Multi-Position Adjustable Support Frame for Exercise Chair

Abstract

A multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair is disclosed. The support frame comprises a mounting assembly configured to be mounted on a main exercise frame, an arm connected to the mounting assembly, a first telescoping sleeve connected to the arm, and a first support post slidably inserted into the first telescoping sleeve. A backrest cushion is pivotally connected to the first support post via a pivot axle, allowing the backrest cushion to rotate and adjust its spatial orientation. A tilt-pivot mechanism pivotally connects the arm to a seat cushion, allowing the seat cushion to rotate relative to the arm. Users may adjust the positions and orientations of the backrest and seat cushions to accommodate a variety of training postures and body types.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to components for constructing exercise equipment, and more particularly to a multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional exercise equipment typically comprises a main exercise frame and a chair frame. The main exercise frame is configured to fix the chair frame in place, thereby allowing a user to be seated on the chair frame and perform specific exercises in a seated posture to enhance the strength of targeted muscle groups.

The chair frame generally includes a seat cushion and a backrest cushion. The seat cushion is configured to support the user's body in a seated position, while the backrest cushion is configured to support the user's back. However, when the user transitions between different exercise postures, the seat cushion and the backrest cushion are unable to correspondingly adjust their spatial orientations, thereby limiting the adaptability and versatility of the exercise equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair. To achieve this objective, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

A multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair, comprising:

• • a mounting assembly configured to be mounted on a main exercise frame;
  • an arm connected to the mounting assembly and extending forward therefrom;
  • a first telescoping sleeve connected to the arm and extending upward;
  • a first support post axially inserted into the first telescoping sleeve, the first support post being slidable relative to the first telescoping sleeve and extending upward;
  • a pivot axle extending laterally through and pivotally connecting the first support post;
  • a backrest cushion comprising a backrest pad and a mounting bracket, the backrest pad being attached to the mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket being pivotally connected to the first support post via the pivot axle, such that the backrest cushion is rotatable relative to the first support post about the pivot axle to adjust a spatial orientation of the backrest pad;
  • wherein the first support post defines a plurality of first adjustment apertures spaced along an axial direction thereof;
  • a first locking pin laterally threaded into the first telescoping sleeve and configured to be selectively inserted into one of the first adjustment apertures to fix the backrest cushion at a desired height;
  • a first clamping screw laterally threaded into the first telescoping sleeve and configured to press against the first support post to secure a vertical position of the first support post relative to the first telescoping sleeve;
  • wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first flange plate and a second flange plate, the first flange plate and the second flange plate being disposed in a laterally opposed and parallel configuration, and the pivot axle extending through and pivotally connecting the first flange plate and the second flange plate;
  • a virtual first arc line defined with a center at a radial center of the pivot axle, the first flange plate being formed with a plurality of first detent holes spaced along the first arc line;
  • a first locking plunger pivotally connected to the first support post and configured to selectively engage one of the first detent holes to lock the spatial orientation of the backrest pad;
  • a tilt-pivot mechanism comprising a second telescoping sleeve, an indexing disk, and a pivot axle, the indexing disk being connected to the second telescoping sleeve, and the pivot axle pivotally connecting the arm and the indexing disk, such that the indexing disk is rotatable about the pivot axle;
  • a virtual second arc line defined with a center at a radial center of the pivot axle, the indexing disk being formed with a plurality of second detent holes spaced along the second arc line;
  • a seat cushion comprising a seat pad, a mounting bracket, and a second support post, the seat pad being attached to the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being connected to the second support post, and the second support post being inserted into the second telescoping sleeve such that the seat cushion is rotatable relative to the arm about the tilt-pivot mechanism to adjust a spatial orientation of the seat pad;
  • a second clamping screw laterally threaded into the second telescoping sleeve and configured to press against the second support post to allow the second support post to slide relative to the second telescoping sleeve and to fix a vertical position of the second support post relative to the second telescoping sleeve, thereby adjusting a height of the seat cushion;
  • wherein the second support post defines a plurality of second adjustment apertures spaced along an axial direction thereof;
  • a second locking pin laterally threaded into the second telescoping sleeve and configured to be selectively inserted into one of the second adjustment apertures to fix the seat pad at a desired height; and
  • a second locking plunger pivotally connected to the arm and configured to selectively engage one of the second detent holes to lock the spatial orientation of the seat pad.

A user may selectively adjust the linear positions and spatial orientations of the backrest cushion and the seat cushion according to specific exercise requirements or individual body dimensions, thereby accommodating a variety of training postures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged left-side view showing the backrest cushion and first support post;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5 -5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged left-side view showing the seat cushion and tilt-pivot mechanism;

FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 7 -7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial axial cross-sectional view showing the first telescoping sleeve and first support post;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a fitness device incorporating the preferred embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a right-side view of the fitness device in one adjusted state;

FIG. 11 is a right-side view of the fitness device in another adjusted state;

FIG. 12 is a right-side view of the fitness device in yet another adjusted state;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another fitness device incorporating the preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another fitness device incorporating the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of a multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair. These illustrations are provided for explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 14, the preferred embodiment of the multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair comprises a mounting assembly 10, an arm 20, a first telescoping sleeve 30, a first support post 40, a backrest cushion 50, a tilt-pivot mechanism 60, and a seat cushion 70. The mounting assembly 10 is configured to be mounted on a main exercise frame 90. The arm 20 is connected to the mounting assembly 10 and extends forward therefrom. The first telescoping sleeve 30 is connected to the arm 20 and extends upward. The first support post 40 is inserted axially into the first telescoping sleeve 30 such that the first support post 40 is slidable relative to the first telescoping sleeve 30 along a vertical direction. The first support post 40 extends upward, and a pivot axle 81 laterally extends through and pivotally couples the first support post 40.

The backrest cushion 50 comprises a backrest pad 51 and a mounting bracket 52. The backrest pad 51 is configured to support the user and is attached to the mounting bracket 52. The pivot axle 81 extends through and pivotally connects the mounting bracket 52, thereby allowing the backrest cushion 50 to rotate relative to the first support post 40 about the axis of the pivot axle 81. This configuration enables adjustment of the spatial orientation of the backrest pad 51.

The first support post 40 defines a plurality of first adjustment apertures 41, which are spaced apart along the axial direction of the first support post 40. A first locking pin 82 is laterally threaded into the first telescoping sleeve 30 and selectively inserted into one of the first adjustment apertures 41, thereby fixing the backrest cushion 50 at a selected height.

A first clamping screw 83 is laterally threaded into the first telescoping sleeve 30 and configured to press against the first support post 40. By tightening the first clamping screw 83 against the first support post 40, the vertical position of the first support post 40 relative to the first telescoping sleeve 30 can be adjusted and secured, thus setting the height of the backrest cushion 50.

The mounting bracket 52 includes a first flange plate 53 and a second flange plate 54. The first flange plate 53 and the second flange plate 54 are laterally opposed and extend parallel to each other. The pivot axle 81 pivotally extends through both the first flange plate 53 and the second flange plate 54.

A virtual first arc line L1 is defined, with a center C1 located at the radial center of the pivot axle 81. The first flange plate 53 is formed with a plurality of first detent holes 55 spaced along the first arc line L1. A first locking plunger 42 is laterally pivotally connected to the first support post 40 and is configured to engage a selected one of the first detent holes 55, thereby locking the spatial orientation of the backrest pad 51.

The tilt-pivot mechanism 60 comprises a second telescoping sleeve 61, an indexing disk 62, and a pivot axle 63. The indexing disk 62 is connected to the second telescoping sleeve 61. The pivot axle 63 pivotally couples the arm 20 and the indexing disk 62, thereby allowing the indexing disk 62 to rotate about the axis of the pivot axle 63. A virtual second arc line L2 is defined, with a center C2 located at the radial center of the pivot axle 63. The indexing disk 62 is formed with a plurality of second detent holes 64 spaced along the second arc line L2.

The seat cushion 70 comprises a seat pad 71, a mounting bracket 72, and a second support post 73. The seat pad 71 is configured to support the user and is attached to the mounting bracket 72. The mounting bracket 72 is connected to the second support post 73. The second support post 73 is inserted into the second telescoping sleeve 61, thereby allowing the seat cushion 70 to rotate relative to the arm 20 about the tilt-pivot mechanism 60 to adjust the spatial orientation of the seat pad 71.

A second clamping screw 84 is laterally threaded into the second telescoping sleeve 61 and is configured to press against the second support post 73, thereby allowing the second support post 73 to move axially relative to the second telescoping sleeve 61 and allowing the vertical position of the seat cushion 70 to be adjusted and fixed.

The second support post 73 defines a plurality of second adjustment apertures 74 spaced apart along the axial direction thereof. A second locking pin 85 is laterally threaded into the second telescoping sleeve 61 and selectively inserted into one of the second adjustment apertures 74, thereby fixing the seat pad 71 at a selected height.

A second locking plunger 86 is pivotally connected to the arm 20 and is configured to engage a selected one of the second detent holes 64, thereby locking the spatial orientation of the seat pad 71.

As shown in FIG. 9, the preferred embodiment is mounted on a main exercise frame 90 having a vertical pole 91, thereby forming a fitness device 01. The mounting assembly 10 is attached to the vertical pole 91, enabling the positioning of the support frame on the main exercise frame 90.

Referring to FIG. 10, the first support post 40 is configured to move axially relative to the first telescoping sleeve 30 to enable adjustment of the height of the backrest cushion 50. When the backrest cushion 50 is positioned at a desired height, the first locking pin 82 is inserted into a corresponding one of the first adjustment apertures 41, and the first clamping screw 83 is tightened to press against the first support post 40, thereby securing the vertical position.

Similarly, the second support post 73 is movable along the axial direction of the second telescoping sleeve 61. When the seat cushion 70 reaches a desired vertical position, the second locking pin 85 is inserted into a selected one of the second adjustment apertures 74, and the second clamping screw 84 is tightened against the second support post 73 to fix the seat cushion 70 in place.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 11, the backrest pad 51 is rotatable about the pivot axle 81. When the backrest pad 51 is rotated to a desired orientation, the first locking plunger 42 is inserted into a corresponding one of the first detent holes 55 to lock the spatial orientation of the backrest pad 51.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 12, the seat pad 71 is also rotatable about the pivot axle 63. When the seat pad 71 is adjusted to a desired orientation, the second locking plunger 86 is inserted into a corresponding one of the second detent holes 64 to secure the spatial orientation of the seat pad 71.

The user may selectively adjust the linear positions and spatial orientations of the backrest cushion 50 and the seat cushion 70 in accordance with specific exercise modes or body dimensions, thereby enabling the performance of a variety of training postures.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the second support post 73 defines a guide slot 75 extending along its axial direction. An alignment peg 87 is connected to the second telescoping sleeve 61 and extends into the guide slot 75, thereby guiding the axial movement of the second support post 73 relative to the second telescoping sleeve 61.

As shown in FIG. 5, a first housing tube 43 is connected to the first support post 40, with opposite ends of the first housing tube 43 respectively extending through both lateral sides of the first support post 40. The first locking plunger 42 extends axially through the first housing tube 43. One end of the first locking plunger 42 forms a first locking tip 44 configured to engage a selected one of the first detent holes 55, while the opposite end of the first locking plunger 42 is connected to a first release handle 45. A first spring 46 is disposed inside the first housing tube 43, with opposite ends of the first spring 46 respectively abutting the first housing tube 43 and the first locking plunger 42.

When the first release handle 45 is pulled, the first locking tip 44 is disengaged from the corresponding first detent hole 55. After the backrest pad 51 is rotated to a desired orientation, the first spring 46 urges the first locking plunger 42 toward the first flange plate 53, causing the first locking tip 44 to re-engage another one of the first detent holes 55 and thereby lock the backrest pad 51 in the adjusted orientation.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7, the arm 20 comprises a first sub-arm 21 and a second sub-arm 22 that are disposed laterally opposite each other. The indexing disk 62 is positioned between the first sub-arm 21 and the second sub-arm 22.

A second housing tube 23 is connected to the first sub-arm 21, with opposite ends of the second housing tube 23 respectively extending through both lateral sides of the first sub-arm 21. The second locking plunger 86 extends axially through the second housing tube 23. One end of the second locking plunger 86 forms a second locking tip 88 configured to engage a selected one of the second detent holes 64, while the opposite end is connected to a second release handle 89. A second spring 24 is disposed inside the second housing tube 23, with opposite ends of the second spring 24 respectively abutting the second housing tube 23 and the second locking plunger 86.

When the second release handle 89 is pulled, the second locking tip 88 is disengaged from the corresponding second detent hole 64. After the seat pad 71 is rotated to a desired orientation, the second spring 24 urges the second locking plunger 86 toward the indexing disk 62, causing the second locking tip 88 to re-engage another one of the second detent holes 64 and thereby lock the seat pad 71 in the adjusted orientation.

The mounting assembly 10 comprises a front mounting plate 11, a pair of lateral mounting plates 12, and a transverse mounting bar 13. The front mounting plate 11 and the lateral mounting plates 12 extend vertically along the direction of gravity. The lateral mounting plates 12 are laterally opposed and connected to the front mounting plate 11, and extend in a direction away from the arm 20. The transverse mounting bar 13 is positioned between the lateral mounting plates 12 and extends parallel thereto, with its longitudinal axis oriented orthogonally to the direction of gravity.

When the mounting assembly 10 is mounted on the vertical pole 91 of the main exercise frame 90, the transverse mounting bar 13 is inserted from front to rear through a first mounting hole 92 defined in the vertical pole 91. The lateral mounting plates 12 are positioned on the left and right sides of the vertical pole 91, while the front mounting plate 11 is positioned on the front side of the vertical pole 91. The transverse mounting bar 13 is attached to a circumferential portion of the vertical pole 91 surrounding the first mounting hole 92 in a vertical direction, and the front mounting plate 11 is attached to a front side of the vertical pole 91 in a horizontal direction. This configuration ensures that the mounting assembly 10 is securely positioned on the vertical pole 91 without downward displacement, allowing a single user to complete the installation without requiring assistance.

The vertical pole 91 defines the plurality of first mounting holes 92 arranged at intervals along the vertical direction. By selecting different ones of the first mounting holes 92 for insertion of the transverse mounting bar 13, the vertical mounting height of the support frame can be adjusted.

Each of the lateral mounting plates 12 defines a plurality of fastener holes 14 extending along the thickness direction of the lateral mounting plate 12. A securing bolt 15 is disposed below the transverse mounting bar 13 and is removably insertable into a selected one of the fastener holes 14.

The vertical pole 91 further defines a plurality of second mounting holes 93 spaced apart in the vertical direction. When the mounting assembly 10 is mounted on the vertical pole 91, the securing bolt 15 is inserted through a selected one of the fastener holes 14 and a corresponding one of the second mounting holes 93, thereby enhancing the structural integrity of the connection between the support frame and the main exercise frame 90.

In order to accommodate vertical poles 91 having different specifications, the lateral mounting plates 12 may be provided with two or more fastener holes 14. By selecting suitable combinations of fastener holes 14 and second mounting holes 93, compatibility with various inter-hole distances of differently configured vertical poles 91 can be achieved.

Each of the lateral mounting plates 12 may alternatively be formed with a single fastener hole 14, thereby constituting an alternative embodiment of the mounting assembly 10.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate additional examples of fitness devices 01 incorporating the preferred embodiment of the multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair.

Claims

1. A multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair, comprising:

a mounting assembly configured to be mounted on a main exercise frame;

an arm connected to the mounting assembly and extending forward therefrom;

a first telescoping sleeve connected to the arm and extending upward;

a first support post axially inserted into the first telescoping sleeve, the first support post being slidable relative to the first telescoping sleeve and extending upward;

a pivot axle extending laterally through and pivotally connecting the first support post;

a backrest cushion comprising a backrest pad and a mounting bracket, the backrest pad being attached to the mounting bracket, and the mounting bracket being pivotally connected to the first support post via the pivot axle, such that the backrest cushion is rotatable relative to the first support post about the pivot axle to adjust a spatial orientation of the backrest pad;

wherein the first support post defines a plurality of first adjustment apertures spaced along an axial direction thereof;

a first locking pin laterally threaded into the first telescoping sleeve and configured to be selectively inserted into one of the first adjustment apertures to fix the backrest cushion at a desired height;

a first clamping screw laterally threaded into the first telescoping sleeve and configured to press against the first support post to secure a vertical position of the first support post relative to the first telescoping sleeve; thus setting the height of the backrest cushion;

wherein the mounting bracket comprises a first flange plate and a second flange plate, the first flange plate and the second flange plate being disposed in a laterally opposed and parallel configuration, and the pivot axle extending through and pivotally connecting the first flange plate and the second flange plate;

a virtual first arc line defined with a center at a radial center of the pivot axle, the first flange plate being formed with a plurality of first detent holes spaced along the first arc line;

a first locking plunger pivotally connected to the first support post and configured to selectively engage one of the first detent holes to lock the spatial orientation of the backrest pad;

a tilt-pivot mechanism comprising a second telescoping sleeve, an indexing disk, and a pivot axle, the indexing disk being connected to the second telescoping sleeve, and the pivot axle pivotally connecting the arm and the indexing disk, such that the indexing disk is rotatable about the pivot axle;

a virtual second arc line defined with a center at a radial center of the pivot axle, the indexing disk being formed with a plurality of second detent holes spaced along the second arc line;

a seat cushion comprising a seat pad, a mounting bracket, and a second support post, the seat pad being attached to the mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being connected to the second support post, and the second support post being inserted into the second telescoping sleeve such that the seat cushion is rotatable relative to the arm about the tilt-pivot mechanism to adjust a spatial orientation of the seat pad;

a second clamping screw laterally threaded into the second telescoping sleeve and configured to press against the second support post to allow the second support post to slide relative to the second telescoping sleeve and to fix a vertical position of the second support post relative to the second telescoping sleeve, thereby adjusting a height of the seat cushion;

wherein the second support post defines a plurality of second adjustment apertures spaced along an axial direction thereof;

a second locking pin laterally threaded into the second telescoping sleeve and configured to be selectively inserted into one of the second adjustment apertures to fix the seat pad at a desired height; and

a second locking plunger pivotally connected to the arm and configured to selectively engage one of the second detent holes to lock the spatial orientation of the seat pad.

2. The multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair of claim 1, wherein

a first housing tube is connected to the first support post, the first housing tube having opposite ends respectively extending through both lateral sides of the first support post;

the first locking plunger extends axially through the first housing tube;

a first locking tip is formed at one end of the first locking plunger and configured to engage a selected one of the first detent holes;

a first release handle is connected to an opposite end of the first locking plunger; and

a first spring is disposed within the first housing tube, with opposite ends of the first spring respectively abutting the first housing tube and the first locking plunger.

3. The multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair of claim 1, wherein the arm comprises a first sub-arm and a second sub-arm disposed in a laterally opposed configuration, and the indexing disk is positioned between the first sub-arm and the second sub-arm.

4. The multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair of claim 3, wherein

a second housing tube is connected to the first sub-arm, the second housing tube having opposite ends respectively extending through both lateral sides of the first sub-arm;

the second locking plunger extends axially through the second housing tube;

a second locking tip is formed at one end of the second locking plunger and configured to engage a selected one of the second detent holes;

a second release handle is connected to an opposite end of the second locking plunger; and

a second spring is disposed within the second housing tube, with opposite ends of the second spring respectively abutting the second housing tube and the second locking plunger.

5. The multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair of claim 1, wherein the mounting assembly comprises a front mounting plate, a pair of lateral mounting plates, and a transverse mounting bar;

the front mounting plate and the pair of lateral mounting plates extend vertically along a direction of gravity;

the pair of lateral mounting plates are disposed in a laterally opposed configuration and connected to the front mounting plate, and extend in a direction away from the arm; and

the transverse mounting bar is disposed between and parallel to the pair of lateral mounting plates, the transverse mounting bar having a longitudinal axis oriented orthogonal to the direction of gravity.

6. The multi-position adjustable support frame for an exercise chair of claim 5, wherein each of the lateral mounting plates defines a plurality of fastener holes extending along a thickness direction thereof, and a securing bolt is disposed below the transverse mounting bar and removably insertable into a selected one of the fastener holes.