U.S. patent application number 09/842245 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-24 for exercising device.
Invention is credited to Lat, Shu-Chtung.
Application Number | 20020155926 09/842245 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27439071 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020155926 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lat, Shu-Chtung |
October 24, 2002 |
Exercising device
Abstract
An exercising device includes a mounting rod supported on a
floor. Right and left shafts respectively have lower ends secured
to the mounting rod and define first and second axes. Right and
left tubular members are sleeved on and are rotatable relative to
the right and left shafts about the first and second axes,
respectively. Right and left treadles are respectively anchored to
the right and left tubular members to be rotatable therewith. A
pull rope includes first and second ends respectively secured to
the right and left tubular members, and an intermediate friction
segment wound around a rim of a pulley member which is spaced apart
from the mounting rod.
Inventors: |
Lat, Shu-Chtung; (Taichung
City, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
350 WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD
SUITE 500
PASADENA
CA
91105
US
|
Family ID: |
27439071 |
Appl. No.: |
09/842245 |
Filed: |
April 24, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/0069 20130101;
A63B 21/015 20130101; A63B 21/153 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101;
A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 2022/0074 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/52 |
International
Class: |
A63B 022/04 |
Claims
I claim:
1. An exercising device comprising: a mounting rod adapted to be
supported on a floor surface, and including right and left portions
opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction, and an
intermediate portion interposed between said right and left
portions; right and left shafts respectively defining first and
second axes and having right and left lower ends secured to said
intermediate portion proximate to said right and left portions
respectively, and right and left upper ends respectively opposite
to said right and left lower ends in a respective one of first and
second upright directions, the first and second upright directions
being parallel to the first and second axes, respectively; right
and left tubular members respectively disposed to sleeve on and to
be rotatable relative to said right and left shafts about the first
and second axes respectively, said right tubular members including
right upper and lower tubular portions opposite to each other in
the first upright direction, said left tubular member including
left upper and lower tubular portions opposite to each other in the
second upright direction; a right treadle including right proximate
and distal portions opposite to each other in a first radial
direction relative to the first axis; a left treadle including left
proximate and distal portions opposite to each other in a second
radial direction relative to the second axis, said right and left
proximate portions being anchored to and rotating with said right
and left upper tubular portions, respectively; a pulley member
disposed to be rotatable about a third axis and spaced apart from
said intermediate portion in a first transverse direction relative
to the longitudinal direction, said pulley member including upper
and lower major friction surfaces opposite to each other, and a rim
disposed to surround the third axis and to join said upper and
lower major friction surfaces; and a pull rope including first and
second ends respectively secured to said right and left lower
tubular portions, and an intermediate friction segment
interconnecting said first and second ends and disposed to be wound
around said rim such that when said right lower tubular portion is
turned about the first axis counterclockwise by an outward and
laterally treading action of the right foot of a user stepping on
said right treadle, said second end is pulled by said first end to
twist said left lower tubular portion to turn counterclockwise,
thereby producing a resistance to an outward and laterally treading
action of the left foot of the user stepping on said left treadle
to move said left lower tubular portion to turn clockwise via said
left upper tubular portion.
2. The exercising device according to claim 1, further comprising a
support rod disposed to be spaced apart from and parallel to said
mounting rod, a support bar extending in the first transverse
direction to interconnect said intermediate portion and said
support rod, and a mounting axle disposed on said support bar and
extending along the third axis so as to be mounted rotatably with
said pulley member.
3. The exercising device according to claim 2, further comprising
an upper friction member mounted on said mounting axle and movable
along the third axis, said upper friction member including a
downward friction-braking surface disposed to face and to be
movable toward said upper major friction surface of said pulley
member so as to create a dragging force applied to said upper major
friction surface, thereby producing an increased resistance to the
pulling of either one of said first and second ends of said pull
rope.
4. The exercising device according to claim 3, further comprising a
lower friction member mounted on said mounting axle and disposed at
the opposite side of said pulley member relative to said upper
friction member, said lower friction member including an upward
friction-braking surface facing said lower major friction surface
of said pulley member to create a dragging force applied to said
lower major friction surface when said upper friction member is
moved toward said pulley member, thereby bringing said lower major
friction surface into frictional contact with said upward
friction-braking surface so as to produce an increased resistance
to the pulling of either one of said first and second ends of said
pull rope.
5. The exercising device according to claim 4, further comprising a
thrusting member mounted on said mounting axle and movable toward
said upper major friction surface along the third axis, and a
friction adjusting member which is disposed outboard to and which
abuts against said thrusting member, said friction adjusting member
engaging threadedly said mounting axle such that screwing movement
of said friction adjusting member along the third axis will bring
said downward friction-braking surface of said upper friction
member toward or away from said upper major friction surface so as
to increase or reduce the dragging force.
6. The exercising device according to claim 5, wherein said
thrusting member is provided with a periphery surrounding the third
axis, and a retaining wall extending from said periphery in an
axial direction parallel to the third axis and toward said lower
friction member such that said pull rope is prevented from slipping
from said rim of said pulley member.
7. The exercising device according to claim 6, wherein said rim has
an inwardly and radially extending annular groove for receiving
said pull rope.
8. The exercising device according to claim 7, wherein said right
and left shafts are inclined respectively toward said right and
left portions of said mounting rod.
9. The exercising device according to claim 8, further comprising
right and left linking arms which respectively include right and
left coupling ends coupled to rotate with a respective one of said
right and left lower tubular portions, and right and left connected
ends extending respectively from said right and left coupling ends
in two radial directions relative to the first and second axes
respectively and connected to said first and second ends of said
pull rope, respectively.
10.The exercising device according to claim 9, further comprising
right and left levers which respectively include right and left
anchoring ends secured to rotate with a respective one of said
right and left upper tubular portions, and right and left seat ends
extending respectively from said right and left anchoring ends in
two radial directions relative to the first and second axes
respectively and supporting said right and left treadles,
respectively.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to an exercising device, more
particularly to an exercising device that permits simultaneous
treading and skiing exercises and that is simple in
construction.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] With reference to FIG. 1, a conventional treading exerciser
includes a generally I-shaped support frame 1, an upright bar 2
extending upwardly from a front end of the support frame 1, a pivot
shaft 3 extending transversely through an upper end of the upright
bar 2, a pair of treadles 4 pivotally mounted on two ends of the
pivot shaft 3 on opposite sides of the upright bar 2, and two
hydraulic cylinders 5, each of which has one end secured to a
bottom side of one of the treadles 4 and an opposite end secured to
the front end of the support frame 1. The hydraulic cylinders 5
provide a damping effect when the user performs treading exercise
by stepping on the treadles 4 alternately. Such a conventional
treading exerciser permits exercising of the leg muscles only, and
the treading action is quite monotonous. Besides, in case of oil
leakage of the hydraulic cylinders, replacement of the latter is
costly.
[0005] FIG. 2 shows a conventional skiing trainer. As shown, two
posts 7 are provided at a rear end of a base 6, and a grip handle 8
is erected at a front end of the base 6. Two bars 9 have front ends
pivotally mounted on the posts 7, respectively. Each of the bars 9
has a treadle portion 10 disposed thereon. In use, the user holds
the grip handle 8, and puts both feet on the treadle portions 10.
By swinging the bars 9 outwardly and inwardly in relation to the
base 1 with both feet, the user can simulate skiing movements.
However, since the conventional skiing trainer merely permits
outward and inward movement of the feet on the same plane, the
exercising effect is not satisfactory.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to
provide an exercising device that permits simultaneous treading and
skiing exercises.
[0007] Accordingly, an exercising device of the present invention
includes a mounting rod, right and left shafts, right and left
tubular members, right and left treadles, a pulley member and a
pull rope. The mounting rod is adapted to be supported on a floor
surface, and includes right and left portions opposite to each
other in a longitudinal direction, and an intermediate portion
interposed between the right and left portions. The right and left
shafts respectively define first and second axes and have right and
left upper and lower ends. The right and left lower ends are
secured to the intermediate portion proximate to the right and left
portions, respectively. The right and left upper ends are
respectively opposite to the right and left lower ends in a
respective one of first and second upright directions that are
parallel to the first and second axes, respectively. The right and
left tubular members are respectively disposed to sleeve on and to
be rotatable relative to the right and left shafts about the first
and second axes, respectively. The right tubular member includes
right upper and lower tubular portions opposite to each other in
the first upright direction. The left tubular member includes upper
and lower tubular portions opposite to each other in the second
upright direction. The right treadle includes right proximate and
distal portions opposite to each other in a first radial direction
relative to the first axis. The left treadle includes left
proximate and distal portions opposite to each other in a second
radial direction relative to the second axis. The right and left
proximate portions are anchored to and rotate with the right and
left upper tubular portions, respectively. The pulley member is
disposed to be rotatable about a third axis and is spaced apart
from the intermediate portion in a first transverse direction
relative to the longitudinal direction. The pulley member includes
upper and lower major friction surfaces opposite to each other, and
a rim disposed to surround the third axis and to join the upper and
lower major friction surfaces. The pull rope includes first and
second ends respectively secured to the right and left lower
tubular portions, and an intermediate friction segment
interconnecting the first and second ends and disposed to be wound
around the rim such that when the right lower tubular portion is
turned about the first axis counterclockwise by an outward and
laterally treading action of the right foot of a user stepping on
the right treadle, the second end is pulled by the first end to
twist the left lower tubular portion to turn counterclockwise,
thereby producing a resistance to an outward and laterally treading
action of the left foot of the user stepping on the left treadle to
move the left lower tubular portion to turn clockwise via the left
upper tubular portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent in the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings,
of which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional
treading exerciser;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a conventional
skiing trainer;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of an exercising device according to the invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a top sectional view of a pulley member of the
preferred embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the preferred
embodiment in a state of use; and
[0015] FIGS. 7 and 8 are schematic side views illustrating
operation of the preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the preferred embodiment of an
exercising device according to the present invention is shown to
include a mounting rod 22, right and left shafts 35, right and left
tubular members 40, right and left treadles 42, a pulley member 53,
and a pull rope 60.
[0017] The mounting rod 22 is adapted to be supported on a floor
surface, and includes right and left portions opposite to each
other in a longitudinal direction, and an intermediate portion
interposed between the right and left portions. In this embodiment,
the exercising device further includes a support rod 23 disposed to
be spaced apart from and parallel to the mounting rod 22, and a
support bar 21 extending in the first transverse direction to
interconnect the intermediate portion and the support rod 23,
thereby forming an I-shaped support frame 20. The exercising device
may further include a mounting seat 30 disposed on the support
frame 20. The mounting seat 30 includes a transverse plate 31 and
front and rear side plates 32, 33 extending longitudinally from
front and rear edges of the transverse plate 31. The front and rear
side plates 32, 33 have bottom ends thereof secured to the mounting
rod 22 and the support bar 21, respectively. An obliquely extending
reinforcing plate 34 has a top end connected to a juncture between
the transverse plate 31 and the rear side plate 33, and a bottom
end secured to the support bar 21, thereby reinforcing the
connection of the mounting seat 30 with the support frame 20.
[0018] The right and left shafts 35 respectively define first and
second axes and have right and left upper and lower ends. The right
and left lower ends are secured to the intermediate portion of the
mounting rod 22 proximate to the right and left portions,
respectively. The right and left upper ends are respectively
opposite to the right and left lower ends in a respective one of
first and second upright directions that are parallel to the first
and second axes, respectively. The right and left shafts 35 are
disposed on the same longitudinal plane, and respectively incline
toward the right and left portions of the mounting rod 22 in a
substantially V-shaped configuration such that the right and left
shafts 35 form the same angle with the floor surface. In this
embodiment, the right and left lower ends are secured to lateral
ends of the transverse plate 31.
[0019] The right and left tubular members 40 are disposed to sleeve
on and to be rotatable relative to the right and left shafts 35
about the first and second axes, respectively. The right tubular
member 40 includes right upper and lower tubular portions 401, 402
opposite to each other in the first upright direction. The left
tubular member 40 includes left upper and lower tubular portions
401, 402 opposite to each other in the second upright
direction.
[0020] The right treadle 42 includes right proximate and distal
portions opposite to each other in a first radial direction
relative to the first axis. The left treadle 42 includes left
proximate and distal portions opposite to each other in a second
radial direction relative to the second axis. The right and left
proximate portions are anchored to and rotate with the right and
left upper tubular portions 401, respectively.
[0021] The pulley member 53 is disposed to be rotatable about a
third axis, and is spaced apart from the intermediate portion of
the mounting rod 22 in a first transverse direction relative to the
longitudinal direction. The pulley member 53 includes upper and
lower major friction surfaces opposite to each other, and a rim 531
disposed to surround the third axis and to join the upper and lower
major friction surfaces. The rim 531 has an inwardly and radially
extending annular groove for receiving the pull rope 60.
[0022] The pull rope 60 includes first and second ends respectively
secured to the right and left lower tubular portions 402, and an
intermediate friction segment interconnecting the first and second
ends and disposed to be wound around the rim 531. When the right
lower tubular portion 402 is turned about the first axis
counterclockwise by an outward and laterally treading action of the
right foot of a user stepping on the right treadle 42, the second
end is pulled by the first end to cause the left lower tubular
portion 402 to swing counterclockwise, thereby producing a
resistance to an outward and laterally treading action of the left
foot of the user stepping on the left treadle 42 to move the left
lower tubular portion 402 to turn clockwise via the left upper
tubular portion 401. Thus, the exercising device of the invention
permits simultaneous treading and skiing exercises, while providing
a damping effect without the need for a hydraulic cylinder.
[0023] A mounting axle 54 with a threaded section 541 is disposed
on the support bar 21, and extends along the third axis so as to be
mounted rotatably with the pulley member 53. A generally
rectangular support block 70 is also disposed on the support bar 21
proximate to the support rod 23, and the mounting axle 54 extends
upwardly through the support block 70. The support block 70 is
provided to enable the pulley member 53 and the pull rope 60 to lie
on substantially the same plane so as to facilitate operation.
[0024] The exercising device further includes upper and lower
friction members 56, 57, a thrusting member 51, a lower cover
member 52, and a friction adjusting member 55. The upper friction
member 56 is mounted on the mounting axle 54 and is movable along
the third axis. The upper friction member 56 includes a downward
friction-braking surface disposed to face and to be movable toward
the upper major friction surface of the pulley member 53 so as to
create a dragging force applied to the upper major friction
surface, thereby producing an increased resistance to the pulling
of either one of the first and second ends of the pull rope 60.
[0025] The lower friction member 57 is mounted on the mounting axle
54 and is disposed at the opposite side of the pulley member 53
relative to the upper friction member 56. The lower friction member
57 includes an upward friction-braking surface facing the lower
major friction surface of the pulley member 53 so as to create a
dragging force applied to the lower major friction surface when the
upper friction member 56 is moved toward the pulley member 53,
thereby bringing the lower major friction surface into frictional
contact with the upward friction-braking surface so as to produce
an increased resistance to the pulling of either one of the first
and second ends of the pull rope 60.
[0026] The thrusting member 51 is mounted on the mounting axle 54
and is movable toward the upper major friction surface along the
third axis. The thrusting member 51 is provided with a periphery
surrounding the third axis, and a retaining wall 511 extending from
the periphery in an axial direction parallel to the third axis and
toward the lower friction member 57 so as to house the pulley
member 53 along with the upper and lower friction members 56, 57
therein. Hence, the pull rope 60 is prevented from slipping from
the rim 531 of the pulley member 53.
[0027] The lower cover member 52 is secured to the support block
70, and the mounting axle 54 passes, in sequence, through the lower
cover member 52, the lower friction member 57, the pulley member
53, the upper friction member 56, and the thrusting member 51 such
that the threaded section 541 projects from the thrusting member
51.
[0028] The friction adjusting member 55 is disposed outboard to and
abuts against the thrusting member 51. The friction adjusting
member 55 threadedly engages the threaded section 541 of the
mounting axle 54, which projects from the thrusting member 51, such
that screwing movement of the friction adjusting member 55 along
the third axis will bring the downward friction-braking surface of
the upper friction member 56 toward or away from the upper major
friction surface of the pulley member 53 so as to increase or
reduce the dragging force.
[0029] The exercising device further includes right and left
linking arms 44 and right and left levers 412. The right and left
linking arms 44 respectively include right and left coupling ends
441 coupled to rotate with a respective one of the right and left
lower tubular portions 402, and right and left connected ends 442
extending respectively from the right and left coupling ends in two
radial directions relative to the first and second axes,
respectively, and connected to the first and second ends of the
pull rope 60, respectively. The right and left connected ends 442
are so disposed as to be spaced apart from the floor surface or the
mounting rod 22.
[0030] The right and left levers 412 respectively include right and
left anchoring ends secured to rotate with a respective one of the
right and left upper tubular portions 401, and right and left seat
ends extending respectively from the right and left anchoring ends
in two radial directions relative to the first and second axes,
respectively, and supporting the right and left treadles 42,
respectively. In addition, right and left buffer pads 43 are
respectively disposed on the right and left anchoring ends opposite
to the right and left treadles 42 to abut against the support rod
23 when the right and left levers 412 displace downwardly, thereby
providing a shock absorbing function.
[0031] In use, when the user steps on the treadles 42 with both
feet, with his weight placed on one of the feet, the treadle 42
bearing most of the weight of the user will be pressed downwardly.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 and 7, the left treadle 42 is
pressed downwardly. Since the right and left treadles 42 are
pivotally mounted on the right and left shafts 35, when the left
treadle 42 is pressed, the left upper tubular portion 401 secured
to the left lever 412 turns about the second axis clockwise,
thereby bringing the left lever 412 together with the left treadle
42 to swing outwardly and laterally with respect to the support bar
21 until the buffer pad 43 on the left lever 412 abuts against the
support rod 23 or until the user shifts his weight to the right
foot. Displacement of the left treadle 42 causes the pull rope 60
connected to the left linking arm 44 on the left lower tubular
portion 402 to drag the right linking arm 44 on the right lower
tubular portion 402 inwardly with respect to the support bar 21 via
the pulley member 53 (see FIG. 7). Referring to FIG. 8, when the
user shifts his weight to the right foot to press the right treadle
42 downwardly, a resistance resulting from the dragging of the pull
rope 60 on the right linking member 44 is encountered. When the
user swings the right treadle 42 along with the right lever 412
counterclockwise about the first axis, the right treadle 42
displaces laterally and outwardly with respect to the support bar
21, and the right linking arm 44 simultaneously drags the pull rope
60, so that the latter pulls the left linking arm 44 to thereby
drag the left treadle 42 inwardly with respect to the support bar
21. As such, the user can perform simultaneous downward and
swinging outward movements to exercise the leg muscles. The loin
muscles can also be exercised.
[0032] Furthermore, as compared with the conventional treading
exerciser which utilizes hydraulic cylinders to provide a damping
effect, the present invention, which achieves the desired damping
effect by the arrangement of the pull rope 60, is simpler in
construction. Besides, replacement of the pull rope 60 is
convenient and inexpensive.
[0033] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what is considered the most practical and preferred
embodiment, it is understood that this invention is not limited to
the disclosed embodiment but is intended to cover various
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent arrangements.
* * * * *