ES2684542B2 - Exercising device of the lower extremities of the human body - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

Exercising device of the lower extremities of the human body.

Object of the invention

The present invention, as expressed in the wording of the present specification, refers to an exerciser apparatus of the lower extremities of the human body, in order to reactivate and improve blood flow, improving the cardiovascular system and, in general, the health of the user.

The device is of special application for those persons of legal age and sick people who have affected the motor capacity of their lower extremities, as well as for people who must stay bedridden, to be able to adapt the device to an armchair or hospital bed.

Technical problem to solve and background of the invention

As is known, physical exercise is essential to maintain a good state of health, so that although certain work activities bring with them the necessary practice of physical exercise, however, more and more people must remain seated in their place. of work, during practically all of the working day, carrying out an exclusively intellectual work, with practically no physical exercise, especially at the level of the lower extremities.

This lack of physical activity negatively affects the health of the person over time, producing situations of discomfort, fatigue, back pain, neck, legs, etc.

These situations can be solved by carrying out a physical exercise outside the working day, so that certain people dedicate every day, as it is advisable, a time to walk, run, practice certain sports that require daily training or attend gyms , while other groups of people perform physical exercise, basically, the holidays because they have more free time and, finally, there are many people who, due to lack of time or desire, do not carry out any physical exercise.

On the other hand, we can indicate that, being the practice of the simple exercise of walking one of the most recommendable, a great minority are those who practice it. Alternatively, many people regularly attend a gym to perform high intensity exercises by using various specific devices focused on strengthening the body and the upper and lower extremities.

In any case, during the working day the lack of specific means that allow its use, no longer to improve, but to maintain physical condition, are focused on passive means, such as static footrests in which the support of the feet to adopt a comfortable position while correct. An existing element in the market, although very unusual, consists of dynamic footrests, which allow the support of the feet and transmit a movement to them.

Thus, we can cite patent document ES2178590, from the same owner as the present invention, which describes a footrest for exercising the legs while the user is in a sitting position and which is essentially based on a pair of support supports for the feet to which a back and forth movement is transmitted. This invention, however, due to its configuration and structure, although very useful, produces certain noises and vibrations that are very annoying for the user and his environment. Moreover, when the user is in the workplace, which makes their use quite inappropriate.

Description of the invention

In order to achieve the objectives and avoid the drawbacks mentioned above, the present invention describes an exercise apparatus of the lower extremities of the human body in which, from a motor group, reciprocating movement is transmitted to a pair of support supports of the feet of a user. The apparatus comprises a closed housing with grease that houses the motor unit, seated on a rubber seat plate fixed to the base of the apparatus, whose drive shaft is defined by an endless shaft that engages in a gear wheel. In turn, the toothed wheel is attached, eccentrically, to one end of a first connecting rod which, at the other end joins, with rotating capacity, to one end of a second connecting rod. This, in turn, at the other end, joins solidariamente to one end of a third rod that, at the other end, is attached to one end of a fourth rod that, at the other end is attached to one of the arms of a couple that, with the ability to turn with respect to a central axis, are fixed by fixing axes, located at the ends, to individual supporting supports of the user's feet.

Each of the arms has a first bushing that houses the central axis with the interposition of a pair of radial first bearings and that sits on a first axial bearing that is, in turn, seated on a first radial projection located in proximity to one end of the central axis. This end of the central axis is extended with a threaded section that crosses a seat and is fixed by means of a nut, the seat being fixed to the base of the apparatus.

In the same way, each end of each arm has a second bushing which houses a fixing axis with the interposition of a second radial bearing and which sits on a second axial bearing which is seated on the upper base of a second radial projection of the second radial bearing. fixing axis. This second radial projection, by its lower base, sits on the arm itself, while the fixing axis is extended, crossing the arm, in a threaded section that is fixed by a nut.

The second bushings of the pair of arms and the first bushings of the couple of supports have an internal recessed on which seat respective restraint washers along with elastic rings, fixing the axes of fixation and the central axes.

The support supports of the feet of the user have a perimetric projection on which an accessory element configured with a general plant similar to that of the support and provided peripherally with an "L" projection defining a female socket of the socket can be coupled. perimetral protrusion of the supports, in its external base and in proximity to one of the smaller laterals, it is equipped with a curved projection to support the user's feet, on both major laterals it has a pair of orthogonal grooved protrusions facing two to two for the incorporation of a through velcro® tape for attaching the user's feet.

The apparatus, in its external support base, can present a first pair of fixed lugs and a second pair of adjustable lugs, so that, if the user wears shoes with heels, it is in a more comfortable position.

Brief description of the figures

To complete the description of the invention and in order to help a better understanding of its characteristics, according to a preferred embodiment of the same, accompanies a set of drawings where, with illustrative and non-limiting character, the following figures have been represented:

- Figure 1 represents a plan view of the exercising apparatus of the invention in which the upper lid has been removed to visualize the elements that compose it. - Figure 2 represents a view of the motor group and the different connecting rods responsible for transmitting the movement to the support supports of the user's feet.

- Figure 3 represents a side view of the exercising apparatus where the side cover has been removed to be able to visualize the elements that compose it.

- Figure 4 represents an enlarged view of the mechanism marked in figure 3.

- Figure 5 represents a plan view of an accessory element to be located on each of the support supports to be placed on the feet of a user.

- Figure 6 represents a side view of the exerciser apparatus adapted to an armchair. - Figure 7 represents an extension of the exerciser apparatus adapted to the chair represented in figure 6.

- Figure 8 represents a side view of the exercising apparatus with a tilting mechanism.

Below is a list of the references used in the figures:

1. Motor group.

2. Seat plate.

3. Endless.

4. Cogwheel.

5. First connecting rod.

6. Second connecting rod.

7. Third connecting rod.

8. Fourth connecting rod.

9. Arms.

10. Supports.

11. Fixing axes.

12. Central axes.

13. First bushing.

14. First radial bearing.

15. First axial bearing.

16. First radial projection.

17. First elastic ring.

18. First retaining washer.

19. Seat

20. Device base.

21. Second Bushings.

22. Second radial bearing.

23. Second axial bearing.

24. Second radial projection.

25. Second elastic ring.

26. Second retention washer.

27. Highlight.

28. Accessory element.

29. Outgoing.

30. Highlight curved.

31. First wing.

32. Second wing.

33. Faldón.

34. Fixed tacos.

35. Adjustable tacos.

Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

Considering the numbering adopted in the figures and, as shown in Figure 1, the exercising apparatus of the invention comprises a closed cabin that houses a motor group (1) whose base sits on a seat plate (2), preferably made in rubber, in order to absorb the vibrations and noises that it produces in the movement, elements that are so annoying both for the user of the device as for the people of the environment. The rubber seat plate (2) is fixed by screws to the base of the motor unit (1) and to the base of the device (20).

In this way, as shown in FIG. 1 and, more clearly in FIG. 2, the closed housing houses the motor drive shaft, defined by an auger (3), which meshes in a gear wheel (4). From an eccentric point of the gear (4) four connecting rods (5, 6, 7, 8) are joined consecutively at their ends, as shown in Figure 2. The first connecting rod (5) is articulated to the wheel (4). ) and the second connecting rod (6). The second rod (6) is solidly connected to the third rod (7) and both have the possibility of rotating around a fixed pin that joins it. In this way, the rotational movement of the wheel (4) becomes an angular reciprocating movement in the third connecting rod (7). The fourth rod (8) is articulated to the third rod (7) by one of its ends.

The closed compartment incorporates a grease in which are immersed the endless drive shaft (3), the gear wheel (4) engaged to it, the first connecting rod (5), the second connecting rod (6) and the shaft that joins it to the third connecting rod (7), which allows to reduce the possible noise that can be produced, a better functioning of the motor group (1) and to avoid the accumulation of dirt.

As shown in Figure 3, the apparatus also comprises two support supports (10) parallel to the feet of the user that are joined by each of the ends of a pair of arms (9) parallel by separate axes of attachment ( 11) with rotation capacity. The arms (9) are fixed by respective central axes (12) to the housing of the apparatus, so that they have rotation capacity.

As can be seen in Figure 1, the movement of the supports (10) is carried out by joining the fourth rod (8), by its free end, to one of the arms (9) by an area close to one of its ends.

In this way, when the motor is activated, the rotation of the worm drive shaft (3) causes the rotation of the gear wheel (4) and, with it, the movement of the connecting rods (5, 6) that cause the reciprocating rotation, according to the angle XX shown, of the third connecting rod (7). The angular reciprocating movement of the third rod (7) becomes an alternative movement of the fourth rod (8) that, through the arms (9) becomes an alternative movement of the supports (10) that makes , due to the fixing of the central axes (12), while one of the supports (10) moves in one direction, the other support moves in the opposite direction.

The fixing of the ends of the arms (9) in the supports (10) produces a friction when moving that is normally accompanied by noise. One of the objects of the present invention is to avoid these noises.

For this, as shown in Figure 3 and, more clearly, in the extension of Figure 4, the arms (9) incorporate a first bushing (13) that houses a pair of radial first bearings (14) that adjust in the central axis (12), through the first bushing (13). At the same time, the first bushing (13) sits on a first axial bearing (15) which is disposed on a first radial projection (16) incorporating the central axis (12). This, in turn, rests on a seat (17) which is fixed to the internal base (20) of the apparatus by means of screws.

The end of the central axis (12) which is close to the radial projection (16) is threaded and passes through the seat (19) to be fixed by a nut that is housed in a recess in the seat (19) for this purpose.

The central axis (12) is fixed to the arm (9), at its opposite end, by having a first elastic ring (17) and a first retaining washer (18).

On the other hand, the union of the arms (9) to the support supports (10) is materialized by means of a few second bushings (21). Each of the second bushings (21) houses a second radial bearing (22) in which it adjusts a fixing axis (11) and sits on a second axial bearing (23) which is disposed on a second radial projection (24) that incorporates the fixing axis (11) in order to support the weight of the legs of the user and reducing the consumption of the engine, as well as reducing the noise.

According to Figure 4, it can be seen how the said fixing axes (11) are coupled to the ends of the pair of arms (9) and are anchored by respective nuts, while at the other end, the said axes of fixing (11) incorporate second elastic rings (25) through a second retaining washers (26) are fixed to the support (10) support the feet of the user. In this figure it is observed how the retaining washers (26) seat in a small recess that the second bushings (21) present, like the first bushing (13).

As seen in figure 3, the support supports (10) of the user's feet have a small projection (27) on their upper base and perimeter, so that when the appliance is to be adapted to a reclining chair, as shown in Figure 6, or to a hospital bed, an accessory element (28) based on a platform with dimensions similar to the supports (10) and equipped with a perimeter (29) shaped "L" will be placed. defining a female recess that will receive the projection (27), as shown in Figure 7, being fixed with the possibility of disassembly.

Also, as shown in Figure 5, said accessory element (28) has on its external face and in proximity to one of its smaller sides a curved projection (30) in which the user, being in the lying position, You can place the heel to support the foot and, with a tape with Velcro® or similar, hold the foot of the user, which represents an important advantage. For this purpose, the accessory element (28) has on both lateral sides greater than, at least, a grooved projection, in an orthogonal position, which, in a preferred embodiment, are present in a number of two facing each other, for which they will be respective passages. Velcro® in order to tie the feet of the user.

The adaptation of the exercising apparatus to a reclining chair is carried out by means of a square structure, so that by a first wing (31) it is fixed to the skirt (33) of the reclining chair and by a second wing (32) it is fixed. it mounts the exercising apparatus, as shown in figures 6 and 7, being able to observe how the squaring structure has a mechanism that allows the swinging of both wings (31, 32) together to adapt it to the needs of the user.

Figure 7 shows in detail the exercising apparatus with the structure in adaptation bracket to be mounted in a reclining chair or a hospital bed, the motorized tilting mechanism having been represented between the wings (31, 32) of conventional type. Likewise, we can observe how the accessory apparatus (28) has been incorporated into the supports (10).

On the other hand, the support base of the exercising apparatus has a pair of fixed plugs (34), arranged on the side closest to the user in use and a pair of adjustable plugs (35) which, for example, can be threaded screws, located on the opposite side farthest from the user so that if the user wears a shoe with heels can adjust the inclination of the device making it more comfortable to use. This can be seen represented in figure 8, where the curved projection has been eliminated for clarity. The two adjustable plugs (35) can be based on threaded screws. The fixed lugs (34) and the adjustable lugs (35) are preferably non-slip.

With emphasis on figure 6, it can be seen how the recliner chair has a tilting backrest and skirt. The backrest also incorporates, at least on one of the sides, but preferably on both sides, an upper extremity exerciser, protected by document ES2499815 of the same owner as the present invention, while to the skirt (33) the exercising apparatus of the lower extremities object of the invention has been adapted.

Finally, it must be borne in mind that the present invention should not be limited to the embodiment described here. Other configurations may be made by those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.

Claims (4)

1. EXERCIATOR APPARATUS OF THE LOWER LIMBS OF THE HUMAN BODY, in which from a motor group reciprocating movement is transmitted to a pair of support supports of the feet of a user, characterized in that the apparatus comprises: - A closed housing with grease housing a motor group (1) seated on a rubber seat plate (2) fixed to the base of the apparatus (20), whose drive shaft, defined by an endless shaft (3), engages in a cogwheel (4) which, eccentrically, is connected by means of an axis to an end of a first connecting rod (5) which, at the other end joins, with the ability to turn, to an end of a second connecting rod (6) which , in turn, at the other end, it joins solidariamente to one end of a third rod (7) that, at the other end, joins an end of a fourth rod (8) that, at the other end is fixed to one of the arms (9) of a pair that, with the ability to rotate with respect to a central axis (12), are fixed, by fixing axes (11) located at the ends, to respective support supports (10) of the feet of the user. - Each of the arms (9) has a first bushing (13) that houses the central shaft (12) with the interposition of a pair of radial first bearings (14) and that sits on a first axial bearing (15) seated on a first radial projection (16) located in proximity to an end of the central axis (12), end that extends with a threaded section that crosses a seat (19) and is fixed by a nut, leaving the seat (19) fixed to the base of the apparatus (20). - Each end of each arm (9) has a second bushing (21) that houses a fixing shaft (11) with the interposition of a second radial bearing (22) and which sits on a second axial bearing (23) seated on the upper base of a second radial projection (24) of the fixing shaft (11) which, by its lower base, sits on the arm (9) and the fixing shaft (11) is extended through the arm (9) in a threaded section and fixed by a nut. - The second bushings (21) of the pair of arms (9) and the first bushings (13) of the pair of supports (10) have an internal setback on which they seat respective retaining washers (18, 26) together with some elastic rings (17, 25), fixing the fixing axes (11) and the central axes (12). - The support supports (10) of the user's feet have a perimeter (29) perimeter. 2. EXERCIATOR APPARATUS OF THE LOWER LIMBS OF THE HUMAN BODY, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an accessory element (28) able to be coupled to the perimetric projection (29) of the supports (10) configured with a general plan similar to that of the support (10) and provided perimetrically with a projection (29) in "L" defining a female recess for fitting the perimetric projection (27) of the supports (10), while, in its external base, it is endowed of a curved projection (30) in proximity to one of the smaller laterals and in both major laterals presents a pair of orthogonal grooved projections facing two to two. 3. EXERCIATOR APPARATUS OF THE LOWER LIMBS OF THE HUMAN BODY, according to claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus, in its external support base, has a first pair of fixed lugs (34) and a second pair of adjustable lugs (35) . 4. EXERCIATOR APPARATUS OF THE LOWER LIMBS OF THE HUMAN BODY, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a tape of adhesive mechanical hooks and loops through the grooves of the opposing orthogonal projections of both sides of the accessory element (28) .