Adjustable reformer

• US 7,857,736 B2
• Filed: 03/25/2008
• Issued: 12/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Merrithew Corporation
• Original Assignee: Merrithew Corporation
• Inventors: Bhatt, Viral, Merrithew, Lindsay G., Baez, Carlos, Merrithew, Moira M.
• Primary Examiner(s): BAKER, LORI LYNN
• Application Number:
  US12/054,796
• Publication Number:
  US 20090247376A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,008 Days
• Field of Search: 482/51, 482/121, 482/142, 482/139, 482/72, 482/148, 482 92- 93
• US Class Current: 482/121
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00 Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices electric or electronic controls therefor A63B24/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00065 by increasing or reducing the number of resistance units
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00069 Setting or adjusting the resistance level; Compensating for a preload prior to use, e.g. changing length of resistance or adjusting a valve
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/023 Wound springs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0428 the ends moving relatively by linear reciprocation
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0442 Anchored at one end only, the other end being manipulated by the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0552 Elastic ropes or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/156 the position of the pulleys being variable, e.g. for different exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4031 with parts of the bench moving against a resistance during exercise
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0089 a counterforce being provided to the support force-resisting aspects A63B21/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/203 in a horizontal plane
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03525 Supports for both feet or both hands performing simultaneously the same movement, e.g. single pedal or single handle A63B21/0724 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03541 Moving independently from each other A63B22/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0355 A single apparatus used for either upper or lower limbs, i.e. with a set of support elements driven either by the upper or the lower limb or limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03575 Apparatus used for exercising upper and lower limbs simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/0405 involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously A63B23/0476 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/1263 Rotation about an axis passing through both shoulders, e.g. cross-country skiing-type arm movements

Abstract

An adjustable reformer for exercising is provided. The reformer includes a frame, a carriage slidably mounted to the horizontal frame, and at least one resistance element connected to the carriage. A cord connects the carriage to at least one lower guide and at least one upper guide. Pulling the cord causes movement of the carriage along the frame against resistance provided by the resistance element. The guides can be height adjustable. The reformer can include a cord retraction system. Related methods of exercise are also provided.

Claims

1. A reformer comprising:

(a) a frame including a horizontal frame having first and second ends, and a vertical frame secured to the horizontal frame proximate to the first end and extending upward from the horizontal frame;

(b) a carriage slidably mounted to the horizontal frame so as to reciprocate between the first and second ends;

(c) a resistance element attached to the carriage for biasing the carriage to an equilibrium position between the first and second ends;

(d) at least one lower guide mounted at a position proximate to the first end of the horizontal frame;

(e) at least one upper guide adjustably mounted to the vertical frame;

(f) a cord connecting the carriage, the lower guide, and the upper guide;

(g) a coupling adjustably mounted to the vertical frame; and

(h) a resistance member secured to the coupling, wherein the resistance member is a leg spring strap or an arm spring strap.

2. The reformer of claim 1, wherein the upper guide is adjustable to a height that is at least about 0.5 meters above the horizontal frame.

3. The reformer of claim 1, wherein the upper guide is adjustable to a height that is up to about 1.5 meters above the horizontal frame.

4. The reformer of claim 1, wherein the upper guide is adjustable to a height such that the equilibrium position of the carriage is located at a downward angle that is at least 25 degrees from the upper guide.

5. The reformer of claim 1, further comprising a standing platform secured to the horizontal frame proximate to the second end.

6. The reformer of claim 1, further comprising an adjustable foot bar secured to the horizontal frame proximate to the second end.

7. The reformer of claim 1, wherein the lower guide is mounted to a telescopic post.

8. The reformer of claim 7, wherein the lower guide is mounted to the telescopic post on a swivel.

9. The reformer of claim 1, wherein the lower guide is positioned laterally offset relative to the upper guide such that the cord slants from the lower guide to the upper guide.

10. The reformer of claim 1, wherein the upper guide is mounted to the vertical frame on a swivel.

11. The reformer of claim 1, wherein the resistance element is adjustable.

12. The reformer of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) a track extending along the vertical frame and having a plurality of apertures at different heights; and

(b) a slider for mounting the upper guide to the track, the slider including a pin for engaging the plurality of apertures on the track to position the upper guide at the different heights.

13. The reformer of claim 1, further comprising a reformer loop disposed at a distal end of the cord.

14. A reformer comprising:

(a) a horizontal frame having first and second ends;

(b) a carriage slidably mounted to the horizontal frame so as to reciprocate between the first and second ends;

(c) a resistance element attached to the carriage for biasing the carriage toward an equilibrium position between the first and second ends;

(d) at least one guide mounted at a position proximate to the first end of the horizontal frame;

(e) a cord connecting the carriage and the guide; and

(f) a cord retraction system mounted to the carriage, the cord retraction system receiving an end of the cord, the cord retraction system including a cleat assembly for releasably securing the cord to the carriage.

15. The reformer of claim 14, wherein the cord retraction system includes a reel mounted to the carriage, the end of the cord being secured to the reel, the reel configured to rotate such that the cord ravels around the reel to retrieve slack from the cord.

16. The reformer of claim 14, wherein the cleat assembly comprises two adjacent cams and a rope guide.

17. The reformer of claim 14, comprising a vertical frame secured to the horizontal frame proximate to the first end and extending upward from the horizontal frame.

18. The reformer of claim 17, comprising at least one upper guide adjustably mounted to the vertical frame, the cord connecting the carriage, the guide, and the upper guide.

19. The reformer of claim 18, wherein the guide is mounted to a telescopic post.

20. The reformer of claim 18, wherein the guide is positioned laterally offset relative to the upper guide such that the cord slants from the guide to the upper guide.