Stepper with adjustable arc-shaped movement path

Abstract

Stepper, comprehensive a frame (10) comprising a base (101) on the ground and a support structure (102) on the base (101), two pivot arms (11) arranged on the left and right sides of the support structure (102), the first end of each pivot arm (11) being articulated to the support structure (102) via the first axis (21), and each pivot arm (11) having a handle (110) extending upwards from its first end and which can be held by the user; two pedal arms (12) arranged corresponding to the two pivot arms (11), wherein the second end of each pivot arm (11) is pivotally connected to the first end of the corresponding pedal arm (12) and the second end of the pedal arm (12) is connected to the corresponding pedal (17), and wherein a roller (120) is attached to the inside of each pedal arm (12); two pedals (17) arranged according to the two pedal arms (12), each pedal (17) being connected to the second end of the corresponding pedal arm (12); a resistance device (13) arranged on the support structure (102) and comprising a drive wheel (132) with a resistance shaft (130) to generate an operating resistance; two cranks (14) arranged on the left and right sides of the resistance device (13), the first end of each crank (14) being pivotally connected to the resistance axis (130); two push rods (15) which are arranged corresponding to the two cranks (14) and the two pivot arms (11), wherein the first end of the push rod (15) is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding crank (14) and the second end of each push rod (15) is pivotally connected to the corresponding pivot arm (11) via a second axis (22); two limit bars arranged according to the two pedal arms (12), the first end of each limit bar (16) being pivotally connected to the base (101) via a third axis (23), the roller (120) of each pedal arm (12) being slidably connected to the corresponding limit bar (16), and each pedal (17) having an arc-shaped path of movement; and a track adjustment device (18) whose first end is pivotally connected to the base (101) and whose second end is pivotally connected to the second ends of the two limiting rods (16), wherein the track adjustment device (18) allows its linear length to be adjusted, thereby changing the length of the arc-shaped movement path and the angle between the arc-shaped movement path and the base (101).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a stepper with an adjustable arc-shaped movement path. State of the art

[0002] Without limiting the disclosed embodiments, a stair stepper is a fitness device for increasing heart rate, burning calories and improving cardiovascular endurance.

[0003] On a typical stair stepper, the user stands on two pedals supported by a specific resistance. The user alternately lifts their feet, as if climbing stairs, to strengthen the muscles in their legs and glutes. Furthermore, compared to a treadmill, the stair stepper is a lower-impact exercise device and therefore suitable for people with leg injuries. However, the stair stepper should be used with caution, as inappropriate activation can put additional strain on the knees.

[0004] US Patent No. US 09849332B1, filed by the applicant of the present invention entitled "Training Device," discloses a stepper with an elliptical motion path. Despite its smooth operation, this stepper has a relatively complex design.

[0005] Reference is also made to other conventional steppers disclosed in Taiwanese patent no. I458519 entitled "Adjustable Stepper", M391978U1 entitled "Linear Climber" and US patent no. 9056217B2 entitled "Stationary Exercise Device". Object of the invention

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a stepper comprising a frame, two pivot arms, two pedal arms, two pedals, a resistance device, two cranks, two push rods, two limit rods, and a track adjustment device. The frame has a base on the ground and a support structure on the base. The two pivot arms are arranged on the left and right sides of the support structure, the first end of each pivot arm being pivotally connected to the support structure via the first axis, and each pivot arm having a handle extending upwards from its first end that can be held by the user.The two pedal arms are arranged corresponding to the two pivot arms, with the second end of each pivot arm pivotally connected to the first end of the corresponding pedal arm, and the second end of the pedal arm connected to the corresponding pedal, and with a roller attached to the inside of each pedal arm. The two pedals are arranged corresponding to the two pedal arms, with each pedal connected to the second end of the corresponding pedal arm. The resistance device is mounted on the support structure and has a drive wheel with a resistance shaft to generate operating resistance. The two cranks are located on the left and right sides of the resistance device, with the first end of each crank pivotally connected to the resistance shaft.The two pushrods are arranged corresponding to the two cranks and the two pivot arms, with the first end of each pushrod pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding crank, and the second end of each pushrod pivotally connected to the corresponding pivot arm via a second axis. The two limit rods are arranged corresponding to the two pedal arms, with the first end of each limit rod pivotally connected to the base via a third axis, the roller of each pedal arm being slidably connected to the corresponding limit rod, and each pedal having an arc-shaped path of movement.The first end of the track adjustment device is pivotally connected to the base and the second end of the track adjustment device is pivotally connected to the second ends of the two limiting rods, whereby the track adjustment device can adjust its linear length, thereby changing the length of the arc-shaped movement path and the angle between the arc-shaped movement path and the base.

[0007] Further features of this invention are set out in the attached claims. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 a perspective view of the first embodiment of the stepper of the invention, Fig. 2 a side view of the first embodiment of the stepper of the invention, Fig. 3 another perspective view of the first embodiment of the stepper of the invention, Fig. 4 a partial side view of the first operating state of the stepper according to Fig. 1 to 3, Fig. 5 a partial side view of the second operating state of the stepper according to Fig. 1 to 3, Fig. 6 a perspective view of the second embodiment of the stepper of the invention, Fig. 7 a partial representation of a variant of the stepper according to Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a partial representation of another design variant of the stepper according to Fig. 6, Fig. 9 a partial representation of another variant of the stepper according to Fig. 6. Ways to implement the invention

[0008] Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a perspective view, a side view, and another perspective view of the first embodiment of the stepper 1 of the invention. The stepper 1 essentially comprises a frame 10, two pivot arms 11, two pedal arms 12, a resistance device 13, two cranks 14, two push rods 15, two limit rods 16, two pedals 17, a track adjustment device 18, an operating interface 30, etc.

[0009] Referring to Fig. In the exemplary embodiment, the frame 10 preferably comprises a base 101 and a support structure 102. The base 101 is placed on the ground, and the support structure 102 is arranged on the base 101. The two pivot arms 11 and the two pedal arms 12 are arranged on the left and right sides of the support structure 102. Each of the two pivot arms 11 and the two pedal arms 12 has a first end and a second end. The two pedal arms 12 are arranged correspondingly to the two pivot arms 11 and the two pedals 17. The first end of each pivot arm 11 is pivotally connected to the support structure 102 via the first axis 21. Each pivot arm 11 has a handle 110 that extends upwards from its first end and can be held by the user (the handle 110 is integrated into the pivot arm 11).The second end of each swivel arm 11 is articulated to the first end of the corresponding pedal arm 12, and the second end of the pedal arm 12 is connected to the corresponding pedal 17. Additionally, a roller 120 is attached to the inside of each pedal arm 12.

[0010] Referring to Fig. 1 to 3, without limiting the scope of the present invention, a post 103 can additionally be provided above the support structure 102, wherein one end of the post 103 is connected to the support structure 102 and the other end of the post 103 is connected to an operating interface (not shown) which enables the user to control the stepper 1.

[0011] Referring to Fig. In sections 1 to 3, the two cranks 14 are arranged on the left and right sides of the resistance device 13. The resistance device 13 generates operating resistance and has at least one drive wheel 132 with a resistance shaft 130. The two push rods 15 are arranged corresponding to the two cranks 14 and the two pivot arms 11. The two cranks 14 and the two push rods 15 each have a first and a second end. The first end of each crank 14 is pivotally connected to the resistance shaft 130, the second end of each crank 14 is pivotally connected to the first end of the corresponding push rod 15, and the second end of each push rod 15 is pivotally connected to the corresponding pivot arm via a second shaft 22. The first shaft 21 is higher than the second shaft 22.

[0012] Referring to Fig. 1 to 3, when a user stands on both pedals 17, resistance is generated by the resistance device 13. The operating interface 30, mounted on the post 103, can determine the resistance. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive wheel 132 is a pulley, and the resistance device 13 can additionally include a flywheel 134, which is connected to the drive wheel 132 via a belt (not shown). The drive wheel 132 has the resistance shaft 130 with a bidirectional bearing (not shown), which is coupled to the first ends of the two cranks 14. The movement of the two pedals 17 drives the drive wheel 132, which then sets the flywheel 134 in rotation.

[0013] Referring to Fig. In sections 1 to 3, the two limit rods 16 are arranged corresponding to the two pedal arms 12. The first end of each limit rod 16 is pivotally connected to the base 101 via a third axis 23. The roller 120 of each pedal arm 12 is slidably coupled to the corresponding limit rod 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the limit rods 16 are arc-shaped. With the above configuration and arrangement, the path of movement of each pedal 17 is arc-shaped.

[0014] Referring to Fig. In figures 1 to 3, the first end of the path adjustment device 18 is pivotally connected to the base 101 via a fourth axis 24, and the second end of the path adjustment device 18 is pivotally connected to the second ends of the two limit rods 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the path adjustment device 18 can, but is not limited to, comprising a motor 181, a spindle 182, and a sleeve 183. The motor 181 can rotate the spindle 182. The sleeve 183 has an internal thread into which the spindle 182 is screwed. When the motor 181 rotates the spindle 182 clockwise or counterclockwise, the sleeve 183 moves along the axial direction of the screw 182, thereby changing the linear length of the path adjustment device 18.In the illustrated embodiment, the second ends of the two limit rods 16 are connected to two ends of a crossbar 20, which is pivotally connected to the sleeve 183 via a fifth axis 26 by means of two connecting plates 202. Preferably, the second axis 22 is located higher than the fifth axis 26 to achieve better driving force and smooth operation.

[0015] Fig. Figure 4 shows a partial side view of the first operating state of the stepper motor according to Fig. 1 to 3. In Fig. 4. The motor 181 drives the spindle 182, moving the sleeve 183 axially downwards along the spindle 182. As it does so, the sleeve 183 pulls the two limit rods 16 through the crossbar 20, thus reducing the angle between the limit rod 16 and the horizontal. In this first state, the angle between the arc path P1 of the pedal 17 and the horizontal is minimal, and the user's step size, i.e., the path length (the distance traveled by the pedal 17 along path P1), is at its minimum.

[0016] Fig. 5 a partial side view of the second operating state of the stepper according to Fig. 1 to 3.

[0017] In Fig. 5. When the motor 181 drives the spindle 182, the sleeve 183 moves axially upwards. In doing so, the sleeve 183 raises the two limit rods 16 by means of the crossbar 20, thereby increasing the angle between the limit rod 16 and the horizontal. In this second state, the angle between the arc path P1 of the pedal 17 and the horizontal is at its maximum, and the user's step length (the distance traveled by the pedal 17 along path P2) is at its maximum.

[0018] Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 enables the track adjustment device 18 to allow each user to individually adjust the inclination and step size of the arc track via the operating interface 30.

[0019] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the second embodiment of the stepper 2 of the invention. The stepper 2 is the one described in the Fig. Stepper 1 is similar to the one described in sections 1 to 5. Stepper 2 differs from the one described in the Fig. The stepper 1 described in sections 1 to 5 differs only in that it additionally includes two lower swivel arms 19, which are located between the two swivel arms 11 and the two pedal arms 12. The two lower swivel arms 19 each have a first and a second end.

[0020] The first end of each lower pivot arm 19 and the second end of the corresponding pivot arm 11 are pivotally connected via a joint 25. The first end of each pedal arm 12 is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding lower pivot arm 19. A roller 120 is attached to the inside of each pedal arm 12. The two push rods 15 are arranged corresponding to the two cranks 14, the two pivot arms 11, and the two lower pivot arms 19. The first end of each push rod 15 is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding crank 14 (the first end of the corresponding crank 14 is pivotally connected to the resistance axis 130). The second end of each push rod 15 is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding pivot arm 11. The first end of the corresponding lower pivot arm 19 is connected to the joint 25. The remaining details of the illustrated embodiment correspond to those of the Fig. 1 to 5. For example, the two limit rods 16 are arranged corresponding to the two pedal arms 12. The first ends of the two limit rods 16 are articulated to the base 101 via the third axis 23. The roller 120 of each pedal arm 12 is slidably connected to the corresponding limit rod 16. Each pedal 17 is connected to the second end of the corresponding pedal arm 12 and has an arcuate path of movement. The first end of the path adjustment device 18 is connected to the base 101 via the fourth axis 24, and the second end of the path adjustment device 18 is articulated to the second ends of the two limit rods 16. The path adjustment device 18 allows its linear length to be adjusted, thereby changing the length of the arcuate path of movement and the angle between the arcuate path of movement and the base 101.

[0021] Referring to Fig. 6. The lower swivel arm 19 can pivot freely around the joint 25 to a certain degree. Fig. Figures 7 to 9 show three variations of the design described in the Fig. 7 to 9 described steppers 2. In these embodiments, each lower swivel arm 19 additionally has a swivel limiting mechanism 40 between the joint 25 and the lower swivel arm 19. This limits the swivel angle, i.e. the angle by which the lower swivel arm 19 can be rotated or adjusted.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 7 the swivel limiting mechanism 40 is a buffer pad that is arranged between the joint 25 and the lower swivel arm 19.

[0023] Referring to Fig. 8 the pivot limiting mechanism 40 is a damper, such as a gas spring or preferably a hydraulic damper, the first end of which is pivotally connected to a first plate 31 which is connected to the joint 25, and the second end of which is pivotally connected to a second plate 32 which is connected to the lower pivot arm 19.

[0024] Referring to Fig. 9 the pivot limiting mechanism 40 is a spring, the first end of which is hooked onto a first plate 31 which is connected to the joint 25, and the second end of which is hooked onto a second plate 32 which is connected to the lower pivot arm 19.

[0025] The steppers of the present invention are characterized by the fact that the stepping process is smooth and has an ergonomic arc path, the adjustment range for inclination and step length is large and the use is suitable for users with different body shapes. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 09849332B1

[0004] US 9056217B2

[0005]

Claims

[1] Stepper, comprehensive a frame (10) comprising a base (101) on the ground and a support structure (102) on the base (101), two pivot arms (11) arranged on the left and right sides of the support structure (102), the first end of each pivot arm (11) being articulated to the support structure (102) via the first axis (21), and each pivot arm (11) having a handle (110) extending upwards from its first end and which can be held by the user; two pedal arms (12) arranged corresponding to the two pivot arms (11), wherein the second end of each pivot arm (11) is pivotally connected to the first end of the corresponding pedal arm (12) and the second end of the pedal arm (12) is connected to the corresponding pedal (17), and wherein a roller (120) is attached to the inside of each pedal arm (12); two pedals (17) arranged according to the two pedal arms (12), each pedal (17) being connected to the second end of the corresponding pedal arm (12); a resistance device (13) arranged on the support structure (102) and comprising a drive wheel (132) with a resistance shaft (130) to generate an operating resistance; two cranks (14) arranged on the left and right sides of the resistance device (13), the first end of each crank (14) being pivotally connected to the resistance axis (130); two push rods (15) which are arranged corresponding to the two cranks (14) and the two pivot arms (11), wherein the first end of the push rod (15) is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding crank (14) and the second end of each push rod (15) is pivotally connected to the corresponding pivot arm (11) via a second axis (22); two limit bars arranged according to the two pedal arms (12), the first end of each limit bar (16) being pivotally connected to the base (101) via a third axis (23), the roller (120) of each pedal arm (12) being slidably connected to the corresponding limit bar (16), and each pedal (17) having an arc-shaped path of movement; and a track adjustment device (18) whose first end is pivotally connected to the base (101) and whose second end is pivotally connected to the second ends of the two limiting rods (16), wherein the track adjustment device (18) allows its linear length to be adjusted, thereby changing the length of the arc-shaped movement path and the angle between the arc-shaped movement path and the base (101). [2] Stepper according to claim 1, characterized by, that the path adjustment device (18) has a motor (181), a spindle (182) and a sleeve (183), wherein the motor (181) can rotate the spindle (182), thereby allowing the sleeve (183) to move axially along the spindle (182). [3] Stepper according to claim 2, characterized by , that one end of the spindle (182) is pivotally connected to the base (101), one end of the sleeve (183) is pivotally connected to a crossbar (20), and the second ends of the two limiting rods (16) are connected to the crossbar (20). [4] Stepper according to claim 3, characterized by , that the second axis (22) is higher than the axis via which the sleeve (183) is articulated to the crossbar (20). [5] Stepper, comprehensive a frame (10) comprising a base (101) on the ground and a support structure (102) on the base (101), two pivot arms (11) arranged on the left and right sides of the support structure (102), the first end of each pivot arm (11) being articulated to the support structure (102) via the first axis (21), and each pivot arm (11) having a handle (110) extending upwards from its first end and which can be held by the user; two lower pivot arms (19) arranged corresponding to the two pivot arms (11), wherein the first end of each lower pivot arm (19) is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding pivot arm (11); two pedal arms (12) arranged corresponding to the two pivot arms (11), wherein the second end of each pivot arm (11) is pivotally connected to the first end of the corresponding pedal arm (12) and the second end of the pedal arm (12) is connected to the corresponding pedal (17), and wherein a roller (120) is attached to the inside of each pedal arm (12); two pedals (17) arranged according to the two pedal arms (12), each pedal (17) being connected to the second end of the corresponding pedal arm (12); a resistance device (13) arranged on the support structure (102) and comprising a drive wheel (132) with a resistance shaft (130) to generate an operating resistance; two cranks (14) arranged on the left and right sides of the resistance device (13), the first end of each crank (14) being pivotally connected to the resistance axis (130); two push rods (15) arranged corresponding to the two cranks (14), the two pivot arms (11) and the two lower pivot arms (19), wherein the first end of the push rod (15) is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding crank (14) and the second end of each push rod (15) is pivotally connected to the second end of the corresponding pivot arm (11), and wherein the first end of the corresponding lower pivot arm (19) is connected to a joint (25); two limit rods arranged corresponding to the two pedal arms (12), the first end (16) of each limit rod being pivotally connected to the base (101) via a third axis (23), the roller (120) of each pedal arm (12) being slidably connected to the corresponding limit rod (16), and each pedal (17) having an arcuate path of movement; and a path-adjusting device (18) the first end of which is pivotally connected to the base (101) and the second end of which is pivotally connected to the second ends of the two limit rods (16), the path-adjusting device (18) allowing its linear length to be adjusted, thereby changing the length of the arcuate path of movement and the angle between the arcuate path of movement and the base (101). [6] Stepper according to claim 5, characterized by, that the path adjustment device (18) has a motor (181), a spindle (182) and a sleeve (183), wherein the motor (181) can rotate the spindle (182), thereby allowing the sleeve (183) to move axially along the spindle (182), wherein one end of the spindle (182) is pivotally connected to the base (101), one end of the sleeve (183) is pivotally connected to a crossbar (20), and the second ends of the two limiting rods (16) are connected to the crossbar (20). [7] Stepper according to claim 5, characterized by , that each lower pivot arm (19) additionally has a pivot limiting mechanism (40) between the joint (25) and the lower pivot arm (19) to limit the angle by which the lower pivot arm (19) can be rotated or adjusted. [8] Stepper according to claim 7, characterized by , that the swivel limiting mechanism (40) has a buffer pad. [9] Stepper according to claim 7, characterized by, that the pivot limiting mechanism (40) has a hydraulic damper, the first end of which is pivotally connected to a first plate (31) which is connected to the joint (25), and the second end of which is pivotally connected to a second plate (32) which is connected to the lower pivot arm (19). [10] Stepper according to claim 7, characterized by , that the pivot limiting mechanism (40) has a spring, the first end of which is hooked onto a first plate (31) which is connected to the joint (25), and the second end of which is hooked onto a second plate (32) which is connected to the lower pivot arm (19).

Images