Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to an improved exercise machine, particularly not exclusively a Pilates reformer machine.

Background

The Pilates reformer machine was invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilate and typically consists of a rectangular bed-like frame supporting a pair of parallel rails extending in the longitudinal direction of the apparatus, the rails supporting a slidable carriage which is able to roll back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of swappable springs which may be removably attached between the carriage and an end of the frame to create variable resistance on the carriage which must be overcome by a user of the machine in order for the carriage to slide along the rails. Most reformer exercises involve pushing or pulling the carriage or holding the carriage steady during an exercise as it is pulled on by the springs thereby enabling a wide range of exercises to be carried out to promote strength, flexibility, and balance.

There is a vast number of different types of Pilates reformer machines currently on the market which are variations on the above theme and these types of machine are becoming increasingly popular for providing a full body workout and conditioning. However, the existing machines do have their limitations. The springs only provide limited variability in resistance and the need to hook and unhook the springs from the frame can be cumbersome and may lead to injury. It can also be difficult to effectively monitor the resistance applied using springs, making accurate monitoring of the user’s performance while using the exercise machine more problematic.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide an improved exercise machine that overcomes, or at least alleviates, the abovementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

A first aspect of the present invention provides an exercise machine comprising a frame having at least one longitudinal rail extending between a first support member and a second support member, a carriage supporting a platform moveable along the at least one rail and at least one movable belt or chain attached to the carriage, movement of the at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carriage along the at least one longitudinal rail.

Preferably, the at least one movable belt or chain is a continuous loop, with each end of the loop mounted on a pulley. The carriage is attached to the belt by suitable means, such as a connector which preferably extends through a slot in the longitudinal rail or in a gap provided between two rails. The voltage supplied to the motor controls the resistance to movement of the carriage along the at least one rail.

It is to be appreciated that different types of belt or chain may be incorporated into the exercise machine to provide the resistance to movement of the carriage. A toothed belt or a chain link belt may be provided.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one moveable belt or chain comprises a drive belt or chain connected to a return belt or chain, the return belt or chain being anchored to the machine. In one embodiment, the return belt or chain may comprise, for example, a bungee cord or similar wrapped around one or more pulleys.

Preferably, the machine is provided with one or more appropriate sensors to monitor the resistance applied, such as position sensors, encoders on the motor or a load cell. The motor is preferably provided with a torque arm to measure the torque applied. A spring of a controlled stiffness may be attached to the torque arm allowing displacement to be measured. In another embodiment, the belt and motor arrangement may be mounted on a support having means for force measurement, such as springs.

The motor may be provided with additional drive ratio. The drive belt may be geared, for example, by the provision of a gearbox or a toothed belt mounted on the pulley of the drive belt, the toothed belt being controlled by the motor. Additionally or alternatively, a worm and wheel arrangement may be provided between the motor and the drive belt to resist reversal of the belt.

Guide members may be provided in association with the carriage to guide movement of the carriage with respect to the at least one rail. In a preferred embodiment, the guide members may comprise a plurality of wheels, for example provided on top of the at least one rail. The wheels may be receivable within tracks. However, the guide members may be provided elsewhere, such as on or within the at least one rail, or arranged laterally with respect to the rail.

The platform supported by the carriage may comprise a seat or a foot rest. It is to be appreciated that multiple carriages and platforms may be provided, if desired, ideally wherein the resistance of each is controlled by their own movable belt or chain.

Preferably the machine includes at least one cord extending between the carriage to an end of the machine, preferably to the first or second support member and back to the carriage via a pulley mechanism for enabling a user to move the carriage by pulling on the at least one cord. More preferably, one end of the cord is wound around a bobbin provided in a recoil unit that is attached to the carriage and the other end of the cord terminates in a handle or cuff, the cord passing around a first pulley provided at an end of the machine.

In one embodiment, resistance to movement of the at least one cord may also be provided by movement of at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor. In this manner, the carriage and the cord(s) may be controlled separately.

The exercise machine according to the present invention may include other component parts to increase its versatility. For example, the frame may include one or more support boards and/or removable shoulder rests. The machine may also include a leg exerciser attached to one end of the frame. Preferably the leg exerciser comprises a cross bar pivotally connected to the frame by at least one pivot arm, more preferably the pivot arm is sprung loaded. Preferably, the at least one cord may be extended around the cross bar to impart resistance thereto. Pulley systems each comprising a first and second pulley is preferably provided each side of an end of the frame. Alternatively the leg exerciser may have its own resistance to movement. This may be provided by conventional resistance springs or by movement of at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor.

To this end, a second aspect of the present invention provides an exercise machine comprising a frame having at least one longitudinal rail extending between a first support member and a second support member, a carriage supporting a platform moveable along the at least one rail, at least one movable belt or chain attached to the carriage, movement of the at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carriage along the at least one longitudinal rail, a cross bar pivotally connected to an end of the frame by at least one pivot arm and at least one cord extendable from the carriage or platform of the frame around a part of the cross bar via at least one pulley, wherein the at least one cord is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position movement of the cord affects movement of the carriage and in the second position movement of the cross bar affects movement of the carriage.

Preferably, the at least one cord terminates in a handle or cuff. Preferably, a pair of cords is provided, each cord extending between the carriage or platform and one end of the crossbar.

Each end of the cross bar may be provided with a pulley around which the cord always passes. In this manner, the cord can be used to move the carriage against the resistance (i.e. “the first position”) or the cord can be located on the carriage (i.e. “the second position”) and the cross bar moved thus affecting movement of the carriage against the resistance.

The cross bar may comprise a T- shaped member that is pivotally attached to the frame or the cross bar may be attached to two arms that are each pivotally attached to the frame.

Optionally, the at least one cord is selectively positionable between the first position and the second position, wherein in the first position the cord extends around a first set of pulleys mounted on the frame and a pulley on the cross bar back towards the carriage such that applying tension on the cord by a user pulling the cord moves the carriage. In the second position, the cord or cuff may be hooked onto the carriage such that moving the crossbar in turn moves the carriage. In this manner, generally downward movement of the cross bar is resisted by the cord when it is in the second position. The cord/cuff can be used to move the carriage against the resistance or the cuff can be located on the carriage and the cross member moved thus effecting movement of the carriage against the resistance.

Variable resistance to movement of the carriage may be provided by at least one retention spring or band attached to the carriage, the at least one retention spring or band being selectively attachable to the frame. However, in accordance with this invention, variable resistance to the carriage is provided by at least one belt or chain, movement of the at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carriage along the at least one longitudinal rail,

The first and second support members provided at each end of the machine preferably form two legs each end of the frame which stabilise the machine. Accordingly, the support members should have a width that is greater than the width of the at least one rail. Preferably the support members have a width that is substantially the same as the width of the platform.

Positional sensing of the carriage along the platform, measurement of torque and the resistance on the belt or chain, together with speed of travel will enable an interface to be provided detailing performance, such as work rate and energy consumption. Preferably, a controller is provided to control and monitor the voltage and current supplied to the at least one movable belt to control the resistance applied to movement of the carriage and/or cords. These electrical measurements combined with positional sensing of the motor, for example with an encoder, can be used to provide the performance data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of an example Pilates reformer machine according to the prior art;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a belt and pulley arrangement for applying variable resistance to movement of a carriage according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the belt and pulley arrangement shown in Figure 2 mounted within a beam on support legs;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative belt and pulley arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a belt and pulley arrangement provided in a support member;

Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a belt and pulley arrangement of the invention incorporated in a Pilates reformer machine, showing a partial internal view of the components;

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the machine of Figure 6, with the belt and pulley arrangement fully enclosed;

Figure 8 is another embodiment of a belt and pulley arrangement according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is yet another embodiment of a belt and pulley arrangement according to the present invention;

Figure 10 is yet a further embodiment of a belt and pulley arrangement according to the present invention, showing only parts of a Pilates machine for simplicity;

Figure 11 is another embodiment of a multiple belt and pulley arrangement according to the present invention, showing only parts of a Pilates machine for simplicity; Figure 12 is side end view of Pilates reformer machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating how resistance may be applied to a leg exerciser part of the machine, shown with pulley covers removed;

Figure 13 is an isometric view of the end of the Pilates reformer machine shown in Figure 12; and

Figure 14 is the side view of Figure 12, shown with pulley covers attached.

Detailed Description

The present invention provides a Pilates former machine which does not rely on resistance springs or retention bands for the application of resistance to movement of parts of the machine, in particular the carriage and/or cords.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates an example of a Pilates reformer machine according to the prior art. The machine 1 comprises a frame having a central support spine 2 extending between a front support member 4 and a rear support member 6 provided at the ends of the spine. The support members each comprise two legs which extend outwardly beyond the perimeter of the spine to stabilise the machine. A slidable carriage 8 supporting a flat platform 9, which may be padded for comfort, is connected around the spine and is able to run along the length of the spine. Additionally, a series of retention springs (not visible in Figure 1) are provided underneath the carriage and are releasably engageable with an end of the spine, for example by means of a button and plunger mechanism provided at the end of the spine or hooks. The machine also includes a foot bar 20 that connects to the underside of the spine and is selectively slidable along the length of the spine and each end of the frame is provided with support boards 15, 17 and exercise cords 19 extend from the platform 9 around a pulley mechanism 40 provided at the end support board 17 and back to the platform 9 where the cord terminates in handles or cuffs 44.

The carriage and cords serve as resistance to perform movements directed at specific muscle groups. Movement is achieved by the application of certain force against the weight of the body and the resistance imposed by the springs. The retention springs, which may also comprise elasticated bands, provide variable resistance to movement of the carriage and platform, the degree of resistance being determined by the type of spring engaged with the carriage. This enables the user of the machine to select the amount of resistance applied to movement of the carriage, dependent upon the type of exercise being carried out and the intensity of workout required.

The spring resistance varies significantly between manufacturers and therefore springs are normally categorised as being light, medium or heavy, often being colour-coded. However, it is desirable to be able to provide a more accurate, specific resistance to movement and be able to adjust and monitor this resistance throughout a person’s workout. This is a challenge using resistance springs. Furthermore, the stiffness or spring rate is set for a particular spring but it would be desirable to vary the resistance in a controlled way throughout the travel of the carriage.

The present invention employs a different mechanism for providing variable resistance to movement of the carriage and/or cords of a Pilates reformer machine. The basic components of the mechanism are illustrated in Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings. Instead of the carriage 108 being pulled along on a rail with resistance to carriage movement being imparted by retention springs, the carriage 108 is attached to a belt drive 105 which runs on pulleys 107 with shafts 111. Rotation of the belt by the pulley and shaft arrangement is assisted or impeded by a motor or generator 109. Any suitable conveyor may be used to move the carriage but a toothed or chain belt is preferred.

Thus, voltage applied can be used to control movement of the belt which in turn dictates the resistance applied to the carriage. In this manner, the Pilates reformer machine effectively employs a “digital” or “electrical” spring that can be carefully controlled and monitored.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings illustrates one embodiment of how the variable resistance mechanism of Figure 2 can be mounted within a beam 102 with support legs 106 to provide the basic components for a reformer machine. A slot 104 is provided for passage of a connector between the belt and the carriage to allow the carriage to slide along the length of the beam with the amount of resistance applied being controlled by the motor/generator 109. It is to be appreciated that this arrangement may be incorporated into any type of Pilates reformer machine, such as that shown in Figure 1.

The control of the resistance in this manner allows for accurate control and fast, automatic adjustment. Additional features, such as position sensors and/or encoders may be incorporated into the system to enable work rates and energy consumed to be measured and monitored. In one embodiment shown in Figure 4, a torque arm 122 is attached to the motor/generator 109 to measure negative or positive torque. A spring 120 represents a controlled stiffness allowing displacement to be measured. However, it is to be appreciated that other means of measurement may be used, such as a load cell. Figure 5 shows a similar arrangement but the belt and pulley arrangement 105, 107, is mounted on a support member 24 having force measurement means, such as a pair of springs 130. The support member 24 should be mounted on low friction supports, which may be flexural.

Figures 6 and 7 of the accompanying drawings illustrate further details of how the electrical resistance mechanism of the present invention may be incorporated into a Pilates reformer machine. The belt and pulley 105, 107 is housed within the beam 102 having slot 104 for passage of a connector carrying the carriage 108. The front of the beam is provided with a crossbar 150 and a pull rope or cord 19 extends from the carriage around the ends of the crossbar, which may also serve as a support handle, and terminates in a cuff 44. A seat or foot support may be attached to the top of the carriage to enable a user to sit or stand on the seat or foot support. The user is then able to carry out Pilates exercises with a desired resistance applied to movement of the carriage by means of the motor/generator 109 by moving the cords 19 with their hands placed in the cuffs 44. The application of more or less voltage or controlled voltages to coils enables the resistance provided by the belt 105 to be adjusted quickly and easily. In the illustrated embodiment the carriage wheels guiding movement are shown running on top of the beam 102 but may be provided elsewhere within or on the beam and could have a lateral location too.

Additional components may be included in a belt and pulley arrangement according to the invention to allow further control and monitoring of the resistance imparted by the machine. For example, in one embodiment shown in Figure 8, the motor is provided with additional drive ratio, such as a toothed belt 140. Alternatively, a gear box (not shown) may be used. Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment that includes a worm and wheel arrangement 142 which provides resistance against the arrangement being back driven. In this respect, it is difficult to hold a position using a motor without consuming energy, which is undesirable. The provision of the worm and wheel arrangement prevents back drive to address this issue.

Figures 10 and 11 show further embodiments of a belt and pulley arrangement for incorporating into a Pilates reformer machine according to the present invention. In these embodiments, the belt is not continuous around the pulleys but instead is attached to a second pulley 172 and cord 170 mechanism having a fixed terminus A which acts as the return belt drive to return the belt in one direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the second cord 170 is a bungee cord wrapped around two pulleys 172. The motor/generator 109 is also provided with a load measuring device in the form of a flexural mount 160 which operates in conjunction with deflection measurements (i.e. against a stiff mount or spring - not shown), thereby providing digital resistance. Alternatively, bearings and a load cell may be used. In this embodiment the belt 105’ is shown to be much narrower, illustrating that different shapes and sizes may be incorporated into the device as desired.

Figure 11 illustrates substantially the same arrangement as shown in Figure 10 but two split electrical resistance mechanisms 200, 300 are provided to separate the resistance applied to the carriage via mechanism 200 and the resistance applied to the pull cords via mechanism 300, with the pull cords being passed around a separate pulley system 350. The two mechanisms may be independently controlled using their own generators and/or one of the mechanisms may be deactivated so that only one function of the machine (i.e. the carriage or the pull cords) is in use. With such an arrangement, the pull cords may be retracted so they do not interfere with operation of the device or the carriage may be locked in position and just the pull cords may be used. Again, both may be fitted with appropriate measurement means, such as a load cell, to measure and monitor the work carried out on the machine.

The machine may also include a leg exerciser 400 attached to one end of the frame, such as in the form of a rotatable cross bar 402, as shown in Figures 12 to 14 wherein variable resistance may be imparted to rotation of the crossbar. Resistance may be provided by, for example, a spring, a cord and pulley arrangement or by at least one belt or chain controlled by a motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross bar 402 comprises a T- shaped member that is pivotally attached to the frame. Alternatively, the cross bar may be attached to two arms that are each pivotally attached to the frame. Each end of the crossbar is provided with a pulley 404 around which a cord 406 is passed.

In further detail, the cord 406, which may terminate in a cuff (not shown) that may serve as a hand grip, passes between rollers prior to passing over a first pulley 410. The cord is then passed beneath a second pulley 412 and around the pulley 404 on the end of the cross bar 402. The cord then passes back beneath the second pulley 412 and over a third, final pulley 414 and is connected to the carriage or platform that is slidable along the main rail 500 of the machine. Cover plates 418, 420 may be secured over the pulleys (see Figure 14) to enhance the safety and appearance of the device.

It is to be appreciated that two cords 406 pass through the same type of pulley arrangement provided on each end of the cross bar 402. Each cord is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the cord extends around the pulleys 410, 412, 414 and the pulley 404 on the cross bar back towards the carriage such that applying tension on the cord 406 moves the carriage. In the second position the cuff is hooked onto the carriage such that moving the crossbar in turn moves the carriage. In this manner, generally downward movement of the cross bar is resisted by the cord when it is in the second position. Thus, in the first position the user is actively pulling the cuff to move the carriage via the pulley system against the resistance and in the second position, the cuff can be located on the carriage (for example, hooked around shoulder pads provided on the platform attached to the carriage) and the leg exerciser (crossbar) is used to move the carriage via the pulley system, thus effecting movement of the carriage against the resistance.

Variable resistance to movement of the carriage is provided by appropriate means, for example by at least one retention spring or band attached to the carriage, the at least one retention spring or band being selectively attachable to the frame. Alternatively, variable resistance to the carriage may be provided by at least one belt or chain being controlled by a motor to apply resistance to movement of the carriage along the at least one longitudinal rail, as discussed in relation to earlier embodiments of the invention. Further modifications to the belt and pulley arrangement for providing a digital/electrical resistance mechanism for a Pilates reformer machine may be made without departing from the principles embodied in the examples described and illustrated herein.