here, a first elongate side rail108A comprises a lower frame strut portion206A, an elevated glide portion208A, and a wing portion210A. An elevated glide portion208A comprises a translation surface thereon114A,116A and is configured to serve as a glide support on which a glide bearing202A moves. In one embodiment, a glide portion208A may be covered with a smooth shield to lower friction with the glide bearing. Alternatively, glide portion208A may be made from a separate material such as a stainless steel or smooth polymer and fastened to a lower frame strut portion206A. Wing portion210A contributes primarily to the vertical strength of the member.

As illustrated inFIGS.5-6, one embodiment of a translating carriage exercise machine comprises a spring housing174A having spring holder portions176A. Spring housing174A comprises terminal anchor portions173A on one side of spring housing (for unidirectional springs) and on opposing sides of spring housing174A. This feature provides for the inclusion of reverse elastic tension members157A extending from an opposing side of spring housing. If enabled, a free end of a reverse elastic tension member157A is attached a selectable spring anchors122A located at a second end106A of the machine to enable further exercise options for the user. Again, spring housing174A may be fixedly adjusted to a variety of linear positions along the underside of the carriage for positional elastic tension member adjustment in either direction. Spring housing stop assembly180in the form of adjustable clamps may be fixed to the first or second elongate side rail108A,110A to limit moveable carriage150A travel if so desired.

In some embodiments, a carriage frame214B translates on a frame portion of a translating carriage exercise machine using a plurality mounted roller wheels216B at each corner of a carriage frame214B as used in the prior art. A carriage top218B sufficiently rigid to support a user with a padded surface220B is secured to carriage frame214B. A spring housing174B coupled to a plurality of elastic tension members156B at one end is fitted for residing within carriage frame214B for translational movement. Lock extensions224B extend from spring housing174B and are disposed within a spring housing lock path226B. While on a moveable carriage150B, a user can reach to the side of the carriage and release a lock extension224B then movably adjust the position of spring housing174B in relation to moveable carriage150B before relocking. In preferred embodiments, spring housing lock path226B comprises a plurality of slanted lock channels227B in which lock extensions224B drop in for adjustable seating.FIGS.6C and6Dillustrate spring housing174B seated at various positions under moveable carriage150B. Spring housing174B is positioned closer to a first end inFIG.6Dwhereas spring housing174B is positioned closer to a second end inFIG.6C. Again, novel machine improvements throughout this disclosure may be integrated into translating carriage exercise machines in the prior art.

In one embodiment as illustrated inFIG.3, a first and a second shoulder rest230A,232A are adjustable in position along an upper support surface152A between a moveable carriage150A first end153A and a carriage second end155A for adjusting a shoulder rest to footbar distance. In this embodiment, an integrated head shoulder unit240A is adjustably fixed at a perimeter edge242A of a moveable carriage such that upper support surface152A of a carriage may be substantially uninterrupted by apertures or other features used to attach one or more of a headrest and shoulder rests. Supports for padded first and second shoulder rests230A,232A and headrest238A may be formed of sheet metal or of an injected plastic.

As illustrated inFIG.3, an integrated head shoulder unit240A wraps around peripheral edges of the carriage to prevent separation. A locker244A in forms such as a locking pin or block may be used to releasably secure the unit in a locker receiver245A at predetermined positions along the length of a moveable carriage with respect a top carriage surface. In some embodiments, spacing between a first shoulder rest230A and second shoulder rest232A is adjustable to best fit the user.

Exercise machines such as the spring biased Reformers and gravity machines like the Total Gym® are useful to strengthen muscles while stretching to retain joint range of motion and improve balance. In preferred embodiments, a Reformer is configured in one mode to offer traditional spring or gravity type exercise and may also be used as an aerobic machine in one or more other modes.

As illustrated in various embodiments inFIG.7and later, a translating carriage exercise machine100C comprising elastic tension member156C resistance such as springs, or gravity based resistance such as an incline as produced by inclined elongate side rails, is switchable to utilize a resistance load from a rotational resistance mechanism300C utilizing one or more of; air, water, frictional contact, electromotive forces (i.e. Eddy currents) and other rotational mechanisms to resist rotation. In addition, a translating carriage exercise machine100C may utilizes resistance from a rotational resistance mechanism300C concurrently with resistance generated from one or more of elastic tension members156C and gravity resisted incline.

In the embodiment ofFIG.7, a rotating resistance mechanism300C (RRM™) is secured to one or more of a frame portion102C and legs (128C-134C) of a translating carriage exercise machine100C near a second end106C of the machine. However, in other embodiments, an RRM may be mounted near a first end104C, mid-machine, or near a second end106C of a translating carriage exercise machine. In some embodiments, an RRM is mounted adjacent the machine but outside a frame portion of the machine. For example, an RRM may be mounted adjacent a first end rail118C or a second end rail120C. In yet another embodiment, an RRM300C is secured in a predetermined position in relation to a translating carriage exercise machine such as to a ground surface but not to the machine itself.

In preferred embodiments, a rotating resistance mechanism300D comprises a resistor308D coupled to a load shaft352D. A resistor comprises a load member350D on which resistive forces are applied. The load member350D may be in the form of but not limited to: a fan blade, a weighted disc, and a non-magnetic metallic plate. As illustrated inFIG.25, a load member350D is in the form of one or more fan blades generating air resistance when induced to rotate by active force of a user (outer housing removed). In this example, an elongate resistance band302D transfers drive forces through drive clutch504D then load shaft352D in turn causing load member350D to rotate against the force of air. A recoil tension member377D is fixed near one end and in some embodiments travels through a series of one or more pulleys. An opposing end of recoil tension member377D is fixed to recoil bushing500D. Recoil bushing500D and drive clutch are fixed to rotate together and are coupled to load shaft352D by an internal uni-directional bearing. In this embodiment, resistor308D is housed within a vented outer housing (see346C).

In yet another embodiment, a resistor308E comprises one or more turbine paddle438E sealed in a fluid container362E at least partially filled with liquid (FIG.31). Turbine paddle438E generates a resistance as it attempts to cut through the liquid when induced to rotate by active force of a user. In alternative embodiments, fluid levels in fluid container362E are adjustable to provide various levels of resistance from the resistor. For example, fluid in a fluid container may be added and removed from a reservoir chamber366located within or adjacent the fluid container thereby causing a fluid level change in fluid container362E. In some embodiments, a resistance control knob660F is presented on the machine to adjust levels of resistance from a resistor.

Illustrated inFIG.38E-38Fis an example of an Eddy Current resistor that may be used with a translating carriage exercise machine. The resistor308M is this example is in the form of a non-magnetic metallic load plate370M such as aluminum or copper fixed to load shaft352M. As a consequence of spinning the non-magnetic metallic load plate370M though a magnetic field caused by one or more magnets674M or magnetic producing devices, the non-magnetic metallic load plate370M incurs an electromagnetic resistance to rotation. Resistance adjustment control368M comprises a base pod662M that is secured to a frame portion102M of the machine. By means of a tongue668M and adjustment groove relationship670M, adjustment pod664M is adjustable in a direction towards and away from the center axis of load plate370M by advancement of resistor control knob660M effectuating adjustment driver666M to move adjustment pod664M. One or more magnets674M are fixed to forks672M and in this embodiment are spaced for non-magnetic metallic load plate370M to spin therebetween. In this embodiment, a drive clutch504M with recoil bushing500M is utilized as previously described. In an alternative embodiment, a resistor utilizes a friction pad that rides on a frictional load plate therein creating a frictional resistance to rotation. In this embodiment, the frictional load plate may be manufactured from one or more of magnetic and non-magnetic metals. In preferred embodiments, the frictional load plate is weighted. Inertia continues to drive rotational components of a resistor in rotation despite removal of a user applied force to an elongate resistance band of the associated RRM.

In preferred embodiments, a uni-directional bearing is positioned between a load shaft352and the drive clutch504/recoil bushing500whereby rotational force transmitted from a user to drive clutch504during a power stroke causes a consequent rotation of a load plate against resistance yet provides for the free rotation of the load plate when the load by a user is released during the time the elongate resistance band is returned to its starting position in a return stroke. A recoil cooperating with a uni-directional drive pulley serves to rewind an elongate tension band when a load imparted by a user on the elongate tension band is less than the recoil spring force (return stroke).

Again illustrated inFIG.25, a recoil tension member377D comprises a elastic recoil cord378D coupled with a non-elastic recoil cord380D. The elastic recoil cord is stretched as a consequence of a force placed by the user on a corresponding elongate resistance band302D causing the elastic recoil cord378D to be distracted. Stretching of the elastic recoil cord378D continues to build until the user reaches full range of the exercise. As a user reduces load on the elongate resistance band302D, a point is reached when the elastic tension in the recoil tension member377D begins to cause a retraction of the elongate resistance band302D causing it to return to a starting position. At the next exercise cycle, the user again applies a load to the elongate resistance band302D.

As illustrated inFIG.16, a removable redirection pulley assembly384C with an elongated locking pin386C is inserted through a pulley hole249C in middle base of a footbar248C and locked into position by gravity or by use of a fastener such as a threaded nut. A capture pin326C may be used to prevent dismount of elongate resistance band302C. In some forms, this assembly comprises a force handle rest382C to hold a force handle348C at this elevated position from the ground. Located at a first end104C or a second end106C of a translating carriage exercise machine100C is at least one foot rest for a user to place their feet in preparation of a rowing exercise.

As illustrated inFIGS.8-9, an elongate resistance band302C extending from a rotational resistance mechanism300C is routed around a first redirection pulley332C which directs the elongate resistance band generally upward then is optionally routed over a second redirection pulley334C then redirected by a fourth redirection pulley338C towards a superior space over a moveable carriage150C. Along this path, the elongate resistance band extends through a load aperture268C in a jump board264C supported by an associated footbar248C. As illustrated here, jump board load aperture268C is closed, however it is open in other embodiments thus providing for the elongate resistance band to be loaded directly over fourth redirection pulley338C.

The translatable carriage exercise machines depicted in the Figures can include a plurality of force handles. The force handles, can be coupled to members such as an elongate resistance band or carriage ropes to convey forces between the machine and a user's hands or feet. NoteFIG.10, for example, where three force handles348C are depicted. Here, a first force handle and a second force handle are coupled to respective carriage ropes (162C,168C). A third force handle, depicted here in the form of a row bar, is coupled to an elongate resistance band302C that extends from rotational resistance mechanism300C. As further illustrated inFIG.10-11, an elongate resistance band302C is redirected around a fourth redirection pulley338C that is attached to a footbox294C. In various embodiments, a foot rest surface311C is located on one or more of a; footbox, jump board, and foot bar for placing the user's feet during rowing. One or more foot restraints extend from the foot rest surface for restraining the user's feet during use. The foot restraints296C are often in the form of straps or cups across the forefoot and hindfoot as illustrated inFIG.11-12. In other embodiments there may only be a heel rest such as a protruding edge as illustrated inFIG.8. As further illustrated inFIG.11, a foot rest surface311C on a footbox294C is angled (at an angle α) to generally reflect the natural rowing position of the feet when a user is sitting at the end of the carriage in a rowing mode. It is preferred that hindfoot restraints are adjustable to accommodate to various sizes of user's feet as illustrated inFIG.41-42where a jump board402E comprises a series of restraint positioners274E positioned vertically on the jump board. Restraint positioners274E are in the form of a left and a right pair of spaced holes. Complementing restraint locators272E extend from a hindfoot restraint320E and are in the form of extended posts for sliding engagement into restraint positioners274E. It is preferred for the hindfoot restraint to be in the form of a curved cup and be adjustable superiorly and inferiorly on a jump board to accommodate various user foot sizes. Some embodiments include a stationary platform124(i.e.124C,FIG.10-11), (i.e.124J,FIG.21) extending between a first elongate side rail108C and a second elongate side rail110C at one end of the translatable carriage exercise machine100C.

As illustrated inFIG.13, a capture324C is used to retain an elongate resistance band302C in a pulley groove330C. A capture is used to retain an elongate resistance band in a pulley until the elongate resistance band must be rerouted for use of a different exercise machine mode. A capture324C comprises one or more of a pulley and a capture channel328C and a capture pin326C. In one form, captures in the form of removable pins may be used at redirection pulleys to route an elongate resistance band for use as a rowing type of exercise on the machine. Pulley fixtures322may be used to secure each redirection pulley in place.

As illustrated inFIG.12and elsewhere, redirection pulleys may be mounted to a frame portion of a translating carriage exercise machine and in some embodiments one or more redirection pulleys is mounted (sometimes removably) to one or more of: the base of a footbar, to a jump board, and to a foot box.

Further toFIG.12, a first end of a moveable carriage150C includes a cord coupling member151C for releasable coupling between a moveable carriage and an elongate resistance band302C. In a carriage band mode illustrated inFIG.12, an elongate resistance band is routed around one or more redirection pulleys and attached to a cord coupling member151C secured to a moveable carriage150C using a releasable end fastener390C such as a hook, ring, loop, carabiner type of device, or similar device. As a consequence of being in a carriage band mode, a user can exercise on a moveable carriage150C with resistance from a rotating resistance mechanism300C acting directly on the moveable carriage. The cord coupling member151C may be in the form of a post, a clip, a ring or any other forms known in the art for releasably attaching an elongate resistance band to an anchor point. In this embodiment, a terminal end of an elongate resistance band302C comprises a hook that is captured in a hole of a small plate fixed to and extending from the bottom of a moveable carriage.

As illustrated inFIG.16, an end stop388C is used near the end of an elongate resistance band302C to limit retraction of the elongate resistance band beyond a predetermined point such as a capture. In one embodiment, an end stop is in the form of an enlarged ball encircling the elongate resistance band. In other embodiments, an end stop is formed in the shape of a handle for improved grasping by a user.

In preferred embodiments, a RRM is mounted beneath a frame portion of a translating carriage exercise machine as illustrated inFIGS.10,17, and49. As illustrated inFIG.17, head rests are removed from a corresponding moveable carriage and a user sits on the moveable carriage at a second end of the carriage facing the second end106C. One or more redirection pulleys are mounted at the second end of the device. A footbox294C is placed on a frame portion at the second end and the corresponding elongate resistance band302C is redirected such that the force handle348C extends from the second end. In this configuration, the user exercises grasping a force handle while facing a second end of the machine.

In preferred embodiments, an elongate resistance band is switchable between a plurality of exercise modes. With this capability, a user can quickly move between a variety of exercises on a translating carriage exercise machine using one or more of elastic tension members, gravity, and resistance from a RRM. In one form, a user attaches to a releasable end fastener of a elongate resistance band any variety of exercise devices including one or more of; curling bars, boots, a ball, a hand strap, and a foot strap for performance of exercises adjacent the machine using an RRM. As illustrated inFIG.43for example, a bar may be attached for use in standing exercise for shoulders. As illustrated inFIG.17, an upright mast structure282C (also known as a tower) may be mounted to one or more of a first end or second end of a translating carriage exercise machine. A mast structure282C is a U-shaped member seated in foot bar anchors254C placed at a second end of a machine and secured with fasteners, pins or other restraint. In one form, foot bar anchors are used to optionally secure a footbar at a head end of a machine for an additional variety of exercises. Pivotally connected to legs284C of mast structure282C is a generally U-shaped push-through bar286C. Mast hooks288C may be secured at various positions on a mast structure for the connection of accessories. In some embodiments, a mast structure is in the form of a straight upright tube or T-shaped structure mounted at the center of a first end or second end of a translating carriage exercise machine. Like the U-shaped member mast structure ofFIG.17, the straight or T-shaped structure may have one or more superior redirectional pulleys mounted on a surface thereof.

FIG.17illustrates examples of some of the various positions where redirectional pulleys coupled to a RRM may be mounted to provide an infinite range of exercises. For example, a superior redirectional pulley342C is mounted high on upright mast282C. This path is illustrated as High Standing Path 1 inFIG.38Dwherein an elongate resistance band302C is redirected to a superior placed pulley (typically above a user's trunk) where it can be grasped by a coupled force handle348C. As further illustrated inFIG.17by two force handles extending from the pulley, a force handle may be grasped by a user standing over the frame portion102C of the translating carriage exercise machine in the performance of exercise, and alternatively, a force handle may be grasped by a user standing behind upright mast282C opposite frame portion102C.

As yet another option, also illustrated inFIG.17, a user supported on an upper support surface152C of a moveable carriage150C may grasp (by hand/foot) a force handle348C such as a row bar or loop to perform a variety of exercise such as rowing and others. Some of the possible exercises are illustrated inFIGS.45-51. Redirectional pulleys may be used to direct an elongate resistance band from either a first end or a second end of a translating carriage exercise machine as illustrated by Row Path 1 and Row Path 2 inFIG.38D.

As illustrated inFIG.17B, a pair of force handles348C such as hand loops are mounted to opposed ends of a mating cord349C. The mating cord349C extends through a pair of superior redirection pulleys342C situated at opposing sides of an upright mast282C and a center redirection pulley344C located therebetween. Center redirection pulley344C is coupled to the user end304C of elongate resistance band302C. The opposed force handles348C provide a user a means to utilize an individual handle in each hand during exercise. Again, the superior redirection pulleys may be moved to variety of positions on the mast making available unlimited exercise options. In preferred embodiments, a load shaft on a rotational resistance mechanism is driven by a single elongate resistance band associated with a single drive clutch and recoil regardless of whether a user uses one extremity or two. In alternative embodiments, a load shaft on a rotation resistance mechanism is driven by dual elongate resistance bands each associated with its own drive clutch and recoil. This alternative provides a user the ability to exercise their limbs individually against individual resistance as opposed to each limb jointly driving a single elongate resistance band.

A method to utilize a translating carriage exercise machine100C in an aerobic rowing mode is now described in the following steps for the embodiment illustrated inFIG.16. Removing a removable redirection pulley assembly384C from a storage mount on a translating carriage exercise machine100C and inserting it into a corresponding pulley hole249C on footbar248C. Disengaging carriage elastic tension members156C (i.e. springs/elastic cords) such that one end is free if necessary and if so desired. Releasing carriage ropes (162C,168C) if so desired. A user then removes a force handle348C (i.e. row bar) from a force handle rest382C. The associated elongate resistance band302C is pulled to loop over removable redirection pulley assembly384C secured at a height conducive to rowing. Force handle348C is placed on an upper force handle rest if available. A foot box294is secured at a first end (or second end if so configured) of the corresponding translating carriage exercise machine100C. The user then mounts the machine sitting upright with bottom seated on upper support surface152C. The user then places each foot under respective footrest restraints (see296C,FIG.11) if so equipped or against hindfoot restraint320C (FIG.8) on footbox294C while sitting upright on the moveable carriage with the user's buttocks near the first end of an upper support surface152C of the moveable carriage. The user then grasps force handle348C with both hands from an upper rowing handle rest and begins a rowing motion by extending her knees and hips and retracting the handle with her arms towards her chest. As the user extends her legs and pulls force handle348C with her hands in a power stroke, the elongate resistance band302C (i.e. a cable, strap, chain) imparts a load on removable redirection pulley384C which in turn is imparted to a RRM300C and causing an internal load member350C to rotate against resistance. When the user produces a full stroke of exercise, the user glides the moveable carriage150C in a return stroke back to the starting position of hips and knees flexed and arms extended. The elongate resistance band302C is recoiled during this return stroke in preparation for the next power stroke. Given adequate loading against the force handle by the user during the power stroke, inertia will continue to turn the load member against350C resistance through the return stroke wherein the user will commonly experience a smooth transition into the next power stroke.

FIG.36illustrates a preferred embodiment of a rotational resistance mechanism (RRM)300E configured to cooperate as part of a translating carriage exercise machine. RRM300E comprises an RRM frame400E which serves to support the internal mechanisms of the RRM but in this embodiment also serves act as a leg replacement in support of one end of a frame portion of a translating carriage exercise machine. RRM300E comprises a modified jump board402E, and a resistor308E utilizing a water turbine. Modified jump board402E is quickly removable by an upward force. This embodiment of an RRM was prototyped and is illustrated in use in exercises demonstrated inFIGS.43-51.

As illustrated inFIG.39-40, one embodiment of an RRM frame400E (sometimes referred to as an outer housing) comprises a generally vertical first side plate406E spaced from a generally vertical second side plate408E joined by a bottom plate410E. A generally vertical front plate412E joins the first side plate, and second side plate, and bottom plate. Positioned between a first side plate, a second side plate, and front plate is a generally horizontal upper deck plate414E and a spaced generally horizontal lower deck plate416E. Each of these plates are fixed to one another using preferably a releasable method such as common screws and barrel nuts418E. In preferred embodiments, each of the various plates may be manufactured of woods, plywood, polymers, metals, and other sufficiently strong materials. Plate fixation may also include other fasteners such as dowels, and adhesives.

In this embodiment, first side plate406E and second side plate408E have a pair of spaced legs420E that during assembly define a first side window422E and a second side window424E. A turbine cavity428E is sized and shaped for housing a turbine bowl430E therein. Sides of a turbine bowl430E sit adjacent an inner wall of a front plate412E, whereas sides of the turbine bowl extend through first side window422E, second side window424E, and a back window426E. The turbine cavity428E is defined superiorly by a lower deck plate416E. Bowl pads432E such as in the form of felt pads may be used to cushion a turbine bowl. A bowl hole434E through bottom plate410E helps lighten the assembly. Inside facing surfaces436E of the first and second side plate keep modified jump board402E centered. In this embodiment, a drive cavity440E is situated between an upper deck plate414E and a lower deck plate416E and houses many of the drive mechanisms associated with a resistor such as the illustrated a water turbine system.

In this embodiment, one or more bearing recesses, first bearing recess444E is formed in an upper deck plate and second bearing recess446E in lower deck plate. These house an upper bearing448E and a lower bearing450E and provide stability to the associated load shaft352E. This load shaft housed and centered within an upper bearing and lower bearing consequently limits wobble of a turbine paddle within a turbine bowl during operation. In alternative embodiments, the upper and lower bearings may be in the form of bushings, such as bronze bushings. In addition, alternate forms of bearing support may be used such as surface mounted bearing collars.

In this embodiment, upper deck plate414E and lower deck plate416E are secured between a front plate412E, first side plate406E, and second side plate408E and may be further supported by an off center first jump board support block452E and second jump board support block454E. Laterally spaced first deck spacer456E and a second deck spacer458E also space the upper deck plate414E and lower deck plate416E and lay generally adjacent to a first side plate406E and a second side plate408E.

In this embodiment, a first and a second jump board cradle460E,462E respectively are configured with a jump board dock464E here in the form of an angled L-shaped or U-shaped cavity for releasably capturing an inferior end face278E of a modified jump board402E during rowing style exercises. Jump board docks464E prevent a corresponding modified jump board402E from translating towards a user during a return stroke when a user actives their hamstrings to return to a squatted position. Sloped faces417E on an upper deck plate414E, a lower deck plate416E, jump board support blocks452E,454E and deck spacers456E,458E all offer support to a rear surface466E on the backside of modified jump board402E. Sloped faces417E also align with an outer surface256A on a footbar of the machine therein supporting a modified jump board402E at a superior and inferior end.

In this embodiment, wherein the RRM frame is used to support a frame portion of a translating carriage exercise machine, it is preferable although not necessary that outside spacing between a first side plate406E and second side plate408E is predetermined such that an RRM frame400E will fit between inside surfaces of elongate side rails of a translating carriage exercise machine. In alternative embodiments, first and second side plate fit directly under the elongate side rails.

In this embodiment, a first rail block468E and a second rail block470E serve as screw spacers such that an RRM frame400E may be secured between a translating carriage exercise machine's elongate side rails. With this arrangement, fasteners lock the corresponding side plates to the respective elongate side rail of the machine as one point of fixation. As illustrated inFIG.39-40, a third engagement surface473E faces upward to support and fixate the bottom side of a frame portion. As illustrated here, this support system in some cases eliminates the need for legs to support a translating carriage exercise machine frame as can be seen in theFIG.51embodiment.

In one form, one or more leg blocks (i.e. first and second leg blocks) are used as a point of fixation for coupling with elevation legs preinstalled on a translating carriage exercise machine.

FIGS.41and42illustrate a one embodiment of a jump board modified with a redirection pulley for use in a rowing mode of a translatable carriage exercise machine. In this embodiment, a modified jump board402E assembly comprises a modified jump board, first and second (left and right) foot restraints316E,318E respectively, corresponding hindfoot restraints320E, a pulley fixture322E, a footbar capture486E, and a fourth redirection pulley338E.

In this embodiment, for standard non-RRM Reformer use, an inferior end face278E of a modified jump board402E resides in a slot (preferably U-shaped) at a first end of a translating carriage exercise machine for holding the modified jump board generally vertical while abutting the corresponding machine's footbar. A rear surface466E of the modified jump board is supported generally upright by the footbar. In a rowing mode, modified jump board402E is sloped at a predetermined angle ‘T’ (FIG.31) with inferior end face278E captured in jump board dock464E of first jump board cradle460E and second jump board cradle462E and superior end supported at rear surface466E against the machine's footbar. In preferred embodiments, an optional footbar capture486E, here in the form of a block, is fixed at a superior end of a modified jump board402E further capturing a footbar248against it within a footbar capture cavity488E defined by the footbar capture.

In this embodiment, a load aperture268E is generally superiorly middle centered on a modified jump board402E and is defined by a tension notch270E. A pulley fixture322E is in the form of a pair of spaced axle blocks having a center axle recess. Pulley fixture322E is fixed to rear surface466E of modified jump board402E using fasteners and redirection pulley is positioned therein. A pulley axle secures the fourth redirection pulley therebetween positioning it along a central pulley axis. Further to this embodiment, a lower generally centered recoil notch502E on modified jump board402E provides for passage of a recoil tension member377.

FIG.49illustrates a back view of one embodiment of an RRM with modified jump board402E assembly removed. As illustrated, a recoil pulley498E is aligned in generally the same plane as recoil bushing500E. Recoil pulley498E assists in directing a recoil tension member377through a recoil notch502E while assuring that the corresponding recoil tension member is flatly wound and unwound from the corresponding recoil bushing500E. A free end of a recoil tension member is fixed such as on a frame portion or leg of an associated translating carriage exercise machine. As illustrated inFIG.25, a recoil tension member377D comprises a non-elastic recoil cord380D portion fixed to a surface of a recoil bushing500D, and an elastic recoil cord378D portion that stretches during a power stroke by a user thereby storing energy within it until it uses this stored energy to rewind an elongate resistance band during a user's return stroke.

In this embodiment inFIG.25, an elongate resistance band302D is substantially non-elastic and is fixed to a drive clutch504D on one end and configured to receive forces from a user on an opposed end. These forces may originate for example from one or more of; a hand/foot loop, a row bar, a carriage, and other similar devices associated with the machine that the elongate resistance band is coupled with. As the elongate resistance band leaves the drive clutch (FIG.38C), a clutch pulley506E assists in directing the elongate resistance band through a lower aperture413E (FIG.32) in a front plate412E while assuring that the corresponding elongate resistance band302E is effectively wound and unwound from the drive clutch504E. In this manner, the recoil and drive clutch of drive mechanism442E work synergistically to deliver forces imparted by the user to a resistor and rewinding the elongate resistance band302E during a return stroke. FurtherFIGS.38B-38Dillustrate example pathways of an elongate resistance band302E and recoil tension member377E during a power stroke and a return stroke. During a return stroke, an elongate resistance band302E is rewound around a drive clutch504E by energy previously acquired within an elastic portion of a recoil tension member377E during a power stroke. During a power stroke, an elongate resistance band302E is unwound from a drive clutch504E and a recoil tension member377E is forcibly wound about a recoil bushing simultaneously loading energy into the elastic recoil cord portion of recoil tension member377E needed in the next cycle.

FIGS.43-51illustrate on embodiment of a standard Reformer modified and equipped with a RRM to provide an abundance of expanded exercise options.FIG.43illustrates a user performing exercises in a low pulley mode. A user stands on the ground at a first end of a translating carriage exercise machine100F facing a force handle in a low pulley mode. Grasping the force handle, the user then performs one or more of a squatting and an upper shoulder exercise using RRM resistance working to cyclically elevate force handle348F from a low to a higher position. This is further illustrated as the low standing path inFIG.38D.

In one form,FIG.44illustrates a user simulating performance of an exercise from a high pulley in this case from a superior redirection pulley342F fixed at the top of a upright mast282F. Here a user stands on the ground at the head end of the machine and faces a force handle348F in a high pulley mode as illustrated as High Standing path 1 inFIG.38D. Grasping force handle348F, the user pulls downward on an end of an elongate resistance band302F during a RRM300F power stroke. Note that in one embodiment, the forces are transferred through the elongated resistance band through the carriage, where as in an alternative embodiment, the user forces follow an alternate route wherein the moveable carriage is bypassed. Alternatively, similar exercises can be performed at an opposed end of the machine according to High Standing Path 2 ofFIG.38D.

FIG.45-46illustrates a user performing two different exercises on a moveable carriage with RRM resistance along the carriage path illustrated inFIG.38D. In this embodiment, while supported by the carriage, the user transmits forces from their body through action on one or more carriage ropes or on a footbar. The forces are transferred from the moveable carriage150F then through the elongate resistance band coupling the moveable carriage150F to the RRM300F. As a variation, one or more elongate tension members156may also be engaged during RRM exercises.

FIGS.47-51illustrate a user performing rowing exercises using one embodiment of this invention in a rowing mode. Here a user uses a translating carriage150F as a seat and a modified jump board402F is positioned against a footbar248F. The user grasps force handle348F in the form of a row handle coupled with an elongate resistance band302F and pulls with arms and pushes with legs against a modified jump board402F against resistance of a RRM300F. Once extended, the user returns to a squatting position during a return strokeFIG.64.

As illustrated inFIG.31, one or more transport wheels510E extend from a transport fixture508E secured to one of a RRM's plates. Tilting of a translating carriage exercise machine rocks the machine on the one or more transport wheels510E providing easy rolling transport until the machine is lowered and reseated on the floor. To enable small profile storage, a translating carriage exercise machine is tilted until substantially upright. In this configuration, the machine balances on the transport wheels and foot bar with second end raised.

In typical forms, a jump board used with a Reformer is substantially rigid. In alternative embodiments, one or more of a footbar and a jumpboard are resilient to provide a low impact surface for a user to exercise against. In one embodiment illustrated inFIGS.20-20C, one end of a translating carriage exercise machine comprises a spring loaded footbar receiver assembly to receive the support frame of a resilient jump board522G or resilient footbar520G. This receiver assembly is biased toward the moveable carriage about a primary hold pivot528G. A force directed on a footbar (or jumpboard) by a user's hands or feet will cause an initial deflection of the corresponding footbar anchor254away from the machine and compression of a rebound spring532G on the secondary anchor534G followed by a rebound of the footbar anchor with footbar or jump board as the rebound spring decompresses. The impact the user's feet feels will be dampened by the spring force therein cushioning the landing of the feet on the jump board or footbar. Jumping against the board causes a loading of a rebound spring and a rebound spring force to the user when they jump off the board.FIG.20Cillustrates a resilient jump board in a deflected state.FIG.20illustrates an undeflected footbar. This spring loaded footbar receiver assembly524F comprises a locked mode wherein the rebound spring cannot be loaded by jumping force and the jump board is substantially rigid. A spring loaded footbar receiver assembly524F comprises an adjustable spring force to adjust the stiffness felt by a user. For example, the adjustment may be completed by substituting with a spring having a different K value or changing the initial compression by tightening or loosening the secondary anchor.

In an alternative embodiment as illustrated inFIG.18-18B, one or more of a footbar520H or support frame legs include a coiled spring portion538H. The coiled spring portion538H deflects and dampens forces applied on the footbar or springboard. In one form, one or more of a coiled spring portion538H or a non-coiled lead portion of the footbar or support frame is seated in a receiver aperture.

In yet another alternative embodiment, a footbar anchor receiver539includes a resilient sleeve544held within a more rigid outer portion as illustrated inFIGS.19and19B. Forces from the user through a leg of the support frame or footbar are dampened by the resilient sleeve. In some forms the resilient sleeve is removable and may be interchanged with alternative sleeves of varying stiffness.

Most Reformers on the market include a soft carriage rope coupled on one end to a force handle typically in the form of a hand-foot loop positioned near the shoulder rests for imparting forces to or from a user's hands or feet. The carriage rope loops around a carriage pulley fixed at an end of the Reformer where it is redirected towards a corresponding moveable carriage where it is fixed. Typically the carriage end portion of the carriage rope is fixed at different points along its length such that the length of rope between the force handle and this fixation point is adjustable for the needs of the user. Various types of fixation hardware fixed to the carriage have been used for this purpose of adjustable fixation from rope recoil systems to cam cleats. In one embodiment, a cam cleat secured at a second end of a carriage is utilized for adjustment of a carriage rope length. In alternative embodiments, carriage rope length is adjustable near the force handle348J (instead of at the carriage) while an opposite end portion of the rope is fixed or releasably fixed to a corresponding moveable carriage.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.21, a proximal end of one or more of a first carriage rope162J and second carriage rope168J is coupled with a portion of a force handle348J before traveling back towards a respective first carriage pulley160J secured to first pulley mast161J and second carriage pulley166J secured to second pulley mast167J. Near a proximal end of the carriage rope, a friction lock clamp394J binds the overlapping rope together. By activating a release on friction lock clamp394J, the user is able to adjust the amount of overlap between the two ropes before reactivating the clamp. The greater the overlap the shorter the effective length of the rope. The friction lock clamp394J is released to reduce friction between the two rope bodies thereby permitting rope readjustment and effective rope length. Given that the proximal force handle end of the rope is adjustable, the opposite end of the rope may be fixed or releasably fixed to the carriage without need for length adjustment and therefore without the need for hardware such as a cam cleat. A sufficient amount of a travel portion of the carriage rope (non-overlapped) through the arm post pulley is available for the required range of motion needed by the user for a variety of exercises.

In one form, a friction lock clamp is substituted by similarly functional devices such as one or more of hooks and a double D belt tightening. One or more friction lock clamp devices394J may be positioned anywhere along an overlap portion398J of a carriage rope. As an alternative, a proximal end of a carriage rope may be biased to curl around the remaining rope in the overlap portion to prevent sagging. For example, a curled nitinol wire may be placed internal to the rope.

The legs on typical Reformers are made of a rigid material and may be used effectively on the disclosed embodiment. In alternative embodiments, as illustrated as examples inFIGS.22-23C, a Reformer is configured with one or more of resilient feet and legs. The feet and legs may be in the form of one or more of; coil springs, leaf springs, wafer springs, gas or liquid filled bags or cylinders, and various resilient pillows of varying durometers of polyurethane or the like. The resilient legs reduce the multi-axial stability of a Reformer during exercise thereby providing the user a balance training benefit to their neurological system. In one embodiment, resilient legs are adjustable in stiffness. For example, various levels of gas may be added to a filled bag to make it stiffer. In another example, a stiffer grade of polyurethane may be chosen. In other embodiments, resilient legs may include a lock out feature that quickly turns the legs from a resilient form to a stable rigid configuration or within a range therebetween.

As illustrated in the figures, resilient feet include an upper foot mount portion558K for attaching to a frame portion102of a translating carriage exercise machine100and a lower foot pad portion560K for resting to the floor. Included at the bottom of the lower foot pad portion560K may be a frictional floor element562K such as a soft rubber shell to minimize sliding of the foot on the floor. A resilient portion564K is captured between the upper foot mount portion558K and lower foot pad portion560K. In one embodiment, the resilient portion is in the form of a coiled spring as illustrated inFIG.22B. In another embodiment, the resilient portion is in the form of a filled bag (air or fluid)554K. In another embodiment, the resilient portion is in the form of an elastomer556K. In some forms, the upper foot mounted portion and lower foot pad portion comprise an inner seat566K defined by the cylindrical walls of the foot mount and foot pad portions. As the resilient material expands, it eventually abuts the walls of the inner seat566K therein preventing further deflection of the resilient material.

In preferred embodiments, a translating carriage exercise machine may be configured for use as a cervical traction device570Z. One embodiment of a cervical traction device is illustrated inFIGS.26-26Eand preferably secured at an end of a moveable carriage150Z as illustrated inFIG.24. In one form, a cervical traction unit for Reformer use comprises a pull platform572Z configured to support the user's head and freely translate up and down a slide base574Z. This translating motion may be due to a tongue and groove581Z relationship between the parts. The slide base574Z is secured by friction or by one or more slide base anchors582Z to the carriage. The slide base comprises a lower support573Z positioned adjacent the carriage that is coupled to an upper support575Z diverging upwards from it. Laterally adjustable occipital blocks576Z at a low end of the pull platform572Z, are sloped medially at a cup surface571Z to cup underneath and lateral each occiput of the user's neck. Distance between the occipital blocks may be varied to suit a user's neck diameter, in this case, by rotation of a lateral adjustment knob578Z activating a turnbuckle style threaded rod therebetween threadably engaged with the occipital blocks576Z. Coupled to the slide base is a cervical fixation strap580Z. The cervical fixation strap is in the form of a cord or other tension element and extends through a pull window577Z of the slide base574Z to fix to a traction anchor579Z at an end of a Reformer (FIG.24).

In one form, use of a cervical traction unit in conjunction with a translating carriage exercise machine comprises the following steps. A user adjusts the elastic tension members156A to a desired tension biasing the carriage toward a first end of the machine. A cervical traction slide base574Z is secured at midline on a second end of a moveable carriage150Z. A cervical fixation strap580Z is fixed to an immovable part (traction anchor579Z) at a second end of the frame portion of the Reformer. The user boards the moveable carriage150Z and lays in a supine position with shoulders abutting the shoulder rests (if present) and head resting on the pull platform572Z (which may include a rest pad584Z) of the cervical traction device570Z. The user then uses their feet to push against a footbar (i.e.248C) or jump board (i.e.264C) to create a spring tension on the moveable carriage and advance the moveable carriage towards the second end of the frame portion. A lateral adjustment knob578Z is advanced until opposing adjustable occipital blocks576Z cradle the user's occipital processes. The user then removes slack by tightening the cervical fixation strap580Z thereby removing slack. An optional releasable retension strap may be used to secure the user's head on the pull platform. As a consequence of the user slowly flexing their knees and hips, the moveable carriage150Z is pulled by the tension of the elastic tension members which in turn causes consequent advancement of the pull platform572Z up the slide base574Z thereby enacting a traction force on the user's neck. Under control of the user's legs on the footbar, the user may choose to have one or more of; a prolonged cervical stretch, cyclic cervical stretch, and a pulsating cervical traction stretch. As needed the user may one or more of; remove their head from the pull platform, release the cervical fixation strap, and push on the footbar/jump board with their feet to remove the traction pull on the user's cervical spine at any time. The level of traction pull can be adjusted by engaging or disengaging one or more elastic tension members (i.e.156A). In one form, a cervical traction head harness may be used as a substitute of the pull platform.

In another embodiment, a moveable carriage150W is configured with a resilient rope mechanism700W to provide quick carriage rope adjustment. In this embodiment a line to elastic coupler702W is utilized to join the rope portion of a carriage rope162W,168W with an elastic rope portion704W. The line to elastic coupler702W may be in the form of threads, a flexible compression sleeve, or similar functional device. The free elastic end of the carriage rope is fixed to the carriage bottom706W. An arrangement of first through fourth spaced pulleys708W,710W,712W,714W respectively provides an extended path for the carriage rope portion and the elastic rope portion704W wherein the elastic portion of the rope is stretched and maintains a continuous pull on the carriage ropes. One embodiment of this aspect is illustrated inFIG.29. Here a carriage rope162W,168W extends through a rope retainer716W adjacent a cam cleat720W. The rope then loops around first, second, third, and fourth spaced pulley before being fixed to the carriage bottom706W. The pulleys are stacked in pairs in this embodiment for the routing of the opposed rope. One or more pulley posts719W secure the pulleys to the carriage bottom706W. A line retainer718W may be placed adjacent to the rope to maintain the rope in the rope groove of the pulley.

The method to use a resilient rope mechanism700W is as follows. With the carriage rope locked in the jaws of the cam cleat720W, the user pushes down on rope until it falls within rope retainer716W. Any slack in the carriage rope162W,168W is retracted by action of the elastic rope portion704W. The user adjusts the length of the rope desired by pulling or releasing the rope then uses their fingers to push the rope up into the cam cleat jaws. The carriage ropes are locked in position and the user may now begin performing their next exercise at the adjusted rope length. The line to elastic coupler702W is placed such that an elastic portion of the carriage rope will not ever pass through the cleat jaws during rope adjustment.

It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” and “generally” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

The foregoing invention has been described in accordance with the relevant legal standards, thus the description is exemplary rather than limiting in nature. Variations and modifications to the disclosed embodiment may become apparent to those skilled in the art and fall within the scope of the invention.