Sports equipment allowing user to do leg exercise in sitting posture

Abstract

The invention relates to sports equipment, which comprises a chair seat and a sports mechanism positioned in front of the chair seat, the sports mechanism is provided with a left pedal and a right pedal which are respectively treaded by two feet of a user sitting on the chair seat, and the left pedal and the right pedal are respectively treaded by the two feet of the user on the chair seat. The middle portion of each pedal moves circularly along a preset movement track, the elevation angle of the toe end relative to the heel end is gradually increased and gradually decreased in a circulation period, and the movement track is provided with a highest position, a lowest position, a foremost position, a final position, a maximum elevation angle position and a minimum elevation angle position. The maximum elevation position is located in the stroke from the highest position to the lowest position and passing through the foremost position on the way, and the minimum elevation position is located in the stroke from the lowest position to the highest position and passing through the final position on the way.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to sports equipment, and more particularly to a sports equipment for users to perform leg exercises in a sitting position. Background Art

[0002] Among aerobic indoor sports equipment, the first choice for sports equipment that allows users to perform leg exercises in a sitting position is the stationary bike. For the more popular upright bike and spinning bike among them, the body posture and leg movement mode of users are basically similar to riding an ordinary bike or a road bike, that is, the buttocks sit on a seat, the upper body is upright or leaning forward, the hands grasp the fixed grip set in front of the seat, and the feet step on the pedal crank set under the seat to achieve the effect of exercising the legs and aerobic exercise. However, the above body posture and leg movement mode may be slightly difficult and unsafe for the elderly and those with lower exercise abilities such as middle-aged and senior people.

[0003] The recumbent bike is a stationary bike with a relatively gentle exercise mode. As Figure 12 shown, its pedal crank set (only represented by two opposite pedals 1 in the figure) is located in the front lower part of the seat 2. Correspondingly, a backrest 2 for the user to lean on is provided above the rear of the seat 2, so that the user can perform the leg exercise of stepping on the pedal 1 in a more relaxed and comfortable posture, which is especially suitable for the elderly and those with lower exercise abilities such as middle-aged and senior people, or those who only want to exercise mildly. During exercise, each pedal 1 circulates around a predetermined circular track T. The diameter of the circular track T is about 33 cm. If it is too small, it will not provide enough foot movement stroke and leg activity; if it is too large, it will exceed the natural movement range and make it impossible to exercise comfortably. In addition to revolving around the center of the circular track T, each pedal 1 can also freely rotate around a pivot corresponding to the left and right axes at its center, so as to conform to the continuously changing sole angle when the user's foot rotates. In the standard usage mode, the seat 2 is adjusted to a suitable position so that when the pedal 1 rotates to the position farthest from the seat 2 (near the position of the right foot pedal in the figure), the user's leg is almost fully extended; correspondingly, when the pedal 1 rotates to the position closest to the seat 2 (near the position of the left foot pedal in the figure), the user's leg shows the maximum flexion state during the whole process, and the thigh and knee are almost lifted to the highest position. For example, the left thigh is lifted about 37 degrees and the inner side of the left knee joint is about 67 degrees in the figure. The degree of thigh elevation and knee flexion mentioned above may be slightly strenuous for some people with lower exercise abilities or limited leg mobility. In addition, depending on the user's body type, thigh elevation may squeeze the abdomen and make the user uncomfortable.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,713,176 discloses an exercise equipment that allows users to perform leg exercises in a sitting position. There are left and right pedals in front of the seat. Each pedal is connected to the front frame through a parallelogram linkage mechanism, enabling it to reciprocate along an approximately linear predetermined trajectory, and the pedal angle remains unchanged all the time, keeping it facing the upper rear for the user to step on. In addition, the two pedals are interlocked and displaced in opposite directions. When one pedal sinks forward and downward, the other pedal will rise backward and upward. Thus, the user can perform leg exercises with alternating feet, and can freely control the depth of stepping down and the height of lifting, without having to forcefully lift the thighs and bend the knees. However, if the pedals rise relatively low, they will also drop relatively low, directly shortening the movement stroke, which may result in insufficient leg activity. In addition, the user's legs only repeatedly stretch forward and downward and bend backward and upward, and like when pedaling a bicycle, the feet and knees always rise and fall together, making the movement rather monotonous.

[0005] There are also several exercise equipments on the market that perform similar stepping exercises in a sitting position. However, in most of these equipments, the movement mechanism extends between the lower part of the seat and the front of the seat. For example, there is a crankset under the seat, and there are left and right linkages connecting the crankset to the left and right pedals in front of the seat. As a result, when the user is about to sit on the seat to prepare for exercise and when the exercise is over and the user is about to leave the seat, they must step over the aforementioned linkages under their feet, which is rather inconvenient and there is a risk of tripping. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the main object of the present invention is to provide an exercise equipment that allows users to perform leg exercises in a sitting position. When the user performs the aforementioned leg exercises, the degree of thigh elevation and knee flexion is relatively mild, and at the same time, there is sufficient foot movement stroke and leg activity, combining low exercise difficulty and high exercise effect.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise equipment that allows users to perform leg exercises in a sitting position. When the user performs the aforementioned leg exercises, the leg movements are natural and smooth, and the movements are different from the monotonous repeated stretching and flexion in the prior art, and the feet and knees do not always rise and fall together.

[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise equipment that allows users to perform leg exercises in a sitting position. The structure of its movement mechanism is compact, and when the user is about to sit on the seat to prepare for exercise and when the exercise is over and the user is about to leave the seat, there is no need to step over any components of the movement mechanism, which is more convenient and safe.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise equipment that allows users to perform leg exercises in a sitting position. While performing the aforementioned leg exercises, the user can choose to perform coordinated hand movements to improve the exercise effect.

[0010] To achieve the above object, a fitness equipment provided by the present invention for a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position includes: a frame body; a seat, provided on the frame body for supporting the user's buttocks at a fixed position; a motion mechanism, movably provided on the frame body, having left and right pedals located in front of the seat for the user's feet to step on respectively, each pedal having a toe end, a heel end, and a middle portion located between the toe end and the heel end; characterized in that: when performing the leg exercises, due to the restraint of the motion mechanism, the middle portion of each pedal cyclically displaces relative to the frame body along a predetermined pedal motion trajectory, and moreover, the relative angle between the toe end and the heel end cyclically changes in a predetermined manner; the pedal motion trajectory is located on a vertical plane jointly defined by the up-down axis and the front-back axis of the frame body, and its closed path has a highest position, a lowest position, a foremost position, a rearmost position, a maximum elevation angle position, and a minimum elevation angle position, wherein the maximum elevation angle position is located in the stroke from the highest position to the lowest position and passing through the foremost position on the way, and the minimum elevation angle position is located in the stroke from the lowest position to the highest position and passing through the rearmost position on the way; each pedal always keeps the toe end higher than the heel end, and in the process of the middle portion of the pedal displacing from the maximum elevation angle position to the minimum elevation angle position along the pedal motion trajectory, the elevation angle of the toe end relative to the heel end gradually decreases, and in the process of the middle portion of the pedal displacing from the minimum elevation angle position to the maximum elevation angle position along the pedal motion trajectory, the elevation angle of the toe end relative to the heel end gradually increases.

[0011] In the above technical solution of the present invention, the stroke length of the pedal motion trajectory from the rearmost position forward and upward to the highest position is greater than the stroke length from the highest position forward and downward to the foremost position.

[0012] The height difference between the highest position and the lowest position of the pedal motion trajectory in the up-down axis is less than the front-back difference between the foremost position and the rearmost position in the front-back axis, and moreover, the pedal motion trajectory has a long axis direction, and the long axis direction has a relatively higher front end and a relatively lower rear end.

[0013] The travel length between the maximum elevation angle position and the most forward position of the pedal movement trajectory is less than the travel length between the maximum elevation angle position and the highest position, and is also less than the travel length between the maximum elevation angle position and the lowest position; the travel length between the minimum elevation angle position and the rearmost position of the pedal movement trajectory is less than the travel length between the minimum elevation angle position and the highest position, and is also less than the travel length between the minimum elevation angle position and the lowest position.

[0014] The maximum elevation angle position of the pedal movement trajectory is between the most forward position and the lowest position, and the minimum elevation angle position is between the rearmost position and the highest position.

[0015] The motion mechanism further includes left and right first linkages and left and right second linkages that are all located in front of the seat; each of the first linkages has a surrounding portion, a first reciprocating portion, and a first pivoting portion. The surrounding portion is restricted to displace along a circular trajectory relative to the frame body, and the first reciprocating portion is restricted to displace along a first reciprocating trajectory relative to the frame body; each of the second linkages has a second reciprocating portion and a second pivoting portion. The second reciprocating portion is restricted to displace along a second reciprocating trajectory relative to the frame body, and the second pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the first pivoting portion of the corresponding first linkage; while the surrounding portion of the first linkage rotates one circle along the circular trajectory, the first reciprocating portion of the first linkage and the second reciprocating portion of the second linkage respectively reciprocate once along the first reciprocating trajectory and the second reciprocating trajectory, and the first pivoting portion of the first linkage and the second pivoting portion of the second linkage rotate one week along a closed trajectory. During the process, the change amount of the relative angle at both ends of the second linkage is less than the change amount of the relative angle at both ends of the first linkage; the left and right pedals are respectively arranged on the left and right second linkages.

[0016] Each of the first linkages has a front end and a rear end. The surrounding portion is located at the front end, the first pivoting portion is located at the rear end, and the first reciprocating portion is located between the front end and the rear end; each of the second linkages has a front end and a rear end. The second reciprocating portion is located at the front end, and the second pivoting portion is located behind the second reciprocating portion; each of the pedals is arranged on the rear half of the corresponding second linkage.

[0017] The first reciprocating locus has a relatively higher front end and a relatively lower rear end; the closed locus has a major axis direction, and the major axis direction has a relatively higher front end and a relatively lower rear end; the second reciprocating portions of each of the second linkages are higher than the second pivoting portions; the second reciprocating locus has a relatively higher front end and a relatively lower rear end; in side view, the first reciprocating locus enters the closed range of at least one of the circular locus and the closed locus, and the second reciprocating locus also enters the closed range of at least one of the circular locus and the closed locus.

[0018] The motion mechanism further has left and right crank arms, left and right first swing arms, and left and right second swing arms all located in front of the seat; each crank arm has an inner end and an outer end, the inner ends of the left and right crank arms are pivotally connected to the frame body according to a first axis, the outer ends of the left and right crank arms are opposite to each other by 180 degrees with the first axis as the center, and are respectively pivotally connected to the surrounding portions of the left and right first linkages; each first swing arm has an axial center end and a swinging end, the axial center ends of the left and right first swing arms are respectively pivotally connected to the frame body according to a second axis, and the swinging ends of the left and right first swing arms are respectively pivotally connected to the first reciprocating portions of the left and right first linkages; each second swing arm has an axial center end and a swinging end, the axial center ends of the left and right second swing arms are respectively pivotally connected to the frame body according to the second axis, and the swinging ends of the left and right second swing arms are respectively pivotally connected to the second reciprocating portions of the left and right second linkages; the first axis and the second axis both correspond to the left-right axial direction of the frame body.

[0019] The motion mechanism further has left and right rockers, and the left and right rockers are respectively connected to the left and right first swing arms or are respectively connected to the left and right second swing arms; each rocker has a grip for the user to hold; the swinging ends of each first swing arm and the swinging ends of each second swing arm are all lower than the second axis, and each grip is higher than the second axis.

[0020] Adopting the above technical solution, when a user using the present invention performs leg movements, the degree of thigh elevation and knee flexion is relatively gentle, and at the same time, there is sufficient foot movement stroke and leg activity amount, combining low exercise difficulty and high exercise effect; because the structure of the motion mechanism provided by the present invention is compact, and moreover, when the user is about to sit on the seat to prepare for exercise and when the exercise is over and the user is about to leave the seat, there is no need to step over any components of the motion mechanism, which is more convenient and safe. Furthermore, the user can choose to perform hand movements with coordinated actions while performing leg movements, improving the exercise effect. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another angle corresponding to a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 in a certain state;

[0023] Figure 3 is a left view corresponding to a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 in a certain state;

[0024] Figure 4 is a right view corresponding to a preferred embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 in a certain state;

[0025] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view along the Figure 3 V-V cutting line in the middle;

[0026] Figure 6 is a side view of the left half of the motion mechanism in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 shows the changes of the left half of the motion mechanism in a preferred embodiment of the present invention during a cycle;

[0028] Figure 8 shows the motion trajectory of the middle part of the pedal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9 schematically shows the change of the pedal elevation angle when the middle part of the pedal moves along the aforementioned motion trajectory;

[0030] Figure 10 shows the motion trajectories of the tip and heel of the pedal in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11A shows a user using a preferred embodiment of the present invention for exercise, where the left pedal is in the minimum elevation angle position;

[0032] Figure 11B Similar to Figure 11A , but the left pedal is at a specific position between the minimum elevation angle position and the highest position, and at this time the user's left thigh is lifted to the highest;

[0033] Figure 11C Similar to Figure 11A , but the left pedal is at the highest position;

[0034] Figure 11D Similar to Figure 11A , but the left pedal is at the maximum elevation angle position;

[0035] Figure 11E Similar to Figure 11A, but the left pedal is in the lowest position;

[0036] Figure 12 Schematically shows the leg movements of a human body when using a recumbent exercise bike for leg exercises, where the left thigh is lifted to the highest angle. Detailed implementation

[0037] In the following description, the indications of directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are basically based on the direction perception of a user when using the exercise equipment of the present invention in a normal manner. For example, the front and back respectively correspond to the direction the user faces and the direction the user has his back to during exercise, and the left and right respectively correspond to the left hand side and the right hand side of the user during exercise. The front-back axis, left-right axis, and up-down axis of the exercise equipment defined according to the above principles are fixed and unchanged.

[0038] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the exercise equipment of a preferred embodiment of the present invention can be used by a user in a sitting position for specific leg exercises (and optional hand exercises). The exercise equipment mainly includes a frame body 10, a seat group 20 provided at the rear of the frame body 10, and an exercise mechanism 30 provided at the front of the frame body 10.

[0039] The frame body 10 can be stably erected on a horizontal support surface (such as the ground) as the installation basis for the seat group 20, the exercise mechanism 30, etc. It mainly has a base 11 that can be placed flat on the support surface, a bracket 12 fixedly connected above the front half of the base 11, and a pillar 13 extending rearward and upward from the top of the bracket 12. A console 14 is provided at the top of the pillar 13. In this embodiment, the rear half of the base 11 forms the rear part of the frame body 10, and the remaining part forms the front part of the frame body 10, including the bracket 12 and the pillar 13, etc.

[0040] The seat assembly 20 has a forward and backward seat 21 provided at the rear half of the base 11, a lifting seat 22 provided on the forward and backward seat 21, a seat 23 provided at the top end of the lifting seat 22, a backrest 24 provided at the upper rear of the seat 23, and left and right handles 25 respectively provided on both sides of the seat 23. The forward and backward seat 21 can horizontally slide along the front and rear axial directions at the rear half of the base 11 and is positioned at a selected position within the adjustable range. The lifting seat 22 can vertically slide along the up and down axial directions on the forward and backward seat 21 and is positioned at a selected position within the adjustable range. The seat 23 can be used for a user to sit on it facing forward, to support the buttocks of the user performing leg exercises at a fixed position, and the user can adjust the front and rear positions and the height position of the seat 23 according to personal conditions. The backrest 24 can be leaned on by the back of the user sitting on the seat 23, and the user can adjust the angle of the backrest 24 according to personal preferences. The left and right handles 25 are fixed relative to the seat 23 and can be respectively grasped by both hands of the user performing leg exercises to stabilize the body and facilitate the application of force to the legs. When the user is about to sit on the seat 23 or get up from the seat 23, if necessary, the seat 23 (together with the backrest 24 and the handles 25) can be horizontally rotated 90 degrees from the Figure 1 , 2 shown state, so that the user (especially the elderly, those with a larger body size or limited mobility) can sit on or get up on the left or right side of the exercise equipment, which is more convenient. In addition, when necessary, the seat assembly 20 can be disengaged from the base 11 backward, so that a wheelchair user can enter the corresponding area from the rear. After locking the wheels of the wheelchair, the user can directly sit on the wheelchair to perform leg exercises (and hand exercises). The above functions of the seat assembly 20 are all prior arts. For example, "StepOne TM Recumbent Stepper" produced by SCIFIT in the United States (one of the corresponding products of the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 7,713,176) has similar functions, and the detailed structure and operation method thereof are omitted in this article.

[0041] The motion mechanism 30 is movably provided at the front part of the frame 10 and mainly has a crankset 40, left and right first linkages 50, left and right second linkages 60, left and right first swing arms 70, left and right second swing arms 80, left and right rockers 85 and left and right pedals 90, presenting left-right symmetry as a whole. Its left half and right half are respectively located to the left and to the right of the center of the width of the frame 10, corresponding to the left and right of the body center line of the user sitting formally on the seat 23. Unless the seat assembly 20 is overly forward, in the normal use state, all the above components of the motion mechanism 30 are located in front of the seat 23. In this way, when the user enters or exits between the motion mechanism 30 and the seat 23 before or after exercise (including horizontally rotating 90 degrees while sitting on the seat 23), the user does not have to step over any components of the motion mechanism 30, which is more convenient and safe.

[0042] The crankset 40 mainly consists of a crankshaft 41 and two left and right crank arms 42. The crankshaft 41 is pivotally installed at a predetermined position near the top of the bracket 12 in a manner that allows it to rotate in place. Its axis (hereinafter referred to as the first axis) A1 corresponds to the left and right axial directions, and its left and right ends respectively extend out of the left and right sides of the bracket 12. Each crank arm 42 has an inner end and an outer end. The inner ends of the two left and right crank arms 42 are respectively fixed to the left and right ends of the crankshaft 41, and are pivotally connected to the bracket 12 according to the first axis A1 together, so that the outer end of each crank arm 42 can displace relative to the frame body 10 along a circular trajectory T1 (refer to Figure 6 ) around the first axis A1; in addition, the outer ends of the two crank arms 42 are opposite to each other by 180 degrees with the first axis A1 as the center, so that when one moves upward and forward, the other moves downward and backward at the same angular velocity, and so on.

[0043] Each first connecting rod 50 has a front end and a rear end, and a pair of lugs 51 are provided between the front end and the rear end. The front end of each first connecting rod 50 is pivotally connected to the outer end of the corresponding crank arm 42 through a pivot 52 corresponding to the left and right axial directions, so that the front end of each first connecting rod 50 forms a surrounding part and is restricted to displace on the circular trajectory T1 relative to the frame body 10. In this example, the connection structure between the first connecting rod 50 and the crank arm 42 is similar to a universal joint, which is used to absorb geometric tolerances such as parallelism therebetween.

[0044] Each second connecting rod 60 has a front end and a rear end, and a support plate 61 is fixedly connected to the inner side of the second half (refer to Figure 2 ). A side plate 62 extends downward from each of the left and right sides of the support plate 61. The bottom ends of the two side plates 62 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the rear end of the corresponding first connecting rod 50, and are pivotally connected through a pivot 63 corresponding to the left and right axial directions. In this example, the rear end of each first connecting rod 50 forms a first pivot part, and the bottom end of the side plate 62 of each second connecting rod 60 forms a second pivot part, and the aforementioned first pivot part and the aforementioned second pivot part move synchronously.

[0045] Each first swing arm 70 has an axis end (the top end in this example) and a swing end (the bottom end in this example). An axle tube 71 is provided at the axis end, and it is pivotally connected to a predetermined position near the top of the support column 13 according to a second axis A2 corresponding to the left and right axial directions, so that the swing end can swing back and forth. Similarly, each second swing arm 80 also has an axis end (the top end in this example) and a swing end (the bottom end in this example). An axle tube 81 is provided at the axis end, and it is pivotally connected to a predetermined position near the top of the support column 13 according to the second axis A2, so that the swing end can swing back and forth. In this example, as a part of the front part of the frame body 10, a suspension seat 15 is fixedly connected to the position near the top of the support column 13. Another shaft rod 16 passes through and is fixedly connected to the suspension seat 15 horizontally, as shown in Figure 5As shown, its axis is the second axis A2; the barrel 71 of the left and right first swing arms 70 are respectively pivotally sleeved on the left and right halves of the shaft rod 16 through a bearing (not labeled in the figure), relatively close to the suspension seat 15; the barrel 81 of the left and right second swing arms 80 are also respectively pivotally sleeved on the left and right halves of the shaft rod 16 through a bearing (not labeled in the figure), relatively far from the suspension seat 15, and are arranged side by side outside the barrel 71 of the first swing arm 70. The swing end of each first swing arm 70 is pivotally connected to the top of the lug 51 of the corresponding first connecting rod 50 through a pivot 72 corresponding to the left and right axial directions. The swing end of each second swing arm 80 is pivotally connected to the front end of the corresponding second connecting rod 60 through a pivot 82 corresponding to the left and right axial directions. The length of the first swing arm 70 (defined as the perpendicular distance from the pivot axis at the axial center end to the pivot axis at the swing end) is not equal to the length of the second swing arm 80 (defined in the same way as above). In this example, the swing radius of the first swing arm 70 is greater than the swing radius of the second swing arm 80.

[0046] The left and right two rockers 85 are respectively connected to the left and right two second swing arms 80, so that the left rocker 85 and the left second swing arm 80 will swing synchronously around the second axis A2, and the right rocker 85 and the right second swing arm 80 will swing synchronously around the second axis A2. In this example, each rocker 85 has a top end and a bottom end, and the bottom end is fixedly connected to the axial center end (top end) of the corresponding second swing arm 80, specifically, it is fixedly connected to the outside of the barrel 81. The upper half of each rocker 85 forms a grip 86 that can be grasped by the user and can swing back and forth. When the swing end (bottom end) of the second swing arm 80 on a certain side swings forward, the grip 86 on the same side will swing backward correspondingly; conversely, when the swing end swings backward, the grip 86 swings forward. In another possible implementation manner of the present invention (not shown in the figure), the left and right two rockers are respectively connected to the left and right two first swing arms.

[0047] The left and right two pedals 90 are respectively arranged on the left and right two second connecting rods 60, specifically, they are fixedly connected above the support plate 61 on the inner side of the rear half section of the second connecting rod 60, relatively located between the front lower part and the front of the seat 63, and can be stepped on by the feet of the user sitting formally on the seat 63 respectively. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, each pedal 90 has a relatively front foot tip 91, a relatively rear heel end 92, and an intermediate part 93 located between the foot tip 91 and the heel end 92.

[0048] All components of the motion mechanism 30 are interlocked with each other, and the movement of any component will force the corresponding movement of other components. Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7(Note: For the convenience of observation, only the left half of the motion mechanism 30 is shown in the figure; the motion trajectories of the corresponding components on the left and right sides of the motion mechanism 30 overlap in the side view. For example, the outer end of the crank arm 42 on the right side also displaces along the circular trajectory T1 in the figure). Through the above-mentioned connection relationship of the components of the motion mechanism 30, as well as the relative relationships of the preset component sizes and spatial positions, while the front end (surrounding portion) of the first connecting rod 50 rotates one circle along the circular trajectory T1, the position where the top end of the lug 51 of the first connecting rod 50 is pivotally connected to the swinging end of the first swing arm 70 will reciprocate once along an arc-shaped first reciprocating trajectory T2. At the same time, the position where the rear end (first pivotal connection portion) of the first connecting rod 50 is pivotally connected to the bottom end (second pivotal connection portion) of the side plate 62 of the second connecting rod 60 will rotate one circle along an approximately elliptical closed trajectory T3. At the same time, the position where the front end of the second connecting rod 60 is pivotally connected to the swinging end of the second swing arm 80 will reciprocate once along an arc-shaped second reciprocating trajectory T4. At the same time, the grip 86 that swings synchronously with the second connecting rod 60 will reciprocate once along an arc-shaped grip motion trajectory T5. During the process, the change amount of the relative angle between the front and rear ends of the first connecting rod 50 is approximately 50 degrees (Note: In a cycle, the maximum elevation angle of the front end of the first connecting rod 60 relative to the rear end is approximately 60 degrees, and the minimum is approximately 10 degrees). The change amount of the relative angle between the front and rear ends of the second connecting rod 60 is approximately 30 degrees, which is less than the angle change amount of the first connecting rod 50. In this example, the top ends of the lugs 51 of each first connecting rod 50 form a first reciprocating portion, which is restricted to displace on the first reciprocating trajectory T2 relative to the frame body 10; the front ends of each second connecting rod 60 form a second reciprocating portion, which is restricted to displace on the second reciprocating trajectory T4 relative to the frame body 10.)

[0049] Thus, when each part of the first connecting rod 50 and the second connecting rod 60 cyclically displaces or reciprocates along their respective motion trajectories, the middle part 93 of the pedal 90 cyclically displaces relative to the frame body 10 along a predetermined pedal motion trajectory T6, and moreover, the relative angle between the toe tip 91 and the heel end 92 cyclically changes in a predetermined manner (to be described in detail later). The exercise equipment of this embodiment provides the user with a fitness-type leg movement in an active movement manner, that is, the user's feet stepping on the left and right pedals 90 must apply appropriate force to drive each pedal 90 to cyclically displace along the pedal motion trajectory T6, so that it drives the crankset 40 to rotate via the first connecting rod 50. In this example, when the crankset 40 rotates, it can drive a flywheel 44 to rotate in place at a faster speed via a belt transmission mechanism 43. Moreover, a resistance device 45 that can apply resistance to the flywheel 44, such as an eddy current brake, is provided beside the flywheel 44. The user can control the magnitude of the resistance applied by the resistance device 45 to the flywheel 44 through the console 14 to adjust the effort required to drive the displacement of the pedal 90. According to the implementation selection, the crankset 40 can be made to rotate forward (corresponding toFigure 6 clockwise rotation) or reverse (corresponding to the Figure 6 counterclockwise rotation in) will drive the flywheel 44 to rotate in the same direction of rotation, that is, when the user drives the pedal 90 forward or backward, there is inertia and resistance; alternatively, a one-way bearing can be installed between the crankshaft 41 and the belt drive mechanism 43 so that the crankset 40 will not drive the flywheel 44 when it rotates in reverse, that is, when the user drives the pedal 90 forward, only the rotational resistance of the flywheel 44 needs to be resisted, and deceleration and stopping can be arbitrarily performed.

[0050] In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the exercise equipment provides the user with a rehabilitation-type leg movement in a passive movement manner. That is to say, the feet of the user stepping on the left and right pedals 90 can be driven by the pedals 90 that are automatically cyclically displaced along the pedal movement trajectory T6, so that the legs perform passive joint movements such as knee joints and hip joints (passive ROM exercise). In practice, for example, a motor can be used to replace the flywheel 44, and its output torque is reversely driven by the belt drive mechanism 43 to drive the crankset 40 to rotate at a slower speed, driving each pedal 90 to cyclically displace along the pedal movement trajectory T6. In another possible embodiment of the present invention, the exercise equipment can be selectively used for leg movement in an active movement or passive movement manner. Among them, straps for appropriately binding the user's feet can be provided on each pedal 90.

[0051] Since the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 between the motion mechanism 30 and the frame 10 both correspond to the left-right axis of the frame 10, the circular trajectory T1, the first reciprocating trajectory T2, the closed trajectory T3, the second reciprocating trajectory T4, the grip movement trajectory T5, and the pedal movement trajectory T6 are respectively located on a vertical plane defined by the up-down axis and the front-back axis of the frame 10. In other words, each part of the motion mechanism 30 only moves up and down and back and forth, and does not move left and right. As Figure 8As shown, the pedal movement trajectory T6 is slightly oval in shape, with a highest position P1, a lowest position P2, a foremost position P3, and a rearmost position P4 on its closed path. In this embodiment, the height difference between the highest position P1 and the lowest position P2 in the up-down axial direction is nearly 17 cm, and the front-back difference between the foremost position P3 and the rearmost position P4 in the front-back axial direction is nearly 30 cm. The height difference is less than the front-back difference. Moreover, the pedal movement trajectory T6 has a major axis direction L (note: the major axis direction is defined as the connection direction of the two farthest points on the trajectory), and the major axis direction L has a front end (the left end in the figure) and a rear end (the right end in the figure). The front end is higher than the rear end, but the relative elevation angle is less than 45 degrees, about 14 degrees in this example. In addition, the travel length of the pedal movement trajectory T6 from the rearmost position P4 forward and upward to the highest position P1 is greater than the travel length from the highest position P1 forward and downward to the foremost position P3; the travel length of the pedal movement trajectory T6 from the foremost position P3 backward and downward to the lowest position P2 is greater than the travel length from the lowest position P2 backward and upward to the rearmost position P4

[0052] Since the left and right pedals 90 are respectively provided on the left and right second linkages 60, therefore, while the middle part 93 of each pedal 90 cyclically displaces along the pedal movement trajectory T6, the relative angles of its front and rear ends will also continuously change along with the corresponding second linkage 60. Each pedal 90 always keeps the toe end 91 higher than the heel end 92, and, as Figure 9As shown, during one cycle of the middle portion 93 of the pedal 90 rotating once along the pedal movement trajectory T6, the elevation angle of the toe tip 91 relative to the heel end 92 will gradually increase and then gradually decrease. Specifically, on the pedal movement trajectory T6, there is a maximum elevation angle position P5 and a minimum elevation angle position P6. Among them, the maximum elevation angle position P5 is located within the stroke from the highest position P1 to the lowest position P2 and passing through the foremost position P3 on the way. Relatively, the minimum elevation angle position P6 is located within the stroke from the lowest position P2 to the highest position P1 and passing through the rearmost position P4 on the way; when the middle portion 93 of the pedal 90 is located at the maximum elevation angle position P5, the elevation angle of the toe tip 91 of the pedal 90 relative to the heel end 92 is the maximum value within the possible variation range (hereinafter referred to as the maximum elevation angle), and its value is greater than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees, and in this example, it is about 48 degrees; relatively, when the middle portion 93 of the pedal 90 is located at the minimum elevation angle position P6, the elevation angle of the toe tip 91 of the pedal 90 relative to the heel end 92 is the minimum value within the possible variation range (hereinafter referred to as the minimum elevation angle), and its value is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees, and in this example, it is about 18 degrees; the angular value difference between the maximum elevation angle and the minimum elevation angle is greater than 15 degrees and less than 45 degrees, and in this example, it is about 30 degrees, which is equal to the angular change amount of the second link 60 relative to the frame body 10. Conceivably, during the process of the middle portion 93 of the pedal 90 displacing from the maximum elevation angle position P5 to the minimum elevation angle position P6 along the pedal movement trajectory T6, the elevation angle of the toe tip 91 relative to the heel end 92 gradually increases and then decreases; during the process of the middle portion 93 displacing from the minimum elevation angle position P6 to the maximum elevation angle position P5 along the pedal movement trajectory T6, the elevation angle of the toe tip 91 relative to the heel end 92 gradually decreases and then increases. Incidentally, when the pedal 90 is at the highest position P1, the elevation angle is about 36 degrees, at the foremost position P3, the elevation angle is about 47 degrees, at the lowest position P2, the elevation angle is about 36 degrees, and at the rearmost position P4, the elevation angle is about 19 degrees.

[0053] Preferably, the stroke length between the maximum elevation angle position P5 and the foremost position P3 is less than the stroke length between the maximum elevation angle position P5 and the highest position P1, and is also less than the stroke length between the maximum elevation angle position P5 and the lowest position P2. In short, the maximum elevation angle position P5 is relatively close to the foremost position P3, relatively far from the highest position P1 and the lowest position P2; moreover, the stroke length between the minimum elevation angle position P6 and the rearmost position P4 is less than the stroke length between the minimum elevation angle position P6 and the highest position P1, and is also less than the stroke length between the minimum elevation angle position P6 and the lowest position P2. In short, the minimum elevation angle position P6 is relatively close to the rearmost position P4, relatively far from the highest position P1 and the lowest position P2. In this embodiment, the maximum elevation angle position P5 is between the foremost position P3 and the lowest position P2, the minimum elevation angle position P6 is between the rearmost position P4 and the highest position P1, and moreover, the path from the minimum elevation angle position P6 forward and upward to the highest position P1 is approximately a straight line.

[0054] Since the pedal 90 continuously changes the relative angle between its front and rear ends during cyclic displacement, the shapes of the movement trajectories of the toe tip 91 and the heel end 93 are different. As Figure 10 shown, the toe tip 91 cyclically displaces relative to the frame body 10 along a relatively elongated toe movement trajectory T7, and the heel end 92 cyclically displaces relative to the frame body 10 along a relatively rounded heel movement trajectory T8. The shape difference between the toe movement trajectory T7 and the heel movement trajectory T8 reflects the changing pattern in which the elevation angle of the pedal 90 gradually decreases from the maximum elevation angle position P5 to the minimum elevation angle position P6 and gradually increases from the minimum elevation angle position P6 to the maximum elevation angle position P5. Similar to the pedal movement trajectory T6, the front-back gap of each of the toe movement trajectory T7 and the heel movement trajectory T8 is greater than the height-gap, and moreover, the travel length from the last position of the trajectory to the highest position in the front-upper direction is greater than the travel length from the highest position to the foremost position in the front-lower direction.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 6 again. In order to generate the pedal movement trajectory T6 or a similar shape shown in the figure, and the above-described changing pattern of the pedal elevation angle, in this embodiment, the first reciprocating portion (i.e., the top of the lug 51) of the first link 50 is located between the surrounding portion (front end) and the first pivoting portion (rear end), and moreover, the first reciprocating trajectory T2 is relatively located below and behind the center of the circular trajectory T1, having a relatively higher front end and a relatively lower rear end, such that the closed trajectory T3 has a major axis direction (defined as before), and the major axis direction has a relatively higher front end and a relatively lower rear end; at the same time, the second reciprocating portion (front end) of the second link 60 is located above and in front of the first and second pivoting portions, and moreover, the second reciprocating trajectory T4 also has a relatively higher front end and a relatively lower rear end. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the swinging ends (bottom ends) of the first swing arm 70 and the second swing arm 80 with the same axis but different lengths are respectively used to guide the first reciprocating portion of the first link 50 and the second reciprocating portion of the second link 60. In a side view, the first reciprocating trajectory T2 enters the closed range of at least one of the circular trajectory T1 and the closed trajectory T3 (in this embodiment, the former), and the second reciprocating trajectory T4 also enters the closed range of at least one of the circular trajectory T1 and the closed trajectory T3 (in this example, the latter). Thus, the movement mechanism 30 can provide a relatively large or sufficient pedal movement stroke in a relatively small space with a relatively compact structure. In another possible implementation manner of the present invention (not shown in the figure), rollers are provided on the first reciprocating portion of the first link and / or the second reciprocating portion of the second link, and can reciprocally slide along a preset guide rail on the frame body, and are also restricted to displace on a first reciprocating trajectory and / or a second reciprocating trajectory. Through such a structure, substantially the same movement trajectory and elevation angle change can also be generated.

[0056] The following describes the actions and effects of a user performing leg movements (and hand movements) using the exercise equipment of this preferred embodiment. As Figures 11A to 11E shown, when exercising, the user sits forward-facing on the seat 23 (note: the seat 23 in the figure is positioned at a location suitable for the user in the figure; if the seat 23 is in an inappropriate position, the user may not be able to perform the subsequent actions correctly and comfortably). The left foot and the right foot step on the left and right pedals 90 respectively, and the left hand and the right hand usually grip the left and right grips 86 respectively. The legs and hands exert force in coordination to drive the respective pedals 90 and the respective grips 86 to cyclically displace along the pedal movement trajectory T6 and reciprocally displace along the grip movement trajectory T5. Based on the linkage mode of the components of the motion mechanism 30, generally speaking, for example, when the left pedal 90 moves forward, the left grip 86 will move backward. At the same time, the right pedal 90 moves backward and the right grip 85 moves forward, similar to the limb balance method when a person walks or runs. However, the user can also choose to grip the left and right handles 25 on both sides of the seat 23 with both hands and only perform leg movements. In another possible embodiment of the present invention (not shown in the figure), the exercise equipment does not provide the function of hand movements. For example, the rocker 85 is removed, and a fixed grip group is provided near the corresponding position.

[0057] Generally, the user exerts force to drive the respective pedals 90 to displace positively along the pedal movement trajectory T6, that is, the pedals 90 will move from the highest position P1 through the foremost position P3 to the lowest position P2, and then from the lowest position P2 through the rearmost position P4 back to the highest position P1, and so on in a cycle. Of course, the user may also exert force to drive the respective pedals 90 to displace reversely. Figure 11A 、 Figure 11B 、 Figure 11C 、 Figure 11D 、 Figure 11E (Then back to Figure 11A ) corresponds to the process of the aforementioned positive displacement. Among them, Figure 11A the left pedal 90 in is at the minimum elevation angle position P6 on the pedal movement trajectory T6. Relatively speaking, Figure 11D the left pedal 90 in is at the maximum elevation angle position P5 on the pedal movement trajectory T6. That is to say, when the left pedal 90 moves from the position shown in Figure 11A along the pedal movement trajectory T6 through the positions shown in Figure 11B and Figure 11C to the position shown in Figure 11D , the elevation angle of the tip of the pedal 90 relative to the heel end will gradually increase; conversely, when the left pedal 90 moves from the position shown in Figure 11D along the pedal movement trajectory T6 through the positions shown in Figure 11E back to the position shown in Figure 11A , the elevation angle of the tip of the pedal 90 relative to the heel end gradually decreases.

[0058] When viewed in conjunction with the user's leg movements, in a normal or typical usage state, when the user's left foot is flat on the Figure 11A left pedal 90 shown at the minimum elevation angle position P6, the left thigh is usually slightly lifted (the elevation angle in the figure is about 12 degrees), and there is usually an acute angle between the left lower leg and the left thigh (about 80 degrees in the figure); when the user's left foot is flat on the Figure 11C left pedal 90 shown at the highest position P1, there is usually an obtuse angle between the left lower leg and the left thigh (about 120 degrees in the figure); during the process where the user's left foot moves forward and upward from the minimum elevation angle position P6 to the highest position P1 along with the left pedal 90, it will pass through a specific position as shown in Figure 11B At this time, the user's left thigh and left knee are lifted to the highest height during the whole process (the elevation angle in the figure is about 15 degrees), and there is approximately a right angle between the left lower leg and the left thigh; it should be noted that during the Figures 11B to 11C stage, the user's left thigh and left knee start to gradually lower, but the left foot continues to move upward and forward along with the left pedal 90, causing the left lower leg to swing upward relative to the left knee; after passing through the highest position, the left pedal 90 continues to move away from the seat 23, which is equivalent to the user's left foot continuously moving away from the buttocks, so the user's left leg will continue to extend, and the elevation angle of the left foot will continue to increase until the left pedal 90 reaches the maximum elevation angle position P5. Near this position, the user's left leg is close to full extension, and the left thigh and left knee drop to the lowest height during the whole process ( Figure 11D the depression angle in is about 12 degrees); then, the user's left leg starts to flex, the left thigh and left knee start to rise, and the elevation angle of the left foot gradually decreases until the left pedal 90 returns to the minimum elevation angle position P6 along the pedal movement track T6, and so on in a cycle. Even if the user's hands do not push or pull the grip 85, because the left and right pedals 90 generally maintain their relative positions on the pedal movement track T8, at any time, at least one side can be driven by the force applied by the user. Coupled with the movement inertia provided by the flywheel 44, each pedal 90 can rotate smoothly and cyclically. The above-mentioned leg movements are also applicable to passive movements.

[0059] The above-mentioned exercise equipment of the present invention has at least the following advantages or features:

[0060] 1. When the user performs leg movements, the degree of thigh elevation and knee flexion is relatively gentle, and at the same time, there is sufficient foot movement stroke and leg activity amount, combining low exercise difficulty and high exercise effect.

[0061] 2. When the user performs leg movements, the leg movements are natural and smooth, and the movements are different from the monotonous repeated extension and flexion in the prior art, and the feet and knees always rise and fall together.

[0062] Thirdly, the structure of the motion mechanism is compact. Moreover, when the user is about to start exercising and sit on the seat, and when the exercise is over and the user is about to leave the seat, there is no need to step over any components of the motion mechanism, which is more convenient and safe.

[0063] Fourthly, while the user is performing leg exercises, they can choose to perform coordinated hand movements to improve the exercise effect. Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions recorded in the foregoing embodiments, or perform equivalent replacements for some of the technical features; and these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sports equipment that allows a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position, comprising: A frame; A seat, disposed on the frame, for supporting the buttocks of the user in a fixed position; a movement mechanism, movably disposed on the frame, having left and right pedals located in front of the seat for the user to step on respectively, each of the pedals having a toe end, a heel end, and a middle portion located between the toe end and the heel end; Features: When performing the leg exercise, based on the restraint of the exercise mechanism, the middle part of each pedal is cyclically displaced relative to the frame along a predetermined pedal movement trajectory, and the relative angle between the toe tip and the heel end changes cyclically in a predetermined manner; the pedal movement trajectory is located on a vertical plane defined by the up and down axes and the front and back axes of the frame, and its closed path has a highest position, a lowest position, a frontmost position, a rearmost position, a maximum elevation angle position and a minimum elevation angle position, wherein the maximum elevation angle position is located from the highest position to the lowest position and During the journey passing through the frontmost position, the minimum elevation angle position is located within the journey from the lowest position to the highest position and passing through the last position; each pedal always keeps the toe tip higher than the heel end, and during the process of displacement from the maximum elevation angle position to the minimum elevation angle position along the pedal movement trajectory in the middle part, the elevation angle of the toe tip relative to the heel end gradually decreases, and during the process of displacement from the minimum elevation angle position to the maximum elevation angle position along the pedal movement trajectory in the middle part, the elevation angle of the toe tip relative to the heel end gradually increases.

2. The exercise equipment for a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The length of the pedal motion trajectory from the last position to the top and front to the highest position is greater than the length of the pedal motion trajectory from the top and front to the front position.

3. The exercise equipment for allowing a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position according to claim 1, wherein: The height difference between the highest position and the lowest position of the pedal motion trajectory in the up-down axis is smaller than the front-to-back difference between the frontmost position and the rearmost position in the front-to-back axis. Moreover, the pedal motion trajectory has a long axis with a relatively high front end and a relatively low rear end.

4. The exercise equipment for allowing a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The stroke length between the maximum elevation angle position and the frontmost position of the pedal motion trajectory is smaller than the stroke length between the maximum elevation angle position and the highest position, and also smaller than the stroke length between the maximum elevation angle position and the lowest position; The stroke length between the minimum elevation angle position and the final position of the pedal motion trajectory is smaller than the stroke length between the minimum elevation angle position and the highest position, and is also smaller than the stroke length between the minimum elevation angle position and the lowest position.

5. The exercise equipment for allowing a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum elevation angle position of the pedal motion trajectory is between the frontmost position and the lowest position, and the minimum elevation angle position is between the rearmost position and the highest position.

6. The exercise equipment for allowing a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position according to claim 1, wherein: The motion mechanism further includes left and right first linkages and left and right second linkages that are all located in front of the seat; each of the first linkages has a surrounding portion, a first reciprocating portion, and a first pivoting portion. The surrounding portion is restricted to displace along a circular trajectory relative to the frame body, and the first reciprocating portion is restricted to displace along a first reciprocating trajectory relative to the frame body; each of the second linkages has a second reciprocating portion and a second pivoting portion. The second reciprocating portion is restricted to displace along a second reciprocating trajectory relative to the frame body, and the second pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the first pivoting portion of the corresponding first linkage; while the surrounding portion of the first linkage rotates one circle along the circular trajectory, the first reciprocating portion of the first linkage and the second reciprocating portion of the second linkage respectively reciprocate once along the first reciprocating trajectory and the second reciprocating trajectory, and the first pivoting portion of the first linkage and the second pivoting portion of the second linkage rotate one week along a closed trajectory. During the process, the change amount of the relative angle at both ends of the second linkage is less than the change amount of the relative angle at both ends of the first linkage; the left and right pedals are respectively arranged on the left and right second linkages.

7. The exercise equipment for users to perform leg exercises in a sitting position as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Each of the first linkages has a front end and a rear end. The surrounding portion is located at the front end, the first pivoting portion is located at the rear end, and the first reciprocating portion is located between the front end and the rear end; each of the second linkages has a front end and a rear end. The second reciprocating portion is located at the front end, and the second pivoting portion is located behind the second reciprocating portion; each of the pedals is arranged on the rear half of the corresponding second linkage.

8. The exercise equipment for allowing a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position according to claim 7, wherein: The first reciprocating trajectory has a relatively high front end and a relatively low rear end; the closed trajectory has a major axis direction, and the major axis direction has a relatively high front end and a relatively low rear end; the second reciprocating portion of each of the second linkages is higher than the second pivoting portion; the second reciprocating trajectory has a relatively high front end and a relatively low rear end; in a side view, the first reciprocating trajectory enters the closed range of at least one of the circular trajectory and the closed trajectory, and the second reciprocating trajectory also enters the closed range of at least one of the circular trajectory and the closed trajectory.

9. The exercise equipment for allowing a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position according to claim 6, wherein: The motion mechanism further includes left and right crank arms, left and right first swing arms, and left and right second swing arms, all of which are located in front of the seat; each crank arm has an inner end and an outer end. The inner ends of the left and right crank arms are pivotally connected to the frame body together according to a first axis. The outer ends of the left and right crank arms are opposite to each other by 180 degrees centered on the first axis and are respectively pivotally connected to the surrounding portions of the left and right first link rods; each first swing arm has an axis end and a swing end. The axis ends of the left and right first swing arms are respectively pivotally connected to the frame body according to a second axis. The swing ends of the left and right first swing arms are respectively pivotally connected to the first reciprocating portions of the left and right first link rods; each second swing arm has an axis end and a swing end. The axis ends of the left and right second swing arms are respectively pivotally connected to the frame body according to the second axis. The swing ends of the left and right second swing arms are respectively pivotally connected to the second reciprocating portions of the left and right second link rods; the first axis and the second axis both correspond to the left-right axis of the frame body.

10. The exercise equipment for allowing a user to perform leg exercises in a sitting position as claimed in claim 9, wherein: The motion mechanism further includes left and right rockers, which are respectively connected to the left and right first swing arms or respectively connected to the left and right second swing arms; each rocker has a grip for the user to hold; the swing ends of each first swing arm and the swing ends of each second swing arm are all lower than the second axis, and each grip is higher than the second axis.

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