U.S. patent application number 15/338480 was filed with the patent office on 2018-05-03 for pilates reformer with an articulated movable platform.
This patent application is currently assigned to Timothy Porter. The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy Porter. Invention is credited to Todd Kappauf, Timothy Porter.
Application Number | 20180117388 15/338480 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62020345 |
Filed Date | 2018-05-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180117388 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Porter; Timothy ; et
al. |
May 3, 2018 |
Pilates Reformer With an Articulated Movable Platform
Abstract
Pilates reformers, and exercise apparatus, are widely used by
individuals of varying levels of fitness. The moveable carriage of
the reformer onto which the person is to lie supine during exercise
is difficult to mount for some individuals, such as the elderly or
pregnant women. A replacement for the planar one-piece carriage is
disclosed that is a two-piece platform having a seat portion and a
back portion that pivots with respect to the seat portion. The
individual can mount the exercise apparatus on the seat portion
with the inclined back portion for support. The back portion can
then be lowered to a completely horizontal position or slightly
inclined, depending on the needs of the individual. An articulated
platform has an extendible gas spring mounted between the back
portion and a support structure. The gas spring assists the
individual, or a trainer, to move the back portion up.
Inventors: |
Porter; Timothy;
(Northville, MI) ; Kappauf; Todd; (Dearborn,
MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Porter; Timothy |
Northville |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Porter; Timothy
Northville
MI
|
Family ID: |
62020345 |
Appl. No.: |
15/338480 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0083 20130101;
A63B 2208/0242 20130101; A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B 22/0023
20130101; A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 21/4045 20151001; A63B
21/00061 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/0087 20130101;
A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B 22/0087 20130101; A63B 21/00065
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. A seating system for an exercise apparatus, comprising: a planar
support structure; an articulated platform having: a seat portion
coupled to the support structure with fasteners to prevent relative
movement of the seat portion with respect to the support structure;
and a back portion coupled to the seat portion with a hinge; an
extendible member coupled between the back portion and one of the
seat portion and the planar support structure.
2. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the hinge is a piano hinge
with a first side of the piano hinge coupled to an edge of the seat
portion and a second side of the piano hinge coupled to an edge of
the back portion.
3. The seating system of claim 1 wherein the extendible member is a
gas spring, the seating system further comprising: a first bracket
coupled to the support structure; and a second bracket coupled to
the back portion of the platform wherein: a first end of the gas
spring is coupled to the first bracket and a second end of the gas
spring is coupled to the second bracket; and the support structure
defines an opening to accommodate the gas spring's motion when
moving between ends of travel.
4. The seating system of claim 1 wherein: the extendible member is
a gas spring having a normally-closed valve; the valve prevents the
gas spring from extending/contracting when in the normally-closed
position; and the valve allows the gas spring to extend/contract
when the valve is open, the seating system further comprising: a
first end of a cable coupled to the valve, the cable being housed
in a sheath; and an actuator coupled to the second end of the
cable, which, when actuated opens the valve.
5. The seating system of claim 4 wherein the actuator is one of a
lever, a button, and a paddle.
6. The seating system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality
of standoffs located between the support structure and the seat
portion.
7. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a planar support structure;
an articulated platform coupled to the support structure, the
articulated platform having a seat portion fixed to the support
structure and a back portion coupled to the seat portion with a
hinge; and a gas spring coupled between the back portion and one of
the seat portion and the planar support structure, the gas spring
having a normally-closed valve disposed therein.
8. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a frame
having: a head end, a foot end, a left rail having a first end
coupled to a left side of the head end and a second end coupled to
a left side of the foot end, and a right rail having a first end
coupled to a right side of the head end and a second end coupled to
a right side of the foot end; a plurality of wheels coupled to the
planar support structure, a first portion of the wheels sitting on
the left rail and a second portion of the wheels sitting on the
right rail.
9. The exercise apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a first
bracket coupled to the support structure; and a second bracket
coupled to the back portion, wherein a first end of the gas spring
is coupled to the first bracket and a second end of the gas spring
is coupled to the second bracket.
10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: a first
bracket coupled to the seat portion; and a second bracket coupled
to the back portion, wherein a first end of the gas spring is
coupled to the first bracket and the second end of the gas spring
is coupled to the second bracket.
11. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein: a normally-closed
valve is disposed in the gas spring; the valve has: an open
position in which the gas cylinder is allowed to move between an
extended position and an unextended position; and a closed position
in which the gas spring is prevented from moving between the
extended and unextended positions, the exercise apparatus further
comprising: a cable having a first end coupled to the valve; and a
valve actuator coupled to the second end of the cable, the valve
actuator mounted on one of the seat, the carriage, and the back
portion wherein actuating the valve actuator causes the valve to
move to open.
12. The seating system of claim 9 wherein the hinge is a piano
hinge with a first side of the piano hinge coupled to an edge of
the seat portion and a second side of the piano hinge coupled to an
edge of the back portion.
13. A method to fabricate an exercise apparatus, comprising:
fabricating a planar support structure; fabricating a seat portion;
fabricating a back portion; attaching a first side of a hinge to
the back portion and a second side of a hinge to the seat portion;
affixing the seat portion to the planar support structure; and
coupling a selectively, extendible member between the back portion
and one of the support structure and the seat portion.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: affixing a first
bracket to the back portion; affixing a second bracket to the seat
portion; coupling a first end of the extendible member to the first
bracket on the back portion; and coupling a second end of the
extendible member to the second bracket on the seat portion.
15. The method of claim 13, further comprising: affixing a first
bracket to the back portion; affixing a second bracket to the
support structure; coupling a first end of the extendible member to
the first bracket on the back portion; and coupling a second end of
the extendible member to the second bracket on the seat
portion.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein: the extendible member is a gas
spring having a valve; the valve has a closed position in which the
extendible member is prevented from extending and an open position
in which extension and retraction of the extendible member are
allowed; a first end of a cable is coupled to the valve; an
actuator is coupled to a second of the cable; the actuator is
mounted on one of the seat and the back portion; and when the
actuator is actuated, the valve moves between open and closed
positions.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising: procuring a pilates
reformer with a moveable carriage; removing a fixed platform from
the moveable carriage; and coupling the planar support structure,
the articulated platform, and the extendible member to the moveable
carriage.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: coupling wheels to
the planar support structure.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising: affixing beams to
the planar support structure; and coupling a plurality of wheels to
at least two of the beams.
20. The method of claim 13, further comprising: affixing a cushion
to the back portion; affixing a cushion to the seat portion; and
affixing shoulder bumpers to the back portion.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment, in
particular a Pilates reformer.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Joseph Pilates, born in Germany in 1883 suffered from
various aliments including asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever and
was a sickly child. Due to his parents' influence: his father being
a prize-winning gymnast who ran a gym and his mother who followed a
naturopathic philosophy, believing in stimulating the body to heat
itself without artificial means but with fresh air and exercise;
and due to his internment in England in a camp on the Isle of Man,
he developed his system of exercise in particular for working with
injured soldiers too weak to get out of bed. He initially relied on
available components, such as bed frames and springs, to construct
exercise equipment to maintain both physical and well-being for
himself and the other prisoners. Joseph Pilates patented an
exercise device in 1927, U.S. Pat. No. 1,621,477. A figure from
Pilates' patent is shown as the FIG. 1 herein. A frame includes an
upright 10 and tracks 12. A carriage 14 is provided with wheels 16
that ride on tracks 12. Not shown, but an individual may lie down
on carriage 14 and move the carriage 14 thereby lifting weights 20
that are coupled to carriage 14 via a rope 22 and a pulley 24. The
number of weights 20 that are connected controls the force required
to move carriage 20.
[0003] There are many followers of Pilates' movement. An example of
a modern Pilates reformer is illustrated in FIG. 2. A pair of
parallel rails 32 are suspended above two pedestals 34 by legs 36
which connect the one of pedestals 34 to rails 32 at the top end of
the apparatus, and legs 36 which connect the other end of rails 32
to the other pedestal 34. Rails 32 couple between a head end 38 and
a foot end 39. A carriage 40 is mounted between and over rails 32.
Carriage 40 is biased towards the top end by springs 42 connecting
between a flange plate 44 between rails 32 and the back end 46 of
carriage 40. The top of carriage 40 is covered with a foam pad 50.
Shoulder bumpers 52 and a headboard 54 are also provided to support
a recumbent user. Cords 56 are attached to carriage 40 beneath
headboard 54 and brought through pulleys 60 and connected to hand
straps 62. Cords 56 return back towards carriage 40 to permit a
user to grab straps 62 to pull carriage 40 along the rails 32
against the biasing force of the springs 42 thereby gaining upper
body strength. Pulleys 60 are supported on adjustable posts 68.
[0004] Some individuals have trouble getting situated onto the
carriage, particularly in a recumbent position even with the
assistance of an instructor. If the instructor is smaller and the
participant is larger, it could lead to an injury for the
instructor and/or the participant. Some participants, such as
elderly people or pregnant women may not be able to, or may be
restricted from, exercising in a supine position even if they could
access the recumbent position, thus preventing from such
participants from using the Pilates reformer.
[0005] Many hospital beds are equipped with electric motors with a
controller for the patient to control the inclination angle of the
bed. The requirement for an outlet and power cords snaking on the
floor present disadvantages for an exercise area. A prior art
hospital bed in which the movement of the bed from a recumbent
position is accomplished without electrical power assistance is
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,442. A gas spring is used to provide
assistance in lifting the part of the bed supporting the back. When
such a position for the back is accessed, the seat of the bed and
the portions of the bed on which the patient's legs sit all move in
response to actuating the gas spring to raise the back, some
sliding with respect to the frame and the leg portions, in
particular, raising upward with respect to the seat of the bed
SUMMARY
[0006] To overcome at least one problem in the prior art, an
articulated platform that is compatible with standard pilates
reformers is disclosed.
[0007] A disclosed seating system for an exercise apparatus
includes: a planar support structure and an articulated platform.
The articulated platform has a seat portion coupled to the support
structure with fasteners to prevent relative movement of the seat
portion with respect to the support structure and a back portion
coupled to the seat portion with a hinge. Also included is an
extendible member coupled between the back portion and one of the
seat portion and the planar support structure.
[0008] In some embodiments, the hinge is a piano hinge with a first
side of the piano hinge coupled to an edge of the seat portion and
a second side of the piano hinge coupled to an edge of the back
portion.
[0009] In some embodiments, the extendible member is a gas spring.
The seating system also has: a first bracket coupled to the support
structure and a second bracket coupled to the back portion of the
platform. A first end of the gas spring is coupled to the first
bracket and a second end of the gas spring is coupled to the second
bracket. The support structure defines an opening to accommodate
the gas spring's motion when moving between ends of travel.
[0010] In some embodiments, the extendible member is a gas spring
having a normally-closed valve. The valve prevents the gas spring
from extending/contracting when in the normally-closed position.
The valve allows the gas spring to extend/contract when the valve
is open. The system may further include a first end of a cable
coupled to the valve, the cable being housed in a sheath, and an
actuator coupled to the second end of the cable, which, when
actuated opens the valve.
[0011] The actuator is one of a lever, a button, and a paddle.
[0012] In some embodiments, the system includes a plurality of
standoffs located between the support structure and the seat
portion.
[0013] Also disclosed is an exercise apparatus that includes: a
planar support structure and an articulated platform coupled to the
support structure. The articulated platform includes a seat portion
fixed to the support structure and a back portion coupled to the
seat portion with a hinge. The articulate platform also has a gas
spring coupled between the back portion and one of the seat portion
and the planar support structure, the gas spring having a
normally-closed valve disposed therein.
[0014] The apparatus also includes a frame having: a head end, a
foot end, a left rail having a first end coupled to a left side of
the head end and a second end coupled to a left side of the foot
end, and a right rail having a first end coupled to a right side of
the head end and a second end coupled to a right side of the foot
end. The apparatus also includes a plurality of wheels coupled to
the planar support structure, a first portion of the wheels sitting
on the left rail and a second portion of the wheels sitting on the
right rail.
[0015] The apparatus has a first bracket coupled to the support
structure and a second bracket coupled to the back portion. A first
end of the gas spring is coupled to the first bracket and the
second end of the gas spring is coupled to the second bracket. In
an alternative, the apparatus has a first bracket coupled to the
seat portion.
[0016] A normally-closed valve is disposed in the gas spring. The
valve has an open position in which the gas cylinder is allowed to
move between an extended position and an unextended position and a
closed position in which the gas spring is prevented from moving
between the extending and unextended positions. The apparatus may
include a cable having a first end coupled to the valve and a valve
actuator coupled to the second end of the cable. The valve actuator
mounted on one of the seat, the carriage, and the back portion
wherein actuating the valve actuator causes the valve to move to
open.
[0017] The hinge, in some embodiments, a piano hinge with a first
side of the piano hinge coupled to an edge of the seat portion and
a second side of the piano hinge coupled to an edge of the back
portion.
[0018] A method to fabricate an exercise apparatus includes:
fabricating a planar support structure, fabricating a seat portion,
fabricating a back portion, attaching a first side of a hinge to
the back portion and a second side of a hinge to the seat portion,
affixing the seat portion to the planar support structure, and
coupling a selectively, extendible member between the back portion
and one of the support structure and the seat portion.
[0019] The method further includes: affixing a first bracket to the
back portion, affixing a second bracket to the seat portion,
coupling a first end of the extendible member to the first bracket
on the back portion, and coupling a second end of the extendible
member to the second bracket on the seat portion.
[0020] The method may further includes affixing a first bracket to
the back portion;
[0021] affixing a second bracket to the support structure, coupling
a first end of the extendible member to the first bracket on the
back portion, and coupling a second end of the extendible member to
the second bracket on the seat portion.
[0022] In some embodiments, an extendible member may be a gas
spring having a valve that has a closed position in which the
extendible member is prevented from extending and an open position
in which extension and retraction of the extendible member are
allowed. A first end of a cable is coupled to the valve. An
actuator is coupled to a second of the cable. The actuator is
mounted on one of the seat and the back portion. When the actuator
is actuated, the valve moves between open and closed positions.
[0023] In some embodiments, a pilates reformer with a moveable
carriage is procured and the fixed platform of the moveable
carriage is removed. The planar support structure, the articulated
platform, and the extendible member are coupled to the moveable
carriage.
[0024] In some embodiments, wheels are coupled to the planar
support structure.
[0025] In some embodiments, beams are affixed to the planar support
structure. A plurality of wheels is coupled to at least two of the
beams.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrations of prior art Pilates
exercise machines;
[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 show an articulated platform and support
structure for use with an exercise apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIGS. 5-8 show an articulated platform and support structure
for use with an exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0029] FIGS. 9 and 10 are illustrations of a gas spring; and
[0030] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processes to fabricate the
articulated platform and support structure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand,
various features of the embodiments illustrated and described with
reference to any one of the Figures may be combined with features
illustrated in one or more other Figures to produce alternative
embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The
combinations of features illustrated provide representative
embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations
and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of
the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications
or implementations. Those of ordinary skill in the art may
recognize similar applications or implementations whether or not
explicitly described or illustrated.
[0032] An articulated platform assembly 70 shown in a recumbent
position is shown in FIG. 3. Assembly 70 has a support structure
that is comprised of four rods 72 welded together to form a
rectangular frame. Tabs 74 are provided on some of rods 72 to
couple to a carriage of an exercise apparatus. An articulated
platform has a seat portion 84 and a back portion 82. Seat portion
84 is covered by a cushion 80; back portion 82 is covered by a
cushion 86. Seat portion A gas spring 88, shown in an unextended
position, is coupled to back portion 82 via a bracket 92 and to
seat portion 84 via a bracket 94. Inside gas spring 88 is a
normally-closed valve (not separately shown), which when closed
prevents the gas spring 88 from moving. A paddle 96 is coupled to
the valve within gas spring 88 via a cable 98. When paddle 96 is
depressed, the valve is opened and gas spring extends to make back
portion 82 move upward. Or, if countered with a downward force,
back portion 82 moves toward a recumbent position.
[0033] In FIG. 4, the articulated platform assembly is shown
without rods 72 of the support structure. Back portion 82 is in an
inclined position, i.e., pivoted with respect to seat portion 84.
The two are coupled via a piano hinge 100 with a first portion 104
of hinge 100 coupled to an edge of seat portion 84 and a second
portion 102 of hinge 100 coupled to an edge of back portion 82. Gas
spring 88 is shown in an extend position.
[0034] Depending on the travel of gas spring 88 and the affixment
points of the brackets 92 and 94, a desired angle of inclination of
back portion 82 is designed. A typical seat angle would be a 105
degree angle between the plane of seat portion 84 and back portion
82. In practice, the user sits on seat portion 84 with back portion
82 at an inclined angle, probably in its most vertical position.
After the user is situated, an instructor, or other party,
depresses the paddle actuator (not shown in FIG. 4) that opens a
valve in gas spring 88. The weight of the user and back portion 82
may be sufficient to cause back portion to move backward slowly. If
not, the instructor can provide an additional force to cause back
portion 82 and the user to recline in a controlled fashion. When
the desired angle is achieved, which could be fully reclined, the
instructor releases the paddle actuator so that back portion 82
remains fixed in the desired position. When the user wishes to
dismount the exercise apparatus, the instructor depresses the
paddle actuator. Gas spring 88 provides an upward force, described
later in more detail, due to the pressure in the spring. The force
may be insufficient to push back portion 82 and the user up. Some
modest amount of force may be applied by the instructor to cause
back portion 82 to raise up; however, such force is much less than
the force required without gas spring 88. The motion of back
portion 82 is controlled due to orifices within gas spring 88 that
limits the rate of motion of back portion 82.
[0035] The pilates exercise apparatus onto which articulated
platform assembly 70 is retrofitted is an open structure.
Articulated platform assembly 70 can be assembled to the part of
the pilates apparatus that includes the wheels that allow the
platform to move with respect to the frame. Other pilates equipment
is not so openly formed. An alternative embodiment is illustrated
in FIGS. 5-8.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, an articulated platform assembly 115
includes a fixed platform 120 that has bumpers 122 and standoffs
124 extending from an upper side of fixed platform 120 (may also be
called a planar support structure). Articulated platform 115 has a
seat portion 132 that affixes to fixed platform 120 through
standoffs 124 and a back portion 130. Back portion 130 and seat
portion 132 couple via a hinge 134. Back portion 130 has a bracket
140; fixed platform 120 has a bracket 142. A gas spring 144 is
coupled between brackets 140 and 142. Gas spring 144 is shown in a
partially extended position so that a section of rod 146 of gas
spring 144 is visible. Fixed platform 120 has an angle piece 126 to
which a plurality of eyebolts 127 is coupled. The eyes of the
eyebolts are used to attach a spring (not shown) between the frame
(not shown) and the fixed platform 120. It is known to one skilled
in the art that a plurality of springs of different strengths are
used to adjust the force that the user must exert to move the
platform. A paddle 136, or alternatively an actuator, is affixed to
back portion 136 so that the instructor can assist the user to
attain the desired seat angle. The cable between paddle 136 and gas
spring 144 is now shown in FIG. 5. Bracket 142 also serves as a
guard for gas spring 144 from damage. A second bracket can be used
on the other side of gas spring 144 for protection.
[0037] In FIG. 6, articulated platform assembly 115 shows an
opening 150 in fixed platform 120 to allow gas spring 144 to pass
through and to accommodate the fuel range of motion of gas spring
144 without binding on edges around opening 150 of fixed platform
120. Fixed platform 120 has a cutout 120 that provides a place for
a head rest (not shown) to occupy when seat portion 130 is
recumbent. Tabs 154 that are on either side of cutout 120 have
cleats 156 through which cords (not shown) are secured. Cleats 156
allow quick adjustment of the length of the cords.
[0038] In FIG. 7, articulated platform assembly 115 is shown in a
recumbent position. Back portion 130 has tabs 158 onto which
shoulder bumps (not shown) are installed. An adjustable head rest
(also not shown) is provided on back portion 130 in the region of
cutout 152.
[0039] In FIG. 8, articulated platform assembly 115 is shown from
an underside in an articulated position. Angle piece 126 and a back
side of the plurality of eyebolts are more readily visible as is
paddle 136 on tab 156 of back section 130. Articulated platform
assembly 115, in FIG. 8, is shown with beams 160 attached on either
side of fixed platform 120 and wheels 162 coupled at each end of
beams 160. In an alternative embodiment, more wheels along beams
160 can be provided.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 9, a gas spring 200 is illustrated in
cross section. Gas spring 200 has a housing 202 with a plunger 208.
Plunger 208 has a piston portion that extends across housing 202
and a rod portion 210 that extends outside housing 202. Plunger 208
has a few holes 212 around the periphery. A valve 206 has a portion
that extends through the rod portion of plunger 208 and a sealing
portion that abuts plunger 208 in FIG. 9. That is, the sealing
portion of valve 206 presses against the opening in plunger 208
thereby preventing flow through holes 212. The pressure in volumes
214 and 216 are above atmospheric pressure (atmosphere 218). Valve
206 is subjected to atmospheric pressure at the upper tip and the
higher pressure of volume 216 across the sealing portion. Due to
the unequal pressures, the sealing portion is pushed against
plunger 208. In such a configuration shown in FIG. 9, plunger 208
is prevented from moving.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 10, valve 206 has been pushed
downward, as shown by a force, F1, exerted on valve 206. This
allows flow around the sealing portion of valve 206 through
orifices 212. Now plunger 208 is free to move. If as is shown in
FIG. 10, plunger 208 is pushed downwards, by a force, F2, such as
by weight of a user and/or applied by an instructor, gases flow
from volume 216 to volume 214, plunger 208 moves downward. If there
is no such force or the seat portion is being urged upwards,
plunger 208 moves upward and flow in the opposite direction than
shown in FIG. 10, i.e., from volume 214 to volume 216. The
cross-sectional area on the top of plunger 208 that is subjected to
atmospheric pressure is much less than the cross-sectional area of
the plunger portion of plunger 208 that extends across housing 202.
If no force were exerted on plunger 208, when valve 206 is open,
plunger 208 would move upward.
[0042] A method to fabricate an articulated platform is shown in
FIG. 11. In block 300, a planar support structure or fixed platform
is fabricated. In block 302, a seat portion of an articulated
platform is articulated. In block 304, a back portion of the
articulated platform is articulated. A first side of a hinge is
attached to the back portion and a second side of the hinge is
attached to the seat portion in block 306. In block 308, a first
bracket is coupled to the back portion and a second bracket is
coupled to the support structure, in some embodiments. In other
embodiments, the second bracket is coupled to the seat portion. In
block 310, the seat portion of the articulated platform is coupled
to the planar support structure (fixed platform). In block 312, a
gas spring is coupled between the first and second brackets. In
block 314, a paddle, or other actuator such as a pushbutton, are
coupled to the back portion of the articulated platform. In other
embodiments, the actuator is affixed to the planar support
structure. In block 316, one end of the cable is coupled to a valve
in the gas spring and the other end of the cable is coupled to the
paddle or actuator. In block 318, accessories such as shoulder
bumpers, a head rest, and cushions are installed on the seat
portion (cushion only) and the back portion.
[0043] In embodiments where the articulated platform is
retrofitted, FIG. 11 shows procuring a standard pilates reformer, a
model that is commonly available on the market, that has a fixed
platform in block 330. The fixed platform of the standard is
removed from the carriage of the reformed in block 332. In block
340, the articulated platform assembly is installed/retrofitted
into the procured pilates reformer.
[0044] The order of operations shown in FIG. 11 is non-limiting.
They can be performed in other orders than shown here. Some
operations shown in FIG. 11 are not performed in some embodiments;
and, additional operations not shown in FIG. 11 may be added
without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.
[0045] The embodiments of an articulated platform in FIGS. 3-8 are
described in terms of retrofitting an existing exercise apparatus.
The support structure can be coupled to a moveable carriage of the
exercise apparatus with modification, e.g., replacing the fixed
platform that comes from the pilates reformer with an articulated
platform. In some alternatives, an exercise apparatus is built with
an articulated platform instead of the prior art fixed platform. In
other embodiments, the exercise apparatus, which is purchased with
a fixed platform is disassembled so that an articulated platform
can be installed between the rails of the exercise apparatus. In
such embodiments, the articulated platform can be affixed to the
movable carriage directly obviating the support structure.
[0046] While the best mode has been described in detail with
respect to particular embodiments, those familiar with the art will
recognize various alternative designs and embodiments within the
scope of the following claims. While various embodiments may have
been described as providing advantages or being preferred over
other embodiments with respect to one or more desired
characteristics, as one skilled in the art is aware, one or more
characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired system
attributes, which depend on the specific application and
implementation. These attributes include, but are not limited to:
cost, efficiency, strength, durability, life cycle cost,
marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight,
manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. The embodiments described
herein that are characterized as less desirable than other
embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or
more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure
and may be desirable for particular applications.
* * * * *