Exercise pedal arrangement

Description

Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of exercise pedals. It is known that exercise is important for preventing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and of course, for improving quality of life. Several medical studies strongly recommend that older adults engage in approximately 3 hours of physical activity per week, or about 30 minutes per day.

[0002] Pedal exercisers are specifically designed to support the health of sedentary individuals, often sitting all day at a desk, or in an armchair for older people. The leg movements are natural and do not force awkward postures. Physical exercise promotes circulation and strengthens bones, increases leg flexibility and arm strength, helps control weight and cholesterol levels, and reduces high blood pressure.

[0003] They are also suitable for rehabilitation after an injury and very effective in treating arthritic pain. People who have undergone knee surgery or other injuries find a suitable solution thanks to their low impact during physical exercise and the ability to adjust the resistance.

[0004] More particularly, the present invention relates to a small exercise device located under a piece of furniture under the control of software running on a general-purpose computer which provides a computerized incentive to continue exercising.

[0005] Many types of exercise pedals are known in the prior art. Two types of mechanisms are distinguished: those with elliptical motion, and those with circular motion.

[0006] Elliptical motion solutions transform the circular motion of the cranks into an elliptical motion, reducing the "dead" travel during the upstroke and increasing the crank length during the "working" stroke, thus reducing effort. This elliptical motion is imposed on the pedal by the crank arm folding back on itself, thereby avoiding unnecessary movement.

[0007] Circular motion solutions involve driving a flywheel with a pedal system that provides a circular motion, similar to a bicycle. The invention falls under this second type of exercise pedal system, and more specifically, circular motion exercise pedal systems that can be used under a table or desk, thus limiting the range of vertical leg movements. State of the art

[0008] For example, prior art patent application WO2009113049 describes an exercise device that allows a user to switch between an elliptical and a circular path of the pedals. The device comprises two main wheels, each connected to a different pedal; and two connecting rods, the distal end of each connecting rod being connected to a main wheel and the proximal end of each connecting rod being connected to the body of the exercise device. These connecting rods allow the two main wheels to be moved about a horizontal axis. The invention also relates to a mechanism within an exercise device that allows both elliptical and circular movement of a pedal within the exercise device. The mechanism comprises: a main wheel connected to a pedal; and a connecting rod connected to the exercise device and to the main wheel.The trajectory of the pedal movement is elliptical or circular depending on the element connected to the connecting rod.

[0009] US patent US5490824 describes another example of a limb exercise device comprising an outer wheel housing and an internal wheel assembly within the outer wheel housing. It includes friction elements arranged between the contact surfaces of the outer wheel housing and the inner wheel, as well as actuating elements arranged oppositely on two sides of the inner wheel. The inner wheel can be rotated relative to the outer wheel housing by pushing or pedaling—to produce friction or resistance—and thus helps the user conveniently perform hand or foot exercises on a desk, floor, or other surface.

[0010] Another known solution is described in Korean patent KR20130094619 describing a multifunctional upper limb exercise device, and a rehabilitation and muscle strengthening exercise for various upper limbs such as the wrist and shoulder from a single device, and to adjust the intensity of the exercise and the angle of rotation.

[0011] US patents US3100640 and US5860941 and Chinese patent CN110051974 describe other solutions illustrating the technological background. Disadvantages of prior art

[0012] Prior art solutions are not entirely satisfactory. To allow use in confined spaces (under a desk or table), elliptical movements are generally preferred, but these are not suitable for prolonged and regular exercise. In particular, patent WO2009113049 describes a solution in the form of an exercise bike, with a connecting rod designed for elliptical operation, resulting in a large range of motion, poorly suited to exercise in confined spaces and, in any case, impossible to use under a desk or table.

[0013] The cyclic motion solutions proposed in the prior art require a steep leg angle to reduce vertical travel, which generates a horizontal thrust component that tends to move the seat away from the pedals. Attaching the exercise pedals to the seat has been proposed to address this problem. Solution provided by the invention

[0014] The present invention overcomes these difficulties by creating an exercise device that can operate under a desk, table, or other piece of furniture, providing an effective and non-fatiguing workout. The present invention allows a user to focus on daily tasks during exercise periods.

[0015] For this purpose, the invention relates, in its most general sense, to an exercise device having the combination of characteristics stated in claim 1.

[0016] The exercise apparatus comprises a pedal assembly coupled to a braking device characterized in that it consists of a housing without a saddle or any other seat, traversed by a main transverse axis, arranged at a height between 120 and 170 millimeters from the support plane on the ground, said axis being coupled on either side of said housing to a disc flange carrying an eccentric transverse axis, said eccentric axes being oriented diametrically opposite to said main transverse axis, each of said eccentric axes being articulated with respect to a connecting piece with a pedal formed by a plate articulated with respect to said connecting piece by a pivot parallel to the longitudinal axis of said plate to allow the movement of said plate between an active horizontal position and a storage position where it is folded against the vertical face of said housing,said main shaft driving an inertial rotor housed in said casing.

[0017] Preferably, the distance between the main axis and a secondary axis is between 30 and 40 mm, preferably between 34 and 36 mm.

[0018] Advantageously, the said case comprises bases equipped with feet; the said bases extending transversely in relation to the said case.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, said feet are articulated relative to said case to allow a transverse working position and a storage position where they are aligned with the underside of the case.

[0020] Advantageously, the device includes an inertia disc that interacts magnetically with a permanent magnet whose distance from the periphery of said inertia disc is adjustable.

[0021] According to one variant, the said pedals are formed by a hollow shell stiffened by transverse stiffeners and longitudinal stiffeners.

[0022] According to a preferred variant, the pedals comprise two uprights provided with a passage for the longitudinal pivot ensuring articulation with respect to the connecting piece. According to a particular embodiment, the inertia disc (320) is a cast iron disc, mounted on a cast or injection-molded plastic pulley. Detailed description of a non-limiting example of implementation

[0023] The present invention will be better understood upon reading the description of a non-limiting example that follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings where: There figure 1 represents a perspective view of the device according to the invention. figure 2 represents a view from below of the device according to the invention. The figure 3 represents a top view of the device according to the invention without its casing. figure 4represents a three-quarter front view of the device according to the invention without its housing. figure 5 represents a view of the internal mechanism of the device according to the invention without its casing. figure 6 represents an internal view of the turntable according to the invention without its housing. figure 7 represents a view of the internal mechanism of the device according to the invention, a variant embodiment. Overall description

[0024] The exercise device according to the example described in the invention consists of a parallelepiped-shaped plastic casing (100), for example, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or glass fiber-reinforced polyamide, having on its lower surface two feet (110, 120) pivoting about vertical axes (113, 123). This casing forms the housing of a metal frame that supports the drive mechanism of a flywheel (320). It does not include a saddle or seat and is intended for use by a person seated on a chair or standard armchair, which is not part of the equipment, unlike stationary bicycles that include a saddle and are therefore not usable under a desk or table and are difficult to transport.

[0025] These supports (110, 120) are made of rigid plastic crossbars, for example ABS, and have feet (111, 112 and 121, 122) at their ends. These feet (111, 112 and 121, 122) may be covered with a non-slip surface. For transport, the supports (110, 120) can be removed to reduce their size thanks to a mechanical connection using pins that engage in receiving cavities provided in the inner bottom of the housing (100) and, where applicable, the metal chassis. Furthermore, the upper part of the housing (100) has a handle (101) to facilitate transport.

[0026] The device also includes two plates (200, 250) forming pedals. These plates (200, 250) are substantially rectangular in shape, with rounded corners, and have a flat support surface partially surrounded by a rim (201, 251) forming a footrest.

[0027] These plates (200, 250) are articulated relative to a connecting piece (210, 260) by a longitudinal pivot, allowing each pedal (200, 250) to tilt between an active position, where it is in a transverse plane, and a storage position where it is folded against the side wall of the case (100).

[0028] Each connecting piece (210, 260) is itself mounted on a transverse axis (212, 262) eccentric with respect to a disc flange (301) coupled to a main transverse axis (300) passing through the housing (100).

[0029] The distance between the main axis (300) and the ground support plane, defined by the lower surfaces of the four feet (111, 112, 121, 122) is between 120 and 170 millimeters and preferably 150 mm ± 10 mm.

[0030] The distance between the main axis (300) and the eccentric axes is 40 mm ± 10 mm.

[0031] These dimensions - smaller than those seen on state-of-the-art exercise pedal units - allow for a smooth and natural movement, with a small vertical travel, enabling use under a table or desk, and with a small horizontal component amplitude, reducing the repulsion effort of the user's seat.

[0032] The main shaft (300) drives an inertia wheel (320) whose braking is ensured by induction by two yokes (321, 322) extending a permanent magnet (323) whose position is controlled by a knob (324) driving a threaded rod (325) to modify the level of engagement of the yoke (321, 322) on the periphery of the wheel (320).

[0033] The flywheel (320) is driven by the main shaft (300) via a multiplication stage comprising an intermediate wheel (305) and a belt (306). The intermediate wheel (306) in turn drives a wheel (308) coaxial with the shaft (300) and the flywheel (320), via a belt (307). The ratio is approximately 13, typically between 10 and 20.

[0034] The inertia disc (320) is a cast iron disc mounted on a cast or injection-molded plastic pulley. It is coupled to an aluminum disc whose function is to provide braking by eddy currents through magnetic interaction with the permanent magnet (323). The inertia wheel (320) is made of injection-molded plastic, with an added cast iron disc.

[0035] A dynamo (330) is driven by the wheel (320) and provides electricity when the wheel (320) rotates.

[0036] The mechanism is supported by a metal frame surrounded by the case (100).

[0037] Optionally, the dial (324) is motorized and remotely controlled, for example by a smartphone or tablet, or by the control buttons (102, 103). Detailed description of the turntable (200,250)

[0038] The pedal (200, 250) is formed by a hollow shell (245) stiffened by transverse stiffeners (241) and longitudinal stiffeners (242). It has two uprights (244, 246) with a passage for the longitudinal pivot (247) that provides articulation with the connecting piece (210). These passages have notches that index the pedal's position between the active position for exercise and the folded position for storage. Locking is achieved by a lug in the deployed position, with the pedal retracting outwards and then returning and locking against the arm by another lug. An eccentric axle (212) is guided by a transverse bearing of the connecting piece (210). It is fixed to a disc flange (301) that drives the main axle (100). Chair wheel chock

[0039] To prevent the user's efforts from causing the chair to move back and forth when equipped with casters, the invention provides a transparent polycarbonate sheet with an array of NxM rectangular cutouts, for example with rounded corners, ranging from 2 to 10 centimeters in width and from 5 to 20 centimeters in length, with a chamfered peripheral edge to form a beveled border. The cutouts are spaced a few centimeters apart.

[0040] The chair's casters, often paired, fit into slots to prevent the wheels from moving back and forth. They can engage in the slots either lengthwise or widthwise, allowing the chair to be stabilized regardless of the casters' orientation. The plate is a few millimeters thick and has a means of connection to the housing (100), for example, two slots designed to cooperate with additional protrusions provided under the housing (100), for example, under the surface of the feet (111, 112, 121, 122). securing straps

[0041] To improve the connection between the shoe and the pedal, the two plates (200, 250) forming pedals can be fitted with straps made up of segments that can be connected by Velcro (trade name) or any other method of connection, and which go around the top of the shoe to maintain the connection between the sole and the plate. Alternative with intermediate pulley

[0042] There figure 7 This represents an alternative embodiment. The input pulley (308) drives an intermediate pulley (305), which in turn drives an aluminum brake wheel (320) that can be associated with an inertia mass. The drive is connected to the main shaft (300) via a multiplication stage comprising an intermediate wheel (305) and a belt (306). The intermediate wheel (305) in turn drives a wheel (308) coaxial with the shaft (300) and the inertia wheel (320), via a belt (307). The ratio is approximately 13, typically between 10 and 20.

[0043] A dynamo (330) is driven by the wheel (320) and provides electricity when the wheel (320) rotates.

Claims

1. Exercise apparatus comprising a pedal assembly coupled to a braking device, characterized in that it consists of a housing (100) without a saddle or any other seat, said housing (100) being traversed by a transverse main axis (300) positioned at a height between 120 and 170 millimeters from the ground plane, said main axis (300) being coupled on either side of said housing (100) to a disc flange (301) carrying an offset transverse axis (212, 262), said offset axes (212, 262) being diametrically opposed to said main transverse axis (300), each of said offset axes (212, 262) being articulated relative to a connecting part (210, 260) with a pedal formed by a plate (200, 250) articulated relative to said connecting part (210, 260) by a pivot (247) parallel to the longitudinal axis of said plate (200, 250) to allow movement of said plate between a horizontal active position and a storage position where it is folded against the vertical face of said housing, said main axis (300) driving an inertia rotor (320) housed in said housing (100).

2. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the main axis (300) and said offset axes (212, 262) is between 30 and 40 mm, preferably between 34 and 36 mm.

3. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said housing (100) comprises legs (110, 120) provided with feet (111, 112; 121, 122), said legs (110, 120) extending transversely relative to said housing (100).

4. Exercise apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said legs (110, 120) are detachable from said housing (100) to reduce bulk during transport and storage.

5. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said inertia rotor (320) magnetically interacts with a permanent magnet, the distance of which relative to the periphery of said inertia disc (320) is adjustable.

6. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said pedals (200, 250) are formed by a hollow shell (245) stiffened by transverse reinforcements (241) and longitudinal reinforcements (242).

7. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said pedals (200, 250) comprise two uprights (244, 246) provided with a passage for the longitudinal pivot (247) ensuring articulation relative to the connecting part (210).

8. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said inertia rotor (320) is a cast iron disc, mounted on a casting or injection molded pulley.

9. Exercise apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a connecting plate with a fastening means to said housing (100) and a matrix of NxM elongated cutouts with a beveled peripheral edge.