WO1994004228A2

WO1994004228A2 - Multi-purpose exercise chair

Info

Publication number: WO1994004228A2
Application number: PCT/US1993/008112
Authority: WO
Inventors: James R. Bostic; Weston L. Cutter; Timothy S. Engel; Michael E. Heutmaker; Steven A. Rose; Alan E. Doop
Original assignee: Nordictrack, Inc.
Priority date: 1992-08-26
Filing date: 1993-08-26
Publication date: 1994-03-03
Also published as: WO1994004228A3; AU5095693A

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-purpose exercise chair (300), including a seat (321), a pedal assembly (340), secured relative to the seat (321), and an isokinetic arm exercise means (330) disposed behind the seat (321). A person sitting in the seat (321) may selectively perform aerobic and anaerobic exercises alternatively and simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment, the pedal assembly (340) rotates among several positions to facilitate aerobic semi-recumbent and recumbent bike exercises of a person's legs and aerobic manual cycling exercise of a person's arms, as well as anaerobic exercise of a person's arms.

Description

MULTI-PURPOSE EXERCISE CHAIR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to exercise apparatus, and more particularly, to a multi-purpose exercise chair that facilitates both upper and lower body exercises.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION More and more people are recognizing the benefits of regular exercise, and the demand for exercise equipment has increased as a result. Greater popularity has also translated into greater sophistication, creating a need for new and improved exercise equipment. The present invention addresses this demand by providing a multi-purpose exercise chair that facilitates both upper and lower body exercises.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of

United States Application Serial No. 07/808,675, which is a continuation of United States Patent No. 5,090,694, both of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an exercise apparatus having a frame that supports a seat above a floor surface. A back support is secured to the seat, and an arm is rotatably mounted to the back support. The arm is movable from a generally horizontal position extending laterally from the back support, to a position with a perimeter area defined by the back support. A load resistant line means is mounted to the arm and is operable to apply a resistance load upon outward movement of the load resistant line means relative to the arm.

A pedal assembly is secured to the frame in front of the seat.

In a modified embodiment, the pedal assembly is pivotally mounted to the frame to pivot through a range of positions, including a first operable position suitable for semi-recumbent cycling, a second operable position suitable for recumbent cycling, and a third operable position suitable for upper body aerobic exercise (specifically, manual cycling) . To facilitate all three cycling exercises using both the upper and lower body, the pedal assembly includes left and right operator members having pedals and handles incorporated therein. Each operator member has a radial arm extending from a first end mounted to a common shaft, to a second end on which a pedal is rotatably mounted. The pedal extends axially from the second end of the radial arm.

A generally U-shaped handle has first and second radial portions and an intermediate axial portion. The first radial portion is secured to and extends radially from the pedal, and the intermediate axial portion extends axially from the first radial portion. A foot mounting surface is disposed between the inner and outer sides of the pedal, and a loop is secured between the opposite sides to extend across and above the foot mounting surface. A hand-grip is disposed on the second radial portion of the generally U-shaped member.

In a preferred embodiment, the seat is slidably mounted to the frame to allow adjustment of the distance between the seat and the pedal assembly. Also, a performance display means is secured to the pedal assembly to display performance information, such as distance traveled, current speed, and average speed. Additionally, the left and right pedals of the pedal assembly are connected to an Eddy current brake system that provides smooth, adjustable resistance to rotation. The pedal assembly defines a rotational axis, and the rotational axis and the seat are disposed at approximately equal heights above the floor surface. Also, the seat and the back support are tilted rearward to define oblique angles relative to the floor surface.

In an alternative embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-purpose exercise chair having a seat in which a person may sit. A frame supports the seat above a floor surface, and a back support is secured to the seat. Aerobic and anaerobic exercise means are secured relative to the frame to allow a person sitting in the seat to selectively perform aerobic and anaerobic exercises alternatively and simultaneously. More particularly, an anaerobic arm exercise means is secured relative to a rearward side of the back support, and an aerobic recumbent bike exercise means is secured relative to the frame. As such, this alternative embodiment facilitates anaerobic exercise of the person's arms and aerobic exercise of the person's legs. With reference to the modified embodiment, this alternative embodiment may further include an aerobic arm exercise means and an aerobic semi-recumbent bike exercise means, which may be incorporated together with the aerobic recumbent bike exercise means into a single pedal assembly. Additional features of the preferred embodiment may optionally be added to this alternative embodiment.

In its various embodiments, the present invention provides a multi-purpose exercise chair that facilitates a total body workout and yet does not look like it belongs in a gymnasium. The rotatable arms move from their relatively inconspicuous storage position through a range of operable exercise positions, including the generally horizontal position extending laterally from the back support. As a result, a person sitting on the seat can perform a variety of anaerobic arm exercises, including pullovers, pull downs, chest crosses, butterflies, chest presses, and biceps curls. The various arm exercises are resisted by forces transmitted through flexible cords routed on a pulley system and connected to a resistance mechanism positioned beneath the planform of the seat and within the sidewalls of the frame. The resistance mechanism may be said to be isokinetic to the extent that the resistance force increases as a function of the speed at which the cord is extracted. In particular, the resistance force increases very quickly with any increase in speed (the increase in force is directly porportional to the square of the increase in speed) , such that the speed is very nearly constant over the useable range of resistance. The resulting resistance is both accommodating and self-adjusting, thereby providing safe yet challenging resistance at all times.

A person sitting on the seat can also aerobically exercise his or her legs, either alternatively or simultaneously with the anaerobic arm exercises. The Eddy current brake system provides smooth and reliable resistance to cycling, and the adjustable seat makes pedaling comfortable and safe for people of various sizes. The configuration of the seat and its orientation relative to the pedal assembly are also intended to maximize user comfort and safety. Additionally, hand holds are provided on the sides of the seat so that a person can better anchor himself or herself while pedaling. These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a more detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a combination chair and exercise device made according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the chair of Figure 1 with support arms for exercise devices shown extended into a usable position, with other positions shown in dotted lines; Figure 3 is a fragmentary rear view of the chair of Figure 2 showing an exercise support arm in a generally horizontal position and locked in place;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of the device of Figure 3, including an outer end portion of an exercise arm; Figure 5 is a rear view of the chair of Figure

4 with the frame members and a support arm shown in cross section;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the chair frame, with the seat cushion removed, and showing a display panel for exercise related information in its usable position;

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional view of an exercise resistance force loading device of the present invention taken on line 7—7 in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken generally on line 8—8 in Figure 7; Figure 9 is side elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the invention showing a modified frame construction of the present invention;

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, showing frame details; Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a force resistance device shown in the embodiment of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a sectional plan view of the force resistance device shown in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a modified pulley retainer used with the form of the invention shown in Figure 10;

Figure 14 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the present invention;

Figures 16a, 16b, and 16c are side views of the modified embodiment shown in Figure 15, with the pedal assembly in first, second, and third operable positions; and

Figure 17 is a rear view of the modified embodiment shown in Figure 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A combination exerciser and chair indicated generally at 10 is shown with the exercise supports or components in a retracted or folded position, whereby the chair 10 appears as an attractive piece of household furniture. The chair includes a frame 11 that comprises tubular steel fore and aft extending side members, one of which is shown at Figure 3 at 12, and cross members 12A at the front and rear. The frame members are sturdy tubular steel members, which provide strength with small size and low weight. The frame is covered with suitable exterior finish frame members or moldings comprising wooden cross members 13 and wooden fore and aft extending members 14.

Legs 15 are provided for supporting the frame, and these legs, as shown in Figure 3, also have suitable tubular steel structural members 17 with decorative finish wood molding on the exterior.

A seat cushion 20 is supported between the side members 14 and is supported on the side frame members 12. The seat cushion 20 is positioned so that it is secure and stably supported. The seat cushion 20 has an upholstered upper cushion for comfort and is also made sturdily, to support the weight of a person doing exercise with the convertible chair assembly 10.

The frame 11 includes tubular steel upright side frame members 22 that are fixed to the side frame members 12 to form a back frame 23 that has transversely extending cross members 24. The upright frame members 22 are positioned on each side of the chair back, as shown in Figure 3. The members 22 form main upright supports for a back cushion 25 that is suitably fastened with fasteners 26 to the back frame 23. The back frame 23 is very rigidly connected to the cross members 12A and the fore and aft extending side frame members 12 to form an integral, very rigid support frame for the exercise apparatus. The exercise apparatus which forms part of the combination exerciser and chair 10 comprises a loading or force generating assembly, which will generate isokinetic resistive forces for loading muscles that are being used to move (extend) pull cords through hand grips. The exercise apparatus is made so that the direction of force to be applied by the person seated and performing the exercise can be changed to exercise different muscles and to provide force directions that are selected for an overall upper body exercise program. A feature of this combination furniture chair and exercise device is that the exercise apparatus can be folded to a position or stored so that the chair will serve as a piece of furniture and will not give a gymnasium look to the room. In order to serve as a functioning exerciser, the loading force providing device has to be capable of providing resistive forces that are adequate for a wide range of loads, to in turn accommodate a number of different levels of exercise, and also permit the user to vary the forces across a range of exercises from a warm-up period to a full load period.

Figure 1 shows the exercise apparatus retracted, and it can be seen that the chair shape is not visually disrupted, because all of the parts used for conversion to an exerciser are stored and retracted to be within the lateral width of the chair and within the perimeter of the height of the chair. Thus, the chair has supports for pulleys and loading lines or cords that can be moved to desired positions for exercise and then retracted within the height and width periphery of the chair, and not protrude excessively in fore and aft directions of the chair. The back of the chair is normally against or near a wall and helps shield the exercise unit components. However, if the exercise unit components extend rearwardly a substantial distance, it would be objectionable, so that with the present device a very compact rearward extension is provided, and all the rest of the components needed for exercise are within the height and width periphery of a normal side chair. The loads provided are designed for muscle toning and strengthening exercises, and the exerciser is made operable easily and quickly to encourage exercise at moments when one might otherwise be engaging in activities such as watching television. The resistance force generating or loading device, which forms an important part of the invention, is illustrated generally at 30 in Figure 3, and also is shown in greater detail in Figures 6, 7 and 8. The resistance force generating device is supported on a rigid cross frame member 31, which is attached between the tubular steel side frame members 12. As shown, the cross frame member 31 (and other frame members) can be welded in place so that it is very rigid. The resistance force generating device 30 is a centrifugal type device, and as will be more fully explained, it is operated by rotating a rotor through pull cords or lines. Loading forces are generated by applying a brake to the rotor. The pull cords or lines are made so that they will be pulled by the person exercising at differing locations in order to provide loading for the muscles of the user in a desired direction.

As shown in Figure 6, the resistance force generating device is clamped securely onto the cross member 31 with suitable clamps 32, comprising straps that bolt on to an outer casing 33 of the resistance force generating device 30.

An internal central rotor in the resistance force generating device is rotated through the use of first and second pull cords or lines 34 and 35, respectively, that exit from the housing 33 at desired locations. The cord 34, as can be seen in Figure 6 is adjacent a top side of the central rotor housing portion 33A, and the cord 35 is adjacent the lower side. The lines 34 and 35 are independently operable (extendable and retractable) to provide individual driving of the rotor and thus, loading of the cords or lines. The cords 34 and 35 each then pass over a respective guide pulley assembly 36 and 37, as shown in Figure 6. The guide pulley assemblies 36 and 37 are identical, except that the guide pulley assembly 36 is positioned upwardly relative to the housing to bring the cord or line 34 into proper alignment for the opening to the housing 33 of the resistance force generating or loading device 30. Only one of the pulley assemblies 36 and 37 is shown in detail, and as can be seen in Figure 3, the pulley assembly shown is assembly 37. It includes a pulley housing 38, and a pulley 39 which is rotatably mounted onto a pin 42 on suitable bearings, so that the forces on the cord will be easily carried by the pulley 39 and the pulley can rotate easily, even under load. Pulley housing 38 is rigidly mounted onto a tube 43 which is slidably mounted in the interior of the square tube side upright frame member 22 for the back frame assembly 23. The angular position of the pulley housing 38 about the axis of the tube member 43 can be changed by releasing a set screw 45 that locks and unlocks the tube 43 relative to the frame member 22. The pulley 39 and its mounting pin 42 are positioned so that when the cord or line 35 comes from the housing 33 and passes over the pulley 39, it is aligned with the axis of the tube 43 on one side of the pulley 39. The cord or line 35 then passes up through the center passageway of the tube 43, and extends upwardly through the tubular upright frame member 22. The frame member 22 has an arm mounting housing 46 at the upper end thereof, which comprises a pair of spaced-apart parallel plates, including an outer support plate 46A, and a laterally spaced indexing-support plate 48 that is affixed to the frame assembly 23 and lies flat against the plane of the back seat cushion 25. The indexing plate 48 is perhaps best seen in Figure 5. Indexing plate 48 is an integral part of the upright frame member 22 and the horizontal frame member 24 for the back frame assembly 23. A pair of exercise apparatus elements comprising cord support and guide arm assemblies are mounted onto the opposite sides of the back frame assembly 23, and one such arm is shown in Figures 4 and 5. Again there is an identical arm, which is a mirror image of the arm shown in Figures 4 and 5, on the left hand or opposite side of the chair frame.

The exercise cord support arm assembly 50 comprises a tubular arm portion 51 that is preferably a square or rectangular cross-sectional tube, which has a support hub 52A fixedly mounted thereon at one corner of an inner or pivot end of the arm 51. The hub 52A is supported on a pivot bolt 53 that in turn is fastened between the support plate 46A and the indexing plate 48. Pivot bolt 53 can have suitable bushings, and it mounts a pulley 52 on the pivot axis of the arm, which is a generally horizontal, fore and aft axis. The arm 51 also has an indexing pin hub 55 welded to the upper wall thereof. The hub 55 is of size to receive a spring-loaded indexing pin 56 that is spring loaded with a spring held inside an enlarged bore in hub 55 which bears on a stop on the pin to urge the indexing pin 56 inwardly toward the indexing plate 48. The indexing pin 56 is on the same radius from the axis of pivot bolt 53 as a plurality of index holes 57 formed near the periphery of the indexing plate 48. As shown, there are five such indexing holes, but there could be more or less as desired. The indexing pin 56 is shown in position to hold the arm 51 in a generally horizontal orientation which will place the loading lines or cords spaced laterally of the person exercising and permit butterfly exercises by such person seated on the chair.

The outer end of the arm 51 has a hub 58 on which a caster pulley assembly 60 is mounted. The outer end castering pulley assembly 60 has a pulley housing 61 that has a caster neck or spindle 62 that is rotatably mounted in the hub 58 for rotational or castering movement about the central longitudinal axis of the arm 51. The pulley housing 61 has a pair of flanges supporting a pin 63 on which a pulley wheel 64 is rotatably mounted, using suitable bearings. The line or cord 35 is threaded through an opening in the neck or spindle 62, and goes over the pulley wheel 64. The pulley wheel 64 is a castering guide pulley. As can be seen, the pulley 52 guides the cord 35 upwardly through the hollow upright frame member 22 and into the interior of the arm 51.

The pin 63 for the pulley wheel 64 is mounted on the pulley housing 61 with respect to the arm 51, so that the support surface of the pulley wheel periphery, which supports the line or cord 35, extends to the exterior of the plane 65 of the outer surface of the arm 51 (Figure 5) . This means that the line or cord 35 can be guided back in toward the inner end of the arm 51, if desired, and the cord will clear the outer surface of the arm, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 4. The line 35 can be threaded over a vertical axis pulley assembly 70 that is mounted on the upper side of the arm 51. The pulley assembly 70 includes a pulley wheel member 72 that will receive the line. The pulley wheel 72 is rotatable about a pin 73 that is fixed to the arm. When the pulley assembly 60 is castered, it casters on the axis of the line 35 and will turn so that the pulley wheel 64 is turned upwardly and the pulley wheel 64 will guide the cord or line 35 as shown in dotted lines in Figure 4.

The angular position of arm assembly 50 and the arm 51 can be changed by pulling the handle 56A of the indexing pin 56 so that it clears the indexing plate 48 and then moving the arm 51 to its desired position.

The cord or line 34 is threaded into the vertical frame member 22 on the left hand side of the back frame 23 of the chair and put into the arm 51 on that side, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 in the same manner as line 35.

The outer end of each of the lines or cords 36 and 37 is provided with a handle grip indicated generally at 75, for grasping by a user, and thus upon pulling the cords using the handle grips 75, the tension load in the lines or cords is transferred to the resistance force generating or loading device 30.

The resistance force generating device 30 is independently operable by the two lines or cords 34 and 35, to drive the movable interior resistance force loading member. As shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the outer housing 33 has a central annular housing portion 33A that has end caps 76 and 77, respectively, on the top and bottom of center portion 33A. One end cap can be cast integrally with the center portion. The clamp straps 32 can be held with bolts. As shown, there are studs and bolts 78 that hold the top and bottom caps 76 and 77 onto the central housing 33A. The end caps 76 and 77 have hubs 76A and 77A that contain suitable low friction bearings for mounting a shaft 80, so that the shaft 80 is rotatably mounted in the two end caps 76 and 77 and is held axially in place. The shaft 80, in turn, drivably mounts a hub 81, which is held with a pin 82 to the shaft 80. The hub 81 is fixed to and carries a rotor disk or plate 83. The rotor 83 thus rotates whenever the shaft 80 is rotated. The rotor 83 is a brake shoe rotor that mounts a pair of pivoted, centrifugally actuated brake shoes 84 and 85, respectively. These brake shoes are pivoted on suitable pivot pins 84A and 85A to the brake shoe rotor 83 at diametrically spaced locations positioned adjacent to, but within the periphery of the rotor.

The center section 33A of housing 33 forms a brake drum having an interior brake drum surface 33B, and each of the shoes 84 and 85 carries a separate brake friction pad 87 thereon. The friction pad 87 can be a relatively small pad of suitable brake shoe material held in a desired annular location on the brake shoes. The loading action of the brake shoe from inertial forces acting through the brake pads provides an adequate resistance force as the brake shoe rotor 83 is rotated. The brake shoes 84 and 85 are centrifugally actuated flywheel weights that will pivot outwardly under centrifugal force when the brake rotor is rotated. The pivot pins 84A and 85A are selected to be very low friction, to make the action of the brakes satisfactory for operation. The position of the brake pads 87 relative to the pivot pins 84A and 85A is selected to provide resistance force substantially instantly upon movement of the brake shoe rotor disk. The brake pads 87 are close to surface 33B for quick braking action as well.

The lines or cords 34 and 35 are guided into the interior of the respective end caps of the housing 33 through openings 90 in Figure 3 and are in position to be aligned with a separate top or bottom pulley for the respective cords. A pulley 91 in end cap 76 is shown for receiving the cord 34 wrapped thereon on the top side of the resistance force generating device 30, (see Figure 7) and a pulley 92 is positioned in the end cap 77 for the cord or line 35. The cords or lines 34 and 35 are anchored on the interior hub of the pulleys 91 and 92, respectively, and then wound onto the respective pulley so that there is an adequate length of cord exterior to desired location for carrying out the exercises desired, even when the arms 51 are arranged in different configurations from those shown in the drawings.

The pulleys 91 and 92 are drivably connected to the shaft 80 through known, quick acting, roller bearing one-way clutches 91A and 92A, respectively, that are mounted on the interior of the hubs of the pulleys. The one-way clutches 91A and 92A are made so that they will drive the shaft 80 when the cords or lines 34 or 35 are extended or pulled out. Any extension of either cord will immediately cause the brake shoe rotor disk 83 to start to rotate in direction as indicated by arrow 83A in Figure 8. When a certain RPM is reached, the brake shoes 84 and 85 pivot outwardly and cause the friction brake pads 87 to engage the inner surface 33A of the housing or drum 33, thereby creating a resistance force against extension of one of the cords 34 or 35 (or both) , which force is proportional to the force being applied to the respective cords. The speed of rotation of the rotor disk 83 will tend to increase as more force is applied to the handgrips 75 and lines or cords 34 and 35.

The pulleys 91 and 92 are free to rotate relative to shaft 80 in an opposite direction relative to the shaft 80 due to the one-way clutches, to retract the respective lines or cords 34 and 35. Long, flat coiled torsion springs 95 and 96 are used for retraction of long lengths of the cords 34 and 35 without great increase in the retraction force. The springs 95 and 96 are coiled around hub portions 91B and 92B on the pulleys 91 and 92, respectively. One end of each long spring is anchored to the respective hubs 91B and 92B and the other end of each flat spring, at its outer periphery, is anchored at points 97 and 98, respectively, on the wall of the respective end caps 76 and 77. The flat springs 95 and 96 are fairly low force, but are also fairly uniform force as the coil changes in size. The torsion springs will wind up (tighten) as the cords 34 and 35 are extended and then when the cords are unloaded or released, the springs 95 and 96 will exert a force to rewind or retract the cords onto their respective pulleys. Thus, repeated cycling can take place with the cords being retracted each time the load on a cord is released or reduced sufficiently. The resistance force generating or loading device is thus speed sensitive, and will provide a greater resistance to extension of the cords as the speed of removal of the cords increases. The speed of removal of the cords will be proportional to the forces exerted on the hand grips. Thus, if a rapid pull is attempted, a greater force will be exerted by the resistance force generating device 30 because of the greater centrifugal force on the brake shoes 84 and 85 and thus, the greater frictional force between the respective pads 84A and 85A and the inner surface 33B. The amount of force that is used in the exercise can be automatically controlled and compensated. The springs 95 and 96 do not add a significant amount of overall force to extension of the cords.

If desired, a light coil spring can be used to tend to bias the respective brake shoes 84 and 85 inwardly about their pivot pins 84A and 85A so that there will be no friction load from the brake pads 87 upon slow outward movement of the cords 34 or 35. The resistance load will only be from the retraction springs until the rotor rotates at a sufficient speed. Where the pivots 84A and 85A are substantially friction free, the resistance load will pick up very rapidly.

The display panel of indicators and the like is shown at 100 in Figure 6, and can be any desired type of display for displaying speed of rotation of the rotor or sensing and displaying the resistance force generating or loading device, and can actually be calibrated to display the amount of force being generated. Other displays can be counters for counting the number of times the cords 34 and 35 are cycled, using suitable sensors, such as optical or magnetic sensors. The display indicated at 100 is mounted on to a support frame 101 that has a pair of sliding rods 102, which are in turn mounted for sliding in hubs 103. The hubs 103 are affixed to the chair frame members 12 with suitable supports 104. The front end of the movable display can be blended into the front wooden cross member on the wood frame, as can be seen in Figure 1. As shown, the display is coupled with a cord 105 to a sensor 106 (see Figure 7) that is a magnetic type sensor to sense the passage of magnets 107 that are embedded in the brake shoe rotor disk at 83. The magnets 107 can be closely spaced around the brake shoe rotor disk to insure detecting rotation almost as soon as the cords 34 or 35 are extended at all. This can provide a speed count, which is proportional to the force being generated and can be calculated. This type of sensor 106 is only one type that can be utilized with the present device and is provided for illustrative purposes.

With the arms 51 generally horizontally positioned, as shown in Figure 5, butterfly and reverse butterfly exercises can be conducted by a person seated on the chair. As generally illustrated in Figure 1, with the arms 51 downwardly in the solid line position, a type of bench press exercise can be carried out by pushing the handles 75 forwardly generally parallel to the chair seat. Additionally, pushups can be done with the arms 51 positioned at the next station lower than that shown in Figure 2 so that the outer ends of the arms are closer to the sides of the chairs. Then the handles 75 can be grasped and pushed straight up by the user. Curls can also be performed with the arms 51 in the lowered position, and pull downs can be achieved with the arms in the position shown with the dotted lines in Figure 2.

With the arms 51 in any one of the indexed positions, and with the cords threaded around the pulley assemblies 70, the handles 75 can be positioned close to the lateral sides to the chair back, generally as shown in Figure 2, to facilitate different types of exercises for the upper body. Also, a type of chest press can be performed. With pulleys mounted onto the frame of the chair as shown in dotted lines at 110, and the arms lowered from that shown in Figure 2, curls can be performed. In Figure 9, a modified form of the invention indicated generally at 120 is shown which provides for a different frame construction, and includes contoured type cushions. In this form of the invention, a frame 121 has an outer wood frame assembly 122, which includes horizontal top sections 123 that will attach to a main load-carrying frame section, and vertical legs 124A and 124B. The legs 124B slope rearwardly, as shown, and a bottom fore and aft extending support 125 is attached to the lower ends of these legs. The frame assembly 122 supports the exercise device.

As can be seen in Figure 10, the top and bottom members of assembly 122 are held together with suitable cross members 126. A seat cushion 127 is provided on the chair, as well as contoured back cushion 128, as shown, which can be padded in any suitable manner. In this form of the invention, the frame assembly 121 shown in Figure 10 includes a unitized load-carrying frame 130 to which the frame 122 of suitable wood construction is connected. The frame 130 includes a horizontal seat support assembly 131 which has angle cross section side members 132 that are fabricated for weight reduction, and the side members 132 are held together with suitable channel section members 133 that are spaced in fore and aft directions and are securely attached (welded) to the side members 132. A back frame 134 is made up of tubular side members 135, as shown in the first form of the invention, through which pull ropes or cords will extend as previously shown. A top cross member 136 joins the side members 135 together.

In this form of the invention, the back cushion attaches directly to the cross member 136. The back frame 134 has swivel pulley assemblies 137 which are made to slip into the lower ends of the rectangular tube upright members 135 to provide guides for the exercise cords through swivel pulleys 138. The same swivel assembly 134 is used at the outer ends of the folding arms. At the upper ends of the vertical or upright frame members 135 for the back frame, indexing arm support plate assemblies 140 are mounted. As shown, these are slightly modified from the first form of the invention, but include an index plate 141 on each side of the back, and a spaced-apart support plate 142 which together define a space into which an arm support hub 143 can be placed and mounted on a suitable pivot pin 144 through suitable bushings 145. The hub 143 is bifurcated, and between the side members of the hub, a pulley 146 is rotatably mounted on each of the pivot pins 144. The arm members indicated at 148 are again rectangular tubular members, and at the outer ends of each of these tubular arm members a castering or swivel pulley assembly 137 is mounted with castering pulley 138 thereon.

In this form of the invention, the resistance force generating device indicated at 150 (see Figures 10, 11 and 12) functions in the same manner as that illustrated in the first form of the invention, but includes certain weight reduction and housing improvements, and is mounted to the horizontal frame 131 in a different manner. The resistance force generating device 150 has an outer case assembly 151 that is supported through stand-off brackets 152 to and below the cross members 133. The cross members 133 are channel shaped for rigidity and lighter weight. Suitable cap screws or bolts are used to securely fasten the case assembly 157 in place. The opposite ends of the stand-off brackets 152 are securely mounted with cap screws and bolts to the outer housing 151, using the cap screws or bolts which hold the two parts of the housing together.

In Figures 11 and 12, the construction of the resistance force generating device 150 is illustrated in more detail. As stated previously, the resistance force generating device operates in substantially the same manner as in the first form of the invention. The outer housing or casing 151 has an upper housing portion or cap 151A, and a single lower housing section 151B, as shown in Figure 11. The lower housing portion 15IB includes the brake drum center portion integrally cast to the lower cap, and has an inner surface 153 against which the friction brake pads will operate. The internal brake shoe rotor of the force generating device 150 is operated (or rotated) through the use of first and second pull cords or lines 154 and 155, respectively. The cords or lines 154 and 155 are mounted in upper and lower pulley assemblies, respectively, and are suitably guided over the respective pulley 138 and up through the associated vertical or upright frame member 135. As can be seen, the left frame member 135 will be slightly lower at its lower end to position associated pulley 138 to align with the exit of the cord 155 from housing 151, for proper guidance. The cord 155 is also shown in Figure 10.

As shown in Figure 11, the lower housing portion 151B that includes the internal brake drum having surface 153 will support the cap 151A at the top. The lower housing portion 151B and the top or upper housing portion or cap 151A have hubs that mount bearings for a central drive shaft 160. A roller bearing 156 is mounted in the lower housing portion, as shown in Figure 11, and a needle bearing 157 is mounted in the hub 158 of the upper housing portion or cap 151A. The shaft 160 has a shoulder 160A that rests on bearing 156. In this form of the invention, the lower housing portion has a spring recess or pocket 161, that has an antirattle disk 162 at the bottom surface thereof. A cord retraction spring assembly 163 is mounted in this pocket 161 of the lower housing, as previously shown in the first form of the invention. However, the retraction spring 164 is inside a housing or carriage 164A. The housing 164A is made so that the spring will not fly out, and it is more easily retained if the resistance force generating unit is disassembled. A housing 164A is used in a recess formed by upper housing end portion 151C. The retraction springs are flat springs, as previously explained, and each spring has one end anchored to the respective housing or container 164A. The housings 164 in turn are fixed to the respective outer housing portion 151A or 151B at the end walls of the housing.

The central shaft 160 is drivably mounted to a hub 165 of a brake rotor 166, which comprises a rotor plate or disk. As shown, it is a strap that forms a brake shoe rotor plate which mounts a pair of pivoted, centrifugally actuated brake shoes 167 and 168, respectively. The shoes are pivotally mounted with suitable low friction bushings 167A and 168A, respectively, and then the bushings are in turn held in place with suitable pins or bolts 167B and 168B back to the brake disk rotor 166.

The hub 165 is drivably coupled to the shaft with suitable set screws in the hub that act against the shaft. The shaft can have other types of retainers, if desired. In the resistance force generating device, the brake shoes 167 and 168 are aligned with the brake drum surface 153, and have brake pads 170 mounted in suitable portions of the brake shoes adjacent to the pivot pins. The brake shoes in turn are urged inwardly with light tension springs 171 that act to hold the outer or free ends shown at 168D and 167D of the brake shoes inwardly. This will prevent brake force from initially being present when the rotor is rotated at a slow speed, and the retraction springs that were shown at 164 will provide a load as the cords are extended, as will be explained. The brake rotor has stop pins 172 that limit the inward pivoting of the brake shoes. The cord 154 is mounted and wound on an upper cord pulley assembly 174, and it is guided through a suitable opening in the upper housing section 151A to align with the pulley when it is in position on the shaft 160. The pulley 174 has a central hub 175 in which a suitable one-way clutch shown at 176 on the interior of the hub 175 is mounted. This one-way clutch is drivably mounted in the hub 175, and will cause the pulley 174 to drive the shaft 160 when the cord 154 is extended from the housing 151, but will permit freewheeling of the pulley 174 relative to the shaft 160 in the opposite direction of rotation.

The pulley hub 175 also has an attachment device for attaching the free end 164B (inner end) of the associated spring 164, so that when the pulley 174 is rotated, the flat, coiled spring 164 will be tightened to provide a retraction spring force on the pulley 174. When the cord 154 is not under load from exercising, the pulley 174 will be rotated by the spring force and freewheel relative to the shaft 160 to retract the cord.

Line 155 is mounted onto a cord pulley 180 which provides for adequate cord storage when the cord is wound thereon between side flanges. The pulley 180 also has a hub with a central bore in which a one-way clutch 181 is mounted. The pulley has a lower hub end that is identical to the hub end 175, but which is not shown in Figure 11, that is used for connecting to the inner end 164C of the associated spring 164, so that when the cord 155 is extended, the one-way clutch in the bore 181 will drive the shaft 160, in the same direction of rotation as the driving force on the cord 154, causing the shaft 160 to rotate and, of course, the brake rotor 166 to also rotate. When a certain speed is exceeded, the brake shoes 167 and 168 will move outwardly under centrifugal force and cause the brake shoe pads 170 to engage the surface 153 and provide a resistance force.

The retraction spring 164 that is associated with the pulley 180 will be tightened as the cord 155 is extended. The cord 155 extends through a suitable aperture in the lower housing section 151B, as shown in the previous form of the invention. When the cord 155 is released, after being extended during exercise, the retraction spring 164 for the pulley 180 will rotate the pulley to retract the line or cord 155 and the one-way clutch in the bore 181 will permit this retraction without driving or dragging on the shaft 160. The inner ends of the cords 154 and 155 are suitably attached to the inner hubs of the pulleys 174 and 180, respectively, in a known manner between the side flanges of the pulleys. Likewise, the outer ends of the springs 164, as stated, are anchored to the housings 163, which, in turn, were anchored to the housing sections 151A and 151B.

The resistance force generating device 150 is speed sensitive, and the more rapidly the cords 154 and 155 are extended, as previously explained, the greater the resistance force that will be generated. The cords 154 and 155 are guided out of the resistance force generating device 150, over the respective pulleys at the lower ends of frame members 135. The cords extend up through frame member 135 and then over pulleys 146 at the outer ends of the respective arm. As can be seen in Figure 10, the cords 154 and

155 will pass out through the respective arm to the outer ends and out over pulleys 138 for use. The arms 148 can be indexed to a desired position about their pivots using a spring loaded index pin assembly indicated generally at 190 to index relative to the plate 141, as shown in the first form of the invention. The cord pulleys 138 will caster relative to their supports formed by part of the assembly 137 that attaches to the ends of the arms 148. The cords will be guided to the exterior of the upper surface of the arms, and then can be guided over pulleys 191 that are attached to the arms near the arm inner ends. In this form of the invention, a suitable spring cord retainer 192 can be placed below the pulley 191 before the pulley is rotatably mounted with a fastening bolt 193, to provide for a retainer for the cords 155 and 154, respectively. This type of spring retainer is shown in Figure 13. It will permit the cords to be brought in from the outer end pulleys 138 on the arms adjacent to the back rests, for doing exercises with the cords in this location. As also shown in Figure 10, the outer ends of each of the cords 154 and 155 can have a strap type handle assembly 195, that has a hand grip 196 of soft material that forms a roll that goes around the straps 195.

The arms in the second form of the assembly can be pivoted to be horizontal, angled up or down, and held vertically upwards. Thus, all types of exercises explained in connection with the first form of the invention can be carried out. The arms 148 can be retracted to be within the perimeter of the back cushion of the chair and will rest down alongside the vertical frame members 135, in a stored position. There is a spacer block shown at 135A that offsets the upright members or vertical members 135 inwardly from the frame members 132, to provide for a space for storing the arms.

Also, the pulleys 52 at the pivot pin 53 have a guide to keep the cords in position on the pulleys during normal operation.

Isokinetic exercises can easily be achieved because the resistance force of the resistance force generating device 30 or 150 will increase to match the force applied to the handle grips 75, through the cords or lines 34 and 35 or 154 and 155. No external adjustments are required as strength increases, as the operator becomes more fit, or with a change of operators. No large weights are lifted to provide resistance, so there is no risk that weights can fall or cause a muscle strain. The resistance stops as soon as the applied force to the cords or lines is removed.

The furniture styling of the chair is simple and non-detracting, since it appears as a side chair when not in use as an exerciser. If desired, fabric and wood trims can be selected to please the user. However, the chair can be readily converted to an exercise apparatus.

The exercise elements, including the cord support arms using the indexing plates and indexing pins for moving the arms 51 or 148 about their pivots, provide for a relatively effortless and quick changeover between exercises. The arms 51 and 148 are retractable for storage to be within the lateral width of the back of the chair, and within the periphery of the chair vertically. The protrusion to the rear is minimized and actually is not much greater than the protrusion of the rear legs where they are supported on the floor, in a normal chair construction.

While pivoting arms which fold downwardly for storage are disclosed, the arms could fold back onto themselves about pivots, or they could be made to retract by sliding or telescoping horizontally behind the chair back. Various supports for the horizontal arms thus can be made relatively easily. Retraction of the arms are not limited to the pivoting motion shown. The electronic panel on the readout can be LED readouts, to digitally show the pounds of pull and also be set to provide a signal when a desired load is reached. The sensor 106 can provide a count of the number of repetitions to ensure that a complete exercise program is being followed. Another embodiment of the present invention is designated as 300 in Figures 15-17. The embodiment 300 generally includes a frame 310, a chair 320, an isokinetic arm exerciser means 330, and a pedal assembly 340. The frame 310 supports the chair 320 above a floor surface 309. The isokinetic arm exerciser means 330 is mounted relative to the chair 320 to provide anaerobic arm exercise means, and the pedal assembly 340 is mounted relative to the frame 310 to provide aerobic recumbent bike exercise means.

The frame 310 extends between front and rear lateral supports 311 and 312, respectively, which are designed to rest upon the floor surface 309. The front and rear lateral supports 311 and 312 define the front and rear ends, respectively, of the frame or base 310. Opposing, inverted U- shaped side rails 313a and 313b extend from the front end 311 to the rear end 312, thereby giving the base 310 a box-like shape. An additional lateral support 314 extends between upper portions of the side rails 313a and 313b proximate the front end 311 of the apparatus 300. Also, a rear panel 315 and side panels 316a and 316b are secured relative to the frame 310 to define an inner compartment 318 within the frame 310. The frame 310 may optionally be fitted with wheels that selectively engage the floor surface to facilitate transportation of the unit across the floor surface.

The chair 320 includes a seat 321 and a back support 322 secured relative to the seat 321. By definition the seat 321 provides a surface on which a person may sit, and the back support 322 provides support for the back of a person sitting on the seat 321. The seat 321 and back support 322 are supported by a chair framework including opposing L-shaped members 323a and 323b that are joined at corresponding ends by lateral numbers 324 and 325. A portion of the chair framework that supports the seat 321 is secured to a mounting member 326, which, in turn, is slidably mounted to upper portions 317a and 317b of the side rails 313a and 313b, respectively. The mounting member 326 engages one in a series of holes (not shown) in one of the upper portions 317a and 317b, to secure the chair 320 in place. The mounting member 326 can be disengaged from the upper portions 317a and 317b by operation of the release knob 327, to allow the chair 320 to slide relative to the frame 310. The isokinetic arm exerciser means 330 is similar (in structure and in function) to that described above with respect to other embodiments of the present invention. In brief, the isokinetic arm exerciser means 330 includes at least one arm 331a or 331b rotatably mounted relative to the back support 322 and movable from a generally horizontal position extending laterally from the back support 322 to a position within a perimeter area defined by the back support 322. A load resistant line means 332a or 332b is mounted relative to the least one arm 331a or 331b, and is operable to apply a resistance load upon outward movement of the load resistance line means 332a or 332b relative to the at least one arm 331a or 331b. In a preferred embodiment, the load resistance line means 332a or 332b is a nylon cord extending between a handle 333a or 333b and a resistance mechanism 339, which is positioned beneath the planform of the seat 321 and within the inner compartment 318 of the frame 310. The resistance provided by the mechanism 339 is centrifugally activated and a function of the square of the speed at which the exercise load is applied. The isokinetic arm exercise means 330 facilitates anaerobic exercise of a person's arms.

The pedal assembly 340 is mounted relative to the front of the frame 310. In the embodiment 300 shown in Figures 15-17, the pedal assembly 340 is pivotally mounted relative to the frame 310. In a preferred embodiment 200, shown in Figure 14, the pedal assembly 240 is fixed relative to the frame 310. The preferred embodiment 200 has a frame 310 and an arm exercise means 330 identical to those of the embodiment 300 described above. Also, the preferred embodiment 200 has a chair 220 and a pedal assembly 240 similar but not identical to those of the embodiment 300 described above. As shown in Figure 14, the pedal assembly 240 includes a housing 241 in which a shaft 242 is rotatably mounted. Pedal members 250a and 250b are secured relative to the shaft 242, which in turn, is secured relative to a first sprocket 243. As a result, cycling of the pedal members 250a and 250b rotates the shaft 242, and the first sprocket member 243. A chain 244 operatively connects the first sprocket member 243 to a second sprocket member 245, which in turn, is operatively connected to a commercially available resistance device 249. The device 249 is an Eddy current brake resistance device distributed by King I Meter Co., Ltd. of Taiching, Taiwan. The resistance can be adjusted by rotating an adjustment knob 388 disposed on the left side member 316b, as shown in Figure 16b.

The pedal assembly 240, and in particular the shaft 242, defines a rotational axis which is disposed at approximately the same height above the floor surface 309 as is the seat 321. As a result, when a person sits in the chair member 220, his or her hips are approximately the same height as the rotational axis. Accordingly, the pedal assembly 240 facilitates aerobic recumbent bike exercise of a person's legs.

Also, the seat 221 and the back support 222 define oblique angles relative to the floor surface 309. In particular, the chair member 220 is tilted approximately 10 to 15 degrees backward from the pedal assembly 240, in order to provide a more comfortable exercise position. Additionally, hand holds 229a (and another not shown) are disposed on opposite sides of the seat 221 to help a person support himself or herself while pedaling. As previously noted, the chair 220 slides relative to the frames 310 to accommodate persons of different sizes.

The modified pedal assembly 340 is a functional equivalent of the pedal assembly 240 described above, except that the modified pedal assembly 340 has the additional feature of rotatability relative to the frame 310. As a result, the modified pedal assembly 340 offers exercise options in addition to aerobic recumbent bike exercise of a person's legs. For example, in a first operable position, shown in Figure 16a, the pivot assembly 340 assumes a position wherein the rotational axis of the pedal members 350a and 350b are lower than the seat. Since the rotational axis is located below the hips of a person sitting in the seat 321, the pedal assembly 340 is in a position suitable for semi-recumbent cycling. As shown in Figure 16b, the pedal assembly 340 is pivoted to a second operable position, with the rotational axis approximately the same height above the floor surface as a person's hips. Thus, the second operable position is suitable for recumbent cycling. As shown in Figure 16c, the pedal assembly 340 is pivoted to a third operable position that is suitable for manual cycling (or upper body aerobic exercise) , meaning that the proximity of the pedal assembly 340 to the chair 320 allows a person sitting in the chair 320 to turn the pedals 350a and 350b with his or her hands. As shown in Figure 16c, the pedal assembly 340 rotates about a shaft 346 secured relative to the frame 310. Upon rotation of the pedal assembly 340, each of a series of holes 347 in the pedal assembly 340 temporarily aligns with a hole (not shown) in the side member 316b. Upon alignment of the holes, a pin 348 (shown in Figure 16b) is inserted through the holes to secure the pedal assembly 340 in any one of the operable positions.

As shown in Figure 15, the embodiment 300 is fitted with special pedal members 350a and 350b, which facilitate manual cycling as well as foot cycling. The operator members 350a and 350b each have a radial arm that extends from a first end to a second end. The first end is mounted relative to the shaft, and the second end is mounted to a pedal member. The pedal member extends axially from the radial arm, from a first side to a second side. A generally U- shaped handle member has first and second radial portions joined by an intermediate axial portion, and the first radial portion is secured to the outer side of the pedal member. The pedal member includes a foot mounting surface that extends between the first and second sides of the pedal member, and a loop that spans the foot mounting surface. Also, a hand grip is disposed on each of the second radial portions of the handle members.

A performance display means 280 is secured relative to the pedal assembly 240 in such a manner it can be readily viewed by a person sitting in the chair 220. The performance display means 280 is operatively connected to the pedal member resistance mechanism 249 and provides exercise information such as simulated distance traveled, current speed, and average speed. The term "line" may be interpreted to include wire cables, cords, ropes, and other equivalent elongated flexible members. The term "load resistant line means" may be interpreted to include a line secured to a resistance mechanism, an elastic cord that inherently provides resistance, and other equivalent items. Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS;

1. An exercise apparatus, comprising a seat; a frame for supporting said seat above a floor surface; a back support secured relative to said seat; at least one arm rotatably mounted relative to said back support and movable from a generally horizontal position extending laterally from said back support to a position within a perimeter area defined by said back support; load resistant line means mounted relative to said at least one arm and operable to apply a resistance load upon outward movement of said load resistant line means relative to said at least one arm; and a pedal assembly secured relative to said frame in front of said seat.

2. An exercise apparatus according to claim

1, wherein said pedal assembly is pivotally mounted relative to said frame.

3. An exercise apparatus according to claim

2, wherein said pedal assembly pivots between an operable position suitable for recumbent cycling and another operable position suitable for semi-recumbent cycling.

4. An exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pedal assembly pivots between an operable position suitable for recumbent cycling and another operable position suitable for manual cycling.

5. An exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pedal assembly pivots between an operable position suitable for semi-recumbent cycling and another operable position suitable for manual cycling.

6. An exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pedal assembly pivots through a range of positions, including a first operable position suitable for semi-recumbent cycling, a second operable position suitable for recumbent cycling, and a third operable position suitable for manual cycling.

7. An exercise apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said pedal assembly includes left and right operator members, each comprising a radial arm secured to a common shaft, a pedal rotatably mounted to an outer end of a respective said radial arm, and a U-shaped handle secured to a respective said pedal, said handle having a radially aligned, distal hand-grip portion.

8. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said seat is slidably mounted relative to said frame.

9. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising performance display means, secured relative to said pedal assembly, for displaying exercise performance information.

10. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pedal assembly includes left and right pedals operatively connected to an Eddy current brake system.

11. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pedal assembly defines a rotational axis, and said rotational axis and said seat are disposed at approximately equal heights above the floor surface.

12. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said seat and said back support are tilted rearward, define oblique angles relative to the floor surface.

13. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said load resistant line means includes a cord routed through a pulley system to a resistance mechanism.

14. An exercise apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising hand holds disposed on opposite sides of said seat.

15. An exercise chair, comprising a seat on which a person may sit; a frame for supporting said seat above a floor surface; a back support secured relative to said seat; aerobic exercise means, secured relative to said frame, for facilitating aerobic exercise; and anaerobic exercise means, secured relative to said frame, for facilitating anaerobic exercise, wherein the person sitting in said seat may selectively perform aerobic and anaerobic exercises alternatively and simultaneously.

16. An exercise chair according to claim 15, wherein said anaerobic exercise means is secured relative to a rearward side of said back support and includes anaerobic arm exercise means that facilitates anaerobic exercise of the person's arms, and said aerobic exercise means is secured relative to said frame and includes aerobic leg exercise means that facilitates aerobic exercise of the person's legs.

17. An exercise chair according to claim 16, further comprising aerobic arm exercise means, secured relative to said frame, for facilitating aerobic exercise of the person's arms.

18. An exercise chair according to claim 16, wherein said aerobic leg exercise means includes aerobic recumbent bike exercise means for facilitating aerobic recumbent exercise of the person's legs, and aerobic semi- recumbent bike exercise means for facilitating aerobic semi- recumbent exercise of the person's legs.

19. An exercise chair according to claim 18, wherein said aerobic arm exercise means, said aerobic recumbent bike exercise means, and said aerobic semi-recumbent bike exercise means are all incorporated in a single pedal assembly that is pivotally mounted relative to said frame.

20. An exercise chair according to claim 15, wherein said anaerobic exercise means includes a load resistant line means mounted on an arm that is rotatably mounted relative to said back support.

21. An exercise chair according to claim 20, wherein said load resistant line means includes a cord operatively connected to an isokinetic resistance device.

22. An exercise chair according to claim 16, further comprising hand holds disposed on opposite sides of said seat.

23. An operator member for an exercise resistance device that provides resistance to rotation of a shaft, comprising a radial arm having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is mounted to the shaft, a pedal having a first side and a second side, wherein said first side is rotatably mounted to said second end of said radial arm, and said pedal extends axially from said second end, and a generally U-shaped handle having first and second radial portions and an intermediate axial portion, wherein said first radial portion is secured to said second side of said pedal, and said first radial portion extends radially from said second side, and said intermediate axial portion extends axially from said first radial portion.

24. An operator member according to claim 21, wherein said pedal has a foot mounting surface between said first side and said second side, and a loop, secured between said first and second sides, extending across and above said foot mounting surface.

25. An operator member according to claim 22, further comprising a hand-grip on said second radial portion.