LEG STRETCHING EXERCISE APPARATUS

A leg stretching exercise apparatus includes a base seat, a telescopic handle erectly projecting from the front of the base seat, pulley sets and hinge members set on both sides of the base seat, first and second side frames hinged at each hinge member, pedal plates respectively slideably mounted on the first and second side frames by wheels under the pedal plates. An end of resistance members is hooked on to crooks under the pedal plates, and the other end is mounted around the pulley sets at the side of the base seat then hooked on to the crooks at fixed end of the first and second side frames. Thereby, a user can step both feet on the pedal plates and move the pedal plates outwardly in horizontal direction to obtain good exercising effect by the resistant force generated from the resistance members while exercising.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an exerciser, and more particularly to a leg stretching exercise apparatus for stretching muscles and tendons.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventional exercisers utilize many kinds of designs to train the muscles of the body. Regarding leg training, there are several operating types with respect to exercisers such as running-type, thigh clipping-type, stepping-type, stretching-type and the like. Conventional exercisers do not combine training the interior and exterior thigh muscles and stretching the tendons and muscles. Therefore, the inventor of the present invention dedicates to providing a novel and practical invention in the light of the problems existed in the conventional exercisers by combining detailed design and consideration and many years experience for manufacturing products and research in the related field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide a leg stretching exerciser for solving the problems existed in the conventional exercisers and further to provide more different exercising methods in order to provide more options for exercising.

Technological features for solving the problems: a leg stretching exerciser is provided, comprising:

a base seat comprising a horizontal shaft, an intermediate shaft, a telescopic handle erectly projecting from the base seat, pulley sets and hinge members set on both sides of the base seat;

two foldable side frames respectively comprising a fixed end, a base shaft, a fixed end, and a plurality of connecting members respectively disposed between the fixed ends and the base shafts, the fixed ends of the side frames respectively hinged at each hinge member on both sides of the base seat;

two pedal plates comprising sliding members, limit devices used for preventing the pedal plates from sliding out of predetermined domain and crooks; the pedal plates respectively slideably mounted on the first side frame and the second side frame by the sliding members under the pedal plates, the sliding member comprising wheels and limit pieces, each pedal plate slideably limited on the connecting member of each side frame by the wheels and the limit pieces; and a resistance member having two ends; one end of the resistance member hooked on to crooks under the pedal plates, the other end of the resistance member mounted around the pulley sets at one side of the base seat and then hooked on to the corresponding crooks of the base shaft respectively.

In a first aspect of the invention, the telescopic handle further comprises a connecting tube, an adjustable tube, a fixed element and a handle; the connecting tube mounted on the base seat; the adjustable tube mounted on the connecting tube; the handle mounted at a top end of the adjustable tube; a plurality of positioning holes defined therethrough at a lower end of the adjustable tube; the connecting tube further comprising positioning member, thereby the adjustable tube being fixed by the fixed element through one of the adjustable holes.

In a second aspect of the invention, the resistance member is an elastic element.

In a third aspect of the invention, the connecting member disposed between the fixed end and the base shaft is downwardly curved.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, the limit device comprises a block shaft and a block body; the block shaft is fixed under the pedal plate; the block body is fixed on the connecting member to limit the block shaft.

Thereby, a user can step both feet on the pedal plates and move the pedal plates outwardly in horizontal direction. Furthermore, by utilizing the resistance member to provide resistance, such resistant force generated while exercising enhances the exercising effect as both the interior and exterior thigh muscles of the user are effectively trained.

Effects of the present invention compared to the prior art:

1. Regarding leg training, there are several operating types with respect to exercisers such as running-type, thigh clipping-type, stepping-type, stretching-type and the like. Conventional exercisers don't combine training the interior and exterior thigh muscles and stretching the tendons and muscles. Therefore, exercisers often exercise and train their legs by a long period of time of running combined a short period of time of stretch. The muscles of the legs usually are exercised focally at some certain parts and are not evenly exercised.

2. The present invention includes a base seat comprising a first side frame and a second side frame respective at two sides. Further, a first pedal plate and a second pedal plate are mounted on the base seat. The pedal plates can be slid in horizontal direction and there is a resistance member mounted under the pedal plates (as shown in FIG. 3). When it is in use, a user can step both feet on the pedal plates and move the pedal plates outwardly in horizontal direction. Furthermore, by utilizing the resistance member to provide resistance, the resistant force generated while exercising enhances the exercising effect as both the interior and exterior thigh muscles of the user are effectively trained. The present invention combines training the interior and exterior leg muscles and stretching the tendons and muscles, thus, it greatly helps shaping the legs.

3. Regarding the leg stretching exercise apparatus of the present invention, the first side frame and the second side frame are hinged to the base seat and can be vertically folded (as shown in FIG. 4) or horizontally folded. Therefore, the first side frame and the second side frame can be vertically folded to decrease the occupying space by a wide margin and is more convenient to store. Thus, the present invention is a novel product with commercial values.

Further benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after a careful reading of the detailed description with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a leg stretching exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an upward view of the leg stretching exercise apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a front view of the leg stretching exerciser being folded in accordance with the present invention.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention provides a leg stretching exercise apparatus, comprises

a base seat 10 includes a horizontal shaft 11 and an intermediate shaft 12. The intermediate shaft is perpendicular to the horizontal shaft 11. A plurality of pulley sets 122 and hinge members 121 are mounted on both sides of the base seat 10. Further, a telescopic handle 13 is erectly projected from the horizontal shaft 11 of the base seat 10. The telescopic handle 13 further includes a connecting tube 131, an adjustable tube 14, a fixed element 132 and a handle 142. A positioning member 132 is mounted on a top of the connecting tube 131. The adjustable tube 14 is mounted in the connecting tube 131. A plurality of positioning holes 141 is disposed on the adjustable tube 14 and the positioning holes 141 are arranged in vertical direction; whereby utilizing the fixed element 131 to pass through the positioning member 132 to be secured by connecting to the positioning holes 141, the adjustable tube 14 is secured. The handle 142 is mounted on a top end of the adjustable tube 14. Therefore, a user can hold or pull the adjustable tube 14 to adjust the height and secure it.

a first side frame 20 includes a pair of first fixed ends 21 and a first base shaft 22. A connecting member 50 is formed between one of the first fixed ends 21 and the first base shaft 22. The connecting member 50 is downwardly curved. One of the first fixed ends 21 of the first side frame 20 is hinged to the hinge member 121 of the base seat 10.

a first pedal plate 23 includes a sliding member 60 and a limit device 70. The sliding member 60 and the limit device 70 are mounted under the first pedal plate 23. A crook 63 is mounted at the bottom of the first pedal plate 23. The sliding member 60 includes wheels 62 and limit pieces 61. The first pedal plate 23 is limited on the connecting member 50 by the limit pieces 61 of the sliding member 60 to enable the first pedal plate 23 to slide on the connecting member 50. A resistance member 40 includes: one end of the resistance member 40 is hooked onto crooks 63 under the first pedal plate 23 and mounted around the pulley sets 122 of the intermediate shaft 12. The other end of the resistance member 40 is hooked onto the corresponding crooks 64 of the first base shaft 22. The resistance member 40 can be an elastic rope. The resistance member 40 can provide appropriate resistance for the movement of the first pedal plate 23. A limit device 70 includes a block shaft 71 and a block body 72. The block shaft 71 is mounted at the bottom of the first pedal plate 23. The block body 72 is fixed on the connecting member 50 to limit the block shaft 71. Therefore, the limit device 70 can limit the first pedal plate 23 to move in a desired domain.

A second side frame 30 includes a pair of second fixed ends 31 and a second base shaft 32. The connecting member 50 is formed between one of the second fixed ends 31 and the second base shaft 32. The connecting member 50 is curved. The second fixed end 31 of the second side frame 30 is hinged to the hinge member 121 of the base seat 10.

A second pedal plate 33 includes a sliding member 60 and a limit device 70. The sliding member 60 and the limit device 70 are mounted under the second pedal plate 33. A crook 63 is mounted at the bottom of the second pedal plate 33. The sliding member 60 includes wheels 62 and limit pieces 61. The second pedal plate 33 is limited on the connecting member 50 by the limit pieces 61 of the sliding member 60 to enable the second pedal plate 33 to slide on the connecting member 50.

One end of the resistance member 40 is hooked onto crooks 63 under the second pedal plate 33 and mounted around the pulley sets 122 of the intermediate shaft 12. The other end of the resistance member 40 is hooked onto the corresponding crooks 64 of the second base shaft 32. The resistance member 40 can be an elastic rope. The resistance member 40 can provide appropriate resistance for the horizontal movement of the second pedal plate 33. The limit device 70 includes a block shaft 71 and a block body 72. The block shaft 71 is mounted at the bottom of the second pedal plate 33. The block body 72 is fixed on the connecting member 50 to limit the block shaft 71. Therefore, the limit device 70 can limit the second pedal plate 33 to move in a desired domain.

Regarding the leg stretching exercise apparatus of the present invention, the first side frame 20 and the second side frame 30 are hinged to the intermediate shaft 12 of the base seat 10 and can be vertically or horizontally foldable. Therefore, the first side frame and the second side frame can be vertically folded to decrease the occupying space by a wide margin.

Furthermore, the resistance member 40 is an elastic element.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, with respect to the leg stretching exercise apparatus, the telescopic handle 13 is mounted at a front end of the base seat 10. The first side frame 20 and the second side frame 30 are respectively hinged to both sides of the base seat 10. The first side frame 20 and the second side frame 30 respectively includes the first fixed end 21, the second fixed end 31 and the first base shaft 22, the second base shaft 32 and the connecting members 50 respectively connecting between the first fixed end 21 and the first base shaft 22 and between the second fixed end 31 and the second base shaft 32. The connecting member 50 is downwardly curved. The first fixed end 21 of the first side frame 20 and the second fixed end 31 of the second side frame 30 are hinged to the hinge members 121 of the base seat 10. The first pedal plate 23 and the second pedal plate 33 both include the sliding member 60 and the limit device 70. The crooks 63 are mounted at the bottom of the first pedal plate 23 or the second pedal plate 33. The sliding member 60 includes wheels 62 and limit pieces 61. The first pedal plate 23 or the second pedal plate 33 is limited on the connecting member 50 by the limit pieces 61 of the sliding member 60 to enable the first pedal plate 23 or the second pedal plate 33 to slide on the connecting member 50. One end of the resistance member 40 is hooked onto crooks 63 under the first pedal plate 23 or the second pedal plate 33 and mounted around the pulley sets 122 of the intermediate shaft 12. The other end of the resistance member 40 is hooked onto the corresponding crooks 64 of the first base shaft 22 or the second base shaft 32. The resistance member 40 can be an elastic rope. The resistance member 40 can provide appropriate resistance for the horizontal movement of the first pedal plate 23 or of the second pedal plate 33. The limit device 70 includes a block shaft 71 and a block body 72. The block shaft 71 is mounted at the bottom of the first pedal plate 23 or the second pedal plate 33. The block body 72 is fixed on the connecting member 50 to limit the block shaft 71. Therefore, the limit device 70 can limit the first pedal plate 23 or the second pedal plate 33 to move in a desired domain.

Besides, referring to FIG. 3, the first side frame 20 and the second side frame 30 are hinged to the base seat 10 and can be vertically or horizontally folded. Therefore, the first side frame and the second side frame can be vertically folded to decrease the occupying space by a wide margin and is more convenient to store.

When in use, the user steps on the leg stretching exercise apparatus and hold the handle 142 of the telescopic handle 13. The user steps both feet on the pedal plates 23, 33 and moves the pedal plates 23, 33 outwardly in horizontal direction. The first pedal plate 23 and the second pedal plate 33 slide on the connecting member 50. The first pedal plate 23 and the second pedal plate 33 are both pulled by the resistance member 40. The user has to exert with force that is greater than the pull force and thus successfully move the pedal plates 23, 33 outwardly in horizontal direction. When the user sets free the pedal plates 23, 33, the pedal plates 23, 33 will be pulled back by the resistance member 40 to the original position. Thus, by utilizing the repeated action of pull and release, the user exercises and stretches the muscles and tendons. It is also good for shaping the legs and enhancing the exercising effect of the interior and exterior thigh muscles.

To conclude, the present invention has efficacy and practical value and can improve the economic value. The present invention is distinguished from the prior art. Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A leg stretching exercise apparatus, comprising:

a base seat comprising a horizontal shaft, an intermediate shaft, pulley sets and hinge members set on both sides of the base seat;
a telescopic handle erectly projecting from the base seat; two foldable side frames respectively comprising a fixed end, a base shaft and a plurality of connecting members respectively disposed between the fixed ends and the base shafts, the fixed ends of the side frames respectively hinged at each hinge member on both sides of the base seat;
two pedal plates comprising sliding members underneath, limit devices used for preventing the pedal plates from sliding out of predetermined domain and crooks; the pedal plates respectively slideably mounted on the first side frame and the second side frame by the sliding members under the pedal plates, the sliding members comprising wheels and limit pieces, each pedal plate slideably limited on the connecting member of each side frame by the wheels and the limit pieces; and
a resistance member having two ends; one end of the resistance member hooked on to crooks under the pedal plates, the other end of the resistance member mounted around the pulley sets at one side of the base seat and then hooked on to the corresponding crooks of the base shaft respectively.

2. The leg stretching exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the telescopic handle further comprises a connecting tube, an adjustable tube, a fixed elementand a handle; the connecting tube mounted on the base seat; the adjustable tube mounted on the connecting tube; the handle mounted at a top end of the adjustable tube; a plurality of positioning holes disposed therethrough at a lower end of the adjustable tube; the connecting tube further comprising a positioning member thereby the adjustable tube being fixed by the fixed element through one of the adjustable holes.

3. The leg stretching exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resistance member

is an elastic element.

4. The leg stretching exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connecting member disposed between the fixed end and the base shaft is downwardly curved.

5. The leg stretching exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the limit devices comprises a block shaft and a block body; the block shaft is fixed under the pedal plate; the block body is fixed on the connecting member to limit the block shaft.

Patent History
Publication number: 20100261588
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 9, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 14, 2010
Inventor: Jao-Hsing Tsai (Hsinchu)
Application Number: 12/669,746
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Having Pair Of Handles (482/126)
International Classification: A63B 21/02 (20060101);