US20060116259A1 - Chair with exercise apparatus - Google Patents
Chair with exercise apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060116259A1 US20060116259A1 US11/001,466 US146604A US2006116259A1 US 20060116259 A1 US20060116259 A1 US 20060116259A1 US 146604 A US146604 A US 146604A US 2006116259 A1 US2006116259 A1 US 2006116259A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- chair
- seat
- arm
- backrest
- assembly
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
-
- 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
- A63B21/008—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0085—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters
- A63B21/0087—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices using hydraulic or pneumatic force-resisters using pneumatic force-resisters of the piston-cylinder 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
- A63B21/16—Supports for anchoring force-resisters
- A63B21/1609—Supports for anchoring force-resisters for anchoring on a chair
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A63B21/4047—Pivoting movement
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/03516—For both arms together or both legs together; Aspects related to the co-ordination between right and left side limbs of a user
- A63B23/03525—Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle
-
- 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
- A63B2210/02—Space saving incorporated in chairs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0205—Abdomen
- A63B23/0211—Abdomen moving torso with immobilized lower limbs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
- A63B23/0233—Muscles of the back, e.g. by an extension of the body against a resistance, reverse crunch
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
- A63B23/1209—Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
- A63B23/1245—Primarily by articulating the shoulder joint
- A63B23/1263—Rotation about an axis passing through both shoulders, e.g. cross-country skiing-type arm movements
Definitions
- This invention relates to chairs that have exercise apparatus incorporated into them, and that may be used by a person while seated in the chair. More particularly, the chair is suitable for use as a desk chair and enables the chair occupant to perform one or more exercises even while doing desk work in the chair.
- the present invention enables the occupant of the chair to exercise muscles located in the shoulders, chest, arms, back, legs and lateral thoracic area.
- a person seated in the chair can perform one or more of the following: shoulder press, pull-down, seated row, chest press, forearm exercise and leg press.
- the invention is embodied in an ergonomic chair which addresses everyday long term seating issues.
- the chair ideally functions as an office chair, but it may take other forms.
- the chair also functions as a motion or exercise chair.
- the exercise components are an integral part of the chair, particularly those components that exercise the shoulder, chest, back and lateral thoracic area.
- the chair addresses the health concerns of sedentary people in an office environment. This is accomplished by incorporating into the armrests and headrest of the chair, components that enable those parts of the chair to perform their ordinary functions for one seated in the chair but further convert to apparatus enabling the person seated in the chair to exercise muscles in the shoulders, chest, arms, back and lateral thoracic area. In one embodiment, additional apparatus is incorporated into a legrest as well.
- the various exercise facilities may each be used independently of the others.
- FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the chair shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the armrest assembly
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one armrest subassembly illustrating the action of the armrest
- FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic view of one of the cylinder/piston assemblies
- FIG. 5 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the backrest and headrest of the chair
- FIGS. 6 & 7 are fragmentary perspective views of the headrest support of FIG. 5 , showing it in different positions;
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of an embodiment of this invention including a footrest/leg exerciser.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 are fragmentary views of the pedestal and footrest of the chair shown in FIG. 9 and showing how the footrest may be detached from the chair.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 One embodiment of the chair of this invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in its general organization includes a pedestal/swivel base 20 , seat 22 , backrest 24 , armrest assemblies 26 and headrest assembly 28 .
- An optional legrest/exerciser 30 is shown in FIGS. 8-10 .
- the armrest and headrest assemblies incorporate mechanisms that enable each to be used independently of the other as exercise facilities by the chair occupant.
- the arm assemblies enable the chair occupant to perform seated row and chest press exercises and forearm exercises
- the headrest assembly enables the chair occupant to perform shoulder press and pull down exercises.
- the legrest 30 enables the chair occupant to do leg press exercises.
- handles 128 are provided in the backrest and/or seat enabling a chair occupant to do stretching exercises. All of these various components of the chair and the various exercises that may be performed with them are described below.
- the base 20 of the chair in the embodiment shown has radial legs 40 with casters 41 that extend outwardly from a hub 42 , which in turn supports an upwardly extending seat post 44 .
- the seat post 44 preferably includes a mechanism (not shown) for raising and lowering the seat 22 and backrest 24 as a unit as is well known in the art.
- the seat post 44 preferably also carries a spring mechanism seat frame (not shown) that enables the occupant to change the seat angle to the horizontal so as to achieve a comfortable position.
- the mechanism customarily includes a device that enables the angular relationship of the seat and backrest to be varied. Such mechanisms and devices are all well known in the art and the details of such mechanisms are not illustrated.
- the chair shown has a pedestal base
- the invention is not limited to a chair having such a base, but when the chair is to function as an office or desk chair, such a base is preferred.
- the backrest may or may not be pivotable to a semi-reclined position, and this motion may be in tandem with the seat so that the two have a fixed angular relationship, or as is ordinarily preferred, the backrest may move with respect to the seat by virtue of a flexible frame yieldably biased to an erect position.
- Those features also are well known in the art and their details do not form part of this invention.
- the seat 22 carries beneath it a transverse horizontal tubular support 54 that defines a pivotal axis for each of the arm subassemblies 26 a and 26 b .
- Each arm subassembly 26 includes a post 60 , the lower end 62 of which telescopically receives the tubular support 54 disposed beneath the seat 22 .
- the upper end of the post 60 comprises a sleeve 65 that carries an extendable hand grip 64 telescopically received within the sleeve and that also forms part of the post.
- the sleeve 65 also carries a bracket 67 adjacent its top which supports an arm pad 68 that provides a comfortable support for the forearm and/or elbow of a person seated in the chair while working at a desk, computer, etc.
- the rear end 69 of the arm pad 68 is recessed so as to expose the top of the sleeve body 65 to enable the hand grip 64 to be extended upwardly from the body as shown in FIG. 4 .
- the top of the grip 64 may carry a knob 71 to facilitate withdrawing and reinserting the grip with respect to the sleeve 65 .
- the armrest is shown in its position for use as a conventional armrest for the chair occupant with the pad 68 disposed substantially in a horizontal position.
- the extendable hand grip 64 is shown retracted into the sleeve 65 so as not to interfere with use of the armrest pad as a comfortable arm support.
- an extension 70 is shown depending from the lower end 62 of the armrest assembly post 60 , and a piston rod 140 of cylinder assembly 72 is pivotally connected at its free end 73 to the extension 70 .
- the cylinder assembly 72 is pivotally mounted to a bracket 74 attached to the underside of the rear portion of the seat frame.
- the cylinder assembly 72 is shown schematically in FIG. 4A .
- cylinder 72 is double acting, having a piston 75 carried by the piston rod 140 , and a piston bypass 77 is connected to the cylinder interior adjacent both ends.
- the cylinder 72 and bypass 77 are filled with fluid that may be a gas such as air, or a liquid such as water, oil or other lubricant.
- An adjustable valve 79 determines the force required to move the piston 75 in each direction within the cylinder. Because in this type of system it is difficult to insure that no liquid leaks from it, air may be the preferable fluid.
- the load imposed on the post to resist the pivotal motion about the axis of the tubular support 54 may be readily adjusted by means of the valve 79 .
- the load is double acting, that is, it resists pivotal motion of the post both toward and away from the backrest.
- FIG. 4 The exercise performed with the armrest assembly 26 is suggest in FIG. 4 wherein the assembly is shown in its extreme positions.
- position A the assembly is shown in its normal position for use as a conventional armrest by the occupant of the chair. That position may also be the rearmost position of the assembly.
- position B the assembly is shown in the forwardmost position, and the stroke between the two extreme positions may be approximately 50°. While the stroke suggested is approximately 50°, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that degree of angular motion, and means may be provided to vary the length of the stroke and/or the extreme positions A and B.
- the neutral position of the armrest assembly shown in FIG. 1 need not serve as both an extreme exercise position and the armrest use position.
- the armrest By closing the valve 79 the armrest may effectively be locked in any position chosen by the user.
- the handles 64 In use as exercise apparatus the handles 64 are elevated and the occupant may grip the handles 64 and pivot the posts 60 back and forth toward and away from his/her body between the extreme positions. Because each of the arm posts moves independently of the other, the user may typically exercise with the posts synchronized, that is, moving simultaneously in the same direction, or they may be out of phase 180 degrees, or any other time relationship between them may be selected.
- the exercise uses the latissimus dorsi (outer back) muscle, the trapezius muscle (along the back of the neck), and the major and minor rhomboideus muscle (deep muscles that lie under the trapezius and assist with scapular stabilization). Secondary muscles used during this motion are the biceps and rear deltoid muscles (back and shoulder). This exercise is excellent for posture.
- the load imposed by the cylinder 72 is substantially equal when the posts are moved toward and away (backward and forward) from the person.
- the load is not exactly the same because the piston rod is confined to one side of the piston and diminishes the quantity of fluid that must be displaced per inch of piston movement in the direction of the rod as compared to the opposite direction.
- the valve arrangement may be modified to enable the load to be varied separately for movement in each direction. For example, separate, parallel, one way valve passages may be provided in the bypass, each in turn being controlled by its own valve that would allow fluid to flow more easily to one side of the piston and with more difficulty to the other side. Numerous such arrangements are available. This modification would enable the system to simulate a rowing action.
- the pad may be pivotally mounted with respect to the post if it is deemed desirable to move it to a less prominent location when the chair is used for exercise
- the bracket supporting the pad may be pivotally mounted on the post 60 so as to enable the pad and bracket to lie against the cylinder 66 when the arm pad is not being used.
- the height of the handle may be varied by providing the cylinder with a facility for locking the handle at different extended positions.
- the height of the handles 64 may be independently adjusted and locked in a selected operative position by means of the latch 73 and series of holes 73 a in the lower end of the hand grip. Simply by freeing the latch from the holes, the grip may be moved to the desired position, and then by reconnecting the latch 73 to the another of the holes aligned with it, the grip may be locked in any elevation selected.
- Other arrangements may also be used to accomplish the same purpose.
- FIGS. 5-7 the headrest assembly for providing a shoulder press/pull down exercise facility is shown.
- the headrest assembly generally designated 28 is shown in the drawings to include a headrest 80 , support rods 82 , a cylinder assembly 84 , guide 86 and an enclosure 88 , the latter being mounted on the rear surface 90 of the backrest 24 (see FIG. 5 ).
- the headrest in the embodiment shown is substantially wider than the upper edge 92 of the backrest 24 , and its sides 97 are contoured forwardly to provide lateral support for the head.
- Hand grips 95 are built into the forwardly contoured sides 97 to enable the occupant to grip the hand rest to perform the overhead lift-pull exercise.
- the shape of the headrest and slender shape of the upper portion 99 of the backrest also enable the occupant to grasp the headrest even when the headrest is in the lowermost position in close proximity to the upper edge 92 of the backrest.
- the gripping facilities 95 may take many different forms but being confined to the back surface preserves the clean look of the chair.
- the height of the cushion may be adjusted to comfortably accommodate the person occupying the chair either for relaxation or for exercise.
- the adjustment may be made by means of the stop 91 carried on the rods 82 .
- the stop may be raised or lowered by loosening the set screws 93 in the sleeves 101 of the stop through which the rods 82 pass.
- a lowermost position of the headrest is established by the stop engaging the top of the guide.
- the screws 93 are merely representative of the type of fastener that may be used to lock the stop in any chosen position on the rods. Knobs and thumb screws are typical of other fasteners that may be used for the same purpose.
- other and different arrangements may be used to establish the “at rest” position. Typically that “at rest” position of the headrest may be adjusted over a range of approximately 4 inches to comfortably accommodate persons of different height using the chair.
- the cylinder assembly 84 may be essentially identical to that employed in the armrest assembly 26 .
- the cylinder assembly 84 is double-acting, that is, it restrains movement of the headrest 80 , as described below, in both an upward and downward course by virtue of the bypass 98 connected to each end of the cylinder 99 and the fluid flow adjusting valve 102 .
- the cylinder houses a piston 103 movable up and down between the ends of the cylinder, and the piston is connected to piston rod 107 .
- the lower end 107 of the piston rod is connected to plate 109 that also is connected to the lower ends of the rods 82 that carry the headrest 80 , so that the rods move together.
- the upper end 111 of the cylinder 99 is connected by means of its extension 104 to bracket 115 that is carried by the fixed guide 86 .
- Guide 86 is in turn mounted in a fixed position on the backrest of the chair within the enclosure 88 . Movement of the headrest 80 either in an upwardly or downwardly direction is opposed by the cylinder assembly 84 .
- a convenient knob forming part of the valve 102 extends out of the enclosure 88 for adjusting the size of the fluid passage through the valve for changing the resistance to movement of the headrest.
- the headrest When the headrest is used in a conventional manner to support the head of the chair occupant, the headrest is adjusted for the proper height by the adjustable stop 91 described above.
- the headrest assembly When used as an exercise device, the headrest assembly is placed in a position that enables the occupant of the chair to grasp the grips 95 on the back of the headrest cushion 80 and from that position, the occupant may press the cushion upwardly in the manner of a conventional overhead press exercise, and pulling the headrest down from the raised position is a standard pulldown.
- the overhead press is an upper body strength exercise.
- the primary muscles used in the press are the front and side deltoid and pectoralis major. Secondary muscle groups used are the triceps brachii and serratus anterior as well as a number of stabilizing muscles of the shoulder joint.
- the primary muscles used are the latissimus dorsi, trapezius and rhomboideus major and minor. Secondary muscles used are the biceps brachii and rear deltoid. It should also be appreciated that the push and pull exercises may be performed with one arm. An additional center handle may be provided in the headrest 80 for that purpose.
- FIGS. 8-10 a leg apparatus is shown that enables a person seated in the chair to perform leg exercises.
- the apparatus 30 includes a horizontal tubular member 111 that extends radially outward from the hub 42 of the pedestal base 20 , and the tubular member carries a bar 110 having a footrest 112 at its outer end. The free end of the bar 110 is supported by a leg 115 carrying a caster 114 .
- the bar 110 is movable in the tubular member 111 as suggested by the two positions of the footrest 112 and leg 115 shown in FIG. 8 . As is evident in FIG.
- the tubular member 111 , and bar 110 will not interfere with the motion of the base 20 of the chair as they are disposed above the plane of the legs 40 of the base, and the leg 115 and caster 114 are radially beyond the ends of the legs 40 of the base.
- the pedestal base 20 may turn freely under the leg exercise device.
- a load is applied to the bar 110 that opposes the bar's movement out of the member 111 . That load may be imposed by any number of different mechanisms, such as a tension spring within the tubular member attached between the inner ends of the tubular member and bar, or a cylinder and piston connected between the member and bar, or any similar such device.
- a peg 116 is also illustrated, that may be used to lock the bar 110 in a fixed radial position with respect to the tubular member so that the footrest 112 may serve as a comfortable rest for the chair occupant.
- a number of holes may be provided in the bar to receive the peg.
- the leg exercise provided by the apparatus is achieved by moving the feet essentially in a horizontal plane away from the axis of the base. When the pressure is relieved, the spring, air cylinder or other mechanism used will retract the bar.
- the leg exercise apparatus When not being used for exercise, the leg exercise apparatus may readily be detached from the base of the chair. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 the inner end 117 of the tubular member 111 is connected to the hub 42 by means of a pin 118 and anchor 120 and the appropriate holes 122 and 124 provided in the member 111 and anchor. By simply pulling the pin the member can be separated from the chair. However, the leg exercise assembly may remain connected to the chair as it will roll about with the pedestal base and will provide comfort to the occupant of the chair as a footrest.
- the leg press exercise afforded by the footrest assembly 30 involves extending the legs away from the body. That exercise involves the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and the gluteus maximus, and builds lower body strength.
- FIGS. 5 and 8 Yet another exercise facility is provided on the chair.
- handles 128 are shown provided on the sides of the backrest 24 . These also may be used as a stretching exercise while seated in the chair. The handles 128 are intended to be grasped by the hand of the occupant reaching across the mid-line of his/her body from the opposite side.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
An ergonomic chair that serves the conventional chair functions such as an office, desk or side chair and that functions as a motion or exercise chair as well. The exercise components include armrests and a headrest that convert to apparatus for exercising muscles in the shoulders, chest, arms, back and lateral thoracic area of a person seated in the chair. Additional apparatus is provided for exercising the legs of the person seated in the chair.
Description
- 1. Field of Invention
- This invention relates to chairs that have exercise apparatus incorporated into them, and that may be used by a person while seated in the chair. More particularly, the chair is suitable for use as a desk chair and enables the chair occupant to perform one or more exercises even while doing desk work in the chair.
- 2. Discussion of Related Art
- It is well recognized that regular exercise is very beneficial and that providing a convenient means for exercising for those who spend long hours at a desk is very desirable. A number of patents and published applications are directed to chairs that provide means for exercising while seated in them including the following: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,738,649; 4,913,423; 4,921,247; 5,044,633; 5,599,260; 5,690,594; 5,755,650, 6,099,445 and Publication No. US2002/0142898.
- The present invention enables the occupant of the chair to exercise muscles located in the shoulders, chest, arms, back, legs and lateral thoracic area. In particular, a person seated in the chair can perform one or more of the following: shoulder press, pull-down, seated row, chest press, forearm exercise and leg press.
- The invention is embodied in an ergonomic chair which addresses everyday long term seating issues. In one form, the chair ideally functions as an office chair, but it may take other forms. The chair also functions as a motion or exercise chair. The exercise components are an integral part of the chair, particularly those components that exercise the shoulder, chest, back and lateral thoracic area. In particular, the chair addresses the health concerns of sedentary people in an office environment. This is accomplished by incorporating into the armrests and headrest of the chair, components that enable those parts of the chair to perform their ordinary functions for one seated in the chair but further convert to apparatus enabling the person seated in the chair to exercise muscles in the shoulders, chest, arms, back and lateral thoracic area. In one embodiment, additional apparatus is incorporated into a legrest as well. The various exercise facilities may each be used independently of the others.
- The accompanying drawings, are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a chair in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the chair shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the armrest assembly; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one armrest subassembly illustrating the action of the armrest; -
FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic view of one of the cylinder/piston assemblies; -
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary rear perspective view of the backrest and headrest of the chair; -
FIGS. 6 & 7 are fragmentary perspective views of the headrest support ofFIG. 5 , showing it in different positions; -
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of an embodiment of this invention including a footrest/leg exerciser; and -
FIGS. 9 and 10 are fragmentary views of the pedestal and footrest of the chair shown inFIG. 9 and showing how the footrest may be detached from the chair. - This invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
- One embodiment of the chair of this invention shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 in its general organization includes a pedestal/swivel base 20,seat 22,backrest 24,armrest assemblies 26 andheadrest assembly 28. An optional legrest/exerciser 30 is shown inFIGS. 8-10 . The armrest and headrest assemblies incorporate mechanisms that enable each to be used independently of the other as exercise facilities by the chair occupant. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 and 2 , the arm assemblies enable the chair occupant to perform seated row and chest press exercises and forearm exercises, and the headrest assembly enables the chair occupant to perform shoulder press and pull down exercises. Thelegrest 30 enables the chair occupant to do leg press exercises. In addition,handles 128 are provided in the backrest and/or seat enabling a chair occupant to do stretching exercises. All of these various components of the chair and the various exercises that may be performed with them are described below. - The
base 20 of the chair in the embodiment shown hasradial legs 40 withcasters 41 that extend outwardly from ahub 42, which in turn supports an upwardly extendingseat post 44. Theseat post 44 preferably includes a mechanism (not shown) for raising and lowering theseat 22 andbackrest 24 as a unit as is well known in the art. Theseat post 44 preferably also carries a spring mechanism seat frame (not shown) that enables the occupant to change the seat angle to the horizontal so as to achieve a comfortable position. Furthermore, the mechanism customarily includes a device that enables the angular relationship of the seat and backrest to be varied. Such mechanisms and devices are all well known in the art and the details of such mechanisms are not illustrated. While the chair shown has a pedestal base, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to a chair having such a base, but when the chair is to function as an office or desk chair, such a base is preferred. The backrest may or may not be pivotable to a semi-reclined position, and this motion may be in tandem with the seat so that the two have a fixed angular relationship, or as is ordinarily preferred, the backrest may move with respect to the seat by virtue of a flexible frame yieldably biased to an erect position. Those features also are well known in the art and their details do not form part of this invention. - The
seat 22 carries beneath it a transverse horizontaltubular support 54 that defines a pivotal axis for each of thearm subassemblies 26 a and 26 b. Eacharm subassembly 26 includes apost 60, thelower end 62 of which telescopically receives thetubular support 54 disposed beneath theseat 22. The upper end of thepost 60 comprises asleeve 65 that carries anextendable hand grip 64 telescopically received within the sleeve and that also forms part of the post. Thesleeve 65 also carries abracket 67 adjacent its top which supports anarm pad 68 that provides a comfortable support for the forearm and/or elbow of a person seated in the chair while working at a desk, computer, etc. In the embodiment shown, therear end 69 of thearm pad 68 is recessed so as to expose the top of thesleeve body 65 to enable thehand grip 64 to be extended upwardly from the body as shown inFIG. 4 . The top of thegrip 64 may carry aknob 71 to facilitate withdrawing and reinserting the grip with respect to thesleeve 65. - In
FIG. 2 , the armrest is shown in its position for use as a conventional armrest for the chair occupant with thepad 68 disposed substantially in a horizontal position. Theextendable hand grip 64 is shown retracted into thesleeve 65 so as not to interfere with use of the armrest pad as a comfortable arm support. - In
FIGS. 1-4 , anextension 70 is shown depending from thelower end 62 of thearmrest assembly post 60, and apiston rod 140 ofcylinder assembly 72 is pivotally connected at itsfree end 73 to theextension 70. At its other end thecylinder assembly 72 is pivotally mounted to abracket 74 attached to the underside of the rear portion of the seat frame. In order to pivot the armrest assembly post 60 about the horizontal axis established by thetubular support 54 in the manner suggested inFIG. 4 , the resistance imposed on the motion by the piston in thecylinder assembly 72 must be overcome. - The
cylinder assembly 72 is shown schematically inFIG. 4A . In the embodiment shown,cylinder 72 is double acting, having apiston 75 carried by thepiston rod 140, and apiston bypass 77 is connected to the cylinder interior adjacent both ends. Thecylinder 72 andbypass 77 are filled with fluid that may be a gas such as air, or a liquid such as water, oil or other lubricant. Anadjustable valve 79 determines the force required to move thepiston 75 in each direction within the cylinder. Because in this type of system it is difficult to insure that no liquid leaks from it, air may be the preferable fluid. When the valve is fully open, minimum resistance will be encountered to move the piston as the fluid filling the cylinder and bypass flows relatively freely from one side of the piston to the other, but when the valve opening is reduced, the flow of fluid will be impaired and a greater resistance will be encountered when the piston is moved. - As the
piston rod 140 is connected to thearmrest post 60 by means of theextension 70 and the opposite end of thecylinder 72 is connected to the seat frame, the load imposed on the post to resist the pivotal motion about the axis of thetubular support 54 may be readily adjusted by means of thevalve 79. Moreover, the load is double acting, that is, it resists pivotal motion of the post both toward and away from the backrest. - The exercise performed with the
armrest assembly 26 is suggest inFIG. 4 wherein the assembly is shown in its extreme positions. In position A the assembly is shown in its normal position for use as a conventional armrest by the occupant of the chair. That position may also be the rearmost position of the assembly. In position B the assembly is shown in the forwardmost position, and the stroke between the two extreme positions may be approximately 50°. While the stroke suggested is approximately 50°, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to that degree of angular motion, and means may be provided to vary the length of the stroke and/or the extreme positions A and B. The neutral position of the armrest assembly shown inFIG. 1 need not serve as both an extreme exercise position and the armrest use position. By closing thevalve 79 the armrest may effectively be locked in any position chosen by the user. In use as exercise apparatus thehandles 64 are elevated and the occupant may grip thehandles 64 and pivot theposts 60 back and forth toward and away from his/her body between the extreme positions. Because each of the arm posts moves independently of the other, the user may typically exercise with the posts synchronized, that is, moving simultaneously in the same direction, or they may be out of phase 180 degrees, or any other time relationship between them may be selected. When the post handles 64 are pulled back toward the body of the occupant, the exercise uses the latissimus dorsi (outer back) muscle, the trapezius muscle (along the back of the neck), and the major and minor rhomboideus muscle (deep muscles that lie under the trapezius and assist with scapular stabilization). Secondary muscles used during this motion are the biceps and rear deltoid muscles (back and shoulder). This exercise is excellent for posture. - When the post handles are pushed forward (away) from the chest, the major and minor pectoralis (chest) muscles as well as the anterior deltoid (front and shoulder) muscles are exercised. Secondary muscles used in this exercise are the triceps brachii and serratus anterior.
- In the embodiment shown the load imposed by the
cylinder 72 is substantially equal when the posts are moved toward and away (backward and forward) from the person. The load, however, is not exactly the same because the piston rod is confined to one side of the piston and diminishes the quantity of fluid that must be displaced per inch of piston movement in the direction of the rod as compared to the opposite direction. The valve arrangement may be modified to enable the load to be varied separately for movement in each direction. For example, separate, parallel, one way valve passages may be provided in the bypass, each in turn being controlled by its own valve that would allow fluid to flow more easily to one side of the piston and with more difficulty to the other side. Numerous such arrangements are available. This modification would enable the system to simulate a rowing action. - While in the embodiment illustrated the
armrest pad 68 with thebracket 67 are fixed with respect to theseat post 60, the pad may be pivotally mounted with respect to the post if it is deemed desirable to move it to a less prominent location when the chair is used for exercise For example, the bracket supporting the pad may be pivotally mounted on thepost 60 so as to enable the pad and bracket to lie against the cylinder 66 when the arm pad is not being used. As another alternative, the height of the handle may be varied by providing the cylinder with a facility for locking the handle at different extended positions. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 , the height of thehandles 64 may be independently adjusted and locked in a selected operative position by means of thelatch 73 and series of holes 73 a in the lower end of the hand grip. Simply by freeing the latch from the holes, the grip may be moved to the desired position, and then by reconnecting thelatch 73 to the another of the holes aligned with it, the grip may be locked in any elevation selected. Other arrangements may also be used to accomplish the same purpose. - In
FIGS. 5-7 the headrest assembly for providing a shoulder press/pull down exercise facility is shown. The headrest assembly generally designated 28 is shown in the drawings to include aheadrest 80,support rods 82, acylinder assembly 84, guide 86 and anenclosure 88, the latter being mounted on therear surface 90 of the backrest 24 (seeFIG. 5 ). The headrest in the embodiment shown is substantially wider than theupper edge 92 of thebackrest 24, and itssides 97 are contoured forwardly to provide lateral support for the head. Hand grips 95 are built into the forwardly contouredsides 97 to enable the occupant to grip the hand rest to perform the overhead lift-pull exercise. The shape of the headrest and slender shape of theupper portion 99 of the backrest also enable the occupant to grasp the headrest even when the headrest is in the lowermost position in close proximity to theupper edge 92 of the backrest. Thegripping facilities 95 may take many different forms but being confined to the back surface preserves the clean look of the chair. - The height of the cushion may be adjusted to comfortably accommodate the person occupying the chair either for relaxation or for exercise. The adjustment may be made by means of the
stop 91 carried on therods 82. In the embodiment shown, the stop may be raised or lowered by loosening theset screws 93 in thesleeves 101 of the stop through which therods 82 pass. A lowermost position of the headrest is established by the stop engaging the top of the guide. To raise the “at rest” position of the headrest, thestop 91 is lowered on the rods. Thescrews 93 are merely representative of the type of fastener that may be used to lock the stop in any chosen position on the rods. Knobs and thumb screws are typical of other fasteners that may be used for the same purpose. Furthermore, other and different arrangements may be used to establish the “at rest” position. Typically that “at rest” position of the headrest may be adjusted over a range of approximately 4 inches to comfortably accommodate persons of different height using the chair. - The
cylinder assembly 84 may be essentially identical to that employed in thearmrest assembly 26. Thecylinder assembly 84 is double-acting, that is, it restrains movement of theheadrest 80, as described below, in both an upward and downward course by virtue of thebypass 98 connected to each end of thecylinder 99 and the fluidflow adjusting valve 102. The cylinder houses apiston 103 movable up and down between the ends of the cylinder, and the piston is connected topiston rod 107. Thelower end 107 of the piston rod is connected to plate 109 that also is connected to the lower ends of therods 82 that carry theheadrest 80, so that the rods move together. The upper end 111 of thecylinder 99 is connected by means of its extension 104 tobracket 115 that is carried by the fixedguide 86.Guide 86 is in turn mounted in a fixed position on the backrest of the chair within theenclosure 88. Movement of theheadrest 80 either in an upwardly or downwardly direction is opposed by thecylinder assembly 84. A convenient knob forming part of thevalve 102 extends out of theenclosure 88 for adjusting the size of the fluid passage through the valve for changing the resistance to movement of the headrest. - When the headrest is used in a conventional manner to support the head of the chair occupant, the headrest is adjusted for the proper height by the
adjustable stop 91 described above. When used as an exercise device, the headrest assembly is placed in a position that enables the occupant of the chair to grasp thegrips 95 on the back of theheadrest cushion 80 and from that position, the occupant may press the cushion upwardly in the manner of a conventional overhead press exercise, and pulling the headrest down from the raised position is a standard pulldown. The overhead press is an upper body strength exercise. The primary muscles used in the press are the front and side deltoid and pectoralis major. Secondary muscle groups used are the triceps brachii and serratus anterior as well as a number of stabilizing muscles of the shoulder joint. When doing the pulldown exercise, the upper back muscles are strengthened. The primary muscles used are the latissimus dorsi, trapezius and rhomboideus major and minor. Secondary muscles used are the biceps brachii and rear deltoid. It should also be appreciated that the push and pull exercises may be performed with one arm. An additional center handle may be provided in theheadrest 80 for that purpose. - In
FIGS. 8-10 a leg apparatus is shown that enables a person seated in the chair to perform leg exercises. Theapparatus 30 includes a horizontal tubular member 111 that extends radially outward from thehub 42 of thepedestal base 20, and the tubular member carries abar 110 having afootrest 112 at its outer end. The free end of thebar 110 is supported by aleg 115 carrying a caster 114. Thebar 110 is movable in the tubular member 111 as suggested by the two positions of thefootrest 112 andleg 115 shown inFIG. 8 . As is evident inFIG. 8 , the tubular member 111, and bar 110 will not interfere with the motion of thebase 20 of the chair as they are disposed above the plane of thelegs 40 of the base, and theleg 115 and caster 114 are radially beyond the ends of thelegs 40 of the base. Thus, thepedestal base 20 may turn freely under the leg exercise device. A load is applied to thebar 110 that opposes the bar's movement out of the member 111. That load may be imposed by any number of different mechanisms, such as a tension spring within the tubular member attached between the inner ends of the tubular member and bar, or a cylinder and piston connected between the member and bar, or any similar such device. In the embodiment shown, apeg 116 is also illustrated, that may be used to lock thebar 110 in a fixed radial position with respect to the tubular member so that thefootrest 112 may serve as a comfortable rest for the chair occupant. For adjustability, a number of holes may be provided in the bar to receive the peg. The leg exercise provided by the apparatus is achieved by moving the feet essentially in a horizontal plane away from the axis of the base. When the pressure is relieved, the spring, air cylinder or other mechanism used will retract the bar. - When not being used for exercise, the leg exercise apparatus may readily be detached from the base of the chair. As shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10 theinner end 117 of the tubular member 111 is connected to thehub 42 by means of apin 118 andanchor 120 and theappropriate holes 122 and 124 provided in the member 111 and anchor. By simply pulling the pin the member can be separated from the chair. However, the leg exercise assembly may remain connected to the chair as it will roll about with the pedestal base and will provide comfort to the occupant of the chair as a footrest. - The leg press exercise afforded by the
footrest assembly 30 involves extending the legs away from the body. That exercise involves the quadriceps and hamstring muscles and the gluteus maximus, and builds lower body strength. - Yet another exercise facility is provided on the chair. In
FIGS. 5 and 8 , handles 128 are shown provided on the sides of thebackrest 24. These also may be used as a stretching exercise while seated in the chair. Thehandles 128 are intended to be grasped by the hand of the occupant reaching across the mid-line of his/her body from the opposite side. When the arm reaches across the body to grasp thehandle 128 on the opposite side, a stretch is initiated in the following muscles: posterior deltoid (back of shoulder), supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor and teres major (these are the muscles that make up the rotator cuff), trapezius, rhomboideus major, rhomboideus minor and the latissimus dorsi. Similar exercise may be performed by providing handle on the side edges of theseat 22, as also suggested inFIG. 2 . - Having thus described several aspects of this invention, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only.
Claims (22)
1. A chair capable of functioning as a conventional chair and as an exercise station comprising;
a seat and back assembly,
an arm assembly mounted adjacent each side of the seat and each having a handle,
said arm assemblies each including an arm post extending upwardly from the seat and carrying an arm cushion for supporting the arm of an occupant of the chair,
a support for each arm assembly enabling each to move back and forth on the side of the seat,
a control for each arm assembly, said controls including a piston and cylinder assembly mounted beneath the level of the seat and having a piston rod connected to the arm assembly causing the piston to move back and forth in the cylinder when the arm assembly moves back and forth on the side of the seat,
a passage connected to the cylinder on each side of the piston and forming a closed fluid filled system with it,
and a valve means in the passage for altering the ability of the fluid to flow from one side to the other of the piston through the passage to vary the resistance to movement of the arm.
2. The chair as defined in claim 1 wherein an overhead press and pulldown assembly is attached to the back, said overhead assembly including a movable grip disposed above the back in position to be engaged by both hands of an occupant of the chair,
a piston cylinder assembly mounted on the chair and having a piston rod connected to the grip and connected to the piston in the cylinder,
a passage connected to the cylinder on each side of the piston, said cylinder and passage forming a closed loop with fluid filling the cylinder and passage,
and a valve in the passage for adjusting the ability of fluid to pass from one side of the piston to the other in the cylinder to vary the force required to raise and lower the grip.
3. The chair as defined in claim 1 wherein the arm assembly includes a height adjustment for the handle to be grasped by the chair occupant to move the arm assembly.
4. The chair as defined in claim 1 wherein each arm assembly includes income for enabling the resistance to movement of each arm to be adjusted independently of the other.
5. The chair as defined in claim 3 wherein the handle for each arm assembly is mounted on the arm post and movable to a position above the arm cushion.
6. The chair as defined in claim 2 wherein the movable grip of the overhead push and pull assembly is part of a headrest for supporting the head of an occupant seated in the chair.
7. A chair suitable for use both as a conventional executive desk chair and exercise station comprising;
a pedestal base carrying a chair frame including a seat and backrest and a center seat post providing a swivel support for the seat,
a pair of arm assemblies for the chair each including an arm post, said arm posts extending upwardly from the seat and each being pivotally mounted for movement independently of each other about a horizontal axis connected to the lower portion of the posts,
each arm assembly having a grip in position to be grasped by the hand of an occupant of the seat for moving the arm assembly toward and away from the occupant,
and a motion control piston and cylinder connected between the arm assembly and the chair frame for imposing a variable load on the pivotal motion of the arm post about said axis.
8. A chair suitable for use both as a conventional executive desk chair and exercise station comprising;
a base carrying a chair frame including a seat and backrest and a center seat post providing a swivel support for the chair frame,
a headrest assembly mounted on the chair frame and having a head cushion above the top of the backrest and extending from side-to-side of the chair frame and beyond the sides of the top portion of the backrest,
a piston forming part of the headrest assembly extendable vertically on the backrest and carrying the head cushion for substantially vertical movement toward and away from the top of the backrest, said piston imposing a yieldable and variable resistance to the vertical movement of the headrest,
and gripping means forming part of the headrest and proximate the shoulders of an occupant of the seat for applying a pushing and a pulling force on the head cushion.
9. The chair as defined in claim 7 wherein the horizontal axis is substantially transverse to the seat enabling each arm post to pivot front and back in an essentially vertical plane.
10. The chair as defined in claim 9 wherein the grip is extendable from the top of the arm post.
11. The chair as defined in claim 10 wherein the motion control is disposed below the seat.
12. The chair as defined in claim 7 wherein the arm posts are connected to opposite ends of a bar that defines a pivotal axis and extends from side-to-side of the chair and beneath the seat.
13. The chair as defined in claim 8 wherein the head cushion is movable between a lower position close to the top of the backrest and an elevated position several inches above the top of the backrest.
14. The chair as defined in claim 8 wherein the gripping means is on the back of the head cushion.
15. The chair as defined in claim 8 wherein the backrest has a rigid frame on its back surface and the piston is mounted on the rigid frame.
16. The chair as defined in claim 1 wherein handles are mounted on the sides of the backrest for enabling a person seated in the chair to perform stretching exercises by reaching across his/her midline to grasp the handle on the opposite side of the backrest.
17. The chair as defined in claim 6 wherein handles are mounted on the sides of the backrest for enabling a person seated in the chair to perform stretching exercises by reaching across his/her midline to grasp the handle on the opposite side of the backrest.
18. A chair suitable for use both as a conventional chair and exercise station comprising;
a seat and backrest assembly,
a headrest assembly mounted on the seat and backrest assembly and having a head cushion above the top of the backrest and extending from side-to-side of the chair and beyond the sides of the top portion of the backrest,
a piston forming part of the headrest assembly extendable vertically on the backrest and carrying the head cushion for substantially vertical movement toward and away from the top of the backrest, said piston imposing a yieldable and variable resistance to the vertical movement of the headrest,
and gripping means forming part of the headrest and proximate the shoulders of an occupant of the seat for applying a pushing and a pulling force on the head cushion.
19. The chair as defined in claim 7 wherein a legrest/leg exerciser is attached to the base and extends radially outwardly from the base, said exerciser including a generally horizontal member having a footrest at its radially outer end and supported by a roller at said outer end,
and a retracting means attached to the member urging the outer end radially inwardly toward the base.
20. The chair as defined in claim 19 wherein the legrest/leg exerciser is detachably connected to the base.
21. The chair as defined in claim 1 wherein the fluid is gas.
22. The chair as defined in claim 2 wherein the fluid used in each of the cylinders is gas.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/001,466 US20060116259A1 (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2004-12-01 | Chair with exercise apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US11/001,466 US20060116259A1 (en) | 2004-12-01 | 2004-12-01 | Chair with exercise apparatus |
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DE102013107249A1 (en) * | 2013-07-09 | 2015-01-15 | Reza Mehraeen | Ergonomic office chair |
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WO2016094967A1 (en) * | 2014-12-19 | 2016-06-23 | Ramler R&D Pty Ltd | A chair |
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