Exercise apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides an exercise apparatus comprising a main frame, a carriage movable relative to the main frame, a user engagement member, and an arm, the user engagement member linked to the arm, the arm in turn linked to the main frame, wherein the linkage between the arm and the main frame is adapted or configured such that the user engagement member is capable of being moved from an operable position to a storable position.

1 . An exercise apparatus comprising a main frame, a carriage movable relative to the main frame, a user engagement member, and an arm, the user engagement member linked to the arm, the arm in turn linked to the main frame, wherein the linkage between the arm and the main frame is adapted or configured such that the user engagement member is capable of being moved from an operable position to a storable position. 
     
     
         2 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the linkage is a hinged linkage or a pivotal linkage. 
     
     
         3 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the linkage comprises a simple pin connecting the arm and the main frame, with the arm capable of pivoting about the pin, with a single degree of freedom. 
     
     
         4 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  comprising two arms, with each arm linked to a terminus of the user engagement member. 
     
     
         5 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the arm is fitted with a wheel or a roller. 
     
     
         6 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the wheel or roller is disposed on or about the arm such that when the user engagement member is in the operable position the wheel or roller is incapable of engaging with the floor, but when in the storable position is capable of engaging with the floor to allow rolling of the apparatus. 
     
     
         7 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the wheel or roller is disposed on the arm at the terminus opposite that having the user engagement means. 
     
     
         8 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the arm comprises a bend and exhibits two main axes: the first axis described by a line running from the terminus having the user engagement means through the linkage point with the main frame, the second axis described by a line running from the terminus having the wheel or roller through the linkage point with the main frame. 
     
     
         9 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 8  wherein the first and second axes describe an acute angle. 
     
     
         10 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein the acute angle is from about 18 degrees to about 58 degrees, preferably from about 23 degrees to about 53 degrees, preferably from about 28 degrees to about 48 degrees, preferably from about 33 degrees to about 43 degrees, preferably about 38 degrees. 
     
     
         11 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the ratio of the distance between the terminus of the arm having the user engagement means and the linkage point with the main frame, and the distance between the terminus of the arm having the wheel or roller and the linkage point with the main frame is about 11 cm. 
     
     
         12 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  comprising means for limiting movement of the carriage. 
     
     
         13 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 12  wherein the means for limiting movement of the carriage comprises a stopping member extending outwardly from the arm. 
     
     
         14 . An exercise apparatus comprising a main frame, a carriage movable relative to the main frame, a shoulder retaining means, the shoulder retaining means linked to the carriage, wherein the linkage is adapted or configured such that the shoulder retaining means is capable of moving from an operable position to a storable position. 
     
     
         15 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 14  wherein the linkage comprises means for allowing the shoulder retaining means to be erected substantially vertically from a storable position, means for allowing rotation of the shoulder retaining means once erected, means for lowering the rotated shoulder retaining means into an operable position, and a peg extending from the carriage for securing the lowered shoulder retaining means in position. 
     
     
         16 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 15  wherein the ability to erect the shoulder retaining means from the folded position is provided for by a hinge pin disposed toward the base of the means, the rotation and insertion is allowed by use of a sliding means, sliding and rotating within an internal fixed collar. 
     
     
         17 . An exercise apparatus comprising a main frame, a carriage movable relative to the main frame, a user engagement member, and an arm, the user engagement member linked to the arm, the arm in turn linked to the main frame, a shoulder retaining means, the shoulder retaining means linked to the carriage, wherein the linkage between the arm and the main frame is adapted or configured such that the user engagement member is capable of being moved from an operable position to a storable position, and wherein the linkage between the shoulder retaining means is adapted or configured such that the shoulder retaining means is capable of moving from an operable position to a storable position. 
     
     
         18 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is a Pilates reformer, or substantially similar apparatus. 
     
     
         19 . An exercise apparatus according to  claim 1  substantially as hereinbefore described by reference to the figures. 
     
     
         20 . A method for instructing in a Pilates exercise, the method comprising the step of providing an apparatus according to  claim 1 , and providing the instruction.