US20100248921A1 - Exercise assisting apparatus - Google Patents
Exercise assisting apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100248921A1 US20100248921A1 US12/734,310 US73431008A US2010248921A1 US 20100248921 A1 US20100248921 A1 US 20100248921A1 US 73431008 A US73431008 A US 73431008A US 2010248921 A1 US2010248921 A1 US 2010248921A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- foot support
- guide rail
- crossbar
- guide
- shaped
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus ; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
- A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
- A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
- A61H1/0255—Both knee and hip of a patient, e.g. in supine or sitting position, the feet being moved in a plane substantially parallel to the body-symmetrical-plane
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H1/00—Apparatus for passive exercising; Vibrating apparatus ; Chiropractic devices, e.g. body impacting devices, external devices for briefly extending or aligning unbroken bones
- A61H1/02—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising
- A61H1/0237—Stretching or bending or torsioning apparatus for exercising for the lower limbs
- A61H1/0266—Foot
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00181—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices comprising additional means assisting the user to overcome part of the resisting force, i.e. assisted-active exercising
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/04—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs
- A63B23/0405—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for lower limbs involving a bending of the knee and hip joints simultaneously
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
- A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
- A61H2201/5064—Position sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
- A63B2208/02—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player posture
- A63B2208/0204—Standing on the feet
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
- A63B2220/50—Force related parameters
- A63B2220/51—Force
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
This invention produces an exercise assisting apparatus which is configured to vary user's weight which acts on the user's leg and the user's buttocks at a great ratio. The exercise assisting apparatus comprises a base, a pair of foot supports, and a pair of guides. A pair of the foot supports is configured to bear the user's left foot and the user's right foot respectively. Each guide comprises a guide rail for guiding each the foot support. Each the guide rail allows each the foot support to move along the front-back direction. Each the guide rail is configured to swing about one of a front-back axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis. The front-back axis extends along the front back direction of the base. The lateral axis extends along a lateral direction of the base. The vertical axis extends along a vertical direction.
Description
- This invention relates to exercise assisting apparatus. Particularly, this invention relates to an exercise assisting apparatus being configured to give passive exercise to the user in order to allow muscles of the user's leg to contract and stretch.
- The exercise assisting apparatus has been suggested in the past. The exercise assisting apparatus is configured to give the passive exercise to the user. The prior exercise assisting apparatus is configured to apply external force to the user's body in order to contract and stretch the user's muscle. Consequently, there is no need for the user to actively move the user's muscle. One of the types of the exercise assisting apparatus allows the user to bend and stretch the user's joint. Consequently, the one of the types of the exercise assisting apparatus allows the user to contract and stretch the user's muscles around joint which is contracted and stretched. The exercise assisting apparatus comprises a seat for supporting a part of the user's weight. The seat is configured to be moved in order to vary a ratio of the user's weight which is supported by the seat. Consequently, the exercise assisting apparatus is configured to vary the user's weight which acts on the user's leg.
- In this manner, although the exercise assisting apparatus hardly allows the user to bend and stretch the user's knee, the exercise assisting apparatus allows user's muscle of the thigh to contract and stretch. In addition, the exercise assisting apparatus reduces the weight applied to the user's leg as compared with the case where an entire user's weight is applied. Therefore, this exercise assisting apparatus is capable of being used by the user with diabetes who has knee pain. Furthermore, the thigh has large size. Therefore, the exercise assisting apparatus is expected to improve lifestyle diseases by way of contraction and stretch of the muscle of the thigh for metabolizing sugar. In addition, the exercise assisting apparatus has a drive source which is configured to displace the seat. Therefore, the exercise assisting apparatus allows the user to passively exercise, whereby there is seldom any need for the user to move the user's muscle. Thus, coupled with low load, the exercise assisting apparatus is capable of being used by the user having low ability to exercise.
- The exercise assisting apparatus of the above configuration is configured to vary bending angle of the knee so as to vary the load which acts on the user's leg. Consequently, the exercise assisting apparatus varies the load which acts on the user's muscle of the thigh. Such an exercise assisting apparatus is disclosed in a following
patent literature 1. The exercise assisting apparatus of thepatent literature 1 comprises the foot support for bearing the user's foot. The foot support is fixed. Therefore, the user's foot is positioned such that the user's foot is secured by the foot support. However, the exercise assisting apparatus is configured to vary the weight which acts on the user's leg by varying the bending angle of the knee joint. In other words, the exercise assisting apparatus with the fixed foot support hardly varies the bending angle of the ankle joint. (The bending angle is defined by an angle which is formed between lower leg and dorsum of the foot.) Therefore, the variation of the ratio of the load which is applied to the user's leg is limited. - Patent literature 1: Japanese patent application publication No. 2007-89650
- This invention is achieved to solve the above problem. An object in this invention is to provide an exercise assisting apparatus which is configured to vary the direction by way of varying the bending angles such as ankle joint, whereby the exercise assisting apparatus varies the load which acts on the foot and the buttock at a great ratio.
- In order to solve the above problem, the exercise assisting apparatus comprises a base, a pair of foot supports, and a pair of guides. A pair of the foot supports is provided on the base. A pair of the foot supports is shaped to bear user's left foot right foot respectively. A pair of the guides is provided on the base. A pair of the guides defines individual travel paths. The respective foot supports are guided along the travel paths. Each the guide extends in a front-back direction such that each the guide allows each the foot support to move in the front-back direction. The guide is configured to allow each the foot support to rotate about one of a back and forth axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis while the foot support is guided to move along the travel path. The back and forth axis extends along the back and forth direction. The lateral axis extends along the back and forth direction. The vertical direction extends along the vertical direction.
- It is preferred that the foot supports are composed of a left foot support and a right foot support. The travel path of said guide for said left foot support is configured to move the left foot support leftward as the left foot support moves forward. The travel path of the guide for the foot support for the right foot support is configured to move the right foot support rightward as the right foot support moves forward. The exercise assisting apparatus further comprises a drive means. The drive means is configured to move the right foot support along an oblique direction as the left foot support is caused to move leftward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support. The oblique direction for moving the right foot support extends leftward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support. The drive means is configured to move the left foot support along an oblique direction as the left foot support is caused to move rightward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support. The oblique direction for moving the left foot support extends rightward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support.
- The exercise assisting apparatus of this invention is configured to vary the direction of the user's foot such that the exercise assisting apparatus varies the user's weight which acts on the user' leg between 10% and 30 to 40%. That is, the exercise assisting apparatus of this invention is capable of varying a direction of the direction of the foot so as to vary a ratio of the load which acts on the user's leg on the foot support and the user's buttocks at a great rate.
- In addition, the foot support is composed of the left foot support and the right foot support. The travel path of the guide for guiding the left foot support is configured to move the left foot support leftward as the left foot support moves forward. The travel path of the guide for guiding the right foot support is configured to move the right foot support rightward as the right foot support moves forward. The drive means is configured to move the right foot support along an oblique direction as the left foot support is caused to move leftward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support. The oblique direction for moving the right foot support extends leftward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support. The drive means is configured to move the left foot support along an oblique direction as the left foot support is caused to move rightward and forward along the travel path for the right foot support. The oblique direction for moving the left foot support extends rightward and backward along the travel path for the left foot support. Therefore, this exercise assisting apparatus is configured to give the exercise to the user while the exercise assisting apparatus moves the center of the gravity in the front-back direction at a small distance. Consequently, the exercise assisting apparatus is also used by the user who has low balance ability.
-
FIG. 1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the foot support and the base in the embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus. -
FIG. 1B is a planer view in the embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus. -
FIG. 1C is a front cross-sectional view in the embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus. -
FIG. 2A is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the foot support and the base in another embodiment of the above. -
FIG. 2B is a planer view in the above. -
FIG. 2C is a front cross sectional view in the above. -
FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view in the above. -
FIG. 4 is a schematic planer view in the above. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view in the above. -
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the seat drive unit in the above. -
FIG. 7 is a side view of the seat drive unit of the above. -
FIG. 8 is a planer view in yet another embodiment of the above. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view in yet another embodiment of the above. -
FIG. 10 is a rear cross sectional view of the main part of the above. -
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the above. -
FIG. 12A is a block diagram showing the drive unit of the above. -
FIG. 12B is a block diagram showing the drive unit of the above. -
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view seen from the right of the above. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the foot support and the base of the above. -
FIG. 15 is an explanation illustration showing the foot position when the exercise assisting apparatus is used. -
- 10 base
- 15 hollow
- 16 groove
- 17 guide rail
- 17 a front guide rail
- 17 b rear guide rail
- 18 moving space
- 19 groove
- 2 foot support
- 2 a left foot support
- 2 b right foot support
- 21 seat
- 25 protrusion
- 25 a front protrusion
- 25 b rear protrusion
- 26 crossbar
- 27 return means
- 3 drive unit
- 4 guide
- 50 seat drive unit
- 60 elevation unit
- HD handle
- M user
- Hereinafter, an embodiment in this invention is explained with
FIGS. 1 to 7 . -
FIGS. 3 and 4 show the embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus. The exercise assisting apparatus comprises abase 10, acarrier 90, and a post HP. Thebase 10 is placed on a location like a floor. Thecarrier 90 is disposed on thebase 10. Thecarrier 90 is provided at its top end with aseat 91 for supporting buttocks of the user M. The post HP is disposed on thebase 10, and holds at it top end with a handle HD. The handle HD is provided for being held by the user M if needed. The base 10 further holds a pair of foot supports 2. More specifically, the base 10 further holds aleft foot support 2 a and aright foot support 2 b. Theleft foot support 2 a is located between thecarrier 90 and the post HP. Theright foot support 2 b is located between thecarrier 90 and the post HP. The foot supports 2 are provided with top surfaces which are provided for bearing the user's foot. Theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b is collectively referred to as the foot supports 2. Theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are explained later. - The
carrier 90 is provided with aseat drive unit 50 and anelevation unit 60. Theseat drive unit 50 is configured to swing theseat 91. Theelevation unit 60 is configured to move theseat 91 and theseat drive unit 50 upwardly and downwardly relative to thebase 10. Theseat drive 50 and theelevation unit 60 are explained later. - The exercise assisting apparatus is used by the user M who rests the user's buttock on a
seat surface 91 a of theseat 91, and rest the user's feet on the respective foot supports 2. Theseat drive unit 50 comprises a drive source. Theseat drive unit 50 allows the drive source to swing theseat 91 so as to vary position of the user's buttock, whereby the user's own weight acts on the user's leg is varied. That is, the exercise assisting apparatus supports the user so as to distribute the user's own weight to the user's leg and the user's buttocks. In addition, the exercise assisting apparatus varies the position of the user's buttocks in order to increase and decrease the weight which is supported by the buttocks. As a result, the exercise assisting apparatus varies the weight which acts on the user's leg. - Next, a case where the user sits on the seat while the user bends the knee joint at a predetermined angle is explained. In this case, when exercise assisting apparatus decreases the weight supported by the
seat 91, the load which acts on the user's leg is increased. This motion is equivalent to a motion of bending the knee joint by a squat motion. Therefore, the exercise assisting apparatus makes it possible to allow the user's thigh muscle to contract and stretch. Consequently, when the drive source swings theseat 91, the exercise assisting apparatus gives the passive exercise (without active exercise) to the user so as to contract and stretch the user's thigh muscle repeatedly. That is, it is possible to exercise the user's thigh muscles mainly by means of swinging theseat 91 by theseat drive unit 50. - It is preferred to employ the
seat 91 which is configured to be swung along a swing direction such that the movement of theseat 91 causes no shear force to the knee joint. When the user M rests the buttocks on theseat surface 91 a, the user M is capable of having a natural posture in a condition where distance between the toes is larger than the distance between the heels. It is possible to determine the angle θ2 between the center lines along a longitudinal direction of both the feet by the positions of the feet which are placed on the respective foot supports 2. Therefore, it is preferred to move the seat along a direction extending from left heel toward left toe (from right heel toward right toe). In this case, it is possible to exercise the user without the shear force which acts on the knee joint. That is, theseat 91 is configured to move within the swing area which has a rear end and a front end. In addition, theseat 91 is configured to move leftward and also outward when the seat moves forward in a first period, and is configured to move rightward and also outward when the seat moves forward in a second period. With this configuration, it is possible to apply the user's own weight to each the left leg and the right leg without applying the shear force to the knee joints. - It is noted that, in the example shown in
FIG. 3 , thecontact surface 91 a which is equivalent to the top surface of theseat 91 is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. However, the exercise assisting apparatus causes the contraction and stretch of the thigh muscle by means of varying the weight which acts on the user's legs. Therefore, it is preferred that theseat surface 91 a which comes into contact with the user's buttocks is inclined downward and also forward with respect to the horizontal plane. This seat is capable of easily increasing the weight which acts on the user's legs when the seat is moved from the rear end to the front end. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to exercise the user with high efficiency. - The post HP is provided at its top end with an operation device DP. The operation device DP is located at a center of the handle HD. The operation device DP is used for entry of the operation instruction. The operation instruction is used for setting the movement of the
seat drive unit 50 and theelevation unit 60. Furthermore, the operation device DP is configured to display contents indicating an amount of exercise. In addition, the user is able to hold the handle HD. Therefore, the user is able to hold the handle in order to stabilize the position of the user's upper body. - Hereinafter, a structure of the
carrier 90 is particularly explained. As shown inFIG. 5 , thecarrier 90 has asupport body 92 having a hollow structure. Thesupport body 92 incorporates a lower end of theelevation unit 60 therein. Theelevation unit 60 comprises anelevation base 61 which is configured to move upward and downward relative to thesupport body 92. Theelevation base 61 has a top end which holds theseat drive unit 50. Therefore, theseat drive unit 50 with theseat 91 is movable relative to thebase 10. - The
support body 92 has a center line. The center line is linear, and extends along a direction which is backwardly inclined with the vertical direction. That is, the center line extends backward and also upward. When theelevation base 61 moves within thesupport body 92, theseat surface 91 is moved along a straight line parallel to the center line. Consequently, it is possible to adjust the position of theseat surface 91 a of theseat 91. In other words, theseat surface 91 a of theseat 91 has its position which is adjusted in the vertical direction in addition to the lateral direction. Furthermore, theseat surface 91 a of theseat 91 moves rearward as theseat 91 moves upward. The angle between the base 10 and the center line of thesupport body 92 is mentioned below. - The
drive unit 62 comprises adrive motor 63. Thedrive unit 62 is configured to move theelevation base 61 upward and downward. Theelevation drive unit 62 comprises a fixingmember 64 and amovable member 65 in addition to thedrive motor 63. The fixingmember 64 is shaped to have a column, and fixed to thebase 10. Themovable member 65 is screwed to the fixingmember 64. Thedrive motor 63 is configured to generate the rotation movement. The speed of the rotation movement is decreased. Themovable member 65 is rotated by the rotation movement whose speed is decreased. In this manner, themovable member 65 is moved forwardly and backwardly relative to the fixingmember 64. Theelevation base 61 is mounted on the top end of themovable member 65. Theelevation base 61 is configured to move upward and downward as themovable member 65 moves forward and backward relative to the fixingmember 64. - The
elevation base 61 is provided with apedestal 61 a for mounting theseat drive unit 50. Thepedestal 61 a is provided at its lower surface with a pair ofguide plates 61 b. Themovable member 65 is provided with a top end which is coupled to the lower surface of thepedestal 61 a. In addition, each theguide plate 61 b has side surfaces which holdrollers 61 c respectively. Thesupport body 92 is provided at its inner surface withrails 92 a. Theelevation base 61 is configured to move relative to thesupport body 92 smoothly by way of guiding theroller 61 c by therails 92 a. It is noted that the exercise assisting apparatus preferably comprises a sensor and a control means. The sensor is configured to detect an amount of distance that themovable member 65 moves forward and backward. The control means is configured to control the rotation of thedrive motor 63. Consequently, when the user enters a target value to the operation device DP, the control means controls thedrive motor 63 such that an amount of the distance that themovable member 65 detected by the sensor becomes equal to the target value. However, this configuration is optional matter of the invention. Therefore, the explanation of this configuration is omitted. - A
hollow cover 66 is attached to thepedestal 61 a of theelevation base 61. Thehollow cover 66 has its lower end which is located at a position which corresponds to the area of theelevation drive unit 62 which expand and contract. The lower end of thehollow cover 66 is overlapped with the outer surface of thesupport body 92. Consequently, even if theelevation drive unit 62 has a state of being most expanded, theelevation base 61 is not exposed to the outside. Furthermore, thepedestal 61 a of theelevation base 61 is covered by aunit cover 67. The unit cover 67 is made from a cloth like soft material. The unit cover 67 is shaped to cover a space between thepedestal 61 a and theseat 91, thereby preventing theseat drive unit 50 from being exposed to the outside. - Next, the
seat drive unit 50 is explained withFIGS. 6 and 7 . Theseat drive unit 50 is cooperative with thepedestal 61 a of theelevation base 61 to construct the swing mechanism for swinging theseat 91. Thepedestal 61 a is formed at its top surface with a frontpivot support plate 51 a, a rearpivot support plate 51 b, and afront shaft 52 a, arear shaft 52 b. Theseat drive unit 50 is pivotally supported to thefront bearing plate 51 a and therear bearing plate 51 b, and thefront shaft 52 a and therear shaft 52 b. The frontpivot support plate 51 a is coaxial with the rearpivot support plate 51 b. Theseat drive unit 50 is swung about thefront shaft 52 a and therear shaft 52 b. When the seat drive unit is swung about thefront shaft 52 a and therear shaft 52 b, theseat 91 is moved along the lateral direction of the seat 9 which is coupled to theseat drive unit 50. (The lateral direction of the seat 9 is equivalent to the direction indicated by an arrow N inFIG. 5 .) - The
seat drive unit 50 is provided at its front end with afront frame plate 53 a and also is provided at its rear end with arear frame plate 53 b. Thefront frame plate 53 a is coupled to therear frame plate 53 b via a leftside frame plate 54 a and a rightside frame plate 54 b. The leftside frame plate 54 a is supported to a lower end of thefront link 55 via ashaft 55 a, and also is supported to a lower end of therear link 56 via ashaft 55 b. The rightside frame plate 54 b is supported to the lower end of thefront link 55 via theshaft 55 a, and also is supported to the lower end of therear link 56 via theshaft 56 b. Each thefront link 55 and therear link 56 are configured to rotate about the lateral axis extending along the lateral direction. The upper end of thefront link 55 is pivotally supported to a mountingplate 57 via ashaft 55 b. The upper end of therear link 56 is pivotally supported to the mountingplate 57 via ashaft 56 b. The upper end of thefront link 55 is also pivotally supported to the mountingplate 56 via theshaft 55 b. The upper end of therear link 56 is also pivotally supported to the mountingplate 57 via theshaft 56 b. The mountingplate 57 secures the bearingplate 57 a. The upper end of therear link 56 is pivotally supported to the mountingplate 57 through the bearingplate 57 a. In other words, the upper end of therear link 56 is pivotally supported to the mountingplate 57 indirectly. - The mounting
plate 57 has a moving range such that the front end of the mountingplate 57 is restricted to move along an arc which is centered about theshaft 55 a. In addition, the mountingplate 57 has the moving range such that the rear end of the mountingplate 57 is restricted to move along an arc which is centered about theshaft 56 a. Therear link 56 has a length which is greater than a length of thefront link 55. Therefore, the arc which is centered about theshaft 55 a has a rolling radius. Similarly, the arc which is centered about theshaft 56 a has a rolling radius. The rolling radius of the arc which is centered about theshaft 55 a is different from the rolling radius of the arc which is centered about theshaft 56 a. Therefore, an inclination angle of a top surface of the mountingplate 57 is varied as the mountingplate 57 moves forward and backward. Specifically, a case where the position of the mounting plate shown inFIG. 7 is located in the rear end of the moving range is explained. According to movement of the mountingplate 57 forwardly, the front end of the mountingplate 57 moves downward relative to the rear end of the mountingplate 57. Consequently, the inclination angle of the top surface of the mountingplate 57 is enlarged. In contrast, when the mountingplate 57 moves backward from the front end of the moving range, the front end of the mountingplate 57 is moved upward relative to the rear end of the mountingplate 57. That is, theseat 91 is configured to be moved forward and backward. (In other words, theseat 91 is configured to be moved along a direction indicated by an arrow X inFIG. 5 .) AlthoughFIG. 5 shows a linear movement of the mountingplate 57, inclination angle of the mountingplate 57 is actually varied according to the movement of the mountingplate 57. Therefore, the mountingplate 57 is moved by a compound movement which is composed of the linear movement along the front-back direction with the rotation movement. - The
motor 71 acts as the driving source for swinging the mountingplate 57 relative to thepedestal 61 a. Themotor 71 is held by both theleft side frame 54 a and theright side frame 54 b. In addition, themotor 71 is disposed on thepedestal 61 a such that an output shaft of themotor 71 is directed to extend toward an upper direction. The output shaft of themotor 71 is coupled to aworm 72. The leftside frame plate 54 a and the rightside frame plate 54 b rotatably support afirst shaft 73 and asecond shaft 74. Thefirst shaft 73 is provided with aworm wheel 75 which is meshed with theworm 72. Thefirst shaft 73 is also provided with agear 76. Thesecond shaft 74 is provided with agear 77. Thegear 77 is meshed with thegear 76. - The
first shaft 73 is provided at its both ends with eccentric cranks 78. The eccentric cranks 78 are configured to rotate with thefirst shaft 73. Each the eccentric crank 78 pivotally supports a first end of thearm link 79. Each thearm link 79 has a second end which is pivotally supported to the axial pin which extends both leftward and rightward of thefront link 55. - With this configuration, when the
motor 71 rotates, thefirst shaft 73 also rotates. According to the rotation of thefirst shaft 73, the eccentric crank 78 and thearm link 79 allow thefront link 55 to reciprocate about ashaft 55 a such that thefront link 55 reciprocates in a front-back direction. In addition, the eccentric crank 78 and thefront link 55 allows the front end of the mountingplate 57 to swing about theshaft 55 a such that the front end of the mountingplate 57 moves in a front-back direction (a direction indicated by the arrow X). Moreover, therear link 56 rotates about theshaft 56 a. Therefore, the inclination angle of the top surface of the mountingplate 57 is varied according to the movement of the mountingplate 57 in the front-back direction. - In contrast, the
second shaft 74 is provided at its first end with aneccentric pin 74 a. Theeccentric pin 74 a is pivotally supported to a first end of aneccentric rod 80. The second end of theeccentric rod 80 is swingably coupled to a connecting fitting 81 which is attached to thepedestal 61 a. It should be noted that theeccentric pin 74 a and theeccentric rod 80 may be provided whether the left side of theseat drive unit 50 or the right side of theseat drive unit 50. - With this configuration, when the
motor 71 rotates, thefirst shaft 73 transmits the rotation of themotor 71 so as to rotate thesecond shaft 74. According to the rotation of thesecond shaft 74 having theeccentric pin 74 a and theeccentric rod 80, a height of theeccentric pin 74 a with respect to thepedestal 61 a is varied. As a result, the mountingplate 57 swings about thefront shaft 52 a and therear shaft 52 b such that the mountingplate 57 swings along a direction indicated by an arrow N. - It is noted that the motor is realized by a brushless DC motor. The
drive motor 63 is realized by a DC motor. Thedrive motor 63 is disposed within a space surrounded by thefront frame plate 53 a, therear frame plate 53 b, the leftside frame plate 54 a, the rightside frame plate 54 b, thepedestal 61 a, and the mountingplate 57. Thegears seat drive unit 50 is designed to have a small size. - The
seat drive unit 50 is configured to move theseat 91 toward two directions. One direction is equivalent to a direction directing forward, rightward, and downward. One direction is equivalent to a direction directing forward, leftward, and downward. In addition, the above configuration makes it possible to move theseat 91 along a moving trajectory of V-shape in this embodiment by means of the following two setting. The first setting is to apply a phase difference between the eccentric crank 78 and theeccentric pin 74 a. The second setting is to vary gear ratio between thegear 76 and thegear 77. The V-shaped trajectory is traced by theseat 91 when theseat 91 is laterally reciprocated once per anteroposteriorly reciprocated twice. Similarly, the above configuration makes it possible to move theseat 91 along the moving trajectory of W-shape. The W-shaped trajectory is traced by theseat 91 when theseat 91 is laterally reciprocated once per anteroposteriorly reciprocated four times. In addition, the above configuration makes it possible to move theseat 91 along the moving trajectory of “8-shape (eight shape)”. That is, the 8-shaped trajectory is traced when the seat is laterally reciprocated once per the anteroposteriorly reciprocated twice, and the rear end of the moving range is eccentrically located at the left side or the right side. - The
drive motor 63 and themotor 71 are started and stopped by the operation of the operation device DP. That is, the operation device DP is provided with a first operation switch. The first operation switch is used for inputting the instruction of starting or stopping themotor 71, and of setting the rotation speed of themotor 71. Furthermore, the first operation switch is used for inputting the instruction of exercise time and the exercise intensity that the user exercises. In addition, the operation device DP is also provided with a second operation switch. The second operation switch is used for moving theseat 91 upward and downward. The exercise assisting apparatus further comprises a control circuit (not shown) which is configured to control themotor 71, thedrive motor 63, and the display on the basis of the first operation switch and the second operation switch. - Next, the foot supports 2 (the
left foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b) are explained. Thebase 10 is provided with a pair ofguides 4. Theleft foot support 2 a is configured to move along a travel path which is defined by theguide 4. Theright foot support 2 b is configured to move along a travel path which is defined by theguide 4. Theguide 4 allows theleft foot support 2 a (theright foot support 2 b) to move along the front-back direction and also to rotate about at least one of a back and forth axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis. The back and forth axis extends along the front-back direction. The lateral axis extends along the lateral direction. The vertical axis extends along the vertical direction. - A case where the
guides 4 allow the foot supports 2 to rotate about the back and forth axis, as shown in this embodiment, is explained. In this case, the guide for the left foot support is shaped to guide theleft foot support 2 a such that a front end of theleft foot support 2 a is located lower than a rear end of theleft foot support 2 a when theleft foot support 2 a is located in a front end of the travel path of the guide for the left foot support. In addition, theguide 4 for the right foot support is shaped to guide theleft foot support 2 a to have a plane which is parallel to the horizontal plane when theleft foot support 2 a is located in a rear end of the travel path of the guide for the left foot support. Theguide 4 for the right foot support is shaped to guide theright foot support 2 b such that a front end of theright foot support 2 b is located lower than a rear end of theright foot support 2 b when theright foot support 2 b is located in a front end of the travel path of theguide 4 for the right foot support. In addition, theguide 4 is shaped to guide theright foot support 2 b to have a plane which is parallel to horizontal plane when theright foot support 2 b is located in a rear end of the travel path. Thebase 10 is provided at its inside withhollows 15. Thehollows 15 correspond to the travel paths of theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b respectively. The upper wall of the hollow 15 is provided with agroove 16. Thegroove 16 has a longitudinal direction which is equal to the back and forth direction. In addition, the travel path of theleft foot support 2 a extends along an oblique direction such that the travel path of theleft foot support 2 a extends forward and also leftward. The travel path of theright foot support 2 b extends along an oblique direction such that the travel path of theright foot support 2 b extends forward and rightward. Each the groove is formed along each the travel path. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the oblique travel path seen from a top side is mentioned as the front-back direction. - Each the
left foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b is provided at its front half of the bottom surface with afront protrusion 25. Thefront protrusion 25 extends downward. Theleft foot support 2 a is provided at its rear half of the bottom surface with arear protrusion 25. Therear protrusion 25 extends downward. Thefront protrusion 25 and therear protrusion 25 pass through thegroove 16. The lower ends of thefront protrusion 25 and therear protrusion 25 are located at an inside of the hollow 15. The front protrusion and the rear protrusion are provided at its lower end withfront cross bar 26 and arear cross bar 26, respectively. Each one of thefront cross bar 26 and therear cross bar 26 has a length which is greater than a width of thegroove 16. The lengthwise direction of thecross bar 26 is parallel to the width direction of thegroove 16. The bottom of the hollow 15 is provided with guide rails 17 which act as theguides 4. The guide rail 17 is composed of afront guide rail 17 a and arear guide rail 17 b. Thefront guide rail 17 a is shaped to guide thefront crossbar 26. Therear guide rail 17 b is shaped to guide therear cross bar 26. - The guide rail 17 is shaped to receive the
cross bar 26 therein. The guide rail 17 determines a vertical position of thecrossbar 26 according to the position of thecrossbar 26 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the guide rail 17 has a box shape and is formed to have a movingspace 18. The movingspace 18 allows thecrossbar 26 to move along the front-back direction of the movingspace 18. The guide rail 17 has an upper wall which is formed with agroove 19 extending in a front-back direction along the longitudinal direction of the movingspace 18. Thegroove 19 has a width which is smaller than the length of thecrossbar 26. In addition, thegroove 19 has the width which is slightly greater than the width of thefront protrusion 25 and therear protrusion 25. Thefront protrusion 25 and therear protrusion 25 are inserted into the moving space through thegroove 19. Consequently, thecross bar 26 is located within the movingspace 18 such that thecrossbar 26 is prohibited to be removed from the moving space. In addition, the movingspace 18 of thefront guide rail 17 a is inclined toward an oblique direction which extends forward and downward. Thecrossbar 26 is inclined toward an oblique direction which extends forward and downward such that thecrossbar 26 moves toward a downward direction as thecrossbar 26 moves toward a forward direction. The movingspace 18 of therear guide rail 17 b is parallel to the horizontal plane. Therefore, a vertical position of the movingspace 18 of therear guide rail 17 b has a level which is equal to a level of a vertical position of the rear end of the movingspace 18 of thefront guide rail 17 a. - Consequently, when the
left foot support 2 a moves forward of the travel path, thefront crossbar 26 of theleft foot support 2 a moves downward. In contrast, when theleft foot support 2 a moves forward of the travel path, therear crossbar 26 of theleft foot support 2 a keeps the height of therear crossbar 26 of the left foot support. Similarly, when theright foot support 2 b moves forward of the travel path, thefront crossbar 26 of the right foot support moves downward. In contrast, when theright foot support 2 b moves forward of the travel path, therear crossbar 26 of the right foot support keeps the height of therear crossbar 26 of the right foot support. Therefore, in this case, the front end of theleft foot support 2 a (right foot support 2 b) is located lower than the rear end of theleft foot support 2 a (right foot support 2 b). In contrast, when theleft foot support 2 a is located at a rear end of the travel path, thefront crossbar 26 of theleft foot support 2 a has a height which is equal to a height of therear crossbar 26 of theleft foot support 2 a. Similarly, when theright foot support 2 b is located at a rear end of the travel path, thefront crossbar 26 of the right foot support has a height which is equal to a height of therear crossbar 26 of the right foot support. Therefore, in this case, theleft foot support 2 a (theright foot support 2 b) becomes parallel to the horizontal plane. - In addition, each the
foot support 2 is provided with a return means 27. The return means is realized by the spring which is configured to bias the foot support backward. The return means 27 is configured to move thefoot support 2 when the pressure applied to the top surface of thefoot support 2 becomes equal to 10 percents of the normal weight (40 kgf to 60 kgf). Consequently, the return means 27 moves thefoot support 2 to the rear end of the travel path such that thefoot support 2 becomes parallel to the horizontal plane. - In the above exercise assisting apparatus, the
seat 91 is moved along the V-shaped trajectory. In particular, theseat 91 is firstly moved forward and leftward, and is secondary moved backward and rightward such that theseat 91 is swung along the travel path of theleft foot support 2 a. Subsequently, theseat 91 is moved forwardly and rightward, and subsequently is moved backwardly and leftward such that theseat 91 is swung along the travel path of theright foot support 2 b. Consequently, theseat 91 is swung along the V-shaped trajectory. When theseat 91 is swung along the V-shaped trajectory, the user's body and the user's leg is also swung to trace V-shape. According to the swing of the user's leg, the foot supports 2 which bear the user's foot are also swung along a front-back direction. When thefoot support 2 is moved to the front end of the travel path, thefoot support 2 is inclined such that the front end of thefoot support 2 becomes lower than the rear end of thefoot support 2. Therefore, the bending angle of the ankle is enlarged, whereby the pressure of 30 to 40% of the weight is applied to the user's leg. In other words, the angle between the lower leg and the dorsum of the foot is enlarged, whereby the pressure of 30 to 40% of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg. In addition, when thefoot support 2 is moved to the rear end of the travel path, the front end of thefoot support 2 has the height which is equal to the height of the rear end of thefoot support 2. Consequently, thefoot support 2 is parallel to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the bending angle of the ankle is narrowed. Consequently, the pressure of 10% of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg which is placed on thefoot support 2. - With this configuration, it is possible to vary the condition where the pressure of the 30 to 40 percents of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg on the
foot support 2 to the condition where the pressure of 10 percents of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg on thefoot support 2 by means of varying the bending angle of the ankle joint. Therefore, it is possible to vary the load acts on the legs and the buttocks at a great rate. - In addition, it is preferred that the moving space 18 (travel path) of the guide rail 17 has a lateral inclination which becomes greater toward the front direction. In addition, the moving space 18 (travel path) of the guide rail 17 has the lateral inclination which becomes smaller toward the back direction, whereby the foot supports 2 are parallel to each other when the foot supports 2 are located in the rear end of the guide rails 17. More specifically, the
front guide rail 17 a of the left side has a shape which is same as a shape of thefront guide rail 17 a of the right side. Therear guide rail 17 b of the left side has a shape which is same as a shape of therear guide rail 17 b of the right side. The guide rail 17 of the left foot support has a shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movingspace 18 which is in a symmetrical relation to a shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movingspace 18. In this embodiment, the outside of the movingspace 18 becomes lower than the inside of the movingspace 18 as the movingspace 18 extends forward. That is, in the guide rail 17 of theleft foot support 2 a, the right end of the front end of the bottom surface of the movingspace 18 has a constant height over an entire length of the movingspace 18. The left end of the front end of the bottom surface of the movingspace 18 extends toward a lower direction gradually as the movingspace 18 extends toward a front direction. The left end of the rear end of the bottom surface of the movingspace 18 has a height which is equal to a height of the right end of the rear end of the bottom surface of the movingspace 18. In the guide rail 17 of theright foot support 2 b, the left end of the front end of the bottom surface of the movingspace 18 has a constant height over an entire length of the movingspace 18. The right end of the front end of the bottom surface of the movingspace 18 extends toward a lower direction gradually as the movingspace 18 extends toward a front direction. The right end of the rear end of the bottom surface of the movingspace 18 has a height which is equal to a height of the left end of the rear end of the bottom surface of the movingspace 18. - Consequently, when the
left foot support 2 a moves toward a front direction of the travel path, both thefront crossbar 26 and therear cross bar 26 move forward leftward and downward. When theright foot support 2 b moves toward a front direction of the travel path, both thefront crossbar 26 and therear cross bar 26 move forward rightward and downward. Also in this case, thefoot support 2 is provided with the return means 27. The return means 27 is realized by the spring. The spring is configured to bias the foot support toward the back direction. Thefoot support 2 is moved toward the rear end of the travel path by the return means 27 when the pressure of about 10% of the user's weight (40 to 60 kgf) is applied to thefoot support 2. - In addition, when the
seat 91 is swung along the V-shape trajectory, the user's body with leg is also swung such that the user's body traces the V-shape. According to the swung of the foot, thefoot support 2 is also swung along the front-back direction. When theleft foot support 2 a is moved to the front end of the travel path of theleft foot support 2 a, theleft foot support 2 a is inclined leftward and downward. When theright foot support 2 b is moved to the front end of the travel path of theright foot support 2 b, theright foot support 2 b is inclined rightward and downward. Consequently, the bending angle of the ankle's joint is varied. As a result, the pressure of 30% to 40% of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg which is placed on thefoot support 2. In addition, when thefoot support 2 is moved to the rear end of the travel path, the left end of thefoot support 2 is positioned in a height which is equal to a height of the right end of thefoot support 2 in the rear end of the travel path. Therefore, thefoot support 2 becomes parallel to the horizontal plane. Consequently, the bending angle of the ankle joint is diminished. As a result, the pressure of about 10% of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg which is placed on thefoot support 2. - Therefore, it is possible to vary the condition where the pressure of 30% to 40% of the user's weight is applied to the leg which is placed on the
foot support 2 to the condition where the pressure of about 10% of the user's weight is applied to the leg which is placed on thefoot support 2. Accordingly, it is possible to vary the load which acts on the legs and the buttocks at a great ratio. - In addition, when the
left foot support 2 a moves toward the front direction of the travel path, theleft foot support 2 a is inclined leftward and downward. In contrast, when theright foot support 2 b moves toward the front direction of the travel path, theright foot support 2 b is inclined rightward and downward. However, it is possible to invert the inclination direction of theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. Consequently, it is possible to apply appropriate load to the leg of the user whose toe is positioned inwardly from the heel. Similarly, it is possible to apply appropriate load to the leg of the user whose heel is positioned inwardly from the heel. It is possible to apply appropriate load to the leg of the user who has knock knees. It is also possible to apply appropriate load to the leg of the user who has bow-legs. -
FIG. 2 shows a preferable modification of theguide 4. In theguide 4, in a case where the foot support is allowed to be rotated about the vertical axis, the inclination direction of the movingspace 18 in thefront guide rail 17 a and therear guide rail 17 b of the left side is inverted. Similarly, the inclination direction of the movingspace 18 in thefront guide rail 17 a and therear guide rail 17 b of the right side is inverted. More specifically, in the guide rail 17, thefront guide rail 17 a extends toward a first direction in a lateral direction as thefront guide rail 17 a extends forward. In contrast, in the guide rail 17,rear guide rail 17 b extends toward a second direction in the lateral direction as therear guide rail 17 b extends forward. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. Consequently, thefront crossbar 26 moves toward the first direction as the foot support moves toward a front direction. In addition, therear crossbar 26 moves toward the second direction as the foot support moves toward a front direction. Therefore, thefoot support 2 is rotated about the vertical axis. - In addition, in each the guide rail 17, it is preferred that
front guide rail 17 a extends toward a direction which is equal to therear guide rail 17 b. Or, it is also preferred that thefront guide rail 17 a extends toward the direction which is inverted with respect to the direction of therear guide rail 17 b. Consequently, thefoot support 2 is moved according to one of a first pattern, a second pattern, a third pattern, and fourth pattern. When theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are moved on the basis of the first pattern, thefront crossbar 26 and thefront protrusion 25 of the left foot support moves forward and rightward as therear crossbar 26 and therear protrusion 25 moves forward and leftward. That is, theleft foot support 2 a is turned toward a clockwise direction. In contrast, thefront crossbar 26 and thefront protrusion 25 of theright foot support 2 b moves forward and leftward as therear crossbar 26 and therear protrusion 25 of theright foot support 2 b moves forward and rightward. That is, theright foot support 2 b is turned toward a counterclockwise direction. When theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are moved on the basis of the second pattern, theleft foot support 2 a is turned toward a counterclockwise direction. In contrast, theright foot support 2 b is turned toward a clockwise direction. When theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are moved on the basis of the third pattern, theleft foot support 2 a is turned toward a clockwise direction. Similarly, theright foot support 2 b is turned toward a clockwise direction. When theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are moved on the basis of the fourth pattern, theleft foot support 2 a is turned toward a counterclockwise direction. Similarly, theright foot support 2 b is turned toward a counterclockwise direction. The patterns are selectable on the basis of the user's leg. - Also in this embodiment, it is possible to vary the load which acts on the legs on the
foot support 2 and the buttocks by means of varying the direction of the foot at a great ratio. - Next, another embodiment is explained on the basis of
FIGS. 5 to 15 . In this embodiment, the exercise assisting apparatus comprises abase 10, a pair offoot support 2, theguide 4, and thedrive unit 3. A pair of thefoot support 2 is provided for bearing the user's respective feet. Theguide 4 is configured to guide the travel path of the bothfoot support 2. A pair of the foot supports 2 and theguides 4 are provided on thebase 10. Thedrive unit 3 is configured to drive the foot supports 2. - As shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9 , thebase 10 includes a housing which is composed of atop plate 1 b and abase plate 1 a. Thebase plate 1 a is shaped to have a rectangular shape. However, the shape of thebase plate 1 a is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, in order to explain the exercise assisting apparatus easily, a case where the top surface of thebase plate 1 a is parallel to the floor when thebase plate 1 a is disposed on the floor is explained. Therefore, an upper direction ofFIG. 9 is an upper direction of the exercise assisting apparatus when the exercise assisting apparatus is used. A lower direction ofFIG. 9 is a lower direction of the exercise assisting apparatus when the exercise assisting apparatus is used. - The
base plate 1 a carries thetop plate 1 b above thebase plate 1 a. Thebase plate 1 a is cooperative with thetop plate 1 b to construct thehousing 1. Thebase plate 1 a carries theleft foot support 2 a, theright foot support 2 b, and thedrive unit 3. Theleft foot support 2 a bears the user's left foot. Theright foot support 2 b bears the user's right foot. Thedrive unit 3 is configured to move theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. Hereinafter, a front direction is defined by a direction indicated by an arrow of X inFIGS. 8 and 9 . - The
top plate 1 b is formed with twoopenings openings top plate 1 b in the thickness direction. Theopenings left foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b respectively. Theopenings opening 11 b has a center line which extends along the longitudinal direction of theopening 11 b. The center lines are inclined with respect to the front-back direction of thehousing 1. The distance between the center lines becomes greater from the rear end of thehousing 1 toward the front end of the housing. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , the both width ends of each the opening 11 a and 11 b are formed withslide grooves 12 which is oriented toward an inside of each the opening 11 a and 11 b. Thefoot rest cover 22 is formed withflanges 22 b. Theflange 22 b is slidably inserted into theslide groove 12. The foot support covers 22 are cooperative with thefoot support plates 21 to construct theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. Thefoot support cover 22 includes amain body 22 a which has a rectangular tubular configuration. Theflange 22 b is shaped over an entire circumferential surface of themain body 22 a. Theflange 22 b is formed along the opening of themain body 22 a. Themain body 22 a is provided at its lower end of inside withattachment plate 22 c being located in the lower portion. - The
main body 22 a has a length and a width. The lengths of themain bodies 22 a are smaller than the respective lengths of theopenings main bodies 22 a are smaller than the respective widths of theopenings slide groove 12 is greater than the width of theflange 22 b. Therefore, thefoot support cover 22 is received by theslide groove 12 so as to be slidable along the width direction of theslide groove 12. Thefoot support cover 22 is received by theslide groove 12 so as to be slidable along the length direction of theslide groove 12. - The
foot support plate 21 is shaped to have a rectangular plate shape. Thefoot support plate 21 has a size which is smaller than an inside rim of themain body 22 a. Thefoot support plate 21 is shaped to have a size so as to bear whole foot of the user M. Thefoot support plate 21 has an upper surface. The upper surface of thefoot support plate 21 is made of a material which enhances the friction coefficient. Thefoot support plate 21 is provided at its outer circumferential surface of the lower surface with acover 21 a (21 b) integrally. Thecover 21 a (21 b) is shaped to have a U-shaped cross section. In addition, thefoot support plate 21 has a lower surface. The lower surface has a surrounded portion which is surrounded by thecover 21 a (21 b). The surrounded portion is provided with a pair of thebearings 21 c integrally. Thebearings 21 c are arranged along the width direction of thefoot support plate 21. - The
attachment plate 22 c of thefoot support cover 22 has an upper surface which holds the bearingplate 23. The bearingplate 23 is formed with a recess which is oriented toward an upper direction. Therefore, the bearingplate 23 has a cross section which is shaped to have a U-shape. The bearing 21 c on thefoot support plate 21 come into contact with an outer surface of a side plate of the bearingplate 23. Furthermore, ashaft 24 is disposed over theattachment plate 22 c. Theshaft 24 penetrates through the bothside plate 23 a and both thebearings 21 c. Therefore, theshaft 24 extends along the width direction of thefoot support plate 21. Thefoot support plate 21 is configured to rotate about theshaft 24 such that both longitudinal ends of thefoot support plate 21 swings upward and downward. Thecovers 21 a and 21 b are provided for covering the gap between the lower surface of thefoot support plate 21 and thefoot support cover 22 when thefoot support plate 21 rotates relative to thefoot support cover 22. - A lower surface of the
attachment plate 22 c holds atruck 41. Thetruck 41 has a cross section which is shaped to have a U-shape. Thetruck 41 is oriented toward a lower direction. Thetruck 41 is provided with a pair ofsupport plates 41 a. A side surface of each thesupport plate 41 a holds two wheels. The upper surface of each thebase plate 1 a fixing tworails 43. Therails 43 are respectively shaped at its upper surface withrail grooves 43 a. Thetruck 41 is disposed on therail 43 such that thewheel 42 comes into rolling contact with therail groove 43 a. In addition, therail 43 is provided at its upper surface with aderailment plate 44. Thederailment plate 44 is provided for preventing the wheel from derailing from therail groove 43 a. - By the way, the longitudinal direction of the
rail 43 extends toward a direction which is different from a direction of the lengthwise direction of the opening 11 a (11 b). As mentioned above, the center line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 a (11 b) is inclined such that the center line of the opening 11 a is spaced away from the center line of theopening 11 b as the center line extends toward a front direction. The longitudinal direction of therail 43 is also inclined with respect to the front-back direction of thehousing 1. - The
rail 43 is inclined with respect to the front-back direction of thehousing 1 at a first angular degree. The longitudinal direction of the opening 11 a (11 b) is inclined with respect to the front-back direction of thehousing 1 at a second degree. The first angular degree is larger than the second angular degree. For example, the longitudinal direction of the opening 11 a (11 b) is inclined with respect to the front-back direction of thehousing 1 at 30 degrees. Therail 43 is inclined with respect to the front-back direction of thehousing 1 at 45 degrees. That is, the exercise assisting apparatus is used in a condition where the user's respective feet are placed on theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b such that a front-back directions of the feet is aligned with the longitudinal direction of therespective openings rail 43 is designed such that no shear force is applied to the knee joint when the positions of the feet are varied by the movement of theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. In this embodiment, theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are moved along respective travel paths extending along directions which are composed of front-back component and lateral component. However, it is possible to move theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b along the front-back direction or the lateral direction by disposing therail 43 along the front-back direction or the lateral direction. - With the above configuration, the
left foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b is configured to reciprocate along the longitudinal direction of therails 43. The longitudinal directions of therails 43 are inclined with respect to the center line of the longitudinal direction of theopenings foot support plate 21 and thefoot support cover 22 is moved along a direction which crosses the longitudinal direction of theopenings above truck 41 is cooperative with thewheels 42, therails 43, and thederailment plates 44 to determine the travel paths of theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. Therefore, thetruck 41 is cooperative with thewheels 42, therails 43, and thederailment plates 44 to act as theguides 4. - As shown in
FIG. 12 , thedrive unit 3 for moving theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b is composed of adrive source 31, aroute split unit 32 and thereciprocation unit 33. Thedrive source 31 is configured to generate the driving force. The route splitunit 32 is configured to split the driving force into two routes such that the route splitunit 32 transmits the driving force to theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. Thereciprocation unit 33 is configured to reciprocate thetruck 41 along therail 43. In this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 12A , the driving force is split by the route split unit, thereby being split into split driving forces. The split driving forces are transmitted to thereciprocation unit 33. However, it is possible to split a driving force which is generated by the reciprocation of thereciprocation unit 3 into two routes by thereciprocation unit 32. - The
drive unit 3 is more specifically explained. Thedrive source 31 is realized by themotor 31. The motor is provided with anoutput shaft 31 a. Theoutput shaft 31 is coupled to the route splitunit 32. - The route split
unit 32 comprises aworm 32 a and a pair ofworm wheels 32 b. Theworm 32 a acts as a first gear. Theworm wheels 32 b act as a second gear. Theworm 32 a is coupled to theoutput shaft 31 a of themotor 31. Each theworm 32 a meshes with theworm wheels 32 b. Theworm 32 a andworm wheels 32 b are housed in thegear box 34. Thegear box 34 is fixed to thebase plate 1 a. Thegear box 34 is composed of agear case 34 a and alid 34 b. Thegear case 34 a is formed at its top surface with an opening. Thelid 34 b is shaped to cover the opening of thegear case 34 a. Thegear case 34 a is cooperative with thelid 34 b to hold a pair ofbearings 32 c between thegear case 34 a and thelid 32 b. The longitudinal ends of theworm 32 a are rotatably supported by a pair of thebearings 32 c. - The
gear case 34 a is cooperative with thelid 34 b to hold arotation shaft 35. Therotation shaft 35 penetrates through theworm wheel 32 b. The worm wheel is coupled to therotation shaft 35 such that therotation shaft 35 is rotated when theworm wheel 32 b is rotated. Therotation shaft 35 is provided at its upper end with acoupling member 35 a having noncircular cross section (having a rectangular cross section in the illustration). - The
motor 31 is disposed between theholder 34 c of thegear case 34 a and the holdingplate 13 a of thebase plate 1 a. Consequently, themotor 31 is held by thelid 34 b which covers thegear case 34 a and aretainer plate 13 b which coupled to the holdingplate 13 a. - As shown in
FIG. 13 , thereciprocation unit 33 comprises acrank plate 36 and acrank rod 38. Thecrank plate 36 is provided at its one end with thecoupling member 35 a of therotation shaft 35. Thecrank rod 38 is coupled to the crankplate 36 through thecrank shaft 37. Thecrank shaft 37 is provided at its first end which is fixed to the crankplate 36, and is provided at its second end which is fixed to the bearing 38 a which is held by the first end of thecrank rod 38. That is, the first end of thecrank rod 38 is rotatably supported by thecrank plate 36. The second end of thecrank rod 38 is coupled to thetruck 41 with respect to theshaft 38 b, whereby the second end of thecrank rod 38 is rotatably fixed to thetruck 41. - As shown in the above configuration, the
crank rod 38 acts as a conversion mechanism of converting the rotation force of theworm wheel 32 b into the reciprocation movement of thetruck 41. Thecrank rod 38 is provided with eachworm wheel 32 b. Thetruck 41 is individually provided on eachleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. Therefore, thecrank rod 38 acts as the conversion mechanism of converting the rotation force of theworm wheel 32 b into the reciprocation movement of each theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. - Because the
truck 41 is, as mentioned above, configured to move along the travel path which is determined by thewheels 42 and therails 43, thetruck 41 reciprocates along the longitudinal direction of therail 43 according to the rotation of theworm wheel 32 b. That is, the rotation of themotor 31 is transmitted to the crankplate 36 through theworm 32 a and theworm wheel 32 b. In addition, thecrank rod 38 coupled to the crankplate 36 allows thetruck 41 to reciprocate along the linear line parallel to therail 43. As a result, thefoot support cover 22 coupled to thetruck 41 is reciprocated along therail 43. That is, theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b reciprocate along the longitudinal direction of therails 43. - In this embodiment, the
worm 32 a and the two worm wheels splits the driving force into two routes. The split driving force of each route is used to move theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. Therefore, thedrive unit 3 moves theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b which are associated with each other. The one of twoworm wheels 32 b is meshed with theworm 32 a at a portion which is displaced at 180 angular degrees from a portion where the other of twoworm wheels 32 b is meshed with theworm 32 a. Therefore, when theleft foot support 2 a is located at a rear end of the moving range, the right foot support is located at a front end of the moving range. The rear end of the moving range of theleft foot support 2 a is located at a right end of the moving range of theleft foot support 2 a. The front end of the moving range of theright foot support 2 b is located at a right end of the moving range of theright foot support 2 b. Therefore, in the lateral direction, theleft foot support 2 a is moved toward a direction which is equal to a direction to which theright foot support 2 b is moved. - It is possible to cause the phase difference between the movement of the
left foot support 2 a and the movement of theright foot support 2 b according to the positions where theworm 32 a meshes with theworm wheels 32 b. If theleft foot support 2 a has a phase which is displaced from the phase of theright foot support 2 b at 180 angular degrees, it is possible to reduce the movement of a center of gravity of the user M in a front-back direction. Therefore, the user M who has low balance ability may use the exercise assisting apparatus. In contrast, if theleft foot support 2 a has a phase which is equal to the phase of theright foot support 2 b at 180 degrees, the exercise assisting apparatus allows the center of the gravity of the user M to move in a front back direction. Therefore, it is possible to use the exercise assisting apparatus to exercise the muscles of the lower back for maintaining the balance ability in addition to exercise the muscles of the legs. - The
foot support plates 21 on theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are fixed to theshaft 24 such that thefoot support plate 21 is rotatable about theshaft 24 relative thefoot support cover 22. Therefore, as shown inFIG. 14 , it is possible to vary the height of the front end of thefoot support plate 21 and the rear end of thefoot support plate 21. That is, the ankle joint is plantarflexed and dosalflexed by varying the height position of the toe and the heel of the foot which is placed on thefoot support plate 21. - By the way, as the exercise assisting apparatus is used, the left foot and the right feet are placed on the
left foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b which are stopped in the default position, and then thedrive unit 3 is started. As shown inFIG. 15 , the longitudinal direction Dx of each one of theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b is inclined with respect to the front-back direction (direction indicated by an arrow of X) at approximately 9 degrees. Therefore, there is no possibility of twisting the leg of the user M when the user's feet are placed on theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. - The position in the front-back direction of the left foot support in the default position is equal to the position in the front-back direction of the left foot support in the default position. That is, the left foot support in the default position and the right foot support in the default position are aligned along a lateral direction. Therefore, when the user M places the user's feet on
left foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b respectively, a straight line extending along the vertical direction from the center of the gravity of the user M passes a center between theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b. - As is clearly understood by the above configuration, when operation of the
drive unit 3 is started, theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b is displaced in the front-back direction and also is displaced in the lateral direction. Theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are reciprocated along the linear line parallel to therail 43. Theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are moved along directions which is different from the front-back directions of the feet. For example, theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are moved along the directions which are inclined with respect to the front-back direction of thehousing 1 at 45 angular degrees. The movement distances of theleft foot support 2 a and theright foot support 2 b are, for example, set as 20 mm. - Similar to this embodiment, the components of the base 10 being provided with the hollow 15 and the
grooves 16, the bottom of the hollowly being provided with guide rails 17 which act asguides 4, the foot supports 2 with thecrossbar 26, theprotrusions 25, and the return means 27 are same as the components shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 . - In this embodiment, when the
left foot support 2 a is moved forward and leftward along the travel path, theright foot support 2 b is moved backward and leftward along the travel path. When theleft foot support 2 a is moved backward and rightward along the travel path, theright foot support 2 b is moved forward and rightward. Consequently, the exercise assisting apparatus is capable of being used by the user who has low balance ability and also giving the above mentioned effect to the user.
Claims (6)
1. An exercise assisting apparatus comprising:
a base;
a pair of foot supports being provided on said base and shaped to bear user's left foot and right foot respectively, and
a pair of guides being provided on said base to define individual travel paths along which said foot supports are guided respectively;
wherein
each said guide extends in a front-back direction such that each said guide allows each said foot support to move in the front-back direction, and
said guide being configured to allow each said foot support to rotate about one of a back and forth axis extending along the back and forth direction, a lateral axis extending along a lateral direction, and a vertical axis extending along a vertical direction, while said foot support is guided to move along the travel path.
2. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , wherein
said foot supports are composed of a left foot support and a right foot support,
said travel path of said guide for said left foot support being configured to move said left foot support leftward as said left foot support moves forward,
said travel path of said guide for said right foot support being configured to move said right foot support rightward as said right foot support moves forward,
said exercise assisting apparatus further comprising a drive means,
said drive means being configured to move said right foot support along an oblique direction extending leftward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support as said left foot support is caused to move leftward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support, and
said drive means being configured to move said right foot support along an oblique direction extending rightward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support as said left foot support is caused to move rightward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support.
3. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , wherein each said foot support is provided at its front half of a bottom surface with a front protrusion and at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion,
each said front protrusion being provided at its lower end with a front crossbar, each said rear protrusion being provided at its lower end with a rear cross bar, each said guide has a front guide rail and a rear guide rail,
each said front guide rail being shaped to receive said front crossbar and is shaped to guide the front crossbar,
each said rear guide rail being shaped to receive said rear crossbar and is shaped to guide the rear crossbar,
each said front guide rail being inclined toward an oblique direction which extends forward and downward, whereby the crossbar moves downward as said crossbar moves forward, each said rear guide rail being parallel to a horizontal plane, whereby a vertical position of the rear guide rail has a level which is equal to a level of a vertical position of the rear end of the front guide rail.
4. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 2 , wherein each said foot support is provided at its front half of a bottom surface with a front protrusion and at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion,
each said front protrusion being provided at its lower end with a front crossbar, each said rear protrusion being provided at its lower end with a rear cross bar, each said guide has a front guide rail and a rear guide rail,
each said front guide rail being shaped to receive said front crossbar and is shaped to guide the front crossbar,
each said rear guide rail being shaped to receive said rear crossbar and is shaped to guide the rear crossbar,
each said front guide rail being inclined toward an oblique direction which extends forward and downward, whereby the crossbar moves downward as said crossbar moves forward, each said rear guide rail being parallel to a horizontal plane, whereby a vertical position of the rear guide rail has a level which is equal to a level of a vertical position of the rear end of the front guide rail.
5. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 1 , wherein each said foot support is provided at its front half of a bottom surface with a front protrusion and at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion,
each said front protrusion being provided at its lower end with a front crossbar, each said rear protrusion being provided at its lower end with a rear cross bar, each said guide has a front guide rail and a rear guide rail,
each said front guide rail being shaped to receive said front crossbar and is shaped to guide the front crossbar,
each said rear guide rail being shaped to receive said rear crossbar and is shaped to guide the rear crossbar,
each said front guide rail extending toward a first direction in a lateral direction as the front guide rail extends forward,
each said rear guide rail extending toward a second direction in a lateral direction as the rear guide rail extends forward, said second direction being opposite to the first direction.
6. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 2 , wherein each said foot support is provided at its front half of a bottom surface with a front protrusion and at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion,
each said front protrusion being provided at its lower end with a front crossbar, each said rear protrusion being provided at its lower end with a rear cross bar, each said guide has a front guide rail and a rear guide rail,
each said front guide rail being shaped to receive said front crossbar and is shaped to guide the front crossbar,
each said rear guide rail being shaped to receive said rear crossbar and is shaped to guide the rear crossbar,
each said front guide rail extending toward a first direction in a lateral direction as the front guide rail extends forward,
each said rear guide rail extending toward a second direction in a lateral direction as the rear guide rail extends forward,
said second direction being opposite to the first direction.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2007279498 | 2007-10-26 | ||
JP2007-279498 | 2007-10-26 | ||
PCT/JP2008/069313 WO2009054486A1 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2008-10-24 | Exercise auxiliary equipment |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100248921A1 true US20100248921A1 (en) | 2010-09-30 |
Family
ID=40579588
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/734,310 Abandoned US20100248921A1 (en) | 2007-10-26 | 2008-10-24 | Exercise assisting apparatus |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100248921A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2210578A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5054780B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR20100085138A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101835446A (en) |
TW (1) | TW200936119A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009054486A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110300994A1 (en) * | 2008-11-19 | 2011-12-08 | Industrial Research Limited | Exercise Device and System |
US20130005547A1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2013-01-03 | Shih-Jung Wang | Rehabilitation Exercising Equipment Having Balance and Rotation Functions |
US20180110670A1 (en) * | 2015-03-24 | 2018-04-26 | Fondazione Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia | Driving system for controlling the rotation of an object about two perpendicular axes of rotation and rehabilitation machine for rehabilitation of the lower limbs and the trunk incorporating such a driving system |
US20180192922A1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2018-07-12 | Laboratoire Victhom Inc. | Biomechanical analysis and validation system and method |
US11786435B2 (en) | 2017-10-11 | 2023-10-17 | IL Soo Kim | Gait assistive device and walking robot having the same |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4908653B1 (en) * | 2011-08-23 | 2012-04-04 | 俊昌 長坂 | Prone exercise support equipment |
KR101633906B1 (en) * | 2015-07-09 | 2016-06-27 | 부산대학교 산학협력단 | Muscular function deterioration protection |
US11497954B2 (en) | 2019-05-23 | 2022-11-15 | Valdemar L. Washington | Exercising apparatus |
CN117279696A (en) * | 2021-05-10 | 2023-12-22 | 沃尔德玛·L·华盛顿 | Exercise apparatus |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5284460A (en) * | 1993-01-29 | 1994-02-08 | Town Sports International | Skate training exercise apparatus and method |
US20040053753A1 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2004-03-18 | Galvez Campos Jose Luis | System for exercising the lower extremities in seated persons |
US20050266964A1 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2005-12-01 | Chia-Chi Teng | Curved exerciser positioning device |
US20060046902A1 (en) * | 2004-09-01 | 2006-03-02 | Huang-Tung Chang | Elliptical exerciser with adjustable guiding rails |
US7338414B1 (en) * | 2005-03-16 | 2008-03-04 | Hupa International, Inc. | Apparatus to enable a user to simulate skating |
US7455623B2 (en) * | 2007-01-04 | 2008-11-25 | P & F Brother Industrial Corporation | Elliptical machine |
US20100279835A1 (en) * | 2007-12-25 | 2010-11-04 | Takahisa Ozawa | Auxiliary exercise equipment |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3899895B2 (en) * | 2001-10-26 | 2007-03-28 | 松下電工株式会社 | Training equipment |
JP3991747B2 (en) * | 2002-03-29 | 2007-10-17 | 松下電工株式会社 | Training equipment |
JP2004337275A (en) * | 2003-05-14 | 2004-12-02 | Glory Ltd | Walk training apparatus |
JP2007089651A (en) * | 2005-09-27 | 2007-04-12 | Matsushita Electric Works Ltd | Exercise assisting apparatus |
-
2008
- 2008-10-24 KR KR1020107011474A patent/KR20100085138A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2008-10-24 CN CN200880112429A patent/CN101835446A/en active Pending
- 2008-10-24 EP EP08843067A patent/EP2210578A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-10-24 JP JP2009538271A patent/JP5054780B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-10-24 TW TW097140823A patent/TW200936119A/en unknown
- 2008-10-24 US US12/734,310 patent/US20100248921A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-10-24 WO PCT/JP2008/069313 patent/WO2009054486A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5284460A (en) * | 1993-01-29 | 1994-02-08 | Town Sports International | Skate training exercise apparatus and method |
US20040053753A1 (en) * | 2000-12-07 | 2004-03-18 | Galvez Campos Jose Luis | System for exercising the lower extremities in seated persons |
US20050266964A1 (en) * | 2004-05-14 | 2005-12-01 | Chia-Chi Teng | Curved exerciser positioning device |
US20060046902A1 (en) * | 2004-09-01 | 2006-03-02 | Huang-Tung Chang | Elliptical exerciser with adjustable guiding rails |
US7338414B1 (en) * | 2005-03-16 | 2008-03-04 | Hupa International, Inc. | Apparatus to enable a user to simulate skating |
US7455623B2 (en) * | 2007-01-04 | 2008-11-25 | P & F Brother Industrial Corporation | Elliptical machine |
US20100279835A1 (en) * | 2007-12-25 | 2010-11-04 | Takahisa Ozawa | Auxiliary exercise equipment |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110300994A1 (en) * | 2008-11-19 | 2011-12-08 | Industrial Research Limited | Exercise Device and System |
US9095492B2 (en) * | 2008-11-19 | 2015-08-04 | Industrial Research Limited | Exercise device and system |
US20130005547A1 (en) * | 2011-06-28 | 2013-01-03 | Shih-Jung Wang | Rehabilitation Exercising Equipment Having Balance and Rotation Functions |
US20180110670A1 (en) * | 2015-03-24 | 2018-04-26 | Fondazione Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia | Driving system for controlling the rotation of an object about two perpendicular axes of rotation and rehabilitation machine for rehabilitation of the lower limbs and the trunk incorporating such a driving system |
US11103411B2 (en) * | 2015-03-24 | 2021-08-31 | Fondazione Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia | Driving system for controlling the rotation of an object about two perpendicular axes of rotation and rehabilitation machine for rehabilitation of the lower limbs and the trunk incorporating such a driving system |
US20210322250A1 (en) * | 2015-03-24 | 2021-10-21 | Fondazione Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia | Driving system for controlling the movement of an object with two degrees of freedom of rotation and rehabilitation machine for rehabilitation of the lower limbs and the trunk incorporating such a system |
US20180192922A1 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2018-07-12 | Laboratoire Victhom Inc. | Biomechanical analysis and validation system and method |
US10813573B2 (en) * | 2016-03-15 | 2020-10-27 | Laboratoire Victhom Inc. | Biomechanical analysis and validation system and method |
US11786435B2 (en) | 2017-10-11 | 2023-10-17 | IL Soo Kim | Gait assistive device and walking robot having the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TW200936119A (en) | 2009-09-01 |
KR20100085138A (en) | 2010-07-28 |
EP2210578A1 (en) | 2010-07-28 |
CN101835446A (en) | 2010-09-15 |
JPWO2009054486A1 (en) | 2011-03-10 |
JP5054780B2 (en) | 2012-10-24 |
WO2009054486A1 (en) | 2009-04-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100248921A1 (en) | Exercise assisting apparatus | |
CN105148453B (en) | With the laterally spaced exercise device of non-homogeneous foot pad | |
US20110028290A1 (en) | Exercise device | |
US20100240507A1 (en) | Passive Exercise Equipment | |
JP5122941B2 (en) | Standing-type passive exercise equipment | |
US7914427B2 (en) | Exercise assisting apparatus | |
US20100279835A1 (en) | Auxiliary exercise equipment | |
US20100262048A1 (en) | Passive exercise machine | |
US7608019B1 (en) | Elliptical exercise methods and apparatus | |
KR20090130257A (en) | Exercise assisting apparatus | |
US20100022370A1 (en) | Exercise assisting device | |
KR20100108402A (en) | Exercise auxiliary equipment | |
KR100956540B1 (en) | Walking assistance device | |
US20100248922A1 (en) | Exercise assisting apparatus | |
CN113332673B (en) | Self-pretightening leaning device and pelvis auxiliary walking training mechanism | |
JP2008264319A (en) | Exercise assisting apparatus | |
CN113367939B (en) | Pelvis auxiliary walking training mechanism | |
US20050043144A1 (en) | Auxiliary equipment for exercise treadmill | |
KR102036823B1 (en) | Multi-directional moving device | |
KR101907755B1 (en) | assist unit for gait therapy for treadmill | |
JP5054484B2 (en) | Exercise assistance device | |
KR20100136511A (en) | Exercise aiding apparatus | |
JP2008289869A (en) | Exercise assisting device | |
JP2008264293A (en) | Exercise assisting device | |
JP2015217044A (en) | Walking machine |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD., JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SHINOMIYA, YOUICHI;OZAWA, TAKAHISA;GOTOU, TAKAO;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:024307/0351 Effective date: 20100401 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PANASONIC CORPORATION, JAPAN Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO.,LTD.,;REEL/FRAME:027697/0525 Effective date: 20120101 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO PAY ISSUE FEE |