Exercise furniture device

The present invention generally relates to exercise devices and, more particularly, to exercise devices adapted to be used with furniture.

As our population ages it is important that the quality of life is maintained for the more mature population. Part of the formula to achieve that is providing exercise. Many are not ambulatory and therefore even walking is not an exercise option. For this and other sedentary populations, a device is needed that allows the user to exercise while in a comfortable and safe surrounding. In addition, when the exercise capability is readily available, the likelihood of use in greatly increased. This is analogous to someone living in close proximity to a health club. The excuse of long commute times is not valid given the potential patron has fewer excuses to avoid the gym. Providing an exercise device in a comfortable chair has a similar benefit. By minimizing the potential for avoidance, the potential for use increases. Any exercise device is only beneficial if it is used.

It should, therefore, be appreciated that there is a need for fitness equipment that is adapted for home use. The present invention fulfills this need and others.

The present invention includes a chair with a base portion, a backrest portion and at least one arm portion, the chair incorporating an exercise device. This exercise device includes a handle arm with a handle arm base mounted to the armrest portion by a first connector. This first connector includes a first axis and a second axis disposed substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The device also includes a resistance element with a first end attached to the armrest portion by a second connector that has a third axis and a fourth axis disposed substantially orthogonal to the third axis. A second end of the resistance element is attached to the handle arm by a third connector that includes a fifth axis and a sixth axis being disposed substantially orthogonal to the fifth axis. Multiple axis joints may include a two axis universal joint or a three degree of freedom joint such as a ball and socket joint.

The resistance element can take on a variety of forms. This includes a two-way hydraulic damper, a one-way hydraulic damper, a pneumatic cylinder, an elastic spring or any of a number of other devices common in the art.

The invention may also include a handle end that is received by the handle arm. A handle resistance band may be mounted to the handle end and the handle arm thereby offering resistance to movement of the handle relative to the handle arm. This resistance mechanism may be releasably engaged with handle arm base by a band clip, thereby selectively engaging one or more resistance mechanisms to alter the resistance to the user.

In a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, the exercise device includes a foot frame that is mounted to the base portion and includes at least one frame band receiver, a resistance band adapted to be received by the frame band receiver. The foot frame includes a foot support that is moveably mounted to the foot frame and includes at least one support band receiver adapted to receive the resistance band. The resistance band enables resistance to movement of the foot support relative to the foot frame.

An exemplary method for exercise is provided including the elements of the chair as listed above and including the handle arm mounted to the armrest portion with the resistance element providing resistance to movement of the handle arm relative to the armrest portion. The multi axis joint enables multiple degrees of freedom to accommodate a variety of user types and builds but a great exercise variety. The device may also include the foot support adapted for engagement by the feet of the user and moveably mounted to the foot frame as noted. The method further includes positioning a user in the chair, grasping the handle arm and displacing it relative to the armrest portion, thereby actuating the resistance element and exercising the muscles of the user. The method may also include the user placing one or more feet on the foot support and extending the foot support relative to the foot frame and thereby extending the resistance band and exercising the leg muscles of the user.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages can be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiments and drawings, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiments disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exercise device incorporated into a chair with a linearly retractable leg platform produced in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric upper view of an exercise device of FIG. 1 with the exercise elements positioned for use.

FIG. 3 is an isometric upper left view of an exercise device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is side view of the exercise device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is an isometric rear view of exercise device of FIG. 2 with the leg platform fully extended.

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Previous Patent Application:
Device for indicating that a chair is reserved
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System and method for an anticipatory passenger cabin
Industry Class:
Chairs and seats

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