US20020142898A1

US20020142898A1 - Office exercise furniture

Info

Publication number: US20020142898A1
Application number: US09/820,226
Authority: US
Inventors: William Willis; Elbridge Thrasher
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-03-28
Filing date: 2001-03-28
Publication date: 2002-10-03

Abstract

An office chair and office desk independently incorporating certain activity features into the chair and desk arrangements allowing the user to perform beneficial exercise without leaving the chair or desk by utilizing movable exercise arms attached to adjustable variable resistance bearing assemblies attached to the chair seat or the desk to provide a full range of omnidirectional exercises.

Description

This invention relates to fully functional office furniture, such as a chair or desk, each of which can be used as an exercise device without leaving the chair or seating device used in association with the desk. It further relates to a method and device providing a full range of exercises by working omnidirectional hand engageable exercise members attached to either the chair or desk. The hand engageable exercise members are connected to combinations of variable resistance bearing assemblies and pivot hinges connected to the chair or desk each independently having resistive movable parts whereby meaningful exercises can be performed while seated in the chair or at the desk utilizing the resistive devices incorporated in the chair or the desk.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The preferred form of the present invention relates to a chair having a seat, a back, and right and left arms and a pedestal or support legs with or without casters. Particularly, the present invention relates to a chair that can be used as a means for exercise without leaving the chair. More particularly, the present invention relates to a chair that can be used as an office chair and having incorporated therein various resistive assemblies and/or resistance and pivotal assemblies providing omnidirectional movement of hand engageable exercise members useful for exercises while seated in the chair. More particularly, the chair of the present invention incorporates the variable resistance bearing as a means for obtaining exercise while seated in the chair. This invention relates to exercise chairs that can incorporate one or more omnidirectional means for various types of exercise.

An alternate form of the present invention relates to a desk having a top and legs to support the top. Particularly, the desk can be used as a means for exercise without leaving the desk. More particularly, the desk can be used in association with a chair, having incorporated in the desk various resistive and/or pivotal assemblies having omnidirectional movement useful for exercise while seated in the chair at the desk. More particularly, the chair and desk of the present invention independently incorporate a variable resistance bearing as a means for obtaining exercise while seated in the chair or in a seating member at the desk.

Various devices have been put forward and described in the prior art to attempt to present solely office chairs with occasional limited exercise capabilities wherein a seated person can perform specific limited exercises while seated. Prior chair devices generally employ weights, pulleys, ropes, multiple mechanisms, spring biased levers and the like to provide resistance to a particular motion.

Further, many of the prior art devices seek to accomplish automatic restoration to a rest position. Such devices, for example, use a spring to restore the lever arm back to the rest position. However, when the lever arm is moved to its maximum position in one direction, sudden release of the lever arm could cause the lever arm to quickly return to its rest position. Anyone accidentally in the way of the such a swiftly moving lever arm could be injured.

Therefore, incorporated in the present invention there is provided an improved variable resistant bearing to supply two-way resistance throughout a full range of motion. As in any exercise device, two-way active resistance is desirable in both the flexion and extension movements. By combining assemblies to obtain omnidirectional movement an improved and effective range of exercises at different resistance levels can be achieved. These movements are effectively provided in the present invention.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Hitherto, various types of exercise chairs have been proposed that would allow some form of aerobic arm exercise while the person in the chair was seated. These include support arms that move fore and aft in an arc as their only directions of motion. Others include handles in the arms that move fore and aft in an arc. Still others have pivotally mounted arms that move vertically in an arc. Most of these devices of the prior art rely on the extension of coil springs or elastomeric members for their resistance against which exercise can be performed. Among these devices there are those that have both dangerous pinch points and do not include means for preventing injury when a resistance member is accidentally broken or suddenly released when under tension.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,633 relates to an office chair with occasional exercise capability. The chair described therein uses resistance mechanism which can include an elastic member which resists upward movement of the front part of the moveable armrest portion. Other resistance mechanisms can be used instead of the elastomeric member to provide resistance to the movement of foot handles. These include a piston and cylinder wherein the resistance is obtained through the flow of hydraulic or pneumatic fluid or by an elastomeric member extending through the middle of the telescoping members as described.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,449 the office seating device described therein uses arm extension motions as provided by a hand grip mounted on an armrest for grasping and fore and aft movement by the user. The hand grip is connected to a yieldable resistance in the form of a coiled spring within the armrest. Also provided is a yieldable resistance foot operated treadle plate using an elastomeric element disposed between the food treadle plate and the base. The elastomeric elements deform to provide resistance to the pedal pumping action.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,913,423 and 5,470,298 similarly relate to furniture articles, such as seating articles, that include in the respective articles various exercising apparatus. For example, cable and pulleys connecting to a source of resistive force. While other prior art, such as, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,921,900 and 5,599,260 relate to an exercising device for connecting the exercise element to the chair or other article of office furniture. It is usual for this type of device to rely on elastic elements to provide resistance during the exercise activity.

Other exercise devices utilize various forms of interactive movement to produce resistive forces to produce resistance. However, there is no mention of using a variable resistive bearing to provide yieldable resistance for a wide range of exercises that can be performed while seated by moving omnidirectional exercise members. The prior art describes devices having a limited variety of exercises that can be performed with the equipment either incorporated in the chair or attachable to the chair. Many prior devices limit the range and direction of movement by the nature of the exercise element available in the proximity of the office chair or desk.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fully functional arm chair and/or desk which can also be used as exercise devices without leaving the chair. It is an objective of the present invention to provide an office exercise chair having omnidirectional variable resistive assemblies that can be used for obtaining a variety of aerobic and anaerobic exercises while seated therein. Similarly, there is provided a desk having omnidirectional variable resistive assemblies thereon for use to obtain a variety of aerobic and anaerobic exercises while seated at the desk. Among the purposes of the present invention is to provide a system, apparatus and related methods which permit the omnidirectional exercise of selected muscles in a safe, quiet and variable resistive manner.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a chair and desk are provided that fully serves the function of office furniture, and yet which enables the seated person to perform various omnidirectional exercises. The chair typically has a padded seat with a seat bottom and back to comfortably support a seated person, and has a support or pedestal with casters that support the chair.

The desk has a top and support base, such as legs and the like. The chair and desk each may have moveable parts such as one or more handles for grasping by the seated person and cooperating therewith various omnidirectional adjustable resistive assemblies to provide resistive exercise to the user.

The chair seat back can include a stationary lower part and a head rest or upper part. The seat has one or more exercise handles that can be grasped and moved in almost unlimited directions by the seated person. Each handle is affixed to and cooperates with an omnidirectional adjustable variable resistance assembly usually attached to the bottom of the seat. In addition, the seat optionally, but preferably can have attached thereto a pair of stationary arm rests.

The preferable variable resistance assembly of this invention includes several parts, one of which comprises either a rotating core bearing member or bearing, a metal or radially flexible stationary bearing member covering the core radially flexible bearing member and interposed therebetween a coated separating sleeve member covering the core bearing member. Such an assembly is fully described in our copending application Ser. No. 09/556,039 filed Apr. 20, 2000, and incorporated herein by reference.

The radially flexible stationary bearing member has an adjusting means for applying pressure thereto. The rotatable bearing member of this assembly provides controlled resistance to movement of the bearing when adjusted by the adjusting means contacting the flexible sleeve covering and force applied thereto. The separating sleeve member carries a high viscosity substance, which assists to mitigate or obviate sticking, squeaking, grabbing and the like, within the bearing assembly during rotation of the members or bearing. The substance used falls within the definition of high viscosity lubricants, and preferably the substance used is a non-curing viscous silicone.

By using a series of variable resistance assemblies on the chair or on the desk the present invention can accomplish the almost unlimited range of movement herein referred to as omnidirectional movement. It is understood that such a description may include several devices, the preferred device comprises either a rotating core bearing member or bearing, a metal or radially flexible stationary bearing member covering the core radially flexible bearing member and interposed therebetween a coated separating sleeve member covering the core bearing member with means for adjusting the force on the bearing.

Another, and less expensive, way to achieve omnidirectional movement of the exercise members is to replace one of the variable resistance bearings with an adjustable positioning means which may be a pivot hinge.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a chair and desk each of which can fully function as office furniture, yet which enables various omnidirectional exercises to be readily performed by the seated person.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a chair and a desk with several various embodiments of exercise mechanisms associated with typical office furniture configuration to enable exercise by the seated person.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a chair and a desk with a series of adjustable variable resistance bearing assemblies and attachments thereto to enable various omnidirectional exercises by the seated person.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an office chair and desk having omnidirectional variable resistance exercise means that can be undertaken in the office without interfering with other office tasks or disturbing other people nearby, with quiet, multi-directional, adjustable variable resistance arm assemblies attached thereto.

Still another object is to provide an exercise device having two variable resistance bearing members connected to a pivot hinge located therebetween.

The foregoing features, advantages, and benefits of the invention, along with additional ones, will be seen in the following description and claims which should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings disclose preferred embodiments of the present invention according to the best mode contemplated at the present time in carrying out this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings, wherein like characters indicate like parts throughout the figures. [0028]
FIG. 1 is a perspective front-topside view of an office chair constructed in accordance with the present invention having all of the omnidirectional adjustable variable resistance assemblies and moveable exercise arms and armrests in place. [0029]
FIG. 2 is a side view of the office chair of FIG. 1 of the present invention showing forward movement of an installed omnidirectional adjustable variable resistance bearing assembly. [0030]
FIG. 3 is a front view of an office chair of the present invention showing outward movement of two installed omnidirectional adjustable variable resistance assemblies with the stationary armrests in place. [0031]
FIG. 4 is an underneath view of the office chair of FIG. 3 of the present invention showing the spatial arrangement of the adjustable variable resistance bearing assemblies attached to the bottom of the office chair. [0032]
FIG. 4A is an bottom view of the office chair of FIG. 5. [0033]
FIG. 4B is a bottom view of another alternate form of the chair of FIG. 5. [0034]
FIG. 5 is a perspective front-topside view of an office chair of the present invention constructed in accordance with the present invention having all of the omnidirectional adjustable variable resistance assemblies with moveable exercise arms attached and connected through an adjustable variable resistance pivot hinge, with the armrests in place. [0035]
FIG. 6 is a perspective front-topside view of the office chair of FIG. 5 showing moveable exercise arms partially pivoted outwardly on the connected adjustable variable resistance pivot hinge and one exercise arm moved on the connected variable adjustable bearing assembly. [0036]
FIG. 7 is a perspective front-topside view of the office chair of FIG. 5 showing both moveable exercise arms fully pivoted outwardly on the connected adjustable variable resistance pivot hinge. [0037]
FIG. 8 is a perspective front-topside view of a desk of the present invention showing the omnidirectional adjustable variable resistance assemblies and moveable exercise arms in raised position. A portion of the desk is removed to more clearly illustrate the invention. [0038]
FIG. 8A is a perspective front-topside view of a desk illustrating an alternate form of the invention showing pivot members located between the resistive bearing members. [0039]
FIG. 9 is a perspective front-topside view of a desk of FIG. 8 of the present invention showing lateral movement of the exercise arms on a vertical plane. [0040]
FIG. 10 is a perspective front-topside view of a desk of FIG. 9 of the present invention showing the exercise arms in a lowered position. [0041]
FIG. 11 is a perspective front-topside view of a desk of FIG. 11 of the present invention showing the exercise arms in a lowered position and moving in a forward rotational position. [0042]
FIG. 12 is a perspective front-topside view of another form of the invention showing a desk with each exercise arm connected to an adjustable variable resistance bearing and a pivot hinge and with portions of the desk removed to more clearly illustrate the invention [0043]
FIG. 13 is a perspective front-topside view of a desk of FIG. 12 of the present invention showing the exercise arms in a raised position showing the wide range of movement of the moveable exercise arms. [0044]
FIG. 14 is a perspective front-topside view of a desk of FIG. 12 of the present invention showing the exercise arms and adjustable variable resistance bearing assemblies in another configuration. [0045]
FIG. 15 is a perspective front-bottom side view of an office chair showing still another alternate form of the present invention.[0046]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is open to various modifications and alternative constructions the embodiments shown in the drawings will be described here in detail. It is understood, however, there is no intention to limit the invention to the particular form described. It is intended that the invention cover all modifications, equivalencies and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. [0047]
Referring to FIGS. [0048] 1-14 of the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-4, the office chair 10 and desk 70 with exercise capability are illustrated with various embodiments all contemplated within this invention. The office chair 10 includes a seat 2 supported by a base or pedestal 1 with casters 120 as is typical of office furniture. The seat 2 is usually padded and a seat back 3 is provided to comfortably support an individual while seated therein. The base or pedestal 1 has a column of adjustable length which supports the seat bottom to allow it to swivel about a vertical axis. The casters 120 on the pedestal allow the chair to roll on the floor for placement and adjustment. Thus, the chair has all the amenities of a typical office chair of comfortably supporting a seated person, while allowing the person to swivel and roll on the floor as on the floor behind a desk.
FIG. 1 illustrates the chair of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with one combination of the exercise attachments in place. The stationary arm rests [0049] 30 and 31 are shown attached to the bottom of the seat and positioned in comfortable placement for the user to rest his arms while seated in the chair. The stationary arm rests are provided as an added safety feature. The exercise members 4 and 5 are movable, hence should a person sit on the chair without the stationary arms or should the movable arms not be in a locked position, the person relying on the members 4 and 5 to support him might fall out of the chair.
The [0050] exercise members 4 and 5 as illustrated in FIG. 1 are in ready position. There are provided as a set of exercise arms, a right and a left, each positioned on the side of the chair near the front of the seat 2 beside the stationary arm rests 30 and 31. The exercise members 4 and 5 are each normally upright positioned tubes with the offset lower portions 11 and 12 respectively terminating in adjustable variable resistance bearings 7 and 6 respectively.
The [0051] resistance bearings 6, 7 are connected by right angle connecting tubes 14 and 15 to second adjustable variable resistance bearings 16 and 17 mounted on the seat bottom. Preferably, bearings 16 and 17 are connected to each other by a mounting member 18 near the front edge and preferably parallel to the edge of the seat 2. The amount of resistance exerted by resistance bearings 16 and 17 is varied by turning knobs 112 and 113 respectively. It has been found that operation of the arms against the resistane of bearings 16 and 17 works best when knobs 112 and 113 are kept very tight. For this purpose a Teflon® washer gives best results. The arms 4 and 5 are preferably covered with a soft foam padding 8 and the terminal gripping portion 9 is provided with a soft foam handle grip. The foam padding 8 adds to the aesthetics of the chair in an office environment as well as providing a comforting grip at the lower portions of the arms 4 and 5. The end of the exercise members 4 and 5 are capped with inserts 13 to cover the exposed interior end of the tube.
Preferably [0052] upright exercise members 4 and 5 are positioned near the front side edge of the seat, in proximity to the front of the stationary arm rests 30 and 31. In one embodiment of the present invention the upright exercise members 4 and 5 are each independently connected to first adjustable variable bearing assemblies 6 and 7 through right angled connecting tubes 14 and 15 to second adjustable variable bearings 16 and 17 each securely affixed to the under portion of the seat positioned parallel to the front edge of the seat as seen in FIG. 4. The upright exercise members are preferably covered with a soft foam rubber sleeve to soften the grip and to enhance the appearance of the chair in an office environment.
With further reference to FIGS. [0053] 1-4 of the drawings, it can be seen that the exercise arms 4, 5 are each mounted in adjustable variable bearing assemblies 6, 7 positioned under the seat parallel to the sides of seat 2. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the exercise arms 4, 5 move such that as the arms are rotated the exercise arms may move outwardly and downwardly from the chair to the extension of the users arm length. Each exercise arm can be moved independently or simultaneously. By adjusting the adjustable variable resistive bearings 6, 7 by turning handle knob 111 and 114, the resistive exercise force of each of the exercise arms 4, 5 can be independently selected. After extension of the exercise arms 4, 5 they may be rotated back upwardly to any position. There is no set rest position. The exercise arms 4, 5 will remain in whatever position they were at the time the exercise was terminated.
The [0054] exercise members 4 and 5 are offset positioned outward from the side of the seat and beyond the stationary arm rests 30 and 31 with vertical offsets 11 and 12, such that when the exercise members are moved they do not contact or otherwise interfere with the stationary arm rests. The movement of the members 4 and 5 is omnidirectional when utilizing the combination of first adjustable variable bearing assembly 6, 7 and the connected second adjustable variable bearing 16, 17 securely affixed to the under portion of the seat. Each exercise member 4, 5 can be moved independently or simultaneously. When the exercise members 4, 5 are to be used, resistance is selected by adjusting the first adjustable variable resistive bearing 6, 7 by turning handle knobs 111, 114. The resistive exercise force available to the exercise arms 4 and 5 can be individually selected. After movement of the exercise members 4 and 5 they may be rotated back upwardly and inwardly or to any selected rest position.
The two [0055] variable resistance bearings 16 and 17 are preferably attached to the underside of the seat. They can be stabilized by rigidly connecting the bearing housing for each bearing with one or more rigid straps or additionally connecting the two bearing housings together by mounting member 18 as seen in FIG. 4. They can be further stabilized with one or more rigid straps that connect each bearing housing to the chair bottom or the chair base adjacent the chair bottom.
The variable resistance assemblies utilized in this invention include several devices, The preferred variable resistance assembly comprises either a rotating core bearing member or bearing, a metal or radially flexible stationary bearing member covering the core radially flexible bearing member and interposed therebetween a coated separating sleeve member covering the core bearing member. The radially flexible stationary bearing member has an adjusting means for applying pressure thereto. The rotatable bearing member of this assembly provides controlled resistance to movement of the bearing when adjusted by the adjusting means contacting the flexible sleeve covering and force applied thereto. The separating sleeve member carries a high viscosity substance, which assists to mitigate or obviate sticking, squeaking, grabbing and the like, within the bearing assembly during rotation of the members or bearing. The substance used falls within the definition of high viscosity lubricants, and preferably the substance used is a non-curing viscous silicone. [0056]
FIGS. [0057] 4A, and 5-7 illustrate an alternate form of the invention. Identical and like parts are signified by the addition of a prime “′” mark to correspondingly numbered parts in FIGS. 1-4. Where the parts are identical, the numbers are not repeated in the specification for purposes of brevity.
The [0058] office chair 10′ is illustrated which utilizes the variable resistance assemblies 6′, 7′ connected through connecting tubes 43, 43 a to variable resistor pivot hinges 40 and 41, then with connecting rod 44 which is connected to the bottom of the chair by mounting member 45. Connecting rod 44 serves to firmly position the pivot hinges. Each pivot hinge 40, 41 has a rotatable handle 46, 47 for adjusting the resistance and placement of the pivot hinge. Hence the exercise members 4′, 5′ attached to the variable resistance bearing assemblies 6′, 7′ can be individually moved in an outward direction from the chair by using the pivot hinges 40, 41. Then by using the exercise members 4′, 5′ can be moved in various directions by means of the bearing assemblies 6′, 7′. By a combination of settings and angular positions of the pivot hinges 40, 41 together with the rotation of the resistance assemblies 6′, 7′ the exercise members 4′ 5′ can be moved in the desired direction.
FIG. 4B illustrates yet another form of the [0059] invention using chair 10″. FIG. 4B is similar to FIG. 4. Identical and like parts are signified by the addition of a double prime mark “′” to correspondingly numbered parts in FIGS. 1-4. Where the parts are identical, the numbers are not repeated in the specification for purposes of brevity.
In FIG. 4B, right [0060] angle connecting tubes 14 and 15 illustrated in FIG. 4 are replaced by the following devices. Right angle connecting tube 14 is replaced by connecting tube 123 which is connected to adjustable variable resistance bearing assembly 6″ at one end and to variable resistor pivot hinge 124 at its other end. Connecting tube 125 is connected to variable resistor pivot hinge 124 and to second adjustable variable resistance bearing 16″. A knob 126 is connected to pivot hinge 124 to lock and unlock it in variable angular positions thereby positioning exercise member 5″ for various exercises. Pivot hinge 124 is the same as pivot hinges 40 and 41 as illustrated in FIG. 5.
Referring again to FIG. 4B, right [0061] angle connecting tube 15 illustrated in FIG. 4 is replaced by connecting tube 127 which is connected to adjustable variable resistance bearing assembly 7″ at one end and to variable resistor pivot hinge 128 at its other end. Connecting tube 129 is connected to variable resistor pivot hinge 128 at one end and to second adjustable variable resistance bearing 17″ at its other end. A knob 130 is connected to pivot hinge 128 to lock and unlock it in variable angular positions thereby positioning exercise member 4″ for various exercises. Pivot hinge 128 is the same as pivot hinge 124 and pivot hinges 40 and 41 as illustrated in FIG. 4a, and pivot hinges 40 and 41 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Preferably bearings 166″ and 17″ are attached to each other and to chair 10″ by mounting member 18″.
The form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4B provides the most versatility and range of motion for [0062] exercise members 4″ and 5″ of any of the forms of the invention illustrated. Not only is an omnidirectional range of motion provided, but exercise arms 4″ and 5″ may be initially positioned in a wide range of positions as illustrated by the form of the invention shown in FIGS. 4A and 5-7.
FIGS. [0063] 8-11 illustrate still another form of the invention including a desk 70 having exercise assemblies as hereinabove described attached thereto for use by an individual seated at the desk. In FIGS. 8-11, second adjustable variable bearing assemblies 66, 67 may be mounted to the desk on either the underside of the desk top 70 or to the desk base or pedestal 51, 52. In FIGS. 8-11 the assemblies are mounted to the interior of the kneel well of a desk.
FIGS. [0064] 8-11 illustrate exercise members 34 and 35 with handles 134 and 135 in one ready position. There are provided as a set of exercise arms, a right and a left, each positioned on the front edge of the desk easily accessible by the desk occupant. The exercise members 34 and 35 may be upright positioned tubes and may be placed in a variety of positions with the offset lower portions 32 and 33 each terminating in an adjustable variable resistance bearing 36 and 37. Resistance may be varied in second adjustable variable resistance bearings 66 and 67 by turning hand knobs 68 and 69 respectively.
The [0065] resistance bearings 36, 37 are each respectively connected by right angle connecting tubes 38 and 39 to second adjustable variable resistance bearings 66 and 67 mounted on the underside of the desk top 70 near the front edge 71. Resistance may be varied in adjustable variable resistance bearings 36 and 37 by turning hand knobs 72 and 73 respectively. On the desk mounting, the bearings 66, 67 are preferably mounted perpendicular to the edge of the desk top.
FIGS. [0066] 12-14 illustrate another form of the invention. Parts of the invention shown in FIGS. 12-14 are identical or similar to the form of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 8-11. Similar and identical parts are numbered with a prime mark “′”. Identical parts are not repeated in the specification for purposes of brevity.
[0067] Exercise members 56 and 57 with handles 156 and 157 are shown in ready position in FIG. 12. There are provided as a set of exercise arms, a right and a left, each positioned on the front edge 71′ of the desk 70′ and easily accessible by the desk occupant. The exercise members 56 and 57 may be placed in various positions including a vertical position with the offset lower portions 58 and 59 each terminating in an adjustable variable resistance bearing 50 and 49. The amount of resistance in resistance bearings 50 and 49 may be adjusted by turning knobs 102 and 101 respectively.
The [0068] resistance bearings 50,49 are each respectively connected to variable resistor pivot hinges 42 and 53, by connecting tubes 121 and 122, then with connecting rods 61 and 62 to the underneath portion of the desk top. Connecting rods 61, 62 serve to firmly position the pivot hinge. Each pivot hinge 42, 53 has a turning handle 54, 55 for adjusting the placement of the pivot hinge. Hence the exercise members 56, 57 attached to the variable resistance assemblies 50, 49 can be individually moved in an outward direction from the desk by using the pivot hinges 42, 53. Then the exercise members 56, 57 can be moved in various directions with desired resistive force by using the adjustable bearing assemblies 50, 49. By a combination of settings and positions of the rotation on the pivot hinge 42, 53 together with the rotation of the resistance bearing assemblies 50, 49 the exercise members 56, 57 can be moved in the various desired directions.
As described hereinabove each adjustable variable resistive bearings contains an adjusting knob in order to individually select the resistive exercise force desired for the exercise arm. After movement of the exercise members they can be rotated to their respective rest positions. [0069]
FIG. 8A illustrates still another form of the invention. In general, the invention illustrated in FIG. 8A is similar to the invention illustrated in FIGS. [0070] 8-11 with right angular tubes 38 and 39 removed and the pivot hinges 42 and 53 illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 inserted therein.
For purposes of brevity, similar and identical parts in FIGS. [0071] 12 14 are indicated by the same numbers in FIG. 8A followed by a double prime “″”.
[0072] Exercise member 34″ with handle member 134″ is preferably formed with an offset portion 32″. Offset portion 32″ is connected to variable resistance bearing 36″ which is provided with knob 72″ for changing the resistance of the bearing. A connecting tube 122″ is affixed at one end to bearing 36″ and the other end is connected to variable resistor pivot hinge 53″. A hand knob 55″ is attached to pivot hinge 53″ for locking the pivot hinge at a selected position. Thus exercise member 34″ may be positioned to various positions as illustrated in FIGS. 8-11. A connecting tube 131 is connected at one end to pivot hinge 53″ and the other end is attached to second adjustable variable bearing assembly 66″. A hand engageable knob 68″ varies the resistance of bearing 66″. Bearing 66″ is securely attached to desk 70″.
[0073] Exercise member 35″ with handle member 135″ is preferably formed with an offset portion 33″. Offset portion 33″ is connected to variable resistance bearing 37″ which is provided with knob 73″ for changing the resistance of the bearing. A connecting tube 121 ″ is affixed at one end to bearing 37″ and the other end is connected to variable resistor pivot hinge 42″. A hand knob 54″ is attached to pivot hinge 54″ for locking the pivot hinge at a selected position. Thus exercise member 35″ may be positioned to various positions as illustrated in FIGS. 8-11. A connecting tube 132 is connected at one end to pivot hinge 42″ and the other end is attached to second adjustable variable bearing assembly 67″. A hand engageable knob 69″ varies the resistance of bearing 67″. Bearing 67″ is securely attached to desk 70″.
The form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8A gives the greatest scope of exercises of any of the forms of the invention which attach to a desk. [0074]
FIG. 15 illustrates an office chair and still another form of the present invention. FIG. 15 is similar to the form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1 with certain differences set forth below. Part in FIG. 15 which are similar or like parts in FIG. 1 are designated by the same number followed by a triple prime mark “′″”. Some identical parts are not repeated in the specification for purposes of brevity. [0075]
The stationary arm rests [0076] 30′″ and 31′″ are sown attached to the bottom of the seat 2′″ and positioned in comfortable placement for the user to rest his arms while seated in the chair 10′″. The stationary arm rests are provided as an added safety feature. The exercise members 4′″ and 5′″ are movable, hence should a person sit on the chair without the stationary arms or should the movable arms not be in a locked position, the person relying on the members 4′″ and 5′″ for support might fall out of the chair.
The [0077] exercise members 4′″ and 5′″ as illustrated in FIG. 15 are in one of an infinite ready positions. As stated above, there are no springs or return devices connected to the exercise members 4′″ and 5′″ and they will remain in the last position they were in when force was withdrawn from them.
There are provided as a set of exercise arms, a right and a left, each positioned on the side of the chair near the front of the [0078] seat 2′″. The exercise members 4′″ and 5′″ may be straight tubes as shown in FIG. 15 or formed with offset lower portions as shown in FIG. 1 terminating in adjustable variable resistance bearings 7′″ and 6′″ respectively.
The [0079] resistance bearings 6′″ and 7′″ are connected by generally straight and relatively short connecting tubes 141 and 142 to second adjustable variable resistance bearings 16′″ and 17′″ connected to cross member 143 which is connected to mounting member 144 mounted on the seat bottom 2′″.
The amount of resistance exerted by [0080] resistance bearings 16′″ and 17′″ is varied by turning knobs 11 2′″ and 113′″ respectively. The arms 4′″ and 5′″ are preferably covered with a soft foam padding 8′″. The foam padding 8′″ adds to the aesthetics of the chair in an office environment. The end of the exercise members 4 and 5 are capped with inserts 13′″ to cover the exposed interior end of the tubes.
Preferably [0081] exercise members 4′″ and 5′″ are positioned near the front side edge portion of the seat, in proximity to the front portion of the stationary arm rests 30′″ and 31′″. Preferably the upright exercise members 4′″ and 5′″ are each independently connected to first adjustable variable bearing assemblies 6′″ and 7′″ positioned at right angles to second adjustable variable bearings 16′″ and 17′″. Thus full independent omnidirectional movement of exercise members 4′″ and 5′″ is made possible.
Continuing to refer to FIG. 15 of the drawings, it can be seen that the [0082] exercise arms 4′″ and 5′″ are each mounted in adjustable variable bearing assemblies 6′″, 7′″ positioned to the sides of seat 2′″. Exercise arms 4′″, 5′″ may move such that as the arms are rotated, the exercise arms may move outwardly and downwardly from the chair to the extension of the users arm length. Each exercise arm can be moved independently or simultaneously. By adjusting the adjustable variable resistive bearings 6″ , 7′″ by turning handle knobs 11 1′″, 114′″, the resistive exercise force of each of the exercise arms 4′″, 5′″ can be independently selected. After extension of the exercise arms 4′″, 5′″ they may be rotated back upwardly to any position. There is no set rest position. The exercise arms 4′″, 5′″ will remain in whatever position they were at the time the exercise was terminated.
The [0083] exercise members 4′″ and 5′″ are generally straight as illustrated in FIG. 15, but they may also be offset positioned outward from the side of the seat and forwardly beyond the stationary arm rests 30′″ and 31′″ with offsets as shown in FIG. 1 at 11 and 12 such that when the exercise members are moved they do not contact or otherwise interfere with the stationary arm rests. The movement of the members 4′″ and 5′″ is omnidirectional when utilizing the combination of first adjustable variable bearing assembly 6′″,7′″ and the connected second adjustable variable bearing 16′″, 17′″ securely affixed to the under portion of the seat.
The above descriptions are presented to be exemplary only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It is to be realized that the optimal dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. [0084]
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to and which may fall by within the scope of the present invention. [0085]

Claims

We claim:

1. An exercise device comprising:

a. furniture member;

b. a pair of exercise members available to a user wherein each of said exercise members is a hand engageable lever operably connected to said furniture member;

c. each of said exercise members is connected to a first exercise member locating means;

d. each of said first exercise member locating means is connected through a connecting rod to a second exercise member locating means at an angle thereto, and each of said second exercise member locating means is connected to said furniture member;

e. one of said locating means is an adjustable variable resistance bearing member; and

f. said exercise members are capable of independent omnidirectional motions during exercise by movement of each of said exercise members against the adjusted resistance in said respective variable resistance bearing members.

2. An exercise device as described in claim 1 comprising:

a. said first and second exercise member locating means are adjustable variable resistance bearing members.

3. An exercise device as described in claim 1 comprising:

a. one of said locating means connected to each of said exercise members is an adjustable pivot hinge.

4. An exercise device as described in claim 1 comprising:

a. both of said first and second exercise locating means connected to each of said exercise members are adjustable variable resistance bearing members; and

b. an adjustable pivot hinge is connected between each of said adjustable resistance bearing members.

5. An exercise device as described in claim 1 comprising:

a. said angle between each of said exercise locating means is a right angle.

6. An exercise device as described in claim 1 comprising:

a. said furniture member is a chair having a base and a seat supported by said base.

7. An exercise device as described in claim 1 comprising:

a. said furniture member is a desk having a base and a desk top connected to said base.

8. An exercise device as described in claim 6 comprising:

a. a stationary arm rest member connected to said seat.

9. An exercise device as described in claim 6 comprising:

10. An exercise device as described in claim 6 comprising:

11. An exercise device as described in claim 6 comprising:

12. An exercise device as described in claim 6 comprising:

a. each of said exercise members is formed with offset lower portions.

13. An exercise device as described in claim 12 comprising:

a. a pair of stationary arm rest member connected to and disposed on opposite sides of said seat;

b. said first and second exercise member locating means are adjustable variable resistance bearing members; and

c. mounting means connecting said second exercise member locating means to each other and to said seat of said chair.

14. An exercise device as described in claim 10 comprising:

a. each of said exercise members is formed with offset lower portions;

b. a pair of stationary arm rest member connected to and disposed on opposite sides of said seat;

c. each of said adjustable pivot hinges is disposed beyond the edge of said seat.

15. An exercise device as described in claim 7 comprising:

16. An exercise device as described in claim 7 comprising:

17. An exercise device as described in claim 7 comprising:

a. each of said exercise members is formed with offset lower portions.

18. An exercise device as described in claim 7 comprising:

a. both of said first and second exercise locating means connected o each of said exercise members are adjustable variable resistance bearing members; and

19. An exercise device as described in claim 1 comprising:

a. both of said first and second exercise locating means connected to each of said exercise members are adjustable variable resistance bearing members;

b. said angle between each of said exercise locating means is a right angle:

c. said furniture member is a chair having a base and a seat supported by said base;

d. mounting means connecting said second exercise member locating means to each other and to said seat of said chair;

e. said first and second exercise member locating means are connected to each other by a relatively short, generally straight connecting member; and

f. manually engageable means connected to each of said first and second adjustable variable resistance bearing members for independently varying the amount of resistance to forces imposed by movement of said first and second exercise members.