Chair type exercise apparatus

Abstract

A multifunction exercise apparatus having a seat portion ( 47 ) and a backrest ( 48 ) in the configuration of a chair, which in a first passive mode conceals the presence of a plurality of exercise elements which together form an exercise apparatus, and in a second exercise mode reveals one or more of said exercise elements for a user, the position of the seat portion ( 47 ) being altered and locked in a position with respect to a base portion and support surface on which the apparatus stands when the apparatus is moved between its first passive mode and the second exercise mode. This provides a comfortable chair construction that will fit in well with conventional home or office furniture when the apparatus is not required to be used for an exercise session.

1 . An exercise apparatus having a seat portion and a backrest in the configuration of a chair, which in a first passive mode conceals the presence of a plurality of exercise elements which together form an exercise apparatus, and in a second exercise mode reveals one or more of said exercise elements for a user, the position of the seat portion being altered and locked in a position with respect to a base portion and support surface on which the apparatus stands when the apparatus is moved between its first passive mode and the second exercise mode.  
   
   
       2 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , in which the seat portion may be raised and tilted to a position parallel to the support surface when the chair is altered from the first mode to said second exercise mode.  
   
   
       3 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  or  2 , in which the chair includes supporting frame elements which are interconnected operably to allow movement of the seat portion between said modes.  
   
   
       4 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 3 , in which at least two frame elements interlock to provide a locking mechanism to secure the chair in said second exercise mode, the locking mechanism being releasable by a rotation of one of said frame elements.  
   
   
       5 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  4 , in which the exercise elements are connected to a single resistance source which is adjustable to vary the resistance to movement encountered by a user at the exercise elements.  
   
   
       6 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , in which the resistance source comprises a set of ‘free’ weights.  
   
   
       7 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 6 , in which the free weights are movable along flexible guides which collapse from a taut condition when the chair is moved from an exercise mode to a passive mode.  
   
   
       8 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 5 , in which the resistance source is selected from one or more resistance means such as springs, tension bands including rubber ropes, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, a set of free weights, electromagnetic resistance means, or dynamic friction mechanisms.  
   
   
       9 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of  claims 5  to  8 , in which the resistance source is disposed centrally at a rear side of the backrest.  
   
   
       10 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the backrest includes a pair of opposed side panels which are capable of being opened to allow access to a pair of exercise elements adapted to operate together against a single resistance source.  
   
   
       11 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 10 , in which the exercise elements include a ‘butterfly’ mechanism having a pair of butterfly arms each of which is rotatable about a secured pivot against the resistance to movement provided by said resistance source.  
   
   
       12 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 11 , in which each butterfly arm includes a constant resistance means effective to ensure the resistance to movement of the butterfly arms is substantially retained throughout the stroke.  
   
   
       13 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the connecting elements are attached to resistance elements for use as a chest press exercise means.  
   
   
       14 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the backrest includes a centrally disposed support beam having attachment means for a ‘high pull’ exercise element and having a resistance to movement provided by the said single resistance source.  
   
   
       15 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the seat portion has an exposed front edge to which there is hingedly attached an exercise element movable against a resistance source, the exercise element being so shaped as to provide exercise regimes for two or more separate muscle groups.  
   
   
       16 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 15 , in which the hingedly attached exercise element has an arc element piece or other elements attached to provide a downward force resisting upward movement.  
   
   
       17 . An exercise apparatus as claimed in  claim 15 , in which the exercise element is securable in a fixed extended position and to which there is attachable a cycle crank mechanism having a pair of pedals connected via a rotatable shank, resistance to rotation of the pedals being provided by an adjustable friction sleeve.  
   
   
       18 . an exercise apparatus as in  claim 6  in which the resistance source comprises a set of free weights where the up stand guide elements are located adjacent to the outer edges of the weights, facilitating easy removal of the weights  
   
   
       19 . An exercise apparatus substantially as herein described, with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.