Training apparatus

Abstract

A training apparatus comprises a body part, a handlebar assembly gripped by the user, a handle stem rotatably supporting the handlebar assembly, a saddle provided on the body part so that the user sits down thereon and pedals rotatably set on the body part so that the user takes exercise by pedaling. The handle stem includes a base part connected with the body part and a movable part arranged on a side closer to the handlebar assembly and inclinably coupled to the base part.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a training apparatus, and more specifically, it relates to a pedal training apparatus pedaled by the user to go into training.

2. Description of the Background Art

A pedal training apparatus pedaled by the user to go take exercise is known in general. This type of training apparatus is generally provided with a handlebar assembly and a saddle, so that the user can take exercise by sitting on the saddle, gripping the handlebar assembly and pedaling the training apparatus.

Some conventional training apparatus allows the user to control the positions of the handlebar assembly and the saddle in response to his/her physique. For example, Japanese Utility Model Laying-Open No. 61-36652 (1986) discloses a handlebar assembly of an ergometer or the like allowing the user to vary the mounting angle.

Further, each of Japanese Patent Laying-Open Nos. 2003-275339, 2001-104514 and 11-169482 (1999), for example, discloses a saddle height control mechanism.

In the ergometer described in Japanese Utility Model Laying-Open No. 61-36652, the central portion of the handlebar assembly is rotatably mounted on a holder set on the upper end of a handle stem. Therefore, the user can control the position of the handlebar assembly by rotating the same.

In the aforementioned ergometer, however, the user can merely rotate the handlebar assembly itself, and cannot control the handlebar assembly into various positions. In particular, it is difficult for the user to take exercise in a desired state approaching the handlebar assembly itself to him/her.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the aforementioned problem, and a principal object of the present invention is to provide a training apparatus allowing the user to control a handlebar assembly into various positions.

The training apparatus according to the present invention comprises a body part, a handlebar assembly gripped by the user, a handle stem rotatably supporting the handlebar assembly, a saddle provided on the body part so that the user sits down thereon and pedals rotatably set on the body part so that the user takes exercise by pedaling. The handle stem includes a base part connected with the body part and a movable part arranged on a side closer to the handlebar assembly and inclinably coupled to the base part.

The aforementioned handlebar assembly preferably has first and second operating members operable by the user. In this case, the user adjusts the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly with the first operating member, and adjusts the inclination of the movable part of the handle stem with the second operating member. The operating members can be formed by handle levers, buttons or switches manually operable by the user, for example.

The training apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise a display part displaying various information, a support part connected with the handle stem for supporting the display part, a mounting part mounted with the display part and a connecting part rotatable on the support part with respect to the surface of the support part for inclinably supporting the mounting part and the display part with respect to the support part while connecting the mounting part and the support part with each other.

The training apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise a saddle height control mechanism provided on the body part for controlling the height of the saddle and a saddle height control lever allowing the user to drive the saddle height control mechanism with his/her foot. This saddle height control lever is preferably provided on a position such as the bottom of the body part or in the vicinity thereof, for example, allowing the user to operate the same with his/her foot.

The training apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise a step part provided on a portion of the body part located in the vicinity of the handle stem. The step part, which may be formed by a single step, is preferably provided with a plurality of steps.

The training apparatus according to the present invention may further comprise an auxiliary part, capable of partially supporting the body of the user, provided in the vicinity of the saddle. This auxiliary part is typically uprightly provided at the back of the saddle for supporting the loins of the user or portions close thereto.

In the training apparatus according to the present invention, the movable part of the handle stem is inclinable with respect to the base part thereof, so that the user can approach the handlebar assembly to him/her. In addition, the user can rotate the handlebar assembly itself Therefore, the user can control the handlebar assembly into various positions as compared with a case where he/she can rotate only the handlebar assembly.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view partially showing the internal structure of a training apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a handlebar assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the handlebar assembly, a movable part and a portion around the same shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial plan view of the handlebar assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partially fragmented sectional view showing an exemplary internal structure of a handlebar assembly angle adjusting part;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial plan view of the handlebar assembly shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a partially fragmented sectional view showing the exemplary internal structure of the handlebar assembly angle adjusting part;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side elevational view of the handlebar assembly and a portion around the same;

FIG. 9 is a partially fragmented sectional view of a handle stem;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are partially fragmented sectional views showing an exemplary internal structure of the handle stem;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a saddle height control mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a partially fragmented plan view showing an exemplary structure of a locking member;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing an exemplary structure of a saddle height control part; and

FIG. 15 is an enlarged front elevational view showing a step part and a portion around the same.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention is now described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. According to this embodiment, the present invention is applied to an ergometer employed as an exemplary training apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view partially showing the internal structure of a training apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the training apparatus 1 comprises a body part 8, a handlebar assembly 2 gripped by the user, a handle stem 4 rotatably supporting the handlebar assembly 2, a saddle 5 provided on the body part 8 so that the user sits down thereon and pedals 11 rotatably set on the body part 8 so that the user takes exercise by pedaling.

The body part 8 stores various elements such as frames 9a to 9d, loading means (not shown), a connecting mechanism connecting the loading means with the pedals 11 and a crank set, various types of sensors and the like. The frames 9a to 9d can be constituted of hollow metallic members, for example. The pedals 11, connected with the crank set, are connected with the aforementioned connecting mechanism through the crank set.

The handlebar assembly 2 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the handle stem 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the handlebar assembly 2, formed in a substantially C-shaped manner, for example, is mounted on the handle stem 4 through a holder 23. Referring to FIG. 2, the handlebar assembly 2 has handlebars 20, handgrips 21 provided on ends of the handlebars 20 to be gripped by the user and a pair of handle levers (operating members) 22 manually operable by the user. The user can operate the handle levers 22 by gripping the same with his/her hands respectively.

The handle stem 4 includes a base part 4b connected with the body part 8 and a movable part 4a arranged on a side closer to the handlebar assembly 2 and inclinably coupled to the base part 4b. The base part 4b and the movable part 4a can be formed by hollow metallic members, for example, and the base part 4b is connected with the frames 9c and 9d of the body part 8 while the handlebar assembly 2 is mounted on the upper end of the movable part 4a through the holder 23.

According to this embodiment, the user can adjust the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 with the first handle lever 22, while adjusting the inclination of the movable part 4a of the handle stem 4 with the second handle lever 22. The user may alternatively operate the handle levers 22 of the training apparatus 1 according to this embodiment by a method other than the aforementioned manual operation.

Further, the user may adjust only the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 by operating only the first handle lever 22, may adjust only the inclination of the movable part 4a by operating only the second handle lever 22, or may adjust the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 as well as the inclination of the movable part 4a by operating both handle levers 22.

The training apparatus 1 may alternatively be provided with operating members other than the handle levers 22. For example, two types of push-type operating members may be set on the training apparatus 1 for adjusting at least either the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 or the inclination of the movable part 4a. While these operating members are preferably manually operable, the user may tread or push the operating members with his/her feet for operating the same or may operate the operating members with both of his/her hands and feet. When the user operates the operating members with his/her feet, the operating members may be arranged on step parts 10a and 10b described later or on the bottom portion of the body part 8, for example.

In addition to the adjustability of the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2, the inclination of the movable part 4a of the handle stem 4 is also adjustable as hereinabove described, whereby the user can control the handlebar assembly 2 into various positions as compared with a case where only the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 is adjustable. When the handle levers 22 are employed, further, the user can adjust the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 and the inclination of the movable part 4a by simply gripping the handle levers 22 with his/her right and/or left hand, thereby easily controlling the position of the handlebar assembly 2.

Mechanisms for adjusting the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 and the inclination of the movable part 4a of the handle stem 4 are now described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the handlebar assembly 2, the movable part 4a and a portion around the same. As shown in FIG. 3, a handlebar assembly angle adjusting part 15 is provided on the upper end of the movable part 4a. With this handlebar assembly angle adjusting part 15, the user can adjust the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 stepwise as shown in FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 3, the user can adjust the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 in a four-stage manner in units of an angle θ1 (e.g. 30°).

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view of the handlebar assembly 2. A wire (control wire) 24 is arranged along each handle bar 20, as shown in FIG. 4. A stop part 25 is mounted on a first end of the wire 24, and connected with an end of the corresponding handle lever 22. A coupling part 27 is provided on a second end of the wire 24 as shown in FIG. 5, for coupling the wire 24 and an angle adjusting pin 26 with each other through this coupling part 27.

The holder 23 holding the handlebar assembly 2 has a fixed part 23a, a rotatable part 23b and angle adjusting holes 30 reaching the fixed part 23a through the rotatable part 23b, as shown in FIG. 5. A housing 29 having an internal space is set to be connected with the rotatable part 23b, and a spring 28 is arranged in the internal space of the housing 29. The angle adjusting pin 26 has a large-diametral portion, and the spring 28 is set between the large-diametral portion and the inner surface of the housing 29 closer to an end thereof Thus, the spring 28 can urge the angle adjusting pin 26 to partially reach the fixed part 23b, for fixing the position of the handlebar assembly 2.

When the user manually rotates each handle lever 22 from the state shown in FIG. 4 to that shown in FIG. 6, the handle lever 22 pulls the wire 24. Thus, the user can contract the spring 28 while moving the angle adjusting pin 26 leftward as shown in FIG. 7. Consequently, the user can pull out the angle adjusting pin 26 from that of the angle adjusting holes 30 located in the fixed part 23a, for rotating the handlebar assembly 2.

When the user thereafter releases the handle lever 22, the spring 28 urges the angle adjusting pin 26 so that an end of the urged angle adjusting pin 26 automatically reaches that of the angle adjusting holes 30 located in the fixed part 23a. Thus, the handlebar assembly 2 is fixed to the holder 23 again in a state rotated by a desired angle.

As shown in FIG. 8, four angle adjusting holes 30 are provided at regular intervals along the outer periphery of each handle bar 20 according to this embodiment. Therefore, the user can adjust the angle of rotation of the handlebar assembly 2 in the units of the angle θ1. The number of the angle adjusting holes 30 can be arbitrarily set, while the intervals between the angle adjusting holes 30 may be rendered different from each other. The training apparatus 1 may be further provided with an angular range regulation groove regulating the rotatable angular range of the handlebar assembly 2 and an angular range regulation pin engaged into this angular range regulation groove, for inhibiting the handlebar assembly 2 from excessive rotation.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the user can also adjust the inclination of the movable part 4a of the handle stem 4 in a multistage manner according to this embodiment. For example, the user can adjust the inclination of the movable part 4a of the handle stem 4 in a three-stage manner in units of an angle θ2 (e.g. 10°). As shown in FIG. 3, the movable part 4a is rotatably coupled to the base part 4b through a rotation axis 16. The lower end of the movable part 4a is so tapered that this tapered portion and the base part 4b opposed thereto form an angle twice the angle θ2. Thus, the movable part 4a can be inhibited from excessive inclination.

FIG. 9 is a partially fragmented enlarged sectional view of the movable part 4a and a portion around the same. As shown in FIG. 9, the movable part 4a has a rotatable part 4d rotatable with respect to the fixed part 4c fixed to the base part 4b. The rotatable part 4d is connected with the movable part 4a, and rotatable about the rotation axis 16 along with the movable part 4a.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the internal structures of the movable part 4a and the portion around the same. As shown in FIG. 10, a through hole is provided to partially pass through the rotatable part 4d, so that an angle adjusting pin 18 and a spring 19 are arranged in this through hole. The spring 19 urges a large-diametral portion of the angle adjusting pin 18 toward the fixed part 4c. A plurality of angle adjusting holes 17 are provided on the surface of the fixed part 4c at intervals. Each angle adjusting hole 17, communicable with the aforementioned through hole, receives a first end of the angle adjusting pin 18. A second end of the angle adjusting pin 18 is connected with the first end of the wire 24 through a coupling part 31. The wire 24 is derived out from the movable part 4a through a wire deriving hole 32, while a second end of the wire 24 is connected with the handle levers 22.

In the state shown in FIG. 10, the first end of the angle adjusting pin 18 is inserted in one of the angle adjusting holes 17, thereby fixing the movable part 4a to the base part 4b. When the user manually rotates the handle levers 22 from this state, the handle levers 22 pull the wire 24 for contracting the spring 19 and pulling up the angle adjusting pin 18 as shown in FIG. 11. Thus, the user can pull out the angle adjusting pin 18 from the corresponding angle adjusting hole 18, for rotating and inclining the movable part 4a.

When the user thereafter releases the handle levers 22, the spring 19 urges the angle adjusting pin 18 for automatically inserting an end thereof into another angle adjusting hole 17. Thus, the movable part 4a is fixed to the base part 4b again in a state inclined by a desired angle.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the training apparatus 1 according to this embodiment further comprises a control/display part 3 capable of displaying various information and receiving various inputs, a support part 13 connected with the handle stem 4 for supporting the control/display part 3, a mounting part 51 mounted with the control/display part 3 and a connecting part 52 rotatable on the support part 13 with respect to the support part 13 for inclinably supporting the mounting part 51 and the control/display part 3 with respect to the support part 13 and connecting the mounting part 51 and the support part 13 with each other.

The aforementioned control/display part 3 comprises a screen for displaying various information and an interface for inputting various information such as a working mode of the training apparatus 1. The mounting part 51 and the connecting part 52 are connected with each other through a rotation axis 53. Thus, the user can incline the control/display part 3 with respect to the support part 13 along with the mounting part 51.

The connecting part 52 is connected with the support part 13 through another rotation axis 54. Thus, the user can rotate the connecting part 52 about the rotation axis 54, for rotating the connecting part 52 on the support part 13 along the surface of the support part 13. The control/display part 3 is connected with the connecting part 52 through the mounting part 51 and the rotation axis 53, whereby the user can also rotate the control/display part 3 by rotating the connecting part 52.

As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting part 52 has a recess therein so that a ball plunger 55 is mounted on the support part 13 to reach the recess. The ball plunger 55 has a ball provided on the forward end and a spring provided in the inner part for urging this ball. A single or a plurality of engaging holes are provided on the inner surface of the connecting portion 52 for receiving the ball of the ball plunger 55, so that the user can fix the control/display part 3 on a desired position by engaging the ball in the corresponding engaging hole. The ball plunger 55 and the engaging hole(s) are so set on the training apparatus 1 that the user can control the angle of rotation of the control/display part 3. When the engaging holes are provided on three portions at intervals of 90°, for example, the user can horizontally rotate the control display part 3 in units of 90° in the angular range of 180°. The number of and the position(s) for setting the engaging hole(s) are so properly selected that the user can horizontally rotate the control/display part 3 in a desired angular range.

The mounting part 51, the connecting part 52, the rotation axes 53 and 54 and the ball plunger 55 constitute a control/display part moving mechanism 14 according to this embodiment. The user can not only incline the control/display part 3 but also rotate the control/display part 3 in a direction different from the direction of inclination with this control/display part moving mechanism 14, whereby not only the user but also another person can easily visually recognize the control/display part 3. Consequently, a supervisor such as a kinesitherapist can easily control the exercising state of the user.

As show in FIG. 1, the saddle 5 is mounted on the upper end of a seat post 7. An auxiliary part 6 capable of partially supporting the body of the user is preferably provided in the vicinity of the saddle 5. Referring to FIG. 1, the auxiliary part 6 is uprightly provided at the back of the saddle 5, for supporting the loins of the user or portions close thereto. The auxiliary part 6, connected with the seat post 7, can be constituted of a metallic pipe and a cushion, for example. The cushion may be mounted on the upper end of a portion, such as the auxiliary part 6, for example, partially supporting the body of the user. This auxiliary part 6 can assist the user to take exercise in a stable state from the back.

As shown in FIG. 1, the training apparatus 1 according to this embodiment further comprises a saddle height control mechanism 56 provided on the body part 8 for controlling the height of the saddle 5 and a saddle height control lever 12 allowing the user to drive the saddle height control mechanism 56 with his/her foot.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the saddle height control mechanism 56. As shown in FIG. 12, the saddle height control mechanism 56 has a coupling member 33 connected with the saddle height control lever 12, a joint rod 35 connected with the coupling member 33, another coupling member 36 connected with the joint rod 35, another joint rod 38 connected with the coupling member 36, a locking member 40 connected with the joint rod 38, rotation axes 34 and 37, a spring 39 and a saddle height control part 42.

The saddle height control lever 12 is preferably provided on a position, such as the bottom of the body part 8 or in the vicinity thereof, allowing the user to operate the same with his/her foot. Thus, the user can operate the saddle height control lever 12 with his/her foot for easily controlling the height of the saddle 5 with both hands.

The L-shaped coupling member 33 is rotatable about the rotation axis 34. The saddle height control lever 12 is connected with a first end of this coupling member 33. A second end of the coupling member 33 is connected with a first end of the joint rod 35. A second end of the joint rod 35 is connected with a first end of the L-shaped coupling member 36; This coupling member 36 is rotatable about the rotation axis 37. A second end of the coupling member 36 is connected with a first end of the joint rod 38. A second end of the joint rod 38 is connected with the coupling member 44. The coupling member 44 is fixed to the locking member 40, while a first end of the spring 39 is also connected with the coupling member 44. The spring 39 is arranged oppositely to the joint rod 38 in relation to the coupling member 44, and a second end of the spring 39 is connected with part of the body part 8. Therefore, the user can urge the locking member 40 to separate from the joint rod 38 with this spring 39.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the locking member 40 has a pair of outer plates 45, a rotation axis 43 coupling the outer plates 45 with each other, a pair of inner plates 46, a coupling member 44 coupling the inner plates 46 with each other and polygonal bars 41a and 41b such as hexagonal bars mounted on the inner plates 46 at an interval. The polygonal bars 41a and 41b are arranged on both sides of the seat post 7, so that the user can fix the position of the seat post 7 by bringing the polygonal bars 41a and 41b into pressure contact with the seat post 7 and the frame 9a respectively.

An exemplary structure of the saddle height control part 42 is described with reference to FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 14, the saddle height control part 42 has a pipe spacer 57 set between the seat post 7 and the frame 9a, a pipe guide roller 58 rotatable along the outer periphery of the seat post 7, a holding member 48 holding the pipe guide roller 58 through a rotation axis 47 and a fixing member 49 such as a screw connecting the holding member 48 with a support mechanism. The support mechanism, mounted on the outer periphery of the frame 9a, can be constituted of a top plate and a fastening member such as a bolt.

A method of controlling the height of the saddle 5 is now described. In order to release the seat post 7 from a state locked with the locking member 40 shown in FIG. 12, the user treads on the saddle height control lever 12 for rotating the coupling member 33 clockwise. Thus, the joint rod 35 moves toward the coupling member 33, thereby also rotating the coupling member 36 clockwise. The joint rod 38 moves toward the coupling member 36 due to this clockwise rotation, thereby rotating the locking member 40 clockwise. Consequently, the polygonal bars 41a and 41b separate from the seat post 7, thereby releasing the seat post 7 from the state locked with the locking member 40. In this state, the user vertically moves the saddle 5 with both hands or the like, thereby vertically moving the seat post 7 in the frame 9a. At this time, the user can smoothly move the seat post 7 in the frame 9a due to the provision of the aforementioned pipe guide roller 58. The user releases the saddle height control lever 12 when the vertically moved saddle 5 reaches a desired position. Thus, the user can automatically lock the seat post 7 with the locking member 40 through operations reverse to the above.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 15, the training apparatus 1 according to this embodiment further comprises the step parts 10a and 10b provided on portions of the body part 8 located in the vicinity of the handle stem 7. The training apparatus 1 may alternatively be provided with a single type of step part or at least three types of step parts in place of the two types of step parts 10a and 10b shown in FIGS. 1 and 15.

The step parts 10a and 10b can assist the user to get on and off the training apparatus 1. It is also possible to ensure a space above the step parts 10a and 10b, as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, the user can easily get on and off the training apparatus 1, which is effective for training of not only a healthy young person but also a middle-aged person or for rehabilitation of a sick person.

Referring to FIG. 15, the step parts 10a provided on both sides are located on lower positions while the central step part 10b is located on a higher position. The central step part 10b is so located on the higher position that the user can get on and off the training apparatus 1 from either side of the training apparatus 1 while the degree of freedom in setting of the training apparatus 1 is improved.

While the height of the step parts 10a provided on both sides is about half the height of the central step part 10b in FIG. 15, the user can arbitrarily set the relation between the vertical positions of the step parts 10a and 10b. When each of the step parts 10a and 10b is formed by at least three tread-boards and reduced in height, the training apparatus 1 can conceivably be rendered further effective for rehabilitation of a person advanced in years or a sick person.

The present invention is effectively applicable to a pedal training apparatus allowing the user to take exercise by pedaling.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A training apparatus comprising:

a body part;

a handlebar assembly gripped by the user;

a handle stem rotatably supporting said handlebar assembly;

a saddle provided on said body part so that the user sits down thereon; and

pedals rotatably set on said body part so that the user takes exercise by pedaling, wherein

said handle stem includes a base part connected with said body part and a movable part arranged on a side closer to said handlebar assembly and inclinably coupled to said base part.

2. The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein

said handlebar assembly has first and second operating members operable by the user,

so that the user adjusts the angle of rotation of said handlebar assembly with said first operating member and adjusts the inclination of said movable part of said handle stem with said second operating member.

3. The training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a display part displaying various information,

a support part connected with said handle stem for supporting said display part,

a mounting part mounted with said display part, and

a connecting part rotatable with respect to said support part for inclinably supporting said mounting part and said display part with respect to said support part while connecting said mounting part and said support part with each other.

4. The training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a saddle height control mechanism provided on said body part for controlling the height of said saddle, and

a saddle height control lever allowing the user to drive said saddle height control mechanism with his/her foot.

5. The training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a step part (10a, 10b) provided on a portion of said body part located in the vicinity of said handle stem.

6. The training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary part, capable of partially supporting the body of the user, provided in the vicinity of said saddle.