Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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EXERO ffi APPARATUS
HELD OF THE I NVENT1 ON
The invention relates generally to an exercise apparatus and more particularly
to an
apparatus constructed for use primarily in the conditioning and strengthening
of the user's
musdes. The apparatus is adapted for ease or storage and/or portability.
BACKMOU N D
Fegular exercise is important for building and maintaining strength and
endurance, and also
to maintain flexibility. While activities such as running, swimming and
stretching are
somewhat effective in achieving those ends, the use of an exercise apparatus
is generally
employed for a more comprehensive training program. Apparatus developed for
this
purpose typically provide the user with a force resistance against which
muscular effort
must be applied. Fesistance is often provided by a weight, or by an elastic
element. alch
devices permit the force to be applied to the user's body from one or many
different
directions in order to develop substantially multiple areas of the body.
Cne particularly effective exercise regimen based on resistance is that known
as the Rlates
Method. Developed in the 1920s by ,bseph Rlates, the Rlates Method is an
exercise
system focused on improving flexibility and strength for the body without
building musde
bulk. The Method emphasises the balanced development of the band of musdes
that circle
the body just below the belt line, including the abdominals, lower back, hips
and buttocks.
Through a series of controlled exercises on various apparatus, it is possible
to lengthen,
strengthen and realign the body with precise and efficient movement.
Apparatus used in the Rlates Method are generally large, complex and costly
machines
which occupy a substantial amount of space, and consequently are not suitable
for home
use. These are usually found only in gymnasiums, studios and dinics. Devices
specifically
designed for home use, while somewhat smaller, usually must be permanently
erected in a
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room or location specifically set aside for exercising. Many homes do not have
sufficient
space for this purpose.
A particularly effective Rlates machine is known as the "Rlates reformer",
which is a large
device having a bed-like frame. The frame supports a flat platform (called the
carriage),
which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is
attached to one end
of the reformer by a set of springs The springs provide choices of differing
levels of
resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame. The carriage
includes
shoulder blocks to prevent a user from sliding off the end of the reformer as
they push or
pull the carriage.
At the spring end of the reformer there is an adjustable footbar. The footbar
can be used by
the feet or hands as a user moves the carriage. The reformer also has long
straps with
handles that are attached to the top end of the frame which can be pulled with
legs or arms
to move the carriage. Varying body weight and resistance of the springs make
the carriage
more or less difficult to move. Wormers parts are adjustable for differing
body sizes and for
differing levels of skill.
As is immediately apparent, reformers of the prior art are large, cumbersome,
heavy and
difficult to transport. Attempts to produce reformers for home use have lead
to devices
that are difficult to fold and unfold, break easily, are not easy to
transporting, have complex
folding mechanisms, et cetera.
It is an aspect of the present invention to overcome or at least ameliorate a
problem with
the prior art; or to provide an alternative to prior art contrivances by
providing a compact
and portable exercise apparatus which can be easily erected for use and folded
for storage.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide an alternative to
prior art
contrivances.
The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like
is induded in this
specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present
invention. It is not
suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the
prior art base
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or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present
invention as it
existed before the priority date of each claim of this application
SUM MARY OF THE I NVENT1ON
After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the
art how the
invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative
applications.
However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be
described herein,
it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only,
and not
limitation. As such, this detailed description of various alternative
embodiments should not
be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention.
Furthermore,
statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary
embodiments, and
not necessarily to all embodiments covered by the daims.
Unless the contrary intention is expressed, the features presented as
preferred or
alternative forms of the invention can be present in any of the inventions
disclosed as alone
or in any combination with each other.
Throughout the description and the daims of this specification the word
"comprise" and
variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended
to exclude
other additives, components, integers or steps.
In a first aspect the present invention provides an exercise apparatus
comprising a main
frame, a carriage movable relative to the main frame, a user engagement
member, and an
arm, the user engagement member linked to the arm, the arm in turn linked to
the main
frame, wherein the linkage between the arm and the main frame is adapted or
configured
such that the user engagement member is capable of being moved from an
operable
position to a storable position.
In the context of the present invention the term "user engagement member" is
intended to
indude any substantially rigid member adapted or configured to be engaged by
the user in
the course of an exercise. The member may be for the purpose of stabilising
the user's
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position on the apparatus, or to provide a surface for pushing against in the
course of a
resistance-based exercise.
As used herein the term "operable position" is intended to indude any position
that the
user engagement member can ascume in which the user can undertake an exercise
for
which the apparatus is designed. Typically, this will indude a position
whereby the member
allows afoot to engage and press against it when the user is on the carriage.
The term "storable position" is intended to indude any position that the user
engagement
position can arn 'me in which the apparatus has a smaller dimension as
compared with that
when the member is in the operable position. Typically, this will indude a
position whereby
the member lies substantially flat against the frame or carriage of the
apparatus
Applicant has discovered that an exercise apparatus having a user engagement
member
(such as a footbar) that is alternatively configurable between an operable and
a storable
position in the manner described and claimed herein overcomes or ameliorates
one or more
problems of the prior art, or provides an alternative to existing devices
The user engagement member is an important component of many types of exercise
apparatus, and is generally required to possess significant strength given
that user may
apply formidable precn ire. The member is also often required to arn 'me a
position that is
above or below the general plane of the apparatus to facilitate certain
exercises. These
requirements are generally adverse to the design of an exercise apparatus that
is robust and
portable. Providing the user engagement member at or toward the terminus of an
arm that
is connected to the main frame is a solution that accommodates all
requirements.
The member may be of any dimensions suited to the particular type of exercise
apparatus
under consideration. Generally, the member is substantially elongate and is of
sufficient
length to accommodate one or two feet of a user, or one or two hands (when
placed side by
side). The member may be fabricated from any suitable material including
metals (such as
tubular steel). However, for reasons of weight minimisation the member may be
fabricated
from a metal such as aluminium. The member may alternatively be fabricated
from a non-
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metal such as a high density plastic or carbon fibre. In some embodiments, the
user
engagement member is covered with a cushioning material suitable for enhancing
user
comfort.
Typically the arm is linked directly to the main frame of the apparatus,
however it will be
understood that other embodiments may provide that the arm is linked to the
main frame
via some other intermediate structure such as a spacer element. Smilar
considerations
apply to the link between the arm and the user engagement member.
The linkage between the arm and the main frame may be of any type capable of
allowing or
facilitating the movement of the member between the operable position and the
storable
position. The linkage may be a hinged linkage or a pivotal linkage. In one
embodiment of
the apparatus the linkage between the arm and the main frame comprises a
simple pin
connecting the arm and the main frame, with the arm capable of pivoting about
the pin,
with a single degree of freedom.
The linkage between the arm and the main frame may comprise means for limiting
the
distance by which the arm may travel. For example, it will generally be
desirable that the
user engagement member (when in the operable position) ascurnes a
predetermined
position. This position may be related to the size of the user and/or the
exercise under
consideration. Thus, the means for limiting the distance may be a stop that
engages a fixed
structure of the apparatus (such as the main frame) when the user engagement
member is
in the predetermined position. Alternatively the means may allow for one of a
number of
predetermined distances to be selected by the user, and may comprise a locking
mechanism. The locking mechanism may be a simple pin that is inserted through
the arm
and into an aperture bored into an immovable component of the apparatus, such
as the
main frame. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may rely on the frictional
engagement of
the arm with an immovable component such as t he main frame.
The linkage between the arm and the user engagement member is typically of a
type
allowing for rotation of the member about its' own long axis. This allows for
the user to
maintain full engagement with the member through the full motion of an
exercise. In a
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fundamental embodiment, the linkage is a simple pin providing for a single
degree of
freedom.
In a preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises two arms, with each arm
linked to a
terminus of the user engagement member. This embodiment requires two linkages
between the main frame and the arm; and also two further linkages between the
arm and
the user engagement member. This arrangement is particularly stable, allowing
for support
to the user engagement member at both termini.
The connection may be made by way of a simple pin, whereby the arm and main
frame are
rotatable in a single axis about the pin, and having a single degree of
freedom.
The apparatus may comprise means for retaining the user engagement member in
the
storable position, this facilitating storage and/or portability. The means for
retaining may
be disposed on, or involve, one or more of the arm, user engagement member,
main frame,
carriage or any linkage of the apparatus. For example an elasticised element
may be
provided, the element capable of engagement with the arm and the main frame.
In one embodiment of the apparatus, the arm is fitted with a wheel or a
roller. Even where
an exercise apparatus is in a folded arrangement (and therefore more easily
storable), the
transport of the apparatus to the place of storage may still a problem. For
example, where
an apparatus is used in a bedroom, the user may prefer to store it some
distance away, such
an in a garage. In some cases, the exercise apparatus may be loaned or hired
from a dinic,
gymnasium or studio. In that case, it will need to be transported to the
user's car, and then
from the car to the house.
In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the wheel or roller is disposed on
or about the
arm such that when the user engagement member is in the operable position the
wheel or
roller is incapable of engaging with the floor, but when in the storable
position is capable of
engaging with the floor to allow rolling of the apparatus This arrangement
provides
significant further practical advantages in addition to those discussed supra.
An exercise
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apparatus having a wheel or roller disposed in this manner is easily manually
transported
while in the storable position, but is stable when in the operable position.
The wheel or roller may be disposed on or about the arm in any way to achieve
the result
described supra. In one embodiment, the wheel or roller is disposed on the arm
at the
terminus opposite that having the user engagement means. In t his way, the
position of the
user engagement means dictates the position of the wheel or roller. In certain
forms of the
apparatus the arm is linked to the main frame with a simple pivot linkage
(such as a pin),
whereby the arm pivots about a linkage point with a single degree of freedom.
In certain
embodiments, the arm comprises a bend and exhibits two main axes: the first
axis
described by a line running from the terminus having the user engagement means
through
the linkage point with the main frame, the second axis described by a line
running from the
terminus having the wheel or roller through the linkage point with the main
frame.
In preferred forms of the apparatus these axes describe an obtuse angle. In
some
embodiments, the acute angle is from about 122 degrees to about 162 degrees,
preferably
from about 127 degrees to about 157 degrees, preferably from about 132 degrees
to about
152 degrees, preferably from about 137 degrees to about 147 degrees. In a
highly preferred
form of the apparatus the acute angle is about 142 degrees.
Preferably the distance between the terminus of the arm having the user
engagement
means and the linkage point with the main frame is about 46 cm. Preferably the
distance
between the terminus of the arm having the wheel or roller and the linkage
point with the
main frame is about 11 cm.
Preferably the ratio of the distance between the terminus of the arm having
the user
engagement means and the linkage point with the main frame, and the distance
between
the terminus of the arm having the wheel or roller and the linkage point with
the main
frame is between about 3 and 5. Preferably the ratio is about 4.2.
The mess' irements and ratios induded herein are relevant to an exercise
apparatus having a
main frame of length about 187cm, a carriage at about 12cm above the floor,
and a user
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engagement member (when in the operable position) at a height of 36cm above
the
carriage. It will be appreciated that the angles and mess' irements relevant
to the arm (as
disdosed in the above paragraph) may be altered by routine means in order to
achieve the
advantages disdosed herein for an apparatus of different overall size. For
example, where
the carriage is at a greater height above the floor, the length between the
pivot point and
the terminus of the arm having the wheel or roller may be longer.
Alternatively, the angle
made by the first and second axes may be larger.
The skilled person, once availed with the present invention, is capable
adjusting any
parameter to provide an arrangement with respect to the arm, pivot point and
wheel/roller
to achieve the desired result in a particular circumstance.
In another embodiment of the invention, the arm further comprises means for
limiting
movement of the carriage. It is desirable to limit the movement of the
carriage past a
certain point on the carriage track to prevent damage to the main frame or any
other
structure of the apparatus. It is also desirable to do so for the purpose of
restricting the
range of movement achievable by the user in the course of exercise.
Preferably the means for limiting movement of the carriage comprises a
stopping member
extending outwardly from the arm. The stopping member is adapted or configured
such
that when the user engagement member is in the operable position, the stopping
member
is positioned so as to be able to prevent movement of the carriage beyond a
predetermined
point. In this embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that the
arm provides for
three functions (moving the user engagement means from an operable to a
storable state,
able to be wheeled, and used to stop the carriage).
In some embodiments of the apparatus the stopping member is adapted or
configured such
that when the apparatus is in the storable position, the stopping member
ceases to prevent
movement of the carriage. Accordingly, the carriage may be moved into a
position further
along the track allowing for a more compact apparatus overall. In addition,
when the user
engagement means is in the storable position (and the stopping member ceases
to prevent
movement of the carriage) a further advantage is provided in that the carriage
is permitted
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to move into a lockable position. The adoption of a lockable position
minimises movement
of the carriage while in the storable position, thereby facilitating transport
of the apparatus
The arm may be fabricated from any suitable material, but is preferably
aluminium. The
arm may have cut outs to minimise weight.
In a second aspect, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus
comprising a main
frame, a carriage movable relative to the main frame, a shoulder retaining
means, the
shoulder retaining means linked to the carriage, wherein the linkage is
adapted or
configured such that the shoulder retaining means is capable of moving from an
operable
position to a storable position. Applicant provides a further manner in which
the size of an
exercise apparatus may be decreased for storage or portability. Sioulder
retaining means
are a present on a number of exercise machines (either alone or in combination
with user
engagement means), with these features contributing to the overall external
dimensions of
the apparatus.
As used herein, the term "shoulder retaining means" is intended to indude any
physical
barrier that is capable of engaging a shoulder of a user lying on the
carriage, the
engagement preventing movement of the user across the surface of the carriage
during
exercise. alch means are esicntial for certain exercises given that a user may
be exerting a
force that leads to a movement across the carriage surface. For example, where
the user
may be exerting pressure on a footbar (against a resistance force provided by
the
apparatus) and there will be a natural tendency for the user to slide across
the surface of
the carriage, and toward the upper edge of the carriage. The disposition of a
pad (or indeed
two pads, one for each shoulder) extending from the carriage prevents this
lateral
movement and keeps the user substantially immobile on the carriage. Applicant
proposes a
linkage mechanism by which these retaining means may be moved from an operable
position to a storable position.
In one embodiment of the apparatus, the linkage comprises means for allowing
the
shoulder retaining means to be erected substantially vertically from a
storable position,
means for allowing rotation of the shoulder retaining means once erected,
means for
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lowering the rotated shoulder retaining means into an operable position, and a
peg
extending from the carriage for securing the lowered shoulder retaining means
in position.
In one embodiment of the linkage, the ability to erect the shoulder retaining
means from
the folded position is provided for by a hinge pin disposed toward the base of
the means.
The rotation and insertion is allowed by use of a sliding means, sliding and
rotating within an
internal fixed collar. Femoval of the shoulder retaining means is prevented by
the flared
terminus of the sliding means.
Preferably, the shoulder retaining means comprises padding. In one embodiment
the
padding is flat on one side, to allow for a lower profile when in the storable
position.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides an exercise apparatus
comprising a main
frame, a carriage movable relative to the main frame, a user engagement
member, and an
arm, the user engagement member linked to the arm, the arm in turn linked to
the main
frame, a shoulder retaining means, the shoulder retaining means linked to the
carriage,
wherein the linkage between the arm and the main frame is adapted or
configured such
that the user engagement member is capable of being moved from an operable
position to
a storable position, and wherein the linkage between the shoulder retaining
means is
adapted or configured such that the shoulder retaining means is capable of
moving from an
operable position to a storable position.
While the inventive subject matter described herein will find utility in many
types of
exercise apparatus, it is preferably applied to a Rlates reformer apparatus.
As discussed in
the Background section herein, the Rlates reformer is an important facet of
the Rlates
method. The benefits of the Rlate reformer are well acknowledged, but an
ongoing
problem is the cumbersome nature of the apparatus. The present invention
provides for a
foldable and portable Rlates reformer which overcomes or ameliorates the
significant
shortcomings in terms of portability and size. The inventive reformer machine
disclosed
herein provides for the use of this important machine outside clinics,
gymnasia and studios.
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There are a number of types of Rlate reformers known in the art, with the
present
invention being applicable to many if not all. Wormers share a number of
common
features as discussed infra
Fbsistance means
Wormer machines incorporate resistance means to increase the difficulty of an
exercise.
9orings are commonly used, but other resilient arrangements such as elastic
materials are
also capable of providing resistance from the machine. The springs typically
hook onto the
spring bar, and different springs can be unhooked to increase or decrease the
resistance.
Many levels of resistance are achieved through varying combinations of the
springs There
may also be a gear system that allows one to change the distance of the spring
bar from the
end of the carriage. This is sometimes used to adjust for a user's height.
The Carriage
The carriage is the part of the machine that the user is disposed on. The
carriage is moved
by pushing against the footbar, or by pulling the straps or ropes at the
opposite end of the
reformer. The carriage glides back and forth along the inside of the frame,
responding to the
effort exerted and the amount of resistance set up by the springs. Wormer
exercises can
be performed lying down, sitting, kneeling or standing on the carriage.
Head Pest and aoulder Pads
Many Rlates reformer exercises are done lying down with the head on the
headrest. As
discussed supra, the shoulder pads keep the user stable on the reformer as the
carriage is
pulled or pushed. Often the shoulders are against the pads, but there are also
exercises that
use the shoulder pads as props for the feet, knees or hands.
3 raps and Fbpes
The straps are connected to pulleys at the top end of the reformer. The straps
have handles
at the end that may be grasped such that the user can pull or push the
carriage. The straps
may be threaded through the handles in order to work the feet in the straps.
Again, the
basic principle is that the user will be pushing or pulling themselves on the
carriage against
the resistance provided by their own body weight and the springs.
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In a further aspect the present invention provides a method for instructing in
a Rlates
exercise, the method comprising the step of providing an apparatus as
described herein,
and providing the instruction. The instruction may be by way of personal
instruction,
written material, audio material or video material.
DETAILED DEEM PT1ON WITH REFERENCETO PREFERRED 611BODIM ENTS
The present invention will now be further described by reference to the
following non-
limiting embodiments, and where:
Rgure 1 Panel A is a side elevation of a Rlates reformer shown in an operable
configuration. Panel B is a side elevation of a Rlates reformer shown in a
storable
configuration. Panel C is a plan view of a Rlates reformer shown in an
operable
configuration.
Rgures 2 and 3 show mounting hardware for a shoulder pad of a Rlates reformer.
Turning now specifically Rgure 1, there is shown a Rlates reformer according
to the present
invention. There is shown the main frame 2, supporting the carriage tracks
(not shown)
upon which the carriage 6 glides. The arm 8 is linked to the main frame 2 by a
pivot hinge
10. The user engagement means 12 (in this case, a footbar) is attached to the
terminus of
the arm 8. A wheel 14 is disposed at the opposite terminus of the arm 8. A
stop 16 extends
from the arm 8. A shoulder pad is shown in the operable position 18, adjacent
to the
headrest 20. The main frame 2 has a hinge 22 allowing the reformer frame to be
folded.
As will be noted from Panel A showing the footbar 12 in the operable position,
the wheel 14
is elevated above the floor such that the apparatus sits on the main frame 2
and is therefore
immoveable. The stop 16 is positioned so as to limit the travel of the
carriage 6 along the
carriage track.
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Panel B shows the footbar 12 in the storable position, and demonstrates the
significant
decrease in outer dimension of the apparatus afforded. Also shown is the
movement of the
wheel 14 into a position allowing for it to engage with the floor. Upon
raising the apparatus
onto the wheel 14, the apparatus can be freely transported. This Panel also
demonstrates
the first shoulder pad 24 folded down onto the carriage to provide a lower
profile, with the
headrest 26 having been slid inwardly to decrease the overall length of the
folded
apparatus.
Rgure 2 shows the mounting of a shoulder pad assembly of the present
invention, as
applicable to a Rlates reformer. A spigot 2 having a hinge pin 4 is attached
to a mounting
plate 6, the plate for attachment to the carriage (not shown). The hinge pin 4
links the tube
slider 8 to the spigot 2. The tube slider 8 slides and rotates with internal
fixed collar 10. The
mounting tube (to which the padding attaches) 12 is unable to be removed due
to the
presence of the flare 14 on the tube slider 8.
Rgure 3 shows the same components as for Rgure 2, in an exploded view at Panel
A. Panel
B shows the same components as for Panel A but rotated through 90 degrees, and
having
the mounting tube 12, tube slider 8 and collar 10 assembled. Panel B shows the
further
features of the padding 16 and the cut away 18 in spigot 2 allowing the
mounting tube 18 to
fold downwardly.
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