WO2008088142A1

WO2008088142A1 - Training apparatus using magnet

Info

Publication number: WO2008088142A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Honghwa Kim
Original assignee: Honghwa Kim
Priority date: 2007-01-17
Filing date: 2008-01-03
Publication date: 2008-07-24

Abstract

Provided is a training apparatus using a magnet including a chamber having a space isolated from the exterior, a treadmill main body disposed in the chamber and having a foothold in which a permanent magnet is installed, and magnetic shoes attached to the foothold by attraction between the permanent magnet and the magnetic shoes. Therefore, it is possible to apply the same exercise load conditions as that of a sportsman running with sandbags at his/her ankles using attraction between a permanent magnet and magnetic shoes, thereby maximizing exercise efficiency for a short time. In addition, it is possible to set specific conditions such as exercises in alpine regions, and so on. Further, it is possible to adjust concentrations of nitrogen and oxygen, and an air pressure, upon variation of the set state, to maintain the set state, thereby obtaining the same effect, without going to the alpine regions.

Description

TRAINING APPARATUS USING MAGNET

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a training apparatus using a magnet, and more particularly, to a training apparatus for a sportsman capable of adding a physical load using attraction between a magnet and magnetic shoes and providing an exercise environment depending on exercise conditions. Background Art

[2] Generally, among training apparatuses, a treadmill for running training includes a pair of rotary shafts spaced a predetermined distance from each other, and a running belt formed of an endless track rotated thereon such that a user can walk or run on the track. Therefore, a user can exercise regardless of places and weathers. In addition, treadmills having additional functions such as a fresh supply of oxygen to reduce a sense of fatigue are provided.

[3] An example of such training apparatuses is disclosed in Korean Patent Laidopen

Publication No. 2001-103451, published on November 23, 2001, which includes an oxygen supply device installed on a training apparatus capable of smoothly supplying fresh oxygen to an exerciser to reduce a sense of fatigue such that the old and weak can perform exercise treatments for extended periods of time to thereby enhance exercise effects.

[4] In addition, Korean Utility Model Laidopen Publication No. 1998-56285, published on October 15, 1998, discloses an improved treadmill including a running belt that can adjust an inclination angle to enable running exercises that imitate actual conditions such as uphill roads and downhill roads, and an oxygen and natural perfume supply cover detachable therefrom. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] However, the above conventional arts have problems that may cause overload on ankles of an exerciser during running, since exercise conditions are varied by adjustment of a running belt speed and a belt inclination angle, and can not increase an excercise load to the exerciser during running.

[6] In addition, there is no equipment for performing an oxygen level adjustment exercise providing the same condition of an exercise in an alpine region which has a low oxygen level, which is necessary in an exercise that consumes a large amount of oxygen such as a marathon, so a user would need to go directly to the alpine region and exercise thereat. Technical Solution

[7] In order to solve the foregoing and/or other problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a training apparatus including a foothold in which a permanent magnet is mounted, and magnetic shoes, to use attraction between the magnet and the magnetic shoes, thereby applying an exercise load of the same conditions as that of a sportsman running with sandbags at his/her ankles.

[8] It is another object of the present invention to provide a training apparatus capable of setting specific conditions such as exercises in alpine regions, and maintaining the set conditions by adjusting concentrations of nitrogen and oxygen, and a pressure, upon variation of the set states.

[9] A first aspect of the present invention provides a training apparatus for a running exercise including: a chamber having a space isolated from the exterior; a treadmill main body disposed in the chamber and having a foothold in which a permanent magnet is installed; and magnetic shoes attached to the foothold by attraction between the permanent magnet and the magnetic shoes.

[10] In addition, the chamber may include a pressure regulator for adjusting an air pressure in the chamber, and any one of a nitrogen generator for adjusting concentration of nitrogen in the chamber and an oxygen generator for adjusting concentration of oxygen in the chamber.

[11] Further, the chamber may include a condition input means that can set states in the chamber, and a control means for controlling the nitrogen generator, the oxygen generator, and the pressure regulator to maintain the set states when the states in the chamber set by the condition input means are varied.

[12] Furthermore, the foothold may have an air gap, and the permanent magnet and the magnetic shoes may form a magnetic field through the air gap.

[13] In addition, the foothold may form a line for positioning the permanent magnet, a predetermined number of magnets may be arranged along the line at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of holes may be formed in a center portion of the foothold to reduce the weight of the foothold.

[14] Further, a treadmill for a running exercise includes a foothold, to which an electromagnet is attached, and magnetic shoes that can be attracted to the electromagnet.

[15] Furthermore, a nitrogen generator for adjusting concentration of nitrogen and a pressure regulator for adjusting an air pressure may be installed in a chamber, and the treadmill may be installed in the chamber.

[16] In addition, a coil wound on the electromagnet may be further provided, and a direction of current flowing through the coil may be changed into one or the other direction to change a polarity of the electromagnet into an N polarity or an S polarity. [17] Further, an air gap may be formed in the foothold, and the electromagnet and the magnetic shoes may form a magnetic circuit through the air gap.

Advantageous Effects

[18] As can be seen from the foregoing, a training apparatus using a magnet in accordance with the present invention can apply the same exercise load conditions as that of a sportsman running with sandbags at his/her ankles using attraction between a permanent magnet and magnetic shoes, thereby maximizing exercise efficiency for a short time. [19] In addition, it is possible to set specific conditions such as exercises in alpine regions, and so on. Further, it is possible to adjust concentrations of nitrogen and oxygen, and a pressure, upon variation of the set state, to maintain the set state, thereby obtaining the same effect, without going to the alpine regions.

Brief Description of the Drawings [20] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [21] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a training apparatus using a permanent magnet in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [22] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a foothold applied to a main body of a treadmill in accordance with the present invention; [23] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the permanent magnet installed in the foothold in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [24] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a training process using a training apparatus using a magnet in accordance with the present invention; [25] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a training apparatus using an electromagnet in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [26] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an attachment structure of the electromagnet attached to a foothold of the training apparatus in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and [27] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling a current flowing through a coil of the electromagnet in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [28] *Description of Major Reference Numerals*

[29] 9: treadmill main body 10: belt

[30] 11: air gap 20: foothold

[31] 30: support frame 40: permanent magnet

[32] 41: electromagnet 42: coil [33] 50: wheel 60: magnetic shoes

[34] 70: magnetic member 80: monitor

[35] 90: nitrogen generator 91: oxygen generator

[36] 92: pressure regulator 100: chamber

[37] 101 : condition input part 110: program input part

[38] 120: command sending part 130: reference voltage setting part

[39] 140: comparator 150: error amplifier

[40] 160: pulse width modulator 170: drive stage

[41] 180: normal/reverse control circuit

[42] SWl: command switch SW2: normal/reverse switch

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[43] In order to specifically describe the present invention such that it may be made by those skilled in the art, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals designate like components throughout the specification, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[44] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a training apparatus using a permanent magnet in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[45] As shown in FIG. 1, the training apparatus includes a chamber 100 having a space isolated from the exterior, a treadmill main body 9 disposed in the chamber 100 and having a foothold 20 in which permanent magnets 40 are installed, and magnetic shoes 60 attached to the foothold 20 by attraction between the permanent magnet 40 and the magnetic shoes 60.

[46] The chamber 100 includes a door (not shown) through which the treadmill main body 9 is accommodated and through which an exerciser enters and exits. Wheels 50 are attached to lower surfaces of the chamber 100 and the treadmill main body 9 to facilitate movement thereof.

[47] The magnetic shoes 60 have soles formed by mixing rubber and magnetic powder, or rubber and iron powder, and then curing them with adhesive.

[48] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the foothold 20 of the treadmill main body 9 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 40 arranged along lines for positioning the permanent magnets 40 at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of holes 12 formed in a center part of the foothold to reduce the weight thereof such that different forces are applied to the center part and corner parts (for example, when 56 permanent magnets are arranged, 24 permanent magnets apply forces to the center part, and 32 permanent magnets apply forces to the corner parts).

[49] In addition, the foothold 20 has rectangular slits (hereinafter, referred to as "air gaps") as magnetic paths for generating attraction due to interaction between the permanent magnets 40 and the magnetic shoes 60, and a belt 10 is installed on the foothold 20 in a manner in which a running speed can be adjusted. At this time, the belt 10 is formed of a material that does not interfere with interaction between the permanent magnets 40 and the magnetic shoes 60 and does not weaken the magnitude of attraction due to the interaction.

[50] Further, support frames 30 are installed at a lower surface of the foothold 20 to fix the permanent magnets 40 thereunder. The support frames 30 are formed of a material that does not interfere with interaction between the permanent magnets 40 and the magnetic shoes 60. One surface of the support frame 30 is fixed to the foothold 20 and the permanent magnets 40 are fixed to the other surface of the support frame 30 such that center lines of the air gaps 11 are aligned to center lines of the permanent magnets 40 to maximally approach the air gap 11, thereby preventing a reduction in magnetic force.

[51] Furthermore, the chamber 100 includes a pressure regulator 92 for regulating an air pressure in the chamber 100, and any one of a nitrogen generator 90 for adjusting concentration of nitrogen in the chamber 100 and an oxygen generator 91 for adjusting concentration of oxygen in the chamber 100. The chamber 100 further includes a condition input part 101 for setting conditions in the chamber 100, a monitor 80 for displaying the conditions set by the condition input part 101, states in the chamber 100, and so on, and a control means (not shown) for controlling the pressure regulator 92 and the nitrogen generator 90 or the oxygen generator 91 upon variation of the states in the chamber 100 set by the condition input part 101 to maintain the set states.

[52] Hereinafter, operation of the present invention will be described in detail.

[53] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a training process using a training apparatus using a magnet in accordance with the present invention.

[54] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, when an exerciser runs on the treadmill wearing his/ her magnetic shoes 60, the magnetic shoes 60 are attached to the foothold 20 by attraction due to interaction between the permanent magnets 40 and the magnetic shoes 60, and then the magnetic shoes 60 are separated from the foothold 20 by the force of the exerciser overcoming the attraction, and the above processes are repeated.

[55] Therefore, it is possible to apply a load without overstrain to his/her ankles to thereby enhance an ankle exercise effect, and obtain an effect of adding the same exercise load as that of an exerciser running with sandbags at his/her ankles.

[56] In addition, the treadmill main body 9 disposed in the chamber 100 includes the monitor 80 for displaying information such as states in the chamber 100. When an exerciser inputs conditions such as an air pressure, and so on, through the condition input part 101, the conditions are displayed on the monitor 80, and simultaneously, the control means controls the nitrogen generator 90 or the oxygen generator 91 and the pressure regulator 92 to adjust the states in the chamber 100 depending on the input conditions.

[57] For example, when an exerciser sets an alpine region condition having low air pressure and low concentration of oxygen, the control means controls the oxygen generator 91 and the pressure regulator 92 to lower the amount of oxygen and the pressure in the chamber 100.

[58] In addition, the control means controls the nitrogen generator 90 or the oxygen generator 91 depending on quantity of motion of the exerciser to reduce a fatigue due to the exercise.

[59] That is, since the air consists of about 20% oxygen and 80% nitrogen, the control means adjusts the nitrogen generator 90 to reduce supply of nitrogen or adjusts the oxygen generator 91 to increase supply of oxygen, thereby additionally supplying fresh oxygen to reduce the fatigue.

[60] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a training apparatus using an electromagnet in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[61] As shown in FIG. 5, in the training apparatus in accordance with the present invention, electromagnets 41 are attached under a foothold 20 of a treadmill 9, and the treadmill 9 is located in the chamber 100 which is spatially isolated.

[62] Wheels are attached to lower surfaces of the chamber 100 and the treadmill 9 to facilitate movement thereof.

[63] In addition, magnetic shoes 60 have soles formed of a magnetic material 70 formed by mixing rubber and magnetic powder, or rubber and iron powder, and then curing them with adhesive.

[64] The foothold 20 has rectangular slits (hereinafter, referred to as "air gaps") as magnetic paths for generating a magnetic force due to interaction between the electromagnets 41 and the magnetic shoes 60, and a belt 10 is installed on the foothold 20 in a manner in which a running speed can be adjusted.

[65] The magnetic material 70 of the magnetic shoes 60 and the electromagnets 41 disposed thereunder generates magnetic attraction through the air gaps 11 to generate an N polarity or S polarity on a core (not shown) depending on a direction of current flowing through the coil 42. A field, in which a magnetic force is formed, is referred to as a magnetic field.

[66] As a result, the electromagnets 41 of the foothold 20 have the N polarity or S polarity to attract the magnetic shoes 60.

[67] Here, a condition input part 101 for adjusting an amount of current of the coil 42 of the electromagnets 41 is installed in the monitor 80 for displaying an exercise state.

[68] A normal/reverse circuit 180 is controlled such that the current direction of the elec- tromagnets 41 acts to always attract the magnetic shoes 60.

[69] Here, the normal/reverse control of the electromagnets 41 is configured such that a reduction in attraction due to magnetization of the magnetic shoes 60 caused by the electromagnets 41 can be prevented and magnetized foreign substances can be readily removed.

[70] In addition, a belt 10 is formed of a material that does not interfere with penetration of magnetic field lines not to weaken an interacting force. When an exerciser runs on the treadmill, the magnetic shoes 60 go down to the foothold 20 by the magnetic force, and then go up from the foothold 20 by overcoming the gravity using the exerciser's power.

[71] Therefore, when the magnetic shoes 60 go up, the electromagnets 41 attract the magnetic shoes 60 to apply a load to the exerciser's ankles. That is, it is possible to perform an ankle exercise, which was impossible with the conventional treadmill.

[72] In addition, briefly describing the chamber 100 including the nitrogen generator 90 using the conventional art, the air consists of about 20% oxygen and about 80% nitrogen. The nitrogen generator 90 can reduce oxygen content by increasing the amount of nitrogen, and increase the oxygen content by reducing the amount of nitrogen.

[73] The chamber 100 defines a hermetically sealed space to accommodate the treadmill

9, and includes a sliding door for receiving the treadmill 9. The chamber 100 includes the nitrogen generator 90 disposed therein to control supply of concentrated nitrogen depending on quantity of motion.

[74] In addition, the chamber 100 includes the pressure regulator 92. Briefly describing the pressure regulator 92 known in the conventional art, the pressure regulator 92 includes an air compressor for compressing air, a regulator for adjusting an air pressure, and a supply pipe for supplying air.

[75] The pressure regulator 92 can adjust the air pressure in the chamber 100 to a high pressure or a low pressure. When the chamber 100 is in the low pressure, an exerciser can train in the same atmospheric pressure condition as the alpine region. The atmospheric pressure becomes lower as elevation increases.

[76] Therefore, the chamber 100 shown in FIG. 5 implements a low pressure and low oxygen chamber for simulating the same condition as that of a runner running with sandbags at his/her ankles in an alpine region having low atmospheric pressure and low oxygen.

[77] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, similar to the first exemplary embodiment, the foothold 20 has rectangular slots to form air gaps 11 for communicating upper and lower spaces thereof such that magnetic field lines pass through the air gaps 11 and the belt 10 is rotated over the air gaps 11. [78] FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an attachment structure of the electromagnet attached to a foothold of the training apparatus in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, reviewing the lowermost part of a side view of the attachment structure of the electromagnet attached to the foothold 20 of the treadmill 9, a coil 42 is wound on a core as a material through which a magnetic field readily passes, in a horizontal axis direction perpendicular to the core to flow a current. When the current flows through the coil 42, the core becomes a magnet only while the current flows. Hereinafter, for the convenience of description, the core wound with coil 42 will be referred to as an electromagnet 41.

[79] A support frame 30 is used to fix the electromagnets 41 under the foothold 20. The support frame 30 is formed of an insulating material that does not interfere with flow of magnetic field lines. One surface of the support frame 30 is fixed to the foothold 20 and the electromagnets 41 are fixed to the other surface of the support frame 30 such that center lines of the air gaps 11 are aligned to center lines of the electromagnets 41 to maximally approach the air gap 11, thereby preventing a reduction in magnetic force.

[80] A belt 10 for running is rotated over the foothold 20.

[81] Hereinafter, operation of the second exemplary embodiment in accordance with the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[82] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling a current flowing through a coil of the electromagnet in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[83] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, a command switch SWl disposed at the monitor 80 selects any one of a program output part 110 for controlling a current of the electromagnet which is previously input and a command sending part 120 for setting a command voltage using a manual volume.

[84] A signal selected by the command switch SWl is input into a (+) terminal of a comparator 140. The comparator 140 receives a reference voltage preset by a reference voltage setting part 130 through a (-) terminal to compare the signal input into the (+) terminal with the reference voltage, thereby outputting a difference signal to an error amplifier 150.

[85] The output signal is amplified through the error amplifier 150 and then output to be input into a pulse width modulator (PWM) 160.

[86] The output signal from the pulse width modulator 160 is input into a drive stage

170 to turn ON or OFF a transistor of the drive stage 170 such that a current flows through the coil 42 to form the electromagnets 41.

[87] In addition, technology of changing a current direction of the drive stage 170 using a signal from a normal/reverse control circuit 180 is well known in the conventional art. Briefly describing the technology, a 0 or 1 signal from a normal/reverse switch SW2 determines any one of two outputs of the normal/reverse control circuit 180, and any one output turns ON any one of two transistors of the drive stage 170. The two transistors of the drive stage 180 have a push/pull structure, in which when one is turned ON, the other is turned OFF to change the current direction.

[88] That is, when the current direction of the coil 42 needs to be changed, the normal/ reverse switch SW2 is turned ON to generate a signal from the normal/reverse control circuit 180, thereby turning ON/OFF the transistors of the drive stage 180 to change the current direction of the coil 42.

[89] In addition, when a voltage of the command sending part 120 is increased, a current flowing through the coil 42 is proportionally increased to enhance the magnitude of a magnetic force. The magnitude of the electromagnetic force of the electromagnets 41 can be manually controlled through the monitor 80 using the program output part 110 or the command sending part 120.

[90] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that the present invention should not be limited to these exemplary embodiments but various changes and modifications can be made by one ordinary skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

[1] A training apparatus for a running exercise comprising: a chamber having a space isolated from the exterior; a treadmill main body disposed in the chamber and having a foothold in which a permanent magnet is installed; and magnetic shoes attached to the foothold by attraction between the permanent magnet and the magnetic shoes.

[2] The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chamber comprises: a pressure regulator for adjusting an air pressure in the chamber; and any one of a nitrogen generator for adjusting concentration of nitrogen in the chamber and an oxygen generator for adjusting concentration of oxygen in the chamber.

[3] The training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the chamber comprises: a condition input means that can set states in the chamber; and a control means for controlling the nitrogen generator, the oxygen generator, and the pressure regulator to maintain the set states when the states in the chamber set by the condition input means are varied.

[4] The training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the foothold has an air gap, and the permanent magnet and the magnetic shoes form a magnetic field through the air gap.

[5] The training apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the foothold forms a line for positioning the permanent magnet, a predetermined number of magnets are arranged along the line at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of holes are formed in a center portion of the foothold to reduce the weight of the foothold.

[6] A training apparatus for a running exercise comprising: a foothold, to which an electromagnet is attached; and magnetic shoes that can be attracted to the electromagnet.

[7] The training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a nitrogen generator for adjusting concentration of nitrogen and a pressure regulator for adjusting an air pressure are installed in a chamber, and a treadmill is installed in the chamber.

[8] The training apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a coil wound on the electromagnet, wherein a direction of current flowing through the coil is changed into one or the other direction to change a polarity of the electromagnet into an N polarity or an S polarity.

[9] The training apparatus according to claim 6, wherein an air gap is formed in the foothold, and the electromagnet and the magnetic shoes form a magnetic circuit through the air gap.