EXERCISE MACHINE

Abstract

An exercise machine includes: a base; a saddle provided on the base via a first elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal provided on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling pedestal is tilted toward the saddle; and a handle provided on the base via a second elastic flexible shaft.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an exercise machine configured such that a user takes exercise by himself or herself using the exercise machine or with an auxiliary driving means such as one or more motors which are mounted at the driving portion of the exercise machine.

BACKGROUND ART

A conventional pedal type exercise machine with a pair of foot pedals includes an exercise machine main body, a saddle which is fixed to the exercise machine main body and configured such that a user can sit on the saddle while the user stretches out his or her legs, and a pair of pedals configured such that the legs of the user can reach the foot pedals and a given load can be applied to the pedals. In the exercise machine, the leg muscles and the like of the user can be mainly trained by conducting pedaling action for the exercise machine. The pedaling action is carried out alternately for the left and right foot pedals by putting the feet of the user on the foot pedals under the condition of sitting postures (refer to Patent Reference 1).

Moreover, a horse riding type exercise machine is well known. The horse riding type exercise is configured such that the seat of the horse riding type exercise is swung vertically and laterally by means of coil spring (refer to Patent Reference 2).

Patent Reference 1: JP-A 2000-116818 (KOKAI)

Patent Reference 2: JP-A 2003-190347 (KOKAI)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, such an exercise machine as exercising every part of the body of a user and training the muscle of a particular part of the body of the user such as shoulders, legs and arms is desired. To exercise every part of the body can develop the total energy consumption of the body. To train the muscle of the particular part of the body can streamline the particular part through the direct performance of the exercise machine.

With the pedal type exercise machine, however, only the legs from the shoulders of the user can be exercised because a given load is applied only to the muscles of the legs from the shoulders of the user by alternately pedaling the foot pedals of the exercise machine with the feet of the user putting on the foot pedals and utilizing the body function of the user of balancing the body of the user against the unbalanced swing of the saddle. Therefore, the pedal type exercise machine is not suitable as an exercise machine for training the muscle of the arms and improving balance. Moreover, there is a problem that the pedal type exercise machine requires a large amount of exercise for a user short on physical strength such as people of advanced age.

The present invention is considered so as to iron out the above-described problems and thus, directed at providing an exercise machine which can exercise every part of the body, train the muscle of the arms in addition to the particular part of the body to be desired to be streamlined through the direct performance of the exercise machine, and improve balance. Moreover, the present invention is directed at providing an exercise machine for a user short on physical strength to easily use the exercise machine through the assistance for the user's exercise.

In order to iron out the above-described problems, an embodiment of the present invention relates to an exercise machine, including: a base; a saddle provided on the base via a first elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal provided on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling pedestal is tilted toward the saddle; and a handle provided on the base via a second elastic flexible shaft.

Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an exercise machine, including: a base; a saddle provided at a predetermined position of the base via a first elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal provided at a front side of the saddle on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling pedestal is tilted toward the saddle; a handle supported so as to be movably right and left via a second elastic flexible shaft provided at a front side from the pedaling pedestal on the base and tilted toward the saddle; and a first driving device for moving the handle right and left attached to a top end of the second elastic flexible shaft for supporting the handle.

In the embodiments, the exercise machine includes the base, the saddle and the pedaling pedestal with the pair of foot pedals which are provided at respective predetermined portions of the base and the handle so that the saddle and handle are attached to the base via the elastic flexible shaft. Therefore, when a user sits on the saddle and conducts alternate pedaling action using the foot pedals or pushing action for the foot pedals by both legs of the user, the saddle and the handle are swung unstably so as to conduct a complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to balance his or her body. Therefore, the muscles of the legs and arms of the user can be trained simultaneously and the sense of balance of the user can be developed.

For example, the base includes at least a pair of pipes which are positioned in parallel and configured such that the front portions of the pipes are bended upward and an auxiliary member for connecting the pipes.

The saddle may be connected with the second elastic flexible shaft so as to be freely swung.

A driving device for swinging the saddle may be attached to the saddle. In this case, the saddle can be inherently swung by the pushing action for the foot pedals and then, mandatorily swung by the driving device. Therefore, the swing configuration of the saddle can become complicated. In this point of view, the user can take complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to balance his or her body so that the user can train his or her muscles of his or her legs and arms effectively and efficiently and develop the sense of balance effectively and efficiently.

The pedaling pedestal may include a pair of foot pedals which are tilted toward the saddle on the base and configured so as to be upped and downed within a predetermined stroke range, and an elastic body for pushing the foot pedals up. In this case, a driving device for upping and downing the foot pedals within a predetermined stroke range may be provided. In this case, the driving device can assist the exercise of the user so that the opportunity of using the exercise machine can be provided for many users including handicapped users.

The handle may be attached to a holding member fixed to the top end of the second elastic flexible shaft so as to be movably right and left. Then, a driving device for moving the handle right and left is mounted at the holding member. Then, a controlling device for the driving device is provided in the vicinity of a grip of the handle or on the top of the holding member. Therefore, if the handle is forced (automatically) to be driven by the driving device, the user can take complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to balance his or her body so that the user can train his or her muscles of his or her legs and arms effectively and efficiently and develop the sense of balance effectively and efficiently.

Still another embodiment of the present invention relates to an exercise machine, including: a base; a saddle provided on the base via an elastic flexible shaft; a pedaling pedestal with a pair of rotation pedals provided on the base so that a rotation axis of the pair of rotation pedals is tilted toward the saddle; and a handle attached to the base via a movable member configured so as to be moved forward and backward.

In the embodiment, the exercise machine includes the base, the saddle and the pedaling pedestal with the pair of rotation pedals which are provided at respective predetermined portions of the base and the handle so that the saddle is attached to the base via the elastic flexible shaft and the handle is attached to the base via the movable member configured so as to be moved forward and backward. Therefore, when a user sits on the saddle and conducts alternate pedaling action using the rotation pedals under the state where the user puts his or her feet onto the rotation pedals, the saddle and the handle are swung unstably so as to conduct a complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to balance his or her body. Therefore, the muscles of the legs and arms of the user can be trained simultaneously and the sense of balance of the user can be developed.

In the exercise machine of this embodiment, since the swing of the exercise machine is brought about by the rotation of the rotation pedals, the degree of the swing can be enlarged in comparison with the degree of the swing of the exercise machine by the pushing action as described above. Therefore, the muscles of the user can be trained effectively and efficiently, and the sense of balance of the user can be developed effectively and efficiently. Since the rotation exercise is employed, the muscle of the legs of the user can be developed.

Since the handle is moved forward and backward, the muscle of the back and another muscle on the back of the user can be trained intensively when the handle is positioned forward. Similarly, the muscle of abdomen and another muscle on the abdomen of the user can be trained intensively when the handle is positioned backward.

In this embodiment, the exercise machine may include a load controlling device for applying a load to the movable member so as to control the load for the forward and backward movement of the movable member. Therefore, the swing degree of the handle can be appropriately controlled by adjusting the load to the movable member so that the total swing degree of the exercise machine can be appropriately controlled.

The base may include a pair of pipes positioned in parallel and another pair of pipes which are elongated upward from the pair of pipes in parallel and supports the saddle, respectively.

The saddle is connected with the top end of the elastic flexible shaft so as to be freely swung. In this case, the unstable swing can be brought about for the exercise machine easily and effectively.

Then, the exercise machine may include a driving device for swinging the saddle connected with the elastic flexible shaft. In this case, the saddle is swung unstably in accordance with the rotation action and is forced (automatically) to be swung by the driving device so as to render the swing state of the saddle complex. Therefore, the user can take complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to balance his or her body so that the user can train his or her muscles of his or her legs and arms effectively and efficiently and develop the sense of balance effectively and efficiently.

The pedaling pedestal includes a rotation load-controlling device for controlling a rotation load for the pair of rotation pedals. In this case, the training degree of the legs' muscle of the user in accordance with the rotation exercise can be changed freely and the swing condition of the saddle in accordance with the rotation exercise can be changed freely. Therefore, the training degree of the legs' muscle and arms' muscle of the user can be appropriately controlled and the sense of balance of the user can be also appropriately controlled.

The distance between the rotation pedals is set larger than the distance between the legs of the user by 10% or more when the user sits on the saddle. In this case, since the stroke in rotation of the rotation pedals is increased, the muscle of the legs of the user can be trained effectively and efficiently, and the iliopsoas muscle and psoas major muscle of the user can be also trained effectively and efficiently.

According to the present invention can be provided an exercise machine which can exercise every part of the body, train the muscle of the arms in addition to the particular part of the body to be desired to be streamlined through the direct performance of the exercise machine, and improve balance. Moreover, according to the present invention can be provided an exercise machine for a user short on physical strength to easily use the exercise machine through the assistance for the user's exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevational view showing the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the saddle and other portions in the vicinity of the saddle of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the pedaling pedestal of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing the structure of the pedaling pedestal of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is a schematic view for explaining the pedaling action of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B is a schematic view for explaining the pedaling action of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the handle and other portions in the vicinity of the handle of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the structure of the driving mechanism of the handle of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the use situation of the exercise machine shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing the exercise machine shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the saddle of the exercise machine shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 13A is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13B is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 13C is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14A is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14B is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 14C is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15A is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15B is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15C is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17A is an explanatory view showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17B is an explanatory view showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17C is an explanatory view showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17D is an explanatory view showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18A is an explanatory view showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18B is an explanatory view showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18C is an explanatory view showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18D is an explanatory view showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 . . . base, 2 . . . saddle, 3 . . . foot pedal, 4 . . . pedaling pedestal, 5 . . . handle, 6 . . . pipe, 7 . . . auxiliary member, 8 . . . coil spring, 9 . . . hemispheric portion, 10 . . . hemispheric depressed portion, 11 . . . case, 12 . . . strength controlling handle, 13 . . . coil spring, 14 . . . holding plate, 15 . . . rack, 16 . . . pinion, 17 . . . handle main body, 18 . . . coil spring, 19 . . . connecting box, 20 . . . grip, 21 . . . driving mechanism, 22 . . . base, 23 . . . rail mechanism, 24 . . . cum mechanism, 25 . . . motor, 26 . . . crank mechanism, 27 . . . control button, 31 . . . base, 32 . . . saddle, 33 . . . rotation pedal, 34 . . . pedaling pedestal, 35 . . . handle, 38 . . . coil spring, 39 . . . movement controlling device, 33A . . . crank, 39A . . . dumper

BEST MODE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, other features and advantages of the present invention will be described based on the best modes for implementing the present invention.

First Embodiment

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise machine of this embodiment includes a base 1, a saddle 2 provided at the rear side of the base 1, a pedaling pedestal 4 with a pair of foot pedals 3, 3 and a handle 5. Moreover, the exercise machine also includes at least a pair of pipes 6, 6 which are provided in parallel and curved upward at the front side of the base 1 and auxiliary members 7,7 . . . 7.

The saddle 2 is attached to the base 1 by a coil spring 8 with a predetermined stiffness. The stiffness of the coil spring 8 is set so that the coil spring 8 can support a user against the vertical stress originated from the weight of the user and bended by the bending stress originated from the weight of the user when the user tilts himself or herself. As shown in FIG. 3, the saddle 2 is joined with the coil spring 8 by fitting the hemispheric portion 9 positioned at the top end of the coil spring 8 to the hemispheric depressed portion 10 positioned at the bottom of the saddle 2 so that the saddle 2 can be swung freely.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pedaling pedestal 4 is configured such that the foot pedals 3, 3 are provided on the surface of a case 11 in the side of the user. The pedals 3, 3 can be upped and downed within a predetermined stroke range. The angle of the foot pedals 3, 3 for the surface of the case 11 is set so that when the user puts his or her feet onto the pedals 3, 3, the knees of the user can be bended by at least 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees at maximum in comparison with the upright posture of the user. The bending angle of the knees of the user by 180 degrees means that the knees of the user are contacted with the abdomen or breast of the user. The pedals 3, 3 can be moved by human power or a motor (not shown).

As the bending angle of the knees of the user is increased (the knees of the user is approached to or contacted with the abdomen or breast of the user), the inner muscle (e.g., psoas major muscle and illopsoas muscle) results in being stretched. Therefore, the muscle of a part which is not usually utilized can be trained so that the basal metabolism of the user can be developed and thus, the user can be dieted effectively and efficiently.

A strength controlling handle 12 is provided at one of the side surfaces of the case 11 so as to control the load of foot pedals 3,3. FIG. 5 shows the mechanism for controlling the stroke length and load of the foot pedals 3, 3 under a state of cross section. In FIG. 5, the foot pedals 3, 3 of the pedaling pedestal 4 are supported flexibly by the case 11 via respective coil springs 13, 13 so as to be able to be pushed flexibly into the case 11 by a predetermined stroke. The coil springs 13, 13 are accommodated in between the top plate of the case 11 and the base 1 via holding plates 14, 14. The distance between the holing plates 14, 14 can be controlled by a rack 15 and a pinion 16 engaged with the rack 15. Herein, the pinion 16 is configured so as to be rotated by the strength controlling handle 12. Namely, when the strength controlling handle 12 is rotated, the pinion 16 is also rotated so that the distance between the holding plates 14, 14 is decreased. In this case, since the stiffness of the coil springs 13, 13 is increased, the amount of pedaling exercise is also increased, but the pedaling stroke is decreased.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the pedaling action of the foot pedals 3, 3 may be conducted by the alternate pedaling of the feet of the user. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6B, the pedaling action of the foot pedals 3, 3 may be conducted by the simultaneous pedaling of the feet of the user. If the amount of the pedaling exercise becomes beyond a prescribed amount of exercise, the load of the foot pedals 3, 3 is decreased, irrespective of the control by the strength controlling handle 12 and the kind of the pedaling action.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the handle 5 includes a handle main body 17 configured so as to be gripped with both hands of the user, a coil spring 18 with a predetermined stiffness for supporting the handle main body 17 so as to be almost orthogonal to the base 1, and a connecting box 19 for connecting the handle main body 17 to the coil spring 18. Reference numerals 20, 20 designate grips covering both ends of the handle main body 17. Then, the driving mechanism 21 of the handle main body 17 is accommodated in the connecting box 19. The driving mechanism 21 includes a base 22 for fixing the handle main body 17, a rail mechanisms 23, 23 and a cum mechanism 24 for reciprocating the base 22 on the rail mechanisms 23, 23. When a motor 25 is driven, the base 22 is reciprocated right and left on the rail mechanisms 23, 23 by the crank mechanism 26 provided in the cum mechanism 24. Reference numerals 27, 27 designate control buttons for controlling the velocity and distance of the reciprocating movement of the base 22.

Then, the operation mode of the exercise machine as described above will be described.

(First Mode)

The first mode means that a user takes exercise with the exercise machine by himself or herself using no driving device.

As shown in FIG. 9, the user steps over the base 1 and sits on the saddle 2 so that the user holds the grips 20, 20 of the handle 17 and puts his or her feet on the foot pedals 3, 3. In such a state as above, when the user conducts pedaling action, the reactive force in proportion to the stroke of the pedaling action is created at the foot pedals 3 by the elastic force of the coil spring 13. In this case, since the reactive force acts on the user, the user must balance himself or herself against the reactive force by shifting the weight of the user. In this case, the saddle 2 is rotated and swung largely by the coil spring 8. Moreover, the handle 17 is also bended by the bending stress originated from the unbalance in gripping force of both arms of the user because the user conducts the weight shift. Therefore, the user becomes more unbalanced by the combination of the reactive force acting on the user and the unbalance of the gripping force of the user. In this case, since the unbalanced reactive elastic force acts on the user from the handle 5, the saddle 2 and the foot pedals 3, the user shifts his or her arms, legs, waist and upper body and the like so as to balance the unbalanced reactive elastic force. As a result, the user can exercise every part of the body and develop the sense of balance.

(Second Mode)

The second mode means that a user takes exercise with the exercise machine using a driving device for the foot pedals.

The fundamental operation of the exercise machine is similar to the one in the first mode so that the explanation for the fundamental operation will be omitted. In the second mode, since the pedaling exercise is conducted irrespective of the intention of a user, the user moves his or her arms, waist and upper body in synchronization with the movement of the foot pedals 3. According to the second mode of the exercise machine, therefore, the user can conduct advanced reflex exercise because the user takes action in view of the prospect of the movement of the foot pedals 3 prior to the practical movement of the foot pedals 3. Also, the user can conduct the same exercise as the one in the first mode.

(Third Mode)

The third mode means that a user takes exercise with the exercise machine using right and left reciprocating motion of the handle 17 by a driving device.

For example, after the first mode exercise, the motor 23 provided on the grip of the handle 17 is switched on to start the right and left reciprocating motion of the handle 17. The user must balance himself or herself in accordance with the right and left reciprocating motion of the handle 17 by moving his or her legs, waist and the upper body. Therefore, the user can exercise a particular portion of himself or herself different from the second mode exercise and then, the user can conduct the reflex exercise in the same manner as the second mode exercise.

The above-described embodiments are exemplified and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. For example, some of the first through third mode exercise may be combined.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the exercise machine of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the exercise machine shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the saddle of the exercise machine.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the exercise machine of this embodiment includes a base 31 made of a pair of pipes positioned in parallel and another pair of pipes which are elongated upward from almost the centers of the pair of pipes in parallel, respectively, and a saddle 32 attached to the base 31 via a coil spring 38. The stiffness of the coil spring 38 is set so that the coil spring 38 can support a user against the vertical stress originated from the weight of the user and bended by the bending stress originated from the weight of the user when the user tilts himself or herself. The end portion of the coil spring 38 is fixed to the saddle 32 with a jig (not shown) so that the saddle 2 can be fixed to the coil spring 38.

A pedaling pedestal 34 is attached to almost the centers of the pair of pipes elongated upward from the parallel pipes of the base 31, and a pair of rotation pedals 33 are provided at the pedaling pedestal 34 via a pair of cranks 33A protruding from both sides of the pedaling pedestal 34, respectively. As a result, the pedaling pedestal 34 is attached to the base 31 under the condition that the rotation axis of the rotation pedals 33 is tilted forward the saddle 32.

The pedaling pedestal 34 is configured such that a belt 34C is contacted around the periphery of a rotation body 34B. The belt 34C is connected with a load controlling knob 34F via a coil spring 34D and a wire 34E. The rotation body 34B is connected with the rotation pedals 33 via the cranks 33A. By controlling the load controlling knob 34, therefore, the load of the rotation pedals 33 via the rotation body 34B can be freely controlled. As a result, the load acting on the user can be freely controlled when the user conducts pedaling action so that the training degree in the muscles of the legs and the like of the user can be freely controlled.

Moreover, the rotation pedals 33 can be arranged in separation longer than the distance of both legs of the user when the user sits on the saddle 32 by at least 10% through the control of the cranks 33A. The crank length of a bicycle exercise machine (the distance between the center and the pedals of the bicycle exercise machine) is normally set with a range of 13 to 18 cm, but the crank length of the exercise machine in this embodiment can be set within a range of 22 to 26 cm. In this case, the amount of stroke to rotate the rotation pedals 33 is increased and particularly, can be set twice as large as the one in the bicycle exercise machine. Therefore, since the movable range in the muscle of the whole of the lower legs, the tendon and the ligament of the user can be increased conspicuously, the illopsoas muscle and the psoas major muscle in addition to the muscles of the lower legs of the user can be trained effectively and efficiently.

Then, the elongated pipes of the base 31 rises up from the front side of the saddle 32 to support a handle 35. The handle 35 is connected with a movement controlling device (movable member) 39 configured such that a predetermined load is applied to the handle 35. The movement controlling device is directly supported by the elongated pipes so that the handle 35 is indirectly supported by the elongated pipes.

As apparent from FIGS. 10 and 11, the handle 35 is configured in the same manner as the handle of a normal bicycle so that the user can grip the handle 35 with his or her hands.

In the exercise machine of this embodiment, once the user sits on the saddle 32 and conducts the alternate pedaling motion under the state where the user puts his or her feet onto the rotation pedals 33, respectively, the saddle 32 is swung unstably and the handle 35 is moved forward and backward. Therefore, the user can conduct complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to balance the body of the user. As a result, the muscles of the legs and arms of the user can be trained simultaneously and the sense of balance of the user can be developed.

In the exercise machine of this embodiment, since the saddle 32 is swung by the rotation of the rotation pedals 33, the saddle 32 can be swung largely in comparison with the first embodiment where the saddle 2 is swung by the pushing action of the user. According to the large swing of the exercise machine, therefore, the muscle training and the sense of balance can be developed effectively and efficiently. Since the rotation exercise is employed, the muscular strength of the legs of the user can be developed in comparison with the pedaling action of the user.

Moreover, since the handle 35 is moved forward and backward, the muscle of the back and another muscle on the back of the user can be trained intensively when the handle 35 is positioned forward. Similarly, the muscle of abdomen and another muscle on the abdomen of the user can be trained intensively when the handle 35 is positioned backward.

In the exercise machine of this embodiment, since the handle 35 is connected with the movement controlling device 39, the load to move the handle 35 forward and backward can be controlled by controlling the dumper 39A provided at the movement controlling device 39. Therefore, the swing of the handle 35 can be controlled by adjusting the load applied to the handle 35, and thus, the degree of the unstable swing as described above can be appropriately controlled.

According to the exercise machine of this embodiment, the training degree in the muscles of the legs of the user associated with the rotation action of the pedals 33 can be freely controlled, and the training degree in the muscles of the legs and arms and the sense of balance of the user can be appropriately controlled in accordance with the free change of the swing condition of the saddle by the rotation action.

In the exercise machine of this embodiment, a monitor 36, which is located below the movement controlling device 39, is provided at the base 31. The monitor 36 is configured so as to indicate the virtual running distance and period of the user originated from the rotation movement of the pedals 33 by the user through the detection of the sensor signal of the pedaling of the pedals 33 by the user. Moreover, the monitor 36 is configured so as to indicate the energy consumption (calorie consumption) based on the virtual running distance and period, the load of the rotation pedals 33 (i.e., the rotation body 34B in the pedaling pedestal 34), the height and weight of the user. Therefore, the user can know the amount of exercise of himself or herself roughly.

The position of the monitor 36 is not limited to the one in this embodiment only if the user can easily acknowledge the information as described above while the user take exercise. In general, however, if the monitor 36 is positioned as described above in this embodiment, the eye line of the user can be matched with the monitor 36 so that the user can easily acknowledge the information as described above (e.g., the virtual running distance and period, etc.).

Particularly not depicted, a driving device may be connected with the top ends of the coil springs 38 so as to be pitched freely. Moreover, that the user can maintain his or her waist on the saddle 32 due to the shape of the saddle 32 and the user can swing his or her upper body is preferable. Namely, the saddle 32 is swung unstably in accordance with the rotation motion and is forced (automatically) to be swung by the driving device so as to render the swing state of the saddle 32 complex. Therefore, the user can take complex exercise from his or her shoulders to his or her legs based on the body function to balance his or her body so that the user can train his or her muscles of his or her legs and arms effectively and efficiently and develop the sense of balance effectively and efficiently. Such an exercise as described above is called as pilates exercise.

Then, the exercise using the exercise machine of the second embodiment will be described.

(Arms' and Legs' Exercise with User's Head Bent Backward)

FIGS. 13A to 13C are explanatory views showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 13A to 13C, the user pedals the pedals 33 with gripping the handle 35 and bent backward. Therefore, a load is applied to the femoral region and abdomen of the user and then, the upper arms of the user because the user balances himself or herself on the saddle 32 supported by the coil spring 38. In FIG. 13A, since the legs of the user are moved up higher than the state in FIG. 13B, a larger load is applied to the abdomen and upper arms of the user. In FIG. 13C, since the user's head is bent backward, a smaller load is applied to the abdomen and upper arms of the user in comparison with the states in FIGS. 13A and 13B.

(Legs' Exercise with User's Head Bent Forward)

FIGS. 14A to 14C are explanatory views showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 14A to 14C, the user pedals the pedals 33 with gripping the handle 35 and bent forward. Therefore, stimulation can be developed for the abdomen and the hip joint of the user because the legs of the user can be much approached to the upper body of the user during his or her exercise. In FIG. 14C, since the approaching degree of the legs of the user becomes smaller than the state in FIGS. 14A and 14B, a smaller stimulation is applied to the abdomen and upper body of the user in comparison with the states in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

(Legs' Exercise)

FIGS. 15A to 15C are explanatory views showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent forward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 13A to 13C, the user pedals the pedals 33 with not gripping the handle 35 and standing straight. In this case, since the user conducts the pedaling action while the user balances himself or herself on the saddle 32 supported by the coil spring 38, a load is applied to the group of muscles such as the femoral region, hip joint and abdomen, etc. of the user. In this case, since the positions of the legs of the user become lower from the state in FIG. 15A to the state in FIG. 15C and thus, become higher from the state in FIG. 15C to FIG. 15A, the unstability to be applied to the user becomes large from the state in FIG. 15C to FIG. 15A so that the load to be applied to the group of muscles also becomes large in a similar way.

(Arms' Exercise with User's Head Bent Backward)

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing an example of foot pedaling exercise with a user's head bent backward using the exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIG. 16, the user takes exercise by moving the handle 35 forward and backward with the user's head bent backward and with the user's pedaling action being not conducted. In this case, a load is applied to the group of muscles such as the upper arms and abdomen of the user. Simultaneously, since the user balances himself or herself on the saddle 32 supported by the coil spring 38, a large load is applied to the upper arms of the user.

(Pendular Exercise of User's Upper Body)

FIGS. 17A to 17D are explanatory views showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 17A to 17D, the user pedals the pedals 33 with gripping the handle 35 and moving the upper body of the user forward and backward in pendulum. In this case, since the user balances himself or herself on the saddle 32 supported by the coil spring 38 while the user conducts the pendular exercise as described above, a load can be appropriately applied to the group of small muscles of the user from the group of large muscles such as the abdomen, the hip joint and the psoas major muscle of the user. As a result, the pendular exercise can contribute to the strengthening of all of the muscles from the group of large muscles to the group of small muscles. Since the user moves himself or herself forward and backward in pendulum, the user can conduct abdominal exercise so that the muscle of the abdomen of the user can be strengthened. FIGS. 17A to 17D show the pendular exercise with time.

(Pendular and Twisting Exercise, Hand Alternately Moving Exercise)

FIGS. 18A to 18D are explanatory views showing an example of pendular exercise of a user's upper body using the exercise machine in the second embodiment. In FIGS. 18A to 18D, the user pedals the pedals 33 with gripping the handle 35, twisting the upper body of the user right and left, and moving the upper body of the user forward and backward in pendulum. In this case, since the user balances himself or herself on the saddle 32 supported by the coil spring 38 while the user conducts the complex exercise as described above, a load can be appropriately applied to the group of small muscles of the user from the group of large muscles such as the abdomen, the hip joint and the psoas major muscle of the user. As a result, the complex exercise can contribute to the strengthening of all of the muscles from the group of large muscles to the group of small muscles.

Since the user moves himself or herself forward and backward in pendulum, the user can conduct abdominal exercise so that the muscle of the abdomen of the user can be strengthened. In this embodiment, the axis of the upper body of the user becomes almost parallel to the axis of the legs of the user through the pendular and twisting exercise or the upper body of the user is approached to the legs of the user through the pendular and twisting exercise. In this embodiment, therefore, the user can exercise every part of the body substantially in addition to the muscle training as described above. FIGS. 18A to 18D show the complex exercise containing the pendular exercise, the twisting exercise and the like with time.

Although the present invention was described in detail with reference to the above examples, this invention is not limited to the above disclosure and every kind of variation and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. An exercise machine, comprising:

a base;

a saddle provided on the base via a first elastic flexible shaft;

a pedaling pedestal provided on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling pedestal is tilted toward the saddle; and

a handle provided on the base via a second elastic flexible shaft.

22. An exercise machine, comprising;

a base;

a saddle provided at a predetermined position of the base via a first elastic flexible shaft;

a pedaling pedestal provided at a front side of the saddle on the base so that a pedaling axis for the pedaling pedestal is tilted toward the saddle;

a handle supported so as to be movable right and left via a second elastic flexible shaft provided at a front side from the pedaling pedestal on the base and tilted toward the saddle; and

a first driving device for moving the handle right and left attached to a top end of the second elastic flexible shaft for supporting the handle.

23. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21,

wherein the base includes at least a pair of pipes which are positioned in parallel and configured such that front portions of the pipes are bent upward and an auxiliary member for connecting the pipes.

24. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22,

wherein the base includes at least a pair of pipes which are positioned in parallel and configured such that front portions of the pipes are bent upward and an auxiliary member for connecting the pipes.

25. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21,

wherein the saddle is connected with a top end of the first elastic flexible shaft so as to be freely swung.

26. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22,

wherein the saddle is connected with a top end of the first elastic flexible shaft so as to be freely swung.

27. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21,

further comprising,

a third driving device for swinging the saddle which is connected with the second elastic flexible shaft.

28. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22,

further comprising,

a second driving device for swinging the saddle which is connected with the second elastic flexible shaft.

29. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21,

wherein the pedaling pedestal includes a pair of foot pedals which are tilted toward the saddle on the base and configured so as to be upped and downed within a predetermined stroke range, and an elastic body for pushing the foot pedals up.

30. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22,

wherein the pedaling pedestal includes a pair of foot pedals which are tilted toward the saddle on the base and configured so as to be upped and downed within a predetermined stroke range, and an elastic body for pushing the foot pedals up.

31. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21,

further comprising,

a third driving device for upping and downing the foot pedals within a predetermined stroke range.

32. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22,

further comprising,

a third driving device for upping and downing the foot pedals within a predetermined stroke range.

33. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21,

wherein the handle is attached to a holding member fixed to a top end of the second elastic flexible shaft so as to be movable right and left;

wherein a driving means for moving the handle right and left is mounted at the holding member; and

wherein a controlling device for the driving means is provided in the vicinity of a grip of the handle or on a top of the holding member.

34. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22,

wherein the handle is attached to a holding member fixed to a top end of the second elastic flexible shaft so as to be movable right and left;

wherein a driving means for moving the handle right and left is mounted at the holding member; and

wherein a controlling device for the driving means is provided in the vicinity of a grip of the handle or on a top of the holding member.

35. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 21,

wherein knees of a user can be bent by at least 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees at maximum in comparison with an upright posture of the user when the user puts his or her feet onto the pedals.

36. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 22,

wherein knees of a user can be bent by at least 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees at maximum in comparison with an upright posture of the user when the user puts his or her feet onto the pedals.

37. An exercise machine comprising:

a base;

a saddle provided on the base via an elastic flexible shaft;

a pedaling pedestal with a pair of rotation pedals provided on the base so that a rotation axis of the pair of rotation pedals is tilted toward the saddle; and

a handle attached to the base via a movable member configured so as to be moved forward and backward.

38. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37,

further comprising,

a load controlling means for applying a load to the movable member so as to control a load for a forward and backward movement of the movable member.

39. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 38,

wherein the load controlling means includes a dumper.

40. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37, wherein the base includes a pair of pipes positioned in parallel and another pair of pipes which are elongated upward from the pair of pipes in parallel and supports the saddle, respectively.

41. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37,

wherein the saddle is connected with a top end of the elastic flexible shaft so as to be freely swung.

42. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 41,

further comprising,

a driving device for mandatorily swinging the elastic flexible shaft through a connection of the driving device with the elastic flexible shaft.

43. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37,

further comprising,

a second driving device for swinging the saddle which is connected with the second elastic flexible shaft.

44. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37,

wherein the pedaling pedestal includes a rotation load-controlling means for controlling a rotation load of the pair of rotation pedals.

45. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 44,

wherein the rotation load-controlling means includes a rotation body connected with the rotation pedals, a belt contacted around a periphery of the rotation body, a coil spring and a wire which are connected with the belt in turn from the rotation body, and a load controlling knob.

46. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37,

wherein a distance between the rotation pedals is set larger than a distance between legs of a user by 10% or more when the user sits on the saddle.

47. The exercise machine as set forth in claim 37,

further comprising,

a displaying device for indicating exercise information of a user through rotation action by pedaling the rotation pedals,

wherein the displaying device is provided above the base.