U.S. patent application number 12/810070 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for passive exercise assisting device of standing type.
Invention is credited to Takao Gotou, Izumi Mihara, Kazuhiro Ochi, Takahisa Ozawa, Youichi Shinomiya.
Application Number | 20100273619 12/810070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40824291 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100273619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ozawa; Takahisa ; et
al. |
October 28, 2010 |
PASSIVE EXERCISE ASSISTING DEVICE OF STANDING TYPE
Abstract
A passive exercise assisting device comprises a left foot
support, a right foot support, and a driving unit. The left foot
support and the right foot support are configured to bear a left
foot and a right foot of a user respectively. The driving unit is
configured to move the left foot support and the right foot support
so as to give motions to the left foot support and the right foot
support in relation with each other. The driving unit comprises at
least one of a horizontal motion applying mechanism and a rotation
motion applying mechanism. The horizontal motion applying mechanism
is configured move the left foot support and the right foot support
laterally to the left foot support and the right foot support. The
rotation motion applying mechanism is configured rotate the left
foot support and the right foot support about horizontal axes to
the left foot support and the right foot support. The passive
exercise assisting device further comprises a vertical motion
applying mechanism being configured to move the left foot support
and the right foot support vertically to the left foot support and
the right foot support.
Inventors: |
Ozawa; Takahisa;
(Katano-shi, JP) ; Ochi; Kazuhiro; (Osaka-shi,
JP) ; Shinomiya; Youichi; (Ibaraki-shi, JP) ;
Gotou; Takao; (Hirakata-shi, JP) ; Mihara; Izumi;
(Daito-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Cheng Law Group, PLLC
1100 17th Street, N.W., Suite 503
Washington
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
40824291 |
Appl. No.: |
12/810070 |
Filed: |
December 25, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
December 25, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/073564 |
371 Date: |
June 22, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/146 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2205/106 20130101;
A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 23/085 20130101; A61H 2203/0406 20130101;
A63B 23/0405 20130101; A61H 1/005 20130101; A61H 2201/14 20130101;
A61H 2201/164 20130101; A61H 2201/1666 20130101; A63B 23/08
20130101; A61H 1/0237 20130101; A61H 2201/1676 20130101; A61H
2201/1418 20130101; A63B 22/14 20130101; A63B 26/003 20130101; A61H
2201/1215 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/146 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/16 20060101
A63B022/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 28, 2007 |
JP |
2007-341354 |
Claims
1. A passive exercise assisting device of standing type comprising:
a left foot support and a right foot support being configured to
bear a left foot and a right foot of a user respectively; a driving
unit being configured to move said left foot support and said right
foot support so as to give motions to said left foot support and
said right foot support in relation with each other; said driving
unit comprising at least one of a horizontal motion applying
mechanism and a rotation motion applying mechanism, said horizontal
motion applying mechanism being configured to give horizontal
motions to said left foot support and said right foot support such
that said horizontal motion applying mechanism moves said left foot
support and said right foot support in a horizontal direction, said
rotation motion applying mechanism being configured to give
rotation motions to said left foot support and said right foot
support such that said rotation motion applying mechanism rotates
said left foot support and said right foot support about horizontal
axes along the horizontal direction, wherein said driving unit
comprises a vertical motion applying mechanism being configured to
give vertical motions to said left foot support and said right foot
support such that said vertical motion applying mechanism moves
said left foot support and said right foot support in a vertical
direction, and said vertical motion applying mechanism being
configured to give the vertical motions to said left foot support
and said right foot support in synchronization with the horizontal
motions or the rotation motion.
2. The passive exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 1,
wherein said driving unit being configured to move said left foot
support and said right foot support such that said left foot
support is interlocked with said right foot support.
3. The passive exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 1,
wherein said vertical motion applying mechanism comprises a
vertical motion applying means which is configured to move said
left foot support and said right foot support in the vertical
direction, and said vertical motion applying means being configured
to move said left foot support and said right foot support in order
to vary height of said left foot support relative to said right
foot support.
4. The passive exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 1,
wherein said left foot support and said right foot support are
configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis which is
perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
5. The passive exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 1
further comprises a rotation plate, said rotation plate having a
rotation axis which is perpendicular to a horizontal plane, said
rotation plate being rotated about said rotation axis, both said
left foot support and said right foot support are attached to said
rotation plate, whereby said left foot support and said right foot
support are rotated when said rotation plate is rotated, said
rotation axis being located between said left foot support and said
right foot support.
6. The passive exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 3,
wherein said vertical motion applying means being configured to
give the vertical motion to said left foot support and said right
foot support in order to move said left foot support and said right
foot support downward as said horizontal motion applying mechanism
gives the horizontal motion to said left foot support and said
right foot support in order to move said left foot support and said
right foot support frontward from backward.
7. The passive exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 3,
wherein said vertical motion applying means is configured to give
the vertical motion to said left foot support in order to move said
left foot support downward as said rotation motion applying
mechanism gives the rotation motion to said left foot support in
order to move said left foot support from a frontward tilting
posture to a backward tilting posture, and said vertical motion
applying means is configured to give the vertical motion to said
right foot support in order to move said right foot support
downward as said rotation motion applying mechanism gives the
rotation motion to said right foot support in order to move said
right foot support from a frontward tilting posture to a backward
tilting posture.
8. The passive exercise assisting device as set forth in claim 3,
wherein said vertical motion applying means is configured to give
the vertical motion to said left foot support in order to move said
left foot support downward as said rotation motion applying
mechanism gives the rotation motion to said left foot support in
order to move said left foot support from a backward tilting
posture to a frontward tilting posture, and said vertical motion
applying means is configured to give the vertical motion to said
right foot support in order to move said right foot support
downward as said rotation motion applying mechanism gives the
rotation motion to said right foot support in order to move said
right foot support from a backward tilting posture to a frontward
tilting posture.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to a passive exercise assisting
device for training muscles of lower legs.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Japanese registered utility model application publication
No. 3112751 and Japanese patent application publication No.
2002-253700 discloses the prior exercise assisting device for
training the muscles of the lower legs. The prior exercise device
of stepping type is a device which is used for easily training the
muscles of the user's lower leg in the home. The prior exercise
assisting device of the stepping type comprises a left foot
support, a right foot support, springs and air cylinders. The user
places a user's left foot and a user's right foot feet on the left
foot support and the right foot support respectively. Subsequently,
the user alternately moves the user's left foot and the right foot
up and down. In this manner, the user uses the exercise assisting
device of the stepping type. By using the exercise assisting device
of the stepping type, the user is able to perform exercise similar
to the walking. Consequently, the user is able to promote the
user's health.
[0003] However, the user is required to step the left foot support
and the right foot support oneself when the user uses the prior
exercise assisting device. When the user steps the left foot
support and the right foot support of the prior exercise assisting
device, the user bends and stretches the knee joint. Therefore,
persons having knee pains or aged parsons have difficulty in using
the prior exercise device of stepping type. In addition, the user
of the prior exercise device of stepping type is required to move
actively. That is, the user of the prior exercise device is needed
to carry on the exercise with an effort. This effort is a burden to
the user. Furthermore, the user does not amuse a simple up-down
motion of the left foot and the right foot support. Therefore, the
user gives up the exercise easily.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] This invention is achieved to solve the above problem. An
object of this invention is to produce the passive exercise
assisting device of standing type. The passive exercise assisting
device of standing type gives passive exercise of the up-down
motion to the left leg and the right leg in order to train balance
of the user's body and also train the muscle of the lower legs.
Means of Solving the Problems
[0005] In order to solve the above problem, the passive exercise
assisting device in this invention comprises a left foot support, a
right foot support, and a driving unit. The left foot support and
the right foot support are shaped to bear a left foot and a right
foot of the user respectively. The driving unit is configured to
move the left foot support and the right foot support so as to give
motions to respective the left foot support and the right foot
support in relation with each other. The driving unit comprises at
least one of a horizontal motion applying mechanism and a rotation
motion applying mechanism. In addition, the driving unit comprises
a vertical motion applying mechanism. The horizontal motion
applying mechanism is configured to give horizontal motion to the
left foot support and the right foot support in order to move the
left foot support and the right foot support. The rotation motion
applying mechanism is configured to give a rotation motion in order
to rotate respective the left foot support and the right foot
support about a horizontal axis along the horizontal direction. The
vertical motion applying mechanism is configured to give vertical
motions in synchronization with the horizontal motions or the
rotation motions to the left foot support and the right foot
support in order to move the left foot support and the right foot
support in a vertical direction as the left foot support and the
right foot support is moved by the horizontal motion applying
mechanism or is rotated by the rotation motion applying
mechanism.
[0006] In this case, the passive exercise assisting device of
standing type is configured to slide the user's left foot and the
right foot along a horizontal direction passively by means of the
horizontal motion applying mechanism in a condition where the user
stands on the left foot support and the right foot support.
Alternatively, the passive exercise assisting device of standing
type is configured to rotate the user's left foot and the right
foot support about the respective horizontal axes in order to
dorsiflex the ankle joints passively in a condition where the user
stands on the left foot support and the right foot support. In
addition, the horizontal slide motion or the rotation motion causes
weight shift of the user. Therefore, the vertical motion applying
mechanism is configured to give the vertical motions in
synchronization with the horizontal slide motion or the rotation
motions to the left foot support and the right foot support.
Consequently, the user is able to enhance balance ability by
putting the user's weight on the foot support, while the user
moving the left femoral area and the right femoral area
alternately. In addition, the balance ability, the capacity to
support the user's weight by either one of the left leg or the
right leg, and the capacity of the muscle of the lower leg are
enhanced simultaneously by swinging the user's body leftward and
rightward in order to break the user's balance, whereby the user is
able to take exercise continuously with interest. Furthermore, the
passive exercise assisting device gives the 3-dimensional exercise
which includes a vertical motion in combination with the horizontal
motion. Therefore, an exercise effect which is given to the lower
leg is enhanced. Moreover, even the passive exercise assisting
device gives the 3-dimensional exercise, the passive exercise
assisting device hardly bend and stretch the knee joint. Therefore,
the passive exercise assisting device allows the user to train the
muscles of the legs of the user without risk of making an impact to
the knee joint.
[0007] It is preferred that the driving unit is configured to move
the left foot support and the right foot support such that the left
foot support is interlocked with the right foot support.
[0008] It is preferred that the vertical motion applying mechanism
comprises a vertical motion applying means. The vertical motion
applying means is configured to move the left foot support and the
right foot support in the vertical direction. The vertical motion
applying means is configured to vary height of the left foot
support in relation to the right foot support.
[0009] In this case, the vertical motion applying means is
configured to give a seesaw motion to the left foot support and the
right foot support such that the left foot support and the right
foot support is passively and alternately moved in the vertical
direction.
[0010] It is preferred that the left foot support and the right
foot support are configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis.
The rotation axis is perpendicular to a horizontal plane.
[0011] It is preferred that the passive exercise assisting device
further comprises a rotation plate. The rotation plate has a
rotation axis. The rotation axis is perpendicular to a horizontal
plane. The rotation plate is rotated about the rotation axis. Both
the left foot support and the right foot support are attached to
the rotation plate. Consequently, the left foot support and the
right foot support are rotated when the rotation plate is rotated.
The rotation axis is located between the left foot support and the
right foot support.
[0012] In this case, the passive exercise assisting device is
configured to give the twist motion of twisting superior limb with
respect to the lower leg. Consequently, the passive exercise
assisting device is capable of stimulating the various muscles such
as the lower back and the lower leg, especially the adducent
muscles, whereby the passive exercise exercises the user in order
to develop the user's muscle more effectively.
[0013] The vertical motion applying means is configured to give the
vertical motion to the left foot support and the right foot support
in order to move the left foot support and the right foot support
downward as the horizontal motion applying mechanism gives the
horizontal motion to the left foot support and the right foot
support in order to move the left foot support and the right foot
support forward from backward.
[0014] In this case, the user's weight acts on the left foot
support and the right foot support which move forward and downward.
Therefore, the user is able to exercise the user's balance ability
more effectively.
[0015] It is preferred that the vertical motion applying means is
configured to give the vertical motion to the left foot support in
order to move the left foot support downward as the rotation motion
applying mechanism moves the left foot support from the frontward
tilting posture to the backward tilting posture. The vertical
motion applying means is configured to give the vertical motion to
the right foot support in order to move the right foot support
downward as the rotation motion applying mechanism moves the right
foot support from the frontward tilting posture to the backward
tilting posture.
[0016] In this case, the user is easily put the user's weight on
the left foot support or the right foot support which has the
backward tilting posture and which is moved downward. When the
user's weight acts on the left foot support or the right foot
support, the user's weight acts on the rear side of the knee,
whereby the front side of the femoral area are is contracted when
the user's weight acts on the left foot support or the right foot
support. In this manner, the passive exercise assisting device
gives the dosal flexion motion to the ankle joint effectively.
[0017] It is preferred that the vertical motion applying means is
configured to give the vertical motion to the left foot support in
order to move the left foot support downward as the rotation motion
applying mechanism moves the left foot support from the backward
tilting posture to the frontward tilting posture. The vertical
motion applying means is configured to give the vertical motion to
the right foot support in order to move the right foot support
downward as the rotation motion applying mechanism moves the right
foot support from the backward tilting posture to the frontward
tilting posture.
[0018] In this case, the user is easily put the user's weight on
the left foot support or the right foot support which has the
forward tilting posture and which is moved downward. When the
user's weight acts on the left foot support or the right foot
support, the user's weight acts on the rear side of the knee,
whereby the front side of the femoral area are is contracted when
the user's weight acts on the left foot support or the right foot
support. In this manner, the passive exercise assisting device
gives the dosal flexion motion to the ankle joint effectively.
[0019] These and still other objects and advantages will become
apparent from the following best mode for carrying out the
invention referring to the attached drawings.
BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a passive exercise assisting device of standing
type in an embodiment of this invention. The passive exercise
assisting device in FIG. 1 comprises a left foot support and a
right foot support which are movable in a vertical direction.
[0021] FIG. 2 is an explanation illustration of the left foot
support and the right foot support. The left foot support and the
right foot support are moved in the vertical direction by a
vertical motion applying means.
[0022] FIG. 3a is a plane view of a horizontal slide motion
applying mechanism in the embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 3b is an explanation illustration showing a base plate
which is supported as a scale.
[0024] FIG. 3c is an explanation illustration showing the foot
support which moves downward as the foot support moves toward a
front direction.
[0025] FIG. 4a is a plane view for explanation of the horizontal
slide applying mechanism and rotation motion applying mechanism of
another embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 4b is an explanation illustration of the base plate
which is supported as a scale.
[0027] FIG. 4c is an explanation illustration of a plantarflex
exercise for plantarflexing the ankle joint.
[0028] FIG. 5a is an explanation illustration of the foot support.
The foot support in FIG. 5a has a back tilting position, and is
moved downward.
[0029] FIG. 5b is an explanation illustration of the foot support.
The foot support in FIG. 5b has a front tilting position, and is
moved downward.
[0030] FIG. 6a is an explanation illustration of the passive
exercise assisting device which comprises a twist rotation means
and vertical motion applying means.
[0031] FIG. 6b is an explanation illustration showing the base
plate which is supported as the scale.
[0032] FIG. 6c is an explanation illustration showing a mechanism
and a rotation plate. The rotation plate supports the foot
supports. The mechanism comprises a motor which is configured to
rotate the rotation plate.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a rotation mechanism of the above.
[0034] FIG. 8 is an explanation illustration of a horizontal slide
motion applying mechanism of another embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 9a is an explanation illustration of the horizontal
slide motion applying mechanism of the another embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 9b is an explanation illustration of the horizontal
slide motion applying mechanism of the another embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 10a is an explanation illustration of the vertical
motion applying means of the another embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 10b is an explanation illustration of the vertical
motion applying means of the another embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 11a is an explanation illustration of the vertical
motion applying means of another modification.
[0040] FIG. 11b is an explanation illustration of the vertical
motion applying means of another modification.
[0041] FIG. 11c is an explanation illustration of the vertical
motion applying means comprising motors which are configured to
move the left foot support and the right foot support respectively
and individually.
[0042] FIG. 12a is an explanation illustration of the vertical
motion applying means of the above.
[0043] FIG. 12b is an explanation illustration of the vertical
motion applying means of the above.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0044] Hereinafter, an invention of the embodiment is explained on
the basis of the attached drawings.
[0045] The passive exercise assisting device 5 in this invention
comprises a left foot support 1, a right foot support 2, and a
driving unit. The left foot support 1 is shaped to bear the left
foot A1 of the user. The right foot support 2 is shaped to bear the
right foot A2 of the user. The driving unit is configured to give
motions to the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2
such that the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 are
related with each other. The driving unit comprises at least one of
horizontal motion applying mechanism and a rotation motion applying
mechanism. The rotation motion applying mechanism is configured to
give rotation motions of rotating the left foot support 1 and the
right foot support 2 to the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 respectively about horizontal axes 3. The horizontal axes
3 extend along the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the driving unit
comprises a vertical motion applying mechanism. The vertical motion
applying mechanism is configured to give vertical motions of moving
the left foot support and the right foot support in a vertical
direction B to the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2
respectively such that the vertical motion is in synchronization
with the horizontal motion or the rotation motion.
[0046] FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 show one embodiment of the passive exercise
assisting device of standing type. FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of
the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 which are
movable in the vertical direction individually. FIG. 2 is a
schematic view of the left foot support 1, the right foot support
2, and the vertical motion applying means 13 of the vertical motion
applying mechanism. The vertical motion applying means 13 is
configured to move the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 individually in the vertical direction. FIG. 3 is a
schematic view of the passive exercise assisting device of standing
type which comprises the horizontal slide motion applying mechanism
11 and also the vertical motion applying means 13.
[0047] The horizontal slide motion applying mechanism 11 shown in
FIG. 3 is equivalent to the horizontal motion applying mechanism.
The horizontal slide motion applying mechanism 11 is configured to
move the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 in a
front-back direction and also a lateral direction such that a
combination of the trajectory of the left foot support and the
trajectory of the right foot support traces out V-shape.
Consequently, the horizontal slide motion applying mechanism 11
causes the user's muscle of the leg to expand and contract. The
horizontal slide motion applying mechanism 11 comprises a base
plate 6, a left rail 8 and a right rail 8. The left rail 8 and the
right rail 8 are disposed on an upper surface of the base plate 6.
The left rail 8 has a lengthwise direction Y1. The right rail 8 has
a lengthwise direction Y2. The left rail 8 and the right rail 8
extend toward a left direction and a right direction respectively
as the left rail 8 and the right rail extend toward a front
direction. Therefore, the lengthwise direction Y1 crosses the
lengthwise direction Y2 at a predetermined angle such that the left
rail 8 and the right rail 8 extends away from each other as the
left rail 8 and the right rail 8 extends toward a front direction.
When a motor 21 is started, the motor rotates the worm wheel 9 so
as to reciprocate the left truck 20 along the lengthwise direction
Y1 of the left rail 8 and also the right truck 20 along the
lengthwise direction Y2 of the right rail 8. When the left truck 8
and the right truck 8 are reciprocated, the left foot support 1 and
the right foot support 2 which respectively holds the left truck 20
and the right truck 20 are reciprocated along the lengthwise
directions Y1 and Y2 of the left rail 8 and the right rail 8.
[0048] In contrast, the vertical motion applying means 13 shown in
FIG. 3b supports a center of a lower surface of the base plate 6 so
as to support the base plate 6 as the scale while the center of the
lower surface of the base plate 6 acts as a fulcrum 13a.
Consequently, the vertical motion applying means 13 is configured
to hold the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 such
that the vertical motion applying means 13 allows the left foot
support 1 and the right foot support 2 to alternately move upward
and downward like a seesaw motion
[0049] It is noted that the vertical motion applying means 13 is
configured to support the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 as a scale to be movable as the seesaw when the user's
weight is moved to the left foot support 1 or the right foot
support 2. However, the vertical motion applying mechanism 13 is
not limited thereto. That is, it is also possible to employ the
vertical motion applying means 13 which is realized by a ball or a
roller. In a case where the ball or the roller acts as the fulcrum
13a, the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 is swung
about the fulcrum 13a in 360 degrees. This configuration is also
employed in the following embodiments.
[0050] As mentioned above, the passive exercise assisting device 5
of standing type being used by the user standing without bending
the knee A4 is produced. In this passive exercise assisting device
5, when the user A starts the motor while the user stands on the
left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2, the left foot
support 1 and the right foot support 2 are driven to move such that
the trajectories of the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 traces V-shape. Further, the left foot support 1 and the
right foot support 2 are driven to move such that the left foot
support 1 has 180 degrees out of phase with the right foot support
2. With this configuration, the passive exercise assisting device
gives pseudo-walking exercise to the user. In addition, when the
user trains the walking ability by the passive exercise assisting
device, the passive exercise assisting device causes the weight
shift of the user in the front-back direction. As a result, the
base plate 6 which holds the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 is moved as the seesaw. Therefore, the user's weight is
applied to either one of the left foot support 1 or the right foot
support 2 which is located lower than the other foot support. That
is, when the user stands on the left foot support 1 and the right
foot support 2, the user has very precarious balance position.
Then, the user tries to recover from the precarious balanced
position in order to maintain balance by using the muscles of the
entire body. That is, even the user's weight is slightly shifted by
the passive exercise assisting device, the user's leg muscles are
initiated to maintain balance by command from the brain. In this
manner, the user's brain, motorius, and the balance ability is
trained. In addition, agings of the brain, the motorius, and the
balance ability are also trained. In addition, when the left foot
support 1 or the right foot support 2 is moved downward, the load
which acts on the lower leg A3 is increased. Therefore, the user is
able to train the 3-dimensional balance ability by putting the
user's weight on the left foot support 1 and the right foot support
2 certainly while the left femoral area and the right femoral area
are alternately moved in the vertical direction. In this manner,
the user using the passive exercise assisting device is able to
train (a) the balance ability while performing the pseudo walking
exercise, (b) the capacity of supporting the user's weight by only
the left leg A1 or the right leg A2, and (c) the muscle of the
lower leg A3 at one time. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a
training assisting effect of assisting the training. In addition,
the passive exercise assisting device is able to give not
2-dimensional exercise but 3-dimensional multiple exercise
including planar motion in combination with a motion for
maintaining the balance in the vertical direction. Therefore, the
load applied to the lower leg A3 is increased. Furthermore, while
the passive exercise assisting device is used by the user having a
standing posture, the user has no need to bend the knee A4.
Therefore, there is no possibility of applying the large load to
the knee joint. Consequently, it is possible to train the muscles
of the lower leg A3 while the user hurts the user's knee joint. As
a result, elderly persons having a difficulty of shifting the
user's weight in the front-back direction are also able to use the
passive exercise assisting device easily. Therefore, the elderly
persons are also able to train the walking ability by the passive
exercise assisting device.
[0051] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 shows another embodiment. In this
embodiment, the driving unit comprises the rotation motion applying
mechanism 12 in addition to the horizontal slide motion applying
mechanism 11 and the vertical motion applying means 13. The
rotation motion applying mechanism 12 is configured to rotate each
the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 about
horizontal axles 3. The horizontal axle 3 extends along the
horizontal direction. The horizontal slide motion applying
mechanism 11 and the vertical motion applying means 13 are same as
the horizontal slide motion applying mechanism 11 and the vertical
motion applying means 13 in FIG. 3, respectively. The rotation
motion applying mechanism 12 is configured to rotate the left foot
support 1 and the right foot support 2 about the respective
horizontal axles. With this configuration, the rotation motion
applying mechanism 12 gives the rotation motion of inclining the
left foot support and the right foot support with the horizontal
plane to the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 such
that each the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 is
movable between a frontward tilting posture and a backward tilting
posture. As the foot A1 (A2) is plantarflexed to have a frontward
tilting posture of having toe being located lower than the heel,
the weight of the user acts on the front side of the knee, whereby
the rear side of the femoral area is contracted. In contrast, as
the foot A1 (A2) is dosalflexed to have a backward tilting posture
(shown in FIG. 5a) of having the heel being located lower than the
toe, the weight of the user acts on the rear side of the knee,
whereby the front side of the femoral area is contracted. In order
to give the planarflex motion and the dorsiflex motion, as shown in
FIG. 4a, the rotation motion applying mechanism 12 comprises motors
30 for the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2
respectively and integrally. Each the motor 30 is configured to
rotate forward and backward. Each the motor 30 is configured to
give rotation motion of moving the left foot support 1 (the right
foot support 2) between the frontward tilting posture and the
backward tilting posture. The rotation motion of the left foot
support 1 (the right foot support 2) is interlocked with the
V-shape motion of the left foot support 1 (the right foot support
2). For example, the motor 30 moves the left foot support 1 (the
right foot support 2) to the frontward tilting posture or the
backward tilting posture as the left foot support 1 (the right foot
support 2) moves toward the front direction D. Consequently, the
user is able to perform the planarflex motion and the dorsiflex
motion in addition to the v-shape motion and the seesaw motion.
[0052] When, as shown in FIG. 5a, the left foot support 1 bearing
the dorsiflexed foot A1 is moved downward B1, the power is put into
shin of the user such that the shin of the user withstands the
motion of the foot being dorsiflexed. Consequently, the muscles of
the shin are strengthened. In contrast, when, as shown in FIG. 5b,
the left foot support 1 bearing the plantarflexed foot A1 is moved
downward B1, the power is put into sura of the user such that the
sura of the user withstands the motion of the foot being
plantarflexed. Consequently, the muscles of the sura are
strengthened. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the shear force
applied to the knee A4 in a case where the foot is dorsiflexed or
plantarflexed. Therefore, there is no possibility of injury of the
knee, whereby the user is able to perform the dorsiflexion exercise
and the plantar flexion exercise without risk of the knee pain. In
addition, when the inclination angle of the left foot support 1
(the right foot support 2) with respect to the horizontal plane is
varied by the motor 30, it is possible to vary the inclination
angles of the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 with
respect to the horizontal plane.
[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the ankle joints is
moved to have a dorsiflexion condition or a plantar flexion
condition, the ankle joint is dorsiflexed or plantarflexed in a
direction so as not to be twisted. That is, as shown in FIG. 4c,
each the horizontal axles 3 are located below each one of the heels
of the feet A1, A2. Therefore, the feet A1, A2 receives no force
other than the force in the direction for dorsiflexing and
plantarflexing. Consequently, there is no possibility of twisting
the ankles, whereby the user is able to perform the dorsiflexion
exercise and the plantarflexion exercise without risk of twisting
the ankles. This advantage is also obtained in the embodiments
other than this embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 show yet another embodiment. The passive
exercise assisting device in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 comprises the
rotation motion applying mechanism 12, the vertical motion applying
means 13, and a twist rotation means 15. The twist rotation means
15 is configured to rotate left foot support 1 and the right foot
support about a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal
plane. It should be noted that the vertical motion applying means
13 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is equal to the vertical motion applying
means 13 in FIG. 3. In contrast, the passive exercise assisting
device in this embodiment does not comprise the horizontal slide
motion applying mechanism 11. The rotation motion applying
mechanism 12 in this embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, comprises a worm
36 and a pair of worm wheels 37. The worm 36 is connected with an
output shaft of a motor 35 which is configured to rotate forward
and backward. The worm wheel 37 is meshed with a pair of the worm
wheels 37. Each one of the worm wheel 37 is connected to each one
of the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2. The motor
35 is configured to generate the rotation for rotating the left
foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 about the horizontal
axles 3, respectively. The twist rotation means 15, shown in FIG.
6a, is configured to rotate a rotation plate 7 in a direction
indicated by an arrow F relative to the base plate 6. The twist
rotation means 15 is configured to be rotated by the user on the
left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 attached to the
rotation plate 7 actively may employed. In addition, it is also
possible to employ the twist rotation means 15 which is configured
to passively rotate the rotation plate 7 by the motor 40. The
rotation plate 7 is provided with driving shaft 41 which holds the
worm wheel 42. The worm wheel 42 is meshed with the worm 43 fixed
to the output shaft of the motor 40 which is configured to rotate
forward and backward. With this configuration, the twist rotation
means is configured to rotate the rotation plate 7 about the
driving shaft by the motor 40 which rotates forward and
backward.
[0055] In this manner, it is possible to give the twist exercise F
of twisting the superior limb A5 with respect to the lose leg A3 in
addition to the dorsflextion and plantarflextion exercise by the
rotation motion applying mechanism 12 (shown in FIG. 7), and the
seesaw exercise B1 B2 by the vertical motion applying means 13
(shown in FIG. 6b). Therefore, it is possible to stimulate the
muscles of the lower back A6 and the lower leg A3, especially
adducent muscles, whereby it is possible to strengthen the muscles
more effectively. In addition, the passive twist rotation generated
by the rotation plate 7 with using the motor 40 makes it possible
to strengthen the muscles of the lower legs A3. Furthermore, the
passive exercise assisting device in this embodiment comprises no
horizontal slide motion applying mechanism 11. However, the passive
exercise assisting device in this embodiment may further comprises
the horizontal slide motion applying mechanism.
[0056] Above embodiments shows the horizontal slide motion applying
mechanism 1 being configured to move the left foot support 1 and
the right foot support 2 such that the left foot support 1 and the
right foot support 2 moves along the trajectory of V-shape in order
to generate V-shape motion. However, the motion of the horizontal
slide motion applying mechanism 11 is not limited thereto. That is,
it is only required for the horizontal slide motion applying
mechanism 11 to give the horizontal motion to the left foot support
1 and the right foot support 2 in order to move the left foot
support 1 and the right foot support 2 in the horizontal direction.
FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show the respective embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 8 shows the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 which is moved in directions parallel to each other. The
left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 are moved toward
the front direction D and the back direction C alternately. The
left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 are moved along a
guide 60 and a guide 61, respectively. In this embodiment, a motor
50 is provided with an output shaft 51 which is rotated forward and
backward. The output shaft 51 is provided with a main gear 52. The
main gear 52 is meshed to a sub gear 53 and a sub gear 54. The sub
gear 53 and the sub gear 54 are located in both sides of the main
gear 52. The left foot support 1 is provided at its end face with a
rack 55 which meshes with the sub gear 53. The right foot support 2
is provided at its end face with a rack 56 which meshes with the
sub gear 54. When the motor 50 is started to generate frontward and
backward rotation, the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 are moved in the front-back direction alternately.
Therefore, the passive exercise assisting device is suitable for
using the pseudo ski training.
[0058] FIG. 9 shows the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 which are driven to move horizontally in the lateral
direction E such that the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 moves toward and away from each other. The left foot
support 1 and the right foot support 2 are moved along a guide 62
and a guide 63 respectively. The guide 62 and the guide 63 are
configured to guide the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 in the lateral direction E such that the left foot
support 1 and the right foot support 2 moves toward and away from
each other. Each the left foot support 1 and the right foot support
2 is connected to a first end of a link 60. The link 60 is shaped
to have a rhomboid, and is configured to expand and contract in the
lateral direction. The link 60 has a second end which is connected
to a piston rod 62 of an oil hydraulic cylinder 61. When the piston
rod is extended as shown in FIG. 9b, the link 60 extends in the
lateral direction. Consequently, the left foot support 1 and the
right foot support 2 are moved away from each other. In contrast,
when the piston rod 62 is returned, the link 60 extends in the
front-back direction. Consequently, the left foot support 1 and the
right foot support 2 are moved toward each other. In this manner,
the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 are moved
toward and away from each other in the lateral direction E.
Therefore, it is suitable for the opening exercise of opening the
both legs.
[0059] Each one of FIG. 10 to FIG. 12 shows yet another embodiment.
These embodiments show examples of the vertical motion applying
means 14 of the vertical motion applying mechanism. Each the left
foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 has a representative
point in the vertical direction B. The vertical motion applying
mechanism is configured to move the representative point of the
left foot support 1 relative to the representative point of the
right foot support 2. That is, the vertical motion applying means
is configured to move the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 in the vertical direction. The vertical motion applying
means is configured to move the left foot support 1 and the right
foot support 2 in such a manner that the height of the left foot
support 1 is moved relative to the height of the right foot support
2.
[0060] The vertical motion applying means 14 in FIG. 10 comprises
the oil hydraulic cylinder 70 and the piston rod 71. The base plate
6 is configured to swing about the fulcrum 13a in such a manner
that the base plate 6 moves as a seesaw. The base plate 6 is
provided at is one end with a piston rod 71. When the piston rod 71
is extended, the base plate 6 is swung about the fulcrum 13a. An
arrow B1 and an arrow B2 of FIG. 10 show the motions of the right
foot support 2 when the piston rod 71 of the vertical motion
applying means 14 is moved. In this manner, the left foot support 1
and the right foot support 2 are passively moved as the seesaw in
such a manner that the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2 are moved in the directions of B2 and B1,
respectively.
[0061] The vertical motion applying means 14 of FIG. 11 comprises a
motor 80 and a pair of eccentric cams 81, 82. In this embodiment,
the two eccentric cams 81 and 82 are fixed to the output shaft 80a
of the motor, and are spaced from each other. When the upwardly
projected dimension L1 of the eccentric cam 81 is maximized, the
upwardly projected dimension L2 of the eccentric cam 82 is
minimized. The eccentric cam 81 is disposed under the left foot
support 1. The eccentric cam 82 is disposed under the right foot
support 2. When the motor 80 rotates the output shaft 80a, rotation
motion of each the eccentric cam 81 and the eccentric cam 82 is
translated into the vertical motion of each the left foot support 1
and the right foot support 2. Consequently, the left foot support 1
and the right foot support 2 are passively moved in the vertical
directions B1, B2 in such a manner that the left foot support 1 and
the right foot support 2 are moved as the seesaw. It should be
noted that it is possible to employ two motors 80A, 80B shown in
FIG. 11c in order to rotate the eccentric cams 81 and 82
individually. Consequently, the left foot support 1 and the right
foot support 2 are moved individually, or are moved randomly
instead of being alternately moved in the vertical direction as the
seesaw. In this case, it is possible to adjust the speed, the
distance, and the timing of the left foot support 1 and the right
foot support 2 in the vertical direction. Therefore, the left foot
support 1 and the right foot support 2 are randomly moved in the
vertical direction. As a result, the left foot support 1 and the
right foot support 2 are moved unpredictably and passively.
Consequently, it is possible to enhance the effect of the balance
exercise.
[0062] The vertical motion applying means 14 of FIG. 12 comprises
links 90, 91, and a connection rod 92. Each the link 90 and the
link 91 is shaped to have the rhomboid. The link 90 and the link 91
are arranged in the lateral direction. The links 90, 91 are
configured to expand and contract toward a vertical direction B,
and are disposed under the left foot support 1 and the right foot
support 2, respectively. The link 90 is pivotally connected to the
link 91 by means of the connection rod 92. An upper end of the link
90 is connected to the piston rod 96 of the oil hydraulic cylinder
95. When the piston rod 96 is expanded in the vertical direction,
the link 90 is extended in the vertical direction while the link 91
is shortened in the vertical direction. In contrast, when the
piston rod 96 is contracted in the vertical direction, the link 90
is shortened in the vertical direction while the link 91 is
extended in the vertical direction. Consequently, the left foot
support 1 and the right foot support 2 are alternately moved in the
vertical direction in such a manner that the left foot support 1
and the right foot support 2 are moved as a seesaw. It should be
noted that it is possible to employ individual oil hydraulic
cylinders 95, and two links 90, 91 separated from each other. One
of the oil hydraulic cylinders 95 is connected to the link 90, and
the other of the oil hydraulic cylinders is connected to the link
91 in order to move the links 90 91, individually. Consequently,
the left foot support 1 and the right foot support 2 are
individually and randomly moved in the vertical direction.
[0063] These explanations are made on the basis of the vertical
motion applying means 14 of FIG. 10 to FIG. 12. When the horizontal
slide motion applying mechanism 11 shown in FIG. 3a gives the
horizontal motion to the left foot support 1 in order to move the
left foot support 1 forward D from backward C, the vertical motion
applying means 14 gives the vertical motion in synchronization with
the horizontal motion to the left foot support 1 in order to move
left foot support 1 downward B1. Therefore, the user is able to
easily apply the user's weight to the left foot support 1.
Similarly, when the horizontal slide motion applying mechanism 11
shown in FIG. 3a gives the horizontal motion to the right foot
support 2 in order to move the right foot support 2 forward D from
backward C, the vertical motion applying means 14 gives the
vertical motion in synchronization with the horizontal motion to
the right foot support 2 in order to move the right foot support 2
downward B1. Therefore, the user is able to easily apply the user's
weight to the right foot support 2. Consequently, it is possible
for the user to perform the balance exercise effectively.
[0064] In addition, the explanation of the embodiment is made on
the basis of the vertical motion applying means 14. When the
rotation motion applying mechanism 12 gives the rotation motion to
the left foot support 1 (the right foot support 2) in order to move
the left foot support 1 (the right foot support 2) from the
frontward tilting posture to the backward tilting posture shown in
FIG. 4a, the vertical motion applying means 14 moves the left foot
support 1 (the right foot support 2) toward a lower direction B1 as
the left foot support 1 (the right foot support 2) moves to the
backward tilting posture shown in FIG. 5a. According to this
motion, it is possible for the user to apply the user's weight to
the left foot support 1 (the right foot support 2) easily.
Furthermore, in this case, the user's weight is applied to the rear
side of the knee A4. Consequently, the front side of the femoral
area is also contracted, whereby it is possible to give the dorsal
flexion of the ankle joint effectively.
[0065] Further explanation of the embodiment is made on the basis
of the vertical motion applying means 14. When the rotation motion
applying mechanism 12 gives the rotation motion to the left foot
support 1 (the right foot support 2) in order to move the left foot
support 1 (the right foot support 2) from the backward tilting
posture to the frontward tilting posture shown in FIG. 4a, the
vertical motion applying means 14 moves the left foot support 1
(the right foot support 2) toward a lower direction B1 as the left
foot support 1 (the right foot support 2) moves to the frontward
tilting posture tilting posture. Therefore, it is possible for the
user to apply the user's weight to the left foot support 1.
Furthermore, the user's weight is applied to the front side of the
knee A4. Therefore, it is possible to contract the rear side of the
femoral area. As a result, it is possible for the user to
plantarflex the ankle joint effectively.
[0066] Although the present invention is described with particular
reference to the above illustrated embodiments, the present
invention should not be limited thereto, and should be interpreted
to encompass any combinations of the individual features of the
embodiments.
* * * * *