U.S. patent application number 09/920217 was filed with the patent office on 2002-05-23 for functionality improving training machine.
Invention is credited to Hasegawa, Toshiyuki.
Application Number | 20020061804 09/920217 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18787865 |
Filed Date | 2002-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020061804 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hasegawa, Toshiyuki |
May 23, 2002 |
Functionality improving training machine
Abstract
A functionality improving training machine comprising a main
body, a rotating driving mechanism incorporated in the main body, a
driving controller for controlling the rotating driving mechanism,
a pedal mechanism for legs coupled to the rotating driving
mechanism and a moving means for making the main body movable.
Physically weak people regardless of age or sex, convalescent
people or athletes might use for rehabilitation purposes in which
functionalities of the lower half of one's body might be improved
in accordance with one's physical conditions through exercise
ranging from soft exercise in which one's heart is hardly overload
to hard exercise which causes one to sweat.
Inventors: |
Hasegawa, Toshiyuki; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
18787865 |
Appl. No.: |
09/920217 |
Filed: |
August 1, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0694 20130101;
A63B 71/0009 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A61H 1/0214 20130101;
A63B 22/0005 20151001; A61H 2203/0431 20130101; A63B 22/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/57 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/06; A63B
069/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 6, 2000 |
JP |
2000-307334 |
Claims
1. A functionality improving training machine comprising a main
body, a rotating driving mechanism incorporated in the main body, a
driving controller for controlling the rotating driving mechanism,
a pedal mechanism for legs coupled to the rotating driving
mechanism and a moving means for making the main body movable.
2. A functionality improving training machine comprising a main
body, a seat mounted on a top portion of the main body, a rotating
driving mechanism incorporated in the main body, a driving
controller for controlling the rotating driving mechanism, a pedal
mechanism coupled to the rotating driving mechanism, a sliding
mechanism for making the seat movable in forward and rearward
directions with respect to the main body, a reclining mechanisms
for freely making a rear angle of a back portion of the seat
variable, an ascending/descending mechanisms for freely
ascending/descending the seat, and a moving means for making the
main body movable.
3. A functionality improving training machine comprising a main
body, a rotating driving mechanism incorporated in the main body, a
driving controller for controlling the rotating driving mechanism,
a pedal mechanism for legs coupled to the rotating driving
mechanism, a moving means for making the main body movable, a pedal
mechanism for arms provided on a top portion of the pedal mechanism
for the legs, and a rotation transmitting portion for the arms
which connects the rotating driving mechanism with the pedal
mechanism for the arms.
4. A functionality improving training machine comprising a main
body, a seat mounted on a top portion of the main body, a rotating
driving mechanism incorporated in the main body, a driving
controller for controlling the rotating driving mechanism, a pedal
mechanism for legs coupled to the rotating driving mechanism, a
sliding mechanism for making the seat movable in forward and
rearward directions with respect to the main body, a reclining
mechanisms for freely making a rear angle of a back portion of the
seat variable, an ascending/descending mechanisms for freely
ascending/descending the seat, a moving means for making the main
body movable, a pedal mechanism for the arms provided on a top
portion of the pedal mechanism for the legs, and a rotation
transmitting portion for the arms which connects the rotating
driving mechanism with the pedal mechanism for the arms.
5. The functionality improving training machine of any one of
claims 3 to 4, wherein the rotation transmitting portion for the
arms includes a switching clutch mechanism for switching the pedal
mechanism for the legs and the pedal mechanism for the arms, and a
reverse rotation mechanism for reversing rotation of the pedal
mechanism for the legs and the pedal mechanism for the arms.
6. The functionality improving training machine of any one of
claims 1 to 5, wherein the rotating driving mechanism comprises a
rotation transmitting portion, a driving motor and a clutch
mechanism.
7. The functionality improving training machine of claim 6, wherein
the driving controller comprises a switching circuit for enabling
switching of the clutch mechanism of the rotation driving
mechanism, a rotating driving circuit for performing forward
rotation and reverse rotation of the driving motor, and a
transmission circuit for making the rotating speed of the driving
motor variable.
8. The functionality improving training machine of claim 7, wherein
the driving controller includes a mechanism synchronizing circuit
for interlocking the sliding mechanism, the ascending/descending
mechanism and the reclining mechanism.
9. The functionality improving training machine of any one of
claims 2 and 4, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises a moving
base for supporting the seat, a guide rail for guiding the moving
base, a screw screwed to the moving base, and a handle for rotating
the screw.
10. The functionality improving training machine of any one of
claims 2 and 4, wherein the ascending/descending mechanism
comprises a moving base for supporting the seat, and a jack
attached to the moving base.
11. The functionality improving training machine of any one of
claims 1 to 10, wherein attaching positions of right and left pedal
levers in the pedal mechanism for the legs are variable with
respect to the supporting shaft.
12. The functionality improving training machine of any one of
claims 1 to 11, wherein positions of the pedals to be provided to
right and left pedal levers in the pedal mechanism for the legs are
variable depending on the form of rehabilitation.
13. The functionality improving training machine of any one of
claims 1 to 12, wherein the main body includes a column member for
preventing tumbling.
14. The functionality improving training machine of claim 13,
wherein the column member is a liftable outrigger.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a functionality improving
training machine. More particularly, the invention relates to a
functionality improving training machine with which it is possible
to strengthen the lower half of the body of physically weak people,
regardless of age or sex, or to perform auxiliary exercise or
rehabilitation of handicapped persons with their handicap residing
in the lower half of the body or of athletes, and particularly with
which it is possible to perform training for improving
functionalities of the lower half of the body of convalescent
persons by strengthening their muscles through exercise which might
be performed indoors in an easy manner and in a sitting posture,
and which might be further utilized for rehabilitation for the
purpose of eliminating paralysis of legs and arms that resulted
from cerebral hemorrhage or degenerative diseases of the
cerebellum.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] One type of conventionally known training machines is used
for pedaling exercise using both legs for people who have suffered
from apoplexy and are presently in the phase of starting walking
exercises after first taking standing postures and are made for
rehabilitation purposes of exercise functions of their leg portions
(see, for instance Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
174666/1992). Such a training machine of bicycle type requires it
to utilize one's own muscular power for rotating the pedals and is
thus disadvantaged in that people who have not yet sufficiently
recovered to an extent at which they might utilize their own
muscular power for rotating the pedals for a long time or who are
physically weak and thus be burdensome in view of their physical
abilities. Moreover, since rotating positions of pedals are so
arranged that they are located closer to the core (seat portion) of
the human body, it is impossible to perform exercise of leg
portions upon freely changing positions of the pedals and the
position of the human body. Just to mention some rough reference
values of a general bicycle, the distance between the core of the
pedals and the seat portion is 65 cm, and the angle formed between
a straight line connecting from the core of the pedals to the seat
portion and a line horizontal thereto is 77.degree..
[0003] A tendency existed that automatically driven machines were
considered to be useless since no load was applied to the body
during driving; however, considering the fact that a long drive in
a passenger car, for instance, make people who are merely sitting
next to the driver in a reclined posture feel more fatigue rather
than the driver owing to oscillation or the fact that it is more
burdensome and tiring for those who are heavy-weighted than those
who are light-weighted to simply walk the same distance. The
inventor of the present invention has thus paid attention to the
idea that one's body might receive load under certain circumstances
even though the person might not move on one's own, and has
considered the necessity of improving effects of improving
functionalities by using a training machine wherein pedals are
automatically rotated, or positions of the pedals and positions of
seat portions of the human body are arranged to be changeable.
[0004] It is further desired for a functionality training machine
that might be used for rehabilitation of people with paralysis of
legs and arms resulted from cerebral hemorrhage or degenerative
diseases of the cerebellum and with which recovery of
functionalities of both legs and arms might be easily
performed.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above
facts, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a
functionality improving training machine with which it is possible
to strengthen the lower half of the body of physically weak people,
regardless of age or sex, or to perform rehabilitation of
handicapped persons with their handicap residing in the lower half
of the body or of athletes, and particularly with which it is
possible to perform training for improving functionalities of the
lower half of the body of convalescent persons by strengthening
their muscles through exercise which might be performed indoors in
an easy manner and in a sitting posture and which might be further
utilized for rehabilitation for the purpose of eliminating
paralysis of legs and arms that resulted from cerebral hemorrhage
or degenerative diseases of the cerebellum.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a functionality improving training machine
comprising a main body, a rotating driving mechanism incorporated
in the main body, a driving controller for controlling the rotating
driving mechanism, a pedal mechanism for legs coupled to the
rotating driving mechanism and a moving means for making the main
body movable.
[0007] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a functionality improving training machine
comprising a main body, a seat mounted on a top portion of the main
body, a rotating driving mechanism incorporated in the main body, a
driving controller for controlling the rotating driving mechanism,
a pedal mechanism coupled to the rotating driving mechanism, a
sliding mechanism for making the seat movable in forward and
rearward directions with respect to the main body, a reclining
mechanisms for freely making a rear angle of a back portion of the
seat variable, an ascending/descending mechanisms for freely
ascending/descending the seat, and a moving means for making the
main body movable.
[0008] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a functionality improving training machine
comprising a main body, a rotating driving mechanism incorporated
in the main body, a driving controller for controlling the rotating
driving mechanism, a pedal mechanism for legs coupled to the
rotating driving mechanism, a moving means for making the main body
movable, a pedal mechanism for arms provided on a top portion of
the pedal mechanism for the legs, and a rotation transmitting
portion for the arms which connects the rotating driving mechanism
with the pedal mechanism for the arms.
[0009] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a functionality improving training machine
comprising a main body, a seat mounted on a top portion of the main
body, a rotating driving mechanism incorporated in the main body, a
driving controller for controlling the rotating driving mechanism,
a pedal mechanism for legs coupled to the rotating driving
mechanism, a sliding mechanism for making the seat movable in
forward and rearward directions with respect to the main body, a
reclining mechanisms for freely making a rear angle of a back
portion of the seat variable, an ascending/descending mechanisms
for freely ascending/descending the seat, a moving means for making
the main body movable, a pedal mechanism for arms provided on a top
portion of the pedal mechanism for the legs, and a rotation
transmitting portion for the arms which connects the rotating
driving mechanism with the pedal mechanism for the arms.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a side view for illustrating a functionality
improving training machine for the lower half of one's body
according to a first embodiment of the functionality improving
training machine of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front view of the functionality improving
training machine for the lower half of one's body of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a condition for
use with the seat being shifted forward;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining a condition for
use with the seat being shifted rearward;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view for illustrating a functionality
improving training machine for the lower half of one's body
according to a second embodiment of the functionality improving
training machine of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side view for illustrating a functionality
improving training machine for the lower half of one's body
according to a third embodiment of the functionality improving
training machine of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of
FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a side view for illustrating a functionality
improving training machine for the lower half of one's body
according to a fourth embodiment of the functionality improving
training machine of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a side view for illustrating the functionality
improving training machine for the lower half of one's body with an
outrigger for purposes of preventing tumbling being mounted on the
main body; and
[0021] FIG. 12 is a front view of the functionality improving
training machine for the lower half of one's body of FIG. 11.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0022] The functionality improving training machine according to
the present invention will now be explained with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the functionality improving
training machine for the lower half of one's body according to the
first embodiment is composed of a seat 2 mounted on a top portion
of a rectangular main body 1, as well as a rotating driving
mechanism A, a driving controller B, a pedal mechanism C, an
ascending/descending mechanism D, a sliding mechanism E, a
reclining mechanism F and a moving means G which are respectively
incorporated in the main body 1.
[0024] The seat 2 is composed of a backrest portion 3, a seat
portion 4 and armrest portions 5, and the rear angle .theta. of the
backrest portion 3 is arranged to be freely changeable through the
reclining mechanism F. Notches are formed on the right and left of
a front portion of the seat portion 4 for enabling easy movements
of the knees or thighs. The reclining mechanism F might be actuated
either as a manual type or automatic type. In the case of a manual
type, it is possible to employ a ratchet mechanism utilizing a
ratchet wheel (not shown) which is fixed to a supporting shaft 6 of
the backrest portion 3 coupled to a rear end of the seat portion 4.
Such a ratchet mechanism enables it to incline the backrest portion
3 by pulling an operating handle 7 frontward and to maintain the
inclined position of the backrest portion 3 as it is by releasing
the operating handle 7. In the case of an automatic type, it is
possible to employ a gearing mechanism in which a group of gears
and a gearing motor which are connected to the supporting shaft 6
of the backrest portion 3 are actuated through switches of an
operating pendant 8 for inclining the backrest portion 3.
[0025] The rotating driving mechanism A might be composed of a
rotation transmitting portion 9, a driving motor 10 capable of
performing forward and rearward rotation, and a clutch mechanism 11
such as an electromagnetic clutch. The rotation transmitting
portion 9 might be of belt-gearing type or chain-gearing type while
one of a belt-gearing type is preferred in view of the fact that it
does not require any lubricating oil and is thus more convenient of
maintaining its periphery clean, and might be particularly composed
of a driving pulley 12, a following pulley 13 and a belt 14.
Examples of such belts 14 are flat belts, V belts and synchronous
belts, and outer peripheral shapes of the driving pulley 12 and the
following pulley 13 shall be selected depending on the type of the
belt which is actually used. The driving pulley 12 is supported in
a freely rotating manner by the clutch mechanism 11 and by a
bearing 15 with its supporting shaft 12a being mounted to the main
body 1. The following pulley 13 is supported in a freely rotating
manner by two bearings 16 with its supporting shaft 13a being
mounted to the main body 1. The pedal mechanism C is coupled to
both ends of the supporting shaft 13a. The pedal mechanism C is
composed of pedal levers 17 provided on the right and left and of
pedals 18. It is preferable that the pedals 18 are provided with
clamp fittings such as those employed for freely attaching and
detaching ski boots so that foothold belts 19 might be attached in
a freely attachable/detachable manner. In the present embodiment,
the clutch mechanism 11 is turned ON (actuated) by operating a
switch of the operating pendant 8 for starting the driving motor 10
whereupon the supporting shaft 12a and the driving pulley 12 are
rotated through the clutch mechanism 11. Thereafter, the following
pulley 13 and supporting shaft 13a are rotated upon transmission of
force from the driving pulley 12 through the belt 14. The rotating
driving force of the driving motor 10 is transmitted to the pedals
18 through the pedal levers 17. Upon turning the clutch mechanism
11 OFF (terminating), it is possible to switch to neutral. In such
a neutral mode, it is possible to perform forward and reverse
rotating movements by using one's own power.
[0026] The driving controller B is a controller which is applicable
to both, 50 Hz and 60 Hz, and includes various control circuits for
controlling the rotation driving mechanism A. It might be composed
with at least a switching circuit for enabling switching of the
clutch mechanism 11, a rotating driving circuit for performing
forward rotation and reverse rotation of the driving motor 9, and a
transmission circuit for making the rotating speed of the driving
motor 9 variable. These control circuits enable it to suitably
combine forward and reverse rotation. It is also possible to
alternately repeat half-rotation of forward and reverse rotation as
it is the case with washing machines. It is further preferable that
an overload preventing circuit is connected to the rotating driving
circuit for safety purposes, that a timer is connected for
automatically terminating the driving motor 9 by interrupting
supply of electric power to the driving motor 9 upon elapse of a
specified time, or that a load adjusting circuit is connected for
adjusting load of rotation in the neutral condition as to suit the
physical ability of the user. It should be noted that it is
preferable to include a mechanism synchronizing circuit in case the
ascending/descending mechanism D, the sliding mechanism E and the
reclining mechanism F are of automatic type for making the
respective mechanisms D, E and F actuate in a synchronous
manner.
[0027] The ascending/descending mechanism D might also be of manual
type or of automatic type. One of manual type might be a generally
used a gas-pressure lifting arrangement employing a gas cylinder
for adjusting the height of the seat. In such a gas-pressure
lifting arrangement, a lift master of gas cylinder type might be
operated by actuating a lever 20 provided on a front left position
on the rear side of the seat portion 4 for freely
ascending/descending the seat 2. It is alternatively possible to
arrange the mechanism with a jackscrew for ascending/descending the
seat 2 upon rotating a handle, a rack-driven type jack or a
hydraulic jack, and a stopper for maintaining the
ascended/descended position of the seat 2. In case the mechanism is
of automatic type, it is possible to employ a jackscrew, a
rack-driven type jack or a hydraulic jack which might be actuated
upon supply of electric power.
[0028] The sliding mechanism E might also be of manual type as well
as of automatic type. In one example of the manual type, a handle
(not shown) which is connected to a screw (not shown) screwed to a
moving base 21 for supporting the ascending/descending mechanism D
of the seat 2 might be rotated either rightward or leftward for
making the seat 2 move in a frontward or rearward direction with
respect to the main body 1, and upon terminating rotation of the
handle, the seat might be fixed at the position to which it has
been moved. In the case of one of automatic type, the mechanism
might be composed of the moving base 21 for supporting the
ascending/descending mechanism D of the seat 2, a pair of guide
rails 22 for guiding and supporting both ends of the moving base 21
through balls or rollers, a ball screw unit or ball spline (neither
of these are illustrated in the drawings) coupled to a lower
portion of the moving base 21 and simultaneously supported at a
central portion in longitudinal direction of the guide rails 22,
and a motor (now shown) for rotating a screw shaft or splined
shaft.
[0029] The moving means G is not limited to any particular type as
long as the main body 1 might be freely movable through the same,
and might be composed of casters 23 as those generally used. In the
present first embodiment, 5 casters are attached to a lower surface
of the main body 1 in a freely rotating manner. These casters 23
are preferably provided with stoppers 24 for maintaining the
casters stable after they have been used for moving the main body
to a specified location.
[0030] According to the first embodiment, the backrest portion 3 is
so arranged that the rear angle .theta. is freely variable
depending on the distance between the core of the human body (the
core of the seat 2) and the pedals 18, and the height of the seat 2
is also freely variable.
[0031] With these arrangements, the user can freely select a
suitable angle, distance and height in view of his or her own
proportion (size of physique) and posture of exercise. Thus, upon
respectively varying angular positions for the height of one's body
or extent of distance with respect to the pedals, one can perform
exercise of functionalities of one's lower half of the body. Such
angles, distances and heights might be set in a following manner,
and one example of their mutual relationship is illustrated in
Table 1 .
[0032] (1) The angle is variable in a range from 77.degree. to
28.degree..
[0033] (2) The distance between the core of the human body (core of
the seat) and the pedals might range from approximately 100 to 450
mm. It should be noted that a distance enabling free rotation of
the thighs and knees without the leg portions hitting the seat
portion when rotating the legs upon approaching the seat to the
pedal (that is, the minimum distance with which the pedals might be
freely rotated) is 100 mm from the core of the seat to the core of
the pedals, and calculations have been based on this value of 100
mm.
[0034] (3) The height is set in a range of 250 to 400 mm.
[0035] It should be noted that the respective uppermost values of
Table 1 denote numeric values of a general bicycle which have been
listed as a reference, and respective values listed in the second
column and on are examples of numeric values which might be
variously changed in the training machine of the present
invention.
1TABLE 1 Height Distance Angle 650 150 77.degree. 400 100
77.degree. 400 200 63.degree. 325 200 58.degree. 400 300 53.degree.
400 400 45.degree. 250 250 45.degree. 325 400 38.degree. 250 350
35.degree. 250 400 32.degree. 250 450 28.degree.
[0036] Owing to the fact that the weight applied on the pedals
might be varied by simply varying the rear angle for either
inclining or increasing the distance to the human body, and the
fact that large amount of load is applied when trying to pedal in a
remote posture, it is simply impossible to make any movements upon
inclination to an angle of not more than 45.degree.. However,
physical effects might be achieved since the entire leg from the
tips of the toes, knees and the thighs can be largely moved with
the help of automatic force. In other words, the larger the angle
of the back becomes, the more the movements of the legs change from
vertical movements to longitudinal and up-and-down movements, and
load which might not achieved through one's own power functions to
exhibit stretching effects through the automatic force to thereby
improve efficiency of exercise.
[0037] According to the first embodiment, the user M seats on the
seat 2 and puts his or her feet Ma onto the pedals 18 as
illustrated in FIG. 5 whereupon the driving motor is actuated
through a switch of the operating pendant. The pedals 18 then
rotate in a forward or rearward direction at a specified rotating
speed so that the leg portions of the user M are moved through
force other than his or her own force while being seated on the
seat 2. Stepless shifting of the rotating speed for the pedals can
be performed upon switching speed switches of the operating
pendant.
[0038] Thereafter, the ascending/descending mechanism, the sliding
mechanism and the reclining mechanism are actuated either by the
user M or an attendant for moving the seat 2 to a rearward position
as illustrated in FIG. 6. When the driving motor is actuated
through a switch of the operating pendant, similar to the case of
the above-described moving operations, the pedals 18 start to
rotate in a forward or rearward direction at a specified rotating
speed whereupon the leg portions of the user M might be moved
through force other than his or her own while lying on the seat 2
to perform exercise of functionalities of the lower half of the
user's body.
[0039] While it is impossible to utilize leg portions through one's
own force in an exercise posture which is remote from the pedals,
the arrangement of the present first embodiment being arranged such
that it is possible to vary the height and rear angles for the
human body, the smaller the angle becomes, the more larger the
lower half of one's body can be moved at an increased rotating
speed than compared to specified movements just like with a
bicycle. Moreover, upon performing reverse rotation, which had so
far been impossible, effects of exercise might be even more
improved since various muscles of the leg portions are moved in
opposite directions. In such a case, when the pedals are at the
remotest positions, there can be observed remarkable reactions that
muscles located on the rear of the right and left leg portions get
tight the moment the pedals move up from below.
[0040] By further arranging the length of the pedal shafts to be
variable, it is possible to adjust the amount of exercise in
accordance with the length of the pedal shafts. The position of the
seat is also adjustable in view of the physique of the user for
varying the distance between the seat and the pedal shafts, the
arrangement can be used regardless of the size of proportion of the
user (that is, regardless of the standard of proportion).
[0041] In case of arranging data of users to be preliminarily
stored in a microcomputer of the driving controller to cope with
forms for rehabilitation of each user, it is possible to provide
suitable forms of exercise and amount of exercise for each user
through control of the microcomputer. It is also possible to make
the microcomputer store fuzzy control functions. In this manner,
effective rehabilitation might be performed by increasing or
decreasing the speed of a single rotation of the pedal in
accordance with the form of rehabilitation of a particular user or
by enabling free exercise such as half-rotation in forward and
rearward directions which is close to walking movements or one full
rotation of a circular movement followed by another rotation in a
reverse direction.
[0042] In case the user has troubles with his or her knees so that
he or she cannot perform exercises in which the knees are bent to a
large degree, positions for mounting the right and left pedal
levers with respect to the supporting shaft might be varied such
that the pedals are directed forward and both pedal levers become
substantially horizontal with respect to the floor surface. When
performing up-and-down movements of the pedals in an alternating
manner while swinging the pedal levers at slight angles in this
condition, exercise can be performed while keeping the knees in an
easy condition, for instance, being straightly extended so that it
is possible to strengthen the muscles around the knees.
[0043] While the positions of the pedals with respect to the pedal
levers are fixed in the present first embodiment, the present
invention is not limited to this arrangement and the positions of
the pedals can be varied between e.g. four positions depending on
the form of rehabilitation. In case the four positions of the
pedals are denoted as A (a distance formed between the pedals and
the supporting shaft being e.g. 75 mm), B (a distance formed
between the pedals and the supporting shaft being e.g. 120 mm), C
(a distance formed between the pedals and the supporting shaft
being e.g. 160 mm) and D (a distance formed between the pedals and
the supporting shaft being e.g. 200 mm), position C might be
defined as a position of the pedals for ordinary use and the pedals
are arranged such that they might be mounted by screwing mounting
screws of the pedals to screw holes which are formed at position B
and position A, sequentially approaching from the reference
position C to the supporting shaft in this order. Pedals which are
mounted to position B or position A are identical to one which had
been mounted to position C. Upon varying positions of the pedals
from position C to position B and further to position A, the
rotating torque from the supporting shaft increases accordingly.
Particularly in case the core of position A is set to be remote
from the core of the supporting shaft of pedals by 75 mm, the force
with which the pedals at position A are pressed down can be set to
be equivalent to a degree necessary for walking up and down stairs
of a height of e.g. 15 cm, and it is thus possible to perform
movements similar to walking stairs up and down while being seated
on the seat. In case of employing pedal shafts which make positions
of the pedals variable, the pedal shafts shall preferably be formed
with tapered surfaces and become thinner in thickness in
approaching from the supporting shaft side to the tip end so as to
prevent side portions of the pedal shaft from contacting or hitting
legs when rotating pedals at position D which is a position remote
from the supporting shaft. It is also possible to provide a strong
supporting cage as a separate member with which the user might
support his or her own body for the purpose of performing exercise
while resting his or her own weight thereon in performing the
above-described up-and-down walking exercise in a standing posture.
Such a supporting cage assumes a substantially U-shaped flat
surface and includes at least armrest portions. When in use, the
case shall be disposed around the seat.
[0044] While the training machine of the first embodiment is
provided with a seat, the present invention is not limited to this
arrangement and it might also be a training machine comprising no
seat but being especially designed for the legs as illustrated in
FIG. 7. A main body 25 of the training machine according to the
second embodiment of the present invention is composed of a
rotation driving mechanism A, a driving controller B, a pedal
mechanism C and a moving means G similar to those of the first
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2. A pocket 26 for accumulating the
operating pendant 8 therein is provided on a front surface of the
main body 25 for enabling easy operation. When using the training
machine of the second embodiment 2, a seat 27 is provided in front
of the main body 25 so as not to shift. Upon operation of the
operating pendant 8 for setting, the user puts his or her feet on
the pedals 18 and starts actuation for performing exercise for
improving functionalities of the legs in accordance with
rehabilitation programs for the user.
[0045] According to the present invention, it is also possible to
provide pedals for arms so that the machine might be utilized not
only as a training machine for improving functionalities of the
legs but also as a training machine for rehabilitation in case a
person cannot move his or her arms and legs owing to paralysis of
arms and legs resulting from cerebral hemorrhage or degenerative
disease of the cerebellum. According to the third embodiment, it is
possible to provide an arrangement as exemplarily illustrated in
FIG. 8 wherein the training machine 1 of the first embodiment is
provided with an extension portion 1a to which a pedal mechanism C1
for the arms is mounted. Thus, the training machine according to
the third embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 is composed of
a rotation driving mechanism A, driving controller B, pedal
mechanism C and moving means G as illustrated in FIG. 2 as well as
of a rotation transmitting portion for the arms, and the pedal
mechanism C1 including right and left pedal levers 28 and pedals
29. The rotation transmitting portion for the arms might include
the followings: a supporting shaft 30 which is connected to the
pedal levers 28 and is also supported in a freely rotating manner
by a bearing (not shown) mounted to the extension portion 1a; an
upper following pulley 31 fixedly attached to the supporting shaft
30; a switching clutch mechanism 32 connected to the supporting
shaft 13a; a lower following pulley 33 and a following pulley 34
connected to the clutch mechanism 32; a driving pulley 36 connected
to the supporting shaft 12a through the clutch mechanism 35; a
reverse rotation mechanism 37 disposed between the driving pulley
36 and following pulley 34; a belt 38 wound around the upper and
lower following pulleys 31, 33; and belts 39, 40 wound around the
following pulley 34, driving pulley 36 and the reverse rotation
mechanism 37. The switching clutch mechanism 32 might be composed
of a first clutch disposed between the supporting shaft 13a and the
following pulley 33 and of a second clutch disposed between the
following pulley 33 and the following pulley 34. The reverse
rotation mechanism 37 includes a pair of supporting shafts 42
supported in a freely rotating manner by bearing portions 41 which
are mounted to the main body 1, intermediate pulleys 43, and gears
44. The reverse rotation mechanism can be omitted in case a
bi-directional clutch is employed as the switching clutch
mechanism.
[0046] According to the third embodiment, the first clutch of the
switching clutch mechanism 32 is turned ON (actuated) while the
second clutch is turned OFF (terminated) and the clutch mechanism
35 is also turned OFF (terminated) whereupon driving force for
performing forward rotation transmitted from the driving pulley 12
and the following pulley 13 is directly transmitted to the
following pulley 33. In this manner, the pedals 18 for the legs and
the pedals 29 for the arms might be simultaneously rotated in a
forward rotating direction. On the other hand, in case the first
clutch of the switching clutch mechanism 32 is turned OFF
(terminated) while the second clutch is turned ON (actuated) and
the clutch mechanism 35 is also turned ON (actuated) whereupon
driving force for performing forward rotation transmitted from the
driving pulley 12 and the following pulley 13 is directly
transmitted to the following pulley 33 and the driving force of the
driving pulley 36 is transmitted to the following pulley 34 and the
following pulley 32 through the reverse rotation mechanism 32. In
this manner, the pedals 18 for the legs can be rotated in a forward
rotating direction. Further, since the rotation of the driving
pulley 36 in a forward rotating direction is made to be a rotation
in a reverse direction through the reverse rotating mechanism 37, a
rotating driving force in a reverse rotating direction is
transmitted to the following pulley 34 and the following pulley 32,
and the pedals 29 for the arms are accordingly rotated in a reverse
rotating direction. It is therefore possible to make the pedals 18
for the legs and the pedals 29 for the arms rotate either in the
same or opposite direction by switching the switching clutch
mechanism 32 and the clutch mechanism 35 ON or OFF such that the
user might perform functionality improving training on one's own
while being seated on the seat 2 with the arms and legs rotating
either in the same or opposite directions. Exercise of muscles one
does not use in daily life can be performed by simply placing one's
feet on the pedals 18 and the arm on the pedals 29. In case the
upper following pulley 31 is provided with a clutch and this and
other clutches are turned OFF, the training machine can be set to a
neutral condition so that one can perform forward or reverse
rotation of the pedals 18 for the legs and the pedals 29 for the
arms with his or her own force.
[0047] According to the third embodiment, in case a seat 45 is
fixedly provided in front of the main body 1 such that it does not
move, a user sitting on the seat 2 can use the lower pedals 18 for
the legs while another user sitting on the seat 45 can use the
upper pedals 29 for the arms. In this manner, the arrangement of
the third embodiment might be used either by a single person for
performing functionality improving training or by two person for
simultaneously performing functionality improving training of their
legs and arms, respectively. It should be noted that while the
rotation transmitting portion according to the third embodiment
includes a switching clutch mechanism, the present invention is not
limited to this arrangement, and it is also possible to omit the
switching clutch mechanism to provide separate training machines
especially designed for forward or reverse rotation including
pedals for the legs and pedals for the arms.
[0048] While the training machine of the third embodiment is
provided with a seat, the present invention is not limited to this
arrangement, and it is alternatively possible to provide a training
machine comprising no seat as illustrated in FIG. 10. A main body
46 of the training machine according to the fourth embodiment is
composed, similarly to that of the third embodiment, of a rotation
driving mechanism A, a driving controller, pedal mechanisms C, C1,
a moving means G and a rotation transmitting portion for the
arms.
[0049] A pocket 26 for accumulating the operating pendant 8 therein
is provided on a front surface of the main body 46 for enabling
easy operation. When using the training machine of the fourth
embodiment, a seat 45 is provided in front of the main body 46 so
as not to move. Upon operation of the operating pendant 8 for
setting, the user puts his or her feet on the pedals 18 and the
arms on the pedals 29 and starts actuation for performing exercise
for improving functionalities of the arms and the legs in
accordance with rehabilitation programs for the user.
[0050] It should be noted that the length of the main body can be
shortened and made compact in size in the above-described second
and fourth embodiments since no seat is provided on the main body.
It is further possible to arrange a main body of which rear portion
is large in width so that it is possible to mount a television or a
radio thereon and to accumulate spare pedals or exchange tools
therein.
[0051] It is further preferable that an emergency stop function
memory is provided in the microcomputer of the driving controller
in the present embodiment for safety purposes. It is alternatively
possible to provide a column member for preventing tumbling such as
an outrigger 51 as illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. By provision of
such an outrigger 51, leg portions 52 of the outrigger 51 are
descent when using the training machine so that the leg portions 52
contact the floor surface 53 for supporting the main body of the
training machine. When moving the training machine to a location at
which it shall be used or at which it shall be stored, the leg
portions 52 of the outrigger 51 are raised, and by securing a
clearance between the same and the floor surface 53, the casters 23
are enabled to rotate.
[0052] As explained so far, the present invention provides an
arrangement with which physically weak people regardless of age or
sex, convalescent people or athletes might use for rehabilitation
purposes in which functionalities of the lower half of one's body
might be improved in accordance with one's physical conditions
through exercise ranging from soft exercise in which one's heart is
hardly overload to hard exercise which causes one to sweat.
[0053] It is consequently possible to obtain an exercise tool which
is more advantaged than conventional ones, with which it is
possible to vary one's posture at a variety of angles and to
utilize rotation in a reverse direction for changing points to
which load is applied on the human body, to cope with a larger
scope of moving bodies than compared to general exercise, to cope
with strong or weak rotation (both forward and reverse), and to
cope with various conditions for exercise. When used in the
automatic mode, movements one could not perform on his or her own
can be supported for performing stretching in a more effective
manner.
[0054] The arrangement of the present invention providing pedals
for the arms makes it possible to easily use the machine for
rehabilitation purposes in case one cannot move his or her arms and
legs due to paralysis of the arms and legs resulting from cerebral
hemorrhage or degenerative disease of the cerebellum.
[0055] The training machine of the present invention can be used
not only for the above-described rehabilitation purposes but also
by healthy people who are eager to make up for their usual lack of
exercise or for shape-up purposes. It is possible to perform
exercise with which one's heart or respiratory are hardly burdened,
for instance, aerobic exercise (dynamic exercise) with an amount of
oxygen intake ranging from 40 to 60 %.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0056] The present invention provides an arrangement with which
physically weak people regardless of age or sex might strengthen
the lower half of one's body and with which handicapped persons
with their handicap residing in the lower half of their bodies or
athletes might use for rehabilitation purposes, and particularly
with which it is possible to perform training of convalescent
persons by strengthening their muscles through exercise that might
be performed indoors in an easy manner and in a sitting posture for
purposes of rehabilitation by strengthening muscles, and which
might be further utilized for rehabilitation for the purpose of
eliminating paralysis of legs and arms that resulted from cerebral
hemorrhage or degenerative diseases of the cerebellum.
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