U.S. patent application number 12/439206 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for exercise machine.
Invention is credited to Iwao Yamazaki.
Application Number | 20090239718 12/439206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38845252 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090239718 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yamazaki; Iwao |
September 24, 2009 |
EXERCISE MACHINE
Abstract
An exercise machine includes: a base; a saddle provided on the
base via a first elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal
provided on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling
pedestal is tilted toward the saddle; and a handle provided on the
base via a second elastic flexible shaft.
Inventors: |
Yamazaki; Iwao; ( Tokyo,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FINNEGAN, HENDERSON, FARABOW, GARRETT & DUNNER;LLP
901 NEW YORK AVENUE, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20001-4413
US
|
Family ID: |
38845252 |
Appl. No.: |
12/439206 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
March 13, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2007/054978 |
371 Date: |
February 27, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 23/0233 20130101;
A63B 21/023 20130101; A63B 22/205 20130101; A63B 22/18 20130101;
A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2022/0033 20130101; A63B 22/0087
20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101; A63B 2022/0623 20130101; A63B
2208/0233 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 22/0012 20130101;
A63B 21/00181 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/57 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/06 20060101
A63B022/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 1, 2006 |
JP |
PCT/JP2006/317342 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An exercise machine, comprising: a base; a saddle provided on
the base via a first elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal
provided on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling
pedestal is tilted toward the saddle; and a handle provided on the
base via a second elastic flexible shaft.
22. An exercise machine, comprising; a base; a saddle provided at a
predetermined position of the base via a first elastic flexible
shaft; a pedaling pedestal provided at a front side of the saddle
on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling pedestal is
tilted toward the saddle; a handle supported so as to be movable
right and left via a second elastic flexible shaft provided at a
front side from the pedaling pedestal on the base and tilted toward
the saddle; and a first driving device for moving the handle right
and left attached to a top end of the second elastic flexible shaft
for supporting the handle.
23. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21, wherein the base
includes at least a pair of pipes which are positioned in parallel
and configured such that front portions of the pipes are bent
upward and an auxiliary member for connecting the pipes.
24. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22, wherein the base
includes at least a pair of pipes which are positioned in parallel
and configured such that front portions of the pipes are bent
upward and an auxiliary member for connecting the pipes.
25. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21, wherein the
saddle is connected with a top end of the first elastic flexible
shaft so as to be freely swung.
26. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22, wherein the
saddle is connected with a top end of the first elastic flexible
shaft so as to be freely swung.
27. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21, further
comprising, a third driving device for swinging the saddle which is
connected with the second elastic flexible shaft.
28. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22, further
comprising, a second driving device for swinging the saddle which
is connected with the second elastic flexible shaft.
29. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21, wherein the
pedaling pedestal includes a pair of foot pedals which are tilted
toward the saddle on the base and configured so as to be upped and
downed within a predetermined stroke range, and an elastic body for
pushing the foot pedals up.
30. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22, wherein the
pedaling pedestal includes a pair of foot pedals which are tilted
toward the saddle on the base and configured so as to be upped and
downed within a predetermined stroke range, and an elastic body for
pushing the foot pedals up.
31. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21, further
comprising, a third driving device for upping and downing the foot
pedals within a predetermined stroke range.
32. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22, further
comprising, a third driving device for upping and downing the foot
pedals within a predetermined stroke range.
33. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21, wherein the
handle is attached to a holding member fixed to a top end of the
second elastic flexible shaft so as to be movable right and left;
wherein a driving means for moving the handle right and left is
mounted at the holding member; and wherein a controlling device for
the driving means is provided in the vicinity of a grip of the
handle or on a top of the holding member.
34. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22, wherein the
handle is attached to a holding member fixed to a top end of the
second elastic flexible shaft so as to be movable right and left;
wherein a driving means for moving the handle right and left is
mounted at the holding member; and wherein a controlling device for
the driving means is provided in the vicinity of a grip of the
handle or on a top of the holding member.
35. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21, wherein knees of
a user can be bent by at least 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees
at maximum in comparison with an upright posture of the user when
the user puts his or her feet onto the pedals.
36. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22, wherein knees of
a user can be bent by at least 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees
at maximum in comparison with an upright posture of the user when
the user puts his or her feet onto the pedals.
37. An exercise machine comprising: a base; a saddle provided on
the base via an elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal with a
pair of rotation pedals provided on the base so that a rotation
axis of the pair of rotation pedals is tilted toward the saddle;
and a handle attached to the base via a movable member configured
so as to be moved forward and backward.
38. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37, further
comprising, a load controlling means for applying a load to the
movable member so as to control a load for a forward and backward
movement of the movable member.
39. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 38, wherein the load
controlling means includes a dumper.
40. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37, wherein the base
includes a pair of pipes positioned in parallel and another pair of
pipes which are elongated upward from the pair of pipes in parallel
and supports the saddle, respectively.
41. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37, wherein the
saddle is connected with a top end of the elastic flexible shaft so
as to be freely swung.
42. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 41, further
comprising, a driving device for mandatorily swinging the elastic
flexible shaft through a connection of the driving device with the
elastic flexible shaft.
43. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37, further
comprising, a second driving device for swinging the saddle which
is connected with the second elastic flexible shaft.
44. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37, wherein the
pedaling pedestal includes a rotation load-controlling means for
controlling a rotation load of the pair of rotation pedals.
45. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 44, wherein the
rotation load-controlling means includes a rotation body connected
with the rotation pedals, a belt contacted around a periphery of
the rotation body, a coil spring and a wire which are connected
with the belt in turn from the rotation body, and a load
controlling knob.
46. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37, wherein a
distance between the rotation pedals is set larger than a distance
between legs of a user by 10% or more when the user sits on the
saddle.
47. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37, further
comprising, a displaying device for indicating exercise information
of a user through rotation action by pedaling the rotation pedals,
wherein the displaying device is provided above the base.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise machine
configured such that a user takes exercise by himself or herself
using the exercise machine or with an auxiliary driving means such
as one or more motors which are mounted at the driving portion of
the exercise machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A conventional pedal type exercise machine with a pair of
foot pedals includes an exercise machine main body, a saddle which
is fixed to the exercise machine main body and configured such that
a user can sit on the saddle while the user stretches out his or
her legs, and a pair of pedals configured such that the legs of the
user can reach the foot pedals and a given load can be applied to
the pedals. In the exercise machine, the leg muscles and the like
of the user can be mainly trained by conducting pedaling action for
the exercise machine. The pedaling action is carried out
alternately for the left and right foot pedals by putting the feet
of the user on the foot pedals under the condition of sitting
postures (refer to Patent Reference 1).
[0003] Moreover, a horse riding type exercise machine is well
known. The horse riding type exercise is configured such that the
seat of the horse riding type exercise is swung vertically and
laterally by means of coil spring (refer to Patent Reference
2).
[0004] Patent Reference 1: JP-A 2000-116818 (KOKAI)
[0005] Patent Reference 2: JP-A 2003-190347 (KOKAI)
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Generally, such an exercise machine as exercising every part
of the body of a user and training the muscle of a particular part
of the body of the user such as shoulders, legs and arms is
desired. To exercise every part of the body can develop the total
energy consumption of the body. To train the muscle of the
particular part of the body can streamline the particular part
through the direct performance of the exercise machine.
[0007] With the pedal type exercise machine, however, only the legs
from the shoulders of the user can be exercised because a given
load is applied only to the muscles of the legs from the shoulders
of the user by alternately pedaling the foot pedals of the exercise
machine with the feet of the user putting on the foot pedals and
utilizing the body function of the user of balancing the body of
the user against the unbalanced swing of the saddle. Therefore, the
pedal type exercise machine is not suitable as an exercise machine
for training the muscle of the arms and improving balance.
Moreover, there is a problem that the pedal type exercise machine
requires a large amount of exercise for a user short on physical
strength such as people of advanced age.
[0008] The present invention is considered so as to iron out the
above-described problems and thus, directed at providing an
exercise machine which can exercise every part of the body, train
the muscle of the arms in addition to the particular part of the
body to be desired to be streamlined through the direct performance
of the exercise machine, and improve balance. Moreover, the present
invention is directed at providing an exercise machine for a user
short on physical strength to easily use the exercise machine
through the assistance for the user's exercise.
[0009] In order to iron out the above-described problems, an
embodiment of the present invention relates to an exercise machine,
including: a base; a saddle provided on the base via a first
elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal provided on the base so
that a pedaling axis for the pedaling pedestal is tilted toward the
saddle; and a handle provided on the base via a second elastic
flexible shaft.
[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an
exercise machine, including: a base; a saddle provided at a
predetermined position of the base via a first elastic flexible
shaft; a pedaling pedestal provided at a front side of the saddle
on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling pedestal is
tilted toward the saddle; a handle supported so as to be movably
right and left via a second elastic flexible shaft provided at a
front side from the pedaling pedestal on the base and tilted toward
the saddle; and a first driving device for moving the handle right
and left attached to a top end of the second elastic flexible shaft
for supporting the handle.
[0011] In the embodiments, the exercise machine includes the base,
the saddle and the pedaling pedestal with the pair of foot pedals
which are provided at respective predetermined portions of the base
and the handle so that the saddle and handle are attached to the
base via the elastic flexible shaft. Therefore, when a user sits on
the saddle and conducts alternate pedaling action using the foot
pedals or pushing action for the foot pedals by both legs of the
user, the saddle and the handle are swung unstably so as to conduct
a complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs
based on the body function to balance his or her body. Therefore,
the muscles of the legs and arms of the user can be trained
simultaneously and the sense of balance of the user can be
developed.
[0012] For example, the base includes at least a pair of pipes
which are positioned in parallel and configured such that the front
portions of the pipes are bended upward and an auxiliary member for
connecting the pipes.
[0013] The saddle may be connected with the second elastic flexible
shaft so as to be freely swung.
[0014] A driving device for swinging the saddle may be attached to
the saddle. In this case, the saddle can be inherently swung by the
pushing action for the foot pedals and then, mandatorily swung by
the driving device. Therefore, the swing configuration of the
saddle can become complicated. In this point of view, the user can
take complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs
based on the body function to balance his or her body so that the
user can train his or her muscles of his or her legs and arms
effectively and efficiently and develop the sense of balance
effectively and efficiently.
[0015] The pedaling pedestal may include a pair of foot pedals
which are tilted toward the saddle on the base and configured so as
to be upped and downed within a predetermined stroke range, and an
elastic body for pushing the foot pedals up. In this case, a
driving device for upping and downing the foot pedals within a
predetermined stroke range may be provided. In this case, the
driving device can assist the exercise of the user so that the
opportunity of using the exercise machine can be provided for many
users including handicapped users.
[0016] The handle may be attached to a holding member fixed to the
top end of the second elastic flexible shaft so as to be movably
right and left. Then, a driving device for moving the handle right
and left is mounted at the holding member. Then, a controlling
device for the driving device is provided in the vicinity of a grip
of the handle or on the top of the holding member. Therefore, if
the handle is forced (automatically) to be driven by the driving
device, the user can take complex exercise from his or her
shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to balance
his or her body so that the user can train his or her muscles of
his or her legs and arms effectively and efficiently and develop
the sense of balance effectively and efficiently.
[0017] Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to
an exercise machine, including: a base; a saddle provided on the
base via an elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal with a pair
of rotation pedals provided on the base so that a rotation axis of
the pair of rotation pedals is tilted toward the saddle; and a
handle attached to the base via a movable member configured so as
to be moved forward and backward.
[0018] In the embodiment, the exercise machine includes the base,
the saddle and the pedaling pedestal with the pair of rotation
pedals which are provided at respective predetermined portions of
the base and the handle so that the saddle is attached to the base
via the elastic flexible shaft and the handle is attached to the
base via the movable member configured so as to be moved forward
and backward. Therefore, when a user sits on the saddle and
conducts alternate pedaling action using the rotation pedals under
the state where the user puts his or her feet onto the rotation
pedals, the saddle and the handle are swung unstably so as to
conduct a complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her
legs based on the body function to balance his or her body.
Therefore, the muscles of the legs and arms of the user can be
trained simultaneously and the sense of balance of the user can be
developed.
[0019] In the exercise machine of this embodiment, since the swing
of the exercise machine is brought about by the rotation of the
rotation pedals, the degree of the swing can be enlarged in
comparison with the degree of the swing of the exercise machine by
the pushing action as described above. Therefore, the muscles of
the user can be trained effectively and efficiently, and the sense
of balance of the user can be developed effectively and
efficiently. Since the rotation exercise is employed, the muscle of
the legs of the user can be developed.
[0020] Since the handle is moved forward and backward, the muscle
of the back and another muscle on the back of the user can be
trained intensively when the handle is positioned forward.
Similarly, the muscle of abdomen and another muscle on the abdomen
of the user can be trained intensively when the handle is
positioned backward.
[0021] In this embodiment, the exercise machine may include a load
controlling device for applying a load to the movable member so as
to control the load for the forward and backward movement of the
movable member. Therefore, the swing degree of the handle can be
appropriately controlled by adjusting the load to the movable
member so that the total swing degree of the exercise machine can
be appropriately controlled.
[0022] The base may include a pair of pipes positioned in parallel
and another pair of pipes which are elongated upward from the pair
of pipes in parallel and supports the saddle, respectively.
[0023] The saddle is connected with the top end of the elastic
flexible shaft so as to be freely swung. In this case, the unstable
swing can be brought about for the exercise machine easily and
effectively.
[0024] Then, the exercise machine may include a driving device for
swinging the saddle connected with the elastic flexible shaft. In
this case, the saddle is swung unstably in accordance with the
rotation action and is forced (automatically) to be swung by the
driving device so as to render the swing state of the saddle
complex. Therefore, the user can take complex exercise from his or
her shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to
balance his or her body so that the user can train his or her
muscles of his or her legs and arms effectively and efficiently and
develop the sense of balance effectively and efficiently.
[0025] The pedaling pedestal includes a rotation load-controlling
device for controlling a rotation load for the pair of rotation
pedals. In this case, the training degree of the legs' muscle of
the user in accordance with the rotation exercise can be changed
freely and the swing condition of the saddle in accordance with the
rotation exercise can be changed freely. Therefore, the training
degree of the legs' muscle and arms' muscle of the user can be
appropriately controlled and the sense of balance of the user can
be also appropriately controlled.
[0026] The distance between the rotation pedals is set larger than
the distance between the legs of the user by 10% or more when the
user sits on the saddle. In this case, since the stroke in rotation
of the rotation pedals is increased, the muscle of the legs of the
user can be trained effectively and efficiently, and the iliopsoas
muscle and psoas major muscle of the user can be also trained
effectively and efficiently.
[0027] According to the present invention can be provided an
exercise machine which can exercise every part of the body, train
the muscle of the arms in addition to the particular part of the
body to be desired to be streamlined through the direct performance
of the exercise machine, and improve balance. Moreover, according
to the present invention can be provided an exercise machine for a
user short on physical strength to easily use the exercise machine
through the assistance for the user's exercise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the
exercise machine of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is an elevational view showing the exercise machine
shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the saddle
and other portions in the vicinity of the saddle of the exercise
machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the pedaling pedestal
of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the structure of the
pedaling pedestal of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0033] FIG. 6A is a schematic view for explaining the pedaling
action of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0034] FIG. 6B is a schematic view for explaining the pedaling
action of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the handle and other
portions in the vicinity of the handle of the exercise machine
shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the structure of the
driving mechanism of the handle of the exercise machine shown in
FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the use situation of the
exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of
the exercise machine of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a side view showing the exercise machine shown in
FIG. 10.
[0040] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the saddle of the exercise
machine shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
[0041] FIG. 13A is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 13B is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 13C is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 14A is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 14B is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 14C is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 15A is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 15B is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 15C is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 17A is an explanatory view showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 17B is an explanatory view showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 17C is an explanatory view showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 17D is an explanatory view showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 18A is an explanatory view showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment.
[0056] FIG. 18B is an explanatory view showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 18C is an explanatory view showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 18D is an explanatory view showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment.
EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0059] 1 . . . base, 2 . . . saddle, 3 . . . foot pedal, 4 . . .
pedaling pedestal, 5 . . . handle, 6 . . . pipe, 7 . . . auxiliary
member, 8 . . . coil spring, 9 . . . hemispheric portion, 10 . . .
hemispheric depressed portion, 11 . . . case, 12 . . . strength
controlling handle, 13 . . . coil spring, 14 . . . holding plate,
15 . . . rack, 16 . . . pinion, 17 . . . handle main body, 18 . . .
coil spring, 19 . . . connecting box, 20 . . . grip, 21 . . .
driving mechanism, 22 . . . base, 23 . . . rail mechanism, 24 . . .
cum mechanism, 25 . . . motor, 26 . . . crank mechanism, 27 . . .
control button, 31 . . . base, 32 . . . saddle, 33 . . . rotation
pedal, 34 . . . pedaling pedestal, 35 . . . handle, 38 . . . coil
spring, 39 . . . movement controlling device, 33A . . . crank, 39A
. . . dumper
BEST MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION
[0060] Hereinafter, other features and advantages of the present
invention will be described based on the best modes for
implementing the present invention.
First Embodiment
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise machine of this
embodiment includes a base 1, a saddle 2 provided at the rear side
of the base 1, a pedaling pedestal 4 with a pair of foot pedals 3,
3 and a handle 5. Moreover, the exercise machine also includes at
least a pair of pipes 6, 6 which are provided in parallel and
curved upward at the front side of the base 1 and auxiliary members
7,7 . . . 7.
[0062] The saddle 2 is attached to the base 1 by a coil spring 8
with a predetermined stiffness. The stiffness of the coil spring 8
is set so that the coil spring 8 can support a user against the
vertical stress originated from the weight of the user and bended
by the bending stress originated from the weight of the user when
the user tilts himself or herself. As shown in FIG. 3, the saddle 2
is joined with the coil spring 8 by fitting the hemispheric portion
9 positioned at the top end of the coil spring 8 to the hemispheric
depressed portion 10 positioned at the bottom of the saddle 2 so
that the saddle 2 can be swung freely.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, the pedaling pedestal 4 is configured
such that the foot pedals 3, 3 are provided on the surface of a
case 11 in the side of the user. The pedals 3, 3 can be upped and
downed within a predetermined stroke range. The angle of the foot
pedals 3, 3 for the surface of the case 11 is set so that when the
user puts his or her feet onto the pedals 3, 3, the knees of the
user can be bended by at least 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees
at maximum in comparison with the upright posture of the user. The
bending angle of the knees of the user by 180 degrees means that
the knees of the user are contacted with the abdomen or breast of
the user. The pedals 3, 3 can be moved by human power or a motor
(not shown).
[0064] As the bending angle of the knees of the user is increased
(the knees of the user is approached to or contacted with the
abdomen or breast of the user), the inner muscle (e.g., psoas major
muscle and illopsoas muscle) results in being stretched. Therefore,
the muscle of a part which is not usually utilized can be trained
so that the basal metabolism of the user can be developed and thus,
the user can be dieted effectively and efficiently.
[0065] A strength controlling handle 12 is provided at one of the
side surfaces of the case 11 so as to control the load of foot
pedals 3,3. FIG. 5 shows the mechanism for controlling the stroke
length and load of the foot pedals 3, 3 under a state of cross
section. In FIG. 5, the foot pedals 3, 3 of the pedaling pedestal 4
are supported flexibly by the case 11 via respective coil springs
13, 13 so as to be able to be pushed flexibly into the case 11 by a
predetermined stroke. The coil springs 13, 13 are accommodated in
between the top plate of the case 11 and the base 1 via holding
plates 14, 14. The distance between the holing plates 14, 14 can be
controlled by a rack 15 and a pinion 16 engaged with the rack 15.
Herein, the pinion 16 is configured so as to be rotated by the
strength controlling handle 12. Namely, when the strength
controlling handle 12 is rotated, the pinion 16 is also rotated so
that the distance between the holding plates 14, 14 is decreased.
In this case, since the stiffness of the coil springs 13, 13 is
increased, the amount of pedaling exercise is also increased, but
the pedaling stroke is decreased.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 6A, the pedaling action of the foot pedals
3, 3 may be conducted by the alternate pedaling of the feet of the
user. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6B, the pedaling action of the
foot pedals 3, 3 may be conducted by the simultaneous pedaling of
the feet of the user. If the amount of the pedaling exercise
becomes beyond a prescribed amount of exercise, the load of the
foot pedals 3, 3 is decreased, irrespective of the control by the
strength controlling handle 12 and the kind of the pedaling
action.
[0067] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the handle 5 includes a handle
main body 17 configured so as to be gripped with both hands of the
user, a coil spring 18 with a predetermined stiffness for
supporting the handle main body 17 so as to be almost orthogonal to
the base 1, and a connecting box 19 for connecting the handle main
body 17 to the coil spring 18. Reference numerals 20, 20 designate
grips covering both ends of the handle main body 17. Then, the
driving mechanism 21 of the handle main body 17 is accommodated in
the connecting box 19. The driving mechanism 21 includes a base 22
for fixing the handle main body 17, a rail mechanisms 23, 23 and a
cum mechanism 24 for reciprocating the base 22 on the rail
mechanisms 23, 23. When a motor 25 is driven, the base 22 is
reciprocated right and left on the rail mechanisms 23, 23 by the
crank mechanism 26 provided in the cum mechanism 24. Reference
numerals 27, 27 designate control buttons for controlling the
velocity and distance of the reciprocating movement of the base
22.
[0068] Then, the operation mode of the exercise machine as
described above will be described.
[0069] (First Mode)
[0070] The first mode means that a user takes exercise with the
exercise machine by himself or herself using no driving device.
[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, the user steps over the base 1 and sits
on the saddle 2 so that the user holds the grips 20, 20 of the
handle 17 and puts his or her feet on the foot pedals 3, 3. In such
a state as above, when the user conducts pedaling action, the
reactive force in proportion to the stroke of the pedaling action
is created at the foot pedals 3 by the elastic force of the coil
spring 13. In this case, since the reactive force acts on the user,
the user must balance himself or herself against the reactive force
by shifting the weight of the user. In this case, the saddle 2 is
rotated and swung largely by the coil spring 8. Moreover, the
handle 17 is also bended by the bending stress originated from the
unbalance in gripping force of both arms of the user because the
user conducts the weight shift. Therefore, the user becomes more
unbalanced by the combination of the reactive force acting on the
user and the unbalance of the gripping force of the user. In this
case, since the unbalanced reactive elastic force acts on the user
from the handle 5, the saddle 2 and the foot pedals 3, the user
shifts his or her arms, legs, waist and upper body and the like so
as to balance the unbalanced reactive elastic force. As a result,
the user can exercise every part of the body and develop the sense
of balance.
[0072] (Second Mode)
[0073] The second mode means that a user takes exercise with the
exercise machine using a driving device for the foot pedals.
[0074] The fundamental operation of the exercise machine is similar
to the one in the first mode so that the explanation for the
fundamental operation will be omitted. In the second mode, since
the pedaling exercise is conducted irrespective of the intention of
a user, the user moves his or her arms, waist and upper body in
synchronization with the movement of the foot pedals 3. According
to the second mode of the exercise machine, therefore, the user can
conduct advanced reflex exercise because the user takes action in
view of the prospect of the movement of the foot pedals 3 prior to
the practical movement of the foot pedals 3. Also, the user can
conduct the same exercise as the one in the first mode.
[0075] (Third Mode)
[0076] The third mode means that a user takes exercise with the
exercise machine using right and left reciprocating motion of the
handle 17 by a driving device.
[0077] For example, after the first mode exercise, the motor 23
provided on the grip of the handle 17 is switched on to start the
right and left reciprocating motion of the handle 17. The user must
balance himself or herself in accordance with the right and left
reciprocating motion of the handle 17 by moving his or her legs,
waist and the upper body. Therefore, the user can exercise a
particular portion of himself or herself different from the second
mode exercise and then, the user can conduct the reflex exercise in
the same manner as the second mode exercise.
[0078] The above-described embodiments are exemplified and the
present invention is not limited to the embodiments. For example,
some of the first through third mode exercise may be combined.
Second Embodiment
[0079] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of
the exercise machine of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side
view showing the exercise machine shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is an
enlarged view of the saddle of the exercise machine.
[0080] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the exercise machine of this
embodiment includes a base 31 made of a pair of pipes positioned in
parallel and another pair of pipes which are elongated upward from
almost the centers of the pair of pipes in parallel, respectively,
and a saddle 32 attached to the base 31 via a coil spring 38. The
stiffness of the coil spring 38 is set so that the coil spring 38
can support a user against the vertical stress originated from the
weight of the user and bended by the bending stress originated from
the weight of the user when the user tilts himself or herself. The
end portion of the coil spring 38 is fixed to the saddle 32 with a
jig (not shown) so that the saddle 2 can be fixed to the coil
spring 38.
[0081] A pedaling pedestal 34 is attached to almost the centers of
the pair of pipes elongated upward from the parallel pipes of the
base 31, and a pair of rotation pedals 33 are provided at the
pedaling pedestal 34 via a pair of cranks 33A protruding from both
sides of the pedaling pedestal 34, respectively. As a result, the
pedaling pedestal 34 is attached to the base 31 under the condition
that the rotation axis of the rotation pedals 33 is tilted forward
the saddle 32.
[0082] The pedaling pedestal 34 is configured such that a belt 34C
is contacted around the periphery of a rotation body 34B. The belt
34C is connected with a load controlling knob 34F via a coil spring
34D and a wire 34E. The rotation body 34B is connected with the
rotation pedals 33 via the cranks 33A. By controlling the load
controlling knob 34, therefore, the load of the rotation pedals 33
via the rotation body 34B can be freely controlled. As a result,
the load acting on the user can be freely controlled when the user
conducts pedaling action so that the training degree in the muscles
of the legs and the like of the user can be freely controlled.
[0083] Moreover, the rotation pedals 33 can be arranged in
separation longer than the distance of both legs of the user when
the user sits on the saddle 32 by at least 10% through the control
of the cranks 33A. The crank length of a bicycle exercise machine
(the distance between the center and the pedals of the bicycle
exercise machine) is normally set with a range of 13 to 18 cm, but
the crank length of the exercise machine in this embodiment can be
set within a range of 22 to 26 cm. In this case, the amount of
stroke to rotate the rotation pedals 33 is increased and
particularly, can be set twice as large as the one in the bicycle
exercise machine. Therefore, since the movable range in the muscle
of the whole of the lower legs, the tendon and the ligament of the
user can be increased conspicuously, the illopsoas muscle and the
psoas major muscle in addition to the muscles of the lower legs of
the user can be trained effectively and efficiently.
[0084] Then, the elongated pipes of the base 31 rises up from the
front side of the saddle 32 to support a handle 35. The handle 35
is connected with a movement controlling device (movable member) 39
configured such that a predetermined load is applied to the handle
35. The movement controlling device is directly supported by the
elongated pipes so that the handle 35 is indirectly supported by
the elongated pipes.
[0085] As apparent from FIGS. 10 and 11, the handle 35 is
configured in the same manner as the handle of a normal bicycle so
that the user can grip the handle 35 with his or her hands.
[0086] In the exercise machine of this embodiment, once the user
sits on the saddle 32 and conducts the alternate pedaling motion
under the state where the user puts his or her feet onto the
rotation pedals 33, respectively, the saddle 32 is swung unstably
and the handle 35 is moved forward and backward. Therefore, the
user can conduct complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his
or her legs based on the body function to balance the body of the
user. As a result, the muscles of the legs and arms of the user can
be trained simultaneously and the sense of balance of the user can
be developed.
[0087] In the exercise machine of this embodiment, since the saddle
32 is swung by the rotation of the rotation pedals 33, the saddle
32 can be swung largely in comparison with the first embodiment
where the saddle 2 is swung by the pushing action of the user.
According to the large swing of the exercise machine, therefore,
the muscle training and the sense of balance can be developed
effectively and efficiently. Since the rotation exercise is
employed, the muscular strength of the legs of the user can be
developed in comparison with the pedaling action of the user.
[0088] Moreover, since the handle 35 is moved forward and backward,
the muscle of the back and another muscle on the back of the user
can be trained intensively when the handle 35 is positioned
forward. Similarly, the muscle of abdomen and another muscle on the
abdomen of the user can be trained intensively when the handle 35
is positioned backward.
[0089] In the exercise machine of this embodiment, since the handle
35 is connected with the movement controlling device 39, the load
to move the handle 35 forward and backward can be controlled by
controlling the dumper 39A provided at the movement controlling
device 39. Therefore, the swing of the handle 35 can be controlled
by adjusting the load applied to the handle 35, and thus, the
degree of the unstable swing as described above can be
appropriately controlled.
[0090] According to the exercise machine of this embodiment, the
training degree in the muscles of the legs of the user associated
with the rotation action of the pedals 33 can be freely controlled,
and the training degree in the muscles of the legs and arms and the
sense of balance of the user can be appropriately controlled in
accordance with the free change of the swing condition of the
saddle by the rotation action.
[0091] In the exercise machine of this embodiment, a monitor 36,
which is located below the movement controlling device 39, is
provided at the base 31. The monitor 36 is configured so as to
indicate the virtual running distance and period of the user
originated from the rotation movement of the pedals 33 by the user
through the detection of the sensor signal of the pedaling of the
pedals 33 by the user. Moreover, the monitor 36 is configured so as
to indicate the energy consumption (calorie consumption) based on
the virtual running distance and period, the load of the rotation
pedals 33 (i.e., the rotation body 34B in the pedaling pedestal
34), the height and weight of the user. Therefore, the user can
know the amount of exercise of himself or herself roughly.
[0092] The position of the monitor 36 is not limited to the one in
this embodiment only if the user can easily acknowledge the
information as described above while the user take exercise. In
general, however, if the monitor 36 is positioned as described
above in this embodiment, the eye line of the user can be matched
with the monitor 36 so that the user can easily acknowledge the
information as described above (e.g., the virtual running distance
and period, etc.).
[0093] Particularly not depicted, a driving device may be connected
with the top ends of the coil springs 38 so as to be pitched
freely. Moreover, that the user can maintain his or her waist on
the saddle 32 due to the shape of the saddle 32 and the user can
swing his or her upper body is preferable. Namely, the saddle 32 is
swung unstably in accordance with the rotation motion and is forced
(automatically) to be swung by the driving device so as to render
the swing state of the saddle 32 complex. Therefore, the user can
take complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs
based on the body function to balance his or her body so that the
user can train his or her muscles of his or her legs and arms
effectively and efficiently and develop the sense of balance
effectively and efficiently. Such an exercise as described above is
called as pilates exercise.
[0094] Then, the exercise using the exercise machine of the second
embodiment will be described.
[0095] (Arms' and Legs' Exercise with User's Head Bent
Backward)
[0096] FIGS. 13A to 13C are explanatory views showing an example of
foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 13A to 13C, the
user pedals the pedals 33 with gripping the handle 35 and bent
backward. Therefore, a load is applied to the femoral region and
abdomen of the user and then, the upper arms of the user because
the user balances himself or herself on the saddle 32 supported by
the coil spring 38. In FIG. 13A, since the legs of the user are
moved up higher than the state in FIG. 13B, a larger load is
applied to the abdomen and upper arms of the user. In FIG. 13C,
since the user's head is bent backward, a smaller load is applied
to the abdomen and upper arms of the user in comparison with the
states in FIGS. 13A and 13B.
[0097] (Legs' Exercise with User's Head Bent Forward)
[0098] FIGS. 14A to 14C are explanatory views showing an example of
foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 14A to 14C, the
user pedals the pedals 33 with gripping the handle 35 and bent
forward. Therefore, stimulation can be developed for the abdomen
and the hip joint of the user because the legs of the user can be
much approached to the upper body of the user during his or her
exercise. In FIG. 14C, since the approaching degree of the legs of
the user becomes smaller than the state in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a
smaller stimulation is applied to the abdomen and upper body of the
user in comparison with the states in FIGS. 14A and 14B.
[0099] (Legs' Exercise)
[0100] FIGS. 15A to 15C are explanatory views showing an example of
foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 13A to 13C, the
user pedals the pedals 33 with not gripping the handle 35 and
standing straight. In this case, since the user conducts the
pedaling action while the user balances himself or herself on the
saddle 32 supported by the coil spring 38, a load is applied to the
group of muscles such as the femoral region, hip joint and abdomen,
etc. of the user. In this case, since the positions of the legs of
the user become lower from the state in FIG. 15A to the state in
FIG. 15C and thus, become higher from the state in FIG. 15C to FIG.
15A, the unstability to be applied to the user becomes large from
the state in FIG. 15C to FIG. 15A so that the load to be applied to
the group of muscles also becomes large in a similar way.
[0101] (Arms' Exercise with User's Head Bent Backward)
[0102] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an example of foot
pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the
exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIG. 16, the user
takes exercise by moving the handle 35 forward and backward with
the user's head bent backward and with the user's pedaling action
being not conducted. In this case, a load is applied to the group
of muscles such as the upper arms and abdomen of the user.
Simultaneously, since the user balances himself or herself on the
saddle 32 supported by the coil spring 38, a large load is applied
to the upper arms of the user.
[0103] (Pendular Exercise of User's Upper Body)
[0104] FIGS. 17A to 17D are explanatory views showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 17A to 17D, the user pedals the
pedals 33 with gripping the handle 35 and moving the upper body of
the user forward and backward in pendulum. In this case, since the
user balances himself or herself on the saddle 32 supported by the
coil spring 38 while the user conducts the pendular exercise as
described above, a load can be appropriately applied to the group
of small muscles of the user from the group of large muscles such
as the abdomen, the hip joint and the psoas major muscle of the
user. As a result, the pendular exercise can contribute to the
strengthening of all of the muscles from the group of large muscles
to the group of small muscles. Since the user moves himself or
herself forward and backward in pendulum, the user can conduct
abdominal exercise so that the muscle of the abdomen of the user
can be strengthened. FIGS. 17A to 17D show the pendular exercise
with time.
[0105] (Pendular and Twisting Exercise, Hand Alternately Moving
Exercise)
[0106] FIGS. 18A to 18D are explanatory views showing an example of
pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine
in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 18A to 18D, the user pedals the
pedals 33 with gripping the handle 35, twisting the upper body of
the user right and left, and moving the upper body of the user
forward and backward in pendulum. In this case, since the user
balances himself or herself on the saddle 32 supported by the coil
spring 38 while the user conducts the complex exercise as described
above, a load can be appropriately applied to the group of small
muscles of the user from the group of large muscles such as the
abdomen, the hip joint and the psoas major muscle of the user. As a
result, the complex exercise can contribute to the strengthening of
all of the muscles from the group of large muscles to the group of
small muscles.
[0107] Since the user moves himself or herself forward and backward
in pendulum, the user can conduct abdominal exercise so that the
muscle of the abdomen of the user can be strengthened. In this
embodiment, the axis of the upper body of the user becomes almost
parallel to the axis of the legs of the user through the pendular
and twisting exercise or the upper body of the user is approached
to the legs of the user through the pendular and twisting exercise.
In this embodiment, therefore, the user can exercise every part of
the body substantially in addition to the muscle training as
described above. FIGS. 18A to 18D show the complex exercise
containing the pendular exercise, the twisting exercise and the
like with time.
[0108] Although the present invention was described in detail with
reference to the above examples, this invention is not limited to
the above disclosure and every kind of variation and modification
may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
* * * * *