EP2731684B1 - Reformer exercise apparatus - Google Patents
Reformer exercise apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2731684B1 EP2731684B1 EP11869281.3A EP11869281A EP2731684B1 EP 2731684 B1 EP2731684 B1 EP 2731684B1 EP 11869281 A EP11869281 A EP 11869281A EP 2731684 B1 EP2731684 B1 EP 2731684B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- wall
- foot
- carriage
- support
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/023—Wound springs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/20—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements using rollers, wheels, castors or the like, e.g. gliding means, to be moved over the floor or other surface, e.g. guide tracks, during exercising
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00058—Mechanical means for varying the resistance
- A63B21/00065—Mechanical means for varying the resistance by increasing or reducing the number of resistance units
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/04—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters attached to static foundation, e.g. a user
- A63B21/0407—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus
- A63B21/0428—Anchored at two end points, e.g. installed within an apparatus the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/15—Arrangements for force transmissions
- A63B21/151—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
- A63B21/154—Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains using special pulley-assemblies
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
- A63B21/4043—Free movement, i.e. the only restriction coming from the resistance
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
- A63B22/0087—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with a seat or torso support moving during the exercise, e.g. reformers
- A63B22/0089—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with a seat or torso support moving during the exercise, e.g. reformers a counterforce being provided to the support
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/02—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters
- A63B21/055—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using resilient force-resisters extension element type
- A63B21/0552—Elastic ropes or bands
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
- A63B21/4034—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by feet
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4033—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms
- A63B21/4035—Handles, pedals, bars or platforms for operation by hand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0242—Lying down
- A63B2208/0247—Lying down with legs in a kneeled 90/90 position
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2210/00—Space saving
- A63B2210/50—Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/09—Adjustable dimensions
Definitions
- a reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is defined in appended claim 1.
- the apparatus includes a generally rectangular frame having a pair of parallel spaced side rail portions, a head end portion, and a foot end portion.
- a movable carriage is provided that is supported by the side rail portions for movement of the carriage between the head and foot end portions.
- a bias member such as one or more coil springs, is connected between the carriage and the foot end portion of the frame for biasing the carriage toward the foot end of the frame.
- a foot support member such as a foot bar is supported by the side rail portions of the frame.
- FIG. 3 A sectional view of a side rail member 108 is shown in Fig. 3 .
- Each rail member 108 is preferably an aluminum extrusion having an identical cross sectional shape.
- the rail member 108 has an outer upright wall 122 that merges into a horizontal top wall 124 and then into a downwardly slanted inner wall 126 and then into a vertical skirt portion 128 .
- the end members 104 and 106 have the same exterior shape, but differ internally from the side rail members 108 .
- each side rail member 108 has a vertical mid wall 130 between the slanted inner wall 126 and the upright outer wall 122 .
- the mid wall 130 has an outwardly facing upper longitudinally extending boss 132 and a lower outwardly facing longitudinally extending boss 134 parallel to the upper boss 132 .
- This slot 136 receives and carries one of the foot bar support assemblies therein as will be described in detail below.
- an upper horizontal support wall 138 Between the mid wall 130 and the slanted inner wall 126 is an upper horizontal support wall 138 .
- Each corner of the frame 102 formed by the ends 104 and 106 , includes curved outer upright wall 122 , top wall 124 and inwardly slanted inner wall 126 .
- inner wall 126 terminates in an upright lower skirt portion 128 .
- the foot end 106 also includes two spaced apart tubular foot support bosses 146 formed therein. These foot support bosses 146 are used to support a flat, generally rectangular foot platform (not shown) often called a "jump board". This jump board is a rectangular plate that has two spaced parallel support posts that removably fit into the foot support bosses 146 .
- a user When lifted in this manner, a user can then rotate the foot bar 111 about the pivot bolt 186 to a different one of the slots 176 , 178 , 180 , 182 or 184 to reposition the foot bar 111 .
- the pin 161 slides down within one of the slots to fix the foot bar 111 in position.
- the end slots or notches 176 and 184 have special significance in this embodiment 100 .
- the foot bar 111 When the foot bar 111 has both its pins 161 positioned in slots 176 , the foot bar 111 is rotationally positioned below the upper surface of the frame 102 and beyond the foot end of the frame 102 . In this position, the foot bar 111 may be used as a handle to lift the foot end of the reformer 100 .
- the terminal end of the slot 176 is hooked upward, as can be seen in Fig. 6 , to firmly engage with the pin 161 at the closed end of the slot 176 .
- Latch arm 200 is an elongated bar that has one end rotatably fastened to the inside face of the hook plate 174 .
- the latch arm 200 can rotate in a plane parallel to the inside surface of the hook plate 174.
- the other end of the latch arm 200 has a latch portion 202 that engages a complementary shaped indexing feature in the rail member 108 in order to latch the assembly 170 at a selected position along the rail member 108 .
- the latch arm 200 is spring biased upward via spring member 201 to maintain the latch portion 202 of the latch arm 200 engaged with the indexing feature of the index rail 144 in the rail member 108 .
- the slide plate 204 is supported in the slot 136 by front and rear support rollers 206 that roll along the bottom surface of the slot 136 .
- a guide roller 208 that rotates about a vertical axis through the slide plate 204 is mounted preferably adjacent to each support roller 206 .
- the guide rollers 208 roll along inner side surfaces of the slot 136 in the rail member 108 to guide the support assembly 170 , and thus the foot bar 111 , as it is translated (i.e., rolled) fore and aft along the rail members 108 .
- FIG. 9 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 the line 9-9 of Fig. 1 .
- This view shows the foot support assembly 170 carried within the rail member 108 as well as the wheeled support arrangement for the carriage 110 .
- the generally rectangular carriage 110 has four support wheels 210 , one adjacent each corner, and at least two carriage guide wheels 212 positioned preferably along one side of the carriage 110 that also ride in the space between the mid wall 130 , the inner slanted wall 126 , the skirt portion 128 and the bottom portion 140 of the mid wall 130 of the rail member 108 .
- the support wheels 210 roll on the bottom portion 140 .
- the upper end 228 of the riser tubular body 224 carries a cylindrical roller head 230
- This roller head 230 includes a tubular body 232 that fits into or is integrally formed with the body 224 .
- the tubular body 232 has an elongated aperture 234 through its side.
- a pair of vertically aligned guide rollers 236 are mounted to the head 230 on both sides of the aperture 234 .
- Mounted within and transversely across the tubular body 232 behind the aperture 234 is a horizontal cord pulley wheel or roller 238 .
- FIG. 13 and 14 A bottom plan view of a head end portion of the carriage 110 is shown in Figs. 13 and 14 . These two views illustrate the configuration of the cord retraction mechanism 280 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the arm cords 114 are not shown in this view for clarity.
- the cord retraction mechanism 280 includes, for each cord 114 , a spring biased reel housing 282 fastened to the support plate 252 , a spring biased cord reel 284 rotatably carried in the housing 282 , and a toothed plate latch arm 286 rotatably fastened to the underside surface of the support plate 252 adjacent to the reel housing 282 .
- a retrofit arm cord retraction mechanism kit for a conventional reformer is also envisioned in accordance with the present disclosure.
- a kit would include appropriate installation instructions, two reel housings 282 with enclosed arm cord reels 284 , a pair of latch arms 286 , replacement shoulder stops 118 , two shoulder stop supports 266 , and a pair of pivot pins 288 for fastening the latch arms 286 to the carriage.
- Figs. 16 and 17 illustrate an alternative cord retraction mechanism 300 mounted beneath the carriage 110 in accordance with the present disclosure.
- the arm cords 114 again are not shown in this view for clarity.
- the cord retraction mechanism 300 includes, for each cord 114 , a spring biased cord reel 302 that is mounted beneath the support plate 252 for rotation, in this embodiment, about a horizontal axle 304 supported from the support plate 252 between a bracket 306 and the carriage frame side support plate 258 .
- the cord reel 302 has a band brake portion 308 and a cord support portion 310 .
- One end of the cord 114 (not shown) is fastened to and wrapped around the cord support portion 310 of the reel 302 .
- the two reels 302 of the cord retraction mechanism 300 are rotatably mounted side by side beneath the underside surface of the platform 252 .
- each reel 302 Around the band brake portion 308 of each reel 302 is wrapped a cable 312 that has one end fastened to the support plate 252 and the other end fastened to one end 318 of a pair of crossed lever arms 314 .
- the other end 320 of each lever arm 314 is positioned to engage the bottom end 276 of the stem 272 of one of the shoulder stops 118 as in the previously described embodiment.
- the two lever arms 314 are preferably separate members each fastened for rotation about a separate pivot pin 322 and are crossed and rotatably fastened together in scissor fashion at a common pin 324 so that they can rotate about the pins 322 and 324 in a plane parallel to the underside surface of support platform 252 .
- an adjustable headrest may be integrated into the structure.
- a partial bottom view of the head end of this alternative embodiment of the carriage 110 is shown in Fig. 18 , 19 , 20 and 21 .
- the support plate 252 on top of the carriage frame 250 , has a trapezoidal shaped extension portion 350 that extends toward the head end of the frame 102 .
- the padded upper plate 254 has the same overall shape as in the first embodiment shown in Fig. 12 , but is separated into a rectangular portion 352 and a head rest portion 354 by a transverse hinge 356 beneath the padding near the shoulder stops 118.
- Fig. 19 shows the headrest portion 354 in a down 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.
- cam block 364 provides three stable positions.
- the head rest adjustment rod (not numbered) is shown with two handle ends rather than only one as in Figs. 18-21 .
- Other configurations also are well within the scope of this disclosure.
- FIG. 22 A perspective view of another embodiment of a reformer exercise apparatus 400 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in Fig. 22 .
- the apparatus 400 has a generally rectangular frame 402 with a head end 404 and a foot end 406 .
- the ends 404 and 406 are spaced apart by a pair of rail members 408 .
- a carriage 410 is movably supported on the rail members 408 for movement back and forth between the ends 404 and 406 of the frame 402 .
- Both the head and foot ends 404 and 406 have outer end plates 407 that mate with and are attached to the side rail members 408 via alignment pins 409 and threaded connections (not shown).
- the head end 404 extrusion 500 further includes vertical tubular bosses 506 adjacent the curved corners for receiving the risers 412 .
- a pair of threaded hand bolts 413 inserted from beneath secure the risers 412 into the bosses 506 .
- a standing platform 415 is fastened over and onto the stepped support plate 421 .
- each curved end of the extrusion 500 Extending downward from each curved end of the extrusion 500 is a complementary shaped upright support leg 429 .
- These support legs 429 are used to place the ends 404 and 406 of the frame 402 on a planar surface such as a floor.
- the support legs 429 may be interchanged with longer or shorter support legs to change the height of the apparatus 400 above a floor support surface.
- a grip strip 417 is fastened to the outer lower edge of the outer wall 407 of the extrusion 500 to provide a rounded hand gripping edge for ease of carrying the head end of the reformer 400.
- Each of these pins 448 preferably tapers upward and inward from its base to a waist at a first angle from the pin's central axis and then outward at a second angle greater than the first angle so that the free end of a spring placed on the pin 448 , when under tension, is securely held at the waist of the pin 448 .
- This second angle is preferably at least twice that of the first angle.
- one version of the outer portion 419 may be either powder coated for durability and/or painted in selectable colors while the inner portion 417 is powder coated or otherwise finished for durability, since it is not in view.
- the inner portion 417 since it also contains the rolling surfaces and index rail feature for the foot bar 411 , may be separated and replaced if required due to wear.
- the rail member 408 has an outer upright wall 422 that merges into a horizontal top wall 424 and then into a downwardly slanted inner wall 426 and then into a vertical skirt portion 428 .
- the end members 404 and 406 have the same exterior shape, but differ internally from the side rail members 408 .
- each side rail member 408 has a vertical mid wall 430 between the slanted inner wall 426 and the upright outer wall 422 .
- the mid wall 430 has an outwardly facing upper longitudinally extending boss 432 and a lower outwardly facing longitudinally extending boss 434 parallel to the upper boss 432 .
- This slot 436 receives and carries one of the foot bar support assemblies therein as will be described in detail below.
- an upper horizontal support wall 438 is Between the mid wall 430 and the slanted inner wall 426 .
- the support wall 438 extends the length of the rail member 408 and provides tortional rigidity to the structure of the rail member 408 . Furthermore, this support wall 438 facilitates joinder between the inner and outer extrusion portions 417 and 419 .
- a horizontal bottom portion 440 of the mid wall 430 acts as a support for one set of wheels supporting the carriage 410 .
- the upper wall 438 serves also as an upper guide for the carriage support wheels on the rail members 408 .
- the mid wall 430 between upper and lower walls 438 and 440 and the skirt portion 428 serves as a lateral guide for the carriage 410 .
- the upper boss 432 preferably has a vertical portion 442 that extends downward parallel to the mid wall 430 . This vertical portion 442 is used to provide lateral support for the foot support assembly described more fully below.
- the lower boss 434 may include a downwardly extending index rail 444 .
- the indexing rail 444 may be installed along the length of the rail member 408 by a separate, replaceable metal indexing rail carried in the boss 434 .
- the foot support assembly of reformer 400 shown in Fig. 22 includes a left foot bar support assembly 470 , the foot bar 411 , and a right foot bar support assembly 470 .
- Figs 29 and 30 are reverse perspective views of a right one of the foot bar support assemblies 470 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- Each leg 152 of the foot bar 411 is supported by one of the foot bar support assemblies 470 .
- the assembly 470 includes the foot bar support arm 458 to which the foot bar 411 (not shown in Figs 29 and 30 ) is attached, a slide portion 472 that rides in the slot 436 in the side rail member 408 , and a hook plate 474 which is rigidly fastened to the slide portion 472 .
- This hook plate 474 has a series of features, preferably slots or notches 476 , 478 , 480, 482 and 484 spaced along the upper edge of the hook plate 474 .
- the forward most 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 .
- the arm 458 is rotated about the bolt 486 clockwise until the pin 461 engages a protruding surface 492 at the forward end (toward head end 404 ) of the hook plate 474 .
- a shoulder 494 on the support arm 458 engages with a latch pin 496 that projects through a slot 498 in the hook plate 474 .
- the latch pin 496 projects through the hook plate 474 from a latch arm 530 best seen in Fig. 30 .
- Latch arm 530 is an elongated bar that has one end rotatably fastened to the inside face of the hook plate 474 .
- the latch arm 530 can rotate in a plane parallel to the inside surface of the hook plate 474 .
- the other end of the latch arm 530 has an upwardly hooked latch portion 532 that engages a complementary shaped indexing feature in the rail member 408 in order to latch the assembly 470 at a selected position along the rail member 408 .
- the latch arm 530 is spring biased upward via flat spring member 534 to maintain the latch portion 532 of the latch arm 530 engaged with the indexing feature of the index rail 444 in the rail member 408 .
- the latch pins 496 are also pushed downward, rotating the latch arm 530 and moving latch portion 532 out of engagement with the indexing feature of the index rail 444 in the rail member 408 .
- the foot bar 411 may be moved toward or away from the foot end 406 of the frame 402 via the rollers 536 . In fact, the foot bar 411 may be moved fully to the opposite end of the rail members 408 if desired.
- a low friction layer 546 of polymer sheet material (shown in Fig. 29 ) is affixed to the outer surface of the hook plate 474 between the hook plate 474 and the support arm 458 .
- This layer reduces any friction between the arm 458 and the plate during rotation of the foot bar 411 between the notches 476 , 478 , 480 482 and 484 .
- the low friction layer 546 may be applied to the facing surface of the arm 458 .
- a low friction layer 546 may optionally be applied to both of these facing surfaces.
- the plate 474 is preferably also provided with a hole 549 .
- This hole 549 can be used to store the pull pin 548 when not being used.
- this hole 549 may be used to attach an elastic or spring resistance member (not shown) between the carriage 410 and the foot bar 411 support plate 474 or between the foot end 404 and the support plate 474 .
- Such a resistance member can provide a resistance to translational movement of the foot bar 411 support assembly 470 by a user when the foot support arm 458 is engaged in slot 484 .
- Each of these riser tubes 552 preferably includes two vertically aligned elongated openings 562 and 564 adjacent its upper end through which the arm cord 414 is passed.
- the pulley and roller assembly 550 slides into upper end of the riser tube 552 and is fastened in place with two screws 566 .
- the vertical rollers 556 are alongside the upper opening 562 .
- the pulley wheel 558 is centered between the two openings.
- the arm cord 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 is shown in Fig. 26 .
- the lower opening 564 in the riser tube 552 besides passing the cord 414 therethrough, is used to receive part of a bracket 700 (an example of which is shown in Fig. 31 ) to removably hold the riser 412 beneath the head end of the carriage 410 during storage as is shown in Fig. 39 .
- the carriage 410 is separately shown in Figs. 31 and 32 .
- An underside separate perspective view of part of the carriage 410 is separately shown in Fig. 31 .
- An underside view of the upholstered upper platform 574 is separately shown in Fig. 32 .
- the carriage 410 includes a generally rectangular frame 576 , a rectangular support platform 578, the upholstered upper platform 574 , and a pair of shoulder stops 418 .
- the frame 576 has upright side support plates 580 , a vertical head end plate 582 and a vertical spring support plate 584 , both of which are fastened to the side support plates 580 . All of these plates 580 , 582 and 584 are also fastened to the underside of the support platform 578 to provide a rigid carriage structure.
- the upper side of the platform 578 includes shoulder stop supports 594 (See Fig. 34 ) as in the first embodiment of the carriage 110 shown in Fig. 12 .
- Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the shoulder stop 418 .
- the stem 600 is offset from the axial centerline through the shoulder stop 418 .
- Fig. 34 a partial upper view of the upper platform of the carriage 410 is shown.
- Each of the shoulder stop supports projects through and is flush with the top of the upper platform 574 .
- the inboard bores 598 are circular in cross section.
- shoulder stops 418 cannot rotate as was the case in the first embodiment 100 described above and shown with reference to Fig. 15 .
- shoulder stops 418 when one, or both, shoulder stops 418 are located in the outboard bores 596 , they can be tilted toward the foot end 406 just as described with reference to Fig. 15 in the first embodiment 100 .
- one or both shoulder stops 418 may be inserted in the inner bores 598 to provide further width adjustment. If both shoulder stops 418 are located in the inner bores 598 , then no adjustment of the arm cords 414 can be made. This is called the lockout position. However, if either one or both shoulder stops 418 are placed in the outer bores 596 , then adjustment of the arm cords 414 may be made with that shoulder stop in an outer bore 596 .
- FIG. 35 A partial perspective view of the bottom of the carriage 410 , removed from the reformer 400 , is shown in Fig. 35 .
- the springs 420 are shown attached to the spring support plate 584 .
- An exemplary arm cord 414 is shown threaded through the guide hole 590 and into the cord retraction mechanism 610 .
- the coil spring portion 614 is bolted to or integral with the cord support portion 616 and preferably carries within it a coil spring (not shown) that provides a takeup preload tension on the cord 414 when its end is fastened to the cord support portion 616 of the reel 612 .
- the retraction assembly 610 also includes a unique spring loaded cord clamp assembly 618 fastened to the support platform 578 that is operably coupled to an actuator linkage 620 , which is, in turn, actuated by either one of the shoulder stops 418 when installed in the appropriate bore 596 .
- the actuator linkage 620 is carried on an elongated flat plate 622 that is fastened to the support plate 578 via fasteners 624 and spans between the two side support plates 580 directly beneath the shoulder stops 418 and over the bores 596 and 598 .
- Each end of the flat plate 622 has an elongated opening 626 aligned with a bore 596 and a circular opening 628 aligned with the bore 598 .
- Pivotally carried side by side on the linkage plate 622 are a pair of T shaped links 630.
- Each T shaped link 630 pivots in the plane of the support plate 578 about the center of the head 632 of the link 630 on a pin 634 fastening the link 630 to the plate 622.
- a flat plate 662 is optionally fastened over the clamp members 650 in each assembly 618 between the fastener 652 and the clamp member 650 .
- a pair of cord guides 664 is preferably fastened to the support plate 578 and positioned between the link assembly 620 and the reel 612 such that the cord 414 must pass through the hole 590 in the head end plate 582, through a cord guide 664 , between the clamp members 650 , through another cord guide 664 , to the cord retraction reel 612 as is shown in Fig. 35 .
- an adjustable headrest may be integrated into the structure.
- 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 may be made of plastic, composite material or wood.
- the section 672 also has apertures 678 for receiving the shoulder stop supports 594 therethrough as above described.
- the sections 672 and 674 are spaced apart by about 1 ⁇ 4 inch so as to give clearance for bending the head end portion of the upholstered platform 574 as is shown with reference to the first embodiment in Figs. 19-21 .
- the carriage 410 When the risers 412 and shoulder stops 418 are mounted beneath the carriage 410 as shown in Figs. 39 and 40 , the carriage 410 may be positioned fully at the head end of the frame 402 , and an optional mat conversion pad 702 may be placed between the carriage 410 and the standing platform 423 to provide a fully flat mat surface. This mat conversion places the carriage 410 in a stationary position at the head end 404 , and presents to the user a full flat surface.
- the reformer 400 may optionally also be configured with a trapeze tower assembly 800 as is shown in Fig. 41 .
- the tower assembly 800 basically comprises a U shaped tower 802, a trapeze swing 804, and a pair of tower sockets 806.
- the tower sockets 806 are fastened between the rail members 408 and the head end extrusion 500 of the head end 404 and become an integral part of the frame 402.
- the bottom ends of the tower 802 fit within the sockets 806 and are drawn into the sockets 806 as is shown in more detail in Fig. 43 .
- a second pulley 810 could be fastened to the assembly 818 and used as a lower arm cord guide directing the arm cord from the carriage 410 to the lower pulley and through the upper pulley 810 to the hand loop as in the embodiments 100 and 400 shown in Figs 1 and 22 .
- 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, that has a tube portion 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 identically shaped to fit against end plate 407 of the head end extrusion 500 and against the end of the side rail member 408 .
- Locating pins 409 orient the flange portion 822 with respect to the rail member 408 and the end plate 407 , and nuts (not shown) are used on bolts 828 to fasten the head end 404 and the socket 806 securely to the side rail member 408 .
- Fig. 43 is a cutaway view of an assembled tower 802 fastened in a socket 806 .
- the bottom end of the tower 802 is fitted with a threaded expansion plug 830 .
- a hand bolt 832 extending into the bottom of the tube portion 820 threads into the plug 830 .
- the expansion plug 830 draws the bottom end of the tower 802 down tightly into the socket 806 to complete the assembly of the tower 800 to the frame 402 .
- the bottom ends 850 of a tower 820 may be narrowed and shaped so as to telescopically fit within the bosses 506 in the head end extrusion 500 as is shown in the perspective view of this alternative in Fig. 45 .
- This construction would preclude the need for tower sockets 806 .
- a hand bolt 832 would be again used to draw the bottom ends 850 of the tower 820 tightly into the bosses 506 just as the risers 412 would be fastened into the bosses 506 above described.
- the risers 412 are not used. Instead, the arm cords 414 would each be attached to a pulley 810 .
- FIG. 46 an exemplary handle end portion 880 of an arm cord 114 , 414 is shown attached to a hand strap 900 .
- End portion 880 is turned back on itself to form a flexible eye 882 .
- the free end 884 of the end portion 880 is sewn or otherwise permanently secured to the end portion 880 to form the eye 882 .
- This eye 882 replaces the need for a conventional metal or plastic snap clip for connection to a conventional hand grip.
- the hand strap 900 has a looped strap portion 902 sewn to ends of a short length of arm cord material to form a flexible cord ring 904 attached to the strap portion 902 .
- the flexible cord ring 904 is attached to the eye 882 by passing the ring 904 over the eye 882 and then threading the strap portion 902 through the ring 904 .
- the result is the hand strap 900 fastened to the arm cord 114 , 414 essentially in a square not configuration as is shown in FIG. 46 .
- the arm cords 114 , 414 with hand strap 900 attached in this manner can be utilized with any conventional reformer or other exercise apparatus utilizing arm/foot cords as well as with the reformer 100 , 400 of the present disclosure.
- a hand grip 910 is shown in FIG. 47 that has a tubular handle 912 .
- This grip 910 may be utilized in place of hand strap 900 .
- the hand grip 910 preferably has a flexible cord ring 904 as described above to fasten the hand grip 910 to the end portion 880 .
- a standard hand grip may be used that includes a metal D ring fastened to the hand grip 910 in place of the cord ring 904 .
- the reformer 100 or 400 may be configured with a jump board 950 as is shown in FIG. 48 .
- This jump board 950 is a generally rectangular plate structure with two parallel posts 952 that fit down into the inserts 510 in the bosses 506 in the foot end 106 , 406 . These posts 952 each have a rectangular or square cross sectional shape as is shown in the sectional partial view of FIG. 49 .
- the user can rotate the foot bar 411 to the vertical position, lower the foot bar 411 to engage pins 461 in notches 482 , which locks each support assembly 470 in place on the rail members 408 . Then the user can pull the carriage 410 toward the head end 404 with his or her arms.
- the resistance member 956 may be two separate members each separately connected to the head end 404 , or may be a single resistance member as is illustrated in FIG. 48 .
- the above description applies equally well to the first embodiment, reformer apparatus 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-21 .
- a reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure may incorporate one or more or any of the features described herein.
- any of the coil springs shown in the drawing figures may be replaced by stretchable elastic members and vice versa.
- the holding features for accommodating the risers 412 and shoulder stops in storage positions beneath the upper surface of the reformer carriage 410 may differ from clips 700 and slots 592 .
- the risers 412 may fit within corresponding openings (not shown) in plate 582 or on pins projecting from plate 582 .
- the reformers 100, 400 may be configured with short legs as shown in FIG. 48 , or longer legs as shown in at least FIGS. 1 and 22 . Accordingly, all such alternatives, variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the scope of and as defined by the following claims.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to an exercise apparatus. In particular, it relates to a reformer exercise apparatus of a new and contemporary design that has a number of unique innovations.
- Exercise machines utilized in the performance of physical exercises originated by Joseph Pilates typically are performed on a stationary apparatus called a reformer. A traditional reformer has a rectangular wood or metal frame supporting two parallel rails or tracks. A wheeled carriage rides on these tracks and is resiliently biased toward a foot end of the frame by one or more elastic members, typically coil springs. A user sits or lies on the carriage and pushes against a foot support bar at the foot end to move the carriage away from and toward the foot end. Alternatively, the user may grasp 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 from and toward the foot end of the frame.
- One emphasis in Pilates training is on core musculature stabilization. The exercises being performed on the reformer ideally are conducted carefully by the user concentrating on body symmetry and symmetrical body movement and proper torso alignment during exercise. It is often somewhat difficult for a user to sense when he or she is properly centered on the reformer, and exerting equal forces with both arms or both legs during movements required. Also, either the user must get off of the reformer or an assistant must change positions of the foot support bar as may be required for different exercises. This, is at least an inconvenience to the user. Furthermore, the user must then reposition his or her body on the carriage to regain proper alignment.
- The ends of the arm cords are typically stuffed through holes in the carriage platform to get them out of the way of the user or draped over the sides of the carriage. Thus they can drag on the floor beneath the carriage. The user also has difficulty in adjusting arm cord length while reclining on the reformer carriage. The user generally has to sit upright, adjust the arm cord length in the stop cleats, and then reposition herself on the carriage surface.
- The rails upon which the carriage rides typically are horizontal surfaces which collect dust and dirt over time and thus the rollers and tracks must often be cleaned. Furthermore, the user must be careful not to let his or her clothing drape onto the rails to prevent such clothing interfering with operation of the carriage rollers.
-
US-B-7 803 095 concerns an exercise machine which enables a user to perform exercises in reclined, sitting and standing positions. The machine permits a user to perform exercises not possible on a traditional Pilates Reformer machine. - There is therefore a need for a reformer apparatus that is simple and straightforward to use, easy for the user to adjust without getting off of the reformer carriage, and overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above.
- A reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure is defined in appended
claim 1. The apparatus includes a generally rectangular frame having a pair of parallel spaced side rail portions, a head end portion, and a foot end portion. A movable carriage is provided that is supported by the side rail portions for movement of the carriage between the head and foot end portions. A bias member, such as one or more coil springs, is connected between the carriage and the foot end portion of the frame for biasing the carriage toward the foot end of the frame. A foot support member such as a foot bar is supported by the side rail portions of the frame. - Each of the side rail portions of the frame has an upright outer wall and an integral horizontal top wall merging into an inwardly and downwardly slanted inner wall. Each side rail portion has a downwardly extending mid wall between the outer wall and the inner wall for supporting the foot support member. The mid wall has a longitudinally extending upper boss and a longitudinally extending lower boss forming an outwardly open slot therebetween facing the outer wall. Each side rail portion includes a horizontal wall between the inner wall and the mid wall.
- The mid wall has a lower end portion forming a horizontal track for supporting the carriage. Furthermore, this lower portion of the mid wall also provides lateral support for guide rollers on the carriage to guide its movement between the head and foot ends of the frame.
- One end of each foot support member is movably supported in the outwardly open slot between the upper and lower bosses of the mid wall. Furthermore, the mid wall includes a plurality of features, preferably notches for
discrete positioning of the foot support member along a length of the side rail members of the frame. - The foot support assembly preferably includes a foot bar. The foot bar is supported at each end by a foot bar support assembly movably carried by each of the outwardly open slots 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 fastened to the slide plate, and a foot bar support arm having one end fastened to one foot bar end and a portion rotatably and slidably fastened to the hook plate.
- The slide plate is an elongated member having opposite ends, each end carrying a roller for riding on a bottom surface of the outwardly open slot in the mid wall of the side rail portion of the reformer frame. The slide plate also preferably has at least one roller for riding against an upright surface of the mid wall within the slot.
- The foot bar support arm has a bottom end portion fastened to one foot bar end. The upper end of the foot bar support arm has an engaging member for selectively engaging a discrete feature of the hook plate when the foot bar is slid upward for rotation about the hook plate. The hook plate has an upper edge, the upper edge having a plurality of discrete features at spaced locations for selectively engaging a portion of the foot bar support arm to position the foot bar at predetermined angles from the upper surface plane of the reformer frame.
- Each discrete feature is preferably a notch that has a distinctive shape. Each notch corresponds to a particular angular position for the foot bar with respect to the frame. Each hook plate preferably also has an L shaped slot for receiving the engaging member on the foot bar support arm. This L shaped notch positions the foot bar at a level below the upper frame surface and provides a user with a convenient carry handle bar at the foot end of the frame. Preferably the foot bar support arm carries a generally cylindrical pin for removably engaging one of the discrete features, i.e., one of the notches in the hook plate.
- The following examples are not part of the invention.
- In another aspect the present disclosure describes a foot bar assembly for use on a reformer exercise apparatus having a generally rectangular frame with parallel sides, a head end and a foot end, each side having an outwardly open slot extending 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 within with each of the slots, a hook plate fastened to each slide plate, and a foot bar support arm rotatably and slidably fastened to each hook plate and fastened to one of the first and second ends of the foot bar.
- In another aspect of the disclosure, a reformer exercise apparatus having a generally rectangular frame supporting a carriage for movement between a head end and a foot end of the frame on parallel spaced side rail portions of the frame, and a foot bar supported by the frame is disclosed wherein the head end of the frame has a pair of spaced vertical bores formed therein, and an arm cord support riser disposed in each bore. Each cord support riser includes a hollow cylindrical tube carrying a first roller therein near a bottom 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 an arm cord around the second roller.
- Preferably in one embodiment the bottom end of the tube is open to receive the arm cord therethrough and the upper end includes a top that has a dome shape with an opening therethrough for passage of the arm cord out of the tube. The top of the tube preferably also has a pair of spaced guides adjacent the opening and the second roller, and may also have a horizontal guide between the spaced guides. In some embodiments these guides are rollers. The riser tube further may include an internal cord guide plate above the first roller for guiding the arm cord over the first roller. The riser top may be separable from and rotatably fastened to the riser tube. Furthermore, the top may include a pair of spaced guides adjacent the opening for smooth passage of the arm cord. In another embodiment, the arm cord may be routed through a side of the tube just below an upper roller or pulley wheel. A pair of guide rollers is preferably arranged adjacent the opening through which the arm cord exits the tube. The riser top again may be separable from the riser tube as a cartridge assembly.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a reformer exercise apparatus that includes an arm cord retraction assembly mounted to an underside surface of the carriage. The retraction assembly has a pair of cord retraction devices, each device having a stationary frame carrying a rotatable spring biased reel therein connected to a free end of one of the arm cords, with each reel having a toothed outer rim.
- The retraction assembly also includes a pair of toothed latch members rotatably mounted to the underside of the carriage and connected mechanically together such that rotation of one of the latch members out of toothed engagement with one of the toothed outer rims causes the other of the latch members to rotate out of toothed engagement with the toothed outer rim of the other spring biased reel.
- The retraction assembly further has an actuator connected to one of the latch members operable for rotating the latch members into and out of engagement with the toothed rims of the retraction reels. This actuator is preferably resiliently biased out of engagement with the latch members.
- In one embodiment of a reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure the actuator is incorporated into a pair of spaced shoulder stops extending from an upper surface of the carriage. Each of the shoulder stops is rotatably mounted to the carriage preferably for rotation about a horizontal axis. The actuator may be an elongated pin member that extends downward from the shoulder stop, through an aperture in the carriage and projects therefrom so as to engage one of the latch members. Pivotal movement, i.e., rotation, by the user, of either shoulder stop about its axis toward the foot end of the frame engages the actuator with one of the latch members which in turn causes both of the latch members to disengage the toothed outer rims. Preferably a spring is connected to each latch member that biases each latch member into engagement with one of the retraction reels.
- In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an arm cord retraction kit for retrofitting a conventional reformer exercise apparatus. The components in the kit are designed to be attached to the reformer carriage. The kit includes a pair of cord retraction devices, each device having a stationary frame for mounting to an underside surface of a reformer carriage, each frame carrying a rotatable spring biased reel therein connectable to a free end of an arm cord, each reel having a toothed outer rim, a pair of toothed latch members for pivotal mounting to the underside surface of the carriage, wherein the latch members are connected mechanically together such that rotation of one of the latch members out of toothed engagement with one of the toothed outer rims causes the other of the latch members to rotate out of toothed engagement with the toothed outer rim of the other spring biased reel, and an actuator for engaging one of the latch members when the shoulder stops are mounted to the reformer carriage.
- In another aspect of the reformer exercise apparatus of the present disclosure, the carriage includes an integral adjustable headrest. The carriage includes a generally rectangular frame, a generally rectangular plate body portion fastened to the frame, and a generally trapezoidal shaped head rest plate portion hinged to the body portion. A shaped upper pad is fastened to an upper surface of the body and headrest portions.
- In a still further aspect of the reformer exercise apparatus of the present disclosure, the frame preferably includes replaceable legs positioned at the corners of the generally rectangular frame. Each leg has an outer surface shape complementary to the shape of the corner. Each leg has an upper end shape configured to fit within a complementary recess in the underside surface of the frame. Each leg is an extrusion secured to the frame with a single bolt passing vertically through the leg into a corresponding boss in the frame. The bottom end of each leg includes a foot pad that facilitates stacking of one apparatus on top of another through engagement of the outer corners of the head end of the reformer and outer corners of the standing platform at the foot end of the reformer into a foot pad recess in each foot pad.
- In a still further aspect of the present disclosure, an elastic resistance member may be fastened 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 biased toward the head end of the reformer frame. In this configuration, the foot bar assembly may be grasped by a user's hands while sitting or reclining on the carriage, and the foot bar assembly pulled along the rails against the resistance toward the carriage in order to perform various upper body exercises separately or in conjunction with leg extensions against the foot end of the reformer frame. The elastic resistance member may alternatively be fastened between the foot bar assembly and the foot end of the frame to facilitate similar exercises from the foot end of the frame by pulling the foot bar assembly toward the carriage.
- The disclosure will be better understood and objects, other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description. Such description makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. -
Fig. 2 is a separate perspective view of the frame of the reformer shown inFig. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view of one side rail member of the frame taken along the line 3-3 inFig. 2 . -
Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of the foot end of a reformer in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 5 is a separate perspective view of a foot bar utilized in the reformer exercise apparatus shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 6 is an outer perspective view of a right side rail member foot bar support assembly in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 7 is an inner perspective view of the right side rail member foot bar support assembly shown inFig. 6 . -
Fig. 8 is cross sectional view of a left rail member taken along the line 3-3 inFig. 2 showing the arrangement of the foot bar support assembly carried therein. -
Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view of the reformer exercise apparatus shown inFig. 1 taken along the line 9-9 inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 10 is a partial perspective view of the head end of the reformer apparatus shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 11 is a separate perspective view of the lower pulley wheel assembly for the riser in the head end of the apparatus shown inFig. 10 . -
Fig. 12 is a separate exploded perspective view of the carriage in the reformer exercise apparatus shown inFig. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 13 is a bottom plan view of the head end portion of the carriage shown inFig. 1 in accordance with the present disclosure showing the cord retraction mechanism latch members engaged with the cord retraction reels. -
Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the head end portion of the carriage as inFig. 13 with the latch members disengaged with the cord retraction reels. -
Fig. 15 is a section al view through the carriage taken along the line 15-15 inFig. 14 . -
Fig. 16 is an underside perspective view of a carriage having a cord retraction system in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. -
Fig. 17 is an underside view as inFig. 17 showing the cord retraction system in a released position. -
Fig. 18 is an underside perspective view of the head end of an alternative carriage in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 19 is a side view of the head end of the carriage shown inFig. 18 . -
Fig. 20 is a side view of the head end of the carriage shown inFig. 18 with the headrest in a first raised position. -
Fig. 21 is a side view of the head end of the carriage shown inFig. 18 with the headrest in a second raised position. -
Fig. 22 is head end perspective view of an alternative reformer in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 23 is an inside separate exploded view of the head end assembly of the alternative reformer shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 24 is an inside separate exploded perspective view of the foot end assembly of the alternative reformer shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 25 is a cross sectional view of one of the two frame side rails in the alternative reformer shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 26 is a separate assembled perspective view of a riser utilized in the reformer shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the riser shown inFig. 26 . -
Fig. 28 is a partial sectional view of the riser shown inFig. 26 installed in the head end socket of the reformer shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 29 is a separate inside perspective view of the foot bar support assembly utilized in the reformer shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 30 is an outside perspective view of the foot bar support assembly shown inFig. 29 . -
Fig. 31 is a separate underside perspective view of the carriage frame assembly of the carriage shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 32 is an underside perspective view of the support pad removed from the carriage shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 33 is a separate perspective view of a shoulder rest utilized in the reformer shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 34 is an upper partial exploded view of the carriage of the reformer shown inFig. 22 . -
Fig. 35 is an inverted view of the carriage removed from the reformer shown inFig. 22 showing the cord retraction system in accordance with this alternative embodiment. -
Fig. 36 is an underside plan view of the head end of the carriage shown inFig. 35 with the cord retraction system in a cord locked position. -
Fig. 37 is a view as inFig. 36 with the cord retraction system in a cord unlocked position. -
Fig. 38 is a perspective view of the head end of the carriage with the headrest in a lowered position. -
Fig. 39 is a perspective view a pair of reformers shown inFig. 22 in a stacked configuration for storage. -
Fig. 40 is a perspective view of the underside of the head end of the carriage showing the risers and shoulder stops ready for installation in the storage position as shown inFig. 39 . -
Fig. 41 is a perspective view of the reformer shown inFig. 22 including an optional vertical trapeze tower and mat conversion in accordance with the present disclosure. -
Fig. 42 is a perspective view of a trapeze tower socket aligned against the end of one side rail of the reformer shown inFig. 41 for connection to the head end extrusion. -
Fig. 43 is a sectional view through the trapeze tower socket of the tower shown inFig. 41 . -
Fig. 44 is a partial cutaway view through one of the riser bosses at the head end of the reformer shown inFig. 41 showing an alternative lower pulley mount installed therein. -
Fig. 45 is a perspective view of a reformer as inFig. 22 with an alternative vertical trapeze tower and matt conversion in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the hand grip end portion of an arm cord for use with a reformer in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 47 is a perspective view as inFIG. 46 with a handle attached to the arm cord in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the reformer shown inFIG. 22 with a jump board installed at the foot end of the reformer frame. -
FIG. 49 is an enlarged vertical partial sectional view through one of two posts supporting the jump board installed at the foot end of the reformer frame. - In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough disclosure. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the art disclosed may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known features may have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the art disclosed.
- A perspective view of one embodiment of a
reformer exercise apparatus 100 is shown inFig. 1 . Theapparatus 100 has a generallyrectangular frame 102 with ahead end 104 and afoot end 106. The ends 104 and 106 are spaced apart by a pair ofrail members 108. Acarriage 110 is movably supported on therail members 108 for movement back and forth between theends frame 102. - A
foot bar 111 is positioned near thefoot end 106 of theframe 102. Thisfoot bar 111 is carried by therail members 108 as will be described in detail below. Thehead end 104 of theframe 102 preferably supports a removable pair of spaced upright armcord support risers 112. Theserisers 112direct arm cords 114 from thecarriage 110 to cord endloops 116 or grips for a user's hands for use in various exercises. When not in use, theend loops 116 may be conveniently positioned on the shoulder stops 118 as shown inFig. 1 . Thecarriage 110 is resiliently biased toward thefoot end 116 of theframe 102 by one or more elastic members such assprings 120. - A separate perspective view of the
frame 102 is shown inFig. 2 . Each of thehead end 104, thefoot end 106 and theside rail members 108 has a similar outer surface shape that smoothly merge together. This shape includes an outerupright wall 122 merging with a horizontaltop wall 124 which merges with a downwardly and inwardly slantedinner wall 126. Theinner wall 126 merges into avertical skirt portion 128. Thus theentire frame 102 includes an uprightouter wall 122, a downwardly and inwardly slantedinner wall 126 and avertical skirt portion 128. - The head and foot ends 104 and 106 have curved outer ends 107 that curve into and merge smoothly with the
side rail members 108. Thehead end 104 further includes bosses for receiving therisers 112. Thefoot end 106 has ananchor support plate 121 spanning between the curved ends 107 for supporting ends of the bias members or springs 120 to bias thecarriage 110 as mentioned above. - Extending downward from each
curved end 107 is a complementary shapedupright support leg 129. Thesesupport legs 129 may be removed to place theends frame 102 on a planar surface such as a floor. Thesupport legs 129 may be interchanged with longer or shorter support legs to change the height of theapparatus 100 above such a floor support surface. - A sectional view of a
side rail member 108 is shown inFig. 3 . Eachrail member 108 is preferably an aluminum extrusion having an identical cross sectional shape. Therail member 108, as mentioned above, has an outerupright wall 122 that merges into a horizontaltop wall 124 and then into a downwardly slantedinner wall 126 and then into avertical skirt portion 128. Theend members side rail members 108. - As is shown in
Fig. 3 , eachside rail member 108 has a verticalmid wall 130 between the slantedinner wall 126 and the uprightouter wall 122. Themid wall 130 has an outwardly facing upperlongitudinally extending boss 132 and a lower outwardly facing longitudinally extendingboss 134 parallel to theupper boss 132. Together themid wall 130, theupper boss 132 andlower boss 134 form an outwardlyopen slot 136 therebetween. Thisslot 136 receives and carries one of the foot bar support assemblies therein as will be described in detail below. Between themid wall 130 and the slantedinner wall 126 is an upperhorizontal support wall 138. Thesupport wall 138 extends the length of therail member 108 and provides tortional rigidity to the structure of therail member 108. Ahorizontal bottom portion 140 of themid wall 130 acts as a support for one set of wheels supporting thecarriage 110. Theupper wall 138 serves also as an upper guide for the carriage support wheels on therail members 108. Furthermore, themid wall 130 between upper andlower walls skirt portion 128 serves as a lateral guide for thecarriage 110. - The
upper boss 132 preferably has avertical portion 142 that extends downward parallel to themid wall 130. Thisvertical portion 142 is used to provide lateral support for the foot support assembly described more fully below. Furthermore, thelower boss 134 may include a downwardly extendingindex rail 144. Alternatively, theindexing rail 144 may be installed along the length of therail member 108 by a separate, replaceable metal indexing rail carried in theboss 134. -
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of afoot end 106 of theframe 102. Thefoot end 106 carries theanchor plate 121 for receiving free ends of one or more of thesprings 120. A plurality of spaced hourglass spool shapedpins 148 are each positioned to receive a loop on aspring 120 in order to fasten thespring 120 to thefoot end 106 of theframe 102. Each of thesepins 148 preferably tapers upward and inward from its base to a waist at a first angle from the pin's central axis and then outward at a second angle greater than the first angle so that the free end of a spring placed on thepin 148, when under tension, is securely held at the waist of thepin 148. - Each corner of the
frame 102, formed by theends upright wall 122,top wall 124 and inwardly slantedinner wall 126. Preferablyinner wall 126 terminates in an uprightlower skirt portion 128. Thefoot end 106 also includes two spaced apart tubularfoot support bosses 146 formed therein. Thesefoot support bosses 146 are used to support a flat, generally rectangular foot platform (not shown) often called a "jump board". This jump board is a rectangular plate that has two spaced parallel support posts that removably fit into thefoot support bosses 146. - The
foot bar 111 shown inFig. 1 will now be described specifically with reference toFigs. 5 ,6 ,7 ,8 , and9 . Thefoot bar 111 is part of a foot support assembly that cannot be seen inFig. 1 . Thisfoot bar 111 is separately shown inFig. 5 . Thefoot bar 111 has a central horizontalfoot support portion 150 between twoparallel leg portions 152. Eachleg portion 152 terminates in aconnection portion 154 that is fastened to one of two footbar support assemblies 170. - Referring now to
Figs. 6 and 7 , theconnection portion 154 is bolted or otherwise fastened to abottom end 156 of an elongated footbar support arm 158. Thearm 158, best shown inFig. 6 , is an elongated flat plate member that has anengaging pin 161 projecting outward from theupper end 160 of thearm 158. Thearm 158 further has a closedpivot slot 162 radially extending parallel to theleg portion 152 of thefoot bar 111 and spaced from where theconnection portion 154 of thefoot bar 111 is attached to thearm 158. - The foot support assembly of
reformer 100 shown inFig. 1 includes a left footbar support assembly 170, thefoot bar 111, and a right footbar support assembly 170.Figs 6 and 7 are reverse perspective views of a right one of the footbar support assemblies 170 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Eachleg 152 of thefoot bar 111 is supported by one of the footbar support assemblies 170. As is best shown inFig. 6 , theassembly 170 includes the footbar support arm 158 to which thefoot bar 111 is attached, aslide portion 172 that rides in theslot 136 in theside rail member 108, and ahook plate 174 which is rigidly fastened to theslide portion 172. Thishook plate 174 has a series of features, preferably slots ornotches hook plate 174. Thepin 161 projecting outward from theupper end 160 of the footbar support arm 158 fits within one of these notches 176-184 to position thefoot bar 111 at a particular desired angular position with respect to theframe 102 of thereformer 100. - The foot
bar support arm 158 is slidably and pivotally attached to thehook plate 174 by abolt 186 andsquare bushing 188. Thebushing 188 rides between and along the parallel sides of arecess 190 in thearm 158 around thepivot slot 162. Since thefoot bar 111 is fastened to thearm 158, when a user lifts thefoot bar 111, thesupport arm 158 rides up or down along theslot 162. In turn, thepin 161 projecting outward from theupper end 160 of thesupport arm 158 is raised out of one of the slots along the upper edge of thehook plate 174. When lifted in this manner, a user can then rotate thefoot bar 111 about thepivot bolt 186 to a different one of theslots foot bar 111. When thefoot bar 111 is lowered, thepin 161 slides down within one of the slots to fix thefoot bar 111 in position. - The end slots or
notches embodiment 100. When thefoot bar 111 has both itspins 161 positioned inslots 176, thefoot bar 111 is rotationally positioned below the upper surface of theframe 102 and beyond the foot end of theframe 102. In this position, thefoot bar 111 may be used as a handle to lift the foot end of thereformer 100. To ensure that thefoot bar 111 does not disengage from theslot 176, the terminal end of theslot 176 is hooked upward, as can be seen inFig. 6 , to firmly engage with thepin 161 at the closed end of theslot 176. To disengage thefoot bar 111 from thisslot 176, thefoot bar 111 must be pushed down and pulled rearward (away from the foot end) to align thepin 161 with the widened slot entrance. Thefoot bar 111 may then be rotated up and lifted out of theslot 176 and repositioned in a different one of theslots - The forward
most slot 184 in thehook plate 174 is used to position the foot support assembly comprising each of theassemblies 170 and thefoot bar 111 together for translation along therail members 108. As thefoot bar 111 is raised and is rotated clockwise, as seen inFig. 6 , thearm 158 is rotated about thebolt 186 clockwise until thepin 161 engages a protrudingsurface 192 at the forward end (toward head end 104) of thehook plate 174. In this position, ashoulder 194 on thesupport arm 158 engages with alatch pin 196 that projects through aslot 198 in thehook plate 174. Thelatch pin 196 projects through thehook plate 174 from alatch arm 200 best seen inFig. 7 . When thefoot bar 111 is then lowered, theshoulder 194 of thearm 158 pushes thelatch pin 196 down. -
Latch arm 200 is an elongated bar that has one end rotatably fastened to the inside face of thehook plate 174. Thelatch arm 200 can rotate in a plane parallel to the inside surface of thehook plate 174. The other end of thelatch arm 200 has alatch portion 202 that engages a complementary shaped indexing feature in therail member 108 in order to latch theassembly 170 at a selected position along therail member 108. Thelatch arm 200 is spring biased upward viaspring member 201 to maintain thelatch portion 202 of thelatch arm 200 engaged with the indexing feature of theindex rail 144 in therail member 108. - When the
foot bar 111 is positioned withpins 161 in theslots 184, and thefoot bar 111 is pushed downward to fully seat thepins 161 at the bottom ofslots 184, the latch pins 196 are also pushed downward, rotating thelatch arm 200 and movinglatch portion 202 out of engagement with the indexing feature of theindex rail 144 in therail member 108. With thelatch portions 202 disengaged with therail members 108, thefoot bar 111 may be moved toward or away from thefoot end 106 of theframe 102 via therollers 206. In fact, thefoot bar 111 may be moved fully to the opposite end of therail members 108 if desired. - The
slide assembly 172 is best seen in the view ofFig. 7 which is a perspective inside view of the footbar support assembly 170 shown inFig. 6 that is carried in the rightside rail member 108. Theslide assembly 172 includes anelongated slide plate 204 that is preferably bolted or otherwise fixed to thehook plate 174. Thisslide plate 204 rides in theslot 136 in therail member 108 with thehook plate 174 and adjacent footbar support arm 158 disposed within the free/open space between theouter wall 122 andmid wall 130 of therail member 108. It is to be understood that another, mirror imagefoot support assembly 170 is disposed in the other (left)rail member 108. - A sectional view of a
left rail member 108 as inFig. 3 is shown inFig. 8 with the left footbar support assembly 170 riding in theslot 136. All of the component parts of theassembly 170 are disposed between theouter wall 122 andmid wall 130 of therail 108. Thus the complete footbar support assembly 170 is hidden from view by a user sitting on thecarriage 110. It is to be understood that the right footbar support assembly 170 in theright rail member 108 is constructed similarly. Thus the component parts of theassemblies 170 are either interchangeable or are mirror images. For example, the footbar support arms 158 andhook plates 174 are mirrored. The remainder of the component parts of theassembly 170 may be interchangeable. - Turning back now to
Fig. 7 , theslide plate 204 is supported in theslot 136 by front andrear support rollers 206 that roll along the bottom surface of theslot 136. Aguide roller 208 that rotates about a vertical axis through theslide plate 204 is mounted preferably adjacent to eachsupport roller 206. Theguide rollers 208 roll along inner side surfaces of theslot 136 in therail member 108 to guide thesupport assembly 170, and thus thefoot bar 111, as it is translated (i.e., rolled) fore and aft along therail members 108. - The
support rollers 206 are preferably bearing supported polymer wheels rotatably supported on horizontal axles. The polymer wheels are sized to fit and smoothly roll within theslot 136. Theguide rollers 208 may be nylon or other polymer rollers supported by a vertical axle in theslide plate 204. - A further sectional view through the
left rail member 108 of theapparatus 100 as inFig. 1 is shown inFig. 9 taken along the line 9-9 ofFig. 1 . This view shows thefoot support assembly 170 carried within therail member 108 as well as the wheeled support arrangement for thecarriage 110. Specifically, the generallyrectangular carriage 110 has foursupport wheels 210, one adjacent each corner, and at least twocarriage guide wheels 212 positioned preferably along one side of thecarriage 110 that also ride in the space between themid wall 130, the inner slantedwall 126, theskirt portion 128 and thebottom portion 140 of themid wall 130 of therail member 108. Thesupport wheels 210 roll on thebottom portion 140. - The
guide wheels 212 roll between themid wall 130 and theskirt portion 128 of theinner wall 126 to maintain tracking of thecarriage 110 as it moves between thefoot end 106 andhead end 104 of theframe 102. Because of the guide configuration of therail member 108, only twoguide wheels 212, both along only one side, are necessary to guide movement of thecarriage 110. Theguide wheels 212 are arranged in only one of therail members 108. However, three or fourguide wheels 212 may be provided in alternative configurations of thecarriage 110. - Thus in the
reformer 100 shown inFig. 1 , both support for thecarriage 110 and the support for thefoot bar 111 is provided by structures beneath and carried within theside rail members 108 and are thus hidden from external view. This arrangement presents a clean, uncluttered, appearance to thereformer apparatus 100 and minimizes the surface areas that can collect dust over time. Furthermore, in order to provide a direct foot bar position feedback to the user of theexercise apparatus 100, a "J" shapedindicator member 214 is fastened to one or both of theslide plates 172. Adistal tip 216 of theindicator 214 extends around a bottom edge and upward outside of thewall 122 of theside rail member 108 to provide a user of thereformer 100 with an indication of the foot support assembly position. Corresponding markings (not illustrated) may be provided along theouter wall 122 for a user to utilize in positioning thefoot bar 111 at preselected positions along theframe 102. - The
notch 178 in thehook plate 174 is used to locate thefoot bar 111 at a lowest position above theframe 102. Thenotch 180 places thefoot bar 111 at a middle height position above theframe 102. Thenotch 182 corresponds to thefoot bar 111 being substantially vertical, and thus its highest position above theframe 102. Additional notches may alternatively be provided to facilitate additional foot bar positions. However, a low, moderate, and high position are believed to be sufficient for most users of theapparatus 100. - A
low friction layer 218 of polymer sheet material (shown inFig. 6 ) is affixed to the outer surface of thehook plate 174 between thehook plate 174 and thesupport arm 158. This layer reduces any friction between the arm and the plate during rotation of thefoot bar 111 between thenotches low friction layer 218 may be applied to the inner surface of thearm 158. Further, alow friction layer 218 may optionally be applied to both of these facing surfaces. - The structure of the foot support assembly may be other than has been specifically illustrated and described. For example, the
rollers slide plate 204 to easily slide along theslot 136. The configuration of thesupport arm 158, thehook plate 174 andslide plate 172 may be different than that of the exemplary embodiment shown. Further other mechanisms may be used to engage and disengage theassembly 170 with features in therail members 108 of theframe 102. - Referring back to
Fig. 1 , at thehead end 104 of thereformer apparatus 100 there are two spaced apartrisers 112 for directingarm cords 114 from thecarriage 110 to thehead end 104 and then to the armcord end loops 116. Referring now to the close perspective view of one of therisers 112 at thehead end 104 shown inFig. 10 , each of theserisers 112 includes a lowerpulley wheel assembly 220 fastened into atubular riser boss 222 formed adjacent eachcurved end 107 of thehead end 104. Eachriser 112 also includes a hollowtubular body 224 having its bottom end fitted within thetubular riser boss 222. Theupper end 228 of the risertubular body 224 carries acylindrical roller head 230 Thisroller head 230 includes atubular body 232 that fits into or is integrally formed with thebody 224. Thetubular body 232 has anelongated aperture 234 through its side. A pair of vertically alignedguide rollers 236 are mounted to thehead 230 on both sides of theaperture 234. Mounted within and transversely across thetubular body 232 behind theaperture 234 is a horizontal cord pulley wheel orroller 238. - The lower
pulley wheel assembly 220 is separately shown in perspective view inFig. 11 . The lowerpulley wheel assembly 220 has a flangedcylindrical body 240 that is fastened to the bottom of theboss 222. Carried within thebody 240 is a horizontally journaledpulley wheel 242 and an angledcord guide disc 244. Theguide disc 244 is positioned in thebody 240 above thewheel 242 at an angle of about 45 degrees. Anaperture 246 is provided in thedisc 244 along its lower edge. Thisaperture 246 is oriented directly above the periphery of thepulley wheel 242 such that a free end of anarm cord 114 that is lowered into theriser 112 through theaperture 234 in thehead assembly 230 is directed over theroller 238 and down through thetubular body 224 and through theaperture 246 and past thepulley wheel 242. A user can then grasp the free end of thecord 114 and fasten the cord to thecarriage 110 as described in detail below. - The
head assembly 230 may be fixed to thetubular body 224 or optionally may be bearing supported thereon such that it can rotate freely about a vertical axis through theriser 112. Each of the guide rollers adjacent theaperture 234 may be mounted on stationary vertical pins or otherwise bearing supported such that thecord 114 can be pulled through theaperture 234 with minimal resistance or friction. The bottom orlower pulley wheel 242 is oriented with its axis normal to therail members 108 since movement of thecarriage 110 is always either toward or away from thehead end 104 of theframe 102. - An exploded perspective view of the
carriage 110 is separately shown inFig. 12 . Thecarriage 110 includes a generallyrectangular frame 250, arectangular support platform 252, a paddedupper platform 254, and a pair of shoulder stops 118. Theframe 250 has uprightside support plates 258, a verticalhead end plate 260 and a verticalspring support plate 262, both of which are fastened to theside support plates 258. All of theseplates support platform 252 to provide a rigid carriage structure. Thespring support plate 262 carries one end of each of the biasing springs 120. The other end of eachspring 120 may be removably fastened to the anchor pins 148 in order to vary the resilient bias, i.e. spring tension between thecarriage 110 and thefoot end 106 of theframe 102. Theside support plates 258 each support theplatforms support wheels 210 and guidewheels 212. Thehead end plate 260 has a pair of spacedopenings 264 therethrough which act as guides for the arm cords (not shown inFig. 12 ). - The
support platform 252 has a pair of shoulder stop supports 266 fastened to its upper surface. Each of thesesupports 266 has avertical bore 268 therethrough and each supports a cross pin 270 (shown inFig. 15 ) therein that fastens thestem 272 of theshoulder stop 118 to thecarriage 110. Thebore 268 extends through thesupport 266 and through thesupport platform 252. -
Fig. 15 is a partial vertical sectional view through thecarriage 110 with the paddedupper platform 254 not shown. As can be seen in this view, thecross pin 270 acts as a pivot for theshoulder stop stem 272. Abias device 274 such as a flexible rubber tube positioned against thestem 272 provides a spring force against thestem 272 to maintain thestem 272 oriented vertical and flush with the left side of thebore 268. However, when a user pulls on the top of ashoulder stop 118 toward the foot end of theframe 102, (as is shown) the stop rotates about thecross pin 270, compressing thebias device 274, and pushing abottom end 276 of thestem 272 toward the head end of the frame 102 (to the right inFig. 15 ). - A bottom plan view of a head end portion of the
carriage 110 is shown inFigs. 13 and14 . These two views illustrate the configuration of thecord retraction mechanism 280 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thearm cords 114 are not shown in this view for clarity. Thecord retraction mechanism 280 includes, for eachcord 114, a springbiased reel housing 282 fastened to thesupport plate 252, a springbiased cord reel 284 rotatably carried in thehousing 282, and a toothedplate latch arm 286 rotatably fastened to the underside surface of thesupport plate 252 adjacent to thereel housing 282. - As is shown in
Figs. 13 and14 , the twohousings 282 of thecord retraction mechanism 280 are mounted side by side against the underside surface of theplatform 252. The two latcharms 286 are preferably plate members fastened for rotation about pivot pins 288 adjacent thereel housings 282 so that they can rotate in the plane of the underside surface ofsupport platform 252. Eachlatch arm 286 is preferably an elongated plate shaped body having atoothed end 290 and anopposite linkage end 292. Thelatch arms 286 are preferably mirror images of each other such that the opposite linkage ends 292 of eachlatch arm plate 286 movably engage each other to link thelatch arms 286 together under thesupport platform 252. - The
toothed end 290 of eachlatch arm 286 engages corresponding notches of features in a rim of theadjacent cord reel 284 in theadjacent reel housing 282. Thetoothed end 290 of eachlatch arm 286 also has ahook 294 that engages with thebottom end 276 of thestem 272 of theshoulder stop 118.Fig. 13 shows the shoulder stops 118 in a normal position, and thus the bottom ends 276 of thestems 272 are not engaged with thehooks 294 of eitherlatch arm 286. One or more springs (not shown) are used to bias both latcharms 286 into engagement with thereels 284. With thearms 286 in this position, thearm cords 114 cannot be retracted or extended from thereels 284. They are locked. -
Fig. 14 shows the configuration when the leftbottom end 276 ofstem 272 of theright shoulder stop 118 is engaged with thehook 294 on theleft latch arm 286. This causes thelatch arm 286 to rotate clockwise aboutpin 288, pulling thetoothed end 290 out of engagement with theleft reel 284 inFig. 14 . At the same time, clockwise rotation of theleft latch arm 286 caused counterclockwise rotation of theright latch arm 286 through the linked linkage ends 292. This rotation similarly causes thetoothed end 290 of theright latch arm 286 to rotate out of engagement with itsadjacent reel 284. Thus a user pulling either shoulder stop 118 toward thefoot end 106 of theframe 102 will cause both of thelatch arms 286 to disengage from thereels 284, permitting a user to adjust either or both arm cord lengths as desired. Upon release of theshoulder stop 118, thelatch arms 286 re-engage thereels 284 to lock the reels and thus thearm cords 114 to thecarriage 110. - A retrofit arm cord retraction mechanism kit for a conventional reformer is also envisioned in accordance with the present disclosure. Such a kit would include appropriate installation instructions, two
reel housings 282 with enclosedarm cord reels 284, a pair oflatch arms 286, replacement shoulder stops 118, two shoulder stop supports 266, and a pair of pivot pins 288 for fastening thelatch arms 286 to the carriage. -
Figs. 16 and17 illustrate an alternativecord retraction mechanism 300 mounted beneath thecarriage 110 in accordance with the present disclosure. Thearm cords 114 again are not shown in this view for clarity. Thecord retraction mechanism 300 includes, for eachcord 114, a springbiased cord reel 302 that is mounted beneath thesupport plate 252 for rotation, in this embodiment, about ahorizontal axle 304 supported from thesupport plate 252 between abracket 306 and the carriage frameside support plate 258. Thecord reel 302 has aband brake portion 308 and acord support portion 310. One end of the cord 114 (not shown) is fastened to and wrapped around thecord support portion 310 of thereel 302. As is shown inFigs. 16 and17 , the tworeels 302 of thecord retraction mechanism 300 are rotatably mounted side by side beneath the underside surface of theplatform 252. - Around the
band brake portion 308 of eachreel 302 is wrapped acable 312 that has one end fastened to thesupport plate 252 and the other end fastened to oneend 318 of a pair of crossedlever arms 314. Theother end 320 of eachlever arm 314 is positioned to engage thebottom end 276 of thestem 272 of one of the shoulder stops 118 as in the previously described embodiment. - Similar to the previously described embodiment of the
retraction mechanism 280, the twolever arms 314 are preferably separate members each fastened for rotation about aseparate pivot pin 322 and are crossed and rotatably fastened together in scissor fashion at acommon pin 324 so that they can rotate about thepins support platform 252. - During normal reformer operation the
end 318 of eachlever arm 314 is under tension by asspring 326. Thisspring 326 pulls thelever arm 314 toward the head end of thecarriage 110 and thus pulls thecable 312 so as to tighten thecable 312 around theband brake portion 308 of itsreel 302 to prevent rotation of thereel 302. When a user on thereformer 100 pulls (tilts) one of the shoulder stops 118 toward thefoot end 106 of thereformer frame 102, both of thelever arms 314 rotate in opposite directions about the pivot pins 322 and 324 so as to release tension on thebrake cables 312 as is shown inFig. 17 . When the brakes are thus released, a user can withdrawmore cord 114 or permit an internal spring in thereel 302 to rotate thereel 302 and take up slack in thecord 114. When the user releases theshoulder stop 118, thesprings 326 again pull on thecables 312 to stop rotation of thereels 302 and thus secure thecords 114 to thecarriage 110. - Again, a retrofit arm cord retraction mechanism kit for a conventional reformer is also envisioned in accordance with the present disclosure for this
alternative retraction system 300. Such a kit would include tworetraction reels 302,axles 304 andbrackets 306,band brake cables 312, a pair of crossedlever arms 314, springs 326, replacement shoulder stops 118, two shoulder stop supports 266, and a pair of pivot pins 322 for fastening thelever arms 314 to thecarriage 110, and appropriate installation instructions. - In an optional configuration of the
reformer carriage 110 in accordance with the present disclosure, an adjustable headrest may be integrated into the structure. A partial bottom view of the head end of this alternative embodiment of thecarriage 110 is shown inFig. 18 ,19, 20 and 21 . In this embodiment, on top of thecarriage frame 250, thesupport plate 252 has a trapezoidal shapedextension portion 350 that extends toward the head end of theframe 102. The paddedupper plate 254 has the same overall shape as in the first embodiment shown inFig. 12 , but is separated into arectangular portion 352 and ahead rest portion 354 by atransverse hinge 356 beneath the padding near the shoulder stops 118. - An adjustable
headrest support plate 358 is fastened to thesupport plate 252 under thehead rest portion 354. Theextension portion 350 has an elongatedvertical slot 357 therethrough preferably centered between the sides of theextension portion 350. Thesupport plate 358 has atransverse channel 360 therein that carries an L shapedheadrest adjustment rod 362 sandwiched between thechannel 360 and theextension portion 350. Attached to therod 362 is acam block 364 that extends through theslot 357. Rotation of handle portion of therod 362 forces thecam block 364 to rotate against the hingedhead rest portion 354. As thecam block 364 is rotated by rotation of therod 362, thehead rest portion 354 is moved between the positions shown inFigs. 19-21 . In particular,Fig. 19 shows theheadrest portion 354 in a down position.Fig. 20 shows theheadrest portion 354 in a first raised position, with therod 362 rotated about 90 degrees counterclockwise.Fig. 21 shows the headrest portion in a second raised position with therod 362 rotated an additional 90 degrees counterclockwise. In this embodiment,cam block 364 provides three stable positions. Also, note that inFigs. 16 and17 , the head rest adjustment rod (not numbered) is shown with two handle ends rather than only one as inFigs. 18-21 . Other configurations also are well within the scope of this disclosure. For example, thecam block 364 may be smoothly curved without flat portions for specific headrest elevations and therod 362 may be configured to provide a frictional hold such that theheadrest portion 354 may be held at any desired elevation. Alternatively, the cam block may be configured with four or more flat regions, each corresponding to a different raised height. - A perspective view of another embodiment of a
reformer exercise apparatus 400 in accordance with the present disclosure is shown inFig. 22 . Theapparatus 400 has a generallyrectangular frame 402 with ahead end 404 and afoot end 406. The ends 404 and 406 are spaced apart by a pair ofrail members 408. Acarriage 410 is movably supported on therail members 408 for movement back and forth between theends frame 402. - A
foot bar 411 is positioned near thefoot end 406 of theframe 402. Thisfoot bar 411 is carried by therail members 408 as will be described in detail below. Thehead end 404 of theframe 402 preferably supports a removable pair of spaced upright armcord support risers 412. Theserisers 412direct arm cords 414 from thecarriage 110 to cord endloops 416 or grips for a user's hands for use in various exercises. When not in use, theend loops 416 may be conveniently positioned on the shoulder stops 418 as shown inFig. 22 . Thecarriage 410 is resiliently biased toward thefoot end 416 of theframe 402 by one or more elastic members such as springs 420 (seeFig. 35 ). - The exterior of the
frame 402 has the same shape asframe 102 shown inFig. 2 . Each of thehead end 404, thefoot end 406 and theside rail members 408 has a similar outer surface shape that smoothly merge together. - A separate inside perspective view of the
head end assembly 404 is shown inFig. 23 . The head end assembly includes anend extrusion 500 that hasleg portions 502 and a horizontal steppedsupport plate 421. The external shape of theextrusion 500, as in the first embodiment, includes an outerupright wall 422 merging with a horizontaltop wall 424 which merges with a downwardly and inwardly slantedinner wall 426. Theinner wall 426 merges into avertical skirt portion 428. Thevertical skirt portion 428 joins with the horizontal steppedsupport plate 421. - Both the head and foot ends 404 and 406 have
outer end plates 407 that mate with and are attached to theside rail members 408 via alignment pins 409 and threaded connections (not shown). Thehead end 404extrusion 500 further includes verticaltubular bosses 506 adjacent the curved corners for receiving therisers 412. A pair of threadedhand bolts 413 inserted from beneath secure therisers 412 into thebosses 506. A standingplatform 415 is fastened over and onto the steppedsupport plate 421. - Extending downward from each curved end of the
extrusion 500 is a complementary shapedupright support leg 429. Thesesupport legs 429 are used to place theends frame 402 on a planar surface such as a floor. Thesupport legs 429 may be interchanged with longer or shorter support legs to change the height of theapparatus 400 above a floor support surface. Agrip strip 417 is fastened to the outer lower edge of theouter wall 407 of theextrusion 500 to provide a rounded hand gripping edge for ease of carrying the head end of thereformer 400. -
Fig. 24 is a perspective view of afoot end assembly 406 of theframe 402. Thefoot end assembly 406 is anotherextrusion 500 that hasleg portions 502,bosses 506 and a horizontal steppedsupport plate 421. Two rows of spool shaped anchor pins 448 are fastened to theplate 421. Thesepins 448 each can receive and hold a loop on one end of aspring 420 in order to fasten thespring 420 to thefoot end 406 of theframe 402 while the other end of thespring 420 is fastened to thecarriage 410. Each of thesepins 448 preferably tapers upward and inward from its base to a waist at a first angle from the pin's central axis and then outward at a second angle greater than the first angle so that the free end of a spring placed on thepin 448, when under tension, is securely held at the waist of thepin 448. This second angle is preferably at least twice that of the first angle. - The
foot support bosses 506 are vertical tubes formed in theextrusion 500. Eachboss 506 receives ayoke 508 that fits on the top of theboss 506. A rectangularstanding platform plate 423 is pinned onto theyokes 508. Finally atubular receiver 510 fits through holes in theplate 423 and fits into thebosses 506 to secure theplate 423 to theextrusion 500. A set ofbolts 512 fasten eachreceiver 510,plate 423, andyoke 508 to theboss 506. Thereceivers 510 receive legs of a removable flat jump board platform (not shown). - A sectional view of a
side rail member 408 is shown inFig. 25 . Eachrail member 408 is preferably an aluminum extrusion assembly having an identical cross sectional shape. In thisparticular reformer embodiment 400 therail member 408 is a composite extrusion formed by two separate extrusion portions:inner portion 417 andouter portion 419 that are joined together byrivets 514. This construction of theside rail member 408 is particularly advantageous for at least two reasons. First, such a configuration is easier to extrude as two separate extrusions that are later joined. Second, theouter portion 419 may be finished differently than theinner portion 417. Thus one version of theouter portion 419 may be either powder coated for durability and/or painted in selectable colors while theinner portion 417 is powder coated or otherwise finished for durability, since it is not in view. Furthermore, theinner portion 417 since it also contains the rolling surfaces and index rail feature for thefoot bar 411, may be separated and replaced if required due to wear. Therail member 408, as mentioned above, has an outerupright wall 422 that merges into a horizontaltop wall 424 and then into a downwardly slantedinner wall 426 and then into avertical skirt portion 428. Theend members side rail members 408. - As is shown in
Fig. 25 , eachside rail member 408 has a verticalmid wall 430 between the slantedinner wall 426 and the uprightouter wall 422. Themid wall 430 has an outwardly facing upperlongitudinally extending boss 432 and a lower outwardly facing longitudinally extendingboss 434 parallel to theupper boss 432. Together themid wall 430, theupper boss 432 andlower boss 434 form an outwardlyopen slot 436 therebetween. Thisslot 436 receives and carries one of the foot bar support assemblies therein as will be described in detail below. Between themid wall 430 and the slantedinner wall 426 is an upperhorizontal support wall 438. Thesupport wall 438 extends the length of therail member 408 and provides tortional rigidity to the structure of therail member 408. Furthermore, thissupport wall 438 facilitates joinder between the inner andouter extrusion portions horizontal bottom portion 440 of themid wall 430 acts as a support for one set of wheels supporting thecarriage 410. Theupper wall 438 serves also as an upper guide for the carriage support wheels on therail members 408. Furthermore, themid wall 430 between upper andlower walls skirt portion 428 serves as a lateral guide for thecarriage 410. - The
upper boss 432 preferably has avertical portion 442 that extends downward parallel to themid wall 430. Thisvertical portion 442 is used to provide lateral support for the foot support assembly described more fully below. Furthermore, thelower boss 434 may include a downwardly extendingindex rail 444. Alternatively, theindexing rail 444 may be installed along the length of therail member 408 by a separate, replaceable metal indexing rail carried in theboss 434. - Finally, the inside of the
outer portion 419 of therail 408 includes three locatingbosses foot end assemblies Figs. 23 and24 . These bosses help to ensure exact alignment between therails 408 and ends 406 and 406 such that a smooth exterior frame surface is presented to a user of theapparatus 400. - The
foot bar 411 shown inFig. 22 is the same as that shown inFig 5 . The footbar support assembly 470 is similar to but differs slightly from that shown and described above specifically with reference toFigs. 6, 7 ,8 , and9 . Thefoot bar 411 is part of afoot support assembly 470 that cannot be seen inFig. 22 . Referring now to inner and outer views of thefoot support assembly 470 shown inFigs. 29 and 30 , theconnection portion 154 of thefoot bar 411 is bolted or otherwise fastened to abottom end 456 of an elongated footbar support arm 458. Thearm 458, best shown inFig. 29 , is an elongated flat plate member that has anengaging pin 461 projecting outward from theupper end 460 of thearm 458. Thearm 458 further has a closedpivot slot 462 radially extending parallel to theleg portion 152 of thefoot bar 411 and spaced from where theconnection portion 154 of thefoot bar 411 is attached to thearm 458. - The foot support assembly of
reformer 400 shown inFig. 22 includes a left footbar support assembly 470, thefoot bar 411, and a right footbar support assembly 470.Figs 29 and 30 are reverse perspective views of a right one of the footbar support assemblies 470 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Eachleg 152 of thefoot bar 411 is supported by one of the footbar support assemblies 470. As is best shown inFig. 29 , theassembly 470 includes the footbar support arm 458 to which the foot bar 411 (not shown inFigs 29 and 30 ) is attached, aslide portion 472 that rides in theslot 436 in theside rail member 408, and ahook plate 474 which is rigidly fastened to theslide portion 472. Thishook plate 474 has a series of features, preferably slots ornotches hook plate 474. Thepin 461 projecting outward from theupper end 460 of the footbar support arm 458 fits within one of these notches 476-484 to position thefoot bar 411 at a particular desired angular position with respect to theframe 402 of thereformer 400. - The foot
bar support arm 458 is slidably and pivotally attached to thehook plate 474 by abolt 486 andsquare bushing 488. Aflat washer 489 on thebolt 486 holds thesupport arm 458 on thebushing 488. Thebushing 488 rides in thepivot slot 462. Since thefoot bar 411 is fastened to thearm 458, when a user lifts thefoot bar 411, thesupport arm 458 rides up or down along theslot 462. In turn, thepin 461 projecting outward from theupper end 460 of thesupport arm 458 is raised out of one of the slots along the upper edge of thehook plate 474. When lifted out of its slot in this manner, a user can then rotate thefoot bar 411 about thepivot bolt 486 to a different one of theslots foot bar 411. When thefoot bar 411 is lowered into a slot, thepin 461 slides down within one of the slots to fix thefoot bar 411 in position. - The end slots or
notches embodiment 400 as in thefirst embodiment 100. When thefoot bar 411 has both itspins 461 positioned inslots 476, thefoot bar 411 is rotationally positioned slightly above, the upper surface of theframe 402 and beyond the foot end of theframe 402 as is shown inFig. 39 . In this position, thefoot bar 411 may be used as a handle to lift the foot end of thereformer 400. To ensure that thefoot bar 411 does not disengage from thisslot 476, the terminal end of theslot 476 is hooked upward, as can be seen inFig. 29 , so as to firmly engage with thepin 461 at the closed end of theslot 476. To disengage thefoot bar 411 from thisslot 476, thefoot bar 411 must be pushed down and pulled rearward (away from the foot end) to align thepin 461 with the widened slot entrance. Thefoot bar 411 may then be rotated up and lifted out of theslot 476 and repositioned in a different one of theslots - The forward
most slot 484 in thehook plate 474 is used to position the foot support assembly comprising each of theassemblies 470 and thefoot bar 411 together for translation along therail members 408. As thefoot bar 411 is raised and is rotated clockwise, as seen inFig. 29 , thearm 458 is rotated about thebolt 486 clockwise until thepin 461 engages a protrudingsurface 492 at the forward end (toward head end 404) of thehook plate 474. In this position, ashoulder 494 on thesupport arm 458 engages with alatch pin 496 that projects through aslot 498 in thehook plate 474. Thelatch pin 496 projects through thehook plate 474 from alatch arm 530 best seen inFig. 30 . When thefoot bar 411 is then lowered, theshoulder 494 of thearm 458 pushes thelatch pin 496 down. -
Latch arm 530 is an elongated bar that has one end rotatably fastened to the inside face of thehook plate 474. Thelatch arm 530 can rotate in a plane parallel to the inside surface of thehook plate 474. The other end of thelatch arm 530 has an upwardlyhooked latch portion 532 that engages a complementary shaped indexing feature in therail member 408 in order to latch theassembly 470 at a selected position along therail member 408. Thelatch arm 530 is spring biased upward viaflat spring member 534 to maintain thelatch portion 532 of thelatch arm 530 engaged with the indexing feature of theindex rail 444 in therail member 408. - When the
foot bar 411 is positioned withpins 461 in theslots 484, and thefoot bar 411 is pushed downward to fully seat thepins 461 at the bottom ofslots 484, the latch pins 496 are also pushed downward, rotating thelatch arm 530 and movinglatch portion 532 out of engagement with the indexing feature of theindex rail 444 in therail member 408. With thelatch portions 532 disengaged with therail members 408, thefoot bar 411 may be moved toward or away from thefoot end 406 of theframe 402 via therollers 536. In fact, thefoot bar 411 may be moved fully to the opposite end of therail members 408 if desired. - The
slide assembly 472 is best seen in the view ofFig. 30 which is an opposite perspective view of the footbar support assembly 470 shown inFig. 29 that is carried in the rightside rail member 408. Theslide assembly 472 includes anelongated slide plate 538 that is preferably bolted or otherwise fixed to thehook plate 474. Thisslide plate 538 rides in theslot 436 in therail member 408 with thehook plate 474 and adjacent footbar support arm 458 disposed within the free/open space between theouter wall 422 andmid wall 430 of therail member 408. It is to be understood that another, mirror imagefoot support assembly 470 is disposed in the other (left)rail member 408. - Turning back now to
Fig. 30 , theslide plate 538 is supported in theslot 436 by front andrear support rollers 536 that roll along the bottom surface of theslot 436. Aguide roller 540 that rotates about a vertical axis through theslide plate 538 is mounted preferably adjacent to eachsupport roller 536. Theguide rollers 540 roll along inner side surfaces of theslot 436 in therail member 408 to guide thesupport assembly 470, and thus thefoot bar 411, as it is translated (i.e., rolled) fore and aft along therail members 408. - The
support rollers 536 are preferably bearing supported polymer wheels rotatably supported on horizontal axles. The polymer wheels are sized to fit and smoothly roll within theslot 436. Theguide rollers 540 may be nylon or other polymer rollers supported by a vertical axle in theslide plate 538. In thisembodiment 400, theguide rollers 540 may be roller bearings mounted in recesses along the upper edge of theslide plate 538. - The
slide plate 538 also has a spring loaded locatingball 542 mounted in a recess behind the j shaped indexingmember 544 utilized as described above with reference to the first embodiment. The spring loaded locatingball 542 provides a user with tactile feedback when moving thefoot bar 411 back and forth along therails 408 between various predetermined positions, by projecting into corresponding depressions that optionally may be provided along therail 408. - A
low friction layer 546 of polymer sheet material (shown inFig. 29 ) is affixed to the outer surface of thehook plate 474 between thehook plate 474 and thesupport arm 458. This layer, as in thefirst embodiment 100, reduces any friction between thearm 458 and the plate during rotation of thefoot bar 411 between thenotches low friction layer 546 may be applied to the facing surface of thearm 458. To further reduce friction, alow friction layer 546 may optionally be applied to both of these facing surfaces. - A
removable pull pin 548 may optionally be inserted through aligned bores in thearm 458 and theplate 474 when thefoot bar 411 is in the high position, i.e.,slot 480. Insertion ofpull pin 548 will lock thefoot bar 411 in place and prevent it from being repositioned. The purpose of this is so that thefoot bar 411 can act as a support brace when thereformer 400 is vertically positioned on itsfoot end 406. This facilitates vertical storage of a number ofreformers 400 in a relatively confined space. - When the
foot bar 411 is securely positioned withpins 461 seated inslots 484, the wholefoot bar assembly 411 can slide/roll back and forth along the side rails 408. Theplate 474 is preferably also provided with ahole 549. Thishole 549 can be used to store thepull pin 548 when not being used. In addition, thishole 549 may be used to attach an elastic or spring resistance member (not shown) between thecarriage 410 and thefoot bar 411support plate 474 or between thefoot end 404 and thesupport plate 474. Such a resistance member can provide a resistance to translational movement of thefoot bar 411support assembly 470 by a user when thefoot support arm 458 is engaged inslot 484. In this configuration thefoot bar 411 may be used to provide additional resistances experienced by a user during performance of various movements while being supported on thecarriage 410. Such a spring or other resistance member, such as an elastic cord, may be attached for this purpose between thecarriage 410 and a suitable feature at a different location on theassembly 470 or to thefoot bar 411 itself. For example, such a resistance member may be attached to theconnection portion 154 of the footbar leg portion 152. - Referring back to
Fig. 22 , at thehead end 404 of thereformer apparatus 400 there are two spaced apartarm cord risers 412 for directingarm cords 414 from thecarriage 410 to thehead end 404 and then to the armcord end loops 416. A separate perspective view of ariser 412 is shown inFig. 26 and an exploded assembly view is shown inFig. 27 . In thisembodiment 400, theriser 412 has no bottom pulley configuration as is utilized inriser 112. Instead, preferably a pulley androller assembly 550 is inserted into the upper end of theriser tube 552. This pulley and roller assembly includes asupport housing 554 that supports laterally spaced apartvertical rollers 556 that rotate about parallel vertical axles fastened into thehousing 554, and apulley 558 mounted between and below therollers 556 on ahorizontal axle 560. Each of the rollers and thepulley 558 is supported on its respective axle between pairs of ball bearings mounted in thesupport housing 554. - Each of these
riser tubes 552, preferably includes two vertically alignedelongated openings arm cord 414 is passed. The pulley androller assembly 550 slides into upper end of theriser tube 552 and is fastened in place with twoscrews 566. When properly positioned in thetube 552, thevertical rollers 556 are alongside theupper opening 562. Thepulley wheel 558 is centered between the two openings. Thearm cord 414 is threaded through the upper opening and down around thepulley wheel 558, and out through thelower opening 564 to thecarriage 410 as is shown inFig. 26 . - An
annular collar 568 is fastened around the lower end portion of thetube 552 viascrews 570. Thiscollar 568 is sized to snugly fit within the open upper end of theboss 506 of thehead end extrusion 500 as is shown in the cutaway view inFig. 28 . A threadedexpansion plug 572 is press fit into the bottom end of theriser tube 552. This threadedexpansion plug 572 engages with the threaded hand bolt 413 (Figs. 23 ,28 ). When thehand bolt 413 is tightened, theriser 412 is pulled down into theboss 506 to secure theriser 412 in place. Theriser tube 552 may alternately be made of different lengths such thatdifferent length risers 412 may be selected for different users. Finally, thelower opening 564 in theriser tube 552, besides passing thecord 414 therethrough, is used to receive part of a bracket 700 (an example of which is shown inFig. 31 ) to removably hold theriser 412 beneath the head end of thecarriage 410 during storage as is shown inFig. 39 . - The
carriage 410 is separately shown inFigs. 31 and32 . An underside separate perspective view of part of thecarriage 410 is separately shown inFig. 31 . An underside view of the upholsteredupper platform 574 is separately shown inFig. 32 . Thecarriage 410 includes a generallyrectangular frame 576, arectangular support platform 578, the upholsteredupper platform 574, and a pair of shoulder stops 418. Theframe 576 has uprightside support plates 580, a verticalhead end plate 582 and a verticalspring support plate 584, both of which are fastened to theside support plates 580. All of theseplates support platform 578 to provide a rigid carriage structure. The upper side of theplatform 578 includes shoulder stop supports 594 (SeeFig. 34 ) as in the first embodiment of thecarriage 110 shown inFig. 12 . - The
spring support plate 584 carries one end of each of the biasing springs 420. The other end of eachspring 420 may be removably fastened to the anchor pins 448 in order to vary the resilient bias, i.e. spring tension between thecarriage 410 and thefoot end 406 of theframe 402. Theside support plates 580 support theplatforms support wheels 586 and guidewheels 588. Thehead end plate 582 has a pair of spacedopenings 590 therethrough which act as guides for the arm cords 414 (not shown inFig. 31 ). A pair ofelongated slots 592 are also formed in thehead end plate 582. Theseslots 592 are shaped to receive the stems of the shoulder stops 418 when the shoulder stops 418 are removed and attached to thecarriage 410 for storage as is shown inFig. 39 . - The
support platform 578 has a pair of shoulder stop supports 594 fastened to its upper surface (as is shown inFig. 34 ). Each of thesesupports 594 has a pair ofvertical bores Vertical bore 596 has an oval cross section supports across pin 600 on thestem 602 of theshoulder stop 418. Operation of theshoulder stop 418 is identical to that of the shoulder stop 118 of thefirst embodiment 100, as shown inFig. 15 . -
Fig. 33 is a perspective view of theshoulder stop 418. Note that thestem 600 is offset from the axial centerline through theshoulder stop 418. Referring now toFig. 34 , a partial upper view of the upper platform of thecarriage 410 is shown. Each of the shoulder stop supports projects through and is flush with the top of theupper platform 574. The inboard bores 598 are circular in cross section. Thus, when the stems 600 of the shoulder stops 418 are placed in thesebores 598 the shoulder stops 418 cannot rotate as was the case in thefirst embodiment 100 described above and shown with reference toFig. 15 . However, when one, or both, shoulder stops 418 are located in the outboard bores 596, they can be tilted toward thefoot end 406 just as described with reference toFig. 15 in thefirst embodiment 100. - In this embodiment of the
reformer 400, not only does a user have an option of rotating the shoulder stops 418 when inserting them into thebores 596 to accommodate different shoulder widths, one or both shoulder stops 418 may be inserted in theinner bores 598 to provide further width adjustment. If both shoulder stops 418 are located in theinner bores 598, then no adjustment of thearm cords 414 can be made. This is called the lockout position. However, if either one or both shoulder stops 418 are placed in theouter bores 596, then adjustment of thearm cords 414 may be made with that shoulder stop in anouter bore 596. - A partial perspective view of the bottom of the
carriage 410, removed from thereformer 400, is shown inFig. 35 . In this view thesprings 420 are shown attached to thespring support plate 584. Anexemplary arm cord 414 is shown threaded through theguide hole 590 and into thecord retraction mechanism 610. - A bottom plan view of a head end portion of the
carriage 410 is shown inFigs. 36 and37 . These two views illustrate the configuration and operation of thecord retraction mechanism 610 in accordance with this embodiment of the present disclosure. Thearm cords 414 are not shown in this view for clarity. Thecord retraction mechanism 610 includes, for eachcord 414, a springbiased cord reel 612 that is mounted beneath thesupport plate 578 for rotation about a horizontal axis and is supported from the carriage frameside support plate 580. Thecord reel 612 has acoil spring portion 614 and acord support portion 616. One end of the cord 414 (not shown) is fastened to and wrapped around thecord support portion 616 of thereel 612. As is shown inFigs. 35 ,36 and37 , the tworeels 612 of thecord retraction mechanism 610 are rotatably mounted side by side beneath the underside surface of theplatform 578. - The
coil spring portion 614 is bolted to or integral with thecord support portion 616 and preferably carries within it a coil spring (not shown) that provides a takeup preload tension on thecord 414 when its end is fastened to thecord support portion 616 of thereel 612. Theretraction assembly 610 also includes a unique spring loadedcord clamp assembly 618 fastened to thesupport platform 578 that is operably coupled to anactuator linkage 620, which is, in turn, actuated by either one of the shoulder stops 418 when installed in theappropriate bore 596. - The
actuator linkage 620 is carried on an elongatedflat plate 622 that is fastened to thesupport plate 578 viafasteners 624 and spans between the twoside support plates 580 directly beneath the shoulder stops 418 and over thebores flat plate 622 has anelongated opening 626 aligned with abore 596 and acircular opening 628 aligned with thebore 598. Pivotally carried side by side on thelinkage plate 622 are a pair of T shapedlinks 630. Each T shapedlink 630 pivots in the plane of thesupport plate 578 about the center of thehead 632 of thelink 630 on apin 634 fastening thelink 630 to theplate 622. Oneend 636 of thehead 632 of each of thelinks 630 is positioned to engage astem 600 of theshoulder stop 418 inserted intobore 596. Theother end 638 of thehead 632 of the T shaped link 630 couples with acorresponding end 638 of theother link 630. The ends 638 of the twolinks 630 are preferably also coupled together by acoil spring 640. Each T shapedlink 630 includes anelongated leg 642. The end of thiselongated leg 642 resides adjacent one of theclamp assemblies 618. - The
clamp assembly 618 comprises a pair ofclamp members 650, the outer one of which is fixed to thesupport plate 578 by twofasteners inner clamp member 650 is rotatably fixed to thesupport plate 578 by afastener 652 in a laterally spaced relation to the fixedmember 650. Each clamp member has acord grip portion 656 and an oppositeelongated arm portion 658. Thearm portion 658 of theinner clamp member 650 is positioned adjacent theleg 642 of thelink 630. Acoil spring 660 fastens thegrip portion 656 of theinner clamp member 650 to the fixedouter clamp member 650 such that the grip portion of theinner clamp member 650 is biased toward the grip portion of the fixed outer clamp member. Aflat plate 662 is optionally fastened over theclamp members 650 in eachassembly 618 between thefastener 652 and theclamp member 650. Finally, a pair of cord guides 664 is preferably fastened to thesupport plate 578 and positioned between thelink assembly 620 and thereel 612 such that thecord 414 must pass through thehole 590 in thehead end plate 582, through acord guide 664, between theclamp members 650, through anothercord guide 664, to thecord retraction reel 612 as is shown inFig. 35 . - The
retraction assembly 610 is shown in a cord locked condition inFig. 36 . InFig. 37 , theassembly 610 is shown in an unlocked condition wherein one of the shoulder stops 418, (the left one inFig. 37 ) has been tilted toward the foot end of thereformer frame 402. In this view ofFig. 37 , thestem 600 of theleft shoulder stop 418 pushes up on theend 636 of thelink 630. This movement causes theopposite end 638 of thelink 630 to rotate downward clockwise. At the same time, theleg 642 must also rotate clockwise, rotating thearm portion 658 of theinner clamp member 650 counterclockwise. This action releases thearm cord 414 from theclamp members 650 and permits the tension in the left cord reel to be felt on thecord 414. - At the same time, the
other link 630 is caused to rotate counterclockwise about itspin 632, which, in turn, causes itsleg 642 to push against thearm portion 658 of theinner clamp member 650 of theother clamp assembly 618, thus rotating theinner clamp member 650 clockwise. This clockwise rotation of theinner clamp member 650 disengages theclamp member 650 from theother arm cord 414 such that the tension in theright cord reel 612 pulls on theother cord 414. It can readily be seen, therefore, that tilting either one of the shoulder stops 418 that is in anoutside bore 596 will cause the same result, a release of bothclamp assemblies 618 on both of thearm cords 414, allowing a user to independently adjust the length of each cord. - Again, a retrofit arm cord retraction mechanism kit for a conventional reformer is also envisioned in accordance with the present disclosure for this
alternative retraction system 610. Such a kit would include tworetraction reels 612 and mounting hardware, twoclamp assemblies 618,link assembly 630, replacement shoulder stops 418, two shoulder stop supports 594, and appropriate installation instructions. - In the
reformer carriage 410 in accordance with the present disclosure, an adjustable headrest may be integrated into the structure. A bottom view of the upholsteredupper support platform 574 is shown inFig. 32 . The rigid base of the upper support plate has twoseparate sections hinge 676. Eachsection section 672 also hasapertures 678 for receiving the shoulder stop supports 594 therethrough as above described. Thesections upholstered platform 574 as is shown with reference to the first embodiment inFigs. 19-21 . However, in thisreformer 400, there is nocam block 364. Instead, as shown inFig. 32 , an elongated adjustment lever 680 is fastened to the underside of thehead end section 674. This lever 680 rotates about afastener 682 secured to the underside of thehead end section 674. The lever 680 has oneend 684 bent at 90 degrees from the plane of theplatform 574. Thisbent end 684 projects through aslot 686 in thesupport plate 578 as shown inFig. 38 . Thebent end 684 has a series ofnotches 688 for adjusting the height of thehead end section 674. The opposite end of the lever 680 may have aknob 690 fastened thereto for rotating the lever 680 out of and into engagement of thenotches 688 with a corresponding flange of the headend support plate 582. - The
reformer 400 of this present disclosure may be configured so as to be easily stacked for stacked storage. Each of thefeet 429 include recessed portions designed to fit onto the outer corner rim of anunderlying reformer 400. The bottom of eachfoot 429 that facilitates stacking of one apparatus on top of another has a recessed portion. Stacking is facilitated through engagement of the outer corners of the head end of the reformer and outer corners of the standing platform at the foot end of the reformer into the recessed portions in each foot as is shown inFig. 39 . When two ormore reformers 400 are so stacked they are securely held laterally in place by thesefeet 429. - Furthermore, the
risers 412 are removed from thehead end 404 and fastened to one of the brackets 700 (seeFig. 31 andFig. 40 below). Each of the shoulder stops 418 is removed and thestems 600 passed through the shoulderstop slot openings 592, turned 90 degrees so that thepins 602 engage the headend support plate 582. - An underside perspective view of the head end of the
carriage 410 is shown inFig. 40 showing therisers 412 and shoulder stops 418 spaced from these holding features. These holding features areslots 592 in thehead end plate 582 andspring brackets 700 Thespring brackets 700 resiliently snap within thelower openings 564 to hold and retain theriser 412 in place without marring or otherwise damaging the exterior finish of theriser 412. - When the
risers 412 and shoulder stops 418 are mounted beneath thecarriage 410 as shown inFigs. 39 and40 , thecarriage 410 may be positioned fully at the head end of theframe 402, and an optionalmat conversion pad 702 may be placed between thecarriage 410 and the standingplatform 423 to provide a fully flat mat surface. This mat conversion places thecarriage 410 in a stationary position at thehead end 404, and presents to the user a full flat surface. - The
reformer 400 may optionally also be configured with atrapeze tower assembly 800 as is shown inFig. 41 . Thetower assembly 800 basically comprises a U shapedtower 802, atrapeze swing 804, and a pair oftower sockets 806. Thetower sockets 806 are fastened between therail members 408 and thehead end extrusion 500 of thehead end 404 and become an integral part of theframe 402. The bottom ends of thetower 802 fit within thesockets 806 and are drawn into thesockets 806 as is shown in more detail inFig. 43 . - The
tower 802 is preferably a tubular metal body such as aluminum or steel and may either be bent to the shape as shown inFig. 41 , or may be formed from straight sections joined by conventional 90 degree elbows. Thetower 802 has a plurality of spacedeyebolts 808 for attaching springs, straps, or pulleys 810 as may be needed for particular exercises. Alternatively the vertical legs of thetower 802 may have a vertical slot and adjustable clamp fittings provided therein for anchoring the springs, pulleys 810, oreyebolts 808 thereto. - In addition, the
risers 412 may be utilized or replaced with a U shapedconnector assembly 818 so that apulley 810 may be fastened thereto. This U shapedconnector assembly 818 fits within theboss 506 in thehead end extrusion 500, and is bolted in place as shown inFig. 44 , or alternatively may be configured to be fastened with thesame hand bolt 413 as is used to secure theriser 412 in place as is shown inFig. 28 . When theconnector assembly 818 is utilized in place of theriser 412, then a second pulley 810 (not shown) could be fastened to theassembly 818 and used as a lower arm cord guide directing the arm cord from thecarriage 410 to the lower pulley and through theupper pulley 810 to the hand loop as in theembodiments Figs 1 and22 . - A
tower socket 806 is shown mounted on the head end of one of theside rail members 408 inFig. 42 . Thetower socket 806 is a metal extrusion, preferably aluminum, that has atube portion 820 and an axially extending radial flange portion 822. The flange portion 822 has a thickenededge 824 and aplate portion 826 that is identically shaped to fit againstend plate 407 of thehead end extrusion 500 and against the end of theside rail member 408. Locatingpins 409 orient the flange portion 822 with respect to therail member 408 and theend plate 407, and nuts (not shown) are used onbolts 828 to fasten thehead end 404 and thesocket 806 securely to theside rail member 408. -
Fig. 43 is a cutaway view of an assembledtower 802 fastened in asocket 806. In a fashion similar to that described above with reference torisers 412 being fastened into thebosses 506, the bottom end of thetower 802 is fitted with a threadedexpansion plug 830. Ahand bolt 832 extending into the bottom of thetube portion 820 threads into theplug 830. When tightened, theexpansion plug 830 draws the bottom end of thetower 802 down tightly into thesocket 806 to complete the assembly of thetower 800 to theframe 402. - Alternatively, the bottom ends 850 of a
tower 820 may be narrowed and shaped so as to telescopically fit within thebosses 506 in thehead end extrusion 500 as is shown in the perspective view of this alternative inFig. 45 . This construction would preclude the need fortower sockets 806. In such an alternative, shown inFig. 45 , ahand bolt 832 would be again used to draw the bottom ends 850 of thetower 820 tightly into thebosses 506 just as therisers 412 would be fastened into thebosses 506 above described. In such an alternative configuration, of course, therisers 412 are not used. Instead, thearm cords 414 would each be attached to apulley 810. - Turning now to
FIG. 46 , an exemplaryhandle end portion 880 of anarm cord hand strap 900.End portion 880 is turned back on itself to form aflexible eye 882. Thefree end 884 of theend portion 880 is sewn or otherwise permanently secured to theend portion 880 to form theeye 882. Thiseye 882 replaces the need for a conventional metal or plastic snap clip for connection to a conventional hand grip. - The
hand strap 900 has a loopedstrap portion 902 sewn to ends of a short length of arm cord material to form aflexible cord ring 904 attached to thestrap portion 902. Theflexible cord ring 904 is attached to theeye 882 by passing thering 904 over theeye 882 and then threading thestrap portion 902 through thering 904. The result is thehand strap 900 fastened to thearm cord FIG. 46 . Thearm cords hand strap 900 attached in this manner can be utilized with any conventional reformer or other exercise apparatus utilizing arm/foot cords as well as with thereformer - A
hand grip 910 is shown inFIG. 47 that has atubular handle 912. Thisgrip 910 may be utilized in place ofhand strap 900. Again, thehand grip 910 preferably has aflexible cord ring 904 as described above to fasten thehand grip 910 to theend portion 880. Alternatively, a standard hand grip may be used that includes a metal D ring fastened to thehand grip 910 in place of thecord ring 904. - The
reformer jump board 950 as is shown inFIG. 48 . Thisjump board 950 is a generally rectangular plate structure with twoparallel posts 952 that fit down into theinserts 510 in thebosses 506 in thefoot end posts 952 each have a rectangular or square cross sectional shape as is shown in the sectional partial view ofFIG. 49 . - Each
post 952 includes a pair of spacedleaf springs 954 that bias thepost 952 counterclockwise in theinsert 510 so that there is a preload on thejump board 950 effectively away from thecarriage - In
FIG. 48 , note that thefoot bar 411 is shown positioned adjacent thehead end 404 of theframe 402. Furthermore thefoot bar 411support assemblies 470 are shown in the free rotational position in which pins 461 are engaged inslots 484 as described with reference toFIGS. 29 and 30 . When thefoot bar 411 is thus positioned to be movable between the head and foot ends 404 and 406 of theframe 402, anelastic resistance member 956 may be fastened to theconnection portions 154 of theleg portions 156 offoot bar 411 and stretched around thehead end 404 of theframe 402 as is shown inFIG. 48 . With thefoot bar 411 configured in this manner, a user can sit or lay on thecarriage 410, grasp theleg portions 156 of thefoot bar 411 and pull thefoot bar 411 toward thecarriage 410 against the resistance provided byresistance member 956. - Alternatively, the user can rotate the
foot bar 411 to the vertical position, lower thefoot bar 411 to engagepins 461 innotches 482, which locks eachsupport assembly 470 in place on therail members 408. Then the user can pull thecarriage 410 toward thehead end 404 with his or her arms. It is to be understood that theresistance member 956 may be two separate members each separately connected to thehead end 404, or may be a single resistance member as is illustrated inFIG. 48 . Furthermore, the above description applies equally well to the first embodiment,reformer apparatus 100 described above with reference toFIGS. 1-21 . - These are only exemplary embodiments and variations. A reformer exercise apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure may incorporate one or more or any of the features described herein. Other modifications will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. For a simple example, any of the coil springs shown in the drawing figures may be replaced by stretchable elastic members and vice versa. For another, the holding features for accommodating the
risers 412 and shoulder stops in storage positions beneath the upper surface of thereformer carriage 410 may differ fromclips 700 andslots 592. Therisers 412 may fit within corresponding openings (not shown) inplate 582 or on pins projecting fromplate 582. Thereformers FIG. 48 , or longer legs as shown in at leastFIGS. 1 and22 . Accordingly, all such alternatives, variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the scope of and as defined by the following claims.
Claims (15)
- A reformer exercise apparatus (100) comprising:a generally rectangular frame (102) having a pair of parallel spaced side rail portions (108), a head end portion (104), and a foot end portion (106);a movable carriage (110) supported by the side rail portions (108) for movement of the carriage (110) between the head and foot end portions (104, 106);a bias member (120) connected between the carriage (110) and the foot end portion (106) of the frame for biasing the carriage (110) toward the foot end (106) of the frame (102); anda foot support member (111) supported by the side rail portions (108) of the frame (102),characterized in that each of the side rail portions (108) has an outer surface shape in transverse cross section having an upright outer wall (122) beginning at an outer bottom edge, extending substantially upright to an integral horizontal top wall (124) merging into an inwardly and downwardly slanted inner wall (126, 128) and ending in an inner bottom edge spaced from the outer bottom edge.
- The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each side rail portion (108) has a downwardly extending mid wall (130) between the outer wall (122) and the inner wall (126, 128) for supporting the foot support member (111).
- The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the mid wall (130) has a longitudinally extending upper boss (132) and a longitudinally extending lower boss (134) forming an outwardly open slot (136) therebetween facing the outer wall (122).
- The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein each side rail portion (108) includes a horizontal wall (138) between the inner wall (126, 128) and the mid wall (130).
- The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the mid wall (130) has a lower end portion (140) forming a horizontal track for supporting the carriage (110).
- The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein an end of the foot support member (111) is movably supported in the outwardly open slot (136) between the upper and lower bosses (132, 134).
- The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the mid wall (130) includes a plurality of features for discrete positioning of the foot support member (111) along a length of the side rail members (108).
- The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein each of the frame portions (104, 106, 108) has an upright outer wall (122) and an integral horizontal top wall (124) merging into an inwardly and downwardly slanted inner wall (126, 128).
- The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein each side rail portion (108) has a downwardly extending mid wall (130) between the outer wall (122) and the inner wall (126, 128) for supporting the foot support member (111).
- The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the mid wall (130) has a longitudinally extending upper boss (132) and a longitudinally extending lower boss (134) forming an outwardly open slot (136) therebetween facing the outer wall (122).
- The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein each side rail portion (108) includes a horizontal wall (124) between the inner wall (122) and the mid wall (130).
- The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the mid wall (130) has a lower end portion (140) forming a horizontal track for supporting the carriage (110).
- The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising one or more hourglass spool shaped pins (148) secured to the foot end portion (111) of the frame (102) for receiving a free end of one of the bias members (120).
- The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein each pin (148) has a central axis and tapers upward and inward from its base to a waist at a first angle from the pin's central axis and then outward at a second angle greater than the first angle so that the free end of the one of the bias members (120) placed on the pin is securely held at the waist of the pin (148).
- The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the second angle is at least twice that of the first angle.
Priority Applications (10)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
HUE11869281A HUE034835T2 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
PL15166775T PL2949364T3 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
DK15166775.5T DK2949364T3 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166776.3A EP2946816B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166775.5A EP2949364B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
PL15166771T PL2944358T3 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
DK15166771.4T DK2944358T3 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
PL15166776T PL2946816T3 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
DK15166776.3T DK2946816T3 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166771.4A EP2944358B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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PCT/US2011/043803 WO2013009306A1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
Related Child Applications (6)
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---|---|---|---|
EP15166775.5A Division-Into EP2949364B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166775.5A Division EP2949364B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166776.3A Division-Into EP2946816B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166776.3A Division EP2946816B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166771.4A Division EP2944358B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166771.4A Division-Into EP2944358B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2731684A1 EP2731684A1 (en) | 2014-05-21 |
EP2731684A4 EP2731684A4 (en) | 2015-04-08 |
EP2731684B1 true EP2731684B1 (en) | 2017-04-05 |
Family
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Family Applications (4)
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EP11869281.3A Active EP2731684B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166771.4A Active EP2944358B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166775.5A Active EP2949364B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166776.3A Active EP2946816B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP15166771.4A Active EP2944358B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166775.5A Active EP2949364B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
EP15166776.3A Active EP2946816B1 (en) | 2011-07-13 | 2011-07-13 | Reformer exercise apparatus |
Country Status (20)
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EP (4) | EP2731684B1 (en) |
KR (4) | KR101704949B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN103648592B (en) |
AU (3) | AU2011372789B2 (en) |
BR (4) | BR122015015917B1 (en) |
CA (3) | CA3008723C (en) |
CY (1) | CY1119277T1 (en) |
DK (4) | DK2949364T3 (en) |
ES (4) | ES2727930T3 (en) |
HK (4) | HK1211530A1 (en) |
HU (4) | HUE043824T2 (en) |
IL (5) | IL238738B (en) |
LT (4) | LT2731684T (en) |
NZ (3) | NZ707695A (en) |
PL (4) | PL2946816T3 (en) |
PT (1) | PT2731684T (en) |
RS (2) | RS58260B1 (en) |
SI (1) | SI2949364T1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013009306A1 (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA201400040B (en) |
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CN105476804B (en) * | 2015-11-27 | 2018-05-04 | 丁友志 | A kind of multifunctional orthopaedics recovery therapeutic equipment |
CN105560002B (en) * | 2016-02-23 | 2017-03-01 | 三峡大学 | A kind of adjustable guide tracked full angle patella ulnaris treatment of joint disease bed of strength attitude |
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