Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus has a generally rectangular frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the track members between said head and foot ends against one or more springs connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame and an elastic member anchor bar and carriage stop assembly to adjustably position the carriage and elastic members on the tracks to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The anchor bar and carriage stop assembly includes an anchor bar having each end disposed in an elongated slot formed in each track member. The elongated slot has spaced gear teeth defining spaced anchor bar stop or lock portions. The anchor bar can be moved between lock portions only when rotated to an unlocked position wherein the bar can operably slide along the slot.

Abstract: A spring connecting apparatus is disclosed for use in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector apparatus is adapted to fasten one end of a spring to one of the members. This apparatus includes an elongated connecting member having a head end and a foot end, a polymer stopper body adapted to fit within one end of a coil spring, the body having an axial bore through which the foot end of the connecting member extends, and a washer disc on the connecting member between the polymer stopper body and a deformed section of the connecting member near the foot end.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus has a generally rectangular frame and a pair of spaced-apart parallel tracks or rails joining a head end and a foot end. A movable carriage is mounted on the frame for movement of the carriage along the rails. A pair of spaced-apart anchor bar supports formed integrally with the tracks is fastened near the foot end of the frame and each supports an end of a nonrotating spring anchor bar. Each bar support has a series of upwardly open slanted slots, and the anchor bar is received in a selected pair of the slots. The cross section of each anchor bar end is shaped to engage the slot walls to prevent rotation of the anchor bar.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular frame, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for supporting a user an elongated elastic member extending between the frame and the movable carriage for biasing the carriage toward the one end of the frame, and a U shaped trapeze bar assembly removably fastened to the reformer frame via outwardly open T shaped slots in each reformer frame rail. The trapeze assembly includes a support bracket assembly slidably disposed in the slot to fasten a trapeze leg to the reformer frame. the support bracket assembly permits the trapeze assembly to be folded parallel to the reformer frame for storage and transport, and rigidly fastened to the reformer frame in an upright position during use.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus has a generally rectangular frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the track members between said head and foot ends against one or more springs connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame and an adjustable foot bar assembly mounted at the foot end of the frame. The foot bar assembly includes a foot bar and a foot bar support bar that fits into a pair of support brackets. Each bracket is a generally block shaped body fastened to the foot end of the frame. The bracket has a plurality of vertically spaced, downwardly opening slanted slots therein for receiving the support bar, each slanted slot having an entrance portion extending upward to an enlarged support portion at a base of the slot for retaining the support bar therein. The enlarged support portion forms a pocket to positively retain the support bar.

Abstract: A spring connecting apparatus is disclosed for use in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector apparatus is adapted to fasten one end of a spring to one of the members. This apparatus includes an elongated connecting member having a head end and a foot end, a polymer stopper body adapted to fit within one end of a coil spring, the body having an axial bore through which the foot end of the connecting member extends, and a washer disc on the connecting member between the polymer stopper body and a deformed section of the connecting member near the foot end.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus comprises a rectangular frame, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for supporting a user, and an elongated elastic member extending between the frame and the movable carriage for biasing the carriage toward the one end of the frame. The telescopic rectangular frame has a first frame section and a second frame section that each includes two spaced apart parallel tubular rail members. One set of rail members is telescopically received in the other set of rail members so that the frame is selectively movable between a first storage position and an extended operating position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a generally rectangular extruded aluminum alloy frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the metal extrusion material. The apparatus includes a movable carriage made of a rigid frame that moves along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected to the carriage and the foot end of the frame. Each of the rail members includes a longitudinal slot therein for receiving a foot support bar assembly. The rail members and head and foot end members are generally each metal tubular box extrusions and the rail members telescopically retract. Roller wheels attached to the carriage move along the top of the rail members and guide wheels move along the inside of the rail members.

Abstract: An anchor device for elastically resistive exercise apparatus is disclosed. The cactus-tree anchor device has a rigid elongated vertical backbone. Protruding from the elongated backbone is a plurality of curved, upward-pointing arms resembling the trunk and arms of a Saguaro cactus. Pairs of these curved arms protrude from opposite sides of the elongated backbone. These arms facilitate the easy connection of elastic members, such as coil springs, to the anchor device while helping to prevent elastic members from becoming inadvertently dislodged during expansion and contraction of the elastic member. Mounting members located at upper and lower ends of the vertical backbone allow the anchor device to be mounted on or within the exercise apparatus. The anchor device is particularly adapted for use in a Pilates combination chair exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus has a head end and a foot end and a pair of spaced apart parallel track members, a movable carriage mounted on the track members for movement between the head and foot end. One or more springs are connected between the carriage and an elastic member anchor bar and carriage stop assembly at the foot end. The anchor bar and carriage stop assembly adjustably positions the carriage, the anchor bar and the elastic members on the tracks to accommodate a wide range of user heights. Each end of the anchor bar is disposed in an elongated slot formed in each track member. The elongated slot has spaced gear teeth shaped openings defining spaced anchor bar stop or lock portions. The anchor bar can be moved between lock portions only when rotated to an unlocked position wherein the bar, coupled to the carriage, can slide along the track within the slot.

Abstract: An anchor device for elastically resistive exercise apparatus is disclosed. The cactus-tree anchor device has a rigid elongated vertical backbone. Protruding from the elongated backbone is a plurality of curved, upward-pointing arms resembling the trunk and arms of a Saguaro cactus. Pairs of these curved arms protrude from opposite sides of the elongated backbone. These arms facilitate the easy connection of elastic members, such as coil springs, to the anchor device while helping to prevent elastic members from becoming inadvertently dislodged during expansion and contraction of the elastic member. Mounting members located at upper and lower ends of the vertical backbone allow the anchor device to be mounted on or within the exercise apparatus. The anchor device is particularly adapted for use in a Pilates combination chair exercise apparatus.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus has a generally rectangular frame and a pair of spaced-apart parallel rails joining a head end and a foot end. A movable carriage is mounted on the frame for movement of the carriage along the rails. A pair of spaced-apart anchor bar support brackets is fastened near the foot end of the frame and each supports an end of spring anchor bar. Each bracket has a series of upwardly open slanted slots, and the anchor bar is received in a selected pair of the slots. The cross section of each anchor bar end is shaped to engage the slot walls to prevent rotation of the anchor bar.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus has a generally rectangular frame and a pair of spaced-apart parallel rails joining a head end and a foot end. A movable carriage is mounted on the frame for movement of the carriage along the rails. A pair of spaced-apart anchor bar support brackets is fastened near the foot end of the frame and each supports an end of spring anchor bar. Each bracket has a series of upwardly open slanted slots, and the anchor bar is received in a selected pair of the slots. The cross section of each anchor bar end is shaped to engage the slot walls to prevent rotation of the anchor bar.

Abstract: A reformer exercise apparatus comprises a telescopic rectangular frame, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for supporting a user, and an elongated elastic member extending between the frame and the movable carriage for biasing the carriage toward the one end of the frame. The telescopic rectangular frame has a first frame section and a second frame section that each includes two spaced apart parallel tubular rail members. One set of rail members is telescopically received in the other set of rail members so that the frame is selectively movable between a first storage position and an extended operating position.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a generally rectangular extruded aluminum alloy frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the metal extrusion material. The apparatus includes a movable carriage made of a rigid frame that moves along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected to the carriage and the foot end of the frame. Each of the rail members includes a longitudinal slot therein for receiving a foot support bar assembly. The rail members and head and foot end members are generally each metal tubular box extrusions and the rail members telescopically retract. Roller wheels attached to the carriage move along the top of the rail members and guide wheels move along the inside of the rail members.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular extruded aluminum frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the same metal extrusion material and have the same cross sectional shape. The extruded shape comprises a closed middle portion, an outer T shaped slot portion, and an inner C shaped support channel portion and may include one or more screw races in the closed middle portion for forming a solid mitered connection at the comers of the frame. The apparatus includes a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. The exercise apparatus may include a foot bar assembly that permits a foot bar to be rotated between various positions via a quick release arrangement.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members, a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the track members between said head and foot ends against one or more springs connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. The carriage has a generally flat upper surface for supporting a user's body. The upper surfaces has a pair of spaced shoulder stops and ahead rest extending from the carriage toward the head end. The foot end includes an elastic member anchor bar and carriage stop assembly to adjustably position the carriage and elastic members on the tracks to accommodate a wide range of user heights. The foot end also includes a pair of upright foot rest bar support brackets fastened to the frame. Each upright foot rest bar support bracket has a plurality of slanted slots therein operably positioned to receive a central bar portion of a foot rest support bar.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprises a generally rectangular extruded aluminum frame having a head end and a foot end and including a pair of spaced apart parallel track members wherein the head end, the foot end, and the track or rail members are each formed from the same metal extrusion material and have the same cross sectional shape. The apparatus includes a movable carriage mounted on the frame for movement along the rail members between the head and foot ends against one or more resistance members connected between the carriage and the foot end of the frame. Each of the rail members includes an outwardly open T shaped longitudinal slot therein for receiving a T shaped anchor bar for a foot support bar assembly. The foot bar assembly includes a replaceable U shaped foot bar having a pair of spaced parallel leg portions. The assembly accommodates various shapes of foot bars. The leg portions are telescopically joined to support members pivotally mounted to a support bracket assembly.