US20080318732A1

US20080318732A1 - Method for adjusting vibration magnitude and exerciser for adjusting vibration magnitude

Info

Publication number: US20080318732A1
Application number: US12/010,574
Authority: US
Inventors: Chi-Shiang Shih
Original assignee: CHENG-HSUN HUANG; CHI-SHIAN SHIH
Current assignee: CHENG-HSUN HUANG; CHI-SHIAN SHIH
Priority date: 2007-06-20
Filing date: 2008-01-28
Publication date: 2008-12-25
Also published as: TWI330093B; TW200900107A

Abstract

A method and exerciser for adjusting vibration magnitude includes installing a vibration module unit to a frame and a vibration magnitude adjusting unit is connected to the vibration module unit. A circuit-controller controls the vibration module unit and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit. The circuit-controller is connected with a user-exerciser interface. A cable is connected between the user and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit via the user-exerciser interface such that the vibration can be transferred to a pulling member of the cable.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for adjusting vibration magnitude of an exerciser and the exerciser providing adjustable vibration magnitude.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A conventional exerciser 60 is shown in FIG. 15 and generally includes a rectangular frame 61 which includes adjustable loads 62 located on two sides thereof and each adjustable load 62 includes a plurality of weights 62. The side rails 63 of the frame 61 extend through the weights 621 and a rod 64 extends through a pile of the weights 621. A positioning pin extends through a side hole of one of the weights 621 and is inserted into one of positioning holes in the rod 64. Two cables 611 each have one end connected to each rod 64 and engaged with a pulley 612, the other end of the cable 611 is connected with a ring 613 through which one of the user's limbs extends. The user pulls the cables 611 to lift the weights 621 to exercise the muscles.
Another conventional exerciser 70 is disclosed in FIG. 16 and includes a frame 71 with three pulleys and a cable 72 has one end connected with weights 73 and the other end of the cable 72 reeves through the pulleys and connected to an eccentric wheel 751 which is driven by a motor 75. The user holds a handle on the other end of the cable 72 and pulls the cable 72 to lift the weights 73. The rotation of the eccentric wheel 751 provides vibration which is transferred to the user so as to exercise the muscles of the user.
The first exerciser cannot provide vibration to the user and the second exerciser can only provide fixed vibration magnitude.
The present invention intends to provide an exerciser which includes a vibration module unit which provides vibration to the user via a user-exerciser interface which allows the user to adjust the magnitude of the vibration.
The present invention further provides a method for adjusting vibration magnitude and includes a step of using a vibration module unit, a step of installing a vibration magnitude adjusting unit, a step of installing a circuit-controller to the vibration magnitude adjusting unit and a step of operating a cable connected between the user and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit via a user-exerciser interface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for adjusting vibration magnitude and comprises a step of installing a vibration module unit to a frame; a step of installing a vibration magnitude adjusting unit to the vibration module unit; a step of installing a circuit-controller which controls the vibration module unit and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit, the circuit-controller connected with a user-exerciser interface, and a step of operating a cable connected between the user and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit via the user-exerciser interface, vibration being transferred to a pulling member of the cable.
The present invention also provides an exerciser which comprises a frame having a cable connected thereto and the cable has one end connected with at least one weight or directly connected to a connection member on a vibration module unit. The other end of the cable is connected with a pulling member which is held by a user. A user-exerciser interface is connected to the frame and has a control panel and electrically connected to the vibration module unit. The vibration module unit includes a driving unit, a swinging unit and a vibration magnitude adjusting unit. The connection member is connected to the swinging unit and the cable. The driving unit includes a circuit-controller which controls an operation of the swinging unit so as to provide vibration to the connection member. The vibration magnitude adjusting unit is controlled by the circuit-controller.
The present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the components and connection of the components of the method of the present invention;

FIG. 1A shows the flow chart for the method of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view to show the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows the base for the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 6 shows the driving unit of the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows the swinging unit of the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows the vibration magnitude adjusting unit of the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows the operation of the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows the vibration status of the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows the stationary type of the vibration module unit of the exerciser of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows that a user operates the cable by hands;

FIG. 13 shows that a user operates the cable by legs;

FIG. 14 shows that a user operates the cable by body;

FIG. 15 shows a conventional exerciser, and

FIG. 16 shows another conventional exerciser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, the method for adjusting vibration magnitude comprises a step of installing a vibration module unit “C” to a frame “B”; a step of installing a vibration magnitude adjusting unit 40 to the vibration module unit “C”; a step of installing a circuit-controller 28 which controls the vibration module unit “C” and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit 40, the circuit-controller 28 connected with a user-exerciser interface “D”, and a step of operating a cable 53 connected between the user and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit 40 via the user-exerciser interface “D”, vibration being transferred to a pulling member 54 of the cable 53. The cable 53 has at least one weight 55 connected thereto or the cable 53 is directly connected to a connection member 38 on the vibration module unit “C”. The method allows the user to control and adjust the magnitude of vibration transferred from the cable 53 via the operation of the user-exerciser interface.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the exerciser “A” of the present invention comprises a frame “B” which has a cable 53 connected thereto and the cable 53 has one end connected with at least one weight 55 or directly connected to a connection member 38 on a vibration module unit “C”, the other end of the cable 53 is connected with a pulling member 54 which is operated by a user. The pulling member 54 can be connected to a ring or and the cable 53 reeves through pulleys. A user-exerciser interface “D” is connected to the frame “B” and has a control panel and is electrically connected to the vibration module unit “C”.
The vibration module unit “C” includes a driving unit 20, a swinging unit 30 and a vibration magnitude adjusting unit 40. The connection member 38 is connected to the swinging unit 30 and the cable 53. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the base 10 includes side rails 11, 12 on four sides thereof and a plurality of connection parts 13-15 are connected on the base 10 such that the driving unit 20 and a swinging unit 30 are connected to the connection parts 13-15. A plurality of buffering members (not shown) are located beneath the first, second and third links 31, 34, 36 of the swinging unit 30 so as to reduce noise during operation.
As shown in FIG. 6, the driving unit 20 includes a circuit-controller 28 which controls an operation of the swinging unit 30 so as to provide vibration to the connection member 3, the vibration magnitude adjusting unit 40 being controlled by the circuit-controller 28. The driving unit 20 includes a motor 21, a transmission shaft 25 and support blocks 27. The output shat of the motor 25 is connected to a belt pulley 22 and a belt 23 is connected between the belt pulley 22 and another pulley 24 on the transmission shaft 25. Two eccentric rods 251 are connected on two ends of the transmission shaft 25 and respectively connected to the support blocks 27. Two bearings 26 are mounted to the transmission shaft 25. The motor 21 is controlled by the circuit-controller 28 and connected to the transmission shaft 25 by a gear set or pulleys and belts.
As shown in FIG. 7, the swinging unit 30 includes a first link 31, a second link 34, a third link 36, a plate 32 and a base 10. The first, second an third links 31, 34, 36 are pivotably connected to each other and each of the first, second an third links 31, 34, 36 is pivotably connected to the connection parts 13, 14,15 at respective mediate portions respectively. The first link 31 has a first end which includes a connection end 311 pivotably connected to the support blocks 27 which is pivotably connected to the eccentric rod 251 of the transmission shaft 25. A plate 32 is connected to the support blocks 27. The first link 31 has a second end thereof is pivotably connected to a first end of the second link 34 via another plate 32. A shaft 33 is connected between the two plates 32. The second link 34 has a second end thereof pivotably connected to a ling shaft 37 whose two ends are connected to the connection members 38. The third link 36 has a first end pivotably connected to the long shaft 37 and is located close to the connection member 38 and a second end of the third link 36 is pivotably connected to one of the connection parts 15. A pivot point “b” is located at a mediate portion of the first link 31 and the first end of the first link 31 is connected to the support blocks 27 at pivot point “a”. The second link 34 includes a slot 341 and a driving frame 35 which is a U-shaped member, two plates 351 are connected on two end of the driving frame 35, and the two plates 351 are cooperated with two bearings 342 so as to be movably engaged with the slot 341 so as to form a pivot point “c”. Two limit switches are located on the base 10 and located corresponding to the two ends of the driving frame 35. The limit switches control the two extreme positions that the driving frame 35 moves.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, the vibration magnitude adjusting unit 40 includes a motor 41 which is connected to an end of a threaded rod 44 by an output shaft 43 of a speed reduction unit 42. The other end of the threaded rod 44 extends through two support plates 45, 451 and a driving frame 35 which is a U-shaped member and two ends of the threaded rod 44 are pivotably connected to the second link 34. The two support plates 45, 451 are connected to the two side rails 12 of the base 10, a shaft 46 that is parallel to the threaded rod 44 is connected between the two support plates 45, 451. The threaded rod 44 is rotated by the motor 41 and the driving frame 35 moves relative to the threaded rod 44 so as to adjust the second link 34 in horizontal direction on the base 10.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, when the motor 21 is activated, the transmission shaft 25 is rotated via the belt 23, the eccentric rods 251 drive the support blocks 27 move up and down. When the eccentric rods 251 rotate one revolution, the support blocks 27 moves up and down with a magnitude of d1, the first link 31 pivots about the pivot point “b” so that the connection end 311 drives the plate 32 move up and down with a magnitude d2. The second link 34 pivots about the pivot point “c” so that the long shaft 37 drives the third link 36 and the connection members 38 move up and down with a magnitude d3. When the eccentric rods 251 of the transmission shaft 25 are located at the upright direction, the swinging unit 30 shakes up and down, and the connection members 38 move up and down repeatedly. Therefore, vibration is transferred to the user as shown in FIG. 10.
When the threaded rod 44 is rotated at a proper speed via the speed reduction unit 42, the driving frame 35 moves relative to the threaded rod 44 so that the plates 351 are moved back and forth in the slot 341. That is to say, the pivot point “c” is moved relative to the base 10. When the pivot point “c” moves to left, the second link 34 has a longer arm on the right end and the magnitude is increased, vice versa.
As shown in FIG. 11 which shows the stationary type of the vibration module unit “C” of the exerciser of the present invention, wherein the vibration magnitude adjusting unit 40 is not installed and the cable 53 is connected to the connection members 38 of the vibration module unit “C” so that the vibration within a certain range is transferred to the user.
FIG. 12 shows that a user operates the cable 53 by hands which hold the pulling members 54 to lift the weights 55 and the vibration module unit “C” provides vibration to exercise the user's hands, shoulders and chest.
FIG. 13 shows that a user operates the cable 53 by legs to which the pulling members 54 are mounted and the user lifts the weights 55 by legs, the vibration module unit “C” provides vibration to exercise the user's legs.
FIG. 14 shows that a user operates the cable 53 by waist to which the pulling members 54 are mounted and the user lifts the weights 55 by legs, the vibration module unit “C” provides vibration to exercise the user's upper body.
While we have shown and described the embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting vibration magnitude comprising:

a step of installing a vibration module unit to a frame;

a step of installing a vibration magnitude adjusting unit to the vibration module unit;

a step of installing a circuit-controller which controls the vibration module unit and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit, the circuit-controller connected with a user-exerciser interface, and

a step of operating a cable connected between the user and the vibration magnitude adjusting unit via the user-exerciser interface, vibration being transferred to a pulling member of the cable.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cable has at least one weight connected thereto or the cable is directly connected to a connection member on the vibration module unit.

3. An exerciser comprising:

a frame having a cable connected thereto and the cable having one end connected with at least one weight or directly connected to a connection member on a vibration module unit, the other end of the cable connected with a pulling member which is operated by a user;

a user-exerciser interface connected to the frame and having a control panel and electrically connected to the vibration module unit, and

the vibration module unit including a driving unit, a swinging unit and a vibration magnitude adjusting unit, the connection member connected to the swinging unit and connected to the cable, the driving unit including a circuit-controller which controls an operation of the swinging unit so as to provide vibration to the connection member, the vibration magnitude adjusting unit being controlled by the circuit-controller.

4. The exerciser as claimed in claim 3, wherein the driving unit includes a motor, a transmission shaft and support blocks, two eccentric rods are connected on two ends of the transmission shaft and respectively connected to the support blocks, the motor is controlled by the circuit-controller and connected to the transmission shaft by a gear set or pulleys and belts.

5. The exerciser as claimed in claim 4, wherein the swinging unit includes a first link, a second link, a third link, a plate and a base, the first, second an third links, are pivotably connected to each other and each of the first, second an third links is pivotably connected to connection parts at respective mediate portions respectively, the first link has a first end pivotably connected to the support block which is pivotably connected to the eccentric rod of the transmission shaft, the first link has a second end thereof is pivotably connected to a first end of the second link via a plate, the second link has a second end thereof pivotably connected to a ling shaft whose two ends are connected to the connection members, the third link has a first end pivotably connected to the long shaft and located close to the connection member and a second end of the third link is pivotably connected to one of the connection parts.

6. The exerciser as claimed in claim 5, wherein the vibration magnitude adjusting unit includes a motor which is connected to an end of a threaded rod by an output shaft of a speed reduction unit, the other end of the threaded rod extends through two support plates and a driving frame which is a U-shaped member and two ends of the threaded rod are pivotably connected to the second link, the threaded rod is rotated by the motor and the driving frame moves relative to the threaded rod so as to adjust the second link in horizontal direction on the base.

7. The exerciser as claimed in claim 5, wherein a plurality of buffering members are located beneath the first, second and third links.

8. The exerciser as claimed in claim 3, wherein the pulling member is connected to a ring which is cooperated with pulleys.