U.S. patent application number 12/145029 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for office and desk exercise chair system.
Invention is credited to Michael Mongelluzzo, Ron Mongelluzzo.
Application Number | 20080254955 12/145029 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39710522 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080254955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mongelluzzo; Ron ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
Office and Desk Exercise Chair System
Abstract
An exercise apparatus is provided having a mobile desk chair
including at least one attachment point configured to permit
slidable attachment and adjustment of an exercise implement. The at
least one attachment point may include a track member affixed,
molded to and/or contoured to the chair configuration. The track
member may include a locking mechanism to enable an exercise
implement to be locked thereon in desired locations along the track
member during exercise.
Inventors: |
Mongelluzzo; Ron; (Hampton
Bays, NY) ; Mongelluzzo; Michael; (Hampton Bays,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEUSEY, TUTUNJIAN & BITETTO, P.C.
20 CROSSWAYS PARK NORTH, SUITE 210
WOODBURY
NY
11797
US
|
Family ID: |
39710522 |
Appl. No.: |
12/145029 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11710066 |
Feb 23, 2007 |
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12145029 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/138 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0442 20130101;
A47C 9/002 20130101; A63B 21/16 20130101; A63B 21/00065 20130101;
A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 21/4035
20151001; A63B 21/0552 20130101; Y10S 482/904 20130101; A63B
2210/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/138 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a mobile desk chair including
at least one attachment point configured to permit slidable
attachment and adjustment of an exercise implement.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each attachment point
comprises a track member affixed to the chair.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each attachment point
comprises a track member molded into the chair.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the track member is shaped to
fit along contours of the chair.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chair includes: a seat
including at least two arm attachment members; a back rest
pivotally attached to the seat; and a base connected to the seat
comprising a center post and a plurality of chair supports, wherein
at least one of the back rest, seat, arm attachment members and
chair supports includes the at least one attachment point
configured to receive an exercise implement.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each attachment point
comprises a track member comprising a body defining a cavity having
a receiving slot.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of
internal slots disposed on at least one interior surface of the
body of the track member.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the body of the track member
includes at least one shaped lip adjacent to the receiving
slot.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one attachment
point includes a locking mechanism to enable the exercise implement
to be locked thereon in desired locations along the attachment
point.
10. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises a plurality of detents and slots.
11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each arm attachment member
further includes at least one arm rest void.
12. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a leg support
member pivotally attached to at least one chair support.
13. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an exercise
implement removably attached to at least one track member, the
exercise implement including a coupling member configured to be
slidably received within the track member.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the coupling member
comprises a body having a spring-loaded member pivotally attached
therein.
15. A mobile exercise desk chair comprising: a back rest pivotally
attached to a seat; and a base connected to the seat including a
plurality of chair supports, wherein at least one of the back rest
and at least one of the chair supports includes at least one
attachment point configured to permit slidable adjustable and
attachment of exercise implements.
16. The exercise chair of claim 15, wherein each attachment point
comprises a track member affixed to the chair.
17. The exercise chair of claim 16, wherein the track member is
shaped to fit along contours of the chair.
18. The exercise chair of claim 15, wherein each attachment point
comprises a track member comprising a body defining a cavity having
a receiving slot.
19. The exercise chair of claim 18, further comprising a locking
mechanism to enable the exercise implements to be locked thereon in
desired locations along the track member.
20. The exercise chair of claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism
comprises at least one of a plurality of internal detents and slots
disposed on at least one interior surface of the body of the track
member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application
Ser. No. 11/710,066.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to exercise devices,
and, more particularly, to a multi-configuration dual purpose
exercise chair system for providing at least strength and
flexibility training as well as office and desk chair functionality
and method for operating same.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] There exists today a wide range of exercise devices designed
for home and/or gym use for providing resistance training of
various muscles. Typically, such exercise apparatus for resistance
training comprise heavy equipment such as weightlifting benches,
circuit training machines, and the like, situated in a stationary
position and not intended to be mobile during use.
[0006] While many exercise machines may be helpful in developing
overall physical fitness in general, the positive benefits from
such machines can only be attained through their regular usage.
Convenience is an oft cited factor in determining whether a user
actually utilizes an exercise device on a consistent basis to
perform the exercises. In the home environment, space requirements
often preclude the ability to have exercise/strength training
equipment at home. Accessing gym equipment requires a membership
fee and additional time spent commuting to and from the gym.
[0007] Indeed, the majority of the day for many people is often
spent in a sitting position, e.g., at work in an office
environment. When breaks are taken, any physical activity is often
limited to mild aerobic activity such as walking, e.g., to and from
lunch, or taking the stairs. Even if a person is a member of a gym,
the inconvenience of traveling, changing clothes, etc. as well as
time limits on breaks during work hours and unexpected schedule
changes often precludes the person from attending the gym on a
regular basis.
[0008] When a person is at home, the demands of attending to
personal and family activities often results in the person skipping
exercising due to lack of time. For many working people, free time
often arises only on weekends and thus the typical working person
manages to find time to exercise only on a sporadic and infrequent
basis.
[0009] It is often a goal of many exercisers to incorporate
resistance training in their workouts to improve strength and
muscle development. However, strength training often requires
access to specialized exercise and training equipment, which is
often difficult to do on a consistent basis for many people for
many of the reasons mentioned above.
[0010] Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for
efficiently and effectively providing resistance training and
exercise for a user in a manner which optimizes convenience and
maximizes the likelihood for regular use by a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention generally relates to exercise devices,
and, more particularly, to an isotonic exercise system incorporated
into an ergonomic desk or task chair for providing exercise
training and stress relief for a user with optimal convenience.
[0012] The present invention comprises a multi-purpose exercise
training system and office chair which provides comprehensive
physical fitness and therapeutic stress-relief benefits and is
especially useful and convenient for the general fitness consumer.
The need for heavy and dangerous weights and space-consuming
specialized equipment is avoided. For example, the present
invention provides an effective and efficient exercise apparatus
embodied in an ergonomic and mobile desk chair directed towards
strengthening a wide variety of muscle groups. Each exercise may be
customized to various resistance levels and may also be adapted
according to the height, weight, dimensions, flexibility, etc., of
each user.
[0013] According to one embodiment, an exercise apparatus is
provided comprising a mobile task chair including a seat including
at least two arm attachment members and a back rest pivotally
attached to the seat. A base is provided connected to the seat
comprising a center post and a plurality of chair supports, wherein
at least one of the back rest, seat, arm attachment members and
chair supports includes at least one attachment point configured to
receive an exercise implement.
[0014] According to another embodiment, a mobile exercise chair is
provided comprising a back rest pivotally attached to a seat, and a
base connected to the seat including a plurality of chair supports,
wherein at least one of the back rest and at least one of the chair
supports includes at least one attachment point configured for
removable and adjustable attachment of exercise implements.
[0015] According to yet another embodiment, a mobile exercise chair
is provided comprising a seat including at least two arm attachment
members and a back rest pivotally attached to the seat. A base is
provided connected to the seat, the base including a plurality of
chair supports, wherein at least one of the arm attachment members,
back rest, and at least one of the chair supports includes at least
one attachment point. An exercise implement is provided having at
least one end removably attached to at least one of the attachment
points.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote
similar elements throughout the views:
[0017] FIG. 1 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise
chair system according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exemplary rear perspective view of an exercise
chair system according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0019] FIGS. 3 is an exemplary side view of an exercise chair
system according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exemplary front view of an exercise chair
system according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an exemplary top view of an exercise chair system
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise
chair with an extended leg rest and tilted back rest according to
an aspect of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise
chair and a resistance device according to an aspect of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 8 is an exemplary front perspective view of an exercise
chair having the resistance device shown in FIG. 7 attached thereon
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0025] FIGS. 9-15 depict exemplary methods for attachment of
resistance devices onto an exercise chair according to various
aspects of the present invention;
[0026] FIGS. 16-18 depict exemplary methods for attachment of an
alternate resistance device onto an exercise chair according to
various aspects of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 19 is an exemplary front perspective view of a leg
piece in a locked position according to an aspect of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 20 is an exemplary front perspective view of an
exercise chair having a resistance device attached to the leg piece
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 21 is an exemplary front perspective view of an
alternate resistance device attached onto an exercise chair
according to another aspect of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 22 depicts an exemplary front perspective
cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment for providing
attachment points on a chair according to another aspect of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 23 is an exemplary front perspective view of an
exercise chair having a resistance device attached to a seat
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 24 is an exemplary front perspective view of an
exercise chair having a resistance device attached to a back rest
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 25 is an exemplary enlarged view of area "All" in FIG.
24;
[0034] FIG. 26 is an exemplary rear perspective view of the chair
of FIG. 24;
[0035] FIG. 27 is an exemplary rear perspective view of the chair
of FIG. 24 having a resistance device attached thereon according to
an aspect of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 28 is an exemplary rear perspective view of the chair
of FIG. 24 having a plurality of resistance devices attached
thereon according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of an alternate coupling
system according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of an alternate coupling
system according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of an alternate coupling
member coupled with an attachment member according to an aspect of
the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 32 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along
lines B-B of FIG. 31 according to an aspect of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 33 is a front cross-sectional view taken along lines
B-2 of FIG. 31 according to an aspect of the present invention;
and
[0042] FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of an alternate coupling
member coupled with an attachment member according to an aspect of
the present invention.
[0043] It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes
of illustrating the concepts of the invention and are not
necessarily the only possible configurations for illustrating the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-6 are exemplary views
of an exercise chair system 100 according to an aspect of the
present invention. Chair 100 is comprised of a frame member 101
configured to support (e.g., preferably shaped to a perimeter of) a
backrest 103, which may include an integrated head rest or cervical
support 121. Back rest 103 may be ergonomically formed and/or
contoured to include lumbar support, etc. The neck support 121 may
comprise a cushioned material or pad (e.g., comprised of rubber,
foam, plastic, etc.) that may be affixed to or be integrally formed
with the back rest 103. The neck support 121 is preferably designed
to provide contact with and ergonomic support for the user's head
and neck.
[0045] Frame member 101 may include hand grips 203 positioned on
either side of head rest 121. Hand grips 201 may be comprised,
e.g., of foam or any other soft, deformable cushioning material
and/or may be integral with the frame member 101 and/or
ergonomically formed. The cushioning material may comprise, e.g.,
rubber, foam, plastic, etc. or any other material which may improve
comfort and/or frictional grip. Alternatively, the hand grips 201
may be integrally formed with the frame 101 and e.g., comprise a
shape contoured for maximum comfort and security during
gripping.
[0046] Back rest 103 may include at least one rear attachment
member 201 affixed on a rear surface of the back rest 103. Rear
attachment members 201 may comprise e.g., at least a pair of
elongate rails preferably affixed to the rear surface of the back
rest and positioned so as to run substantially lengthwise along the
back rest 103.
[0047] The back rest 103 is preferably pivotally mounted to a seat
105, e.g., via rear attachment members 201. For example, a pivot
joint 211 may be provided to pivotally affix each rear attachment
member 201 to a corresponding seat arm 301, which is mounted onto
the seat 105. Accordingly, the back rest 103 may be positioned and
moved at various angles relative to the seat 105; for example, in a
substantially upright position as shown in FIGS. 1-5 or in a
slightly forward position as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the
back rest 103 may be reclined rearwards. The back rest may be
locked in place via a locking mechanism (e.g., detents, grooves,
locking pins, etc.) once a desired position is reached and desired
to be maintained.
[0048] Seat 105 may include a front seat attachment member 113, and
a rear seat attachment member 213. A pair of arm attachment members
107, each having an arm rest 123 attached thereon, is preferably
affixed to either side of the seat 105. Each arm attachment member
107 may be configured to be adjustable in height, position and
orientation (e.g., forwards, backwards, flip-down, etc.) for
adapting to user preferences.
[0049] A base or center post 209 is provided having a first end
affixed to a bottom of the seat 105. A plurality of chair supports
109 is provided preferably extending radially from the center post
209 proximate to a second end for providing a stable base support
for the chair 100. For example, at least about five supports 109
may be provided for optimal weight distribution, stability and
balance. Each support 109 may have a swivel wheel or caster 127
attached thereon to impart mobility to the chair 100. Further, the
seat 105 may be configured to be rotatable relative to the center
post 209 and/or the supports 109 may be configured to be rotatable
relative to the center post 209 so as to provide full 360 degree
rotational capability to the chair 100. The seat 105 and/or
supports 109 may be configured to be locked into a stationary
configuration so as to prevent rotation of the seat 105 when so
desired.
[0050] At least one support 109 may include a leg support member
111 having a first end pivotally attached to the support 109 and a
second end having a footrest 117 attached thereon. The leg support
111 may be pivoted to a retracted position (e.g., as shown in FIGS.
1-4) when not in use and moved to various degrees of extended
positions (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6) during use for providing foot
support for the user. Once a desired position has been achieved,
the leg support 111 may be locked into place to prevent
movement.
[0051] In one embodiment, frame 101 may be intermittently
integrated with backrest 103 so as to form a plurality of voids 119
along the lateral sides of the back rest 103. Further, each arm
rest 123 may include at least one arm rest void 501. Voids 119 and
501 are preferably sized and shaped so as to allow pass-through of
various desired exercise implements, described further below.
[0052] Rear attachment members 201, arm attachment members 107,
front and rear seat attachment members 113, 213, chair supports 109
and leg support 111 may include a plurality of attachment points
115. Such attachment points 115 may comprise, e.g., a plurality of
apertures preferably substantially uniform in shape and size and
configured for removable attachment of various exercise implements
thereon. Alternatively, the attachment points 115 may comprise any
combination of apertures having various sizes/shapes, ring
attachments, hooks, etc., for enabling secure removable attachment
of exercise implements designed for use therewith, as described
herein. E.g., it is to be noted that attachment points 115 may
comprise any releasable attachment means or combination thereof,
e.g., ring and dee closures, clasps, wings and clamps, screws,
male/female connection elements, spring-loaded couplers, etc.
[0053] In yet another embodiment, e.g., as described below with
respect to FIGS. 22-34, attachment points 115 may comprise one or
more track members distributed throughout the chair and configured
to permit slidable adjustment and attachment of various exercise
implements thereon.
[0054] The attachment points 115 may be provided in any number,
pattern, and distribution configuration throughout the chair 100.
In an embodiment wherein the attachment points 115 comprise
apertures, while apertures having similar dimensions/sizes
throughout are preferred, apertures having varying sizes, shapes,
etc. may be contemplated.
[0055] An exemplary exercise implement for use with chair 100 may
comprise, e.g., a resistance band 125 having a handle 205 at a
first end and an attachment coupling 207 at a second end configured
for removable attachment onto at least one of the attachment points
115 on chair 100. The resistance band 125 may be comprised of any
elastic, resilient material (e.g., `bungee` cord material) with
various levels of resistance (tension) being facilitated via
provision of bands 125 of varying diameters, materials, densities,
etc.
[0056] Any number of a variety of resistance bands may be provided
of varying thicknesses and/or lengths to vary the level of
resistance for the user. Such a variety of resistance bands may be
enclosed in the kit form of the present invention. The resistance
bands may be, e.g., color and/or number coded according to their
various levels of resistance and may comprise any flexible, elastic
and resilient material, for example, rubber, rubber composites,
rubberized elastic, latex, or any other synthetic or natural
elastic materials. During use of the exercise implement, the
resistance band 125 may be extended/elongated under tension and
contracted to its original state in a repetitive fashion.
[0057] According to one exemplary mode of attachment of an exercise
implement 125, a coupling 207 may be configured to be removably
attachable to a single attachment point 115 (e.g., as shown in
FIGS. 1-5). According to another embodiment, an exercise implement
701 may be provided having a multi-point coupling 703 configured to
be simultaneously removably attachable to a plurality of attachment
points (e.g., to two attachment points 115, as shown in FIGS.
7-8).
[0058] Each coupling 207 or multiple point coupling 703 may be
configured to be rotatable upon attachment to an attachment point
115. The implement 125 may be passed through any of the voids 119,
501, 1101 so as to vary leverage and range of motion during
exercise. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, exercise implement
125 may have a first end coupled to any one of the rear attachment
members 201 or arm attachment members 107, and second end passed
through any of voids 119 or 501, with handle 205 in position for
grasping by a user seated in the chair 100. Upon grasping of the
handle of implement 125, the user may proceed with various
movements to exercise/stretch various muscle groups.
[0059] In another embodiment, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12-15, an
exercise implement 1301 comprised of a resistance band having a
coupling point 1303 at each end may be provided. Each coupling
point 1303 may be attached to any feasible combination of separate
attachment points 115 for facilitating a variety of different
exercises. E.g., each coupling point 1303 may be affixed to an
attachment point on any of rear attachment members 201, arm
attachment members 107, front and rear seat attachment members 113,
213, chair supports 109 and leg support 111, in any combination so
as to provide various configurations to exercise different muscle
groups
[0060] Advantageously, since placement and orientation of the
exercise implement is adjustable to various positions throughout
the chair 100 via the plurality of attachment points 115, multiple
configurations may accordingly be created and working of various
muscle groups may be facilitated. One or more exercise implements
125 and/or 1301 may be used and attached simultaneously for
controlling resistance levels, exercise movements, etc.
[0061] For example, the configurations shown in FIG. 12 (in which
one coupling point 1303 is connected to a rear attachment member
201 and a second coupler 1303 is affixed to a rear seat attachment
member 213) and FIG. 13 (in which one coupling point 1303 is
connected to a rear attachment member 201 and a second coupler 1303
is affixed to an arm attachment member 107) may be used for
providing resistance when the back rest 103 is pressed, e.g., in a
backwards direction 1201. Such configurations may be employed,
e.g., for exercising the back muscles of a seated user.
[0062] The exemplary configurations shown in FIG. 14 (in which one
coupling point 1303 is connected to a rear attachment member 201
and a second coupler 1303 is affixed to a chair support 109) and
FIG. 15 (in which one coupling point 1303 is connected to an arm
attachment member 201 and a second coupler 1303 is affixed to a
chair support 109) may be used for providing resistance to the
chair seat 105 in a rotational direction 1401. These configurations
may be used for exercising the torso of a seated user by providing
tension during swivel and twisting movements.
[0063] FIGS. 16-19 depict exemplary alternate embodiments of
exercise implements 1601, 1901 according to aspects of the present
invention and various attachment configurations of same. For
example, the exercise implement 1601 may include a circular wrap
1603 at one end and a coupling element 1605 at a second end. The
wrap 1603 may be comprised of elastic and/or adjustable material
and configured to allow a user to insert a limb there through, thus
securing, e.g., a user's ankle, thigh, wrist, etc. during exercise
with the exercise implement 1601. The wrap 1603 imparts resistive
force on the user's limbs when the user moves from a neutral
position during exercise movements.
[0064] FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary exercise implement comprising a
stress relief device having a compressible head 1901 and dual
coupling point 1903. Head 1901 may be comprised of a deformable,
resilient material (e.g., foam, rubber, plastic) and/or may include
a hollow air-filled chamber with a vent for permitting expulsion of
air when head 1901 is compressed. When attached, e.g., to an arm
attachment member 201, the head 1901 is positioned proximate to an
arm rest 123. During use, head 1901 may be squeezed by the user as
desired for tension relief and to exercise the wrist and forearm
muscles.
[0065] FIG. 20 depicts the leg support 111 secured in an extended
position via insertion of a locking pin 2001 through a plurality of
apertures coaxially aligned. The leg support 111 may be extended
and retracted to various angles as desired by the user. Once a
desired position is achieved, the locking pin 2001 may be inserted
into respective aligned apertures 115, and the pin 2001 secured as
such serves as a pivot point around which the leg support 111 may
rotate. Once a desired angle is rotatably secured, an exercise
implement 1301 may be attached for providing resistance training
for a user's legs. For example, a first end of an exercise
implement 1301 may be attached to a chair support 109 and a second
end may be attached to the leg support 111 as shown in FIG. 20. To
perform leg exercises, a user may place their feet on the footrest
117 and push upwards or downwards in direction 2003. The resilient
tension provided by implement 1301 accordingly exercises the
anterior, posterior and/or lateral muscles of the upper and lower
legs and buttocks, for example, the sartorius muscle, gluteus
maximus, rectus femoris muscle, long head of biceps femoris muscle,
semitendinous muscles, gastrocnemius muscles, etc.
[0066] When leg exercises are not desired to be performed, the leg
support 111 may be fully retracted so as to not interfere with the
operation of chair 100 as a desk chair. FIG. 21 is an exemplary
depiction of the leg support 111 in a fully retracted position and
secured with locking device 2001.
[0067] A plurality of exercise devices (e.g., 125, 1301, 1601) may
be simultaneously attached at various attachment points 115 to
provide varied configurations for working the upper body, the lower
body, and "core" muscle groups (e.g., the internal and external
obliques, rectus abdominus and lower portions of the latissimus
dorsi muscles) of the user. Thus, a wide variety of muscles and/or
specific muscle groups may be worked either individually or
simultaneously.
[0068] For example, an arm exercise implement 125 may be attached
to arm attachment member 107 to provide an upper body workout,
while an exercise implement 1301 may be attached to the leg support
111 and chair support 109 to provide a lower body workout.
[0069] In other exercise configurations (e.g., FIG. 14), the seat
105 may be caused to swivel under tension, thus providing steady
resistance for torso exercises and twisting movements performed by
the user.
[0070] FIG. 22 depicts a front perspective cross-sectional view of
an alternate embodiment for providing attachment points on and
coupling an exercise implement to the chair 100. A rail system 2201
may be provided on the chair 100, e.g., and contoured to run along
the length of rear attachment members 201, arm attachment members
107, front and rear seat attachment members 113, 213, chair
supports 109 and leg support 111. In one exemplary embodiment, the
rail system 2201 may comprise a "T-slot;" that is, be substantially
rectangular in cross-section with a hollow 2213 configured for
receiving inserts 2207 of a coupling member 2205 of an exercise
implement (not shown). Each insert 2207 may include a flange 2209
configured to be slidably receivable within hollow 2203. The
inserts 2207 may be comprised of resilient or spring-loaded
material that may be compressed to fit within slot 2203. Once
received therein, the inserts 2207 spring back into their original
shape, thus causing flange 2209 to be slidably secured against top
lip 2211. The rail system 2201 may include a locking mechanism
comprising a plurality of detents (not shown) at various intervals
along rail 2201 to lock the coupling member 2205 in desired
locations along the rail 2201.
[0071] FIGS. 23-28 are exemplary views of an exercise chair having
an alternate attachment point system and resistance device(s)
attached to same according to an aspect of the present invention.
According to one embodiment, at least one track member 2301 is
provided affixed on the chair 2300 comprising an elongate track
preferably shaped to fit along contours of the chair. The track
member 2301 may comprise a separate piece attached to the chair
and/or be molded within the chair construction.
[0072] Preferably, a plurality of track members 2301 are provided
throughout the chair 2300 to provide various attachment points
thereon. For example, at least one track 2301 may be provided along
each left and right side and rear of the back rest, along the
perimeter of the seat, along the front and rear sides of each arm
rest and along the tops of each chair leg support, e.g., as shown
in FIG. 23-28.
[0073] An exercise implement 2303 comprising e.g., a resistance
band having a track coupling member 2305 at one end configured to
be removably attached to at least one track member 2301 may be
provided. The implement 2303 may include a handle 2304 at a second
end. Alternatively, an exercise implement 2701 having a track
coupling member 2703 at both ends may be provided. One or more
exercise implements may be attached to the chair simultaneously in
any position. For example, FIG. 28 depicts a plurality of exercise
implements 2701 each having a first end coupled to a rear back rest
track member 2301 and a rear edge of seat track member 2301.
[0074] FIGS. 29-34 are exemplary views of an alternate attachment
system according to an aspect of the present invention. A track
member 2901 may be provided comprising, e.g., a U-shaped body
defining a cavity 2909 having a receiving slot 2911. A plurality of
internal slots 2905 is disposed on at least one interior surface of
the track member 2901. Any number of internal slots 2905 may be
provided to effectuate a range of attachment points for exercise
implements. At least one shaped lip 2907 (e.g., having a
protrusion) is preferably provided on the track member 2901 and
disposed adjacent to the receiving slot 2911.
[0075] A coupling member 2903 may be provided configured for
removable and slidable attachment to the track member 2901. For
example, in one embodiment, coupling member 2903 may comprise a
U-shaped body 3002 having a spring-loaded member pivotally
connected thereon. Spring-loaded member may comprise an upper plate
3007 connected to at least two side inserts 3003, and a lower plate
3201 connected to a center insert 3001. Each of the side inserts
3003 and center insert 3001 preferably includes at least one
protrusion 3004 having a width 3013 sized and shaped to fit within
the internal slots 2905. In addition, each of the side inserts 3003
and center insert 3001 preferably includes at least one protruding
member 3301. At least one upper brace 3005 is provided affixed to
the center insert 3001 and at least one lower brace 3401 is
provided each affixed to each side insert 3003. The upper and lower
braces 3005 are configured to stabilize the coupling member 2903
against an external wall of the track member during coupling (e.g.,
as shown in FIGS. 31-34).
[0076] The upper plate 3007 and lower plate 3201 are connected via
tension coil 3009. Compression and expansion of the coil 3009
causes the plates 3007, 3201 and inserts 3003, 3001 to operate in a
lever action, turning about fixed point 3011. For example, the
upper plate 3007 and lower plate 3201 may be pressed together to
compress the coil 3009, causing the center insert 3001 and side
inserts 3003 to move towards each other into alignment, such that
the center insert 3001 and side inserts are substantially aligned
in side profile. This enables the center insert 3001 and side
inserts 3003 to be inserted into/removed from the cavity 2909 of
the track member 2901 via slot 2911 of the track member 2901.
[0077] Once inserted into the cavity 2909 of track member 2901, the
spring loaded member may be freely slid within the track cavity
2909 so long as the upper and lower plates 3007, 3201 remain in the
depressed position. When a desired location for securing of the
exercise implement 2704 is reached, the upper and lower plates
3007, 3201 may be released, thus causing the center insert 3001 and
side inserts 3003 to spring apart via expansion of the tension coil
3009, thereby inserting the protrusions 3004 into respective
internal slots 2905 within the track member 2901. Further,
protruding members 3301 are caused to be securely received within
the shaped lip(s) 2907 of the track member 2901, and brace member
3005 are caused to be contacted on the exterior surface of the
track member 2901. Accordingly, the coupling member 2903 is
securely affixed within the desired location of track member 2901,
being prevented from slidable movement within the track member
2901, and also being prevented from accidental dislodgement from
same.
[0078] As shown e.g., in FIG. 34, the body 3002 of the coupling may
at least be pivotally connected to the center and side inserts
3001, 3003, thus allowing the exercise implement to be pivoted to
various angles with respect to the point of attachment with the
track member 2901.
[0079] An exercise chair system according to the present invention
may be provided in the form of a kit, comprising a chair 100 and
any combination, type and number of exercise implements configured
to be removably attachable to the chair 100. Further, it is noted
that the chair 100 itself may be provided preassembled or in kit
form.
[0080] For each exercise implement, at least one resistance band
may be provided. However, in an alternate embodiment, each exercise
implement may be configured to have interchangeable resistance
bands, and a plurality of resistance bands having various tension
levels may be provided. Such removable attachment advantageously
facilitates e.g., changing of resistance bands to different levels
of resistance/length.
[0081] Preferably, at least rear attachment members 201, arm
attachment members 107, front and rear seat attachment members 113,
213, chair supports 109 and leg support 111 are comprised of a
lightweight but substantially rigid, rust-proof material, e.g.,
aluminum, which may be treated (e.g., anodized) for additional
wear-resistance.
[0082] Advantageously, an exercise chair system according to the
present invention boasts dual functionality as a comprehensive
exercise apparatus while maintaining practical and ergonomic
functions as a desk chair that may be used in an office or work
environment. Practicing resistance exercises provided according to
one aspect of the present invention strengthens and lengthens the
muscle action, providing increased stability and power, while
enhancing muscle integrity. Resistance is invoked via the elastic
resistance bands, and in particular, the varied exercise
configurations and customized leverage designations facilitated by
the present invention assists in isolating and strengthening
desired muscles/muscle groups of the user. Overall, the present
invention provides exercise and stress-relief benefits, improves
flexibility and maximizes convenience and portability.
[0083] Although the embodiment which incorporates the teachings of
the present invention has been shown and described in detail
herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other
varied embodiments that still incorporate these teachings. Having
described preferred embodiments for an exercise chair system (which
are intended to be illustrative and not limiting), it is noted that
modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the
art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be
understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments
of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of
the invention as outlined by the appended claims. Having thus
described the invention with the details and particularity required
by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by
Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
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