U.S. patent application number 12/746978 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for exercise assisting device.
Invention is credited to Takao Gotou, Kazuhiro Ochi, Takahisa Ozawa, Youichi Shinomiya.
Application Number | 20100267534 12/746978 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40824209 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100267534 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ozawa; Takahisa ; et
al. |
October 21, 2010 |
EXERCISE ASSISTING DEVICE
Abstract
The exercise assisting device includes a support unit (1)
configured to bear a user's body and a drive device (2). The
support unit (1) includes a pair of foot supports (4) having a
bearing member (40) configured to bear the user's left foot and
right foot respectively. The drive device (2) is configured to
drive the support unit (1) to move the user's body so as to vary a
load applied to user's lower limb. The exercise assisting device
further includes a tilting device (A). The tilting device (A)
includes a load detection unit (5), a tilting mechanism unit (6),
and a control unit (8). The load detection unit (5) includes two
load sensors (50) provided to an outer portion (40a) and an inner
portion (40b) of the bearing member (40) respectively. The tilting
mechanism unit (6) is configured to tilt the bearing member (40)
inward or outward with regard to the user's foot. The control unit
(8) is configured to control the tilting mechanism unit (6) so as
to reduce a difference between loads detected by two load sensors
(50) respectively.
Inventors: |
Ozawa; Takahisa;
(Katano-shi, JP) ; Shinomiya; Youichi;
(Ibaraki-shi, JP) ; Ochi; Kazuhiro; (Osaka-shi,
JP) ; Gotou; Takao; (Hirakata-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Cheng Law Group, PLLC
1100 17th Street, N.W., Suite 503
Washington
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
40824209 |
Appl. No.: |
12/746978 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 22, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/073273 |
371 Date: |
June 9, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/142 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4015 20151001;
A61H 2201/1633 20130101; A61H 1/0266 20130101; A61H 2201/14
20130101; A63B 21/00178 20130101; A61H 2201/5061 20130101; A61H
1/005 20130101; A61H 2201/1676 20130101; A61H 2201/164 20130101;
A61H 2201/1664 20130101; A61H 1/0237 20130101; A61H 2203/0425
20130101; A61H 2201/5002 20130101; A61H 2201/1215 20130101; A63B
24/0087 20130101; A61H 2201/1635 20130101; A61H 2201/5007 20130101;
A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 23/0405 20130101; A63B 2220/51 20130101;
A63B 69/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/142 |
International
Class: |
A63B 26/00 20060101
A63B026/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2007 |
JP |
2007-341355 |
Claims
1. An exercise assisting device comprising: a support unit
configured to bear a user's body, said support unit including a
pair of foot supports having a bearing member configured to bear
the user's left foot and right foot respectively; a drive device
configured to drive said support unit to move the user's body so as
to vary a load applied to user's lower limb; and a tilting device
configured to tilt at least one part of said bearing member so as
to reduce a difference between a load applied to an outer portion
of said bearing member corresponding to an outer part of user's
foot and a load applied to an inner portion of said bearing member
corresponding to an inner part of the user's foot.
2. An exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said tilting device comprises: a load detection unit provided to
said foot support so as to detect a load applied to said bearing
member; a tilting mechanism unit configured to tilt at least one
part of said bearing member inward or outward with regard to the
user's foot; and a control unit configured to control said tilting
mechanism unit based on the load detected by said load detection
unit.
3. An exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 2, wherein
said load detection unit includes two load sensors provided to said
outer portion and said inner portion of said bearing member
respectively, said control unit being configured to control said
tilting mechanism unit so as to reduce a difference between loads
respectively detected by said two load sensors.
4. An exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 2, wherein
said load detection unit includes a load sensor provided to either
said outer portion or said inner portion of said bearing member,
said control unit being configured to make a comparison of a load
detected by said load sensor with a predetermined threshold, and
determine the difference between the load applied to said outer
portion of said bearing member and the load applied to said inner
portion of said bearing member based on the resultant comparison.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise assisting
device which gives an exercise effect to a user without the user's
voluntary (active) exercise.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In the past, there have been proposed various types of
exercise assisting devices which have a user make a passive
exercise so as to give an exerciser effect to the user. The passive
exercise is an exercise where the user's muscles are stretched
without effort but with an aid of external forces being applied to
the user. Therefore, these exercise assisting devices can give the
exercise effect to the user in a like fashion as the user exercises
voluntarily.
[0003] The exercise assisting devices are known to be classified
into two types, one being configured to apply a force of bending
joints of the user for stretching the muscles associated with the
joints, and the other configured to apply a stimulus to a user's
body to cause a nervous reflex by which associated muscles are
forced to stretch.
[0004] Further, the exercise assisting devices are designed to
require the user to take different postures depending upon the
muscles to be stretched. One example of the exercise assisting
devices is to simulate a walking by the user at a standing posture,
as proposed in JP 2003-290386 A and JP10-55131 A.
[0005] JP 2003-290386 A discloses a training device which includes
a pair of steps bearing thereon left and right feet of the user,
and is configured to interlock the reciprocating movements of the
left and right steps for providing a skating simulation exercise to
the user. The device is arranged to shift the user's weight along
forward/rearward direction and also along lateral direction such
that the user makes the use of one's nervous reflex to keep a
balance with an effect of stretching the muscles. The steps are
driven by a driving mechanism to move so that the user can enjoy
the passive exercise simply by placing one's feet on the steps and
without making an effort or active movement. JP 10-55131 A
discloses a walk experience device is designed for walking training
or virtual-reality exercise, and includes a pair of left and right
foot plates driven by a horizontal driving unit.
[0006] The device of JP 2003-290386 A or JP 10-55131 A is widely
utilized by a user suffering from such as knee pains when training
one's lower limb. By the way, knee osteoarthritis is known to be a
main cause of the knee pains. The knee osteoarthritis may develop
as a consequence of that distorted skeleton of user's lower limbs
such as bow-legs and knock-knees is kept over a prolonged period,
i.e., a load axis (passing through the hip joint and ankle joint)
is being long kept out of a knee center. Therefore, it is important
to correct skeletal deformity of the lower limbs for the purpose of
preventing the knee pains. However, the device of JP 2003-290386 A
or JP 10-55131 A is not intended to correct the skeletal deformity
of the lower limbs.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0007] In view of above insufficiency, the purpose of the present
invention has been accomplished to provide an exercise assisting
device capable of correcting a skeletal deformity of a lower
limb.
[0008] The exercise assisting device in accordance with the present
invention includes a support unit configured to bear a user's body
and a drive device. The support unit includes a pair of foot
supports having a bearing member configured to bear the user's left
foot and right foot respectively. The drive device is configured to
drive the support unit to move the user's body so as to vary a load
applied to user's lower limb. The exercise assisting device further
includes a tilting device. The tilting device is configured to tilt
at least one part of the bearing member so as to reduce a
difference between a load applied to an outer portion of the
bearing member corresponding to an outer part of user's foot and a
load applied to an inner portion of the bearing member
corresponding to an inner part of the user's foot.
[0009] According to this invention, at least one part of the
bearing member is tilted so as to reduce the difference between the
load applied to the outer portion of the bearing member and the
load applied to the inner portion of the bearing member. Therefore,
while the load applied to the outer portion of the bearing member
exceeds the load applied to the inner portion of the bearing member
(that is, the user has bow legs), the load applied to the inner
part of the lower limb is increased to a greater extent than in a
condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept
parallel to a horizontal plane. Accordingly, it is possible to
intensively train the inner part of muscles of the lower limb.
Meanwhile, while the load applied to the inner portion of the
bearing member exceeds the load applied to the outer portion of the
bearing member (that is, the user has knock knees), the load
applied to the outer part of the lower limb is increased to a
greater extent than in a condition where the user's foot has its
width direction kept parallel to the horizontal plane. Accordingly,
it is possible to intensively train the outer part of the muscles
of the lower limb. Thus, it is possible to improve a balance
(capacity imbalance) between the outer part and the inner part of
the muscles of the lower limb, even if the user has bow legs or
knock knees. As a result, it is possible to remedy deformed bones
of the lower limb (that is, it is possible to recover a skeletal
alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user can have the
exercise while balancing the load applied to the lower limb (i.e.,
equalizing the loads applied to the outer and inner parts of the
lower limb), thereby reducing the load acting on the knee joint.
Accordingly, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise
(training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which means
that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's walking
can make the passive exercise.
[0010] In a preferable embodiment, the tilting device includes a
load detection unit provided to the foot support so as to detect a
load applied to the bearing member, and a tilting mechanism unit
configured to tilt at least one part of the bearing member inward
or outward with regard to the user's foot. The tilting device
further includes a control unit configured to control the tilting
mechanism unit based on the load detected by the load detection
unit.
[0011] According to this embodiment, at least one part of the
bearing member is tilted inward or outward with regard to the
user's foot based on the load detected by the load detection unit.
Therefore, it is possible to adjust a tilt of the bearing member to
be a tilt suitable for the user.
[0012] In a more preferable embodiment, the load detection unit
includes two load sensors provided to the outer portion and the
inner portion of the bearing member respectively. The control unit
is configured to control the tilting mechanism unit so as to reduce
a difference between loads respectively detected by the two load
sensors.
[0013] According to this embodiment, since the load applied to the
outer portion of the bearing member and load applied to the inner
portion of the bearing member are detected, it is possible to
estimate a deformation of the user's lower limb precisely.
Therefore, it is possible to adjust a tilt of the bearing member to
be a tilt suitable for the user.
[0014] In a more preferable embodiment, the load detection unit
includes a load sensor provided to either the outer portion or the
inner portion of the bearing member. The control unit is configured
to make a comparison of a load detected by the load sensor with a
predetermined threshold, and determine the difference between the
load applied to the outer portion of the bearing member and the
load applied to the inner portion of the bearing member based on
the resultant comparison.
[0015] According to this embodiment, the number of the load sensor
of the load detection unit can be reduced to one. Therefore, it is
possible to reduce a production cost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a block diagram illustrating a principle part of
an exercise assisting device in accordance with a first embodiment
of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the principle part
of the above exercise assisting device;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the above exercise assisting
device;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the above exercise
assisting device;
[0020] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of an exercise assisting
device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a principle part of
the above exercise assisting device of another configuration;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a principle part of
the above exercise assisting device of another configuration;
[0023] FIG. 7A is a side view showing the above exercise assisting
device of another configuration; and
[0024] FIG. 7B is a top view showing the same.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0025] There is an exercise assisting device in accordance with the
first embodiment adapted in use to be placed on a floor. As shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise assisting device includes a support
unit 1 configured to bear a body of a user M (see FIG. 3), a drive
device 2, and a housing 3. The support unit 1 includes a pair of
foot supports 4 respectively configured to bear the left foot and
right foot of the user M. The drive device 2 is configured to move
the foot supports 4 to move the body of the user M with one's feet
resting on the foot supports 4 respectively so as to vary a load
applied to a lower limb of the user M. The support unit 1 and drive
device 2 are housed in the housing 3.
[0026] The housing 3 includes a base plate 30 used as a carrier to
be placed on a floor, and designed to have a rectangular
parallelepiped shape. The pair of the foot supports 4 and drive
device 2 are disposed on the base plate 30. The base plate 30 in
the present embodiment is configured to have the rectangular
parallelepiped shape, although not limited to a peripheral shape.
For a simplified explanation made hereinafter, the base plate 30 is
illustrated to have a top surface parallel to the floor when it is
placed on the floor. Accordingly, a vertical dimension in FIG. 1B
is equal to a vertical dimension of the exercise assisting device
to be in use.
[0027] An upper plate 31 is disposed above the base plate 30, and
is coupled thereto to constitute a housing 3. It is noted that an
arrow X in FIG. 2 denotes a forward direction of the housing 3. The
upper plate 31 is not shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] The upper plate 31 is formed with two openings 31a extending
in a thickness direction of the upper plate 31 to expose the foot
supports 4, respectively. The openings 31a are each formed into a
rectangular shape. The openings 31a have their longitudinal center
lines extending in a crossing relation with respect to the
back-and-forth direction of the housing 3 such that the distance
between the center lines is greater at the front ends of the
openings 31a than at the rear ends thereof.
[0029] Each of the foot supports 4 has a bearing member 40 that is
a footrest where the user M rests one's foot. In order to
distinguish the foot supports 4, as necessary, the foot support 4
for bearing the left foot of the user M is represented as the left
foot support 4A, and the foot support 4 for bearing the right foot
of the user M is represented as the right foot support 4B. The foot
supports 4 are designed in a similar manner. Therefore, an
explanation is made to the left foot support 4A with reference to
FIG. 1B, and an explanation concerning the right foot support 4B is
omitted.
[0030] The left foot support 4A has the bearing member 40 where the
user M rests one's left foot. The bearing member 40 is formed into
a rectangular plate to have such dimensions as to bear the entire
foot of the user M. The bearing member 40 has a bearing surface
(upper surface in FIG. 1B) where the user M rests ones' foot and is
made of a material or shaped to have a large coefficient of
friction.
[0031] There is a load detection unit 5 provided to the bearing
member 40. The load detection unit 5 is configured to detect a load
applied to the bearing member 40 and has two load sensors 50. One
load sensor 50 (represented by a reference number 50A, as
necessary) is provided to an outer portion (left portion in FIG.
1B) 40a of the bearing member 40 corresponding to an outer part of
user's foot. The other load sensor 50 (represented by a reference
number 50B, as necessary) is provided to an inner portion (right
portion in FIG. 1B) 40b of the bearing member 40 corresponding to
an inner part of the user's foot. That is, the load detection unit
5 includes the load sensor 50A configured to detect a load applied
to the outer portion 40a and load sensor 50B configured to detect a
load applied to the inner portion 40b. It is noted that a sensor
made of semiconductors is adopted as the load sensor 50. Further, a
load cell utilizing a strain gauge can be adopted as the load
sensor 50.
[0032] There is a basement 41 disposed below the bearing member 40
(between the base plate 30 and the bearing member 40) and
rotatively coupled to the bearing member 40. The basement 41 has an
opposite surface (upper surface, in FIG. 1B) opposite to the inner
portion 40b of the bearing member 40, and the opposite surface is
provided with a side wall portion 42. The side wall portion 42 is
provided at its apex with a tilting axle 43 to be rotatively
connected to the bearing member 40. The inner portion 40b of the
bearing member 40 is provided at its lower surface (back surface)
with a tilting bearing 44 having an axle hole 44a for the tilting
axle 43. The tilting axle 43 is formed such that its central axis
extends along a forward/rearward direction of the foot of the user
M. To rotate the bearing member 40 around the tilting axle 43 can
tilt the bearing member outward (leftward, in FIG. 1B) or inward
(rightward, in FIG. 1B) with regard to the foot of the user M. The
bearing surface of the bearing member 40 where the user M rests
one's left foot can be tilted as the bearing member 40 is
tilted.
[0033] By the way, there is a tilt adjusting unit 45 provided to
the foot support 4. The tilt adjusting unit 45 is configured to
adjust a tilt of the bearing member 40. The tilt adjusting unit 45
includes a rack 45a provided to a lower surface of the outer
portion 40a of the bearing member 40, and further includes a gear
45b provided to the basement 41. The gear 45b meshes with the rack
45a. The tilt adjusting unit 45 further includes an adjusting motor
45c being a stepping motor (pulse motor) configured to rotate the
gear 45b clockwise or counterclockwise. The basement 41 has a
through hole for the rack 45a extending in a thickness direction
thereof.
[0034] The tilt adjusting unit 45 drives the adjusting motor 45c to
rotate the gear 45b clockwise or counterclockwise. The rack 45a
moves upward or downward in relative to the gear 45b as the gear
45b rotates or counter rotates. A movement of the rack 45a varies a
distance between the bearing member 40 and the basement 41 is
varied in an opposite end (the outer portion 40a of the bearing
member 40) in a width direction of the foot support 4. Therefore,
the tilt of the bearing member 40 varies. It is noted that the
basement 41, side wall portion 42, tilting axle 43, tilting bearing
44, and tilt adjusting unit 45 are not shown in FIG. 2.
[0035] As described in the above, the left foot support 4A is
provided with the load detection unit 5 configured to detect the
load applied to the bearing member 40 (that is, the load applied by
the left foot of the user M) and the tilting mechanism unit 6
configured to tilt the bearing member 40 inward or outward with
regard to the foot (left foot). Likewise, the right foot support 4B
is provided with the load detection unit 5 configured to detect the
load applied to the bearing member 40 (that is, the load applied by
the user M's right foot) and the tilting mechanism unit 6
configured to tilt the bearing member 40 inward or outward with
regard to the foot (right foot). In the following explanation, in
order to distinguish the load detection unit 5 and tilting
mechanism unit 6 of the left foot support 4A from the load
detection unit 5 and tilting mechanism unit 6 of the right foot
support 4B respectively, a suffix "A" is attached to the reference
number of each of the load detection unit 5 and tilting mechanism
unit 6 of the left foot support 4A, and a suffix "B" is attached to
the reference number of each of the load detection unit 5 and
tilting mechanism unit 6 of the right foot support 4B, as
necessary.
[0036] Further, there is a pair of bearings 46 integrally formed on
the lower surface of the basement 41. The bearings 46 are apart
from each other in the width direction of the bearing member 40.
There is a bearing plate 47 of U-shaped cross section rotatively
coupled to the basement 41 to have its open end oriented upwardly.
An axle 48 penetrating through the legs 47a of the bearing plate 47
and the bearings 46 is used for a rotative coupling of the bearing
member 47. In this manner, the axle 46 is located along a width
direction of the bearing member 40. The bearing member 40 can
rotate around the axle 48 such that both ends thereof in its
longitudinal direction move upwardly or downwardly relative to the
bearing plate 47. It is noted that the bearing 46, bearing plate
47, and axle 48 are not shown in FIG. 1B.
[0037] By the way, the bearing plate 47 is attached to an upper
surface of a footrest cover (not shown). The footrest cover is
slidably attached to the base plate 30. A truck 70 of U-shaped
cross section is fixed to a bottom of the footrest cover to have
its open end oriented downwardly.
[0038] The truck 70 is provided on each exterior face with two
wheels 71. The base plate 30 is formed with two fixed rails 72 for
each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. The truck 70 is
placed on the rails 72 with the wheels 71 roll in rail grooves 72a
in an upper surface of the rails 72. A derailment prevention plate
(not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the rail 72 for
preventing the wheels 71 from running off the rail grooves 72a.
[0039] By the way, the rails 72 extend in a direction different
from a lengthwise direction of the openings 31a in the housing 3.
As described in the above, the openings 31a have their individual
longitudinal center lines crossed with each other so as to be
spaced by a larger distance at the forward ends than at the
rearward ends. Also, the rails 72 have their individual
longitudinal directions crossed with each other in the like
manner.
[0040] However, the rails 72 are inclined in relation to the
forward/rearward direction of the housing 3 at a large angle than
the openings 31a. For example, when the openings 31a have their
lengths inclined relative to the forward/rearward direction of the
housing 3 at an angle of 15.degree., the rails 72 have its length
inclined at an angle of 45.degree.. In short, the rails 72 are
oriented to such a direction as to prevent an increase of shearing
force acting on the knee joints while the left and right foot
supports 4A and 4B are moved along the rails 72 in a condition that
the user's feet are placed thereon with each center line of the
feet aligned with each of the length of the openings 31a. Further,
each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B is located such
that the longitudinal direction of each of the left and right foot
supports 4A and 4B is inclined, for example, at an angle of
9.degree. relative to the forward/rearward direction (the direction
indicated by the arrow X). Therefore, the user can take a natural
posture without suffering from twisted feet when standing on the
left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. Although the present
embodiment illustrates a preferred mode that the left and right
foot supports 4A and 4B are moved along the individual travel paths
of shifting their positions both in the forward/rearward direction
and the lateral direction, it is possible to determine the
orientation of the rails 72 such that the left and right foot
supports 4A and 4B are moved either in the forward/rearward
direction or the lateral direction.
[0041] With the above arrangement, the left and right foot supports
4A and 4B are allowed to reciprocate respectively along the length
of the rails 72. Because of that the rails 72 have their length
crossed respectively with the lengthwise center lines of the
openings 31a, the bearing member 40 is allowed to move within the
openings 31a along the direction crossing with the lengthwise
direction of the openings 31a. In short, the truck 70, wheels 71,
and rails 72 constitute a guide 7 restricting the travel path of
each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. It is noted
that FIG. 1B shows the simplified guide 7.
[0042] The drive device 2 is provided in order to move the pair of
foot supports 4 respectively. The drive device 2 includes a drive
motor 20, which is a rotary motor, as a driving source generating a
rotary driving force to move the pair of foot supports 4. The drive
device 2 further includes a router 21 and reciprocators 22. The
router 21 is configured to transmit the rotary driving force of the
motor 20 to the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B. The
reciprocators 22 in configured to use the driving force to
reciprocate the trucks 70 respectively along the rails 72. Although
the present embodiment is configured to divide the driving force at
the router 21 and transmit the divided driving force to the
reciprocators 22, it is equally possible to generate the
reciprocating driving force at the reciprocator 22 and divide the
same at the router 21.
[0043] The router 21 includes a worm (first gear) 21a and a pair of
worm wheels (second gears) 21b. The worm 21a is coupled to an
output shaft 20a of the driving motor 20. Each of the worm wheels
21b meshes with the worm 21a. The worm 21a and the two worm wheels
21b are held within a gearbox (not shown) fixed to the base plate
30. A pair of bearings (not shown) is provided inside the gear box.
The pair of bearings is configured to bear the opposite
longitudinal ends of the worm 21a.
[0044] Extending through the worm wheel 21b is a rotary shaft 21c
which is housed in the gear box. The rotary shaft 21c is coupled to
the worm wheel 21b to be driven thereby to rotate. The rotary shaft
21c is formed at its upper end with a coupling section 21d with
non-circular cross-section (rectangular one in the illustrated
instance),
[0045] The reciprocator 22 includes a crank plate 22a, a crank
shaft 22b, and a crank rod 22c. The crank plate 22a is coupled at
its one end to the coupling section 21d of the rotary shaft 21c.
The crank rod 22c is coupled to the crank plate 22a by means of the
crank shaft 22b. The crank shaft 22b has its one end fixed to the
crank plate 22a and has the other end received in a bearing 22d
carried on one end of the crank rod 22c. That is, the crank rod 22c
has its one end rotatively coupled to the crank plate 22b, while
the other end of the crank rod 22c is coupled to the truck 70 by
means of an axle 22e so as to be rotatively coupled thereto.
[0046] As is apparent from the above, the crank rod 22c functions
as a motion converter to translate the rotary motion of the worm
wheel 21b into a reciprocatory motion of the truck 70. The crank
rod 22c is provided for each of the worm wheels 21b. The trucks 70
are provided respectively to the left and right foot supports 4A
and 4B. Therefore, the crank rods 22c function as the individual
motion converters for translating the rotary motion of the worm
wheels 21b into the reciprocating motions of the left and right
foot supports 4A and 4B.
[0047] As described in the above, the truck 70 has its travel path
restricted by the wheels 71 and the rails 72. Thus, the truck 70
reciprocates along the length of the rails 72 as the worm wheel 21b
rotates. That is, the rotation of the motor 20 is transmitted to
the crank plate 22b by way of the worm 21a and the worm wheel 21b,
so that the crank rod 22c coupled to the crank plate 22b causes the
truck 70 to reciprocate linearly along the rails 72. Whereby, the
left and right foot supports 4A and 4B are driven to reciprocate
respectively along the length of the rails 72.
[0048] In the present embodiment, the worm 21a and the two worm
wheels 21b are responsible for routing the driving force into two
channels respectively for driving the left and right foot supports
4A and 4B so that the drive unit 2 drives the left and right foot
supports 4A and 4B in a manner linked to each other. The worm
wheels 21b are engaged with the worm 21a at different portions
spaced apart by 180.degree. such that the right foot support 4B
comes to the forward end of its movable range when the left foot
support 4A comes to the rear end of its movable range. As the left
foot support 4a comes to the right end of its movable range when it
comes to the rear end of the movable range, and the right foot
support 4B comes to the right end of its movable range when it
comes to the forward end of the movable range, the left and right
foot supports 4A and 4B shift in the same direction along the
lateral direction.
[0049] As apparent from the above, it is possible to give a desired
phase difference of the movement between the left and right foot
supports 4A and 4B by varying positions of engaging the worm wheels
21b with the worm 21a. When the device is used by the user at the
standing posture with one's feet placed on the left and right foot
supports 4A and 4B, the phase difference of 180.degree. is
effective to minimize the shifting of the user's weight in the
forward/rearward direction, enabling the exercise even by the user
suffering from lowered balancing capability. Alternatively, when no
phase difference is given, the device necessitates the shifting
movement of the user's weight in the forward/rearward direction,
thereby developing an exercise not only for the leg muscles but
also for lower back muscles of the user maintaining the balancing
capability.
[0050] By the way, each of the foot supports 4 is allowed to rotate
around the axle 48. Therefore, it is possible to vary the height
positions of the forward end as well as the rearward end of the
bearing member 40. Thus, the height positions of the toe and the
heel of the foot placed on the bearing member 40 can be varied for
enabling the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint.
The present embodiment adopts the following structure in order to
link the swinging movement of the bearing member 40 about the axle
48 with the reciprocating movement thereof along the rail 72. That
is, the base plate 30 is provided at a portion along the travel
path of the bearing member 40 with a guide surface (not shown)
including an inclination. In this connection, the basement 41 is
provided on its bottom with a follower projection (not shown) which
comes into engagement with the guide surface. The follower
projection has at its top a roller which comes into rolling contact
with the guide surface. Although the follower projection has the
roller, it is suffice that the follower projection is formed from a
material and/or shaped into a configuration to have a tip of small
coefficient of friction.
[0051] In this case, the follower projection, which is arranged to
come into rolling contact with the guide surface, rides up and down
the inclination of the guide surface while each of the foot
supports 4 is driven by the drive motor 20 to reciprocates, thereby
swinging the basement 41 about the axle 48 to vary tilt angles of
the bearing member 40 and basement 41 relative to the base plate
30, and therefore enabling the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion at
the ankle joint.
[0052] In the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment,
the control unit 8 is configured to perform a control of the drive
device 2 (an operation control of the drive motor 20 of the drive
device 2) as well as a control of the tilting mechanism unit 6 (an
operation control of the adjusting motor 45c of the tilting
mechanism unit 6).
[0053] The control unit 8 is, for example, a micro computer. The
control unit 8 controls an electrical power supplied to the drive
motor 20 or adjusting motor 45c from a power source not shown,
thereby activating the drive motor 20, deactivating the drive motor
20, or adjusting the number of rotations of the drive motor 20.
Further, the control unit 8 is configured to activate the drive
motor 20 when a switch (not shown) provided on the housing 3 is
turned on, and to deactivate the drive motor 20 when the switch is
turned off.
[0054] The control unit 8 further is configured to supply pulse
power to the adjusting motor 45c of the tilting mechanism unit 6
from the power source to adjust the tilt of the bearing member
40.
[0055] The control unit 8 adjusts the tilt of the bearing member 40
with reference to detection result of the respective load detection
units 5. The control unit 8 controls the tilting mechanism unit 6,
that is, tilts the bearing member 40 so as to reduce a difference
between loads detected by two load sensors 50A and 50B of the load
detection unit 5 respectively. Particularly, in the present
embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the tilting mechanism unit
6 such that the difference between the loads detected by two load
sensors 50A and 50B respectively becomes around 0 (that is, the
load detected by the load sensor 50A becomes equal to the load
detected by the load sensor 50B).
[0056] Therefore, in the exercise assisting device of the present
embodiment, the load detection unit 5 including the two load
sensors 50, tilting mechanism unit 6, and control unit 8 constitute
a tilting device A configured to tilt the bearing member 40 so as
to reduce a difference between the load applied to the outer
portion 40a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the
inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40.
[0057] Next, an explanation is made to an operation of the exercise
assisting device of the present embodiment. It is assumed that, in
an initial condition, the switch is kept turned off and the left
and right foot supports 4A and 4B are located at predetermined
initial positions respectively. At the initial positions, the left
and right foot supports 4A and 4B are located at the same level
along the forward/rearward direction. That is, the left and right
foot supports 4a and 4B lie on a line extending along the lateral
direction when they are at the initial positions. Accordingly, when
the user stands on the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B of
the initial positions, a vertical line depending from the weight
center of the user passes through a center between the left and
right foot supports 4A and 4B.
[0058] As described in the above, the tilt of the bearing member 40
is adjusted such that the load detected by the load sensor 50A
becomes equal to the load detected by the load sensor 50B.
Therefore, at the initial condition, the bearing surface of the
bearing member 40 is almost kept parallel to a horizontal plane
unless the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4.
[0059] When the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4, a
following operation is performed.
[0060] For example, when the load applied to the outer portion 40a
of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner
portion 40b of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user M has bow
legs as shown in FIG. 3B), the bearing member 40 is tilted so as to
raise the outer portion 40a relative to the inner portion 40b (that
is, the bearing member 40 is tilted inward) by the tilting device A
(see FIG. 3B). Further, as described in the above, the bearing
member 40 is caused to tilt continuously until the difference
between the loads respectively detected by two load sensors 50A and
50B becomes zero. While the outer portion 40a of the bearing member
40 is raised to a higher position than the inner portion 40b, the
load applied to the inner part of the lower limb is increased to a
greater extent than in a condition where the user's foot has its
width direction kept parallel to the horizontal plane (i.e., the
bearing surface of the bearing member 40 lies in the horizontal
plane). Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the inner
part of the muscles of the lower limb. It is not required that the
difference between the loads is kept 0 in a strict sense. It is
sufficient that the difference between the loads is kept around
0.
[0061] Meanwhile, when the load applied to the inner portion 40b of
the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the outer portion
40a of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user M has knock knees),
the bearing member 40 is tilted so as to raise the inner portion
40b relative to the outer portion 40a (that is, the bearing member
40 is tilted outward) by the tilting device A. Further, as
described in the above, the bearing member 40 is kept being tilted
until the difference between the loads detected by two load sensors
50A and 50B respectively becomes zero. While the inner portion 40b
of the bearing member 40 is raised relative to the outer portion
40a, the load applied to the inner part of the lower limb is
increased by comparison with the condition where the foot breadth
direction is kept parallel to the horizontal direction (the bearing
surface of the bearing member 40 is kept parallel to the horizontal
plane). Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the inner
part of the muscles of the lower limb. It is not required that the
difference between the loads is kept 0 in a strict sense. It is
sufficient that the difference between the loads is kept around
0.
[0062] When the load applied to the inner portion 40b of the
bearing member 40 is equal to the load applied to the outer portion
40a of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user M has neither bow
legs nor knock knees), the tilting device A does not tilt the
bearing member 40.
[0063] It is sufficient that the switch is turned on in order to
operate the exercise assisting device from the initial condition.
When the switch is turned on, the control unit 8 supplies an
electrical power to the drive motor 20 to activate the drive motor
20. While the drive motor 20 is activated, the drive motor 20 can
drive the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B to move in the
forward/rearward direction and at the same time to move in the
lateral direction in the linked manner to each other. The left and
right foot supports 4A and 4B are driven to reciprocate linearly
along the rails 72, respectively, so as to move in directions
different from the lengthwise directions of the feet. For example,
the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B move in the directions
inclined at an angle of 45.degree. relative to the forward/rearward
direction of the housing 3, over the travel distance of 20 mm, for
example.
[0064] Further, the bearing member 40 and basement 41 is driven to
swing about the axle 48 as each of the left and right foot supports
4A and 4B reciprocates along the rail 72. While the bearing member
40 is moving, the follower projection rides up and down the
inclination of the guide surface to cause the dorsiflexion of the
ankle joint when each of the left and right foot supports 4A and 4B
comes to its forward end position, and the plantarflexion when it
comes to its rearward end position. The axle 48 is positioned
nearer to the heel within the length of the foot bottom. Each of
the dorsiflexion and plantarflexion is realized at the tilt angle
of about 10.degree. relative to a reference plane defined by the
upper surface of the base plate 30. The dorsiflexion and the
plantarflexion can be made respectively at the rearward end
position and the forward end position of each of the left and right
foot supports 4A and 4B in opposite relation to the above. Also,
the tilt angle relative to the reference plane can be selected
differently from the above mentioned angle. Such modified operation
can be easily realized by an appropriate shaped guide surface.
[0065] The exercise assisting device of the present embodiment has
the user M make the passive exercise by means of moving the left
and right foot supports 4A and 48 as described in the above.
[0066] As described in the above, according to the exercise
assisting device of the present embodiment, the bearing member 40
is tilted so as to reduce the difference between the load applied
to the outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40 and the load
applied to the inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40.
Therefore, while the load applied to the outer portion 40a of the
bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner portion 40b
of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user has bow legs), the load
applied to the inner part of the lower limb is increased to a
greater extent than in a condition where the user's foot has its
width direction kept parallel to a horizontal plane. Accordingly,
it is possible to intensively train the inner part of muscles of
the lower limb. Meanwhile, while the load applied to the inner
portion 40b of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to
the outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40 (that is, the user
has knock knees), the load applied to the outer part of the lower
limb is increased to a greater extent than in a condition where the
user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to the horizontal
plane. Accordingly, it is possible to intensively train the outer
part of the muscles of the lower limb. Thus, it is possible to
improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the outer part and
the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb, even if the user
has bow legs or knock knees. As a result, it is possible to remedy
deformed bones of the lower limb (that is, it is possible to
recover a skeletal alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user
can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise (training) while being
alleviated of the knee pain, which means that even the user
suffering from knee pains during one's walking can make the passive
exercise.
[0067] Further, since the load applied to the outer portion 40a of
the bearing member 40 and load applied to the inner portion 40b of
the bearing member 40 are detected, it is possible to estimate a
deformation of the user's lower limb precisely. The control unit is
configured to control the tilting mechanism unit 6 so as to reduce
the difference between loads detected by the two load sensors 50A
and 50B respectively, thereby tilting the bearing member 40 inward
or outward. Therefore, it is possible to adjust the tilt of the
bearing member 40 to be a tilt suitable for the user M.
[0068] It is noted that a configuration of the tilting mechanism
unit 6 is not limited to the above instance. For example, a
conventional configuration such as a set of a rotary motor and feed
screw, a set of a rotary motor and belt, a set of a rotary motor
and pantograph mechanism, a linear movement mechanism utilizing a
solenoid coil, and a liner movement mechanism utilizing an air-bag
can be adopted as the configuration of the tilting mechanism unit
6.
[0069] In the above embodiment, the router 21 is configured to have
the worm 21a and the worm wheels 21b for realizing the power
transmission from the output shaft 20a of the drive motor 20 to the
rotary shaft 21c of the worm wheel 21b with speed reduction.
However, a belt can be utilized to transmit the power from the
output shaft 20a of the drive motor 20 to the rotary shaft 21c
perpendicular to the output shaft 20a. In this instance, instead of
the worm wheel 21b, a pulley is utilized to receive the belt while
dispensing with the worm 21a.
[0070] In the above embodiment, the drive motor 20 has its output
shaft 20a extending along the upper surface of the base plate 30.
However, when the output shaft 20a is required to extend
perpendicular to the upper surface of the base plate 30, spur
gearing is adopted to achieve the transmission and routing of the
rotary power, instead the combination of the worm 21a and the worm
wheels 21b. In this instance, pulleys and a belt may be used in
place of the spur gearing for transmission of the rotary power
between the pulleys.
[0071] Instead of using the crank plate 22a and the crank rod 22c,
the reciprocator 22 may be composed of a grooved cam driven to
rotate by the drive motor 20 and a cam follower engaged in a groove
of the cam. In this instance, the grooved cam can be used instead
of the worm wheel 21b and be arranged to have its rotation axis
parallel to the output shaft 20a of the drive motor 20 for power
transmission from the output shaft 20a to the grooved cam through a
pinion.
[0072] Further, when using only one grooved cam for power
transmission from the output shaft 20a of the drive motor 20 to the
groove cam, two cam followers can be used for engagement
respectively with the cam grooves of the cams such that the grooved
cam and the cam followers are cooperative to function as the router
21 as well as the reciprocators 22.
[0073] Although the illustrated embodiment has the base plate 30
formed with the guide surface and the basement 41 formed with the
follower projection, the same operation can be achieved with a
configuration in which the basement 41 is provided with the guide
surface and the base plate 30 is provided with the follower
projection.
[0074] Since the exercise assisting device of the present
embodiment includes the load detection unit 5, the exercise
assisting device sets automatically the tilt of the bearing member
40. However, the load detection unit 5 is optional. That is, the
exercise assisting device may be configured to enable the user to
adjust manually the tilt of the bearing member 40 based on one's
foot condition (e.g. bow legs or knock knees). In this instance, it
is sufficient that an operation unit (not shown) for operating the
tilting mechanism unit 6 is provided to the housing 3.
[0075] Although the exercise assisting device of the present
embodiment is configured to be adapted in use to be placed on a
floor, the exercise assisting device can be used with its portion
embedded in the floor. A selection is made as to whether the
exercise assisting device is placed at a fixed position or movably
supported. These respects can be applied to the exercise assisting
device of a below mentioned second embodiment.
Second Embodiment
[0076] The exercise assisting device of the present embodiment is
different in the configuration of the tilting device A from the
exercise assisting device of the first embodiment. Other components
of the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment are the
same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore the other
components are designated by like reference numerals and dispensed
with duplicate explanations.
[0077] In the tilting device A of the present embodiment, as shown
in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the load detection unit 5 includes the load
sensor 50 configured to detect the load applied to the inner
portion 40b of the bearing member 40. In short, unlike the load
detection unit 5 of the first embodiment, the load detection unit 5
of the present embodiment includes only one load sensor 50.
[0078] The control unit 8 of the present embodiment is configured
to control the tilting mechanism unit 6 based on the load detected
by the one load sensor 50. The control unit 8 is configured to make
a comparison of the load detected by the load sensor 50 with a
predetermined threshold, and determine the difference between the
load applied to the outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40 and
the load applied to the inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40
based on the resultant comparison. The predetermined threshold is,
for example, the load applied to the inner portion 40b in a
condition where the user M applies the same load to the outer
portion 40a and inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40. In this
instance, the difference between the load applied to the outer
portion 40a and the load applied to the inner portion 40b is
determined by a difference between the predetermined threshold and
the load detected by the load sensor 50. It is noted that the
predetermined threshold can be estimated from body weight of the
user M. It is sufficient that the user M inputs own body weight to
the exercise assisting device in preparation to use the exercise
assisting device. Moreover, the predetermined threshold can be
estimated from the loads detected by the load sensors of the load
detection unit 5 of the respective foot supports 4.
[0079] The control unit 8 has not only the predetermined threshold
but also a judgment value as a value to be compared with the load
detected by the load sensor 50. The judgment value is a value used
for judging whether or not the user M rests one's foot on the foot
support 4. The control unit 8 is configured to judge that the user
M does not rest one's foot on the foot support 4 when the load
detected by the load sensor 50 is less than the judgment value. In
this case, the control unit 8 controls the tilting mechanism unit 6
such that the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 of each of
the foot supports 4 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane.
[0080] The control unit 8 of the present embodiment supplies the
pulse power to the adjusting motor 45c of the tilting mechanism
unit 6 from the power source to adjust the tilt of the bearing
member 40, thereby reducing the difference between the load applied
to the outer portion 40a and the load applied to the inner portion
40b. As described in the above, in the case where the threshold is
the load applied to the inner portion 40b in a condition where the
user M applies the same load to the outer portion 40a and inner
portion 40b of the bearing member 40, the control unit 8 inclines
the bearing member 40 such that the load detected by the load
sensor 50 becomes equal to the threshold.
[0081] In the exercise assisting device of the present embodiment,
the load detection unit 5, tilting mechanism unit 6, and control
unit 8 constitute the tilting device A.
[0082] Next, an explanation is made to an operation of the exercise
assisting device of the present embodiment.
[0083] In the initial condition, the load detected by the load
sensor 50 is less than the judgment value unless the user M rests
one's foot on the foot support 4. The control unit 8 controls the
tilting mechanism unit 6 such that the bearing surface of the
bearing member 40 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane (see
FIG. 4A).
[0084] A following operation is performed when the user M rests
one's foot on the foot support 4.
[0085] For example, when the load applied to the outer portion 40a
of the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner
portion 40b of the bearing member 40, the bearing member 40 is
inclined so as to raise the outer portion 40a to a higher position
than the inner portion 40b (that is, the bearing member 40 is
inclined inward) by the tilting device A (see FIG. 4B). As
described in the above, the bearing member 40 is caused to tilt
continuously until the difference between the threshold and the
load detected by the load sensor 50 becomes zero While the outer
portion 40a of the bearing member 40 is raised to a higher position
than the inner portion 40b, the load applied to the inner part of
the lower limb is increased by a greater extent than in the
condition where the user's foot has its width direction kept
parallel to the horizontal plane (i.e., the bearing surface of the
bearing member 40 lies horizontally). Accordingly, it is possible
to intensively train the inner part of the muscles of the lower
limbs.
[0086] Meanwhile, when the load applied to the inner portion 40b of
the bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the outer portion
40a of the bearing member 40, the bearing member 40 is inclined so
as to raise the inner portion 40b to a higher position than the
outer portion 40a (that is, the bearing member 40 is tilted
outward) by the tilting device A (see FIG. 4C). As described in the
above, the bearing member 40 is caused to tilt continuously until
the difference between the threshold and the load detected by the
load sensor 50 becomes zero. While the inner portion 40b of the
bearing member 40 is raised to a higher position than the outer
portion 40a, the load applied to the inner part of the lower limb
is increased to a greater extent than in the condition where the
user's foot has its width direction kept parallel to a horizontal
plane (i.e., the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 is kept
parallel to the horizontal plane). Accordingly, it is possible to
intensively train the inner part of the muscles of the lower
limb.
[0087] When the load applied to the inner portion 40b of the
bearing member 40 is equal to the load applied to the outer portion
40a of the bearing member 40, the tilting device A does not incline
the bearing member 40 (see FIG. 4A).
[0088] The user M can make the aforementioned passive exercise by
turning on the switch after resting one's feet respectively on the
foot supports 4.
[0089] According to the aforementioned exercise assisting device of
the present embodiment, like the exercise assisting device of the
first embodiment, the bearing member 40 is tilted so as to reduce
the difference between the load applied to the outer portion 40a of
the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the inner portion 40b
of the bearing member 40. Therefore, it is possible to intensively
train the inner part of muscles of the lower limb when the user has
bow legs. Further, it is possible to intensively train the outer
part of muscles of the lower limb when the user has knock knees.
Thus, it is possible to improve balancing or remedy capacity
imbalance between the outer and inner parts of the muscles of the
lower limb, even if the user has bow legs or knock knees. As a
result, it is possible to remedy the deformed bones of the lower
limb (that is, it is possible to recover the skeletal alignment of
the lower limb). Further, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive
exercise (training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which
means that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's
walking can make the passive exercise.
[0090] Further, the bearing member 40 is inclined inward or outward
with regard to the user's foot based on the load detected by the
load sensor 50 of the load detection unit 5. Therefore, it is
possible to adjust the tilt of the bearing member 40 to be a tilt
suitable for the user. Notably, according to the present
embodiment, it is possible to reduce a production cost because of
that the number of the load sensor 50 of the load detection unit 5
can be reduced to one.
[0091] In the above mentioned instance, although the load sensor 50
is configured to detect the load applied to the inner portion 40b,
the load sensor 50 may be configured to detect the load applied to
the outer portion 40a. In this instance, the predetermined
threshold can be the load applied to the outer portion 40a in a
condition where the user M applies the same load to the outer
portion 40a and inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40.
Although the control unit 8 of the above mentioned instance is
configured to control the tilting mechanism unit 6 to incline the
bearing member such that the load detected by the load sensor 50
becomes equal to the threshold, the control unit 8 of another
instance is configured to vary a tilt angle of the bearing member
40 in a stepwise fashion. For example, the control unit 8 inclines
the bearing member 40 outward at a predetermined angle relative to
the horizontal plane when the load detected by the load sensor 50
is not less than a first threshold. The control unit 8 inclines the
bearing member 40 inward at a predetermined angle relative to the
horizontal plane when the load detected by the load sensor 50 is
not greater than a second threshold. The control unit 8 keeps the
bearing member 40 horizontal when the load detected by the load
sensor 50 exceeds the second threshold and is less than the first
threshold.
[0092] By the way, FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrates the exercise
assisting device of another embodiment of the present invention.
The exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 5 is different in the
configuration of the foot support 4 from the exercise assisting
device shown in FIG. 4 and the exercise assisting device of the
first embodiment. Other components of the exercise assisting device
shown in FIG. 5 are the same as those of the exercise assisting
device shown in FIG. 4 and the exercise assisting device of the
first embodiment. Therefore the other components are designated by
like reference numerals and dispensed with duplicate
explanations.
[0093] The foot support 4 shown in FIG. 5 is provided with a pair
of air bags (air cells) 60 configured to define a distance between
the bearing member 40 and the basement 41. The air bags 60 are the
same in form. One air bag 60 is located so as to bear the outer
portion 40a of the bearing member 40, and another air bag 60 is
located so as to bear the inner portion 40b of the bearing member
40. Therefore, the bearing member 40 is inclined when one air bag
60 expands or shrinks relative to another air bag 60. In short, the
exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 5 has the tilting mechanism
unit 6 composed of the pair of air bags 60. Moreover, the housing 3
is configured to house an air pump (not shown) configured to supply
air to each of the air bags 60. Further, the basement 41 is
provided at opposite ends in its width direction with a regulation
member 41b. The regulation member 41b is configured to define a
range within which the bearing member 40 is allowed to tilt.
[0094] The air bag 60 is provided with a valve member (not shown).
The valve member is configured to close an exhaust port 60a of the
air bag 60 until pressure inside the air bag 60 exceeds a
predetermined value. The predetermined value is selected to enable
the air pump to supply sufficient air to the air bag 60 such that
the bearing surface of the bearing member 40 of the foot support 4
is kept parallel to the horizontal plane. In other words, the
predetermined value is a value where the air bag 60 which bears the
bearing member 40 such that the bearing surface is kept parallel to
the horizontal plane does not eject air.
[0095] A holder 40c is provided to each of the outer portion 40a
and inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40 shown in FIG. 5. A
through hole 40d for an exhaust valve 49 extends through a portion
of the bearing member 40 opposite to the holder 40c in a thickness
direction thereof. The exhaust valve 49 is formed into a L-shape
including a valve portion 49a configured to gate the exhaust port
60 and a load detection portion 49b integrally formed on the valve
portion 49a so as to extend laterally from the valve portion 49a.
The valve portion 49a penetrates through the through hole 40d. The
exhaust valve 49 is adapted in use to forcibly close the exhaust
port 60a of the air bag 60.
[0096] An elastic member 51 is interposed between the bearing
member 40 and the load detection portion 49b of the exhaust valve
49. The elastic member 51 is made of an elastic material such as a
rubber so as to shrink upon receiving a load not less than a
prescribed value. While the load applied to the elastic member 51
is not greater than the prescribed value, the elastic member 51
keeps the exhaust valve 49 in a position where the exhaust valve 49
opens the exhaust port 60a. By contrast, when the load applied to
the elastic member 51 exceeds the prescribed value, the elastic
member 51 shrinks so as to allow the exhaust valve 49 to move to a
position where the exhaust valve 49 closes the exhaust port 60. The
prescribed value[s] is [a value] slightly less than the load
applied to the outer portion 40a (or inner portion 40b) in a
condition where the user M applies the same load to the outer
portion 40a and inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40. It is
noted that the elastic member 51 may be of known configuration and
therefore no detailed explanation thereof is deemed necessary.
[0097] In the instance shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, the air bag 60,
exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51 constitute the tilting
device A. In the following explanation, in order to distinguish the
air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51 corresponding
to the outer portion 40a from the air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and
elastic member 51 corresponding to the inner portion 40b
respectively, a suffix "A" is attached to the reference number of
each of the air bag 60, exhaust valve 49, and elastic member 51
corresponding to the outer portion 40a, and a suffix "B" is
attached to the reference number of each of the air bag 60, exhaust
valve 49, and elastic member 51 corresponding to the inner portion
40b, as necessary.
[0098] Next, an explanation is made to an operation of the exercise
assisting device shown in FIG. 5. In an initial condition, the air
pump supplies air to each air bag 60 such that the bearing surface
of the bearing member 40 is kept parallel to the horizontal plane.
At the initial condition, the valve member closes the exhaust port
60a of the air bag 60 before the user M rests one's foot on the
foot support 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the pair of air
bags 60 bears the bearing member 40 such that the bearing surface
is kept parallel to the horizontal plane.
[0099] When the user M rests one's foot on the foot support 4, a
following operation is performed. For example, when the load
applied to the outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40 is equal
to the load applied to the inner portion 40b of the bearing member
40, the valve members of each of the air bags 60A and 60B open the
corresponding exhaust port 60a at an approximately-same timing.
After the air bag 60 ejects air from its inside, the elastic
members 51A and 51B start to shrink at an approximately-same
timing. Therefore, the exhaust valves 49A and 49B close the exhaust
ports 60a of each of the air bags 60A and 60B open at an
approximately-same timing. As a result, the bearing member 40 is
not inclined, and the bearing surface is kept parallel to the
horizontal plane.
[0100] When the load applied to the outer portion 40a of the
bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner portion 40b
of the bearing member 40, each of the air bags 60A and 60B ejects
air from its inside. However, the elastic member 51A shrinks before
the elastic member 51B shrinks. That is, the exhaust port 60a of
the air bag 60A is closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60a
of the air bag 60B. As a result, the air bag 60A acts to keep the
outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40 spaced by a constant
distance from the basement 41 (see FIG. 5B). This causes the
increase of the load applied to the inner portion 40b, followed by
the elastic member 51B being caused to start shrinking. Therefore,
the exhaust port 60a of the air bag 60B is closed, and the air bag
60B acts to keep the inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40
spaced by a constant distance from the basement 41 (see FIG. 5C).
While the exhaust ports 60a of each of the air bags 60A and 60B are
closed as described in the above, the air bag 60A having its
exhaust port 60a closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60a of
the air bag 60B holds a greater volume of the air than the air bag
60B whose exhaust port 60a is closed subsequent to closing of the
exhaust port 60a of the air bag 60A. As a result, the distance
between the basement 41 and the bearing member 40 is made greater
towards the outer portion 40a than at the inner portion 40b. In
short, the bearing member 40 is inclined inward with regard to the
foot of the user M.
[0101] When the load applied to the inner portion 40b of the
bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the outer portion 40a
of the bearing member 40, each of the air bags 60A and 60B ejects
air from its inside. However, the elastic member 51B shrinks before
the elastic member 51A shrinks. That is, the exhaust port 60a of
the air bag 60B is closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60a
of the air bag 60A. As a result, the air bag 60B acts to keep the
inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40 spaced by a constant
distance from the basement 41. This causes the increase of the load
applied to the outer portion 40a, followed by the elastic member
51A being caused to start shrinking. Therefore, the exhaust port
60a of the air bag 60A is closed, and the air bag 60A acts to keep
the outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40 spaced by a constant
distance from the basement 41. While the exhaust ports 60a of each
of the air bags 60A and 60B are closed as described in the above,
the air bag 60B having its exhaust port 60a closed prior to closing
of the exhaust port 60a of the air bag 60A holds a greater volume
of the air than the air bag 60A whose exhaust port 60a is closed
subsequent to closing of the exhaust port 60a of the air bag 60B.
As a result, the distance between the basement 41 and the bearing
member 40 is made greater towards the inner portion 40b than at the
outer portion 40a. In short, the bearing member 40 is inclined
inward with regard to the foot of the user M.
[0102] As apparent from the above, the exercise assisting device
shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C is capable of tilting the bearing member 40
so as to reduce the difference between the load applied to the
outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to
the inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, it is
possible to improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the
outer part and the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb. As
a result, it is possible to remedy the deformed bones of the lower
limb (that is, it is possible to recover the skeletal alignment of
the lower limb). Further, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive
exercise (training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which
means that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's
walking can make the passive exercise. Moreover, it is possible to
reduce a production cost because an electric circuit for the load
detection unit 5 or the like is made redundant.
[0103] Although the bearing member 40 of the exercise assisting
device shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C is a one board, for example, the
bearing member 40 may be divided into two in its width direction as
shown in FIG. 6A. The exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 6A
has a basic structure similar to that shown in FIG. 5. Therefore
like parts are designated by like reference numerals and dispensed
with duplicate explanations.
[0104] In the instance shown in FIG. 6A, the bearing member 40 is
divided into the outer portion 40a formed into a rectangular plate
and the inner portion 40b formed into a rectangular plate. The
outer portion 40a and inner portion 40b are rotatively coupled to
the side wall portions 42 provided on the center of the basement 41
in its width direction by use of the tilting axle 43 and the
tilting bearing 44, respectively. Accordingly, in the instance
shown in FIG. 6A, the outer portion 40a and inner portion 40b are
separately inclined each other.
[0105] In the instance shown in FIG. 6A, the air bag 60, exhaust
valve 49, and elastic member 51 constitute the tilting device
A.
[0106] The aforementioned configuration concerning the division of
the bearing member 40 can be applied to the instance shown in FIG.
4 and the first embodiment. In short, the tilting device A may be
configured to tilt at least one part of the bearing member 40 so as
to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer
portion 40a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the
inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40. The bearing member 40
is not limited to the above mentioned instance, and may be
configured to be capable of varying a balance between the load
applied to the outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40 and the
load applied to the inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40.
[0107] The aforementioned instances shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6
utilize shrinkage of the air bag 60 in order to incline the bearing
member 40. Further, another instance may be configured to control
the air pump to supply air to the air bag 60 so as to expand the
same, thereby inclining the bearing member 40.
[0108] In the instance shown in FIG. 6B, the holders 40c are
positioned below the rear surfaces of the outer portion 40a and
inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40 respectively, and are
rotatively coupled to the tilting axles 43 together with the outer
portion 40a and inner portion 40b, respectively. The outer portion
40a and inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40 respectively are
formed with protrusions 40e used as a valve for the exhaust port
60a. The elastic member 51 is interposed between the holder 40c and
each of the outer portion 40a and inner portion 40b (the elastic
member 51 is not shown in FIG. 6B). The elastic member 51 is
configured to shrink upon receiving the load greater than a
predetermined load such that the protrusion 40e closes the exhaust
port 60a. The predetermined load is equal to the load applied to
the outer portion 40a (or inner portion 40b) in a condition where
the user M applies the same load to the outer portion 40a and inner
portion 40b of the bearing member 40.
[0109] Further, in the instance shown in FIG. 6B, the air bag 60 is
interposed between the holder 40c and the basement 41. Each air bag
60 has an air supply port 60b connected to the aforementioned air
pump. The air pump is configured to supply air to (pressurize) the
each air bag 60 such that the bearing surfaces of each of the outer
portion 40a and inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40 are kept
parallel to the horizontal plane while the user M keeps applying
the loads equally to the outer portion 40a and inner portion 40b of
the bearing member 40.
[0110] Next, an explanation is made to an operation of the exercise
assisting device shown in FIG. 6B. When the user M rests one's foot
on the foot support 4, and when the load applied to the outer
portion 40a of the bearing member 40 is equal to the load applied
to the inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40 (that is, the
user has neither bow legs nor knock knees), the elastic members 51A
and 51B do not shrink. Therefore, the exhaust ports 60a of each of
air bags 60A and 60B is not closed. In this case, to pressurize by
the air pump keeps the bearing surfaces of each of the outer
portion 40a and inner portion 40b parallel to the horizontal
plane.
[0111] When the load applied to the outer portion 40a of the
bearing member 40 exceeds the load applied to the inner portion 40b
of the bearing member 40, the elastic member 51A shrinks before the
elastic member 51B shrinks. That is, the exhaust port 60a of the
air bag 60A is closed prior to closing of the exhaust port 60a of
the air bag 60B. Therefore, the air bag 60A expands as being
supplied with the air from the air pump, thereby lifting the outer
portion 40a. This causes an increase of the load applied to the
inner portion 40b (that is, the load applied to the elastic member
51B), thereby shrinking the elastic member 51B. The shrinkage of
the elastic member 51B causes closing of the exhaust port 60a of
the air bag 60B. This causes a decrease of the load applied to the
elastic member 51A, thereby opening the exhaust port 60a of the air
bag 60A. In this case, the air bag 60A shrinks as the air bag 60A
expands. Thus, the inner portion 40b is lifted to thereby cause a
decrease of the load applied to the inner portion 40b. As a result,
the load applied to the outer portion 40a increases so as to make
closing of the exhaust port 60a of the air bag 60A as well as
opening the exhaust port 60a of the air bag 60B. Alternate
repetition of the aforementioned operations is responsible for
inclining each of the outer portion 40a and the inner portion 40b
such that the load applied to the outer portion 40a becomes equal
to the load applied to the inner portion 40b. Even when the load
applied to the inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40 exceeds
the load applied to the outer portion 40a of the bearing member 40,
the exercise assisting device operates in a similar manner as
described in the above.
[0112] As apparent from the above, the exercise assisting device
shown in FIG. 6B is capable of tilting the bearing member 40 so as
to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer
portion 40a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the
inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, it is
possible to improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the
outer part and the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb. As
a result, it is possible to remedy the deformation of bones of the
lower limb (that is, it is possible to recover the skeletal
alignment of the lower limb). Further, the user can enjoy a
comfortable passive exercise (training) while being alleviated of
the knee pain, which means that even the user suffering from knee
pains during one's walking can make the passive exercise. Moreover,
it is possible to reduce a production cost because an electric
circuit for the load detection unit 5 or the like is made
redundant.
[0113] The technical feature of the present invention can be
applied to the exercise assisting device shown in FIGS. 7A and
7B.
[0114] The exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 7 includes a
carrier 30 to be placed on a predetermined position such as a
floor. There are a supporter 32 and a handle post 33 provided on
the carrier 30. The supporter 32 is provided at its upper end with
a seat 9 configured to bear the buttocks of the user M. The handle
post 33 has handles 33a adapted in use to be held with the hand of
the user M as necessary. The pair of foot supports 4 is attached to
the carrier 30 and between the supporter 32 and the handle post 33.
This foot support 4 has the same configuration as the foot support
4 of the first embodiment or the foot support 4 of respective FIGS.
4 to 6. In the exercise assisting device shown in FIG. 7, the pair
of foot supports 4 constitutes the support unit 1 together with the
seat 9.
[0115] The supporter 32 is provided with the drive device 2
configured to reciprocate the seat 9. The drive device 2 is
configured to reciprocate the seat 9 which is one part of the
support unit 1 by use of a driving source (not shown), thereby
displacing the buttocks of the user M with one's feet resting
respectively on the foot supports 4 and one's buttocks resting on
the seat 9. In short, the drive device 2 is configured to vary the
weight acting on the legs of the user M. The drive device 2
displaces the buttocks of the user M, thereby varying a proportion
of bearing the user's weight between the seat 9 and the foot
supports 4. In this consequence, the drive device 2 varies the
user's weight acting on the buttocks, thereby varying the weight
acting on each of the feet of the user.
[0116] Under the condition that an angle of a knee is kept to a
predetermined angle, a load applied to a femoral region of the user
M is increased as a proportion of bearing the user's weight by the
seat 9 is decreased. This is similar to bending user's own knee
during a squat exercise and can trigger muscle contraction of
femoral muscles. That is, an oscillation of the seat 9 induces a
passive exercise not an active exercise of the user M. According to
this passive exercise, the femoral muscles repeat tonus and laxity.
Therefore, the user M can mainly exercise for own femoral
muscles.
[0117] As apparent from the above, the exercise assisting device
shown in FIG. 7 is capable of tilting the bearing member 40 so as
to reduce the difference between the load applied to the outer
portion 40a of the bearing member 40 and the load applied to the
inner portion 40b of the bearing member 40. Therefore, it is
possible to improve a balance (capacity imbalance) between the
outer part and the inner part of the muscles of the lower limb even
if the user has bow legs or knock knees. As a result, it is
possible to remedy the deformed bones of the lower limb (that is,
it is possible to recover the skeletal alignment of the lower
limb). Further, the user can enjoy a comfortable passive exercise
(training) while being alleviated of the knee pain, which means
that even the user suffering from knee pains during one's walking
can make the passive exercise.
* * * * *