EXERCISE ASSISTING APPARATUS

Abstract

This invention produces an exercise assisting apparatus which is configured to vary user's weight which acts on the user's leg and the user's buttocks at a great ratio. The exercise assisting apparatus comprises a base, a pair of foot supports, and a pair of guides. A pair of the foot supports is configured to bear the user's left foot and the user's right foot respectively. Each guide comprises a guide rail for guiding each the foot support. Each the guide rail allows each the foot support to move along the front-back direction. Each the guide rail is configured to swing about one of a front-back axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis. The front-back axis extends along the front back direction of the base. The lateral axis extends along a lateral direction of the base. The vertical axis extends along a vertical direction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to exercise assisting apparatus. Particularly, this invention relates to an exercise assisting apparatus being configured to give passive exercise to the user in order to allow muscles of the user's leg to contract and stretch.

BACKGROUND ART

The exercise assisting apparatus has been suggested in the past. The exercise assisting apparatus is configured to give the passive exercise to the user. The prior exercise assisting apparatus is configured to apply external force to the user's body in order to contract and stretch the user's muscle. Consequently, there is no need for the user to actively move the user's muscle. One of the types of the exercise assisting apparatus allows the user to bend and stretch the user's joint. Consequently, the one of the types of the exercise assisting apparatus allows the user to contract and stretch the user's muscles around joint which is contracted and stretched. The exercise assisting apparatus comprises a seat for supporting a part of the user's weight. The seat is configured to be moved in order to vary a ratio of the user's weight which is supported by the seat. Consequently, the exercise assisting apparatus is configured to vary the user's weight which acts on the user's leg.

In this manner, although the exercise assisting apparatus hardly allows the user to bend and stretch the user's knee, the exercise assisting apparatus allows user's muscle of the thigh to contract and stretch. In addition, the exercise assisting apparatus reduces the weight applied to the user's leg as compared with the case where an entire user's weight is applied. Therefore, this exercise assisting apparatus is capable of being used by the user with diabetes who has knee pain. Furthermore, the thigh has large size. Therefore, the exercise assisting apparatus is expected to improve lifestyle diseases by way of contraction and stretch of the muscle of the thigh for metabolizing sugar. In addition, the exercise assisting apparatus has a drive source which is configured to displace the seat. Therefore, the exercise assisting apparatus allows the user to passively exercise, whereby there is seldom any need for the user to move the user's muscle. Thus, coupled with low load, the exercise assisting apparatus is capable of being used by the user having low ability to exercise.

The exercise assisting apparatus of the above configuration is configured to vary bending angle of the knee so as to vary the load which acts on the user's leg. Consequently, the exercise assisting apparatus varies the load which acts on the user's muscle of the thigh. Such an exercise assisting apparatus is disclosed in a following patent literature 1. The exercise assisting apparatus of the patent literature 1 comprises the foot support for bearing the user's foot. The foot support is fixed. Therefore, the user's foot is positioned such that the user's foot is secured by the foot support. However, the exercise assisting apparatus is configured to vary the weight which acts on the user's leg by varying the bending angle of the knee joint. In other words, the exercise assisting apparatus with the fixed foot support hardly varies the bending angle of the ankle joint. (The bending angle is defined by an angle which is formed between lower leg and dorsum of the foot.) Therefore, the variation of the ratio of the load which is applied to the user's leg is limited.

Patent literature 1: Japanese patent application publication No. 2007-89650

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

This invention is achieved to solve the above problem. An object in this invention is to provide an exercise assisting apparatus which is configured to vary the direction by way of varying the bending angles such as ankle joint, whereby the exercise assisting apparatus varies the load which acts on the foot and the buttock at a great ratio.

Means of Solving the Problems

In order to solve the above problem, the exercise assisting apparatus comprises a base, a pair of foot supports, and a pair of guides. A pair of the foot supports is provided on the base. A pair of the foot supports is shaped to bear user's left foot right foot respectively. A pair of the guides is provided on the base. A pair of the guides defines individual travel paths. The respective foot supports are guided along the travel paths. Each the guide extends in a front-back direction such that each the guide allows each the foot support to move in the front-back direction. The guide is configured to allow each the foot support to rotate about one of a back and forth axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis while the foot support is guided to move along the travel path. The back and forth axis extends along the back and forth direction. The lateral axis extends along the back and forth direction. The vertical direction extends along the vertical direction.

It is preferred that the foot supports are composed of a left foot support and a right foot support. The travel path of said guide for said left foot support is configured to move the left foot support leftward as the left foot support moves forward. The travel path of the guide for the foot support for the right foot support is configured to move the right foot support rightward as the right foot support moves forward. The exercise assisting apparatus further comprises a drive means. The drive means is configured to move the right foot support along an oblique direction as the left foot support is caused to move leftward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support. The oblique direction for moving the right foot support extends leftward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support. The drive means is configured to move the left foot support along an oblique direction as the left foot support is caused to move rightward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support. The oblique direction for moving the left foot support extends rightward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support.

ADVANTAGE EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

The exercise assisting apparatus of this invention is configured to vary the direction of the user's foot such that the exercise assisting apparatus varies the user's weight which acts on the user' leg between 10% and 30 to 40%. That is, the exercise assisting apparatus of this invention is capable of varying a direction of the direction of the foot so as to vary a ratio of the load which acts on the user's leg on the foot support and the user's buttocks at a great rate.

In addition, the foot support is composed of the left foot support and the right foot support. The travel path of the guide for guiding the left foot support is configured to move the left foot support leftward as the left foot support moves forward. The travel path of the guide for guiding the right foot support is configured to move the right foot support rightward as the right foot support moves forward. The drive means is configured to move the right foot support along an oblique direction as the left foot support is caused to move leftward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support. The oblique direction for moving the right foot support extends leftward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support. The drive means is configured to move the left foot support along an oblique direction as the left foot support is caused to move rightward and forward along the travel path for the right foot support. The oblique direction for moving the left foot support extends rightward and backward along the travel path for the left foot support. Therefore, this exercise assisting apparatus is configured to give the exercise to the user while the exercise assisting apparatus moves the center of the gravity in the front-back direction at a small distance. Consequently, the exercise assisting apparatus is also used by the user who has low balance ability.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the foot support and the base in the embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus.

FIG. 1B is a planer view in the embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus.

FIG. 1C is a front cross-sectional view in the embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus.

FIG. 2A is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the foot support and the base in another embodiment of the above.

FIG. 2B is a planer view in the above.

FIG. 2C is a front cross sectional view in the above.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view in the above.

FIG. 4 is a schematic planer view in the above.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view in the above.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the seat drive unit in the above.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the seat drive unit of the above.

FIG. 8 is a planer view in yet another embodiment of the above.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view in yet another embodiment of the above.

FIG. 10 is a rear cross sectional view of the main part of the above.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the above.

FIG. 12A is a block diagram showing the drive unit of the above.

FIG. 12B is a block diagram showing the drive unit of the above.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view seen from the right of the above.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the foot support and the base of the above.

FIG. 15 is an explanation illustration showing the foot position when the exercise assisting apparatus is used.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 10 base
• 15 hollow
• 16 groove
• 17 guide rail
• 17a front guide rail
• 17b rear guide rail
• 18 moving space
• 19 groove
• 2 foot support
• 2a left foot support
• 2b right foot support
• 21 seat
• 25 protrusion
• 25a front protrusion
• 25b rear protrusion
• 26 crossbar
• 27 return means
• 3 drive unit
• 4 guide
• 50 seat drive unit
• 60 elevation unit
• HD handle
• M user

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment in this invention is explained with FIGS. 1 to 7.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus. The exercise assisting apparatus comprises a base 10, a carrier 90, and a post HP. The base 10 is placed on a location like a floor. The carrier 90 is disposed on the base 10. The carrier 90 is provided at its top end with a seat 91 for supporting buttocks of the user M. The post HP is disposed on the base 10, and holds at it top end with a handle HD. The handle HD is provided for being held by the user M if needed. The base 10 further holds a pair of foot supports 2. More specifically, the base 10 further holds a left foot support 2a and a right foot support 2b. The left foot support 2a is located between the carrier 90 and the post HP. The right foot support 2b is located between the carrier 90 and the post HP. The foot supports 2 are provided with top surfaces which are provided for bearing the user's foot. The left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b is collectively referred to as the foot supports 2. The left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are explained later.

The carrier 90 is provided with a seat drive unit 50 and an elevation unit 60. The seat drive unit 50 is configured to swing the seat 91. The elevation unit 60 is configured to move the seat 91 and the seat drive unit 50 upwardly and downwardly relative to the base 10. The seat drive 50 and the elevation unit 60 are explained later.

The exercise assisting apparatus is used by the user M who rests the user's buttock on a seat surface 91a of the seat 91, and rest the user's feet on the respective foot supports 2. The seat drive unit 50 comprises a drive source. The seat drive unit 50 allows the drive source to swing the seat 91 so as to vary position of the user's buttock, whereby the user's own weight acts on the user's leg is varied. That is, the exercise assisting apparatus supports the user so as to distribute the user's own weight to the user's leg and the user's buttocks. In addition, the exercise assisting apparatus varies the position of the user's buttocks in order to increase and decrease the weight which is supported by the buttocks. As a result, the exercise assisting apparatus varies the weight which acts on the user's leg.

Next, a case where the user sits on the seat while the user bends the knee joint at a predetermined angle is explained. In this case, when exercise assisting apparatus decreases the weight supported by the seat 91, the load which acts on the user's leg is increased. This motion is equivalent to a motion of bending the knee joint by a squat motion. Therefore, the exercise assisting apparatus makes it possible to allow the user's thigh muscle to contract and stretch. Consequently, when the drive source swings the seat 91, the exercise assisting apparatus gives the passive exercise (without active exercise) to the user so as to contract and stretch the user's thigh muscle repeatedly. That is, it is possible to exercise the user's thigh muscles mainly by means of swinging the seat 91 by the seat drive unit 50.

It is preferred to employ the seat 91 which is configured to be swung along a swing direction such that the movement of the seat 91 causes no shear force to the knee joint. When the user M rests the buttocks on the seat surface 91a, the user M is capable of having a natural posture in a condition where distance between the toes is larger than the distance between the heels. It is possible to determine the angle θ2 between the center lines along a longitudinal direction of both the feet by the positions of the feet which are placed on the respective foot supports 2. Therefore, it is preferred to move the seat along a direction extending from left heel toward left toe (from right heel toward right toe). In this case, it is possible to exercise the user without the shear force which acts on the knee joint. That is, the seat 91 is configured to move within the swing area which has a rear end and a front end. In addition, the seat 91 is configured to move leftward and also outward when the seat moves forward in a first period, and is configured to move rightward and also outward when the seat moves forward in a second period. With this configuration, it is possible to apply the user's own weight to each the left leg and the right leg without applying the shear force to the knee joints.

It is noted that, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the contact surface 91a which is equivalent to the top surface of the seat 91 is approximately parallel to the horizontal plane. However, the exercise assisting apparatus causes the contraction and stretch of the thigh muscle by means of varying the weight which acts on the user's legs. Therefore, it is preferred that the seat surface 91a which comes into contact with the user's buttocks is inclined downward and also forward with respect to the horizontal plane. This seat is capable of easily increasing the weight which acts on the user's legs when the seat is moved from the rear end to the front end. Therefore, this configuration makes it possible to exercise the user with high efficiency.

The post HP is provided at its top end with an operation device DP. The operation device DP is located at a center of the handle HD. The operation device DP is used for entry of the operation instruction. The operation instruction is used for setting the movement of the seat drive unit 50 and the elevation unit 60. Furthermore, the operation device DP is configured to display contents indicating an amount of exercise. In addition, the user is able to hold the handle HD. Therefore, the user is able to hold the handle in order to stabilize the position of the user's upper body.

Hereinafter, a structure of the carrier 90 is particularly explained. As shown in FIG. 5, the carrier 90 has a support body 92 having a hollow structure. The support body 92 incorporates a lower end of the elevation unit 60 therein. The elevation unit 60 comprises an elevation base 61 which is configured to move upward and downward relative to the support body 92. The elevation base 61 has a top end which holds the seat drive unit 50. Therefore, the seat drive unit 50 with the seat 91 is movable relative to the base 10.

The support body 92 has a center line. The center line is linear, and extends along a direction which is backwardly inclined with the vertical direction. That is, the center line extends backward and also upward. When the elevation base 61 moves within the support body 92, the seat surface 91 is moved along a straight line parallel to the center line. Consequently, it is possible to adjust the position of the seat surface 91a of the seat 91. In other words, the seat surface 91a of the seat 91 has its position which is adjusted in the vertical direction in addition to the lateral direction. Furthermore, the seat surface 91a of the seat 91 moves rearward as the seat 91 moves upward. The angle between the base 10 and the center line of the support body 92 is mentioned below.

The drive unit 62 comprises a drive motor 63. The drive unit 62 is configured to move the elevation base 61 upward and downward. The elevation drive unit 62 comprises a fixing member 64 and a movable member 65 in addition to the drive motor 63. The fixing member 64 is shaped to have a column, and fixed to the base 10. The movable member 65 is screwed to the fixing member 64. The drive motor 63 is configured to generate the rotation movement. The speed of the rotation movement is decreased. The movable member 65 is rotated by the rotation movement whose speed is decreased. In this manner, the movable member 65 is moved forwardly and backwardly relative to the fixing member 64. The elevation base 61 is mounted on the top end of the movable member 65. The elevation base 61 is configured to move upward and downward as the movable member 65 moves forward and backward relative to the fixing member 64.

The elevation base 61 is provided with a pedestal 61a for mounting the seat drive unit 50. The pedestal 61a is provided at its lower surface with a pair of guide plates 61b. The movable member 65 is provided with a top end which is coupled to the lower surface of the pedestal 61a. In addition, each the guide plate 61b has side surfaces which hold rollers 61c respectively. The support body 92 is provided at its inner surface with rails 92a. The elevation base 61 is configured to move relative to the support body 92 smoothly by way of guiding the roller 61c by the rails 92a. It is noted that the exercise assisting apparatus preferably comprises a sensor and a control means. The sensor is configured to detect an amount of distance that the movable member 65 moves forward and backward. The control means is configured to control the rotation of the drive motor 63. Consequently, when the user enters a target value to the operation device DP, the control means controls the drive motor 63 such that an amount of the distance that the movable member 65 detected by the sensor becomes equal to the target value. However, this configuration is optional matter of the invention. Therefore, the explanation of this configuration is omitted.

A hollow cover 66 is attached to the pedestal 61a of the elevation base 61. The hollow cover 66 has its lower end which is located at a position which corresponds to the area of the elevation drive unit 62 which expand and contract. The lower end of the hollow cover 66 is overlapped with the outer surface of the support body 92. Consequently, even if the elevation drive unit 62 has a state of being most expanded, the elevation base 61 is not exposed to the outside. Furthermore, the pedestal 61a of the elevation base 61 is covered by a unit cover 67. The unit cover 67 is made from a cloth like soft material. The unit cover 67 is shaped to cover a space between the pedestal 61a and the seat 91, thereby preventing the seat drive unit 50 from being exposed to the outside.

Next, the seat drive unit 50 is explained with FIGS. 6 and 7. The seat drive unit 50 is cooperative with the pedestal 61a of the elevation base 61 to construct the swing mechanism for swinging the seat 91. The pedestal 61a is formed at its top surface with a front pivot support plate 51a, a rear pivot support plate 51b, and a front shaft 52a, a rear shaft 52b. The seat drive unit 50 is pivotally supported to the front bearing plate 51a and the rear bearing plate 51b, and the front shaft 52a and the rear shaft 52b. The front pivot support plate 51a is coaxial with the rear pivot support plate 51b. The seat drive unit 50 is swung about the front shaft 52a and the rear shaft 52b. When the seat drive unit is swung about the front shaft 52a and the rear shaft 52b, the seat 91 is moved along the lateral direction of the seat 9 which is coupled to the seat drive unit 50. (The lateral direction of the seat 9 is equivalent to the direction indicated by an arrow N in FIG. 5.)

The seat drive unit 50 is provided at its front end with a front frame plate 53a and also is provided at its rear end with a rear frame plate 53b. The front frame plate 53a is coupled to the rear frame plate 53b via a left side frame plate 54a and a right side frame plate 54b. The left side frame plate 54a is supported to a lower end of the front link 55 via a shaft 55a, and also is supported to a lower end of the rear link 56 via a shaft 55b. The right side frame plate 54b is supported to the lower end of the front link 55 via the shaft 55a, and also is supported to the lower end of the rear link 56 via the shaft 56b. Each the front link 55 and the rear link 56 are configured to rotate about the lateral axis extending along the lateral direction. The upper end of the front link 55 is pivotally supported to a mounting plate 57 via a shaft 55b. The upper end of the rear link 56 is pivotally supported to the mounting plate 57 via a shaft 56b. The upper end of the front link 55 is also pivotally supported to the mounting plate 56 via the shaft 55b. The upper end of the rear link 56 is also pivotally supported to the mounting plate 57 via the shaft 56b. The mounting plate 57 secures the bearing plate 57a. The upper end of the rear link 56 is pivotally supported to the mounting plate 57 through the bearing plate 57a. In other words, the upper end of the rear link 56 is pivotally supported to the mounting plate 57 indirectly.

The mounting plate 57 has a moving range such that the front end of the mounting plate 57 is restricted to move along an arc which is centered about the shaft 55a. In addition, the mounting plate 57 has the moving range such that the rear end of the mounting plate 57 is restricted to move along an arc which is centered about the shaft 56a. The rear link 56 has a length which is greater than a length of the front link 55. Therefore, the arc which is centered about the shaft 55a has a rolling radius. Similarly, the arc which is centered about the shaft 56a has a rolling radius. The rolling radius of the arc which is centered about the shaft 55a is different from the rolling radius of the arc which is centered about the shaft 56a. Therefore, an inclination angle of a top surface of the mounting plate 57 is varied as the mounting plate 57 moves forward and backward. Specifically, a case where the position of the mounting plate shown in FIG. 7 is located in the rear end of the moving range is explained. According to movement of the mounting plate 57 forwardly, the front end of the mounting plate 57 moves downward relative to the rear end of the mounting plate 57. Consequently, the inclination angle of the top surface of the mounting plate 57 is enlarged. In contrast, when the mounting plate 57 moves backward from the front end of the moving range, the front end of the mounting plate 57 is moved upward relative to the rear end of the mounting plate 57. That is, the seat 91 is configured to be moved forward and backward. (In other words, the seat 91 is configured to be moved along a direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG. 5.) Although FIG. 5 shows a linear movement of the mounting plate 57, inclination angle of the mounting plate 57 is actually varied according to the movement of the mounting plate 57. Therefore, the mounting plate 57 is moved by a compound movement which is composed of the linear movement along the front-back direction with the rotation movement.

The motor 71 acts as the driving source for swinging the mounting plate 57 relative to the pedestal 61a. The motor 71 is held by both the left side frame 54a and the right side frame 54b. In addition, the motor 71 is disposed on the pedestal 61a such that an output shaft of the motor 71 is directed to extend toward an upper direction. The output shaft of the motor 71 is coupled to a worm 72. The left side frame plate 54a and the right side frame plate 54b rotatably support a first shaft 73 and a second shaft 74. The first shaft 73 is provided with a worm wheel 75 which is meshed with the worm 72. The first shaft 73 is also provided with a gear 76. The second shaft 74 is provided with a gear 77. The gear 77 is meshed with the gear 76.

The first shaft 73 is provided at its both ends with eccentric cranks 78. The eccentric cranks 78 are configured to rotate with the first shaft 73. Each the eccentric crank 78 pivotally supports a first end of the arm link 79. Each the arm link 79 has a second end which is pivotally supported to the axial pin which extends both leftward and rightward of the front link 55.

With this configuration, when the motor 71 rotates, the first shaft 73 also rotates. According to the rotation of the first shaft 73, the eccentric crank 78 and the arm link 79 allow the front link 55 to reciprocate about a shaft 55a such that the front link 55 reciprocates in a front-back direction. In addition, the eccentric crank 78 and the front link 55 allows the front end of the mounting plate 57 to swing about the shaft 55a such that the front end of the mounting plate 57 moves in a front-back direction (a direction indicated by the arrow X). Moreover, the rear link 56 rotates about the shaft 56a. Therefore, the inclination angle of the top surface of the mounting plate 57 is varied according to the movement of the mounting plate 57 in the front-back direction.

In contrast, the second shaft 74 is provided at its first end with an eccentric pin 74a. The eccentric pin 74a is pivotally supported to a first end of an eccentric rod 80. The second end of the eccentric rod 80 is swingably coupled to a connecting fitting 81 which is attached to the pedestal 61a. It should be noted that the eccentric pin 74a and the eccentric rod 80 may be provided whether the left side of the seat drive unit 50 or the right side of the seat drive unit 50.

With this configuration, when the motor 71 rotates, the first shaft 73 transmits the rotation of the motor 71 so as to rotate the second shaft 74. According to the rotation of the second shaft 74 having the eccentric pin 74a and the eccentric rod 80, a height of the eccentric pin 74a with respect to the pedestal 61a is varied. As a result, the mounting plate 57 swings about the front shaft 52a and the rear shaft 52b such that the mounting plate 57 swings along a direction indicated by an arrow N.

It is noted that the motor is realized by a brushless DC motor. The drive motor 63 is realized by a DC motor. The drive motor 63 is disposed within a space surrounded by the front frame plate 53a, the rear frame plate 53b, the left side frame plate 54a, the right side frame plate 54b, the pedestal 61a, and the mounting plate 57. The gears 75, 76, and 77 are also disposed in the space. Therefore, the seat drive unit 50 is designed to have a small size.

The seat drive unit 50 is configured to move the seat 91 toward two directions. One direction is equivalent to a direction directing forward, rightward, and downward. One direction is equivalent to a direction directing forward, leftward, and downward. In addition, the above configuration makes it possible to move the seat 91 along a moving trajectory of V-shape in this embodiment by means of the following two setting. The first setting is to apply a phase difference between the eccentric crank 78 and the eccentric pin 74a. The second setting is to vary gear ratio between the gear 76 and the gear 77. The V-shaped trajectory is traced by the seat 91 when the seat 91 is laterally reciprocated once per anteroposteriorly reciprocated twice. Similarly, the above configuration makes it possible to move the seat 91 along the moving trajectory of W-shape. The W-shaped trajectory is traced by the seat 91 when the seat 91 is laterally reciprocated once per anteroposteriorly reciprocated four times. In addition, the above configuration makes it possible to move the seat 91 along the moving trajectory of “8-shape (eight shape)”. That is, the 8-shaped trajectory is traced when the seat is laterally reciprocated once per the anteroposteriorly reciprocated twice, and the rear end of the moving range is eccentrically located at the left side or the right side.

The drive motor 63 and the motor 71 are started and stopped by the operation of the operation device DP. That is, the operation device DP is provided with a first operation switch. The first operation switch is used for inputting the instruction of starting or stopping the motor 71, and of setting the rotation speed of the motor 71. Furthermore, the first operation switch is used for inputting the instruction of exercise time and the exercise intensity that the user exercises. In addition, the operation device DP is also provided with a second operation switch. The second operation switch is used for moving the seat 91 upward and downward. The exercise assisting apparatus further comprises a control circuit (not shown) which is configured to control the motor 71, the drive motor 63, and the display on the basis of the first operation switch and the second operation switch.

Next, the foot supports 2 (the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b) are explained. The base 10 is provided with a pair of guides 4. The left foot support 2a is configured to move along a travel path which is defined by the guide 4. The right foot support 2b is configured to move along a travel path which is defined by the guide 4. The guide 4 allows the left foot support 2a (the right foot support 2b) to move along the front-back direction and also to rotate about at least one of a back and forth axis, a lateral axis, and a vertical axis. The back and forth axis extends along the front-back direction. The lateral axis extends along the lateral direction. The vertical axis extends along the vertical direction.

A case where the guides 4 allow the foot supports 2 to rotate about the back and forth axis, as shown in this embodiment, is explained. In this case, the guide for the left foot support is shaped to guide the left foot support 2a such that a front end of the left foot support 2a is located lower than a rear end of the left foot support 2a when the left foot support 2a is located in a front end of the travel path of the guide for the left foot support. In addition, the guide 4 for the right foot support is shaped to guide the left foot support 2a to have a plane which is parallel to the horizontal plane when the left foot support 2a is located in a rear end of the travel path of the guide for the left foot support. The guide 4 for the right foot support is shaped to guide the right foot support 2b such that a front end of the right foot support 2b is located lower than a rear end of the right foot support 2b when the right foot support 2b is located in a front end of the travel path of the guide 4 for the right foot support. In addition, the guide 4 is shaped to guide the right foot support 2b to have a plane which is parallel to horizontal plane when the right foot support 2b is located in a rear end of the travel path. The base 10 is provided at its inside with hollows 15. The hollows 15 correspond to the travel paths of the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b respectively. The upper wall of the hollow 15 is provided with a groove 16. The groove 16 has a longitudinal direction which is equal to the back and forth direction. In addition, the travel path of the left foot support 2a extends along an oblique direction such that the travel path of the left foot support 2a extends forward and also leftward. The travel path of the right foot support 2b extends along an oblique direction such that the travel path of the right foot support 2b extends forward and rightward. Each the groove is formed along each the travel path. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the oblique travel path seen from a top side is mentioned as the front-back direction.

Each the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b is provided at its front half of the bottom surface with a front protrusion 25. The front protrusion 25 extends downward. The left foot support 2a is provided at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion 25. The rear protrusion 25 extends downward. The front protrusion 25 and the rear protrusion 25 pass through the groove 16. The lower ends of the front protrusion 25 and the rear protrusion 25 are located at an inside of the hollow 15. The front protrusion and the rear protrusion are provided at its lower end with front cross bar 26 and a rear cross bar 26, respectively. Each one of the front cross bar 26 and the rear cross bar 26 has a length which is greater than a width of the groove 16. The lengthwise direction of the cross bar 26 is parallel to the width direction of the groove 16. The bottom of the hollow 15 is provided with guide rails 17 which act as the guides 4. The guide rail 17 is composed of a front guide rail 17a and a rear guide rail 17b. The front guide rail 17a is shaped to guide the front crossbar 26. The rear guide rail 17b is shaped to guide the rear cross bar 26.

The guide rail 17 is shaped to receive the cross bar 26 therein. The guide rail 17 determines a vertical position of the crossbar 26 according to the position of the crossbar 26 in the front-back direction. In this embodiment, the guide rail 17 has a box shape and is formed to have a moving space 18. The moving space 18 allows the crossbar 26 to move along the front-back direction of the moving space 18. The guide rail 17 has an upper wall which is formed with a groove 19 extending in a front-back direction along the longitudinal direction of the moving space 18. The groove 19 has a width which is smaller than the length of the crossbar 26. In addition, the groove 19 has the width which is slightly greater than the width of the front protrusion 25 and the rear protrusion 25. The front protrusion 25 and the rear protrusion 25 are inserted into the moving space through the groove 19. Consequently, the cross bar 26 is located within the moving space 18 such that the crossbar 26 is prohibited to be removed from the moving space. In addition, the moving space 18 of the front guide rail 17a is inclined toward an oblique direction which extends forward and downward. The crossbar 26 is inclined toward an oblique direction which extends forward and downward such that the crossbar 26 moves toward a downward direction as the crossbar 26 moves toward a forward direction. The moving space 18 of the rear guide rail 17b is parallel to the horizontal plane. Therefore, a vertical position of the moving space 18 of the rear guide rail 17b has a level which is equal to a level of a vertical position of the rear end of the moving space 18 of the front guide rail 17a.

Consequently, when the left foot support 2a moves forward of the travel path, the front crossbar 26 of the left foot support 2a moves downward. In contrast, when the left foot support 2a moves forward of the travel path, the rear crossbar 26 of the left foot support 2a keeps the height of the rear crossbar 26 of the left foot support. Similarly, when the right foot support 2b moves forward of the travel path, the front crossbar 26 of the right foot support moves downward. In contrast, when the right foot support 2b moves forward of the travel path, the rear crossbar 26 of the right foot support keeps the height of the rear crossbar 26 of the right foot support. Therefore, in this case, the front end of the left foot support 2a (right foot support 2b) is located lower than the rear end of the left foot support 2a (right foot support 2b). In contrast, when the left foot support 2a is located at a rear end of the travel path, the front crossbar 26 of the left foot support 2a has a height which is equal to a height of the rear crossbar 26 of the left foot support 2a. Similarly, when the right foot support 2b is located at a rear end of the travel path, the front crossbar 26 of the right foot support has a height which is equal to a height of the rear crossbar 26 of the right foot support. Therefore, in this case, the left foot support 2a (the right foot support 2b) becomes parallel to the horizontal plane.

In addition, each the foot support 2 is provided with a return means 27. The return means is realized by the spring which is configured to bias the foot support backward. The return means 27 is configured to move the foot support 2 when the pressure applied to the top surface of the foot support 2 becomes equal to 10 percents of the normal weight (40 kgf to 60 kgf). Consequently, the return means 27 moves the foot support 2 to the rear end of the travel path such that the foot support 2 becomes parallel to the horizontal plane.

In the above exercise assisting apparatus, the seat 91 is moved along the V-shaped trajectory. In particular, the seat 91 is firstly moved forward and leftward, and is secondary moved backward and rightward such that the seat 91 is swung along the travel path of the left foot support 2a. Subsequently, the seat 91 is moved forwardly and rightward, and subsequently is moved backwardly and leftward such that the seat 91 is swung along the travel path of the right foot support 2b. Consequently, the seat 91 is swung along the V-shaped trajectory. When the seat 91 is swung along the V-shaped trajectory, the user's body and the user's leg is also swung to trace V-shape. According to the swing of the user's leg, the foot supports 2 which bear the user's foot are also swung along a front-back direction. When the foot support 2 is moved to the front end of the travel path, the foot support 2 is inclined such that the front end of the foot support 2 becomes lower than the rear end of the foot support 2. Therefore, the bending angle of the ankle is enlarged, whereby the pressure of 30 to 40% of the weight is applied to the user's leg. In other words, the angle between the lower leg and the dorsum of the foot is enlarged, whereby the pressure of 30 to 40% of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg. In addition, when the foot support 2 is moved to the rear end of the travel path, the front end of the foot support 2 has the height which is equal to the height of the rear end of the foot support 2. Consequently, the foot support 2 is parallel to the horizontal plane. Therefore, the bending angle of the ankle is narrowed. Consequently, the pressure of 10% of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg which is placed on the foot support 2.

With this configuration, it is possible to vary the condition where the pressure of the 30 to 40 percents of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg on the foot support 2 to the condition where the pressure of 10 percents of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg on the foot support 2 by means of varying the bending angle of the ankle joint. Therefore, it is possible to vary the load acts on the legs and the buttocks at a great rate.

In addition, it is preferred that the moving space 18 (travel path) of the guide rail 17 has a lateral inclination which becomes greater toward the front direction. In addition, the moving space 18 (travel path) of the guide rail 17 has the lateral inclination which becomes smaller toward the back direction, whereby the foot supports 2 are parallel to each other when the foot supports 2 are located in the rear end of the guide rails 17. More specifically, the front guide rail 17a of the left side has a shape which is same as a shape of the front guide rail 17a of the right side. The rear guide rail 17b of the left side has a shape which is same as a shape of the rear guide rail 17b of the right side. The guide rail 17 of the left foot support has a shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the moving space 18 which is in a symmetrical relation to a shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the moving space 18. In this embodiment, the outside of the moving space 18 becomes lower than the inside of the moving space 18 as the moving space 18 extends forward. That is, in the guide rail 17 of the left foot support 2a, the right end of the front end of the bottom surface of the moving space 18 has a constant height over an entire length of the moving space 18. The left end of the front end of the bottom surface of the moving space 18 extends toward a lower direction gradually as the moving space 18 extends toward a front direction. The left end of the rear end of the bottom surface of the moving space 18 has a height which is equal to a height of the right end of the rear end of the bottom surface of the moving space 18. In the guide rail 17 of the right foot support 2b, the left end of the front end of the bottom surface of the moving space 18 has a constant height over an entire length of the moving space 18. The right end of the front end of the bottom surface of the moving space 18 extends toward a lower direction gradually as the moving space 18 extends toward a front direction. The right end of the rear end of the bottom surface of the moving space 18 has a height which is equal to a height of the left end of the rear end of the bottom surface of the moving space 18.

Consequently, when the left foot support 2a moves toward a front direction of the travel path, both the front crossbar 26 and the rear cross bar 26 move forward leftward and downward. When the right foot support 2b moves toward a front direction of the travel path, both the front crossbar 26 and the rear cross bar 26 move forward rightward and downward. Also in this case, the foot support 2 is provided with the return means 27. The return means 27 is realized by the spring. The spring is configured to bias the foot support toward the back direction. The foot support 2 is moved toward the rear end of the travel path by the return means 27 when the pressure of about 10% of the user's weight (40 to 60 kgf) is applied to the foot support 2.

In addition, when the seat 91 is swung along the V-shape trajectory, the user's body with leg is also swung such that the user's body traces the V-shape. According to the swung of the foot, the foot support 2 is also swung along the front-back direction. When the left foot support 2a is moved to the front end of the travel path of the left foot support 2a, the left foot support 2a is inclined leftward and downward. When the right foot support 2b is moved to the front end of the travel path of the right foot support 2b, the right foot support 2b is inclined rightward and downward. Consequently, the bending angle of the ankle's joint is varied. As a result, the pressure of 30% to 40% of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg which is placed on the foot support 2. In addition, when the foot support 2 is moved to the rear end of the travel path, the left end of the foot support 2 is positioned in a height which is equal to a height of the right end of the foot support 2 in the rear end of the travel path. Therefore, the foot support 2 becomes parallel to the horizontal plane. Consequently, the bending angle of the ankle joint is diminished. As a result, the pressure of about 10% of the user's weight is applied to the user's leg which is placed on the foot support 2.

Therefore, it is possible to vary the condition where the pressure of 30% to 40% of the user's weight is applied to the leg which is placed on the foot support 2 to the condition where the pressure of about 10% of the user's weight is applied to the leg which is placed on the foot support 2. Accordingly, it is possible to vary the load which acts on the legs and the buttocks at a great ratio.

In addition, when the left foot support 2a moves toward the front direction of the travel path, the left foot support 2a is inclined leftward and downward. In contrast, when the right foot support 2b moves toward the front direction of the travel path, the right foot support 2b is inclined rightward and downward. However, it is possible to invert the inclination direction of the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b. Consequently, it is possible to apply appropriate load to the leg of the user whose toe is positioned inwardly from the heel. Similarly, it is possible to apply appropriate load to the leg of the user whose heel is positioned inwardly from the heel. It is possible to apply appropriate load to the leg of the user who has knock knees. It is also possible to apply appropriate load to the leg of the user who has bow-legs.

FIG. 2 shows a preferable modification of the guide 4. In the guide 4, in a case where the foot support is allowed to be rotated about the vertical axis, the inclination direction of the moving space 18 in the front guide rail 17a and the rear guide rail 17b of the left side is inverted. Similarly, the inclination direction of the moving space 18 in the front guide rail 17a and the rear guide rail 17b of the right side is inverted. More specifically, in the guide rail 17, the front guide rail 17a extends toward a first direction in a lateral direction as the front guide rail 17a extends forward. In contrast, in the guide rail 17, rear guide rail 17b extends toward a second direction in the lateral direction as the rear guide rail 17b extends forward. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. Consequently, the front crossbar 26 moves toward the first direction as the foot support moves toward a front direction. In addition, the rear crossbar 26 moves toward the second direction as the foot support moves toward a front direction. Therefore, the foot support 2 is rotated about the vertical axis.

In addition, in each the guide rail 17, it is preferred that front guide rail 17a extends toward a direction which is equal to the rear guide rail 17b. Or, it is also preferred that the front guide rail 17a extends toward the direction which is inverted with respect to the direction of the rear guide rail 17b. Consequently, the foot support 2 is moved according to one of a first pattern, a second pattern, a third pattern, and fourth pattern. When the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are moved on the basis of the first pattern, the front crossbar 26 and the front protrusion 25 of the left foot support moves forward and rightward as the rear crossbar 26 and the rear protrusion 25 moves forward and leftward. That is, the left foot support 2a is turned toward a clockwise direction. In contrast, the front crossbar 26 and the front protrusion 25 of the right foot support 2b moves forward and leftward as the rear crossbar 26 and the rear protrusion 25 of the right foot support 2b moves forward and rightward. That is, the right foot support 2b is turned toward a counterclockwise direction. When the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are moved on the basis of the second pattern, the left foot support 2a is turned toward a counterclockwise direction. In contrast, the right foot support 2b is turned toward a clockwise direction. When the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are moved on the basis of the third pattern, the left foot support 2a is turned toward a clockwise direction. Similarly, the right foot support 2b is turned toward a clockwise direction. When the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are moved on the basis of the fourth pattern, the left foot support 2a is turned toward a counterclockwise direction. Similarly, the right foot support 2b is turned toward a counterclockwise direction. The patterns are selectable on the basis of the user's leg.

Also in this embodiment, it is possible to vary the load which acts on the legs on the foot support 2 and the buttocks by means of varying the direction of the foot at a great ratio.

Next, another embodiment is explained on the basis of FIGS. 5 to 15. In this embodiment, the exercise assisting apparatus comprises a base 10, a pair of foot support 2, the guide 4, and the drive unit 3. A pair of the foot support 2 is provided for bearing the user's respective feet. The guide 4 is configured to guide the travel path of the both foot support 2. A pair of the foot supports 2 and the guides 4 are provided on the base 10. The drive unit 3 is configured to drive the foot supports 2.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the base 10 includes a housing which is composed of a top plate 1b and a base plate 1a. The base plate 1a is shaped to have a rectangular shape. However, the shape of the base plate 1a is not limited thereto. Hereinafter, in order to explain the exercise assisting apparatus easily, a case where the top surface of the base plate 1a is parallel to the floor when the base plate 1a is disposed on the floor is explained. Therefore, an upper direction of FIG. 9 is an upper direction of the exercise assisting apparatus when the exercise assisting apparatus is used. A lower direction of FIG. 9 is a lower direction of the exercise assisting apparatus when the exercise assisting apparatus is used.

The base plate 1a carries the top plate 1b above the base plate 1a. The base plate 1a is cooperative with the top plate 1b to construct the housing 1. The base plate 1a carries the left foot support 2a, the right foot support 2b, and the drive unit 3. The left foot support 2a bears the user's left foot. The right foot support 2b bears the user's right foot. The drive unit 3 is configured to move the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b. Hereinafter, a front direction is defined by a direction indicated by an arrow of X in FIGS. 8 and 9.

The top plate 1b is formed with two openings 11a and 11b. The openings 11a and 11b penetrate through the top plate 1b in the thickness direction. The openings 11a and 11b expose the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b respectively. The openings 11a and 11b are shaped to have rectangular shapes. In addition, the opening 11a has a center line which extends along the longitudinal direction of the opening 11a. The opening 11b has a center line which extends along the longitudinal direction of the opening 11b. The center lines are inclined with respect to the front-back direction of the housing 1. The distance between the center lines becomes greater from the rear end of the housing 1 toward the front end of the housing.

As shown in FIG. 10, the both width ends of each the opening 11a and 11b are formed with slide grooves 12 which is oriented toward an inside of each the opening 11a and 11b. The foot rest cover 22 is formed with flanges 22b. The flange 22b is slidably inserted into the slide groove 12. The foot support covers 22 are cooperative with the foot support plates 21 to construct the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b. The foot support cover 22 includes a main body 22a which has a rectangular tubular configuration. The flange 22b is shaped over an entire circumferential surface of the main body 22a. The flange 22b is formed along the opening of the main body 22a. The main body 22a is provided at its lower end of inside with attachment plate 22c being located in the lower portion.

The main body 22a has a length and a width. The lengths of the main bodies 22a are smaller than the respective lengths of the openings 11a and 11b. The widths of the main bodies 22a are smaller than the respective widths of the openings 11a and 11b. The width of the slide groove 12 is greater than the width of the flange 22b. Therefore, the foot support cover 22 is received by the slide groove 12 so as to be slidable along the width direction of the slide groove 12. The foot support cover 22 is received by the slide groove 12 so as to be slidable along the length direction of the slide groove 12.

The foot support plate 21 is shaped to have a rectangular plate shape. The foot support plate 21 has a size which is smaller than an inside rim of the main body 22a. The foot support plate 21 is shaped to have a size so as to bear whole foot of the user M. The foot support plate 21 has an upper surface. The upper surface of the foot support plate 21 is made of a material which enhances the friction coefficient. The foot support plate 21 is provided at its outer circumferential surface of the lower surface with a cover 21a (21b) integrally. The cover 21a (21b) is shaped to have a U-shaped cross section. In addition, the foot support plate 21 has a lower surface. The lower surface has a surrounded portion which is surrounded by the cover 21a (21b). The surrounded portion is provided with a pair of the bearings 21c integrally. The bearings 21c are arranged along the width direction of the foot support plate 21.

The attachment plate 22c of the foot support cover 22 has an upper surface which holds the bearing plate 23. The bearing plate 23 is formed with a recess which is oriented toward an upper direction. Therefore, the bearing plate 23 has a cross section which is shaped to have a U-shape. The bearing 21c on the foot support plate 21 come into contact with an outer surface of a side plate of the bearing plate 23. Furthermore, a shaft 24 is disposed over the attachment plate 22c. The shaft 24 penetrates through the both side plate 23a and both the bearings 21c. Therefore, the shaft 24 extends along the width direction of the foot support plate 21. The foot support plate 21 is configured to rotate about the shaft 24 such that both longitudinal ends of the foot support plate 21 swings upward and downward. The covers 21a and 21b are provided for covering the gap between the lower surface of the foot support plate 21 and the foot support cover 22 when the foot support plate 21 rotates relative to the foot support cover 22.

A lower surface of the attachment plate 22c holds a truck 41. The truck 41 has a cross section which is shaped to have a U-shape. The truck 41 is oriented toward a lower direction. The truck 41 is provided with a pair of support plates 41a. A side surface of each the support plate 41a holds two wheels. The upper surface of each the base plate 1a fixing two rails 43. The rails 43 are respectively shaped at its upper surface with rail grooves 43a. The truck 41 is disposed on the rail 43 such that the wheel 42 comes into rolling contact with the rail groove 43a. In addition, the rail 43 is provided at its upper surface with a derailment plate 44. The derailment plate 44 is provided for preventing the wheel from derailing from the rail groove 43a.

By the way, the longitudinal direction of the rail 43 extends toward a direction which is different from a direction of the lengthwise direction of the opening 11a (11b). As mentioned above, the center line parallel to the longitudinal direction of the opening 11a (11b) is inclined such that the center line of the opening 11a is spaced away from the center line of the opening 11b as the center line extends toward a front direction. The longitudinal direction of the rail 43 is also inclined with respect to the front-back direction of the housing 1.

The rail 43 is inclined with respect to the front-back direction of the housing 1 at a first angular degree. The longitudinal direction of the opening 11a (11b) is inclined with respect to the front-back direction of the housing 1 at a second degree. The first angular degree is larger than the second angular degree. For example, the longitudinal direction of the opening 11a (11b) is inclined with respect to the front-back direction of the housing 1 at 30 degrees. The rail 43 is inclined with respect to the front-back direction of the housing 1 at 45 degrees. That is, the exercise assisting apparatus is used in a condition where the user's respective feet are placed on the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b such that a front-back directions of the feet is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the respective openings 11a and 11b. The longitudinal direction of the rail 43 is designed such that no shear force is applied to the knee joint when the positions of the feet are varied by the movement of the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b. In this embodiment, the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are moved along respective travel paths extending along directions which are composed of front-back component and lateral component. However, it is possible to move the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b along the front-back direction or the lateral direction by disposing the rail 43 along the front-back direction or the lateral direction.

With the above configuration, the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b is configured to reciprocate along the longitudinal direction of the rails 43. The longitudinal directions of the rails 43 are inclined with respect to the center line of the longitudinal direction of the openings 11a and 11b. Therefore, the foot support plate 21 and the foot support cover 22 is moved along a direction which crosses the longitudinal direction of the openings 11a and 11b. That is, the above truck 41 is cooperative with the wheels 42, the rails 43, and the derailment plates 44 to determine the travel paths of the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b. Therefore, the truck 41 is cooperative with the wheels 42, the rails 43, and the derailment plates 44 to act as the guides 4.

As shown in FIG. 12, the drive unit 3 for moving the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b is composed of a drive source 31, a route split unit 32 and the reciprocation unit 33. The drive source 31 is configured to generate the driving force. The route split unit 32 is configured to split the driving force into two routes such that the route split unit 32 transmits the driving force to the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b. The reciprocation unit 33 is configured to reciprocate the truck 41 along the rail 43. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, the driving force is split by the route split unit, thereby being split into split driving forces. The split driving forces are transmitted to the reciprocation unit 33. However, it is possible to split a driving force which is generated by the reciprocation of the reciprocation unit 3 into two routes by the reciprocation unit 32.

The drive unit 3 is more specifically explained. The drive source 31 is realized by the motor 31. The motor is provided with an output shaft 31a. The output shaft 31 is coupled to the route split unit 32.

The route split unit 32 comprises a worm 32a and a pair of worm wheels 32b. The worm 32a acts as a first gear. The worm wheels 32b act as a second gear. The worm 32a is coupled to the output shaft 31a of the motor 31. Each the worm 32a meshes with the worm wheels 32b. The worm 32a and worm wheels 32b are housed in the gear box 34. The gear box 34 is fixed to the base plate 1a. The gear box 34 is composed of a gear case 34a and a lid 34b. The gear case 34a is formed at its top surface with an opening. The lid 34b is shaped to cover the opening of the gear case 34a. The gear case 34a is cooperative with the lid 34b to hold a pair of bearings 32c between the gear case 34a and the lid 32b. The longitudinal ends of the worm 32a are rotatably supported by a pair of the bearings 32c.

The gear case 34a is cooperative with the lid 34b to hold a rotation shaft 35. The rotation shaft 35 penetrates through the worm wheel 32b. The worm wheel is coupled to the rotation shaft 35 such that the rotation shaft 35 is rotated when the worm wheel 32b is rotated. The rotation shaft 35 is provided at its upper end with a coupling member 35a having noncircular cross section (having a rectangular cross section in the illustration).

The motor 31 is disposed between the holder 34c of the gear case 34a and the holding plate 13a of the base plate 1a. Consequently, the motor 31 is held by the lid 34b which covers the gear case 34a and a retainer plate 13b which coupled to the holding plate 13a.

As shown in FIG. 13, the reciprocation unit 33 comprises a crank plate 36 and a crank rod 38. The crank plate 36 is provided at its one end with the coupling member 35a of the rotation shaft 35. The crank rod 38 is coupled to the crank plate 36 through the crank shaft 37. The crank shaft 37 is provided at its first end which is fixed to the crank plate 36, and is provided at its second end which is fixed to the bearing 38a which is held by the first end of the crank rod 38. That is, the first end of the crank rod 38 is rotatably supported by the crank plate 36. The second end of the crank rod 38 is coupled to the truck 41 with respect to the shaft 38b, whereby the second end of the crank rod 38 is rotatably fixed to the truck 41.

As shown in the above configuration, the crank rod 38 acts as a conversion mechanism of converting the rotation force of the worm wheel 32b into the reciprocation movement of the truck 41. The crank rod 38 is provided with each worm wheel 32b. The truck 41 is individually provided on each left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b. Therefore, the crank rod 38 acts as the conversion mechanism of converting the rotation force of the worm wheel 32b into the reciprocation movement of each the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b.

Because the truck 41 is, as mentioned above, configured to move along the travel path which is determined by the wheels 42 and the rails 43, the truck 41 reciprocates along the longitudinal direction of the rail 43 according to the rotation of the worm wheel 32b. That is, the rotation of the motor 31 is transmitted to the crank plate 36 through the worm 32a and the worm wheel 32b. In addition, the crank rod 38 coupled to the crank plate 36 allows the truck 41 to reciprocate along the linear line parallel to the rail 43. As a result, the foot support cover 22 coupled to the truck 41 is reciprocated along the rail 43. That is, the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b reciprocate along the longitudinal direction of the rails 43.

In this embodiment, the worm 32a and the two worm wheels splits the driving force into two routes. The split driving force of each route is used to move the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b. Therefore, the drive unit 3 moves the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b which are associated with each other. The one of two worm wheels 32b is meshed with the worm 32a at a portion which is displaced at 180 angular degrees from a portion where the other of two worm wheels 32b is meshed with the worm 32a. Therefore, when the left foot support 2a is located at a rear end of the moving range, the right foot support is located at a front end of the moving range. The rear end of the moving range of the left foot support 2a is located at a right end of the moving range of the left foot support 2a. The front end of the moving range of the right foot support 2b is located at a right end of the moving range of the right foot support 2b. Therefore, in the lateral direction, the left foot support 2a is moved toward a direction which is equal to a direction to which the right foot support 2b is moved.

It is possible to cause the phase difference between the movement of the left foot support 2a and the movement of the right foot support 2b according to the positions where the worm 32a meshes with the worm wheels 32b. If the left foot support 2a has a phase which is displaced from the phase of the right foot support 2b at 180 angular degrees, it is possible to reduce the movement of a center of gravity of the user M in a front-back direction. Therefore, the user M who has low balance ability may use the exercise assisting apparatus. In contrast, if the left foot support 2a has a phase which is equal to the phase of the right foot support 2b at 180 degrees, the exercise assisting apparatus allows the center of the gravity of the user M to move in a front back direction. Therefore, it is possible to use the exercise assisting apparatus to exercise the muscles of the lower back for maintaining the balance ability in addition to exercise the muscles of the legs.

The foot support plates 21 on the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are fixed to the shaft 24 such that the foot support plate 21 is rotatable about the shaft 24 relative the foot support cover 22. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to vary the height of the front end of the foot support plate 21 and the rear end of the foot support plate 21. That is, the ankle joint is plantarflexed and dosalflexed by varying the height position of the toe and the heel of the foot which is placed on the foot support plate 21.

By the way, as the exercise assisting apparatus is used, the left foot and the right feet are placed on the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b which are stopped in the default position, and then the drive unit 3 is started. As shown in FIG. 15, the longitudinal direction Dx of each one of the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b is inclined with respect to the front-back direction (direction indicated by an arrow of X) at approximately 9 degrees. Therefore, there is no possibility of twisting the leg of the user M when the user's feet are placed on the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b.

The position in the front-back direction of the left foot support in the default position is equal to the position in the front-back direction of the left foot support in the default position. That is, the left foot support in the default position and the right foot support in the default position are aligned along a lateral direction. Therefore, when the user M places the user's feet on left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b respectively, a straight line extending along the vertical direction from the center of the gravity of the user M passes a center between the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b.

As is clearly understood by the above configuration, when operation of the drive unit 3 is started, the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b is displaced in the front-back direction and also is displaced in the lateral direction. The left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are reciprocated along the linear line parallel to the rail 43. The left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are moved along directions which is different from the front-back directions of the feet. For example, the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are moved along the directions which are inclined with respect to the front-back direction of the housing 1 at 45 angular degrees. The movement distances of the left foot support 2a and the right foot support 2b are, for example, set as 20 mm.

Similar to this embodiment, the components of the base 10 being provided with the hollow 15 and the grooves 16, the bottom of the hollowly being provided with guide rails 17 which act as guides 4, the foot supports 2 with the crossbar 26, the protrusions 25, and the return means 27 are same as the components shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, when the left foot support 2a is moved forward and leftward along the travel path, the right foot support 2b is moved backward and leftward along the travel path. When the left foot support 2a is moved backward and rightward along the travel path, the right foot support 2b is moved forward and rightward. Consequently, the exercise assisting apparatus is capable of being used by the user who has low balance ability and also giving the above mentioned effect to the user.

Claims

1. An exercise assisting apparatus comprising:

a base;

a pair of foot supports being provided on said base and shaped to bear user's left foot and right foot respectively, and

a pair of guides being provided on said base to define individual travel paths along which said foot supports are guided respectively;

wherein

each said guide extends in a front-back direction such that each said guide allows each said foot support to move in the front-back direction, and

said guide being configured to allow each said foot support to rotate about one of a back and forth axis extending along the back and forth direction, a lateral axis extending along a lateral direction, and a vertical axis extending along a vertical direction, while said foot support is guided to move along the travel path.

2. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein

said foot supports are composed of a left foot support and a right foot support,

said travel path of said guide for said left foot support being configured to move said left foot support leftward as said left foot support moves forward,

said travel path of said guide for said right foot support being configured to move said right foot support rightward as said right foot support moves forward,

said exercise assisting apparatus further comprising a drive means,

said drive means being configured to move said right foot support along an oblique direction extending leftward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support as said left foot support is caused to move leftward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support, and

said drive means being configured to move said right foot support along an oblique direction extending rightward and forward along the travel path for the left foot support as said left foot support is caused to move rightward and backward along the travel path for the right foot support.

3. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each said foot support is provided at its front half of a bottom surface with a front protrusion and at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion,

each said front protrusion being provided at its lower end with a front crossbar, each said rear protrusion being provided at its lower end with a rear cross bar, each said guide has a front guide rail and a rear guide rail,

each said front guide rail being shaped to receive said front crossbar and is shaped to guide the front crossbar,

each said rear guide rail being shaped to receive said rear crossbar and is shaped to guide the rear crossbar,

each said front guide rail being inclined toward an oblique direction which extends forward and downward, whereby the crossbar moves downward as said crossbar moves forward, each said rear guide rail being parallel to a horizontal plane, whereby a vertical position of the rear guide rail has a level which is equal to a level of a vertical position of the rear end of the front guide rail.

4. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein each said foot support is provided at its front half of a bottom surface with a front protrusion and at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion,

each said front protrusion being provided at its lower end with a front crossbar, each said rear protrusion being provided at its lower end with a rear cross bar, each said guide has a front guide rail and a rear guide rail,

each said front guide rail being shaped to receive said front crossbar and is shaped to guide the front crossbar,

each said rear guide rail being shaped to receive said rear crossbar and is shaped to guide the rear crossbar,

each said front guide rail being inclined toward an oblique direction which extends forward and downward, whereby the crossbar moves downward as said crossbar moves forward, each said rear guide rail being parallel to a horizontal plane, whereby a vertical position of the rear guide rail has a level which is equal to a level of a vertical position of the rear end of the front guide rail.

5. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein each said foot support is provided at its front half of a bottom surface with a front protrusion and at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion,

each said front protrusion being provided at its lower end with a front crossbar, each said rear protrusion being provided at its lower end with a rear cross bar, each said guide has a front guide rail and a rear guide rail,

each said front guide rail being shaped to receive said front crossbar and is shaped to guide the front crossbar,

each said rear guide rail being shaped to receive said rear crossbar and is shaped to guide the rear crossbar,

each said front guide rail extending toward a first direction in a lateral direction as the front guide rail extends forward,

each said rear guide rail extending toward a second direction in a lateral direction as the rear guide rail extends forward, said second direction being opposite to the first direction.

6. The exercise assisting apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein each said foot support is provided at its front half of a bottom surface with a front protrusion and at its rear half of the bottom surface with a rear protrusion,

each said front protrusion being provided at its lower end with a front crossbar, each said rear protrusion being provided at its lower end with a rear cross bar, each said guide has a front guide rail and a rear guide rail,

each said front guide rail being shaped to receive said front crossbar and is shaped to guide the front crossbar,

each said rear guide rail being shaped to receive said rear crossbar and is shaped to guide the rear crossbar,

each said front guide rail extending toward a first direction in a lateral direction as the front guide rail extends forward,

each said rear guide rail extending toward a second direction in a lateral direction as the rear guide rail extends forward,

said second direction being opposite to the first direction.