Patent Document

REFERENCE TO PENDING PRIOR PATENT APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 (e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/709,438, filed Oct. 4, 2012 by Maria Joanna Kermath and Gregg Luconi for “SPLIT CARRIAGE EXERCISE REFORMER,” which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Pilates is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates. The method seeks to develop controlled movement from a strong core. Today tens of thousands of instructors instruct millions of Americans in this popular and effective exercise discipline. 
         [0003]    Originally developed as a series of mat exercises, the Pilates method quickly evolved to take advantage of several pieces of equipment. Each piece of equipment is configured for particular exercises, and many utilize springs or other biasing elements to provide resistance training. Resistance may be “progressive resistance,” in which resistance increases as the biasing element is stretched or compressed, or “linear resistance,” in which the resistance remains constant as the biasing element is manipulated. 
         [0004]    The most widely used Pilates apparatus has long been the reformer. Reformers are made in a variety of styles and materials. For example, some reformers are made of wood, while others are formed of metal. Some reformers sit low to the ground, while others are elevated upon pedestals or legs. Despite this variety, reformers existing in the prior art have many commonalities, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , which illustrate a typical example of a reformer  50 . Reformer  50  includes a frame  52 , a foot/hand bar  54 , a unified carriage  56  to support the body of a user, generally in a sitting, lying, or kneeling position, a set of springs (not shown) that may be adjusted to achieve a desired resistance, a headrest  60 , shoulder blocks  62  to stabilize the user as the carriage is moved, and a set of straps  64  that tie to carriage  56  through a set of elevated pulleys  66 . 
         [0005]    Pilates is generally practiced in a studio environment under the direction of a certified instructor. This business model introduces a number of practical, logistical, and financial concerns relating to how Pilates equipment can and should function. For instance, studio-quality Pilates equipment is sturdy equipment that consumes a great deal of space within a studio. Each piece of equipment is an investment, with reformers reaching several-thousand dollars apiece. Under these types of space and economic constraints, it is desirable for each piece of studio equipment to provide a maximum range of exercises, thereby allowing the studio to maximize the range of classes offered, while minimizing its investment in equipment and making the most efficient and economically advantageous use of its studio space. 
         [0006]    While existing reformers may be used to complete a variety of exercises, they are often supplemented with several other types of equipment, such as chairs, barrels, towers, and, more recently, the CoreAlign® system. As shown in prior art  FIG. 4 , a CoreAlign® system  100  utilizes a frame  102  that fully encloses two separate tracks  104  and two separate carts  106 . Carts  106  move independently within tracks  104  using resistance created by elastic tubes (not shown) suspended between each cart  106  and one or both ends of the frame  102 . Unlike reformers, which, as discussed above in reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , feature a unified carriage instead of two separate carts, the CoreAlign® system allows for split or scissor-type movement of the legs and/or other body parts. Like reformers, each CoreAlign® system costs thousands of dollars and consumes a substantial real-estate imprint. 
         [0007]    To achieve the array of exercise offerings that customers demand and studio owners and instructors desire to provide, many studios invest in both reformer and CoreAlign® equipment, which requires not only a significant capital outlay, but also substantially increases cash flow requirements in the form of ongoing maintenance expenses and expenses to lease or buy sufficient studio square footage. In addition, the need to use two sets of standing, non-portable equipment to achieve a full array of desired exercises reduces a studio&#39;s flexibility in terms of class offerings and/or instructor scheduling. To make both types of equipment available during any given class, half of the equipment must be free for a portion of the time. That is, instead of twenty customers taking a class in which they utilize a single piece of equipment, a class maxes out at ten customers who each utilize two pieces of equipment over the duration of the class. Thus, the studio&#39;s expenses increase while profits decrease, an objectionable combination. 
         [0008]    While the above discussion focuses on the studio environment, it should be noted that some individual practitioners have the resources and do purchase Pilates equipment such as the reformer and/or CoreAlign® system for home use. That said, these consumers have similar concerns to studio operators in that they must purchase and maintain multiple pieces of equipment and have the space available to keep these non-portable devices exercise ready in order to get the complete workout desired. 
         [0009]    Equipment manufacturers, unlike studio owners and instructors, are disincentivized to innovate in the arena of multifunctional equipment that can perform the functions of multiple systems because there is a ceiling on what any given apparatus can cost, and fewer machines on offer results in lower sales. The concerns of the individual practitioner or practice provider differ, however, and demand visionary equipment that can fulfill multiple roles. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0011]    One embodiment provides an exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus includes a frame having first and second ends, a primary pulley system disposed between the first and second ends of the frame, a biasing element coupled between the frame and the primary pulley system and configured to apply a resistance to the primary pulley system, a secondary pulley system coupled to the primary pulley system and configured to leverage the resistance applied to the primary pulley system, and a carriage coupled to the secondary pulley system, the carriage having first and second platforms configured to move in unison along an axis of the primary pulley system or in independent directions along an axis of the secondary pulley system. 
         [0012]    Another embodiment provides an exercise reformer including a frame having first and second ends, a split carriage coupled to the frame and having first and second platforms configured to slide independently or in unison between the first and second ends of the frame. The exercise reformer also includes a first rope having a tethered end and a free end and a second rope having a tethered end and a free end. The tethered ends of the first and second ropes are tied to the first and second platforms, respectively, and the free ends of the first and second ropes are configured for user manipulation. 
         [0013]    Yet another embodiment provides a multi-functional exercise device including a frame having first and second sides that parallel an x-axis, first and second ends that parallel a y-axis, and a continuous edge that parallels a z-axis. The exercise device also includes a split carriage slidably connected to the frame and configured to travel between the first and second ends along the x-axis and at least one split support rest mounted to the first end. The support rest includes a first L-bar pivotally mounted to the first side of the frame and a second L-bar pivotally mounted the second side of the frame, wherein the first and second L-bars each rotate independently about the y-axis and the z-axis. 
         [0014]    An additional embodiment provides a method of exercising using an apparatus having a frame with front and rear ends, resistance-loaded left and right carriage platforms slidably connected to said frame and configured to travel independently or in unison between said front and back ends, and left and right ropes. The left rope is tethered to the left carriage platform and coupled to a left force-transmittal loop, and the right rope is tethered to the right carriage platform and coupled to a right force-transmittal loop. The method includes the steps of resting a first body portion upon the left carriage platform and a second body portion upon the right carriage platform and grasping a free end of the left rope and a free end of the right rope. The method also includes first pulling the free end of the left rope in a rearward direction, thereby moving the left carriage platform and the first body portion in a forward direction while moving the right body portion and the right carriage platform in the rearward direction, thereby pulling the free end of the right rope in the forward direction. The method further includes second pulling the free end of the right rope in the rearward direction, thereby moving the right carriage platform and the second body portion in the forward direction while moving the left body portion and the left carriage platform in the rearward direction, thereby pulling the free end of the left rope in the forward direction. 
         [0015]    Another embodiment provides a method of exercising using an apparatus having a frame with front and rear ends and a split carriage slidably connected to the frame for sliding between the front and rear ends. The split carriage includes at least two independently moving carriages, each attached to an opposite side of a secondary pulley system, which, in turn, is positioned on one side of a primary pulley system that is affixed to the frame. The method includes the steps of positioning different portions of a user&#39;s body upon the independently moving carriages and moving the body portions, and therefore, the independently moving carriages in opposing directions between the front and rear ends of the frame. 
         [0016]    A further embodiment provides a method of exercising on a reformer having a frame and at least one split support rest. The frame includes left and right sides that parallel an x-axis, front and rear ends that parallel a y-axis, and a continuous edge that parallels a z-axis. The split support rest includes left and right L-bars pivotally coupled to the frame. The method includes the steps of lifting a latch release to free the left and right L-bars to rotate about the y-axis, adjusting the left L-bar to a first desired position about the y-axis, adjusting the right L-bar to a second desired position about the y-axis, and lowering the latch release such that the left and right L-bars lock into the first and second desired positions, respectively. 
         [0017]    Other embodiments are also disclosed, and additional objects, advantages and novel features of the technology will be set forth in part in the following description, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned from practice of the technology. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. Illustrative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings, in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a prior art reformer device; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  illustrates the prior art reformer device of  FIG. 1  subject to a first manner of use; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  illustrates the prior art reformer device of  FIG. 1  subject to a second manner of use; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view a prior art dual-track exercise device in use; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an adaptive split-carriage reformer in unified mode; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an adaptive split-carriage reformer in split mode; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a pulley assembly for the adaptive split-carriage reformer of  FIGS. 5-6 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  illustrates a top plan view of the pulley assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the pulley assembly of  FIG. 7  modified with a spring system; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  illustrates a side cut-away view of a portion of the pulley assembly of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 11A-B  illustrate top plan views of the pulley assembly of  FIG. 7  in unified and split modes, respectively; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 12A-C  illustrate perspective views of a carriage latch for locking the reformer of  FIGS. 5-6  in unified mode; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of an adaptive split-carriage reformer including top and bottom sets of ropes; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of the reformer of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 15A-D  illustrate a series of perspective views of the reformer of  FIGS. 5-6  with a split rest support adjusted to multiple positions about a y-axis; 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of a central transmission system for the split rest support of  FIGS. 15A-D ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  illustrates another side view of the central transmission system of  FIG. 16 ; and 
           [0036]      FIGS. 18A-C  illustrate perspective views of the reformer of  FIGS. 5-6  with a split rest support adjusted to multiple positions about a z-axis. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0037]    Embodiments are described more fully below in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the system and method. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 5-6  illustrate perspective views of one embodiment of an adaptive split-carriage reformer  150  operating in unified and split modes, respectively. In this embodiment, reformer  150  may include a frame  152  having dual tracks  154   a ,  154   b  within which a carriage  156  is slidably mounted. Rest platforms  159   a ,  159   b  may border each end of frame  152 , and protective pads  160   a ,  160   b  may overlay each rest platform  159   a ,  159   b  for user comfort. 
         [0039]    Frame  152  may be formed of any appropriate material or combination of materials (e.g., metal or wood) and may adopt any appropriate size, shape, and/or configuration. While reformer  150  and frame  152  are shown as substantially symmetrical, other embodiments may differ from end to end as appropriate. 
         [0040]    Notably, unified carriage  156  may be split into two independent carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  that electively move through tracks  154   a ,  154   b  in a same direction depicted by arrow A, shown in  FIG. 5 , or in opposing directions depicted by arrows B and C, shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0041]    The dual unified and split-mode options for use, described above, are made possible by an embodiment of a pulley assembly  170  shown in  FIGS. 7-12 .  FIGS. 7-8  illustrate perspective and top plan views of one embodiment of pulley assembly  170 . In this embodiment, pulley assembly  170  may incorporate two interconnected and interdependent pulley systems. Specifically, a primary pulley system  172  may attach to frame  152  ( FIGS. 5-6 ), directly beneath and in mechanical communication with tracks  154   a ,  154   b  of frame  152  ( FIGS. 5-6 ). An embodiment of primary pulley system  172  may include a primary cable  174  disposed about a first pulley  176  and a second pulley  178 . To tension or apply resistance to motion within primary cable  174 , a biasing element such as a tension spring  180  may stretch between frame  152  ( FIGS. 5-6 ) near first pulley  176  and a desired location on primary cable  174 . A clamp  182  or any other appropriate securing fastener such as a tie or hook may be applied to affix spring  180  to primary cable  174 , noting that the position of spring  180  along primary cable  174  defines an amount of resistance placed on primary pulley system  172  and, in turn, the amount of resistance a user must work against when operating reformer  150 . In one embodiment, clamp  182  may be configured to toggle between different sides of primary cable  174 , shown by arrow D of  FIG. 8 , so as to change the direction of resistance force applied to platforms  158   a ,  158   b.    
         [0042]    In some circumstances, it may be desirable to associate a number of connected springs with primary pulley system  172 .  FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of a spring system  184 , rather than a single spring  180 , tied to primary cable  174 . Spring system  184  may include any appropriate number of associated springs  180  tied together in a manner that allows them to place a collective tension on primary cable  174 . Similar to the single-spring embodiment, discussed above, spring system  184  may be adjusted and affixed along primary cable  174  using any appropriate clamping or fastening means. 
         [0043]    The above discussion refers to tension or extension springs designed to operate with a tension load under which springs  180  stretch as force is applied. Other embodiments may employ compression springs designed to operate under a compression load, as well as any other appropriate biasing elements suited to the particular physical layout of the reformer embodiment. 
         [0044]    While primary pulley system  172  provides for smooth, tensioned movement of united carriage  156  in a single direction ( FIG. 5 ), a more complex system of pulleys allows for an additional option, or for independent movement of carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  ( FIG. 6 ) in opposite directions. In this regard,  FIGS. 7-8  illustrate an embodiment of a secondary pulley system  186  that may connect to and leverage resistance from primary pulley system  172 . 
         [0045]    In this embodiment, secondary pulley system  186  may include a secondary cable  188  disposed about a third pulley  190  and a fourth pulley  192 . Third pulley  190  and fourth pulley  192  may be affixed at first and second ends  194 , 196  of a translating bar  198 , which may splice primary cable  174  of primary pulley system  172 , thereby operatively connecting secondary pulley system  186  to primary pulley system  172 . 
         [0046]    In greater detail,  FIG. 10  shows a side plan view of one embodiment of translating bar  198  as coupled to third and fourth pulleys  190 ,  192  and to primary cable  174 . Cut-aways in translating bar  198  illustrate the internal workings of translating bar  198 , showing that first and second ends  194 ,  196  of translating bar  198  may contain first and second spools  200 ,  202 , respectively. Each spool  200 ,  202  may mechanically communicate with the secondary pulley  190 ,  192  directly above it, such that the rotation of third pulley  190  in either direction causes an equal rotation in spool  200 , while the rotation of fourth pulley  192  in either direction causes an equal rotation in spool  202 . 
         [0047]    Returning to  FIGS. 7-8 , carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  may be affixed to opposite sides of secondary cable  188 . In this configuration, movement of carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  in opposing directions rotates third and fourth pulleys  190 ,  192 , which, in turn, rotates spools  200 ,  202  of translating bar  198 , as discussed above. This rotation of spools  200 ,  202  causes primary cable  174  to be wound into and released from the ends  194 ,  196  of translating bar  198  as appropriate according to the direction of movement of each carriage platform  158   a ,  158   b . Thus, when carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  are moved in opposing directions, secondary pulley system  186  remains in a fixed position relative to primary pulley system  172  while leveraging the spring or other biased resistance placed upon primary cable  174  of primary pulley system  172 . In the split mode, secondary pulley system  186  may be adjusted to any position along primary pulley cable  174  to accommodate a variety of exercises, as shown in  FIGS. 11A-B . 
         [0048]      FIGS. 12A-C  illustrate one embodiment of a latch  204  for securing independent carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  together to form unified carriage  156 . In this embodiment, latch  204  may include a slider  206  configured to span a notched housing  208  affixed to platform  158   a  and a receiver housing  210  affixed to carriage platform  158   b . Manually transitioning slider  206  into and out of receiver housing  210  moves latch  204  between a closed position shown in  FIG. 12B , in which platforms  158   a ,  158   b  are unified and move together, and an open position shown in  FIG. 12C , in which platforms  158   a ,  158   b  operate independently. 
         [0049]    While  FIGS. 12A-C  show one approach for locking platforms  158   a ,  158   b  to form unified carriage  156 , any appropriate locking mechanism may be employed. Alternate embodiments include, but are not limited to, magnetic locking systems, sliding-pin locking systems, or a system formed by semi-circular or half-moon tabs disposed at each end of platforms  158   a ,  158   b  and configured to rotate into and out of alignment by ninety degrees, thereby freeing platforms  158   a ,  158   b  when the half-moons are aligned and locking them when they are rotated. 
         [0050]    Using the embodiment of pulley assembly  170  described above, a user may elect to utilize unified carriage  156  to traverse the distance between first and second pulleys  176 ,  178  on primary pulley system  172  or to utilize carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  to traverse the distance between third and fourth pulleys  190 ,  192  in independent, opposing directions. Substantially equal tension provided by spring  180  or spring system  184  upon primary cable  174  resists a user&#39;s movement in either configuration. 
         [0051]    The ability to use embodiments of reformer  150  in both unified and split modes allows for a wide variety of exercises that are not available with isolated use of traditional reformers or of traditional split-track equipment such as the CoreAlign® system, discussed in the Background above. Maximizing the number and variety of exercises that may be completed on any given machine allows individual users to optimize their experiences without purchasing numerous pieces of bulky, expensive equipment. It also allows exercise studio owners and operators to organize studio equipment in a manner that optimizes the use of expensive studio space and available time-slots for class offerings, thereby reducing capital expenditures, maximizing class offerings, minimizing the amount of time any given machine sits idle, and avoiding redundancies where two otherwise different pieces of equipment might overlap. 
         [0052]    Adapting existing equipment to fulfill additional roles has subtle consequences. For example, while the CoreAlign® system, discussed above, is primarily designed for split-track use, the carriages may be situated such that both carriages slide side-by-side within the same track in a single-track mode that leaves the other tack empty. In this configuration, a user may achieve certain exercise positions that are commonly associated with a unified-carriage reformer, such as, for example, the “plank” pose in which a user balances in a push-up position on his or her hands or forearms. While a user may achieve the plank pose on a CoreAlign® system in “single-track” mode, the user must turn perpendicular to the machine to do so. This requires the system to be placed upon a significant footprint of empty space that is large enough for the full length of the user&#39;s body to extend sideways from or perpendicular to the machine. Any multiple-function benefit of using the machine in this manner is consumed by the fact that multiple machines cannot be efficiently placed in a way that optimizes the space available. 
         [0053]    Beyond the unified and split-carriage modes discussed above, another embodiment of an adaptable split-carriage reformer  151  may include one or more sets of ropes for manual manipulation by a user&#39;s hands, forearms, feet, ankles, calves or any other appropriate body part, as shown in  FIGS. 13-14 . Otherwise identical to reformer  150 , discussed above, reformer  151  may include a top pair of ropes  212  and a bottom pair of ropes  214 . Each of top ropes  212  may have a tethered end  216  and a free end  218 . Similarly, each of bottom ropes  214  may have a tethered end  220  and a free end  222 . 
         [0054]    Turning to top ropes  212 , tethered ends of top ropes  216  may be tied to individual carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  in any appropriate manner before being threaded through elevated force-transmittal loops  224 . Force-transmittal loops  224  may be elevated above frame  152  by riser bars  226  of any appropriate size, shape, type, and/or configuration. Force-transmittal loops  224  may be formed from a simple loop or ring or they me be a more sophisticated pulley. By threading free ends  218  of top ropes  212  through force-transmittal loops  224 , the force applied to free ends  218  translates to tethered ends  216  at carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b . Thus, the force required to displace top ropes  212 , and thus pull one or both carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  away from their resting positions, is tied to and dependent upon the force required to directly displace carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b . Free ends  218  of top ropes  212  may be adapted for a variety of holds and uses by selectively attaching any appropriate hand/foot cuffs, straps, ropes, and/or other adaptors available to customize the user interface. 
         [0055]    Bottom ropes  214  may be similarly tethered to carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b  in any appropriate manner. Bottom ropes  214  may differ from top ropes  212  in that they may be threaded through sunken, rather than elevated, force-transmittal loops (not shown), either located at an opposite end of riser bars  226  or otherwise attached to the underside of frame  152 . While top ropes  212  are ergonomically and structurally fit for use while the user is on or adjacent to carriages  158   a ,  158   b , bottom ropes  214  are additionally fit for use while the user is on or adjacent to one of rest platforms  159   a ,  159   b  ( FIG. 5 ) of frame  152 . In both configurations, ropes  212 ,  214  may be formed of any appropriate natural or synthetic material such as, for example, rubber, nylon, cotton, polypropylene, polyester, and more. 
         [0056]    Existing track-and-rope exercise devices such as the popular NordicTrack® system differ from the described embodiment of reformer  151  in that those devices do not tie or tether manual ropes or pulls to the carriage platforms. Tying ropes  212 ,  214  to platform carriages  158   a ,  158   b  not only allows for a more elegant and easily manufactured mechanical design that employs one biasing system (e.g., spring  180  or spring system  184 ) to tension both the carriages  158   a ,  158   b  and the ropes  212 ,  214 , it also provides a useful diagnostic tool. More specifically, when a user utilizes reformer  151  in the split-carriage mode with either top ropes  212  or bottom ropes  214 , slight differences in strength or preferences favoring one side of the body over the other become obvious. For example, if a user kneels with one knee on platform  158   a  and the other on platform  158   b  and performs a bicep curl while clasping top ropes  212 , any disparate force applied to ropes  212  is reflected in an unequal displacement of carriage platforms  158   a ,  158   b . If the user favors one arm and pulls harder with the favored arm, the carriage corresponding to the favored limb will displace farther than the other, alerting the user and/or an instructor to the issue. This type of diagnostic may apply to any exercise utilizing the ropes with reformer  151  in split-carriage mode, regardless of the body part working in connection with ropes  212 ,  214 . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 15A-D  illustrate multiple views of one embodiment of a split support rest  230  that adds further functionality to reformer  150 ,  151 . An identical split support rest  230  may be positioned at each end of tracks  154   a ,  154   b  so as to support a user&#39;s hands or feet during exercise. In this embodiment, split support rest  230  includes two identical L-bars  232 . Each L-bar  232  may pivot independently about a y-axis, shown in  FIG. 15A , to lock at varying angles between upright and stowed positions, as shown in  FIGS. 15A-D . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 16-17  illustrate one embodiment of a central transmission system  234  for controlling the locking rotation of L-bars  232  about the y-axis. Central transmission system  234  may include a transmission plate  236  disposed beneath frame  152  and between L-bars  232 . Transmission plate  236  may operatively connect to a pull lever  238  that extends upward through frame  152  in a user-accessible manner. Transmission plate  236  may also have two defined release edges  237 , detailed below, each configured to interact with one L-bar  232 . 
         [0059]    On either side of transmission plate  236 , the workings of central transmission system  234  may be mirror images of each other. On each side, a notched disk  244  may be affixed to L-bar  232  and disposed in center alignment with transmission plate  236  and L-bar  232 . A pawl  240  may be rotationally coupled to frame  152  and situated such that a tooth  242  of pawl  240  is sprung tightly into a notch  248  of notched disk  244 . A trailing edge  246  of each notch  248  may be tapered to facilitate smooth mating with tooth  242  of pawl  240 . 
         [0060]    Pawl  240  may be fitted with a perpendicular pin  250  configured to ride or interfere with release edge  237  of transmission plate  236 . When pull lever  238  is lifted linearly such that transmission plate  236  rotates about the y-axis intersecting the centerline of L-bar  232 , notched disk  244 , and transmission plate  236 , pin  250  traverses release edge  237  of transmission plate  236 , thereby lifting and releasing tooth  242  from notch  248  of notched disk  244 . Releasing disk  244  in this manner frees L-bar  232  to rotate to a new angle at which pull lever  238  may be linearly pressed downward, causing transmission plate  236  to rotate back to its original position in which tooth  242  of pawl  240  reengages with another notch  248  of disk  244 . 
         [0061]    As discussed above, the pawl-disk arrangement located on each side of transmission plate  236  may be configured as a mirror image. As a result, spring-loaded pawls  240  as well as the tapered trailing edges  246  of notches  248  on notched disks  244  may oppose each other. This opposing-notch configuration allows for zero-to-minimum tolerance adjustment of L-bars  232  when opposing spring-loaded pawls  240  engage with notches  248 . 
         [0062]    The ability to adjust split support rest  230  and each individual L-bar  232  about the y-axis allows the user to incorporate additional exercises into his or her routine. For example, some exercises require a foot rest while others do not. Still other exercises require the feet or hands to rest at different heights. With split support rest  230 , a user and/or instructor may employ reformer  150 ,  151  to easily accommodate these varying demands. 
         [0063]    In addition to pivoting about the y-axis, an embodiment of each L-bar  232  may be adjusted to lock at incremental positions over a three-hundred sixty degree rotation about a z-axis, as shown in  FIGS. 18A-C . In this embodiment, L-bar  232  may include a lower base portion  252  and an extension portion  254  connected through a lift-and-twist type crenellated joint  256 , which is formed by a mating series of crenellated tabs  257  distributed across a top surface  258  of base portion  252  and a bottom surface  260  of extension portion  254 . Any desired number of incremental locking positions may be achieved depending on the resolution of crenellated tabs  257 . 
         [0064]    The ability to rotate each L-bar  232  provides for a host of additional exercises that may be completed upon reformer  150 ,  151 . For example,  FIG. 18B  shows L-bars  232  rotated by one-hundred-eighty degrees from their starting positions ( FIGS. 15-D ), allowing for a wider foot or hand stance to work different muscles in the legs or arms.  FIG. 18C  shows L-bars  232  rotated by ninety degrees from their starting positions. In this configuration, extension portions  254  are parallel and can be used to perform “dips” to exercise a user&#39;s tricep muscles. 
         [0065]    Although the above embodiments have been described in language that is specific to certain structures, elements, compositions, and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the technology defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures, elements, compositions and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed technology. Since many embodiments of the technology can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Technology Category: 1