U.S. patent application number 12/674156 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-12 for exerciseing device for lower-body.
Invention is credited to Jeong Cheol Kim.
Application Number | 20110111927 12/674156 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40387473 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110111927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Jeong Cheol |
May 12, 2011 |
EXERCISEING DEVICE FOR LOWER-BODY
Abstract
A lower body exercise device for use in a sitting position
includes a base plate (10) placed on a floor; pivot frame portions
(20a and 20b) having first ends which are pivotably coupled to one
end of the base plate (10) and second ends to which pedal portions
(22a and 22b) are attached; repulsive members (30a and 30b)
installed between the base plate (10) and the pivot frame portions
(20a and 20b) such that a pivot frame composed of the pivot frame
portions (20a and 20b) can be pressed and pivoted toward the base
plate (10) by external force and the repulsive members (30a and
30b) can upwardly bias the pivot frame to an original position when
the external force is removed; and pedal force adjustment means
(40) for adjusting pedal force of the pedal portions (22a and 22b)
by varying elasticity of the repulsive members (30a and 30b).
Inventors: |
Kim; Jeong Cheol; (Daejeon,
KR) |
Family ID: |
40387473 |
Appl. No.: |
12/674156 |
Filed: |
June 13, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
June 13, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR08/03338 |
371 Date: |
February 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/52 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2208/0233 20130101;
A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 21/00192 20130101; A63B 21/023
20130101; A63B 23/085 20130101; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B
23/0429 20130101; A63B 23/03541 20130101; A63B 21/0455
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/52 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/04 20060101
A63B022/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 24, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0085650 |
Nov 16, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0117143 |
Claims
1. A lower body exercise device for use in a sitting position,
comprising: a base plate (10) placed on a floor; pivot frame
portions (20a and 20b) having first ends which are pivotably
coupled to one end of the base plate (10) by a shaft and second
ends to which pedal portions (22a and 22b) are attached; a
plurality of repulsive members (30a and 30b) installed between the
base plate (10) and the pivot frame portions (20a and 20b) such
that a pivot frame composed of the pivot frame portions (20a and
20b) can be pressed and pivoted toward the base plate (10) by
application of external force and the repulsive members (30a and
30b) can upwardly bias the pivot frame to an original position when
the external force is removed; and pedal force adjustment means
(40) for adjusting pedal force of a pedal composed of the pedal
portions (22a and 22b) by varying elasticity of the repulsive
members (30a and 30b).
2. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the pedal
portion (22a) is moved forward and rearward by a pedal adjustor
(50) so that relative positions of the pedal portions (22a and 22b)
can be changed to conform to a size of a user's foot.
3. The exercise device according to claim 1, further comprising: a
latch (60) for holding the pivot frame portions (20a and 20b)
folded to the base plate (10).
4. The exercise device according to claim 2, wherein the pedal
adjustor (50) comprises a movable element (52) flexibly coupled to
a lower surface of the pedal portion (22a), a nut (54) secured to a
lower portion of the movable element (52) to be open in forward and
rearward directions, and a thumb bolt (56) installed to project out
of a rear end of the pivot frame portion (20a) and threaded into
the nut (54).
5. The exercise device according to claim 3, wherein the latch (60)
has grips (62) formed on both widthwise ends thereof and an
engagement panel (64) formed on a widthwise middle portion thereof
such that an engagement part (23) formed on a lower surface of the
rear end of the pivot frame portion (20a) can be engaged with the
engagement panel (64), and is installed such that the latch (60)
can be moved in the forward and rearward directions along guide
grooves (61) defined in a lengthwise middle portion of the base
plate (10), and wherein slots (66) are defined in the base plate
(10) to extend in the forward and rearward directions such that the
engagement part (23) of the pivot frame portion (20a) can be
inserted through the slots (66).
6. The exercise device according to claim 1, wherein the pedal
force adjustment means (40) comprises a fixing block (41) into
which first ends of the repulsive members (30a and 30b) are fitted,
a bolt (42) which is fastened to a rear end of the fixing block
(41), a guide groove (43) which is defined on a lower surface of
the base plate (10), a hole (45) which is perforated through a rear
wall (44) of the guide groove (43), and a thumb nut (46) which is
threaded with the bolt (42) outside of the hole (45), such that the
fixing block (41) having the bolt (42) fastened thereto is moved in
the forward and rearward directions in the guide groove (43) by
rotating the thumb nut (46).
7. A lower body exercise device for use in a sitting position,
comprising: a base plate (10'); a fixed shaft (20') horizontally
supported by a front end of the base plate (10') at a raised
position; pivot frames (30') pivotably coupled to respective left
and right ends of the fixed shaft (20'); and torsion springs (40a'
and 40b') fitted on the fixed shaft (20') and having both ends
which are supported by the pivot frames (30') and the base plate
(10') such that the pivot frames (30') can be held in a lifted
state.
8. The exercise device according to claim 7, wherein each of left
and right pivot frames (30') is composed of a first pivot frame
portion (30a') which has a relatively long length and a second
pivot frame portion (30b') which has a relatively short length, a
rear pedal portion (31') is pivotably coupled to an upper surface
of the first pivot frame portion (30a') so that a user's rearfoot
portion can be placed on the rear pedal portion (31'), a front
pedal portion (32') is pivotably coupled to a rear upper surface of
the second pivot frame portion (30b') so that the user's forefoot
portion can be placed on the front pedal portion (32'), holes (34'
and 35') are defined through front ends of the first and second
pivot frame portions (30a' and 30b') such that a shaft bolt (22')
to be detachably coupled to the fixed shaft (20') is inserted
through the holes (34' and 35'), an external thread (23') is formed
on a distal end of the shaft bolt (22'), and an internal thread
(21') is formed in the fixed shaft (20').
9. The exercise device according to claim 8, wherein
finger-pressure protuberances (33') for stimulating acupoints on
the sole of a foot are attached onto the rear and front pedal
portions (31' and 32'), and pressing force of the finger-pressure
protuberances (33') can be adjusted by varying elasticity of
springs (36').
10. The exercise device according to claim 8, wherein elastic force
of the torsion spring (40a'), which is installed between first
pivot frame portions (30a') and the base plate (10'), can be
adjusted in a multi-stepwise manner by elastic force adjustment
means (50') which is arranged in the base plate (10') so that a
load of exercise can be adjusted.
11. The exercise device according to claim 10, wherein the elastic
force adjustment means (50') comprises a lever (53') which has a
handle (51') attached to an upper end thereof and a pinion (52')
secured to a lower end thereof, and a slider (56') which has a rack
(54') formed on one portion thereof to be meshed with the pinion
(52') of the lever (53') and a support part (55') formed in the
shape of steps on the other portion thereof to support a middle
portion of the torsion spring (40a').
12. The exercise device according to claim 9, wherein the rear
pedal portion (31') is composed of an upper plate (31a'), an
intermediate plate (31b') and a lower plate (31c'), protuberance
installation grooves (31d') are defined in the upper plate (31a')
such that the finger-pressure protuberances (33') and the springs
(36') are installed in the protuberance installation grooves
(31d'), the upper plate (31a') and the intermediate plate (31b')
are detachably coupled to each other by an engagement shoulder
(312) and an elastic projection (311), and the upper plate (31a')
having the intermediate plate (31b') coupled thereto is fastened to
the lower plate (31c') by a bolt (31e').
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a lower body exercise
device for use in a sitting position, which allows a user to take
exercise in a room while sitting on a chair, and more particularly,
to a lower body exercise device for use in a sitting position,
which allows a student, an office worker, etc. involved in a
sedentary lifestyle to frequently exercise lower body muscles and
to stimulate acupoints on the sole of the foot while sitting on a
chair so that blood circulation and metabolism can be promoted and
various ill effects such as the deterioration of physical strength,
the loss of concentration and weakened immunity due to lack of
exercise can be avoided, which, in particular, has a simplified
construction and a decreased number of component parts so that the
device can be fabricated and distributed at a reduced cost, and in
which the relative positions of pedal portions constituting a pedal
can be easily changed in conformity with the size of a user's foot
and the load of exercise can be adjusted in various ways so that
the device can be commonly used by several people.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, since students, office workers, etc. are
involved in a sedentary lifestyle almost all day long, various
diseases can be caused in various bony and muscular system and in
the internal organs due to lack of exercise. In particular, the
lower body muscles are likely to be weakened, and in the case of
females, smooth blood circulation between the upper and lower
bodies is likely to be deteriorated so that lower body obesity may
be caused. Nevertheless, it is difficult for the students or office
workers to arrange time in the daytime to go to a health club or go
out to take exercise. Therefore, if the motions in everyday life
can be developed to exercise, it is possible to contribute to the
promotion of health to some extent.
[0003] The conventional exercise devices for allowing a student or
an office worker to take exercise while sitting on a chair, which
have been disclosed in the art, include Korean Unexamined Patent
Publication No. 1996-0016858 (published on Jun. 17, 1996) entitled
"Massage Apparatus" which is an electrically vibrated type foot
massager, Korean Utility Model Registration No. 284522 (registered
on Jul. 23, 2002) entitled "Swivel Chair for Sports" in which a
seating plate is eccentrically rotated to exercise the waist,
Korean Utility Model Registration No. 341864 (registered on Feb. 3,
2004) entitled "The Foot to Press Down Roller" which is operated by
placing both feet on finger-pressure plates and alternately
pressing the finger-pressure plates, Korean Unexamined Patent
Publication No. 2004-0040985 (published on May 13, 2004) entitled
"Finger-pressure Equipment" which is operated such that, by placing
the foot on a foot plate, finger-pressure protuberances are raised
and lowered by a solenoid type actuator which is driven by electric
power, to finger-press the sole of the foot, and Korean Unexamined
Patent Publication No. 2004-0105527 (published on Dec. 16, 2004)
entitled "A Chair Having a Part for Finger-pressing Sole of Foot"
in which a rod member having rotation type finger-pressure
protuberances is installed between the legs of a chair.
[0004] Since these conventional exercise devices are constructed to
provide a simple massaging function or an amusement function, they
cannot render substantial exercise effects and therefore cannot aid
in solving the problems caused due to lack of exercise. Also, when
performing massage using electricity, since noise is generated,
concentration on study or office work can be interfered with.
[0005] In order to cope with these problems, the present applicant
disclosed Korean Patent No. 518924 (registered on Sep. 20, 2005)
entitled "A Lower Body Exercising Device with Foot Massager." In
this device, because a plurality of pivot frame portions are
pivotably installed on one end of a base plate and compression coil
springs are disposed between the pivot frame portions and the base
plate, the number of parts increases. Also, a cover having the
shape of a bellows made of rubber must be provided to cover the
complicated internal construction, the manufacturing cost increases
and the price of an end product is raised.
[0006] Further, the present applicant disclosed Korean Patent No.
720391 (registered on May 15, 2007) entitled "An Exercising Device
for Lower Body" which is obtained by modifying the device disclosed
in Korean Patent No. 518924 so that the construction is simplified
and the number of parts is minimized.
[0007] The device disclosed in Korean Patent No. 720391 is
fabricated such that the relative positions of pedal portions can
be changed in conformity with the size of a user's foot. However,
in order to change the relative positions of the pedal portions,
since the bolts or screw-type adjustors attached to both sides of
the pedal portions must be loosened and then tightened using a
separate tool, inconvenience is caused. Also, because the fastened
states of the adjustors are likely to be changed by the repeated
use of the exercise device, the pedal portions are likely to be
fluctuated in forward and rearward directions.
[0008] In addition, in Korean Patent No. 720391, since the elastic
force of springs for applying pedal force to the pedal portions
cannot be adjusted, it is impossible to adjust a load of exercise
in conformity with a user's physical strength.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an
effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an
object of the present invention is to provide a lower body exercise
device for use in a sitting position, which allows the relative
positions of pedal portions constituting a pedal to be easily
changed in conformity with the size of a user's foot and the load
of exercise to be adjusted in conformity with the user's physical
strength.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
lower body exercise device which ensures convenient use and easy
adjustability of exercise load and has a simplified construction
and a decreased number of component parts so that the fabrication
cost can be reduced.
Technical Solution
[0011] In order to achieve the above objects, according to one
aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lower body
exercise device for use in a sitting position, comprising a base
plate placed on a floor; pivot frame portions having first ends
which are pivotably coupled to one end of the base plate by a shaft
and second ends to which pedal portions are attached; a plurality
of repulsive members installed between the base plate and the pivot
frame portions such that a pivot frame composed of the pivot frame
portions can be pressed and pivoted toward the base plate by
application of external force and the repulsive members can
upwardly bias the pivot frame to an original position when the
external force is removed; and pedal force adjustment means for
adjusting pedal force of a pedal composed of the pedal portions by
varying elasticity of the repulsive members.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
pedal portion is moved forward and rearward by a pedal adjustor so
that relative positions of the pedal portions can be changed to
conform to a size of a user's foot. Also, the pedal adjustor
comprises a movable element flexibly coupled to a lower surface of
the pedal portion, a nut secured to a lower portion of the movable
element to be open in forward and rearward directions, and a thumb
bolt installed to project out of a rear end of the pivot frame
portion and threaded into the nut.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
exercise device further comprises a latch for holding the pivot
frame portions folded to the base plate. The latch has grips formed
on both widthwise ends thereof and an engagement panel formed on a
widthwise middle portion thereof such that an engagement part
formed on a lower surface of the rear end of the pivot frame
portion can be engaged with the engagement panel, and is installed
such that the latch can be moved in the forward and rearward
directions along guide grooves defined in a lengthwise middle
portion of the base plate; and slots are defined in the base plate
to extend in the forward and rearward directions such that the
engagement part of the pivot frame portion can be inserted through
the slots.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
pedal force adjustment means comprises a fixing block into which
first ends of the repulsive members are fitted, a bolt which is
fastened to a rear end of the fixing block, a guide groove which is
defined on a lower surface of the base plate, a hole which is
perforated through a rear wall of the guide groove, and a thumb nut
which is threaded with the bolt outside of the hole, such that the
fixing block having the bolt fastened thereto is moved in the
forward and rearward directions in the guide groove by rotating the
thumb nut.
[0015] Further, in order to achieve the above objects, according to
another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lower
body exercise device for use in a sitting position, comprising a
base plate; a fixed shaft horizontally supported by a front end of
the base plate at a raised position; pivot frames pivotably coupled
to respective left and right ends of the fixed shaft; and torsion
springs fitted on the fixed shaft and having both ends which are
supported by the pivot frames and the base plate such that the
pivot frames can be held in a lifted state.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, each
of left and right pivot frames is composed of a first pivot frame
portion which has a relatively long length and a second pivot frame
portion which has a relatively short length, a rear pedal portion
is pivotably coupled to an upper surface of the first pivot frame
portion so that a user's rearfoot portion can be placed on the rear
pedal portion, a front pedal portion is pivotably coupled to a rear
upper surface of the second pivot frame portion so that the user's
forefoot portion can be placed on the front pedal portion, holes
are defined through front ends of the first and second pivot frame
portions such that a shaft bolt to be detachably coupled to the
fixed shaft is inserted through the holes, an external thread is
formed on a distal end of the shaft bolt, and an internal thread is
formed in the fixed shaft.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention,
finger-pressure protuberances for stimulating acupoints on the sole
of a foot are attached onto the rear and front pedal portions, and
pressing force of the finger-pressure protuberances can be adjusted
by varying elasticity of springs.
[0018] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
elastic force of the torsion spring, which is installed between
first pivot frame portions and the base plate, can be adjusted in a
multi-stepwise manner by elastic force adjustment means which is
arranged in the base plate so that a load of exercise can be
adjusted. The elastic force adjustment means comprises a lever
which has a handle attached to an upper end thereof and a pinion
secured to a lower end thereof, and a slider which has a rack
formed on one portion thereof to be meshed with the pinion of the
lever and a support part formed in the shape of steps on the other
portion thereof to support a middle portion of the torsion
spring.
[0019] According to a still further aspect of the present
invention, the rear pedal portion is composed of an upper plate, an
intermediate plate and a lower plate, protuberance installation
grooves are defined in the upper plate such that the
finger-pressure protuberances and the springs are installed in the
protuberance installation grooves, the upper plate and the
intermediate plate are detachably coupled to each other by an
engagement shoulder and an elastic projection, and the upper plate
having the intermediate plate coupled thereto is fastened to the
lower plate by a bolt.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0020] Thanks to the features of the lower body exercise device
according to the present invention, after a user has studied or
done office work for a long time while sitting on a chair, if he or
she wants to take a rest or feels sleepy, the user can exercise
lower body muscles by placing both feet on the divided type pedals
of respective exercise devices while sitting erect by straightening
himself or herself and by applying force to and pressing the pedals
alternately or simultaneously. By sequentially pressing the divided
pedal portions of each pedal, all muscles for moving a forefoot
portion including five toes, a midfoot portion and a heel portion,
all muscles for moving the ankle, and all muscles for pressing the
foot are used. Therefore, since it is possible to effectively
exercise lower body muscles, various ill effects due to lack of
exercise can be avoided and distracted attention can be
concentrated, whereby the efficiency of study and office work can
be increased.
[0021] Further, while the lower body muscles are exercised, the
acupoints on the soles of the feet are stimulated by
finger-pressure protuberances on the pedals. As a consequence,
various internal organs of the human body can be activated and
blood circulation can be promoted, whereby various diseases of the
user can be naturally healed and the user's health can be
ameliorated. In particular, because the relative positions of pedal
portions constituting each pedal can be easily changed in
conformity with the size of the user's foot, the exercise device
can be commonly used by all family members, and because the load of
exercise can be adjusted in conformity with the physical strength
of the user, lower body muscles can be exercised in an appropriate
and efficient manner.
[0022] Moreover, in the present invention, by the fact that left
and right pedals are pivotably coupled to a single base plate, the
number of component parts can be decreased, and since the exercise
device has a simplified construction, the manufacturing cost can be
reduced so that a customer can purchase and use the device at a
reasonable cost. Also, with the load of exercise adjusted in
conformity with the user's physical strength, the positions and the
pressures of the finger-pressure protuberances can be regulated in
conformity with the user's physical characteristics.
[0023] The above objects, and other features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present
invention, it is to be understood that the terms or words used in
this description and the following claims must not be construed to
have meanings which are general or can be found in a dictionary.
Therefore, considering the notion that an inventor can most
properly define the concepts of the terms or words to best explain
his or her invention, the terms or words must be understood as
having meanings or concepts that conform to the technical spirit of
the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a lower
body exercise device in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention,
[0025] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view illustrating the
lower body exercise device in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention,
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the state in which
the pivot frame portions shown in FIG. 2 are folded,
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view illustrating the lower body
exercise device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, with the pivot frame portions unfolded,
[0028] FIG. 5 is a side sectional view illustrating the lower body
exercise device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention, with the pivot frame port ions folded,
[0029] FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the adjusted state
of a pedal adjustor according to one embodiment of the present
invention,
[0030] FIG. 7 is a sectional view illustrating the adjusted state
of pedal force adjustment means according to one embodiment of the
present invention,
[0031] FIG. 8 is sectional views illustrating the states in which
pedal portions are sequentially pressed with a foot placed on the
lower body exercise device in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention,
[0032] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a lower body
exercise device for use in a sitting position in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention,
[0033] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
lower body exercise device for use in a sitting position shown in
FIG. 9,
[0034] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the lower body exercise device for
use in a sitting position in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention,
[0035] FIG. 12 is a side view of the lower body exercise device for
use in a sitting position in accordance with another embodiment of
the present invention,
[0036] FIG. 13 is side sectional views of the lower body exercise
device for use in a sitting position in accordance with another
embodiment of the present invention,
[0037] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the use of the lower body
exercise device for use in a sitting position in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention,
[0038] FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating a variation of the
pedal shown in FIG. 9, and
[0039] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a lower body
exercise device for use in a sitting position in accordance with
still another embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR MAIN PARTS IN DRAWINGS
[0040] 10,10': base plates 11: shaft hole
[0041] 12: support shaft 13: bobbin type washer
[0042] 14: buffer pad 15: groove
[0043] 20': fixed shaft 21': internal thread
[0044] 20a, 20b: pivot frame portions 22a, 22b: pedal portions
[0045] 22': shaft bolt 23': external thread
[0046] 23: engagement part 24: buffer pad
[0047] 25: finger-pressure protuberance 26: magnet
[0048] 27: support member 30': pivot frame
[0049] 30a', 30b': first and second pivot frame portions
[0050] 30a, 30b: repulsive members 31': rear pedal portion
[0051] 31a': upper plate 31b': intermediate plate
[0052] 31c': lower plate
[0053] 31d': protuberance installation groove
[0054] 31e': bolt 32': front pedal portion
[0055] 33': finger-pressure protuberance
[0056] 34', 35': holes 36': spring
[0057] 40: pedal force adjustment means
[0058] 40a', 40b': torsion springs 41: fixing block
[0059] 41a: fitting groove 42: bolt
[0060] 43: guide groove 44: rear wall
[0061] 45: hole 46: thumb nut
[0062] 50: pedal adjustor
[0063] 50': elastic force adjustment means
[0064] 51': handle 52: movable element
[0065] 52': pinion 53': lever
[0066] 54: nut 54': rack
[0067] 55': support part 56': slider
[0068] 56: thumb bolt 60: latch
[0069] 61: guide groove 62: grip
[0070] 64: engagement panel 66: slot
[0071] 67: cap 70: cover
[0072] 311: elastic projection 312: engagement shoulder
[0073] s: counter
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0074] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
[0075] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a lower
body exercise device in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention, FIGS. 2 and 3 are assembled perspective views of
the lower body exercise device in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention, respectively illustrating the folded and
unfolded states of pivot frame portions, and FIGS. 4 and 5 are side
sectional views respectively corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a lower body exercise device
according to the present embodiment includes a base plate 10 placed
on a floor; pivot frame portions 20a and 20b having first ends
which are pivotably coupled to one end of the base plate 10 by a
shaft and second ends to which pedal portions 22a and 22b are
attached; a plurality of repulsive members 30a and 30b installed
between the base plate 10 and the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b
such that a pivot frame constituted by the pivot frame portions 20a
and 20b can be pressed and pivoted toward the base plate 10 by the
application of external force and the repulsive members 30a and 30b
can upwardly bias the pivot frame to an original position when the
external force is removed; and pedal force adjustment means 40 for
adjusting the pedal force of a pedal composed of the pedal portions
22a and 22b by varying the elasticity of the repulsive members 30a
and 30b.
[0077] The lower body exercise device according to the present
embodiment further includes a pedal adjustor 50 for adjusting the
width between the pedal portions 22a and 22b and a latch 60 for
holding the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b folded to the base
plate 10 when the exercise device is not in use.
[0078] While the repulsive members 30a and 30b are illustrated in
the present embodiment as comprising torsion springs as shown in
the drawings, it is conceivable that the repulsive members comprise
magnets for generating repulsive force between the upper surface of
the base frame 10 and the lower surfaces of the pivot frame
portions 20a and 20b, in place of the torsion springs. In the case
of using magnets, the pedal force can be adjusted by replacing the
magnets with other ones having different magnetic force or
adjusting a magnetic force application distance. Of course, it is
to be noted that these modifications fall under the scope of the
present invention.
[0079] The base plate 10 has shaft holes 11 defined at one end
thereof to pivotably couple the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b to
the base plate 10. A support shaft 12 is fitted through the shaft
holes 11 such that the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b are
pivotably coupled to the base plate 10 by the support shaft 12. The
intermediate portions of the repulsive members 30a and 30b are
fitted on the support shaft 12. At this time, in order to prevent
the support shaft 12 and the repulsive members 30a and 30b made of
metallic materials from being brought into direct contact with each
other and ensure smooth operation of the repulsive members 30a and
30b during twisting and untwisting thereof, a bobbin type washer 13
made of synthetic resin is interposed between the support shaft 12
and the repulsive members 30a and 30b.
[0080] A groove 15 is defined in the upper surface of one end, that
is, the front end, of the base plate 10 such that a buffer pad 14
is received in the groove 15 to prevent a shock from occurring and
noise from being generated when the pivot frame portions 20a and
20b are pressed. The groove 15 provides a marginal space for
allowing the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b to be assembled
without applying a load to the repulsive members 30a and 30b when
coupling the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b to the base plate 10
by the support shaft 12. That is to say, by inserting the first
ends, that is, the front ends, of the pivot frame portions 20a and
20b into the groove 15 in the state in which the buffer pad 14 is
not received in the groove 15, the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b
can be assembled in the state in which they are maximally separated
from the base plate 10 so that the repulsive members 30a and 30b
are not twisted.
[0081] The pivot frame portions 20a and 20b are formed in a manner
such that the front relatively short pivot frame portion 20a is
accommodated in the rear relatively long pivot frame portion 20b
and the front ends of the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b are
pivotably coupled to the base plate 10 by the common support shaft
12.
[0082] The pedal portions 22a and 22b are pivotably coupled to the
respective second ends, that is, the rear ends, of the pivot frame
portions 20a and 20b. The front pedal portion 22a is installed to
be capable of moving forward and rearward, and the rear pedal
portion 22b is pivotably coupled at a fixed position.
[0083] Therefore, in the exercise device according to the present
embodiment, when used by another user having a different foot size,
the pedal portion 22a corresponding to the forefoot portion of the
user can be moved forward to conform to the increased size of the
user or rearward to conform to the decreased size of the user, as a
result of which the exercise device can be commonly used by several
people.
[0084] An engagement part 23, which is open in the forward
direction, is formed on the lower surface of the rear end of the
front pivot frame portion 20a such that the engagement part 23 can
be held engaged with the based plate 10 by the latch 60 which will
be described later in detail. A buffer pad 24 is attached to the
lower surface of the rear end of the rear pivot frame portion 20b
so as to prevent a shock from occurring and noise from being
generated when the pedal portion 22b is pressed and the pivot frame
portion 20b is brought into contact with the base plate 10.
[0085] Preferably, as shown in the drawings, finger-pressure
protuberances 25 or magnets 26 for stimulating the sole of the foot
when exercising the lower body muscles are formed on or attached to
the pedal portions 22a and 22b. The finger-pressure protuberances
25 can be independently or areally detached from the pedal portions
22a and 22b so that the distribution of the finger-pressure
protuberances 25 can be altered in conformity with the size of a
user's foot or the finger-pressure protuberances 25 can be moved
and attached to other positions desired by each user. The pedal
portions 22a and 22b are supported by support members 27 so that
they can be pivoted while being flexibly supported by the support
members 27.
[0086] As can be readily seen from the drawings, the support
members 27 can be formed of elastomeric material to have a
corrugated sectional shape. Alternatively, it is possible to use
magnets for applying repulsive force between the lower surfaces of
the pedal portions 22a and 22b and the upper surfaces of the pivot
frame portions 20a and 20b.
[0087] When the exercise device is used, the repulsive members 30a
and 30b allow the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b to be unfolded
from the upper surface of the base plate 10 as shown in FIG. 4 to
define a large angle therebetween, and when the exercise device is
not used, the repulsive members 30a and 20b allow the pivot frame
portions 20a and 20b to be folded to the upper surface of the base
plate 10 as shown in FIG. 5 to define a small angle therebetween.
To this end, first ends of the repulsive members 30a and 30b are
fitted into fitting grooves 41a defined in the upper surface of a
fixing block 41 which can be moved in the forward and rearward
directions on the lower surface of the base plate 10. The fixing
block 41 can be moved in the forward and rearward directions on the
lower surface of the base plate 10 by the pedal force adjustment
means 40 in such a way as to change the degree to which the
repulsive members 30a and 30b are twisted so that the elastic force
applied to the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b can be adjusted to
be decreased or increased.
[0088] The repulsive members 30a and 30b are formed of spring
steel. Preferably, the elasticity of the repulsive members 30a and
30b are determined such that the elasticity of the repulsive member
30a is greater than that of the repulsive member 30b, so that the
pedal portion 22a corresponding to the forefoot portion and the
midfoot portion can be initially pressed by the application of
small force and the pedal portion 22b corresponding to the rearfoot
portion can be pressed by the application of large force.
[0089] As can be readily seen from the drawings, in the pedal force
adjustment means 40, a bolt 42 is fastened to the rear end of the
fixing block 41 defined with the fitting grooves 41a into which the
first ends of the repulsive members 30a and 30b are fitted. The
bolt 42 passes through a hole 45 which is perforated through the
rear wall 44 of the guide groove 43 defined on the lower surface of
the base plate 10. A thumb nut 46 is threaded with the bolt 42
outside of the hole 45 such that the fixing block 41 having the
bolt 42 fastened thereto can be moved in the forward and rearward
directions in the guide groove 43 by rotating the thumb nut 46. As
the fixing block 41 is moved rearward, the angle defined by the
repulsive members 30a and 30b decreases so that the force for
upwardly biasing the pivot frame portions 20a and 20b is increased,
as a result of which the pedal force of the pedal portions 22a and
22b can be increased. In the similar manner, if the fixing block 41
is moved in the opposite direction, the pedal force of the pedal
portions 22a and 22b can be decreased. The reference numeral 70
designates a cover.
[0090] The pedal adjustor 50 adopts a threading adjustment scheme
similar to the pedal force adjustment means 40. The pedal adjustor
50 includes a movable element 52 which is flexibly coupled to the
lower surface of the pedal portion 22a, a nut 54 which is secured
to the lower portion of the movable element 52 to be open in the
forward and rearward directions, and a thumb bolt 56 which is
installed to project out of the rear end of the pivot frame portion
20a and is threaded into the nut 54.
[0091] The latch 60 is installed such that it can be moved in the
forward and rearward directions along guide grooves 61 which are
defined in the lengthwise middle portion of the base plate 10. To
this end, grips 62 are formed on both widthwise ends of the latch
60, and an engagement panel 64 is formed on the widthwise middle
portion of the latch 60 such that the engagement part 23 formed on
the lower surface of the rear end of the pivot frame portion 20a
can be engaged with the engagement panel 64. Slots 66 are defined
in the base plate 10 to extend in the forward and rearward
directions such that the engagement part 23 of the pivot frame
portion 20a can be inserted through the slots 66. The unexplained
reference numeral 67 designates a cap for preventing the latch 60
fitted into the guide grooves 61 from being unintentionally
released.
[0092] FIG. 8 is sectional views illustrating the states in which
the pedal portions are sequentially pressed with a foot placed on
the lower body exercise device in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. First, in the exercise device according to
the present invention, a user can exercise lower body muscles by
placing both left and right feet on two respective exercise devices
while sitting erect on a chair by straightening himself or herself
and by applying force to and pressing pedals alternately or
simultaneously as if pedaling on a bicycle. Initially, only the
pedal portion 20a corresponding to the forefoot portion is pressed
and no substantial force is applied to the foot. Then, with
substantial force applied through the forefoot and the rearfoot
portions of the foot, the two pedal portions 22a and 22b are
simultaneously pressed.
[0093] Accordingly, since the pedal portions 22a and 22b are
pressed such that the user initially applies force to the forefoot
and the midfoot portions of the foot and then finally applies force
to the forefoot, the midfoot and the rearfoot portions of the foot,
all the lower body muscles can be used and thereby exercised.
[0094] In other words, in the exercise device according to the
present invention, instead of simply applying force to press a
pedal, force must be applied to the forefoot portion including the
five toes, the midfoot portion, and the rearfoot portion including
the heel so as to press the pedal portions 22a and 22b. Hence, not
only the muscles associated with the foot but also the muscles of
the leg for moving the ankle are used, whereby the lower body can
be efficiently exercised in a sitting posture.
[0095] Furthermore, in the present invention, in addition to the
exercise of the lower body as described above, since the sole of
the foot is automatically finger-pressed by the finger-pressure
protuberances, the acupoints on the sole of the foot can be
stimulated to accomplish finger-pressure treatment effect. Thus,
blood circulation between the upper and lower bodies and metabolism
can be promoted, as a result of which it is possible to aid in the
treatment of lower body obesity, the abdominal and spinal muscles
can be strengthened, and a sitting posture can be straightened.
[0096] Hereinbelow, another embodiment of the present invention
will be described with reference to the attached drawings.
[0097] FIGS. 9 through 13 illustrate a lower body exercise device
for use in a sitting position in accordance with another embodiment
of the present invention. The lower body exercise device according
to the present embodiment includes a base plate 10' place on a
floor; a fixed shaft 20' horizontally supported by the front end of
the base plate 10' at a raised position; pivot frames 30' pivotably
coupled to the respective left and right ends of the fixed shaft
20'; and torsion springs 40a' and 40b' fitted on the fixed shaft
20' and having both ends which are supported by the pivot frames
30' and the base plate 10' such that the pivot frames 30' can be
held in a lifted state.
[0098] Each of left and right pivot frames 30' is composed of a
first pivot frame portion 30a' which has a relatively long length
and a second pivot frame portion 30b' which has a relatively short
length. A rear pedal portion 31' is pivotably coupled to the upper
surface of the first pivot frame portion 30a' so that a user's
rearfoot portion can be placed on the rear pedal portion 31', and a
front pedal portion 32' is pivotably coupled to the rear upper
surface of the second pivot frame portion 30b' so that the user's
forefoot portion can be placed on the front pedal portion 32'.
[0099] Holes 34' and 35' are defined through the front ends of the
first and second pivot frame portions 30a' and 30b' such that a
shaft bolt 22' to be detachably coupled to the fixed shaft 20' is
inserted through the holes 34' and 35'. An external thread 23' is
formed on the distal end of the shaft bolt 22', and an internal
thread 21' is formed in the fixed shaft 20'.
[0100] In the present embodiment, finger-pressure protuberances 33'
for stimulating the acupoints on the sole of a foot are attached
onto the pedal portions 31' and 32'. While the finger-pressure
protuberances 33' can be formed to have the shape of simple
protuberances as shown in the drawings, the present invention is
not limited to the illustrate shape of the finger-pressure
protuberances. In this connection, it can be envisaged that the
finger-pressure of the finger-pressure protuberances 33' can be
adjusted by the elasticity of springs 36' as shown in FIG. 15.
pressing force of the finger-pressure protuberances (33') can be
adjusted by varying elasticity of springs (36'). In this variation
shown in FIG. 15, the finger-pressure protuberances 33' can be
separated from the pedal portion 31', and the springs 36' comprise
compression coil springs. In order to increase finger-pressure, the
springs 36' can be replaced with those having greater elasticity.
Also, the finger-pressure protuberances 33' can be formed to have
various sizes so that finger-pressure protuberances 33' having
different heights can be installed at proper positions on the sole
of the foot.
[0101] In the variation shown in FIG. 15, the rear pedal portion
31' is composed of an upper plate 31a', an intermediate plate 31b'
and a lower plate 31c'. Protuberance installation grooves 31d' are
defined in the upper plate 31a' such that the finger-pressure
protuberances 33' and the springs 36' are installed in the
protuberance installation grooves 31d'. The upper plate 31a' and
the intermediate plate 31b' are coupled to each other by an
engagement shoulder 312 and an elastic projection 311 to be
conveniently detached from each other. The upper plate 31a' having
the intermediate plate 31b' coupled thereto is fastened to the
lower plate 31c' by a bolt 31e'.
[0102] In the present embodiment, the installation structure of the
finger-pressure protuberances and the springs is not limited to
that illustrated in the drawings and can be modified in a various
ways by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art without
departing from the technical concept of the present invention.
[0103] In the present invention, the finger-pressure protuberances
33' can be made of rubber, soft silicon or soft plastic without
using the springs 36'.
[0104] The elastic force of the torsion spring 40a', which is
installed between first pivot frame portions 30a' and the base
plate 10', can be adjusted in a multi-stepwise manner by elastic
force adjustment means 50' which is arranged in the base plate 10'
so that a load of exercise can be adjusted. Referring to FIG. 13,
the elastic force adjustment means 50' includes a lever 53' which
has a handle 51' attached to the upper end thereof and a pinion 52'
secured to the lower end thereof, and a slider 56' which has a rack
54' formed on one portion thereof to be meshed with the pinion 52'
of the lever 53' and a support part 55' formed in the shape of
steps on the other portion thereof to support the middle portion of
the torsion spring 40a'.
[0105] The elastic force adjustment means 50' is not limited to the
lever type illustrated in the drawing and can adopt any other types
as long as the elastic force of the torsion spring 40a' can be
adjusted.
[0106] In a method for adjusting a load of exercise by the elastic
force adjustment means 50', as can be readily seen from the side
sectional view of FIG. 13, as the lever 53' is pushed forward, the
slider 56' is gradually moved forward, and the position of the
support part 55', which supports the middle portion of the torsion
spring 40a', is moved upward. Due to this fact, the torsion of the
torsion spring 40a' is increased so that the first pivot frame
portion 30a' can be lifted with increased force. Therefore, since
the user should increase the force for pressing the first pivot
frame portion 30a', a load of exercise can be elevated.
[0107] On the contrary, in order to decrease a load of exercise, as
the lever 53' is pushed rearward, the slider 56' is gradually moved
rearward, and the position of the support part 55', which supports
the middle portion of the torsion spring 40a', is moved downward.
Due to this fact, the torsion of the torsion spring 40a' is
decreased so that the pedal portion can be pressed with decreased
force. The reference numeral 12' designates a support bar which is
detachably coupled to the left and right sides of the base plate
10' and functions to maintain the exercise device in a balanced
state.
[0108] FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a lower body
exercise device for use in a sitting position in accordance with
still another embodiment of the present invention. In the present
embodiment, a counter `s` for counting the number of pressing the
pedals is additionally provided so that a user can check the amount
of exercise. At this time, the counter `s` is configured such that
the number of pressing the pedal is counted by sensing the pedal
using a sensor (not shown) so that the amount of exercise can be
numerically displayed. Since this configuration of the counter is
well known in the art, detailed description thereof will be omitted
herein.
[0109] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
* * * * *