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.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to exercise equipment, in particular a Pilates reformer.

BACKGROUND

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.

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.

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.

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

To overcome at least one problem in the prior art, an articulated platform that is compatible with standard pilates reformers is disclosed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The actuator is one of a lever, a button, and a paddle.

In some embodiments, the system includes a plurality of standoffs located between the support structure and the seat portion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The method may further includes 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.

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.

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.

In some embodiments, wheels are coupled to the planar support structure.

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

FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrations of prior art Pilates exercise machines;

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;

FIGS. 5-8 show an articulated platform and support structure for use with an exercise apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are illustrations of a gas spring; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of processes to fabricate the articulated platform and support structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.