U.S. patent application number 11/458560 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for foldable exerciser.
Invention is credited to Lung-Huei LEE.
Application Number | 20070238584 11/458560 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38576048 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070238584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LEE; Lung-Huei |
October 11, 2007 |
FOLDABLE EXERCISER
Abstract
A foldable exerciser includes an elongated main frame, a prop
member disposed to prop the main frame in a straddle position, a
saddle mounting frame pivotally connected to the main frame and
having a saddle mounting segment extending rearwardly, an operating
unit pivotally connected to a top end of the main frame and having
opposite force and weight ends, a coupler interconnecting the
saddle mounting frame and the weight end such that rearward
pivoting movement of the force end toward the saddle mounting
segment in the straddle position can result in movement of the
saddle mounting segment forward for simulating a horse-riding
action, a bracing unit including lower and upper shanks
telescopically fitted to each other, and a damper member disposed
to bias the upper shank away from the lower shank so as to
counteract an impact generated as a result of plunging of the
saddle mounting segment toward the upper shank.
Inventors: |
LEE; Lung-Huei; (Taichung
Hsien, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LOWE HAUPTMAN HAM & BERNER, LLP
1700 DIAGONAL ROAD
SUITE 300
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22314
US
|
Family ID: |
38576048 |
Appl. No.: |
11/458560 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2210/50 20130101;
A63B 23/0476 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 22/0087
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/057 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06; A63B 69/16 20060101 A63B069/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 7, 2006 |
TW |
095112452 |
Claims
1. A foldable exerciser comprising: an elongated main frame having
top and bottom ends opposite to each other, and a middle portion
interposed therebetween; a prop member having a rest end which is
adapted to sit on a ground surface, and a propping end which is
connected to said middle portion to prop said main frame in a
straddle position; a saddle mounting frame including a front pivot
end which is pivotally connected to said middle portion about a
first axis and between said top and propping ends, an arm segment
which extends from said front pivot end in a radial direction
relative to the first axis to terminate at a juncture, and a saddle
mounting segment which extends rearwardly from said juncture such
that said juncture is turnable about the first axis between
proximate and distal positions relative to said top end; a saddle
mounted on said saddle mounting segment; an operating unit
including a fulcrum which is pivotally connected to said top end
about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a force end and
a weight end at two sides of said fulcrum; a coupler having a first
coupled end which is coupled to said juncture, and a second coupled
end which is coupled to said weight end such that in the straddle
position, rearward pivoting movement of said force end about the
second axis toward said saddle mounting segment results in turning
of said juncture from the distal position to the proximate position
so as to move said saddle mounting segment forward for simulating a
horse-riding action; and a bracing unit including a lower shank
which has a lower shank end coupled to said main frame proximate to
said bottom end, an upper shank which has an upper shank end distal
from said lower shank end so as to brace said saddle mounting
segment when said saddle mounting segment is in the distal
position, and which is telescopically fitted to said lower shank
such that said upper shank end is movable relative to said lower
shank along a lengthwise axis thereof, and a damper member with a
biasing force, said damper member being disposed to bias said upper
shank end away from said lower shank end such that when said saddle
mounting segment is moved forward to simulate the horse-riding
action, an impact generated as a result of plunging of said saddle
mounting segment toward said upper shank end is counteracted by the
biasing force.
2. The foldable exerciser of claim 1, wherein said lower shank has
an inner tubular wall surface which surrounds the lengthwise axis,
and an outer tubular wall surface opposite to said inner tubular
wall surface in radial directions relative to the lengthwise axis,
said upper shank having an outer surrounding wall surface which is
disposed inwardly of and which is slidable along said inner tubular
wall surface.
3. The foldable exerciser of claim 2, further comprising a mount
which is mounted on said inner tubular wall surface and downwardly
of said upper shank, said damper member being a coil spring which
is disposed between said upper shank and said mount so as to bias
said upper shank away from said mount.
4. The foldable exerciser of claim 3, wherein said mount is
disposed to slidably engage said inner tubular wall surface along
the lengthwise axis, and has a plurality of adjustment holes
displaced from each other along the lengthwise axis, said outer
tubular wall surface of said lower shank having a through hole
which extends through said inner tubular wall surface to be aligned
with a selected one of said adjustment holes, said foldable
exerciser further comprising a first locking unit which includes a
first nut member that has a first tapped hole and that is disposed
on said outer tubular wall surface so as to register said first
tapped hole with said through hole, and a first locking bolt which
has a first threaded segment that threadedly engages said first
tapped hole, and a first latch segment disposed to extend from said
first threaded segment such that, by virtue of screw movement of
said first threaded segment in said first tapped hole, said first
latch segment is movable between a locking position, where said
first latch segment is inserted into a selected one of said
adjustment holes, and an unlocking position, where said first latch
segment is disengaged from the selected one of said adjustment
holes so as to permit movement of said mount along the lengthwise
axis.
5. The foldable exerciser of claim 3, further comprising a plunger
rod which extends along the lengthwise axis to terminate at upper
and lower heads that connect said upper shank and said mount
respectively and loosely such that extent of the biasing action of
said coil spring is restricted by the length of said plunger
rod.
6. The foldable exerciser of claim 1, wherein said lower shank end
of said lower shank is pivotally connected to said main frame such
that said upper shank end is pivotable between a holding position
where said upper shank end braces said saddle mounting segment, and
a collapsed position where said upper shank end is placed close to
said front pivot end, said foldable exerciser further comprising a
second locking unit disposed to releasably retain said upper shank
end in the holding position.
7. The foldable exerciser of claim 6, wherein said second locking
unit includes an insert hole which is formed in said lower shank, a
second nut member which has a second tapped hole and which is
mounted on said main frame proximate to said bottom end so as to
register said second tapped hole with said insert hole when said
upper shank end is in the holding position, and a second locking
bolt which has a second threaded segment that threadedly engages
said second tapped hole, and a second latch segment that extends
from said second threaded segment such that by virtue of screw
movement of said second threaded segment in said second tapped
hole, said second latch segment is movable to be inserted into said
insert hole to thereby retain said upper shank end in the holding
position, and is movable to disengage from said insert hole to
thereby permit pivoting movement of said upper shank end.
8. The foldable exerciser of claim 1, wherein said coupler includes
first and second tubular pieces which respectively have said first
and second coupled ends, and first and second connected ends that
are telescopically fitted to each other, one of said first and
second connected ends having a plurality of adjustment holes
displaced from each other along a lengthwise axis thereof, the
other one of said first and second connected ends having a through
hole which extends therethrough to be communicated with a selected
one of said adjustment holes, and a third nut member which has a
third tapped hole that is registered with said through hole, said
foldable exerciser further comprising a third locking bolt which
has a third threaded segment that threadedly engages said third
tapped hole, and a third latch segment that extends from said third
threaded segment such that by virtue of screw movement of said
third threaded segment in said third tapped hole, said third latch
segment is movable to be inserted into a selected one of said
adjustment holes or to disengage from the selected one of said
adjustment holes so as to permit movement of said second tubular
piece along the lengthwise axis.
9. The foldable exerciser of claim 8, wherein said second coupled
end is detachably coupled to said weight end such that said second
coupled end is turnable relative to said juncture between an
engaging position, where said second coupled end is retained with
said weight end to thereby result in the rearward pivoting movement
of said force end, and a disengaging position, where said second
coupled end is disengaged from said weight end.
10. The foldable exerciser of claim 1, wherein said propping end is
pivotally connected to said middle portion of said main frame such
that said rest end is pivotable between the straddle position,
where said rest end is remote from said bottom end, and a folded
position, where said rest end is proximate to said bottom end, said
foldable exerciser further comprising a fastening unit which is
disposed to releasably fasten said rest end in the straddle
position.
11. The foldable exerciser of claim 1, further comprising a
pedaling unit which is mounted on said prop member, and which
includes a pair of cranks journalled on said prop member, a pair of
pedals connected respectively to two opposite ends of said cranks,
and a resistance mechanism disposed to deliver a resistance force
to said cranks.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority of Taiwanese Patent
Application No. 095112452, filed on Apr. 7, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to a foldable exerciser, more
particularly to a foldable exerciser which can simulate a
horse-riding action and which is adjustable to provide a
satisfactory feeling of comfort when in use.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In co-pending U.S patent application Ser. Nos. 11/152,159
and 11/328,412, the applicant disclosed a foldable exerciser which
can simulate a horse-riding action and which can be treaded by a
user for performing cycling exercise. In addition, the foldable
exerciser can be folded after use. However, it is desirable to have
an exerciser that provides a feeling of comfort when in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a foldable
exerciser which is adjustable to provide a satisfactory feeling of
comfort when in use.
[0007] According to this invention, the foldable exerciser includes
an elongated main frame having top and bottom ends, and a middle
portion interposed therebetween. A prop member has a rest end
adapted to sit on a ground surface, and a propping end connected to
the middle portion to prop the main frame in a straddle position. A
saddle mounting frame includes a front pivot end pivotally
connected to the middle portion, an arm segment extending radially
from the front pivot end to terminate at a juncture, and a saddle
mounting segment extending rearwardly from the juncture such that
the juncture is turnable between proximate and distal positions
relative to the top end. A saddle is mounted on the saddle mounting
segment. An operating unit includes a fulcrum pivotally connected
to the top end, and a force end and a weight end at two sides of
the fulcrum. A coupler interconnects the juncture and the weight
end such that in the straddle position, rearward pivoting movement
of the force end toward the saddle mounting segment results in
turning of the juncture from the distal position to the proximate
position so as to move the saddle mounting segment forward for
simulating a horse-riding action. A bracing unit includes lower and
upper shanks and a damper member. The lower shank has a lower shank
end coupled to the main frame proximate to the bottom end. The
upper shank has an upper shank end distal from the lower shank end
so as to brace the saddle mounting segment when the saddle mounting
segment is in the distal position, and is telescopically fitted to
the lower shank such that the upper shank end is movable relative
to the lower shank along a lengthwise axis thereof. The damper
member is disposed to bias the upper shank end away from the lower
shank end such that when the saddle mounting segment is moved
forward to simulate the horse-riding action, an impact generated as
a result of plunging of the saddle mounting segment toward the
upper shank end is counteracted by the biasing force.
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 of the invention, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
a foldable exerciser according to this invention in a straddle
state;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment
in the straddle state;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of a rear part of the
preferred embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of the rear part of
the preferred embodiment taken from another angle;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary sectional view of a middle part of
the preferred embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view of a front part of
the preferred embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment
in a horse-riding simulating state; and
[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the preferred embodiment
in a folded state.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the preferred embodiment of a
foldable exerciser according to the present invention is shown to
comprise an elongated main frame 1, a prop member 53, a saddle unit
3, an operating unit 4, a coupler 43, a bracing unit 2, and a
pedaling unit 5.
[0018] The main frame 1 has top and bottom ends 15, 11 opposite to
each other, and a middle portion 12 interposed therebetween. Two
mounting lugs 13, 14 are disposed on the middle portion 12 and
proximate to the top and bottom ends 15, 11, respectively.
[0019] The prop member 53 has a rest end 532 which is disposed to
sit on a ground surface, and a propping end 531 which is pivotally
connected to the middle portion 12 such that the rest end 532 is
pivotable between a straddle position, where the rest end 532 is
remote from the bottom end 11, and a folded position, where the
rest end 532 is closer to the bottom end 11. In the straddle
position, as shown in FIG. 2, the bottom and rest ends 11, 532 are
disposed to sit on a ground surface while the top end 15 is
disposed upwardly and forwardly of the bottom end 11.
[0020] The saddle unit 3 includes a saddle mounting frame 31 and a
saddle 32. The saddle mounting frame 31 includes a front pivot end
3l1 which is pivotally connected to the middle portion 12 about a
first axis and between the top and propping ends 15, 531, an arm
segment 312 which extends from the front pivot end 311 in a radial
direction relative to the first axis to terminate at a juncture
313, and a saddle mounting segment 314 which extends rearwardly
from the juncture 313 such that the juncture 313 is turnable about
the first axis between proximate and distal positions relative to
the top end 15. The saddle 32 is mounted on the saddle mounting
segment 314.
[0021] The operating unit 4 includes an operating rod 41 which has
a fulcrum 411 pivotally connected to the top end 15 about a second
axis parallel to the first axis, a force end 412 and a weight end
413 at two sides of the fulcrum 411, and two handlebars 42 which
are mounted on two opposite sides of the force end 412.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 5, the coupler 43 includes first and
second tubular pieces 431, 432 which respectively have first and
second connected ends 437, 438 that are telescopically fitted to
each other, and first and second coupled ends 435, 436. The first
coupled end 435 is pivotally connected to the juncture 313. The
second coupled end 436 is disposed to anchor an anchored protrusion
414 on the weight end 413. Thus, in the straddle position, rearward
pivoting movement of the force end 412 about the second axis toward
the saddle mounting segment 314 results in turning of the juncture
313 from the distal position to the proximate position so as to
move the saddle mounting segment 314 forward for simulating a
horse-riding action.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bracing unit 2 includes
a tubular lower shank 21, a tubular upper shank 24, and a damper
member 26. The lower shank 21 has a lower shank end 211 which is
pivotally connected to the middle portion 12 in the vicinity of the
bottom end 11. The lower shank 21 has an inner tubular wall surface
214 which surrounds a lengthwise axis thereof, and an outer tubular
wall surface 215 opposite to the inner tubular wall surface 214 in
radial directions relative to the lengthwise axis. The upper shank
24 is telescopically fitted into the lower shank 21, and has an
outer surrounding wall surface 242 which is disposed inwardly of
and which is slidable along the inner tubular wall surface 214 such
that an upper shank end 241 distal from the lower shank end 211 is
movable relative to the lower shank 21 along the lengthwise axis so
as to brace the saddle mounting segment 314 when the saddle
mounting segment 314 is in the distal position. A mount 23 is
mounted on the inner tubular wall surface 214 and downwardly of the
upper shank 24, and is slidable along the inner tubular wall
surface 214. A plunger rod 25 is disposed to extend along the
lengthwise axis to terminate at upper and lower heads that connect
the upper shank 24 and the mount 23 respectively and loosely. The
damper member 26 is a coil spring 26 which is disposed between the
upper shank 24 and the mount 23 and which surrounds the plunger rod
25 so as to bias the upper shank end 241 away from the lower shank
end 211 such that during the horse-riding action, an impact
generated as a result of plunging of the saddle mounting segment
314 toward the upper shank end 241 is counteracted by a biasing
force of the coil spring 26. Moreover, the extent of the biasing
action of the coil spring 26 can be restricted by the length of the
plunger rod 25.
[0024] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the mount 23 has a plurality of
adjustment holes 231 displaced from each other along the lengthwise
axis. The outer tubular wall surface 215 of the lower shank 21 has
a through hole 212 which extends through the inner tubular wall
surface 214 to align with a selected one of the adjustment holes
231. A first locking unit 27 includes a first nut member 271 which
has a first tapped hole 2711 and which is disposed on the outer
tubular wall surface 215 so as to register the first tapped hole
2711 with the through hole 212, and a first locking bolt which has
a first threaded segment 273 that threadedly engages the first
tapped hole 2711, and a first latch segment 272 that extends from
the first threaded segment 273. By virtue of screw movement of the
first threaded segment 273 in the first tapped hole 2711, the first
latch segment 272 is movable between a locking position, where the
first latch segment 272 is inserted into a selected one of the
adjustment holes 231, and an unlocking position, where the first
latch segment 272 is disengaged from the selected one of the
adjustment holes 231 so as to permit movement of the mount 23 along
the lengthwise axis. Thus, the rigidity of the coil spring 26 is
adjustable to meet the user's requirement.
[0025] Furthermore, the upper shank end 241 is pivotable between a
holding position, as shown in FIG. 2, where the upper shank end 241
braces the saddle mounting segment 314, and a collapsed position,
as shown in FIG. 8, where the upper shank end 241 is placed closer
to the front pivot end 311. Referring to FIG. 3, a second locking
unit includes an insert hole 213 which is formed through the lower
shank 21, a second nut member 221 which has a second tapped hole
2211 and which is mounted on the mounting lug 14 so as to register
the second tapped hole 2211 with the insert hole 213 when the upper
shank end 241 is in the holding position, and a second locking bolt
22 which has a second threaded segment 223 that threadedly engages
the second tapped hole 2211, and a second latch segment 222 that
extends from the second threaded segment 223. By virtue of screw
movement of the second threaded segment 223 in the second tapped
hole 2211, the second latch segment 222 is movable to be inserted
into the insert hole 213 to thereby retain the upper shank end 241
in the holding position, and is movable to disengage from the
insert hole 213 to thereby permit pivoting movement of the upper
shank end 241.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 5, the second connected end 438 has a
plurality of adjustment holes 434 displaced from each other along a
lengthwise axis thereof. The second connected end 438 has a through
hole 433 which extends therethrough to be communicated with a
selected one of the adjustment holes 434, and a third nut member
441 which has a third tapped hole 4411 that is registered with the
through hole 433. A third locking bolt 44 has a third threaded
segment 443 which threadedly engages the third tapped hole 4411,
and a third latch segment 442 which extends from the third threaded
segment 443 such that by virtue of screw movement of the third
threaded segment 443 in the third tapped hole 4411, the third latch
segment 442 is movable to be inserted into a selected one of the
adjustment holes 434, or to disengage from the selected one of the
adjustment holes 434 so as to permit movement of the second tubular
piece 432 along the lengthwise axis. Thus, the distance between the
first and second coupled ends 435, 436 is adjustable.
[0027] Moreover, the second coupled end 436 is detachably coupled
to the weight end 413 such that the second coupled end 436 is
turnable relative to the juncture 313 between an engaging position,
as shown in FIG. 5, where the second coupled end 436 is retained
with the weight end 413 to thereby result in the rearward pivoting
movement of the force end 412, and a disengaging position, as shown
in FIG. 8, where the second coupled end 436 is disengaged from the
weight end 413.
[0028] The pedaling unit 5 is mounted on the prop member 53, and
includes a pair of cranks 56 journalled on the prop member 53, a
pair of pedals 52 connected respectively to two opposite ends of
the cranks 56 for treading by a user, and a resistance mechanism 51
disposed to deliver a resistance force to the cranks 56. In
addition, with reference to FIG. 6, an annular sleeve 54 is
attached to the prop member 53 and is aligned with the mounting lug
13. A fastening unit 55 includes a fourth nut member 551 affixed to
the mounting lug 13, and a fourth locking bolt having a fourth
threaded segment 553 that threadedly engages the fourth nut member
551, and a fourth latch segment 552 that extends from the fourth
threaded segment 553 so as to be inserted into the annular sleeve
54 by virtue of screw movement of the fourth threaded segment 553,
thereby fastening the prop member 53 in the straddle position.
[0029] In use, referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the user can sit on the
saddle 32 and grip the handlebars 42 while treading the pedals 52
for performing cycling exercise. The user may also pull the
handlebars 42 rearwardly so that the saddle 32 is raised and turned
toward the handlebars 42 to simulate a horse-riding action. It is
noted that when the saddle mounting segment 314 is pressed to
plunge to the upper shank end 241, the impact therebetween is
counteracted by the biasing force of the coil spring 26, thereby
providing a damping effect. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, to
meet the user's requirement, the first locking unit 27 can be
released to permit adjustment of the position of the mount 23 so as
to vary the height of the upper shank end 241 and the saddle
mounting segment 314. As shown in FIG. 5, the third locking bolt 44
can also be released to permit adjustment of the second connected
end 438 relative to the first connected end 437 so as to vary the
distance between the handlebars 42 and the saddle 32 to accommodate
different users.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 8, to fold the exerciser, the
second locking bolt 22 and the fastening unit 55 are released, and
the second coupled end 436 is disengaged from the weight end 413
such that the bracing unit 2, the saddle unit 3, the operating unit
4, and the prop member 53, as well as the pedaling unit 5, can be
turned and collapsed toward the main frame 1.
[0031] 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
interpretations and equivalent arrangements.
* * * * *