BR122015015920B1 - FOOT BAR ASSEMBLY AND FOOT BAR HOLDER ASSEMBLY FOR USE IN A REFORMING EXERCISE EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

foot bar set for use on a reformer exercise machine and reformer exercise machine. The present invention relates to a reforming exercise apparatus (100, 400) having a generally rectangular frame (102, 402). each of the rail portions (105, 108, 408) of the frame has a vertical outer wall, an integral downwardly sloping inner wall, and an outwardly open slot (136, 436) hidden therein between the outer and inner walls. a foot bar support assembly movably contained by each of the outwardly open notches supports the foot bar. each foot bar support assembly has an elongated slide plate (172, 204, 538) movably supported within the slot, a hook plate (174, 474) secured to the slide plate (172, 204, 538) and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably secured to the hook plate (174, 474). a pair of tubular lifters, each of which has an upper roller thereon at the head end of the frame, directs the cable ends of the arm to a carriage mounted cable retraction assembly (110, 410). the retract assembly releases the cables by pivoting any of the shoulder detents to the foot end of the frame.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DESCRIPTION Description field

[001] The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus. In particular, it refers to a reforming exercise machine of a new, contemporary design that has a number of unique innovations.

State of the Art

[002] The exercise machines used in the execution of physical exercises created by Joseph Pilates are typically performed on a stationary apparatus called a reformer. A traditional reformer has a rectangular wooden or metal frame that supports two parallel rails or tracks. A wheeled cart is mounted on these tracks and is resiliently urged to one end of the frame foot by one or more elastic elements, typically spool springs. A user sits or lies down in the car and pushes against a foot support bar at the end of the foot to move the car away and toward the end of the foot. Alternatively, the user can grip the ends of a pair of ropes or straps that pass through pulleys at the head end of the frame and are attached to the carriage to similarly pull the carriage away and toward the foot end of the frame.

[003] An emphasis in Pilates training is on stabilizing the central musculature. The exercises that are done on the reformer are ideally conducted with care by the user, who focuses on body symmetry and symmetrical body movement and proper trunk alignment during the exercise. It is often rather difficult for a user to detect when he is correctly centered on the reformer and exerting equal forces with both arms or both legs during the required movements. In addition, the user needs to exit the reformer or an assistant needs to change the foot support bar positions, as may be required for different exercises. This is, at the very least, inconvenient for the user. In addition, the user then needs to reposition their body in the car to regain proper alignment.

[004] The ends of the arm cables are typically filled through holes in the carriage platform to move them out of the user's way or are arranged over the sides of the carriage. This way they can be dragged on the ground below the car. The user also has difficulty adjusting the length of the arm cable while reclining on the reformer carriage. The user usually has to sit upright, adjust the length of the arm cable on the locking clips and then reposition himself on the surface of the car.

[005] The tracks on which the carriage slides are typically horizontal surfaces that gather dust and dirt over time and therefore the rollers and tracks must be frequently cleaned. In addition, the user must be careful not to let their clothing get tangled up on the tracks to prevent such clothing from interfering with the operation of the carriage rollers.

[006] There is, therefore, a need for a reformer apparatus that is simple and easy to use, easy to adjust for the user without having to get out of the reformer cart, and that overcomes the above mentioned inconveniences.

SUMMARY OF DESCRIPTION

[007] A reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention includes a generally rectangular structure having a pair of parallel spaced side rail portions, a head end portion and a foot end portion. A mobile carriage is provided which is supported by the side rail portions for moving the carriage between the head and foot end portions. A pusher element, such as one or more spool springs, is connected between the carriage and the foot end portion of the frame to urge the carriage towards the foot end of the frame. A foot support element such as a foot bar is supported by the side rail portions of the frame.

[008] Each of the side rail portions of the frame has a vertical outer wall and an integral horizontal top wall that merge into an inwardly and downwardly sloping inner wall. Each side rail portion has an intermediate wall that extends downwardly between the outer wall and the inner wall to support the foot support element. The intermediate wall has a longitudinally extending upper protrusion and a longitudinally extending lower protrusion forming an outwardly opening groove therebetween, facing the outer wall. Each side rail portion includes a horizontal wall between the inner wall and the intermediate wall.

[009] The intermediate wall has a lower end portion that forms a horizontal track to support the car. In addition, this lower portion of the intermediate wall also provides lateral support for the guide rollers on the carriage to guide their movement between the head and foot ends of the frame.

[0010] One end of each foot support element is movably supported in the outwardly opening groove between the upper and lower protrusions of the intermediate wall. In addition, the intermediate wall includes a plurality of features, preferably notches for distinct positioning of the foot support member along a length of the frame's side rail members.

[0011] The foot support assembly preferably includes a foot bar. The foot bar is supported at each end by a foot bar support assembly movably contained by each of the outwardly open notches in the side rail portions of the frame. Each foot bar support assembly includes an elongated slide plate movably supported within the slot, a hook plate attached to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm that has one end attached to one end of the bar. for the foot and a portion rotatably and slidably secured to the hook plate.

[0012] The slide plate is an elongated element having opposite ends, each end of which contains a roller for sliding on a lower surface of the groove that opens outwardly in the intermediate wall of the side rail portion of the reformer frame. The slide plate also preferably has at least one roller for sliding against a vertical surface of the intermediate wall within the groove.

The foot bar support arm has a lower end portion attached to one end of the foot bar. The upper end of the foot bar support arm has a coupling element to selectively couple with a distinctive feature of the hook plate when the foot bar is slid up for rotation over the hook plate. The hook plate has a top edge, wherein the top edge has a plurality of distinct features at spaced apart positions to selectively couple with a portion of the foot bar support arm to position the foot bar at predetermined angles. from the plane of the top surface of the reformer frame.

[0014] Each distinct feature is preferably a slot that has a distinct shape. Each groove corresponds to a particular angular position for the footbar with respect to the frame. Each hook plate also preferably has an L-shaped slot for receiving the coupling element in the foot bar support arm. This L-shaped groove positions the foot bar level below the surface of the upper frame and provides the user with a handle bar to carry on the foot end of the frame. Preferably, the foot bar support arm contains a generally cylindrical pin for releasably engaging one of the distinguishing features, i.e. one of the notches in the hook plate.

[0015] In another aspect, the present invention describes a foot bar assembly for use in a reformer exercise apparatus having a generally rectangular structure with parallel sides, a head end and a foot end, wherein each side has an outwardly opening groove that extends along at least part of the side. The foot bar assembly includes a generally U-shaped foot bar having a first end and a second end, an elongated slide plate movably supported from each of the notches, a hook plate attached to each plate. slider, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably secured to each hook plate and secured to one of the first and second ends of the foot bar.

[0016] In another aspect of the description, a reformer exercise apparatus is described having a generally rectangular frame that supports a carriage for movement between a head end and a foot end of the frame in parallel spaced side rail portions of the frame and a foot bar supported by the frame, wherein the head end of the frame has a pair of spaced apart vertical holes formed therein and an arm cable support lifter disposed in each hole. Each cable support lifter includes a hollow cylindrical tube that contains a first roller thereon near a lower end of the tube, a second roller rotatably supported within an upper end of the tube, and a guide adjacent the second roller for directing a arm cable around the second roller.

[0017] Preferably, in one embodiment, the lower end of the tube is open to receive the arm cable therethrough and the upper end includes a top having a domed shape with an opening therebetween for the passage of the cable from the arm out of the tube. The top of the tube also preferably has a pair of spaced guides adjacent to the opening and the second roller and may also have a horizontal guide between the spaced guides. In some modes, these guides are rolls. The lift tube may additionally include an internal cable guide plate above the first roller to guide the arm cable over the first roller. The top of the lifter can be detachable from and rotatably attached to the lifter tube. In addition, the top may include a pair of spaced guides adjacent to the opening for smooth passage of the arm cable. In another embodiment, the arm cable can be routed through one side of the tube just below an upper roller or pulley wheel. A pair of guide rollers are arranged adjacent to the opening through which the arm cable exits the tube. The top of the lifter can again be detachable from the lifter tube as a cartridge assembly.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a reformer exercise apparatus that includes an arm cable retraction assembly mounted to an underside surface of the carriage. The retraction assembly has a pair of cable retraction devices, each device having a stationary structure that contains a spring-driven spool swivelable thereon connected to a free end of one of the arm cables, each reel having a toothed outer edge.

[0019] The retraction assembly also includes a pair of toothed locking elements rotatably mounted on the underside of the car and mechanically connected in such a way that the rotation of one of the locking elements outside the toothed coupling with one of the outer edges cogs causes the other locking elements to rotate out of the cogged coupling with the cogged outer edge of the other spring biased spool.

[0020] The retraction assembly additionally has an actuator connected to one of the operable locking elements to rotate the locking elements and out of coupling with the toothed edges of the retract spools. This actuator is preferably resiliently urged out of engagement with the locking elements.

[0021] In one embodiment of a reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention, the actuator is incorporated into a pair of spaced apart shoulder restraints that extend from an upper surface of the carriage. Each of the shoulder restraints is rotatably mounted to the carriage preferably for rotation about a horizontal axis. The actuator may be an elongated pin element that extends down from the shoulder detent, through an opening in the carriage, and projects therefrom to engage with one of the locking elements. The pivot movement, that is, the rotation, by the user, of one or the other shoulder restraint around its axis towards the end of the structure foot, couples the actuator with one of the locking elements which, in turn, causes both locking elements to disengage from the serrated outer edges. A spring is preferably connected to each locking element which urges each locking element into a coupling with one of the retraction spools.

[0022] In another aspect of the present invention, an arm cable retraction kit for retrofitting a conventional reformer exercise apparatus is provided. The components in the kit are designed to be attached to the reformer carriage. The kit includes a pair of cable retraction devices, each device having a stationary frame for mounting to an underside surface of a reformer carriage, each frame containing a spring-driven spool swivelable thereon connectable to a free end of an arm cable, each spool having a serrated outer edge, a pair of serrated locking elements for pivot mounting on the underside surface of the car, where the locking elements are mechanically mounted on set in such a way that the rotation of one of the locking elements outside the toothed coupling with one of the toothed outer edges causes the other locking elements to rotate outside the toothed coupling with the toothed outer edge of the other spring-driven spool, and a actuator to engage one of the locking elements when the shoulder restraints are mounted on the reformer carriage.

[0023] In another aspect of the reforming exercise apparatus of the present invention, the carriage includes an integral adjustable headrest. The carriage includes a generally rectangular frame, a generally rectangular plate body portion secured to the frame, and a generally trapezoidal-shaped headrest plate portion hinged to the body portion. A molded top pillow is attached to an upper surface of the body and headrest portions.

[0024] In a further aspect of the reforming exercise apparatus of the present invention, the frame preferably includes replaceable legs positioned at the corners of the generally rectangular frame. Each leg has an external surface shape complementary to the shape of the corner. Each leg has a top end shape configured to fit into a complementary recess in the underside surface of the frame. Each leg is an extrusion secured to the frame with a single bolt that passes vertically through the leg to a corresponding boss on the frame. The lower end of each leg includes a foot pad that facilitates stacking one apparatus on top of the other by coupling the outer corners of the head end of the reformer and the outer corners of the vertical platform at the end of the reformer foot in one Foot pad indentation on each foot pad.

[0025] In yet a further aspect of the present invention, an elastic resistance element may be secured between the foot bar assembly and the head end of the reformer frame. When the foot bar assembly is free to move along the side rails of the frame, it is resiliently urged towards the head end of the reformer frame. In this configuration, the foot bar assembly can be gripped by a user's hands while sitting or reclining in the car and the foot bar assembly is pulled along the rails against the resistance towards the car in order to perform multiple upper body exercises separately or in conjunction with leg extensions against the foot end of the reformer frame. The elastic resistance element may alternatively be secured between the foot bar assembly and the foot end of the frame to facilitate similar exercises from the foot end of the frame when pulling the foot bar assembly towards the carriage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The description will be better understood and its objectives, with the exception of those indicated above, will be evident in consideration of the detailed description below. Such description refers to the attached drawings, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the structure of the reformer shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a side rail member of the frame taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of the foot end of a reformer in accordance with the present invention.

[0031] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a foot bar used in the reformer exercise apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

[0032] Fig. 6 is an external perspective view of a bar support assembly for the right foot side rail member in accordance with the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 7 is an internal perspective view of the bar support assembly for the right foot side rail member shown in Fig. 6.

[0034] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a left rail member taken along line 3-3 in Fig. 2 showing the arrangement of the bar support assembly for the foot loaded thereon.

[0035] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the reformer exercise apparatus shown in Fig. 1 taken along line 9-9 in Fig. 1.

[0036] Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view of the head end of the reformer apparatus shown in Fig. 1.

[0037] Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the lower pulley wheel assembly for the lifter at the head end of the apparatus shown in Fig. 10.

[0038] Fig. 12 is a separate exploded perspective view of the carriage in the reformer exercise apparatus shown in Fig. 1 in accordance with the present invention.

[0039] Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of the end portion of the carriage head shown in Fig. 1 according to the present invention, showing the locking elements of the cable retraction mechanism coupled with the reels of cable retraction.

[0040] Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the end portion of the carriage head, as in Fig. 13, with the locking elements uncoupled with the cable retraction reels.

[0041] Fig. 15 is a sectional view through the carriage taken along line 15-15 in Fig. 14.

[0042] Fig. 16 is an underside perspective view of a carriage having a cable retraction system according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 17 is an underside view, as in Fig. 17, showing the cable retraction system in a released position.

[0044] Fig. 18 is an underside perspective view of the head end of an alternative carriage according to the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 19 is a side view of the head end of the carriage shown in Fig. 18.

[0046] Fig. 20 is a side view of the head end of the carriage shown in Fig. 18 with the headrest in a first raised position.

[0047] Fig. 21 is a side view of the head end of the carriage shown in Fig. 18 with the headrest in a second raised position.

[0048] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the head end of an alternative reformer in accordance with the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 23 is a separate exploded view of the interior of the alternative reformer head end assembly shown in Fig. 22.

[0050] Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the alternate reformer foot end assembly shown in Fig. 22.

[0051] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of one of the two side rails of the frame in the reciprocating reformer shown in Fig. 22.

[0052] Fig. 26 is a separate mounted perspective view of a hoist used in the reformer shown in Fig. 22.

[0053] Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the lifter shown in Fig. 26.

[0054] Fig. 28 is a partial sectional view of the lifter shown in Fig. 26 installed in the head end socket of the reformer shown in Fig. 22.

[0055] Fig. 29 is a separate internal perspective view of the foot bar support assembly used in the reformer shown in Fig. 22.

[0056] Fig. 30 is an external perspective view of the foot bar support assembly shown in Fig. 29.

[0057] Fig. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the underside of the car carriage frame assembly shown in Fig. 22.

[0058] Fig. 32 is an underside perspective view of the support pad removed from the carriage shown in Fig. 22.

[0059] Fig. 33 is an exploded perspective view of a shoulder rest used in the reformer shown in Fig. 22.

[0060] Fig. 34 is a partial top exploded view of the reformer carriage shown in Fig. 22.

[0061] Fig. 35 is an inverted view of the carriage removed from the reformer shown in Fig. 22, showing the cable retraction system in accordance with this alternative embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 36 is an underside plan view of the carriage head end shown in Fig. 35, with the cable retraction system in a cable locked position.

[0063] Fig. 37 is a view as in Fig. 36, with the cable retraction system in a cable unlocked position.

[0064] Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the head end of the carriage with the headrest in a lowered position.

[0065] Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a pair of reinforcements shown in Fig. 22 in a stacked configuration for storage.

[0066] Fig. 40 is an underside perspective view of the head end of the carriage showing the shoulder lifts and restraints ready for installation in the storage position as shown in Fig. 39.

[0067] Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the reformer shown in Fig. 22, including an optional vertical trapeze mat and tower conversion in accordance with the present invention.

[0068] Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a trapeze tower socket aligned against the end of a side rail of the reformer shown in Fig. 41, for connection to the head end extrusion.

[0069] Fig. 43 is a sectional view through the socket of the trapeze tower of the tower shown in Fig. 41.

[0070] Fig. 44 is a partial exploded view through one of the lifter lugs at the head end of the reformer shown in Fig. 41, showing an alternative lower pulley fitting installed therein.

[0071] Fig. 45 is a perspective view of a reformer as in Fig. 22, with an alternative vertical tower and trapeze mat conversion in accordance with the present invention.

[0072] Fig. 46 is a perspective view of the hand strap end portion of an arm cable for use with a reformer in accordance with the present invention.

[0073] Fig. 47 is a perspective view as in Fig. 46, with a loop attached to the arm handle according to the present invention.

[0074] Fig. 48 is a perspective view of the reformer shown in Fig. 22, with a jump plate installed at the foot end of the reformer frame.

[0075] Fig. 49 is an enlarged vertical partial section view through one of two pins that support the jump plate installed at the foot end of the reformer frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] In the following description, numerous specific details are presented in order to provide a more complete description. However, it will be evident to the person skilled in the art that the technique described can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known features may not have been described in detail, so as not to preclude the described technique.

[0077] A perspective view of one embodiment of a reformer exercise apparatus 100 is shown in Fig. 1. Apparatus 100 has a generally rectangular frame 102 with a head end 104 and a foot end 106. The ends 104 and 106 are spaced apart by a pair of track members 105. A carriage 110 is movably supported on track members 105 for back and forth movement between ends 104 and 106 of frame 102.

[0078] A foot bar 111 is positioned near the end of the foot 106 of the frame 102. This foot bar 111 is carried by the rail members 105, as will be described in detail below. The head end 104 of frame 102 preferably supports a pair of removable vertical lifters spaced apart from the arm cable support 112. These lifters 112 route the arm cables 114 of the carriage 110 to the cable end loops 116 or handgrips of a user for use in multiple exercises. When not in use, end loops 116 can be conveniently positioned on shoulder detents 118, as shown in Fig. 1. Carriage 110 is resiliently urged toward end 116 of foot of frame 102 by an or more elastic elements, such as springs 120.

[0079] A separate perspective view of the frame 102 is shown in Fig. 2. The head end 104, the foot end 106 and the side rail members 108 have a similar outer surface shape that merges smoothly. This shape includes an outer vertical wall 122 that merges with a horizontal top wall 124 that merges with the inwardly and outwardly sloping inner wall 126. The inner wall 126 merges into a vertical skirt portion 128. frame 102 includes a vertical outer wall 122, an inwardly and outwardly sloping inner wall 126, and a vertical skirt portion 128.

The head and foot ends 104 and 106 have curved outer ends 107 that curve into and smoothly merge with the side rail members 105. The head end 104 additionally includes lugs for receiving the lifters 112. The foot end 106 has an anchor support plate 121 which extends between the curved ends 107 to support the ends of the pusher elements or springs 120 to propel the carriage 110, as mentioned above.

[0081] A complementary shaped vertical support leg extends below each curved end 107. These support legs 129 can be removed to place the ends 104 and 106 of the frame 102 on a flat surface, such as a floor. Support legs 129 may be interchanged with longer or shorter support legs to alter the height of apparatus 100 above such floor support surface.

[0082] A sectional view of a side rail member 105 is shown in Fig. 3. Each rail member 105 is preferably an aluminum extrusion having an identical cross-sectional shape. Rail member 105, as mentioned above, has an outer vertical wall 122 which merges into a horizontal top wall 124 and then a downwardly sloping inner wall 126 and then a vertical skirt portion 128. The end elements 104 and 106 have the same external shape, but internally differ from the side rail members 108.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 3, each side rail member 108 has a vertical intermediate wall 130 between the sloped inner wall 126 and the vertical outer wall 122. The intermediate wall 130 has a longitudinally extending top protrusion facing toward outside 132 and an outwardly extending, lower ledge parallel to the upper ledge 132. Together, the intermediate wall 130, the upper ledge 132 and the lower ledge 134 form an outwardly-opening groove 136 therebetween. This slot 136 receives and contains one of the foot bar support assemblies therein, as will be described in detail below. Between intermediate wall 130 and sloping inner wall 126 is an upper horizontal support wall 138. Support wall 138 extends over the length of rail member 108 and provides torsional rigidity to the structure of rail member 108 A lower horizontal portion 140 of the intermediate wall 130 acts as a support for a set of wheels supporting the carriage 110. The upper wall 138 also serves as an upper guide for the carriage support wheels on the track members 108. , the intermediate wall 130 between the upper and lower walls 138 and 140 and the skirt portion 128 serves as a side guide for the carriage 110.

[0084] The upper protrusion 132 preferably has a vertical portion 142 that extends downwardly, parallel to the intermediate wall 130. This vertical portion 142 is used to provide lateral support for the foot support assembly described more fully below. In addition, lower protrusion 134 may include a downwardly extending index rail 144. Alternatively, index rail 144 may be installed along the length of rail member 108 by a separate and replaceable metal index rail contained within. inside the boss 134.

[0085] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one end of the foot 106 of the frame 102. The end of the foot 106 contains the anchor plate 121 for receiving the free ends of one or more of the springs 120. A plurality of pins shaped like a spaced hourglass coil 148 is positioned to receive a loop in a spring 120 to secure the spring 120 to the end of the leg 106 of the frame 102. Each of these pins 148 preferably tapers up and into its base for a skirt at a first angle from the center axis of the pin and then outward at a second angle greater than the first angle, so that the free end of a spring placed on the pin 148, when under tension, is securely fastened on the 148 pin skirt.

[0086] Each corner of frame 102, formed by ends 104 and 106, includes curved outer vertical wall 122, top wall 124 and inwardly sloping inner wall 126. Preferably, inner wall 126 terminates in a skirt portion bottom upright 128. The foot end 106 also includes two separate tubular foot support protrusions 146 formed thereon. These foot support protrusions 146 are used to support a generally flat, rectangular foot platform (not shown) often called a "heel plate". This heel plate is a rectangular plate that has two spaced parallel support pins that releasably mate with the support protrusions of the foot 146.

[0087] The foot bar 111 shown in Fig. 1 will now be described specifically with reference to Figures 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. The foot bar 111 is part of a foot support assembly that cannot to be seen in Fig. 1. This foot bar 111 is shown separately in Fig. 5. The foot bar 111 has a central horizontal foot support portion 150 between two parallel leg portions 152. Each leg portion 152 terminates in a connecting portion 154 which is secured to one of two foot bar support assemblies 170.

[0088] Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, connection portion 154 is bolted or otherwise secured to a lower end 156 of an elongated foot bar support arm 158. Arm 158, best shown in Fig. 6, is an elongated flat plate element having a coupling pin 161 which projects outwardly from the upper end 160 of the arm 158. The arm 158 additionally has a closed pivot groove 162 which extends radially parallel to the leg portion 152 of the foot bar 111 and spaced from where the connecting portion 154 of the foot bar 111 is joined to the arm 158.

The reformer foot support assembly 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes a left foot bar support assembly 170, a foot bar 111, and a right foot bar support assembly 170. Figures 6 and 7 are reverse perspective views of a right hand assembly of foot bar support assemblies 170 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Each leg 152 of the foot bar 111 is supported by one of the foot bar support assemblies 170. As best shown in Fig. 6, the assembly 170 includes the foot bar support arm 158 to which foot bar 111 is joined, a sliding portion 172 that is mounted in slot 136 in side rail member 108, and a hook plate 174 that is rigidly secured to sliding portion 172. This hook plate 174 has a series of features, preferably slots or notches 176, 178, 180, 182 and 184 spaced along the top edge of the hook plate 174. The pin 161 which projects out of the upper end 160 of the foot bar support arm 158 fits into one of these notches 176-184 to position the foot bar 111 in a particular desired angular position with respect to frame 102 of reformer 100.

[0090] Foot bar support arm 158 is slidably and pivotally joined to hook plate 174 by screw 186 and square bushing 188. Bushing 188 is mounted between and along parallel sides of a recess 190 in arm 158 around pivot slot 162. Since foot bar 111 is secured to arm 158, when a user lifts foot bar 111, support arm 158 slides up or down. down along slot 162. In turn, pin 161 projecting outward from upper end 160 of support arm 158 is lifted out of one of the notches along the upper edge of hook plate 174. When raised in this manner , a user may then rotate the foot bar 111 around the pivot bolt 186 to a different slot among notches 176, 178, 180, 182 or 184 to reposition the foot bar 111. When the foot bar 111 is lowered, pin 161 slides down into one of the notches to secure the bar p. plow foot 111 into position.

[0091] The end notches or slots 176 and 184 have special meaning in this embodiment 100. When the foot bar 111 has both of its pins 161 positioned in the slot 176, the foot bar 111 is rotationally positioned below the surface top of frame 102 and beyond the foot end of frame 102. In this position, the foot bar 111 can be used as a handle to lift the foot end of the reformer 100. To ensure that the foot bar 111 is not uncoupled from slot 176, the terminal end of slot 176 is hooked up, as seen in Fig. 6, to securely engage with pin 161 at the closed end of slot 176. slot 176, foot bar 111 must be lowered and pulled back (away from the end of the foot) to align pin 161 with the entrance of the enlarged slot. The foot bar 111 can then be pivoted up and lifted out of the slot 176 and repositioned in a different slot among 178, 180, 182 and 184.

[0092] The further slot 184 in the hook plate 174 is used to position the foot support assembly comprising each of the assemblies 170 and the foot bar 111 together for translation along the rail members 108. While foot bar 111 is raised and rotated clockwise, as seen in Fig. 6, arm 158 is rotated around bolt 186 clockwise until pin 161 engages with a projecting surface 192 at the forward end. (toward end of head 104) of hook plate 174. In this position, a shoulder 194 on support arm 158 engages with a locking pin 196 that protrudes through a slot 198 on hook plate 174. lock pin 196 protrudes through hook plate 174 of a lock arm 200, best seen in Fig. 7. When foot bar 111 is then lowered, shoulder 194 of arm 158 lowers lock pin 196 .

[0093] The lock arm 200 is an elongated bar having one end rotatably secured to the inner face of the hook plate 174. The lock arm 200 can rotate in a plane parallel to the inner surface of the hook plate 174. the other end of the lock arm 200 has a lock portion 202 that couples with a complementary molded indexing feature on the rail member 108 in order to lock the assembly 170 in a selected position along the rail member 108. latch 200 is spring biased upward through spring member 201 to hold latch portion 202 of latch arm 200 engaged with indexing rail indexing feature 144 on rail member 108.

[0094] When the foot bar 111 is positioned with pins 161 in the notches 184 and the foot bar 111 is pushed down to fully seat the pins 161 in the bottom of the notches 184, the locking pins 196 are also pushed into low, rotating the lock arm 200 and moving the lock portion 202 out of the coupling with the indexing rail indexing feature 144 on the rail member 108. With the lock portions 202 uncoupled with the rail members 108, the The foot bar 111 can be moved towards or away from the foot end 106 of the frame 102 via the rollers 206. In fact, the foot bar 111 can be moved fully towards the opposite end of the track members 108, if desired.

[0095] The slider assembly 172 is best viewed in the view of Fig. 7, which is an internal perspective view of the foot bar support assembly 170 shown in Fig. 6, which is contained in the right side rail member 108. Slide assembly 172 includes an elongated slide plate 204 that is preferably bolted or otherwise secured to hook plate 174. Slide plate 204 is mounted in slot 136 in track member 108 with hook plate 174, and the arm adjacent foot bar support assembly 158 is disposed within the free/open space between outer wall 122 and intermediate wall 130 of track member 108. It should be understood that another mirror image foot support assembly 170 is disposed on the another rail member (left) 108.

[0096] A sectional view of a left rail member 108 as in Fig. 3 is shown in Fig. 8, with the left foot bar support assembly 170 mounted in slot 136. All component parts of the assembly 170 are disposed between the outer wall 122 and the intermediate wall 130 of the rail 108. Thus, the complete foot bar support assembly 170 is hidden from view by a user sitting on the cart 110. It should be understood that the right foot bar support assembly 170 on right rail member 108 is constructed similarly. Thus, the component parts of assemblies 170 are interchangeable or are mirror images. For example, foot bar support arms 158 and hook plates 174 are mirrored. The remainder of the component parts of the set 170 may be interchangeable.

[0097] Now back to Fig. 7, the slide plate 204 is supported in the slot 136 by the front and rear support rollers 206 which slide along the lower surface of the slot 136. A guide roller 208 which rotates about an axis vertical through slide plate 204 is preferably mounted adjacent each support roller 206. Guide rollers 208 slide along the inner side surfaces of groove 136 in rail member 108 to guide support assembly 170 and thereby the bar to foot 111, as it is translated (i.e., slid) back and forth along track members 108.

[0098] The support rollers 206 are preferably polymer wheels supported by bearings, rotatably supported on the horizontal axes. Polymer wheels are sized to fit and slide smoothly into groove 136. Guide rollers 208 may be nylon rollers or other polymer rollers supported by a vertical axis on slide plate 204.

[0099] A further sectional view through the left rail member 108 of the apparatus 100 as in Fig. 1 is shown in Fig. 9, taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 1. This view shows the assembly of foot support 170 contained within rail member 108, as well as the swiveled support arrangement for carriage 110. Specifically, generally rectangular carriage 110 has four support wheels 210, one adjacent at each corner and at least two guide wheels. carriage 212 preferably positioned along a side of carriage 110, which are also mounted in the space between intermediate wall 130, inner sloping wall 126, skirt portion 128 and lower portion 140 of intermediate wall 130 of the track member. 108. Support wheels 210 slide over lower portion 140.

Guide wheels 212 slide between intermediate wall 130 and skirt portion 128 of inner wall 126 to keep track of carriage 110 as it moves between foot end 106 and head end 104 of the frame 102. Because of the guide configuration of the rail member 108, only two guide wheels 212, both along only one side, are needed to guide the movement of the carriage 110. The guide wheels 212 are arranged in only one of the track members 108. However, three or four guide wheels 212 may be provided in alternative configurations of carriage 110.

[00101] Thus, in the reformer 100 shown in Fig. 1, the carriage support 110 and the foot bar support 111 are provided by structures below and contained within the side rail members 108 and are thereby hidden from external view. This arrangement gives the reformer 100 a clean, uncluttered appearance and minimizes surface areas that can collect dust over time. In addition, in order to provide right foot bar position feedback to the exerciser 100 user, a "J" shaped indicator element 214 is attached to one or both of the slide plates 172. A distal tip 216 indicator 214 extends around a lower edge and upwards outward from wall 122 of side rail member 108 to provide a user of reformer 100 with an indication of the position of the foot support assembly. Corresponding markings (not shown) may be provided along outer wall 122 for a user to use to position foot bar 111 at preselected positions along frame 102.

[00102] Notch 178 on hook plate 174 is used to locate foot bar 111 in a lower position above frame 102. Notch 180 places foot bar 111 in a mid-height position above frame 102 The notch 182 corresponds to the foot bar 111 which is substantially vertical and thus its highest position above the frame 102. Additional notches may alternatively be provided to facilitate additional positions of the foot bar. However, a low, moderate and high position is believed to be sufficient for most users of the 100 device.

[00103] A low friction layer 218 of a polymer sheet material (shown in Fig. 6) is affixed to the outer surface of hook plate 174, between hook plate 174 and support arm 158. This layer reduces any friction between the arm and the plate during rotation of the foot bar 111 between the notches 176, 178, 180, 182 and 184. Alternatively, the low friction layer 218 can be applied to the inner surface of the arm 158. , a low friction layer 218 can optionally be applied to both surfaces facing each other.

[00104] The structure of the foot support assembly may differ from that specifically illustrated and described. For example, rollers 206 and 208 can be replaced with sheets of low friction material to allow slide plate 204 to easily slide along slot 136. The configuration of support arm 158, hook plate 174 and slide plate 172 may be different from that of the exemplary modality shown. Additional mechanisms can be used to couple and uncouple the assembly 170 with features on the rail members 108 of the frame 102.

[00105] Again referring to Fig. 1, at the head end 104 of the reformer apparatus 100, there are two spaced lifters 112 for directing the arm cables 114 of the carriage 110 to the head end 104 and then to the cable end loops of the arm 116. Referring now to the detailed perspective view of one of the lifters 112 at the head end 104 shown in Fig. 10, each of these lifters 112 includes a lower pulley wheel assembly 220 secured to a protrusion of the tubular lifter 222 formed. adjacent each curved end 107 of the head end 104. Each lifter 112 also includes a hollow tubular body 224 which has its lower end fitted within the tubular lifter protrusion 222. The upper end 228 of the lifter tubular body 224 contains a head of cylindrical roller 230. This roller head 230 includes a tubular body 232 that fits with or is formed integrally with body 224. The tubular body 232 has an elongated opening 234 at on your side. A pair of vertically aligned guide rollers 236 are mounted in head 230 on either side of opening 234. A horizontal cable pulley roller or wheel 238 is mounted inwardly and transversely through tubular body 232 behind opening 234.

[00106] The lower pulley wheel assembly 220 is shown separately in the perspective view in Fig. 11. The lower pulley wheel assembly 220 has a flanged cylindrical body 240 which is secured to the bottom of the boss 222. A horizontally articulated wheel 242 and an angular pulley cable guide disk 244 are contained within body 240. Guide disk 244 is positioned in body 240 above wheel 242 at an angle of about 45 degrees. An opening 246 is provided in disk 244 along its lower edge. This opening 246 is oriented directly above the periphery of the pulley wheel 242 such that a free end of a cable from the arm 114 which is lowered into the lifter 112 through the opening 234 in the head assembly 230 is directed over the roller 238 and to down through the tubular body 224 and through the opening 246 and past the pulley wheel 242. A user can then grasp the free end of the cable 114 and secure the cable to the carriage 110, as described in detail below.

[00107] The head assembly 230 can be fixed to the tubular body 224 or, optionally, can be supported by the bearing therein, in such a way that it can rotate freely around a vertical axis through the lifter 112. Each of the guide rollers adjacent to opening 234 can be mounted on stationary uprights or otherwise supported by a bearing, such that cable 114 can be pulled through opening 234 with minimal drag or friction. The lower or lower pulley wheel 242 is oriented with its axis normal to the track members 108, since the movement of the carriage 110 is always towards or away from the head end 104 of the frame 102.

[00108] An exploded perspective view of carriage 110 is shown separately in Fig. 12. Cart 110 includes a generally rectangular frame 250, a rectangular support platform 252, a padded top platform 254, and a pair of shoulder restraints 118. Frame 250 has vertical side support plates 258, a vertical head end plate 260, and a vertical spring support plate 262, which are secured to side support plates 258. All of these plates 258, 260, and 262 are also secured to the underside of the support platform 252 to provide a rigid carriage structure. Spring support plate 262 contains one end of each bias spring 120. The other end of each spring 120 may be releasably secured to anchor pins 148 to vary the resilient bias, i.e., tension of the spring between carriage 110 and foot end 106 of frame 102. Side support plates 258 support platforms 252 and 254 and provide mounting flanges to support wheels 210 and guide wheels 212. The head end plate 260 has a pair of spaced openings 264 therethrough, which act as guides for the arm cables (not shown in Fig. 12).

[00109] Support platform 252 has a pair of shoulder retaining brackets 266 attached to its upper surface. Each of these brackets 266 has a vertical hole 268 therethrough and each supports a cross pin 270 therein (shown in Fig. 15), which secures the rod 272 of the shoulder detent 118 to the carriage 110. The hole 268 extends through support 266 and through support platform 252.

[00110] Fig. 15 is a partial vertical sectional view through carriage 110 with padded upper platform 254 not shown. As seen in this view, cross pin 270 acts as a pivot for shoulder detent rod 272. An impeller device 274, such as a flexible rubber tube positioned against rod 272, provides spring force against rod 272 to keep rod 272 vertically oriented and level with the left side of bore 268. However, when a user pulls the top of a shoulder detent 118 towards the foot end of frame 102, (as shown ), the latch pivots about cross pin 270, compressing pusher device 274 and pushing a lower end 276 of rod 272 toward the head end of frame 102 (right in Fig. 15).

[00111] A bottom plan view of an end portion of carriage head 110 is shown in Figures 13 and 14. These two views illustrate the configuration of the cable retraction mechanism 280 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Arm cables 114 are not shown in this view for clarity. The cable retracting mechanism 280 includes, for each cable 114, a spring-loaded spool housing 282 secured to the support plate 252, a spring-biased cable spool 284 rotatably contained within the housing 282 and a locking arm. of toothed plate 286 rotatably secured to the underside surface of support plate 252 adjacent to spool shell 282.

[00112] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the two housings 282 of the cable retraction mechanism 280 are mounted side by side against the underside surface of the platform 252. The two latch arms 286 are preferably elements of plate fastened for rotation about pivot pins 288 adjacent to spool shells 282 so that they can rotate in the plane of the underside surface of support platform 252. Each lock arm 286 is preferably a cylindrical body. elongated plate shape having a toothed end 290 and an opposite connecting end 292. The locking arms 286 are preferably mirror images of one another, such that the opposing connecting ends 292 of each locking arm plate 286 movably engage to join latch arms 286 under support platform 252.

[00113] The toothed end 290 of each lock arm 286 engages in corresponding feature notches on an edge of the adjacent cable spool 284 in the adjacent spool housing 282. The toothed end 290 of each lock arm 286 also has a hook 294 which mates with the lower end 276 of the rod 272 of the shoulder detent 118. Fig. 13 shows the shoulder detents 118 in a normal position and the lower ends 276 of the rods 272 are not thereby coupled with the hooks 294 of one or other lock arm 286. One or more springs (not shown) are used to urge both lock arms 286 into engagement with spools 284. With arms 286 in this position, arm cables 114 cannot be retracted or extended from spools 284 onwards. They are locked.

[00114] Fig. 14 shows the configuration when the lower left end 276 of the rod 272 of the right shoulder detent 118 is coupled with the hook 294 on the left lock arm 286. This causes the lock arm 286 to rotate in the direction clockwise around pin 288, pulling toothed end 290 out of coupling with left spool 284 in Fig. 14. At the same time, clockwise rotation of left lock arm 286 causes arm counterclockwise rotation of right lock arm 286, through connected link ends 292. Similarly, this rotation causes toothed end 290 of right lock arm 286 to rotate out of coupling with its adjacent spool 284. shoulder 118 toward the end of foot 106 of frame 102 will cause both latch arms 286 to be decoupled from spools 284, allowing a user to adjust one or both lengths of the arm cable as desired. Upon release of the shoulder detent 118, the lock arms 286 re-engage with the spools 284 to lock the spools and thereby the arm cables 114 to the carriage 110.

[00115] A retrofit arm cable retraction mechanism kit for a conventional reformer is also provided in accordance with the present invention. Such kit includes the appropriate installation instructions, two spool wraps 282 with included arm cable spools 284, a pair of lock arms 286, replacement shoulder restraints 118, two shoulder restraint brackets 266, and a pair of 288 pivot pins to secure the 286 lock arms to the carriage.

[00116] Figures 16 and 17 illustrate an alternative cable retraction mechanism 300 mounted below the carriage 110 in accordance with the present invention. Again, arm cables 114 are not shown in this view for clarity. The cable retraction mechanism 300 includes, for each cable 114, a spring-loaded cable spool 302 which is mounted below the support plate 252 for rotation, in this embodiment, about a horizontal axis 304, supported therefrom. support plate 252 between a support 306 and the support plate on the side of the car frame 258. The cable reel 302 has a band brake portion 308 and a cable support portion 310. One end of the cable 114 (not shown) is secured and wrapped around the cable support portion 310 of the spool 302. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the two spools 302 of the cable retraction mechanism 300 are rotatably mounted side-by-side below the surface. on the underside of platform 252.

[00117] Around the band brake portion 308 of each reel 302 a cable 312 is wound which has one end secured to the support plate 252 and the other end secured to an end 318 of a pair of crisscross lever arms 314. The other end 320 of each lever arm 314 is positioned to engage with the lower end 276 of the rod 272 of one of the shoulder detents 118, as in the previously described embodiment.

[00118] Similar to the previously described embodiment of the retraction mechanism 280, the two lever arms 314 are preferably separate elements, each of which is secured for rotation about a separate pivot pin 322, and are crossed and rotatably secured like scissors to a common pin 324 so that they can rotate around pins 322 and 324 in a plane parallel to the underside surface of support platform 252.

[00119] During normal operation of the reformer, the end 318 of each lever arm 314 is under tension, such as by a spring 326. This spring 326 pulls the lever arm 314 towards the head end of the carriage 110 and pulls thus, cable 312, for tightening cable 312 around band brake portion 308 of its spool 302, to prevent rotation of spool 302. When a user of reformer 100 pulls (pushes) one of the shoulder restraints 118 toward the end of foot 106 of the reformer frame 102, both lever arms 314 pivot in opposite directions around pivot pins 322 and 324 to release tension in brake cables 312, as shown in Fig. 17 When the brakes are thus released, a user can pull more cable 114 or allow an internal spring in spool 302 to rotate spool 302 and eliminate slack in cable 114. When user releases shoulder detent 118, springs 326 pull cables 312 again to stop the rotation of the the spools 302 and thereby attaching the cables 114 to the carriage 110.

[00120] Again, a retrofit arm cable retraction mechanism kit for a conventional reformer is also provided in accordance with the present invention for this alternative 300 retraction system. Such kit includes two retract spools 302, axles 304 and brackets 306, band brake cables 312, a pair of crossover lever arms 314, springs 326, shoulder detents for replacement 118, two detent brackets shoulder straps 266 and a pair of pivot pins 322 for securing lever arms 314 to carriage 110, and appropriate installation instructions.

[00121] In an optional configuration of the reformer carriage 110 in accordance with the present invention, an adjustable headrest can be integrated into the frame. A partial bottom view of the head end of this alternative carriage 110 embodiment is shown in Figures 18, 19, 20 and 21. In this embodiment, on top of carriage frame 250, support plate 252 has a trapezoidal-shaped extension portion. 350 which extends toward the head end of the frame 102. The padded top plate 254 has the same general shape as in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 12, but is separated into a rectangular portion 352 and a headrest portion 354 by a transverse hinge 356 below the padding near the shoulder restraints 118.

[00122] An adjustable headrest support plate 358 is secured to support plate 252 under the headrest portion 354. Extension portion 350 has an elongated vertical slot 357 centered therethrough, preferably between the sides. of extension portion 350. Support plate 358 has a transverse channel 360 therein that contains an L-shaped adjustment rod 362 compressed between channel 360 and extension portion 350. A cam block 364 is attached to the rod. 362, which extends through slot 357. Rotation of the handle portion of the rod 362 forces the cam block 364 to rotate against the pivot head support portion 354. While the cam block 364 is rotated by the rotation of the rod 362, the headrest portion 354 is moved between the positions shown in Figures 19 to 21. In particular, Fig. 19 shows the headrest portion 354 in a lowered position. Fig. 20 shows the headrest portion 354 in a first raised position, with the rod 362 rotated about 90 degrees counterclockwise. Fig. 21 shows the headrest portion in a second raised position with the rod 362 rotated an additional 90 degrees counterclockwise. In this mode, cam block 364 provides three stable positions. It should also be noted that, in Figures 16 and 17, the headrest adjustment rod (not numbered) is shown with two handle ends instead of just one, as in Figures 18 to 21. Other configurations are also shown. within the scope of the present invention. For example, cam block 364 can be smoothly curved without flat portions to specific elevations of the headrest, and rod 362 can be configured to provide frictional retention such that headrest portion 354 can be stuck at any desired elevation. Alternatively, the cam block can be configured with four or more flat regions, each corresponding to a different raised height.

[00123] A perspective view of another embodiment of a reformer exercise apparatus 400 in accordance with the present invention is shown in Fig. 22. Apparatus 400 has a generally rectangular frame 402 with a head end 404 and a foot end. 406. Ends 404 and 406 are spaced apart by a pair of rail members 408. A carriage 410 is movably supported on rail members 408 for back and forth movement between ends 404 and 406 of frame 402.

[00124] A foot bar 411 is positioned near the end of foot 406 of frame 402. This foot bar 411 is carried by track members 408, as will be described in detail below. The head end 404 of the frame 402 preferably supports a removable pair of spaced apart upright arm cable support hoists 412. These hoists 412 route the arm cables 414 of the carriage 110 to the loops or loops of the end of the hands 416 of a user. for use in various exercises. When not in use, end loops 416 can be conveniently positioned on shoulder detents 418, as shown in Fig. 22. Carriage 410 is resiliently urged toward foot end 416 of frame 402 by an or more elastic elements, such as springs 420 (see Fig. 35).

[00125] The outer portion of the frame 402 has the same shape as the frame 102 shown in Fig. 2. Each of the head end 404, the foot end 406 and the side rail members 408 each has an outer surface shape. similar that merges smoothly.

[00126] A separate internal perspective view of the head end assembly 404 is shown in Fig. 23. The head end assembly includes an end extrusion 500 having leg portions 502 and a horizontal stepped support plate 421 The external shape of the extrusion 500, as in the first embodiment, includes an outer vertical wall 422 that merges with a horizontal top wall 424 that merges with the inwardly and outwardly sloping inner wall 426. in a vertical skirt portion 428. The vertical skirt portion 428 joins the stepped horizontal support plate 421.

[00127] Head and foot ends 404 and 406 have outer end plates 407 that mate with and are joined to side rail members 408 via alignment pins 409 and threaded connections (not shown). The head end extrusion 500 404 additionally includes vertical tubular lugs 506 adjacent curved corners to receive the lifters 412. A pair of threaded hand screws 413 inserted from below secures the lifters 412 to the lugs 506. A vertical platform 415 is secured over it. and on the stepped support plate 421.

[00128] A complementary molded vertical support leg 429 extends beneath each curved end of extrusion 500. These support legs 429 are used to place ends 404 and 406 of frame 402 on a flat surface, such as the floor . Support legs 429 may be exchanged for longer or shorter support legs to alter the height of apparatus 400 above a ground support surface. A handle strap 417 is secured to the lower outer edge of the outer wall 407 of the extrusion 500 to provide a rounded hand grip edge to facilitate carrying the head end of the reformer 400.

[00129] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a foot end assembly 406 of frame 402. Foot end assembly 406 is another extrusion 500 having leg portions 502, protrusions 506 and a plate plate. horizontal step bracket 421. Two rows of spool-shaped anchor pins 448 are secured to plate 421. These pins 448 can receive and secure a loop on one end of a spring 420 in order to secure spring 420 to the foot end. 406 of frame 402 while the other end of spring 420 is secured to carriage 410. Each of these pins 448 preferably tapers up and in from its base to a skirt at a first angle from the center axis of the pin and then outward at a second angle greater than the first angle, so that the free end of a spring placed on pin 448, when under tension, is securely attached to the center of pin 448. This second angle is of preferably at least twice the first angle hello.

[00130] Foot support lugs 506 are vertical tubes formed on extrusion 500. Each lug 506 receives a fork 508 which fits on top of lug 506. A rectangular vertical platform plate 423 is attached to forks 508. Finally, a receiver tubular 510 fits through holes in plate 423 and fits over bosses 506 to secure plate 423 to extrusion 500. A set of screws 512 secures each receiver 510, plate 423, and fork 508 to boss 506. detachable board platform from jump board (not shown).

[00131] A sectional view of a side rail member 408 is shown in Fig. 25. Each rail member 408 is preferably an aluminum extrusion assembly having an identical cross-sectional shape. In this particular embodiment of the reformer 400, the rail member 408 is a composite extrusion formed by two separate extrusion portions: an inner portion 417 and an outer portion 419, which are joined by rivets 514. This construction of the side rail member 408 it is particularly advantageous for at least two reasons. First, such a configuration is easier to extrude as two separate extrusions which are later joined. Second, outer portion 419 may be finished in a different manner than inner portion 417. Thus, a version of outer portion 419 may be powder coated for durability and/or painted in selectable colors when inner portion 417 is coated. powdered or finished for durability as it is not visible. Furthermore, since the inner portion 417 also contains the bearing surfaces and indexing rail feature for the foot bar 411, it can be separated and replaced if necessary due to wear. Rail member 408, as mentioned above, has an outer vertical wall 422 which merges into a horizontal top wall 424 and then into a downwardly sloping inner wall 426 and then into a vertical skirt portion 428. end 404 and 406 have the same external shape but internally differ from side rail members 408.

[00132] As shown in Fig. 25, each side rail member 408 has a vertical intermediate wall 430 between the sloped inner wall 426 and the vertical outer wall 422. The intermediate wall 430 has an upper longitudinally extending protrusion facing toward outside 432 and an outwardly extending longitudinally facing protrusion 434, parallel to the upper protrusion 432. Together, the intermediate wall 430, the upper protrusion 432 and the lower protrusion 434 form an outwardly-opening groove 436 therebetween. This slot 436 receives and contains one of the foot bar support assemblies therein, as will be described in detail below. Between intermediate wall 430 and sloping inner wall 426 is an upper horizontal support wall 438. Support wall 438 extends the length of rail member 408 and provides torsional rigidity to the structure of rail member 408. Furthermore, this support wall 438 facilitates adhesion between the inner and outer extrusion portions 417 and 419. A horizontal lower portion 440 of the intermediate wall 430 acts as a support for a set of wheels that support the carriage 410. The upper wall 438 it also serves as an upper guide for the carriage support wheels on the rail members 408. In addition, the intermediate wall 430 between the upper and lower walls 438 and 440 and the skirt portion 428 serves as a side guide for the car 410.

[00133] The upper protrusion 432 preferably has a vertical portion 442 that extends downwardly parallel to the intermediate wall 430. This vertical portion 442 is used to provide lateral support for the foot support assembly described further. broad below. In addition, lower protrusion 434 may include a downwardly extending indexing rail 444. Alternatively, indexing rail 444 may be installed along the length of rail member 408 by a separate metal indexing rail and replaceable, contained in boss 434.

[00134] Finally, the inner portion of outer portion 419 of rail 408 includes three locating lugs 516, 518 and 520. These three locating lugs align with and receive locating pins 409 protruding from the head end assemblies and of feet 406 and 408, shown in Figures 23 and 24. These protrusions help ensure accurate alignment between rails 408 and ends 406 and 408 such that a smooth outer frame surface is presented to a user of apparatus 400 .

[00135] The foot bar 411 shown in Fig. 22 is the same as that shown in Fig. 5. The foot bar support assembly 470 is similar, but differs slightly from that shown and described above specifically with reference to Figures 6, 7, 8 and 9. The foot bar 411 forms part of a foot support assembly 470, which is not seen in Fig. 22. Referring now to the inside and outside views of the foot support assembly 470 shown in Figures 29 and 30, the connecting portion 154 of the foot bar 411 is bolted or otherwise secured to a lower end 456 of an elongated foot bar support arm 458. The arm 458, best shown in Fig. 29, is an elongated flat plate element having a coupling pin 461 that projects outwardly from the upper end 460 of arm 458. Arm 458 additionally has a closed pivot groove 462 that extends radially parallel to the portion. from leg 152 of bar to foot 411 and spaced from where connecting portion 1 54 of foot bar 411 is joined to arm 458.

The reformer foot support assembly 400 shown in Fig. 22 includes a left foot bar support assembly 470, a foot bar 411, and a right foot bar support assembly 470. Figures 29 and 30 are reverse perspective views of a right hand assembly of foot bar support assemblies 470, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Each leg 152 of foot bar 411 is supported by one of foot bar support assemblies 470. As best shown in Fig. 29, assembly 470 includes foot bar support arm 458 to which foot bar 411 (not shown in Figures 29 and 30) is attached, a sliding portion 472 that is mounted in slot 436 in side rail member 408, and a hook plate 474 that is rigidly attached to sliding portion 472. hook plate 474 has a number of features, preferably slots or notches 476, 478, 480, 482 and 484 spaced along the upper edge of hook plate 474. Pin 461 protruding from upper end 460 of the arm foot bar support 458 fits into one of these notches 476-484 to position the foot bar 411 in a particular desired angular position with respect to frame 402 of reformer 400.

[00137] Foot bar support arm 458 is slidably and pivotally joined to hook plate 474 by a screw 486 and square bushing 488. A flat washer 489 on screw 486 secures support arm 458 to the bushing 488. Bushing 488 is mounted in pivot groove 462. Since foot bar 411 is attached to arm 458 when a user lifts foot bar 411, support arm 458 is mounted up or down. along slot 462. In turn, pin 461 which protrudes from the upper end 460 of support arm 458 is lifted out of one of the notches along the upper edge of hook plate 474. slot in this manner, a user can then rotate the foot bar 411 over the pivot bolt 486 to a different slot among notches 476, 478, 480, 482 or 484, to reposition the foot bar 411 When the footbar 411 is lowered into a groove, the pin 461 slides down into a of the notches to secure the foot bar 411 in position.

[00138] The end sockets or notches 476 and 484 have special meaning in this mode 400, as in the first mode 100. When the foot bar 411 has both of its pins 461 positioned in the notches 476, the foot bar 411 is rotationally positioned slightly above the upper surface of frame 402 and beyond the foot end of frame 402 as shown in Fig. 39. In this position, foot bar 411 can be used as a handle to lift the end. of the foot of the reformer 400. To ensure that the foot bar 411 is not disengaged from this slot 476, the terminal end of the slot 476 is hooked up, as seen in Fig. 29, to securely engage with the pin. 461 at the closed end of slot 476. To decouple the foot bar 411 from this slot 476, the foot bar 411 must be lowered and pulled back (away from the end of the foot) to align pin 461 with the enlarged entry to give slot. Foot bar 411 can then be rotated up and lifted out of slot 476 and repositioned in a different slot among slots 478, 480, 482 and 484.

[00139] The furthest slot 484 in the hook plate 474 is used to position the foot support assembly comprising each of the assemblies 470 and the foot bar 411 together for translation along the rail members 408. foot bar 411 is raised and rotated clockwise, as seen in Fig. 29, arm 458 is rotated around bolt 486 in a clockwise direction, until pin 461 is engaged with a projecting surface 492 at the end. forward (toward head end 404) of hook plate 474. In this position, a shoulder 494 on support arm 458 engages with a locking pin 496 that protrudes through a slot 498 in hook plate 474. bar 496 protrudes through hook plate 474 of a latch arm 530, best seen in Fig. 30. When foot bar 411 is lowered, shoulder 494 of arm 458 lowers latch pin 496.

[00140] The lock arm 530 is an elongated bar having one end rotatably secured to the inner face of the hook plate 474. The lock arm 530 can rotate in a plane parallel to the inner surface of the hook plate 474. another end of lock arm 530 has an upwardly hooked lock portion 532 that engages with a complementary molded indexing feature on rail member 408 to lock assembly 470 in a selected position along rail member 408. The lock arm 530 is spring biased upward through the flat spring element 534 to hold the lock portion 532 of the lock arm 530 coupled with the indexing feature of the index rail 444 on the rail member 408.

[00141] When the foot bar 411 is positioned with pins 461 in the notches 484 and the foot bar 411 is pushed down to fully seat the pins 461 in the bottom of the notches 484, the locking pins 496 are also pushed into low, rotating the locking arm 530 and moving the locking portion 532 out of the coupling with the indexing rail indexing feature 444 on the rail member 408. With the locking portions 532 uncoupled with the rail members 408, the bar for the foot 411 can be moved towards or away from the end of the foot 406 of the frame 402 via the rollers 536. In fact, the foot bar 411 can be fully moved towards the opposite end of the rail members 408, if wanted.

[00142] The slider assembly 472 is best seen in the view of Fig. 30, which is an opposite perspective view of the foot bar support assembly 470 shown in Fig. 29, which is loaded on the right side rail element 408. Slide assembly 472 includes an elongated slide plate 538 which is preferably bolted or otherwise secured to hook plate 474. This slide plate 538 passes through slot 436 in rail member 408 with hook plate 474 and support arm of adjacent foot bar 458, disposed within the free/open space between outer wall 422 and intermediate wall 430 of rail member 408. It should be understood that another mirror image foot support assembly 470 is disposed on the other rail member (left) 408.

[00143] Again referring to Fig. 30, the slide plate 538 is supported in the slot 436 by the front and rear support rollers 536 which slide along the lower surface of the slot 436. A guide roller 540 that rotates about an axis vertical through slide plate 538 is preferably mounted adjacent to each support roller 536. Guide roller 540 slides along the inner side surfaces of slot 436 in rail member 408 to guide support assembly 470 and thereby the bar to foot 411, as it is translated (i.e., slid) back and forth along track members 408.

[00144] The support rollers 536 are preferably roller-supported polymer wheels, rotatably supported on the horizontal axes. The polymer wheels are sized to fit and slide smoothly into groove 436. Guide rollers 540 may be nylon rollers or other polymer rollers supported by a vertical axis on slide plate 538. In this embodiment 400, guide rollers 540 may be roller bearings mounted in the recesses along the upper edge of the slide plate 538.

[00145] The slide plate 538 also has a spring loaded locating ball 542 mounted in a recess behind the J-shaped indexing element 544 used as described above with reference to the first embodiment. The spring-loaded locating ball 542 provides the user with tactile feedback by moving the bar for foot 411 back and forth along rails 408 between various predetermined positions, by projecting into corresponding depressions that can optionally be provided to the along the 408 rail.

[00146] A low friction layer 546 of a polymer sheet material (shown in Fig. 29) is affixed to the outer surface of hook plate 474 between hook plate 474 and support arm 458. This layer, like, as in the first embodiment 100, reduces any friction between the arm 458 and the plate during rotation of the foot bar 411 between the notches 476, 478, 480482 and 484. Alternatively, the low friction layer 546 can be applied to the front surface of arm 458. To further reduce friction, a low friction layer 546 can optionally be applied to both of these front surfaces.

[00147] A removable pull pin 548 may optionally be inserted through the aligned holes in arm 458 and plate 474 when foot bar 411 is in the raised position, i.e. into slot 480. Inserting pull pin 548 will lock the foot bar 411 in place and prevent it from being repositioned. Here it is intended that the foot bar 411 can act as a support strap when the reformer 400 is positioned vertically on its end of the foot 406. This facilitates the vertical storage of a series of reformers 400 in a relatively restricted space.

[00148] When the foot bar 411 is securely positioned with the pins 461 seated in the notches 484, the entire foot bar assembly 411 can slide/roll back and forth along the side rails 408. The plate 474 is also preferably provided with a hole 549. This hole 549 can be used to store pull pin 548 when not in use. In addition, this hole 549 can be used to join an elastic or spring resistance element (not shown) between the carriage 410 and the support plate 474 of the foot bar 411 or between the end of the foot 404 and the foot plate. support 474. Such a resistance element may provide a resistance to the translational movement of the foot bar support assembly 470 411 by a user when the foot support arm 458 is engaged in slot 484. In this configuration, the bar stops the foot 411 can be used to provide additional resistances ex-experienced by a user during the execution of various movements, by being supported on carriage 410. Such a spring or other resistance element, such as an elastic cable, can be joined for this purpose. between carriage 410 and an appropriate feature at a different position on assembly 470 or on the foot bar 411 itself. For example, such a resistance element may be joined to connecting portion 154 of the leg portion of the bar p. plows the foot 152.

[00149] Again referring to Fig. 22, at the head end 404 of the reformer apparatus 400, there are two spaced apart arm cable lifters 412 to route the cables 414 of the carriage 410 to the end of the head 404 and then to the end loops of the arm cable 416. A separate perspective view of a lifter 412 is shown in Fig. 26 and an exploded view of the assembly is shown in Fig. 27. In this embodiment 400, the lifter 412 has no lower pulley configuration, such as used on lifter 112. Instead, preferably, a pulley and roller assembly 550 is inserted into the upper end of the lifter tube 552. This pulley and roller assembly includes a support shell 554 which laterally supports the separate vertical rollers 556 which rotate about parallel vertical axes secured to casing 554 and a pulley 558 mounted between and below rollers 556 on a horizontal axis 560. Each of the rollers and the pulley 558 is supported on its respective axis between pairs of ball bearings mounted in support housing 554.

[00150] Each of these lifter tubes 552 preferably includes two elongated vertically aligned openings 562 and 564 adjacent its upper end through which the arm cable 414 is passed. The pulley and roller assembly 550 slides onto the upper end of the lift tube 552 and is secured in place with two screws 566. When correctly positioned on the tube 552, the vertical rollers 556 are adjacent to the top opening 562. The pulley wheel 558 is centered between the two openings. The arm cable 414 is threaded through the upper opening and down around the pulley wheel 558 and out through the lower opening 564 to the carriage 410, as shown in Fig. 26.

[00151] An annular ring 568 is secured around the lower end portion of tube 552 via screws 570. This ring 568 is sized to fit loosely within the open upper end of boss 506 of head end extrusion 500, such as as shown in the exploded view in Fig. 28. A threaded expansion plug 572 is compressed into the lower end of the lifter tube 552. This threaded expansion plug 572 engages with the threaded hand pin 413 (Figures 23, 28). When the hand pin 413 is tightened, the hoist 412 is pulled down on the protrusion 506 to secure the hoist 412 in place. Hoist tube 552 can alternately be made of different lengths such that hoists 412 of different lengths can be selected for different users. Finally, the lower opening 564 in the lifter tube 552, in addition to passing the cable 414 therethrough, is used to detachably receive part of a bracket 700 (the example of which is shown in Fig. 31) for securing the lifter 412 below. from the head end of carriage 410 during storage, as shown in Fig. 39.

The carriage 410 is shown separately in Figures 31 and 32. A separate perspective view of the underside of part of the carriage 410 is shown separately in Fig. 31. An underside view of the upholstered upper platform 574 is shown separately in Fig. 32. Carriage 410 includes a generally rectangular frame 576, a rectangular support platform 578, the upholstered upper platform 574, and a pair of shoulder restraints 418. The frame 576 has vertical side support plates 580, a plate vertical head end plates 582 and a vertical spring support plate 584, both of which are attached to the side support plates 580. All of these plates 580, 582 and 584 are also attached to the underside of support platform 578 to provide a rigid structure of the car. The upper side of platform 578 includes shoulder restraint brackets 594 (see Fig. 34), as in the first embodiment of carriage 110 shown in Fig. 12.

[00153] The spring support plate 584 contains one end of each of the bias springs 420. The other end of each spring 420 can be releasably secured to the anchor pins 448 in order to vary the resilient bias, i.e. is, the spring tension between carriage 410 and end of foot 406 of frame 402. Side support plates 580 support platforms 574 and 578 and provide mounting flanges to support wheels 586 and guide wheels 588. Headend 582 has a pair of spaced apart openings 590 therethrough that act as guides for the arm cables 414 (not shown in Fig. 31). A pair of elongated notches 592 are also formed in the head end plate 582. These notches 592 are formed to receive the rods of the shoulder detents 418 when the shoulder detents 418 are removed and attached to the carriage 410 for storage, such as shown in Fig. 39.

[00154] Support platform 578 has a pair of shoulder retaining brackets 594 secured to its upper surface (as shown in Fig. 34). Each of these brackets 594 has a pair of vertical holes 596 and 598 therethrough. Vertical hole 596 has an oval cross-section that supports a cross pin 600 in shank 602 of shoulder detent 418. The operation of shoulder detent 418 is identical to that of shoulder detent 118 of the first embodiment 100, as shown in Fig. 15.

[00155] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of shoulder detent 418. Note that rod 600 is displaced from the axial axis through shoulder detent 418. Referring now to Fig. 34, a partial top view of the car top deck 410. Each of the shoulder restraints supports designs and is flush with the top of the top deck 574. Inner holes 598 are circular in cross section. Thus, when the rods 600 of the shoulder detents 418 are placed in these holes 598, the shoulder detents 418 cannot rotate, as was the case in the first embodiment 100 described above and shown with reference to Fig. 15. when one or both of the shoulder detents 418 meet in the outer holes 596, they can be urged towards the end of the foot 406, exactly as described with reference to Fig. 15 in the first embodiment 100.

[00156] In this modality of the reformer 400, not only does a user have the option of rotating the shoulder restraints 418 by inserting them into the holes 596 to accommodate different shoulder widths, but also one or both of the shoulder restraints 418 can be inserted on inner holes 598 to provide additional width adjustment. If both shoulder detents 418 meet in internal holes 598, then no adjustment of arm cables 414 can be made. This is called a holding position. However, if one or both of the shoulder detents 418 are placed in the outer holes 596, then adjustment of the arm cables 414 can be done with this shoulder detent in an outer hole 596.

[00157] A partial perspective view of the underside of carriage 410 removed from reformer 400 is shown in Fig. 35. In this view, springs 420 are shown attached to spring support plate 584. An exemplary arm cable 414 is shown. threaded through guide hole 590 and cable retraction mechanism 610.

[00158] A bottom plan view of an end portion of the carriage head 410 is shown in Figures 36 and 37. These two views illustrate the configuration and operation of the cable retraction mechanism 610 in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention. Arm cables 414 are not shown in this view for clarity. The cable retraction mechanism 610 includes, for each cable 414, a spring-loaded cable spool 612 that is mounted below the support plate 578 for rotation about a horizontal axis and supported from the frame side support plate. of carriage 580. Cable spool 612 has a coil spring portion 614 and cable support portion 616. One end of cable 414 (not shown) is secured and wrapped around cable support portion 616 of the spool. 612. As shown in Figures 35, 36 and 37, the two spools 612 of the cable retract mechanism 610 are rotatably mounted side-by-side below the underside surface of platform 578.

[00159] The coil spring portion 614 is bolted to or integral with the cable support portion 616 and preferably contains a coil spring (not shown) that provides an extraction preload tension on the cable 414 when the its end is secured to the cable support portion 616 of the reel 612. The retract assembly 610 also includes a spring loaded cable clamp assembly 618 secured to the support platform 578 that is operatively coupled to a linkage of the actuator 620 , which is, in turn, actuated by any of the shoulder detents 418, when installed in the appropriate hole 596.

[00160] Actuator connection 620 is loaded onto an elongated flat plate 622 that is secured to support plate 578 through fasteners 624 and traverses the two side support plates 580 directly below shoulder detents 418 and over holes 596 and 598. Each end of the flat plate 622 has an elongated opening 626 in line with a hole 596, and a circular opening 628 in line with the hole 598. link 622. Each T-shaped link 630 pivots in the plane of support plate 578 about the center of head 632 of link 630 on a pin 634 which secures link 630 to plate 622. One end 636 of head 632 of each of the links 630 is positioned to mate with a shoulder detent rod 600 418 inserted into hole 596. The other end 638 of the head 632 of the T-shaped link 630 couples with a corresponding end 638 of the other link 630. The ends 638 of the twolinks 630 are also preferably coupled by a coil spring 640. Each T-shaped link 630 includes an elongated leg 642. The end of that elongated leg 642 is adjacent to one of the clamp assemblies 618.

[00161] The clamp assembly 618 comprises a pair of clamp elements 650, the outermost of which is secured to the support plate 578 by two fasteners 652 and 654. The inner clamp element 650 is rotatably secured to the plate of support 578 by a fastener 652 in a laterally spaced relationship to the fixed member 650. Each clamp element has a handle portion 656 of the handle and an opposite elongated arm portion 658. The arm portion 658 of the inner clamp element 650 is positioned adjacent leg 642 of link 630. A coil spring 660 secures handle portion 656 of inner clamp element 650 to fixed outer clamp element 650 such that handle portion of inner clamp element 650 is urged towards the handle portion of the fixed outer clamp element. A flat plate 662 is optionally secured over the clamp elements 650 in each set 618 between the clamp 652 and the clamp element 650. Finally, a pair of cable guides 664 is preferably secured to the support plate 578 and positioned between the link assembly 620 and spool 612 such that cable 414 must pass through hole 590 in head end plate 582, through cable guide 664, between clamp elements 650, through another guide of rope 664, to the rope retract spool 612, as shown in Fig. 35.

[00162] The retraction assembly 610 is shown in a locked condition of the cable in Fig. 36. In Fig. 37, the assembly 610 is shown in an unlocked condition, in which one of the shoulder detents 418, (the one on the left in Fig. 37) has been pushed toward the foot end of reformer frame 402. In this view of Fig. 37, rod 600 of left shoulder detent 418 lifts end 636 of link 630. 638 of lead 630 turn down, clockwise. At the same time, leg 642 must also rotate clockwise, rotating arm portion 658 of inner clamp element 650 counterclockwise. This action releases the cable from the arm 414 from the clamp elements 650 and allows the tension on the left cable reel to be felt in the cable 414.

[00163] At the same time, the other link 630 is caused to rotate counterclockwise around its pin 632, which, in turn, causes its leg 642 to advance against the arm portion 658 of the element. of inner clamp 650 of the other clamp assembly 618, thereby rotating inner clamp element 650 clockwise. This clockwise rotation of the inner clamp element 650 decouples the clamp element 650 from the other cable from the arm 414, in such a way that the tension on the right cable spool 612 pulls the other cable 414. that pushing any of the shoulder detents 418 that is in an outer hole 596 will cause the same result: a release of both clamp assemblies 618 on both arm cables 414, allowing a user to independently adjust the length of each cable.

[00164] Again, a retrofit arm cable retraction mechanism kit for a conventional reformer is also provided in accordance with the present invention for this alternative 610 retraction system. Such kit includes two 612 retract spools and mounting hardware, two 618 clamp sets, 630 link set, 418 replacement shoulder detents, two 594 shoulder detent brackets, and appropriate installation instructions.

[00165] In the cart of the reformer 410 according to the present invention, an adjustable headrest can be integrated into the frame. A bottom view of the upholstered upper support platform 574 is shown in Fig. 32. The rigid base of the upper support plate has two separate sections 672 and 674 spaced apart and joined by a hinge 676. Each section 672 and 674 can be made of plastic , composite material or wood. Section 672 also has openings 678 for receiving shoulder retaining brackets 594 therethrough, as described above. Sections 672 and 674 are spaced approximately % of an inch apart so as to provide space for folding the head end portion of the upholstered platform 574, as shown with reference to the first embodiment in Figures 19-21. However, in this reformer 400, there is no cam block 364. Instead, as shown in Fig. 32, an elongated adjustment lever 680 is attached to the underside of the head end section 674. This lever 680 it rotates about a fastener 682 secured to the underside of the head end section 674. Lever 680 has an end 684 bent 90 degrees to the plane of platform 574. This bent end 684 protrudes through a slot 686 in the support plate 578, as shown in Fig. 38. Curved end 684 has a series of notches 688 for adjusting the height of head end section 674. The opposite end of lever 680 may have a knob 690 secured to the same to rotate lever 680 out of and in engagement of notches 688 with a mating flange of head end support plate 582.

[00166] The reformer 400 of the present invention can be configured to be easily stacked for stacked storage. Each of the feet 429 includes recess portions designed to fit the outer corner edge of an underlying reformer 400. The bottom of each foot 429 that facilitates stacking one apparatus on top of the other has a recess portion. Stacking is facilitated by coupling the outer corners of the head end of the reformer and the outer corners of the vertical platform at the end of the reformer foot to the recess portions in each foot, as shown in Fig. 39. When two or more reformers 400 are stacked in this manner, they are firmly held sideways in place by these 429 feet.

[00167] In addition, the lifters 412 are removed from the end of the head 404 and attached to one of the supports 700 (see Fig. 31 and Fig. 40 below). Each of the shoulder detents 418 is removed and the rods 600 are passed through the shoulder lock slot openings 592, rotated 90 degrees so that the pins 602 engage the head end support plate 582.

[00168] An underside perspective view of the carriage head end 410 is shown in Fig. 40, which shows the lifters 412 and shoulder detents 418 spaced apart from these retaining features. These retaining features are the notches 592 in the head end plate 582 and the spring holders 700. These spring holders 700 are resiliently secured within the lower openings 564 to hold and retain the lifter 412 in place without damage or then damage the outer casing of the 412 lifter.

[00169] When the lifters 412 and the shoulder restraints 418 are mounted below the carriage 410, as shown in Figures 39 and 40, the carriage 410 can be positioned entirely at the head end of the frame 402, and a conversion pad for optional mat 702 can be placed between carriage 410 and vertical platform 423 to provide an entirely flat mat surface. This conveyor conversion places the 410 carriage in a stationary position at the end of the 404 head and presents the user with a completely flat surface.

[00170] The reformer 400 can also be optionally configured with a trapeze tower assembly 800 as shown in Fig. 41. The tower assembly 800 basically comprises a U-shaped tower 802, a trapeze overhang 804 and a pair of turret sockets 806. The turret sockets 806 are clamped between the rail members 408 and the head end extrusion 500 of the head end 404 and form an integral part of the 402 frame. The lower ends of the 802 turret fit inside sockets 806 and penetrate sockets 806, as shown in more detail in Fig. 43.

[00171] The turret 802 is preferably a tubular metal body, such as aluminum or steel, and can be bent into shape as shown in Fig. 41, or can be formed from straight sections joined by conventional elbows to 90 degrees. The turret 802 has a plurality of spaced tension bolts 808 to join the springs, straps or pulleys 810 as may be needed for particular exercises. Alternatively, the vertical legs of the tower 802 may have a vertical groove and adjustable clamp fittings provided therein for anchoring springs, pulleys 810 or tensioner bolts 808 thereto.

[00172] In addition, the lifters 412 can be used or replaced with a set of U-shaped connectors 818 so that a pulley 810 can be attached thereto. This set of U-shaped connectors 818 fits into the protrusion 506 on the head end extrusion 500 and is screwed into place as shown in Fig. 44 or, alternatively, can be configured to be secured with the same dowel. 413, which is used to secure the lifter 412 in place, as shown in Fig. 28. When the connector assembly 818 is used in place of the lifter 412, a second pulley 810 (not shown) can then be attached to the assembly 818 and be used as a lower arm cable guide that directs carriage arm cable 410 to the lower pulley and through the upper pulley 810 to the hand loop, as in embodiments 100 and 400 shown in Figures 1 and 22.

[00173] A tower socket 806 is shown mounted on the head end of one of the side rail members 408 in Fig. 42. The tower socket 806 is a metal extrusion, preferably aluminum, which has a portion of tube 820 and an axially extending radial flange portion 822. The flange portion 822 has a thickened edge 824 and a plate portion 826 that is molded identically to fit against the end plate 407 of the end extrusion. head 500 and against the end of side rail member 408. Locating pins 409 orient flange portion 822 with respect to rail member 408 and end plate 407, and nuts (not shown) are used on bolts 828 to securely attach the head end 404 and socket 806 to the side rail member 408.

[00174] Fig. 43 is an exploded view of an assembled turret 802 secured to a socket 806. Similar to that described above with reference to the lifters 412 which are attached to the lugs 506, the lower end of the turret 802 is fitted to a 830 threaded expansion plug. An 832 hand pin that extends into the bottom of tube portion 820 is threaded into plug 830. When tightened, expansion plug 830 drags the lower end of turret 802 down firmly into socket 806 , to complete the assembly of tower 800 to structure 402.

[00175] Alternatively, the lower ends 850 of a tower 820 can be tapered and molded to fit snugly within the protrusions 506 on the head end extrusion 500, as shown in the perspective view of this alternative in Fig. 45. This construction should avoid the need for sockets of turret 806. In such an alternative, shown in Fig. 45, a hand pin 832 would again be used to securely drive the lower ends 850 of turret 820 to protrusions 506, likewise that the lifters 412 would be attached to the protrusions 506 in the manner described above. Naturally, in such an alternative configuration, the lifters 412 are not used. Instead, each of the arm cables 414 would be joined to the pulley 810.

[00176] Again with reference to Fig. 46, an exemplary handle end portion 880 of an arm cable 114 414 is shown attached to a hand strap 900. The end portion 880 is pivoted back on itself to form a flexible eye 882. The free end 884 of the end portion 880 is sewn or otherwise permanently attached to the end portion 880 to form the eye 882. This eye 882 replaces the need for a conventional metal or plastic snap clamp for connection. to a conventional hand strap.

The hand strap 900 has a loop strap portion 902 sewn to the ends of a short length of the arm cable material to form a flex cable ring 904 joined to the strap portion 902. The flex cable ring 904 is attached to eye 882 by passing ring 904 over eye 882 and then threading strap portion 902 through ring 904. The result is retention of hand strap 900 to arm cable 114, 414 in essentially a non-square configuration, as shown in Fig. 46. The arm cables 114, 414 with the hand strap 900 attached in this way can be used with any conventional reformer or other exercise apparatus that uses arm/foot cables, as well as with the reformer 100 , 400 of the present invention.

[00178] A hand strap 910 is shown in Fig. 47 which has a tubular strap 912. This strap 910 can be used in place of the hand strap 900. Again, the hand strap 910 preferably has a flexible cable ring 904, as described above, to secure the handstrap 910 to the end portion 880. Alternatively, a standard handstrap can be used which includes a D-shaped metal ring secured to the strap. 910 in place of the 904 cable ring.

[00179] Reformer 100 or 400 can be configured with a 950 jump plate as shown in Fig. 48. This 950 jump plate is a generally rectangular plate structure with two parallel pins 952 that fit into the inserts 510 in the bosses 506 at the end of the foot 106, 406. Each of these pins 952 has a rectangular or square cross-sectional shape, as shown in the partial sectional view of Fig. 49.

[00180] Each pin 952 includes a pair of spaced leaf springs 954 which urge pin 952 counterclockwise to insert 510 so that there is a preload on jump plate 950 effectively away from carriage 110, 410 This preload prevents the jump plate from shaking and rotating in response to the force applied by the user to the jump plate during an exercise. This configuration gives a firm, solid feel to the jump plate user as it is installed and used.

[00181] In Fig. 48, it can be seen that the foot bar 411 is shown positioned adjacent to the head end 404 of the frame 402. In addition, the support assemblies 470 of the foot bar 411 are shown in the rotatable position. free, in which the pins 461 are coupled to the notches 484, as described with reference to Figures 29 and 30. When the foot bar 411 is so positioned to be moved between the head and foot ends 404 and 406 of the frame 402, an elastic resistance member 956 can be secured to the connecting portions 154 of the leg portions 156 of the foot bar 411 and be stretched around the head end 404 of the frame 402, as shown in Fig. 48. With the foot bar 411 configured in this manner, a user may sit or lie down on the cart 410, grasp the leg portions 156 of the foot bar 411, and pull the foot bar 411 toward the cart 410 against the resistance provided by resistance element 95 6.

[00182] Alternatively, the user can rotate the foot bar 411 to the vertical position, lower the foot bar 411 to engage the pins 461 in the notches 482, which locks each support assembly 470 in place on the rail members 408 Then, the user can pull the carriage 410 towards the end of the head 404 with his arms. It is to be understood that resistance element 956 may consist of two separate elements, each separately connected to the end of head 404, or may be a single resistance element as illustrated in Fig. 48. In addition to the above description applies equally well to the first embodiment of the reformer apparatus 100 described above with reference to Figures 1-21.

[00183] These are just exemplary modalities and variations. A reforming exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention may incorporate one or more or any of the features described herein. Other modifications will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art. As a simple example, any of the coil springs shown in the figures can be replaced by stretchable elastic elements and vice versa. As another example, the retaining characteristics for accommodating the lifters 412 and the shoulder retainers in storage positions below the top surface of the reformer carriage 410 may differ from the clamps 700 and notches 592. The lifters 412 may fit into corresponding openings. (not shown) on plate 582 or on pins protruding from plate 582. Reformers 100, 400 can be configured with short legs, as shown in Fig. 48, or with longer legs, as shown at least in Figures 1 and 22. Accordingly, all such alternatives, variations and modifications lend themselves to falling within the scope of, and as defined by, the following claims.

Claims (18)

1. Foot bar assembly for use in a reformer exercise apparatus (100, 400) having a rectangular frame (102, 402) with parallel side portions (108, 408), a head end (104, 404) and a foot end (106, 406), each side portion (108, 408) having an outwardly opening slot (136, 436) that extends along at least part of the side portion (108, 408), the assembly foot bar comprising: a U-shaped foot bar (111, 411) sized to traverse parallel side portions (108, 408) of a reforming exercise apparatus, the foot bar (111, 411) having a first end and a second end (154); and a pair of toe bar support assemblies (170, 470), wherein each toe bar support assembly (170, 470) comprises: - an elongated slide plate (172, 204, 538) configured to be supported movably by an outwardly opening slot (136, 436) of one of the side portions (108, 408) of the reforming exercise apparatus; - a hook plate (174, 474) parallel to the slide plate (172, 204, 538) secured to the slide plate (172, 204, 538); and - a foot bar support arm (158, 458) rotatably secured to the hook plate (174, 474) and slidably secured parallel to the hook plate (174, 474) and having an end (156, 474) 456) secured to one of the first and second ends (154) of the foot bar (111, 411); characterized in that the foot bar assembly (111, 411) further comprises: a locking member (200, 530) operatively coupled to the hook plate (174, 474) to allow movement of the slide plate (172, 204, 538) along the outwardly opening slot (136, 436) only when the foot bar support arm (158, 458) is in a predetermined position with respect to the hook plate (174, 474) and prevents movement of the slide plate (172, 204, 538) along the outwardly opening slot (136, 436) when the foot bar support arm (158, 458) is in a position other than the predetermined position. 2. Foot bar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide plate (172, 204, 538) is an elongated member having opposite ends, each end carrying a roller (208, 540) for mounting on an outwardly opening groove bottom surface (136, 436). 3. Foot bar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the slide plate (172, 204, 538) has at least one roller (208, 540) for mounting against a vertical surface of the side portion ( 108, 408) into the outwardly opening slot (136, 436). 4. Foot bar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that said one end is a lower end portion of the foot bar support arm (158, 458). 5. Foot bar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the foot bar support arm (158, 458) has an upper end (16, 460) including an engagement member (161, 461) to selectively engage a discrete hook plate feature (174, 474). 6. Foot bar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the hook plate (174, 474) has a top edge, the top edge having a plurality of discrete features (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484) at spaced locations to selectively engage a portion (160, 460) of the footbar support arm (158, 458). 7. Foot bar assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the discrete feature (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484) is a groove. 8. Foot bar assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the hook plate (174, 474) includes an L-shaped slot for receiving the engagement member (161, 461). 9. Foot bar assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the part (160, 460) of the foot bar support arm (158, 458) includes a pin (161, 461) for engaging detachably one of the discrete resources (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484). 10. Foot bar assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the foot bar support arm (158, 458) has an upper end (160, 460) that includes an engagement member (161 , 461) to selectively engage each of the discrete features (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484), the foot bar support arm (158, 458) cooperating with one of the discrete features (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484) to allow movement of the slide plate (172, 204, 538) in the outwardly opening slot (136, 436). 11. Foot bar support assembly (170, 470) on a reformer exercise apparatus (100, 400) having a rectangular frame (102, 402) supporting a carriage (110, 410) for movement between a head end ( 104, 404) and a foot end (106, 406) of the frame (102, 402) on spaced apart and parallel side rail portions (108, 408) of the frame (102, 402), and a foot bar (111, 411) supported by the frame (102, 402), wherein the side rail portions of the frame (108) each have an outwardly opening slot (136, 436) therein, said bar support assembly stand (170, 471) movably carried by each of the outwardly opening slots (136, 436) to support one end of the foot bar (154), each foot bar support assembly (170, 470 ) comprising: an elongated flat slide plate (172, 204, 538) movably supported within the outwardly opening slot (136, 436) for movement along the r. outward opening slot (136, 436); and a hook plate (174, 474) outside the outwardly opening slot (136, 436) fixed parallel to the slide plate (172, 204, 538), characterized in that the hook plate (174, 474) has a top edge defining a plurality of discrete features (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484) therein; and each toe bar support assembly (170, 470) further comprises: - a toe bar support arm (158, 458) having an end (156, 456) secured to an end (154) of the toe bar and a rotatable portion and slidably attached to the hook plate (174, 474) and an upper end (160, 460) selectively engaged with one of the discrete features (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478 , 480, 482, 484) to position the foot bar (111, 411) at predetermined angles relative to the frame (102, 402); and - a locking member (200, 530) connected to the hook plate (174, 474) operable to allow movement of the slide plate (172, 204, 538) within the outwardly opening slot (136, 436) only when the foot bar support arm (158, 458) is in a predetermined position with respect to the hook plate (174, 474) and prevents movement of the slide plate (172, 204, 538) within the groove which opens outward (136, 436) when the foot bar support arm (158, 458) is in a position other than the predetermined position. 12. Foot bar support assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the slide plate (172, 204, 538) is an elongated member having opposite ends, each end carrying a roller (206, 536) to mount on an outwardly opening slot bottom surface (136, 436). 13. Foot bar support assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the slide plate (172, 204, 538) has at least one roller (208, 540) for mounting against a side rail surface upright in the outwardly opening slot (136, 436). 14. Foot bar support assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the foot bar support arm (158, 458) has a part that cooperates with a locking member to secure the sliding plate (172, 204, 538) at predetermined positions along the outwardly opening slot (136, 436). 15. Foot bar support assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the hook plate (174, 474) has a top edge, the top edge having a plurality of discrete features (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484) at spaced locations to selectively engage a portion (160, 460) of the footbar support arm (158, 458). 16. Foot bar support assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that a portion of the foot bar support arm (158, 458) engages the locking member (200, 530) when the foot bar support arm (158, 458) engages a predetermined feature of the discrete features (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484) to allow the foot bar assembly to foot support (170, 436) moves along the outwardly opening slot (136, 436). 17. Foot bar support assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the hook plate (174, 474) has an L-shaped slot for receiving the engagement member (161, 461). 18. Foot bar support assembly according to claim 15, characterized in that the foot bar support arm portion (158, 458) includes a pin (161, 461) for detachably engaging one of the discrete resources (176, 178, 180, 182, 184, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484).

Images