U.S. patent application number 11/792182 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for exercise recliner.
Invention is credited to Daniel Rudich.
Application Number | 20090105046 11/792182 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36564731 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090105046 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rudich; Daniel |
April 23, 2009 |
Exercise Recliner
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an exercise recliner and in
particular a recliner chair that conceals an exercise device. An
exercise recliner is provided which includes a recliner chair and
an exercise device. The exercise device is mounted to a movable and
extendable frame that is associated with a power mechanism, an
actuating mechanism and a locking mechanism allowing the exercise
device to be moved rectilinearly between an extended position and a
retracted position.
Inventors: |
Rudich; Daniel;
(Dollard-Des-Ormeaux, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROBERTS & ROBERTS, LLP;ATTORNEYS AT LAW
P.O. BOX 484
PRINCETON
NJ
08542-0484
US
|
Family ID: |
36564731 |
Appl. No.: |
11/792182 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
November 30, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA05/01864 |
371 Date: |
June 2, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60632624 |
Dec 2, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 ;
297/217.1; 482/142; 482/148; 482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0605 20130101;
A63B 2210/02 20130101; A47C 9/002 20130101; A47C 7/62 20130101;
A63B 2022/0652 20130101; A63B 2210/56 20130101; A63B 2210/58
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 ;
297/217.1; 482/57; 482/142; 482/148 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00; A47C 1/02 20060101 A47C001/02; A63B 22/08 20060101
A63B022/08; A63B 24/00 20060101 A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise recliner comprising in combination: a chair having a
back panel, a seat, arms, front legs, back legs, a pair of side
panels, an open space beneath the seat, and a footrest having a top
surface, an under surface, a top edge, a lower edge and two side
edges, a footrest support structure that is selectively extendable
to position to footrest in a forward position and a retractable to
position the footrest in a non-extendable position, wherein said
footrest is downwardly pivotable when in the non-extendable
position; a support attached to the underneath of the chair mounted
to said support is a power mechanism; a power mechanism mounted to
said support; an extendable frame having a first end attached to
said support and a second end which is proximal to the exercise
device, said frame extending from the underneath of the chair; an
exercising device attached to the extendable frame for use by a
user sitting in the seat of the chair when the frame is extended
out from underneath of the seat of the chair; and an actuating
mechanism coupled to the power mechanism to slide the frame in or
out from the underneath of the seat of the chair, said actuating
mechanism having a locking mechanism to secure the extendable frame
in an extendable position or a retractable position.
2. An exercise recliner comprising in combination: a chair having a
back panel, a seat, arms, front legs, back legs, a pair of side
panels, an open space beneath the seat, and a footrest having a top
surface, an under surface, a top edge, a lower edge and two side
edges, a footrest support structure that is selectively extendable
to position to footrest in a forward position and a retractable to
position the footrest in a non-extendable position, wherein said
footrest is detachable when in the non-extendable position; a
support attached to the underneath of the chair mounted to said
support is a power mechanism; .cndot.a power mechanism mounted to
said support; an extendable frame having a first end attached to
said support and a second end which is proximal to the exercise
device, said frame extending from the underneath of the chair; an
exercising device attached to the extendable frame for use by a
user sitting in the seat of the chair when the frame is extended
out from underneath of the seat of the chair; and an actuating
mechanism coupled to the power mechanism to slide the frame in or
out from the underneath of the seat of the chair, said actuating
mechanism having a locking mechanism to secure the extendable frame
in an extendable position or a retractable position.
3. An exercise recliner comprising in combination: a chair having a
back panel, a seat, arms, front legs, back legs, a pair of side
panels, an open space beneath the seat, and a footrest having a top
surface, an under surface, a top edge, a lower edge and two side
edges, a footrest support structure that is selectively extendable
to position to footrest in a forward position and a retractable to
position the footrest in a non-extendable position, wherein said
footrest is pivoted sidewardly when in the non-extendable position;
a support attached to the underneath of the chair mounted to said
support is a power mechanism; a power mechanism mounted to said
support; an extendable frame having a first end attached to said
support and a second end which is proximal to the exercise device,
said frame extending from the underneath of the chair; an
exercising device attached to the extendable frame for use by a
user sitting in the seat of the chair when the frame is extended
out from underneath of the seat of the chair; and an actuating
mechanism coupled to the power mechanism to slide the frame in or
out from the underneath of the seat of the chair, said actuating
mechanism having a locking mechanism to secure the extendable frame
in an extendable position or a retractable position.
4. The exercise recliner of claim 1, wherein the uinder surface of
the footrest acts as a stabilizing platform for the exercise
device.
5. The exercise recliner of claim 1, wherein the extendable frame
has a track assembly located along each side of the chair, said
track assembly having a fixed frame tubing with a smaller tube
sliding therein.
6. The exercise recliner of claim 5, wherein the extendable frame
at its second end has a floor support adapted to unfold so as to
extend between the exercise device and an underlying floor surface
when the extendable frame is extended and to fold and retract
within the underneath of the chair when the extendable frame is
retracted.
7. The exercise recliner of claim 6, wherein the exercise device is
a pedaling system having a pair of pedals configured for rotational
movement, a dampening mechanism adapted to adjustably resist the
rotational movement of the pair of pedals and a display unit to
display the energy burned and distanced traveled by a user.
8. The exercise recliner of claim 7, wherein the chair is a
substantially conventional upholstered recliner.
9. The exercise recliner of claim 2, wherein the extendable frame
has a track assembly located along each side of the chair, said
track assembly having a fixed frame tubing with a smaller tube
sliding therein.
10. The exercise recliner of claim 3, wherein the extendable frame
has a track assembly located along each side of the chair, said
track assembly having a fixed frame tubing with a smaller tube
sliding therein.
11. The exercise recliner of claim 9, wherein the extendable frame
at its second end has a floor support adapted to unfold so as to
extend between the exercise device and an underlying floor surface
when the extendable frame is extended and to fold and retract
within the underneath of the chair when the extendable frame is
retracted.
12. The exercise recliner of claim 10, wherein the extendable frame
at its second end has a floor support adapted to unfold so as to
extend between the exercise device and an underlying floor surface
when the extendable frame is extended and to fold and retract
within the underneath of the chair when the extendable frame is
retracted.
13. The exercise recliner of claim 11, wherein the exercise device
is a pedaling system having a pair of pedals configured for
rotational movement, a dampening mechanism adapted to adjustably
resist the rotational movement of the pair of pedals and a display
unit to display the energy burned and distanced traveled by a
user.
14. The exercise recliner of claim 12, wherein the exercise device
is a pedaling system having a pair of pedals configured for
rotational movement, a dampening mechanism adapted to adjustably
resist the rotational movement of the pair of pedals and a display
unit to display the energy burned and distanced traveled by a
user.
15. The exercise recliner of claim 13, wherein the chair is a
substantially conventional upholstered recliner.
16. The exercise recliner of claim 14, wherein the chair is a
substantially conventional upholstered recliner.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to an exercise recliner,
and in particular a recliner chair that conceals an exercise
device.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, it has become more popular to exercise and
as such the number of fitness centers and fitness equipment
available on the market has greatly increased. This trend may be in
response to the numerous studies promoting the significant benefits
that can be achieved from undertaking physical activity on a
regular basis. Despite the existence of this trend to be physically
active and participate in physical activity, good intentions often
cannot be reconciled with people's busy lives. There are a number
of reasons why people quit exercising. Often there is not enough
time in a day to visit a gym or fitness center, and the repetition
required while exercising can be boring and uncomfortable. In
addition to time constraints, people who want to partake in home
exercise programs find that the limited space available in the home
often can impact negatively on carrying out a home exercise
program.
[0003] In order to address these problems, companies have begun
manufacturing exercise equipment that can be used efficiently in
the home. However, more often than not, home exercise equipment is
not only expensive to purchase but also takes up a significant
amount of space to house. Thus, people who decide to begin a home
exercise regime must have or create additional space in their
house, condo or apartment where they can store the exercise
equipment. Housing the particular piece of exercise equipment more
often than not detracts from the decor of the users home.
Furthermore, should the owner of the exercise equipment tire of
using the particular piece of equipment, or become physically
unable to do so, the owner will have no other use for that piece of
equipment and must either dispose of it or store it.
[0004] In an effort to provide home exercise equipment that is not
bulky, cumbersome or intrusive, much has been developed in terms of
collapsible exercising apparatus. However, prior art collapsible
exercise equipment has not been satisfactory in that they are
unattractive, serve a single purpose, and must be stored out-of the
way when the room is being used for every day living.
[0005] In an attempt to solve the shortcomings associated with
collapsible exercise equipment, furniture and exercise equipment
manufacturers began manufacturing exercise equipment which can be
stored in a piece of furniture or which is incorporated in a piece
of furniture. However, many prior art exercise devices incorporated
with a piece of furniture were neither attractive nor easy to
use.
[0006] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,738,649 issued on Jun. 12, 1973
to Miller for "Combined Chair and Exercising Device" discloses a
combined chair and exercise device, which has the exercise
equipment mounted to a platform in a space beneath the seat portion
of the chair. Although this combined chair and exercise device is
more convenient than most collapsible exercise equipment, this
chair and exercise device requires the user to first get up off the
chair, pull out the platform onto which the exercise device is
mounted and then position and lock the exercise platform into
position before beginning their exercise routine. This operation is
both cumbersome and time-consuming and compromises the ease of use
of the equipment, especially for seniors.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,968,963 issued on Jul. 13, 1976 to Sileo for
"Chair-Type Bicycle Exercise Device" discloses a combined chair and
exercise device, which has the exercise device mounted to a frame
that is elongated and attached to the underneath of the seat by a
track so that the frame can be hidden under the seat when not in
use but can be extended outward to the front of the chair when in
use. As stated above, the disadvantage of this combined chair and
exercise device is that the user must get off the chair to pull the
exercise device from beneath the seat of the chair and then the
user must sit on the seat of the chair before they can adjust the
pedals of the exercise device. Also, the exercise device is not
mounted on a platform to provide the needed stability. Using this
exercise device is a time consuming process and limits the
convenience of the equipment.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,247 issued on May 1, 1990 to Sterling
for "Exercise Chair" discloses a chair with a multitude of
exercising devices incorporated into the back, arms, side panels
and beneath the chair. Contrary to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,738,649 and
3,968,963, Sterling's "Exerciser Chair" does not require the user
get off the chair in order to begin their exercise routine.
However, in order to use the exercise device, the user must pull on
the handle to move the band ring which simultaneously moves the
telescoping frame in or out from underneath the chair exposing the
exercise device that is mounted on a platform. Although, this type
of exercise apparatus is more practical than the exercise devices
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,738,649 and 3,968,963, it still has
its disadvantages. Firstly, the user must manually pull on the
handle in order to expose the exercise device as well as lock or
latch the exercise device into a particular position. Manually
pulling on the handle while remaining seated on the chair requires
a certain amount of upper body strength and coordination that may
prove to be difficult for a segment of the population, especially
seniors, or individuals with little or no upper body strength.
Also, the location of the handle requires the user, while seated on
the chair, to reach over the side of the chair in order to pull on
the handle. Once again, this may be difficult and may result in the
user leaning off the seat of the chair to locate and adjust the
exercise device. Furthermore, this type of chair does not include a
reclining mechanism or footrest and would not be practical if
combined to a recliner chair comprising a footrest.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,298 issued on Nov. 28, 1995 to Curtis
for "Exercise Apparatus" discloses an exercise apparatus comprising
a chair, an arm-exercising station, and a leg exercising station.
The leg exercising station is mounted within the footrest portion
of the chair and includes an elongated support bar. The lower end
of the support bar is positioned to engage the floor surface when
the footrest is fully extended. One of the disadvantages of this
exercise device is while it is stated that the user can set up the
exercise equipment while seated on the seat of the chair, it does
not appear to be practical. The set up process is time-consuming,
awkward and physically demanding for the user. In order to use the
leg exercising station, the user must extend the footrest, open the
footrest to expose the leg exercising apparatus, position the lower
end of the support bar on the floor and then adjust the height of
the upper end of the support bar to adjust the position of the leg
exercising station. Furthermore, once the footrest is extended and
the footrest is opened to expose the exercise device, the footrest
portions on either side of the leg exercise device may be in the
way of the user as they are exercising. In addition, the support
structure may not be sufficiently stable to support the weight of
the user while using the exercise device.
[0010] Many users, including the elderly and disabled, may be
incapable of the physical actions required to put the prior art
exercise devices in position for use. Because of these limitations,
in that they require the user to bend, stoop, lift, or otherwise
awkwardly exert themselves in order to expose or access the
normally concealed exercise device, there is a need for an improved
exercise device.
[0011] The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the
prior art by providing an exercise recliner comprising in
combination a recliner chair and exercise device concealed beneath
the seat of the recliner for use by a user without needing to get
off the chair to personalize the exercise device for use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
exercise recliner which doubles as a useful piece of furniture.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise recliner that is more easily and conveniently set-up or
placed in position or condition for use.
[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise recliner that can be used without requiring the user to
perform time-consuming, cumbersome, and awkward set-up procedures,
or require the user to kneel, lift, pull or undertake other
physically demanding tasks to prepare the exercise device for
use.
[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise recliner in which the footrest can be used as a
conventional footrest when the exercise recliner is being used as a
recliner or as a stabilizing platform when the exercise recliner is
being used for exercise.
[0016] In accordance with these and other objects flowing from the
following description of the present invention, an exercise
recliner is provided which broadly comprises a chair having a back
panel, a seat, arms, front legs, back legs, a pair of side panels,
an open space beneath the seat, a footrest having a top surface, an
under surface, a top edge, a lower edge, and two side edges and an
exercise device. An extendable footrest support structure coupled
to a securing mechanism connects the recliner chair to the footrest
at the lower edge of the footrest. The footrest support structure
is conventionally extendable so as to position the footrest in an
extended position and retractable so as to position the footrest in
a non-extended position. The securing mechanism coupled to the
footrest support structure also allows the footrest to pivot
downwards as the exercise device is moved out from the space
beneath the seat of the recliner chair. When the exercise device
when it is in an extended position, the footrest acts as a
stabilizing platform. In another embodiment, the footrest can be
removably detached from the recliner chair and moved out of the way
or may open outwardly to the left or the right or may open like a
double door when the footrest is in a non-extendable position.
[0017] The exercise device of the present invention is mounted to a
movable and extendable frame. The movable and extendable frame is
attached to a support mechanism located underneath the recliner
chair. The frame extends from underneath the seat of the recliner
chair. Attached to the support is a power mechanism, an actuating
mechanism associated with said power mechanism and a locking
mechanism associated with the actuating mechansim allowing the
extendable frame to be moved and locked in different positions to
personalize the settings of the exercise device.
[0018] The movable and extendable frame may include in one
embodiment a pair of floor supports. The floor supports are adapted
to unfold so as to extend between the exercise device and an
underlying floor surface when the frame is extended and to fold and
retract into the underneath of the recliner chair.
[0019] The exercise recliner of the present invention also has a
control unit that in one embodiment is connected to the motor
through a suitable cable. In another embodiment, the control unit
may be wireless. The control unit may be sized for hand held use,
or alternatively may be attached to one of the arms of the recliner
chair or incorporated to one of the arms of the chair. The control
unit will provide the circuitry and components necessary to move
the movable and extendable frame in and out from beneath the
exercise recliner.
[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide an
exercise recliner in which an actuating mechanism is coupled to a
power mechanism and whereby a user by using the control unit may
easily and conveniently move an exercise device mounted to a
movable and extendable frame in and out from the open space
underneath the seat of the exercise recliner.
[0021] The exercise device of the present invention is a pedaling
system. The pedaling system includes pedals that are configured for
rotational movement about an axis. The pedaling system may also
include a dampening mechanism that can be adjusted by the user to
set the desired resistance and thereby vary the desired level of
difficulty of exercise. The pedaling system may also include a
display unit that displays information of interest to the user,
such as the energy burned (calories), the distance traveled, and
the user's heart rate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of
the invention will be apparent from the following, more
particularly, the description of the preferred embodiments of the
invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of the exercise recliner with the
exercise device in a stored position;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise recliner with the
exercise device in an extended position;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a side view of the exercise recliner with the
exercise device in a store position and the chair in a reclined
position;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the exercise recliner in accordance
with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a front view of the exercise recliner in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pedaling system in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Turning now to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, an
exercise recliner (10) constructed in accordance with the preferred
embodiment is illustrated. The exercise recliner (10) broadly
includes a recliner chair (12) and an exercise device (50). The
person skilled in the art will understand that "recliner chair"
(12) is used in the broadest sense and is meant to include recliner
loveseats and recliner sofas.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, a recliner type chair (12) is
illustrated as having a frame (9), a back panel (11), a seat (not
shown), arms (14) and (15), front legs (16) and back legs (17), a
footrest (18) having a top surface (19), an under surface (20), a
top edge (21), a lower edge (22) and two side edges (23). The
recliner chair (12) also has a pair of side panels (24). A recliner
handle (not shown) is located on one side panel (24) of the
recliner chair (12). An extendable footrest support structure (26)
connects the recliner chair (12) to the footrest (18). As seen in
FIG. 3, the footrest support structure (26) may be selectively
extended to a forward position through conventional means by
pulling on the recliner handle (not shown) as provided in a
conventional recliner chair (12). The footrest support structure
(26) may be selectively retracted to a non-extended position by
pulling on the recliner handle (not shown) in the opposite
direction as provided in a conventional recliner chair (12).
[0031] In another embodiment, the footrest (18) may be detached
from the recliner chair (12) and moved out of the way by the user
when the footrest is in the non-extended position. Alternatively,
the footrest (18) may have hinges at one of its side edges (23) so
that it pivot outwardly to the right or left when the footrest (18)
is in a non-extended position. Also, the footrest (18) may have
hinges located at the center of the top surface (19) such that it
opens like a double door when the footrest (18) is in a
non-extendable position.
[0032] Beneath the seat (not shown), the recliner chair (12) has an
open space (8), which receives the exercise device (50) when the
recliner chair (12) is in the retracted position as shown in FIG.
1. In the retracted position, the back panel (11), footrest (18)
and side panels (21) of the recliner chair (12) completely conceal
the exercise device (50).
[0033] The footrest support structure (26) is also attached to a
securing mechanism (7) at its lower edge (22) at the under surface
(20) of the footrest (18), which allows the footrest (18) to pivot
downwards as the exercise device (50) is moved out from the open
space (8) beneath seat (not shown) as shown in FIG. 2. The securing
mechanism (7) can be for example, hinges, latches, screws or rivets
or any other suitable fastener. In one embodiment, the securing
mechanism is a pair of hinged lids located at the lower edge (22)
of the under surface (20) of the footrest (18), which permits the
footrest (18) to pivot downwards as the exercise device (50) is
moved out from the open space (8) beneath the seat (not shown) of
the recliner chair (12). Attached to the hinged lids is a spring
that ensures the footrest (18) can return to its original position
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 6, the exercise device (50) is mounted on
a movable extendable frame (30). The movable extendable frame (30)
consists of a pair of track assemblies (31) that extend along the
sides (6) of the recliner chair (12) between the back legs (17) and
the front legs (16) of the recliner chair (12) to allow the
exercise device (50) to be moved rectilinearly between an extended
position and a retracted position. These track assemblies (31) are
of the same type as commonly used for full-suspension filing
cabinet drawers. In one embodiment, the track assemblies may
consists of a telescoping frame, telescoping into a frame. In
another embodiment, the track assemblies may be a chain mechanism
or belt mechanism. The frame (30) has a first end (32) and a second
end (33). The frame (30) is fastened at its first end (32) to a
support (34) located at the rear of the recliner chair (12). The
support (34) is attached to the underneath of the recliner chair
(12) between the two back legs (17) by hinges, screws, latches,
rivets or other suitable fasteners. Attached to the support (34) is
a power mechanism (25) comprising a motor (35), which in turn is
connected to a gear and pulley system (36). The person skilled in
the art will understand that the power mechanism may be mechanical
or powered by an electrical power source, a battery power source or
controlled by any other type of propulsion mechanism. In one
embodiment, the motor (35) and gear and pulley system (36) are
powered either by a battery or connected by a suitable cable (not
shown) having a plug (not shown) at its free end to a power outlet
(not shown).
[0035] In one embodiment, cross-member bars (60) are attached to
the underneath of the recliner chair (12) extending from one side
(6) to the other side (6) of the recliner chair (12). The support
(34) and the cross-member bars (60) form the non-moving foundation
of the exercise recliner (10).
[0036] Attached to the gear and pulley system (36) is an actuating
mechanism (39) that moves the frame (30) forward or backward from
an extended position to a retracted position. In one embodiment,
the actuating mechanism (39) is a threaded rod (40). The threaded
rod has a first end (41) and a second end (42). The first end (41)
of the threaded rod (40) is coupled to the gear and pulley system
(36). The second end (42) of the threaded rod (40) is inserted into
a locking mechanism (44) and into a threaded rod guide (43) located
at the second end (33) of the frame (30). In one embodiment, the
locking mechanism (44) is a nut. When the motor (35) and the gear
and pulley system (36) are engaged, the threaded rod (40) turns and
moves the frame (30) in or out from beneath the seat of the
recliner chair.
[0037] In one embodiment, a control unit (70) is connected to the
motor (35) through a suitable cable (71) and an output cable (72)
having a conventional plug (73) at its end is connected to the
motor (35), which in turn is connected to an electrical power
source (not shown). In another embodiment, the control unit may be
wireless. The control unit (70) may be sized for hand-held use, or
alternatively, it may be attached to one of the arms (14) (15) of
the recliner chair (12). In any event, the control unit (70) will
provide the circuitry and components necessary to take advantage of
the operational control capabilities of the exercise recliner (10).
In one embodiment, the control unit (70) has a button or switch
that a user presses which in turn engages the actuating mechanism
(39) to move the frame (30) in or out from beneath the exercise
recliner (10). As the frame (30) moves forward from beneath the
seat (not shown) of the recliner chair (12), the footrest (18)
pivots downwards so that the frame (30) and exercise device (50)
can extend over the under surface (20) of the footrest (18). In
this position the under surface (20) of the footrest (18) acts as a
stabilizing platform for the exercise device (50).
[0038] In one embodiment, also located at the second end (33) of
extendable frame (30) and proximal to the exercise device is a pair
of floor supports (61). The floor support (61) has a first end (62)
that is pivotally attached to the second end (33) of the frame (30)
by a hinge (64). The floor support (61) has a second end (63)
adapted to touch the floor or surface on which the recliner chair
(12) rests and thereby acts to assist in supporting and stabilizing
the weight of the exercise device (50) on the floor. The second end
(63) of the floor support (61) is preferably shaped in a manner
that widely and evenly distributes any pressure transferred through
the floor supports to the floor.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, the first pivot point (62) of the floor
support (61) is connected to the second end (33) of the frame (30)
and the two are aligned and cooperate such that the floor support
(61) unfold and extends to the floor when the extendable frame (30)
is extended and the floor supports (61) folds and retracts back
underneath the seat (not shown) of the recliner chair (12) when the
frame (30) is retracted. The location of the floor supports (61) on
the floor will vary depending on such factors as the length of the
user's legs and desired position of the frame (30) when it is
extended.
[0040] In one embodiment, the exercise device (50) mounted to the
frame (30) is a pedaling system including pedals (51) that are
configured for rotational movement about an axis. The pedaling
system (50) preferably includes a dampening mechanism (52) for
adjusting the rotational movement of the pedals (51). The dampening
mechanism (52) may be for example, a conventional mechanical brake
including a friction pad, band or other suitable resistance
mechanism. The dampening mechanism (52) can be adjusted by the user
to set the desired level of resistance and thereby vary the desired
level of difficulty of exercise. The pedaling system (50)
preferably also includes a display unit (53) that displays
information of interest to the user, such as the energy burned
(calories), the distance traveled and the user's heart rate.
[0041] In use, the exercise recliner (10) allows the user to
exercise his or her legs. The user merely positions himself in the
recliner chair (12), engages the control unit (70) button, which
causes the power mechanism to engage the actuating mechanism (39),
which causes the frame (30) to begin moving forward out from the
underneath the seat (not shown) causing the footrest (18) to pivot
downwards. When the desired position of the frame (30) is reached,
the user releases the control unit (70) button and the locking
mechanism (44) locks the frame (30) in position. The exercise
device (50) is ready to be used. To return to a recliner position,
the user once again engages the control unit (70) button, which
cause the motor (35) and gear pulley system (36) to engage the
actuating mechanism (39), which causes in the frame (30) to move in
the reverse direction until the exercise device (50) is back
underneath the seat (not shown) of the recliner chair (12). When
the exercise device (50) is back underneath the seat (not shown) of
the recliner chair (12), the footrest (18) pivots back to its
original position and the exercise device (50) is concealed from
view.
* * * * *