WO2008007904A1

WO2008007904A1 - Apparatus for assistanting training and walking

Info

Publication number: WO2008007904A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003375
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hong Jae Park
Original assignee: Hong Jae Park
Priority date: 2006-07-12
Filing date: 2007-07-12
Publication date: 2008-01-17

Abstract

An exercise assisting apparatus is disclosed. The exercise assisting apparatus is adapted to assist an exercise of a person such as an old man or a patient to be rehabilitated, or a pet dog, to enable the person or pet dog to stably and comfortably walk or exercise by firmly and stably supporting the body of the person or pet dog using a supporting unit. The exercise assisting apparatus includes a lower frame including a plurality of vertical bars, and horizontal bars mounted to the vertical bars, an upper frame including a plurality of vertical bars separably mounted to the horizontal bars of the lower frame, and a supporting unit mounted to the upper frame, to support and hold a body of a user.

Description

APPARATUS FOR ASSISTANTING TRAINING AND WALKING

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an exercise assisting apparatus, and more particularly to an exercise assisting apparatus for assisting an exercise of a person such as an old man or a patient to be rehabilitated, or a pet dog, to enable the person or pet dog to stably and comfortably walk or exercise by firmly and stably supporting the body of the person or pet dog using a supporting unit. Background Art

[2] The present invention is applied to an old man having a difficulty in moving due to an advanced age or a disease, a patient requiring rehabilitation for upright walking, a child, a pet dog, etc. The walking of an old man or a patient to be rehabilitated, in an erect posture, is a most fundamental exercise for maintaining a human life by strengthening the muscular strength of the lower body, preventing generation of bed sores, achieving a smooth blood circulation, strengthening the internal organs, and promoting a digestion function and a bowel movement function. Currently, a robot type walking machine for the above-mentioned upright walking is commercially available. However, such a robot type walking machine is expensive, so that it will be of a great burden for individuals to buy the walking machine. Furthermore, such a robot type walking machine has a drawback in that an old man or a patient to be rehabilitated cannot easily put on the walking machine to exercise.

[3] Meanwhile, problems associated with the health of pet dogs suffering various diseases such as obesity or arthritis due to lack of exercise have been issued. As the unmarried persons, the solitary old men, and the childless families increase in the current society, pet dogs are brought up as a member of a family, to solace the solitary life of the family. In the past, the keepers of pet dogs exercised their pet dogs in the open air, to preserve the health of the pet dogs. At present, however, the regulation on the activities of pet dogs in the open air is being more strict as the contaminations caused by pet dogs are issued as a social problem. For this reason, the keepers of pet dogs are currently confronted with the actual circumstances that they must exercise their pet dogs indoors to keep the health of the pet dogs.

[4] Also, child obesity problems caused by an unbalanced dietary habit and lack of exercise have recently been observed. The children of today like to eat instant food of high fat and high calorie, and take no or little physical exercise because they study or play computer games for many long hours. In accordance with the recent research, it was reported that the health of children is serious in that 30 to 40% of children suffer from obesity.

[5] Therefore, taking into consideration the above-mentioned problems, it is strongly required to provide an exercising machine, such as a running machine, which is easily installed in a home, so as to allow an old man, a patient to be rehabilitated, a pet dog, or a child to stably and easily exercise on, for example, a belt track of an electrically- driven running machine, and thus to maintain a healthy life.

[6]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[7] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise assisting apparatus for assisting an exercise of a person such as an old man, a patient to be rehabilitated, or a child, or a pet dog, to enable the person or pet dog to stably and comfortably walk or exercise by firmly and stably supporting the body of the person or pet dog.

[8] Another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise assisting apparatus which has a foldable structure, thereby being capable of achieving an easy storage and an easy transportation.

[9] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an exercise assisting apparatus, in which a supporting unit for supporting an old man, a patient to be rehabilitated, a child, or a pet dog can easily adjust the height thereof to achieve an improvement in the convenience of the use of the exercise assisting apparatus.

[10]

Technical Solution

[11] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of an exercise assisting apparatus comprising: a lower frame including a plurality of vertical bars, and horizontal bars mounted to the vertical bars; an upper frame including a plurality of vertical bars separably mounted to the horizontal bars of the lower frame; and a supporting unit mounted to the upper frame, to support and hold a body of a user.

[12] The supporting unit may be adjustable in level, and may include side supporters allowing armpits of the user to be fitted over the side supporters, respectively, a front supporter for supporting a front portion of the user, and a back supporter for supporting a back portion of the user.

[13] The side supporters may be laterally arranged in a pair. Each side supporter may include a connecting rod separably connected to the vertical bars longitudinally arranged at the same side as the side supporter, to connect the vertical bars, and a mounting protrusion provided at a front end of each side supporter. The front supporter may include a connecting rod separably connected to the side supporters while extending across the side supporters. The back supporter may include a supporting belt having fitting portions formed at opposite ends of the supporting belt. The fitting portions may be fitted around the mounting protrusions of the side supporters, respectively.

[14] The supporting unit may include a supporting belt connected to the upper frame by a plurality of supporting straps, and front and rear harnesses mounted to front and rear ends of the supporting belt, respectively.

[15] The lower frame may further include bases laterally arranged in a pair. The lower frame may further include a folding unit mounted to front ends of the bases, to connect the bases such that the bases are foldable. The folding unit may include first and second cross members respectively hinged to the bases such that the first and second cross members are foldable with respect to the bases. The first and second cross members may be hinged to each other such that the first and second cross members are foldable with respect to each other.

[16] The supporting unit may be adjustable in level by an automatic level adjusting structure and a manual level adjusting structure.

[17] In another aspect, the present invention provides an exercise assisting apparatus comprising: a lower frame including a plurality of vertical bars; an upper frame including a plurality of vertical bars each movably connected to an associated one of the vertical bars of the lower frame, and horizontal bars mounted to the vertical bars of the upper frame; and a supporting unit mounted to the upper frame via connecting brackets, to support and hold an upper body of a user.

[18] The supporting unit may include side supporters for supporting opposite sides of the user, a front supporter for supporting a front portion of the user, and a body supporter for supporting a body of the user while embracing the body of the user.

[19] Each side supporter may include a horizontal portion, and a pair of bending portions extending from opposite ends of the horizontal portion in a state of being bent to a right angle. Each bending portion may be mounted to an associated one of the connecting brackets at a free end of the bending portion in a dampable state via a damping unit.

[20] The front supporter may include a pair of laterally- arranged grip frames respectively mounted to front portions of the connecting brackets, which are laterally arranged in a pair, at least two cross members extending across the grip frames, and a cushion member wound around the cross members.

[21] The front supporter may include a connecting rod connected to the side supporters at front sides of the side supporters such that the connecting rod is integral with the side supporters. [22] The body supporter may include a vertebra band having fasteners attached to opposite ends of the vertebra band, to form a closable structure, and upper and lower connecting belts respectively connected to upper and lower portions of the vertebra band.

[23] The upper and lower connecting belts may comprise at least four connecting belts connected in pairs to upper and lower portions of the vertebra band, respectively. Each of the connecting belts may be separably connected to an associated one of the connecting brackets at opposite ends of the connecting belt.

[24]

Advantageous Effects

[25] In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to firmly and stably hold the upper body portion of an old man or a patient to be rehabilitated, and to support the weight of the old man or patient, and thus to enable the old man or patient to perform walking in an upright state

[26] In accordance with the present invention, it is also possible to enable the old man or patient to very easily and conveniently wear the supporting unit upon using a walking machine, and thus to achieve an improvement in the convenience of use.

[27] In accordance with the present invention, it is also possible to press and protect the vertebra of the user by the vertebra band of the body supporting unit, and thus to firmly maintaining the vertebra of the user in an upright state. It is also possible to easily adjust the level of the body supporting unit in accordance with the height of the user, while firmly holding and supporting the user at the adjusted level. Accordingly, the user can more effectively perform walking in a state in which the vertebra of the user is upright.

[28] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described hereinafter for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[29]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[30] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[31] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[32] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the exercise assisting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a supporting unit mounted to an upper frame; [33] FIG. 3 is a view illustrating a use state of the exercise assisting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [34] FIGS. 4 and 5 are front views illustrating unfolded and folded states of the exercise assisting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [35] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment of the exercise assisting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention; [36] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [37] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a supporting unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention; [38] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; [39] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a supporting unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [40] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a modified embodiment of the supporting unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [41] FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a body supporting unit according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [42] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C C in FIG. 11, illustrating a coupling structure for a side supporter and a damping unit in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention; [43] FIG. 14 is a view illustrating the side supporter according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [44] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a first modified embodiment of the side supporter according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [45] FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a second modified embodiment of the side supporter according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [46] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A A in FIG. 9;

[47] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B B in FIG. 9;

[48] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a structure for moving upper and lower frames with respect to each other in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; [49] FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a use state of the exercise assisting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention; [50] FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a use state of the exercise assisting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention; [51] FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [52] FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a supporting unit and an upper frame included in an exercise assisting apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; [53] FIG. 24 is a sectional view corresponding to a portion indicated by an arrow C in

FIG. 23; [54] FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a use state of the exercise assisting apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; [55] FIG. 26 is a perspective view illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; [56] FIG. 27 is a sectional view corresponding to a portion indicated by an arrow D in

FIG. 26; [57] FIG. 28 is a plan view illustrating a folded state of a frame included in the exercise assisting apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; [58] FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating a supporting unit according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; and [59] FIG. 30 is a perspective view illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [60]

Mode for the Invention [61] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [62] FIGS. 1 to 5 are views illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[63] As sown in the drawings, the exercise assisting apparatus according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention includes a lower frame 110, an upper frame 140, and a supporting unit 170. [64] The lower frame 110 includes a pair of bases, namely, left and right bases 114, and horizontal bars 112 each supported by a plurality of vertical bars 111 mounted to an upper surface of an associated one of the bases 114. Each horizontal bar 112 has at least one through hole formed at a certain position on the horizontal bar 112. A vertical bar 142 of the upper frame 140, which will be described later, is separably mounted to the through hole. [65] A plurality of wheels 114a are mounted to the lower surface of each base 114. As described above, a plurality of vertical bars 111 are separably mounted to the upper surface of each base 114. [66] The lower frame 110 may further include a folding unit 130 mounted to front ends of the bases 114, which are laterally arranged in a pair, such that the folding unit 130 is foldable.

[67] The folding unit 130 includes first and second cross members 131 and 132 respectively hinged to the left and right bases 114, so as to be foldable with respect to the left and right bases 114. The first and second cross members 131 and 132 are also hinged to each other at inner ends thereof such that they are foldable.

[68] The first and second cross members 131 and 132 are hinged, at outer ends thereof, to the left and right bases 114 by first and second hinges 133 and 134, respectively. The inner ends of the first and second cross members 131 and 132 are hinged to each other by a third hinge 135.

[69] As shown in FIG. 4, the third hinge 135 may include a retainer 136 for retaining the first and second cross members 131 and 132 in an unfolded state. The retainer 136 may include first and second hinge plates 136a and 136b hinged to each other such that they can rotate with respect to each other, and first and second dowel pins 136c and 136d separably fittable in fitting holes of the first and second hinge plates 136a and 136b, respectively.

[70] In accordance with this configuration, the first and second cross members 131 and

132 rotate with respect to each other by the first to third hinges 133, 134, and 135 such that they are folded (FIG. 5) or unfolded (FIG. 4).

[71] As shown in FIG. 4, when the first and second cross members 131 and 132 are unfolded, the first and second dowel pins 136c and 136d are fitted into the fitting holes of the first and second hinge plates 136a and 136b, respectively. Accordingly, the first and second cross members 131 and 132 are maintained in the unfolded state.

[72] On the other hand, when it is desired to fold the first and second cross members

131 and 132, as shown in FIG. 5, one of the first and second dowel pins 136c and 136d is separated from the associated fitting hole of the first and second hinge plates 136a and 136b. In this state, it is possible to rotate the first and second hinge plates 136a and 136b with respect to each other, and thus to fold the first and second cross members 131 and 132.

[73] Meanwhile, certain ones of the vertical bars 111, namely, the vertical bars 111 arranged at opposite sides of the front portion of the exercise assisting apparatus may be separably connected to each other by a connector 117, as shown in FIG. 1.

[74] The upper frame 140 includes a plurality of vertical bars 142 arranged at opposite sides of the exercise assisting apparatus. Preferably, the upper frame 140 includes four vertical bars 142, namely, front, rear, left and right vertical bars 142. Each vertical bar 142 has a plurality of through holes 142a arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vertical bar 142. A side supporter 173 of the supporting unit 170 can be coupled to selected ones of the through holes 142 of the associated vertical bars 142. [75] Each vertical bar 142 is separably mounted, at a low end thereof, to the associated horizontal bar 112 of the lower frame 110. An upper supporter 150 is separably mounted to upper ends of the vertical bars 142 mounted to the same horizontal bar 112.

[76] A receiving groove 142b is formed at the upper end of each vertical bar 142, to separably receive an end of the associated upper supporter 150. The exercise assisting apparatus may include a pair of upper supporters 150 arranged at opposite sides of the exercise assisting apparatus.

[77] Each upper supporter 150 has a bent structure including vertical portions 151 and a horizontal portion 152, to connect the vertical bars 142 arranged at the associated side of the exercise assisting apparatus while being spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the exercise assisting apparatus.

[78] The exercise assisting apparatus may include a plurality of upper supporters 150 having different vertical lengths, namely, different lengths of the vertical portions 151 thereof. In this case, there is an advantage in that it is possible to mount and use an appropriate one of the upper supporters 150 selected in accordance with the height of the user.

[79] Each side supporter 173 of the supporting unit 170 is separably coupled to appropriate ones of the through holes 142 of the associated vertical bars 142 selected in accordance with the height of the user, as will be described later. Thus, the level of the supporting unit 170 can be manually adjusted.

[80] The supporting unit 170 is coupled to the upper frame 140, to firmly and stably support the body of the user. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the supporting unit 170 includes side supporters 173 for supporting the opposite sides of the user (for example, the armpits), a front supporter 171 for supporting the front portion of the user (for example, the breast, etc.), and a back supporter 175 for supporting the back portion of the user (for example, the back).

[81] The side supporters 173 are laterally arranged in a pair. Each side supporter 173 has a connecting rod structure, in order to connect the vertical bars 142 longitudinally arranged at the same side as the side supporter 173. The opposite ends of the side supporter 173 are fitted in selected ones of the through holes 142a of the vertical bars 142, such that the side supporter 173 is fixed to the vertical bars 142 at an adjusted level corresponding to the selected through holes 142a (That is, the level of the support unit 170 is manually adjusted.).

[82] A mounting protrusion 174 is provided at the front end of each side supporter 173.

An arm holding band 145 is separably mounted to the front portion of each side supporter 173. A cushion member 172 is separably fitted around a rear portion of each side supporter 173. The arm holding band 145 may have various structures, for example, a hollow cylindrical structure made of an elastic material such that the arm holding band 145 allows the arm of the user to be tightly fitted in the arm holding band 145, or a structure, in which Velcro fasteners are attached to opposite ends of the arm holding band 145 such that the arm holding band 145 tightly holds the arm of the user when the Velcro fasteners are coupled to each other under the condition in which the arm of the user is laid on the arm holding band 145.

[83] The front supporter 171 has a connecting rod structure such that it separably connected to the side supporters 173 while extending across the side supporters 173. A cushion member 172 is separably fitted around the front supporter 171.

[84] The back supporter 175 is provided, at opposite ends thereof, with fitting members

175a. The back supporter 175 has a supporting belt structure in which the fitting members 175a are fitted around the mounting protrusions 174 of the side supporters 173, respectively. The back supporter 175, which has the supporting belt structure, further includes a tri-glide 176 and a connecting ring 177, in order to achieve an easy length adjustment.

[85] The back supporter 175 may further include a cushion member 178 separably fitted around the back supporter 175. The back supporter 175 may more comfortably and stably support the back of the user, using the cushion member 178.

[86] Although the exercise assisting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 has been described as including a manual level adjustment structure, in which the opposite ends of the side supporter 173 are coupled to selected ones of the through holes 142a of the vertical bars 142, to adjust the level of the supporting unit 170, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[87] Alternatively, the supporting unit 170 of the present invention may be mounted such that the level of the supporting unit 170 is automatically adjustable with respect to the upper and lower frames 140 and 110.

[88] That is, although not shown, each side supporter 173 of the supporting unit 170 may include hollow tube members (not shown) provided at opposite ends of the side supporter 173 such that the hollow tube members are fitted around the vertical bars 142 while being vertically movable along the vertical bars 142. The vertical movement of the hollow tube members may be achieved using a hydraulic mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, or an electrically-driving mechanism.

[89] Where the supporting unit 170 of the present invention uses an automatic level adjustment structure, it is possible to very easily adjust the level of the supporting unit 170 in accordance with the body shape of the user.

[90] Hereinafter, operation of the exercise assisting apparatus having the above- described configuration according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[91] In order to use the exercise assisting apparatus, the user, who may be an old man or a patient to be rehabilitated, is positioned in a space defined between the vertical bars 142 of the upper frame 140. Thereafter, the user fits the armpits over the side supporters 173. The user also adjusts the length of the back supporter 175 in accordance with the size of his/her body, and then fits the fitting members 175a, provided at the opposite ends of the back supporter 175, around the mounting protrusions 174 of the side supporters 173. Thus, the user can be stably supported by the exercise assisting apparatus. In particular, when the user fits the arms into the arm holding bands 145 mounted to the front outer portions of the side supporters 173, the arms of the user are firmly held by the arm holding bands 145. When the user grasps the mounting protrusions 174 in this state, the upper body of the user can be maintained in a fixed state, so that the body of the user can be stably and firmly supported by the exercise assisting apparatus. Thus, the user can exercise on a walking machine while maintaining his body in an upright state.

[92] The exercise assisting apparatus of the present invention is used in a state in which the folding unit 130 is unfolded, as shown in FIG. 4. After the use of the exercise assisting apparatus, the user separates the supporting unit 170 and connector 117, and then separates the dowel pins 136c and 136d of the retainer 136. In this state, it is possible to fold the first and second cross members 131 and 132 of the folding unit 130. Accordingly, it is possible to more easily achieve the transportation and storage of the exercise assisting apparatus.

[93] FIG. 6 illustrates an exercise assisting apparatus according to an embodiment modified from the first embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with this embodiment, the exercise assisting apparatus is characterized in that the lower frame 110 includes a pair of bases, namely, left and right bases 114, and a plurality of vertical bars 113 mounted to an upper surface of an associated one of the bases 114, and each of the vertical bars 113 is movable with respect to an associated one of the vertical bars 142 of the upper frame 140.

[94] FIG. 6 illustrates a manual height adjustment structure in which the height of each vertical bar 142 of the upper frame 140 is adjusted in such a manner that the user moves the vertical bar 142 through the associated vertical bar 113 of the lower frame 110, and then couples a fastener 117 to one through hole 113a of the vertical bar 113, to fix the vertical bar 142 at the new position. However, the exercise assisting apparatus may have an automatic structure for automatically moving the upper frame 140 using a hydraulic mechanism, a pneumatic mechanism, or an electrically-driving mechanism.

[95] As the vertical bars 113 of the lower frame 110 are moved with respect to the vertical bars 142 of the upper frame 140, the level of the supporting unit 170 is adjusted. [96] The remaining configurations and operations thereof are identical or similar to those of the first embodiment, so that no detailed description thereof will be given.

[97] FIGS. 7 and 8 are views illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The exercise assisting apparatus of the second embodiment is configured to have a size meeting the body shape of a pet animal such as a pet dog.

[98] The exercise assisting apparatus of the second embodiment is characterized in that a supporting unit 310, which is adapted to support and hold the body of a pet animal, is separably coupled to the upper frame 140.

[99] Each vertical bar 142 of the upper frame 140 is provided with a hook 301. The supporting unit 310 includes a supporting belt 311 for supporting the lower body of a pet animal, front and rear harnesses 312 and 313 fixed to front and rear ends of the supporting belt 311, and a plurality of supporting straps 314 connected to the front and rear harnesses 312 and 313. Front leg holding belts 312a are connected between the front harness 312 and the supporting belt 311.

[100] When it is desired to exercise a pet animal using the exercise assisting apparatus of the second embodiment, the user fits the front legs and body of the pet animal into the front and rear harnesses 312 and 313, to wear the supporting unit 310 on the pet animal. Thereafter, the user connects the supporting straps 314 to the hooks 301, respectively. Accordingly, the pet animal is stably supported by the exercise assisting apparatus. When the pet animal supported by the exercise assisting apparatus in the above-described state is applied to an exercising machine such as a running machine, the exercise assisting apparatus can effectively assist the exercise of the pet animal.

[101] FIGS. 9 and 10 are views illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[102] As shown in the drawings, the exercise assisting apparatus is embodied as an upright- walking machine. The upright- walking machine includes a lower frame 210, and upper frame 240, and a supporting unit 270.

[103] The lower frame 210 includes a plurality of vertical bars 211, and a plurality of horizontal bars 212 each connecting associated ones of the vertical bars 211.

[104] Each vertical bar 211 has a hollow tube structure defined with a hollow portion therein. A vertical bar 241 of the upper frame 240 is movably fitted in the hollow portion of the vertical bar 211.

[105] Each horizontal bar 212 has a connecting rod structure extending across a pair of vertical bars 211, to connect the vertical bars 211.

[106] The upper frame 240 includes a plurality of vertical bars 241, and a plurality of horizontal bars 242 each connecting associated ones of the vertical bars 241.

[107] Each vertical bar 241 is installed such that it is vertically movable along the hollow portion of the associated vertical bar 211 of the lower frame 210.

[108] Each horizontal bar 242 may have a connecting rod structure extending across a pair of vertical bars 211, to connect the vertical bars 241.

[109] The supporting unit 270 is separably coupled to the vertical bars 241 of the upper frame 240 via connecting brackets 277, in order to enable the body of the user to be firmly and stably supported by a walking machine. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the supporting unit 270 includes side supporters 273 for supporting the opposite sides of the user (for example, the armpits), a front supporter 271 for supporting the front portion of the user (for example, the breast), and a body supporter 275 for supporting the body of the user (for example, the breast and waist portions) while embracing the body of the user.

[110] The connecting brackets 277 are arranged in a pair at opposite sides of the upper frame 240. Each connecting bracket 277 is separably coupled, at opposite ends thereof, to the associated vertical bars 241 via fasteners, respectively. The side supporters 273, front supporter 271, and body supporter 275 are connected to the connecting brackets 277.

[I l l] Each side supporter 273 includes a horizontal portion 273a, and a pair of bending portions 273b extending from opposite ends of the horizontal portion 273a in a state of being bent to a right angle. The free end of each bending portion 273b is mounted to the connecting bracket 277 in a dampable state via a damping unit 278.

[112] As shown in FIG. 14, each bending portions 273b may be mounted to the associated damping unit 278 such that it extends straight in a longitudinal direction of the damping unit 278. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the bending portion 273b may have an outwardly-bent structure (FIG. 15) or an inwardly -bent structure (FIG. 16). Thus, each side supporter 273 may have a structure appropriately meeting the body shape of the user.

[113] A cushion member 272 may be provided at the horizontal portion 273a of each side supporter 273. The cushion member 272 may be provided with an attaching means 272a such as a zipper or a Velcro fastener, to more easily achieve the replacement and/ or attachment/detachment thereof.

[114] Each damping unit 278 has a hollow portion 278a defined therein. The free end of each bending portion 273b of each side supporter 273 is vertically movably inserted into the hollow portion 278a of the associated damping unit 278. A cap 278c made of a synthetic resin material is fitted in an upper portion of the hollow portion 278a. An elastic member 278b, such as a plate spring or a compression coil spring, is installed in a lower portion of the hollow portion 278 a.

[115] An end cap 279 may be provided at the free end of each bending portion 273b to be inserted into the hollow portion 278a of the associated damping unit 278. The end cap 279a may be made of a soft synthetic resin material. A coating cap (not shown) made of a metal material may also be fitted around the end cap 279.

[116] Meanwhile, the damping unit of the present invention is not limited to the damping unit having the structure shown in FIG. 13. That is, various damping units, such as a gas spring and a stay damper, may be used.

[117] The front supporter 271 includes a pair of grip frames, namely, left and right grip frames 274, respectively mounted to the front portions of the connecting brackets 277, which are laterally spaced apart from each other. The front supporter 271 also includes at least two cross members 276 extending across the grip frames 274, and a cushion member 277 wound around the cross members 276.

[118] An arm holding band 245 may be mounted to one side portion of each grip frame

274. The arm holding band 245 may have various structures, for example, a hollow cylindrical structure made of an elastic material such that the arm holding band 245 allows the arm of the user to be tightly fitted in the arm holding band 245, or a structure, in which Velcro fasteners attached to opposite ends of the arm holding band 245 such that the arm holding band 245 tightly holds the arm of the user when the Velcro fasteners are coupled to each other under the condition in which the arm of the user is laid on the arm holding band 245.

[119] A roll 276a may be fitted around a portion of each cross member 276, on which the cushion member 277 will be wound. By virtue of the roller 276a, it is possible to more effectively tense the cushion member 277.

[120] Since the cushion member 277 is wound around the rolls 276a of the cross members 276, it is possible to stably support the front portion of the user such as the breast and abdomen.

[121] FIG. 11 illustrates a modified embodiment of the front supporter 271 shown in

FIG. 10. In accordance with this embodiment, the front supporter 271 may have a structure including a connecting rod 278 connected to the front portions of the side supporters 273 such that the connecting rod 278 is integral with the side supporters 273. In the case of FIG. 11, the connecting rod 278 of the front supporter 271 has a bent structure. Of course, the present invention is not limited to such a structure.

[122] A cushion member 279 may be separably fitted around the connecting rod 278.

[123] The body supporter 275 supports the body of the user, for example, a portion of the breast and the waist, while completely embracing the body of the user. Accordingly, the body supporter 275 can enable the vertebra of the user to be maintained in an upright state without being bent.

[124] The body supporter 275 includes a vertebra band 275a having fasteners 275d, such as Velcro fasteners, attached to opposite ends of the vertebra band 275a, to form a closable structure, and upper and lower connecting belts 275b and 275c respectively connected to upper and lower portions of the vertebra band 275a.

[125] The user wears the vertebra band 275a on the waist and breast portion, and then couples the fasteners 275d, such as Velcro fasteners, attached to the opposite ends of the vertebra band 275a, to hold the body of the user by the vertebra band 275a. Thus, the vertebra band 275a maintains the vertebra of the user in an upright state.

[126] The vertebra band 275a is made of a material having a sufficient stiffness capable of supporting the vertebra of the user in an upright state. Cushion members may be attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the vertebra band 275a.

[127] The vertebra band 275a may include at least four connecting belts 275b and 275c connected in pairs to upper and lower portions of the vertebra band 275a, respectively. Each of the connecting belts 275b and 275c can be freely adjusted in length by a tri- glide 275e and a connecting ring 275f. Each of the connecting belts 275b and 275c has an annular shape at opposite ends 275g thereof. A fitting protrusion 280 extends upwardly from each end of each connecting bracket 277. An annular rim 281 is cir- cumferentially formed on the fitting protrusion 280 at a certain position.

[128] In accordance with the above-described configuration, the opposite ends of each of the upper and lower connecting belts 275b and 275c are fitted around the fitting protrusions 280 of the associated connecting bracket 277, respectively, to connect the vertebra band 275a to the connecting bracket 277. For example, each end of each upper connecting belt 275b may be fitted around the portion of the associated fitting protrusion 280 above the annular rim 281 of the fitting protrusion 280, and each end of each lower connecting belt 275c may be fitted around the portion of the associated fitting protrusion 280 below the annular rim 281 of the fitting protrusion 280.

[129] As at least four connecting belts 275b and 275c are fitted around the fitting protrusions 280 provided at the connecting brackets 277, the body of the user is supported by the vertebra band 275a at at least four points. Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent forward, backward, left and right movements of the body of the user because the upper and lower portions of the body of the user are more firmly and stably supported at at least four points.

[130] FIGS. 17 and 18 are views illustrating a structure in which the upper and lower frames 240 and 210 are manually movable with respect to each other.

[131] Each vertical bar 211 of the lower frame 210 has a hollow tube structure defined therein with a hollow portion. In the hollow portion of the vertical bar 211, the associated vertical bar 241 of the upper frame 240 is movably inserted. An end cap 291 made of a synthetic resin material may be fitted in a lower end of each vertical bar 241 of the upper frame 240. A coating cap 292 made of a synthetic resin material may be fitted in the hollow portion of each vertical bar 211 of the lower frame 210. Since the end cap 291 and coating cap 292 are made of a synthetic resin material, it is possible to prevent noise from being generated when the vertical bars 214 and 211 of the upper and lower frames 240 and 210 move with respect to each other.

[132] A plurality of through holes 211a are formed at each vertical bar 211 of the lower frame 210 such that they are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the vertical bar 211. A fastening bolt 293 is fitted through a selected one of the through holes 211a such that a threaded portion 293a extends through the selected through hole 211a. The end cap 291 is formed, at a lower surface thereof, with a semicircular groove 291a. The end cap 291 is seated on the threaded portion 293a of the fastening bolt 293 such that the semicircular groove 291a of the end cap 291 is engaged with the threaded portion 293a. A fastening nut 294 is coupled to the threaded portion 293a of the fastening bolt 293 protruded from the through hole 21 Ia, to fasten the fastening bolt 293.

[133] In accordance with this configuration, each vertical bar 241 of the upper frame 240 is moved in the hollow portion of the associated vertical bar 211 of the lower frame 210 to a desired position, and is then fixed at the new position by the fastening bolts 293 and end cap 291.

[134] Alternatively, the relative movements of the upper and lower frames 240 and 210 may be achieved using a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrically-driving mechanism.

[135] FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a structure for relatively moving the upper and lower frames 240 and 210 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

[136] A gas spring 295 is installed between each vertical bar 241 of the upper frame 240 and the associated vertical bar 211 of the lower frame 210. The gas spring 295 includes a cylinder, and a piston rod 295a received in the cylinder through one end of the cylinder such that the piston rod 295a is vertically movable along the cylinder. A push button 295c is connected to free ends of the piston rods 295a of the gas springs 295 via flexible members 295b such as wire cables or flexible hoses. Such a gas spring is typically called a free lock type gas spring . Each flexible member 295b may be installed in the upper frame 240 or lower frame 210 in a hidden state.

[137] In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to vertically move each piston rod 295a to a desired position when the push button 295c is pressed. When the pressing force applied to the push button 295c is released after the movement of each piston rod 295a to a desired position, a further movement of the piston rod 295a is prevented, so that the piston rod 295a is fixed at the new position.

[138] Where the relative movements of the upper and lower frames 240 and 210 are automatically achieved in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to more easily achieve the level adjustment of the supporting unit 270 in accordance with the body shape of the user.

[139] In accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, it is possible to firmly maintain the upright state of the vertebra of the user by pressing and protecting the vertebra of the user by the vertebra band of the body supporter 275. It is also possible to easily adjust the height of the upper frame 240 with respect to the lower frame 210 in accordance with the height of the user, and to firmly maintain the adjusted height of the upper frame 240, by the structure for relatively moving the upper and lower frames 240 and 210. Thus, the user more effectively performs upright walking in a state in which the vertebra is upright.

[140] FIGS. 22 to 25 are views illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[141] As shown in the drawings, the exercise assisting apparatus includes a lower frame

410, and upper frame 440, and a supporting unit 470.

[142] The lower frame 410 includes a pair of frame portions spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the lower frame 410. For each frame portion, the lower frame 410 includes a pair of bases, namely, left and right bases 414, and a plurality of vertical bars 411 installed on the bases 414. The lower frame 410 also includes first and second horizontal bars 412 and 413 coupled to each other while being adjustable in length.

[143] Each base 414 includes a plurality of wheels 414a mounted to the lower surface of the base 414. The vertical bars 411 installed on each base 414 are separably mounted to the upper surface of the base 414.

[144] For each frame portion, the lower frame 410 further includes a folding unit 430 mounted to front ends of the bases 414, which are laterally arranged in a pair, such that the folding unit 430 is foldable.

[145] The folding unit 430 includes first and second cross members 431 and 432 respectively hinged to the left and right bases 414, so as to be foldable with respect to the left and right bases 414.

[146] The first and second cross members 431 and 432 are hinged, at outer ends thereof, to the left and right bases 414 by first and second hinges 433 and 434, respectively. The adjacent inner ends of the first and second cross members 431 and 432 are hinged to each other by a third hinge 435. A torsion spring (not shown) is fitted around a hinge shaft of the third hinge 435. The torsion spring (not shown) applies an elastic force to the first and second cross members 431 and 432 such that the first and second cross members 431 and 432 are always urged in a folding direction.

[147] As shown in FIG. 22, a folding preventing plate 436 is mounted near each third hinge 435, to maintain the first and second cross members 431 and 432 in an unfolded state. The folding preventing plate 436 is hinged to one of the first and second cross members 431 and 432. The folding preventing plate 436 has an engaging groove 436b formed at the inner surface side of the folding preventing plate 436. The engaging groove 436b is engageable with the outer surfaces of the first and second cross members 431 and 432.

[148] In accordance with this configuration, the first and second cross members 431 and

432 are always subjected to a force to urge the first and second cross members 431 and 432 to be folded, by the torsion spring of the third hinge 435. When the first and second cross members 431 and 432 rotates to be unfolded, and the folding preventing plate 436 then rotates such that the engaging groove 436b of the folding preventing plate 436 is engaged with the outer surfaces of the first and second cross members 431 and 432, the first and second cross members 431 and 432 are maintained in the unfolded state.

[149] The first and second horizontal bars 412 and 413 are connected to upper ends of the associated vertical bars 411 of the frame portions, respectively. The first and second horizontal bars 412 and 413 have different diameters such that they are tele- scopically coupled to each other, to adjust the total length thereof. For example, the second horizontal bar 413 is slidably fitted in the first horizontal bar 412 such that the total length thereof is adjustable.

[150] The upper frame 440 includes a pair of vertical bars 441 connected to each other, and a plurality of horizontal bars 442. Reinforcing members 443 may be mounted between the vertical bars 441 and the horizontal bars 442.

[151] Each vertical bar 441 is mounted to the associated horizontal bars 412 and 413 of the lower frame 410 such that it is vertically movable, to adjust the height thereof.

[152] The horizontal bars 442 form a lattice structure connected to the vertical bars 441.

A supporting table 471, which is included in the supporting unit 470, is mounted to the horizontal bars 442, as will be described later.

[153] The total length of the first and second horizontal bars 412 and 413 of the lower frame 410 is adjusted by a first adjusting unit 450. The first adjusting unit 450 includes a collet 451 coupled to one end of the first horizontal bar 412, and a fastening nut 452 for fastening the collet 451.

[154] The collet 451 includes a plurality of jaws 451b divided from one another by a plurality of slots 451a. Each jaw 451b has an inclined structure. The collet 451 has a hollow portion 451c defined in the collet 451 to receive the second horizontal bar 413. The collet 451 also has threads 45 Id formed on an outer peripheral surface of the collet 451. As shown in FIG. 23, an operating panel 490, which is included in an exercising machine such as a running machine, may be detachably attached to the outer peripheral surface of the collet 451.

[155] The fastening nut 452 has threads 452d formed on an inner peripheral surface of the fastening nut 452. The inner peripheral surface of the fastening nut 452 has a taper portion 452b for pressing the jaws 451b.

[156] The second horizontal bar 431 is inserted into the hollow portion 451c of the collet 451, and is then adjusted in position in the hollow portion 451c. Thereafter, the threads 452d of the fastening nut 452 are fastened to the threads 45 Id of the collet 451. In accordance with the fastening operation, the jaws 451b of the collet 451 are radially inwardly moved to press the second horizontal bar 431. As a result, the inserted position of the second horizontal bar 413 is fixed. Thus, the total horizontal length of the first and second horizontal bars 412 and 413 is adjusted by the first adjusting unit 450.

[157] Each vertical bar 441 of the upper frame 440 is adjustable in height by a second adjusting unit 460. The second adjusting unit 460 includes a collet 461 fixed to the collet 451 of the associated first adjusting unit 450 such that the collet 461 extends vertically, and a fastening unit 462 for fastening the collet 461.

[158] The collet 461 includes a plurality of jaws 461b divided from one another by a plurality of slots 461a. Each jaw 461b has an inclined structure. The collet 461 has a hollow portion 461c defined in the collet 461 to receive the vertical bar 441. The collet 461 also has threads 46 Id formed on an outer peripheral surface of the collet 461.

[159] The fastening nut 462 has threads 462d formed on an inner peripheral surface of the fastening nut 462. The inner peripheral surface of the fastening nut 462 has a taper portion 462b for pressing the jaws 461b.

[160] The vertical bar 441 is inserted into the hollow portion 461c of the collet 461, and is then adjusted in position in the hollow portion 461c. Thereafter, the threads 462d of the fastening nut 462 are fastened to the threads 46 Id of the collet 461. In accordance with the fastening operation, the jaws 461b of the collet 461 are radially inwardly moved to press the vertical bar 441. As a result, the inserted position of the vertical bar 441 is fixed. Thus, the height of the vertical bar 441 of the upper frame 440 is adjusted by the second adjusting unit 460.

[161] The supporting table 471, which is included in the supporting unit 470, is horizontally mounted on the upper frame 440. The supporting unit 470 also includes a cushion mat 473 mounted to the upper frame 440 such that the cushion mat 473 extends perpendicularly to the supporting table 471, and a vertebra band 475 fixed to the cushion mat 473.

[162] The supporting table 471 is made of a synthetic resin plate or a cloth. The supporting table 471 is mounted on the horizontal bars 442 of the upper frame 440. As shown in FIG. 26, the supporting table 471 functions to support the elbows of the user, etc.

[163] The cushion mat 473 is mounted to a part of the horizontal bars 442 of the upper frame 442 such that it extends vertically. The cushion mat 473 is provided, at opposite ends thereof, with Velcro fasteners 473a and 473b, so that it can be separably mounted to the upper frame 440. [164] The vertebra band 475 is fixedly attached to the cushion mat 473. The vertebra band 475 supports the body of the user (for example, the breast and waist portions) while embracing the body of the user. Thus, the vertebra band 475 can maintain the vertebra of the user in an upright state.

[165] The vertebra band 475 includes fasteners 475a and 475b, such as Velcro fasteners, attached to opposite ends of the vertebra band 475, to form a closable structure. The user wears the vertebra band 475 on the waist and breast portion, and then couples the opposite ends of the vertebra band 475, using the fasteners 475a and 475b such as Velcro fasteners, to hold the body of the user by the vertebra band 475. Thus, the vertebra band 475 maintains the vertebra of the user in an upright state. The vertebra band 475 is made of a material having a sufficient stiffness capable of supporting the vertebra of the user in an upright state. Cushion members may be attached to the inner and outer surfaces of the vertebra band 475.

[166] A grip 474 is mounted to a front end of the upper frame 440, to allow the user to grip the grip 474.

[167] FIGS. 26 to 29 are views illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The exercise assisting apparatus of the fifth embodiment is configured to have a size meeting the body shape of a pet animal such as a pet dog, as in the above-described second embodiment.

[168] The exercise assisting apparatus of the fifth embodiment includes a frame 510 and a supporting unit 570.

[169] The frame 510 includes four vertical bars 511 and two horizontal bars 512. A packing 511a made of a rubber material is provided at the lower end of each vertical bar 511. A roll-shaped cushion cover 51 Ib is fitted around each vertical bar 511 over the packing 511a. Where the frame 510 is applied to a running machine, the packing 511a and cushion cover 51 Ib are in close contact with a side surface of a belt train included in the running machine. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the frame 510 from slipping. Each horizontal bar 512 is connected with the associated vertical bars 511 by a bent connecting tube 513.

[170] The exercise assisting apparatus may further include folding units 530 respectively arranged at opposite sides of the exercise assisting apparatus between the vertical bars 511 spaced apart from the longitudinal direction of the exercise assisting apparatus.

[171] Each folding unit 530 includes first and second cross members 531 and 532 respectively hinged to the associated front and rear vertical bars 511 such that the first and second cross members 531 and 532 are foldable.

[172] The first and second cross members 531 and 532 are hinged, at outer ends thereof, to the front and rear vertical bars 511 by first and second hinges 533 and 534, respectively. The inner ends of the first and second cross members 531 and 532 are hinged to each other by a third hinge 535. A torsion spring (not shown) is fitted around a hinge shaft of the third hinge 535. The torsion spring (not shown) applies an elastic force to the first and second cross members 531 and 532 such that the first and second cross members 531 and 532 are always urged in a folding direction.

[173] As shown in FIG. 26, a folding preventing plate 536 is mounted near each third hinge 535, to maintain the first and second cross members 531 and 532 in an unfolded state. The folding preventing plate 536 is hinged to one of the first and second cross members 531 and 532. The folding preventing plate 536 has an engaging groove 536b formed at the inner surface side of the folding preventing plate 536. The engaging groove 536b is engageable with the outer surfaces of the first and second cross members 531 and 532.

[174] In accordance with this configuration, the first and second cross members 531 and

532 are always subjected to a force to urge the first and second cross members 531 and 532 to be folded, by the torsion spring of the third hinge 535. When the first and second cross members 531 and 532 rotates to be unfolded, and the folding preventing plate 536 then rotates such that the engaging groove 536b of the folding preventing plate 536 is engaged with the outer surfaces of the first and second cross members 531 and 532, the first and second cross members 531 and 532 are maintained in the unfolded state.

[175] The vertical and horizontal bars 511 and 512 connected by each connecting tube

513 include adjusting units 550 for the vertical and horizontal lengths of the associated vertical and horizontal bars 511 and 512, respectively.

[176] The adjusting units 550 are mounted to opposite ends of the connecting tube 513.

Each adjusting unit 550 includes a collet 551 coupled to an end of the associated vertical or horizontal bar 511 or 512, and a fastening nut 552 for fastening the collet 551.

[177] The collet 551 includes a plurality of jaws 551b divided from one another by a plurality of slots 551a. Each jaw 551b has an inclined structure. The collet 551 has a hollow portion 551c defined in the collet 551 to receive an end of the associated connecting tube 513. The collet 551 also has threads 55 Id formed on an outer peripheral surface of the collet 551.

[178] The fastening nut 552 has threads 552d formed on an inner peripheral surface of the fastening nut 552. The inner peripheral surface of the fastening nut 552 has a taper portion 552b for pressing the jaws 551b.

[179] One end of each connecting tube 513 is inserted into the hollow portion 451c of the associated collet 551, and is then adjusted in position in the hollow portion 551c. Thereafter, the threads 552d of the fastening nut 552 are fastened to the threads 55 Id of the collet 551. In accordance with the fastening operation, the jaws 551b of the collet 551 are radially inwardly moved to press the connecting tube 513. As a result, the inserted position of the connecting tube 513 is fixed. Thus, the vertical length of each vertical bar 511 is adjusted by the associated adjusting unit 550. Also, the horizontal length of each horizontal bar 512 is adjusted by the associated adjusting unit 550.

[180] The exercise assisting apparatus of the fifth embodiment is characterized in that the supporting unit 570, which is adapted to support and hold the body of a pet animal, is separably coupled to the frame 510.

[181] Each horizontal bar 512 of the frame 510 is provided with hooks 571. The supporting unit 570 includes a supporting belt 572 for supporting the lower body of a pet animal, front and rear harnesses 573 and 574 fixed to front and rear ends of the supporting belt 572, and a plurality of supporting straps 575 connected to the front and rear harnesses 573 and 574. Front leg holding belts 573a are connected between the front harness 573 and the supporting belt 572.

[182] When it is desired to exercise a pet animal using the exercise assisting apparatus of the second embodiment, the user fits the front legs and body of the pet animal into the front and rear harnesses 573 and 574, to wear the supporting unit 570 on the pet animal. Thereafter, the user connects the supporting straps 575 to the hooks 571, respectively. Accordingly, the pet animal is stably supported by the exercise assisting apparatus. When the pet animal supported by the exercise assisting apparatus in the above-described state is applied to an exercising machine such as a running machine, the exercise assisting apparatus can effectively assist the exercise of the pet animal.

[183] FIG. 30 is a view illustrating an exercise assisting apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The exercise assisting apparatus of the sixth embodiment includes a frame 440 and a supporting unit 470.

[184] The frame 440 includes a pair of vertical bars 441 connected to each other, and a plurality of horizontal bars 442. Reinforcing members 443 may be mounted between the vertical bars 441 and the horizontal bars 442.

[185] Each vertical bar 441 is mounted to the associated horizontal bars 412 and 413 of the lower frame 410 such that it is vertically movable, to adjust the height thereof.

[186] The horizontal bars 442 form a lattice structure connected to the vertical bars 441.

A supporting table 471, which is included in the supporting unit 470, is mounted to the horizontal bars 442.

[187] An adjusting unit 480 is fitted around each vertical bar 441, to adjust the height of the vertical bar 441.

[188] The adjusting unit 480 includes a collet 481 having a bent tube structure, and first and second fastening nuts 482 and 483 mounted to opposite ends of the collet 481, to fasten the ends of the collet 481, respectively. [189] The collet 481 is provided, at each end thereof, with a plurality of jaws having a structure shown in FIG. 24 or 27. The jaws provided at each end of the collet 481 are fastened by the associated first or second fastening nut 482 or 483.

[190] A grip 601 of an exercising machine such as a running machine is inserted into the collet 481 through one open end of the collet 481. The grip 601 is then fixed to the collet 481 as the end of the collet 481 is fastened by the first fastening nut 482. Also, one vertical bar 441 is inserted into the collet 481 through the other open end of the collet 481 such that the vertical bar 441 extends through the collet 481. The vertical bar 441 is then fixed to the collet 481 as the other end of the collet 481 is

[191] fastened by the second fastening nut 483. In accordance with this configuration, it is possible to adjust the level of the frame 440.

Claims

[1] An exercise assisting apparatus comprising: a lower frame including a plurality of vertical bars, and horizontal bars mounted to the vertical bars; an upper frame including a plurality of vertical bars separably mounted to the horizontal bars of the lower frame; and a supporting unit mounted to the upper frame, to support and hold a body of a user, wherein the supporting unit is adjustable in level, and includes side supporters allowing armpits of the user to be fitted over the side supporters, respectively, a front supporter for supporting a front portion of the user, and a back supporter for supporting a back portion of the user, wherein the side supporters are laterally arranged in a pair, and each side supporter includes a connecting rod separably connected to the vertical bars longitudinally arranged at the same side as the side supporter, to connect the vertical bars, and a mounting protrusion provided at a front end of each side supporter, wherein the front supporter includes a connecting rod separably connected to the side supporters while extending across the side supporters, and wherein the back supporter includes a supporting belt having fitting portions formed at opposite ends of the supporting belt, the fitting portions being fitted around the mounting protrusions of the side supporters, respectively.

[2] The exercise assisting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: the lower frame further includes bases laterally arranged in a pair; the lower frame further includes a folding unit mounted to front ends of the bases, to connect the bases such that the bases are foldable; and the folding unit includes first and second cross members respectively hinged to the bases such that the first and second cross members are foldable with respect to the bases, the first and second cross members being hinged to each other such that the first and second cross members are foldable with respect to each other.

[3] The exercise assisting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supporting unit is adjustable in level by an automatic level adjusting structure and a manual level adjusting structure.

[4] An exercise assisting apparatus comprising: a lower frame including a plurality of vertical bars; an upper frame including a plurality of vertical bars each movably connected to an associated one of the vertical bars of the lower frame, and horizontal bars mounted to the vertical bars of the upper frame; and a supporting unit mounted to the upper frame via connecting brackets, to support and hold an upper body of a user, wherein the supporting unit includes side supporters for supporting opposite sides of the user, a front supporter for supporting a front portion of the user, and a body supporter for supporting a body of the user while embracing the body of the user, and wherein each side supporter includes a horizontal portion, and a pair of bending portions extending from opposite ends of the horizontal portion in a state of being bent to a right angle, each bending portion being mounted to an associated one of the connecting brackets at a free end of the bending portion in a dampable state via a damping unit.

[5] The exercise assisting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the front supporter includes a pair of laterally-arranged grip frames respectively mounted to front portions of the connecting brackets, which are laterally arranged in a pair, at least two cross members extending across the grip frames, and a cushion member wound around the cross members.

[6] The exercise assisting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the front supporter includes a connecting rod connected to the side supporters at front sides of the side supporters such that the connecting rod is integral with the side supporters.

[7] The exercise assisting apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the body supporter includes a vertebra band having fasteners attached to opposite ends of the vertebra band, to form a closable structure, and upper and lower connecting belts respectively connected to upper and lower portions of the vertebra band.

[8] The exercise assisting apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the upper and lower connecting belts comprise at least four connecting belts connected in pairs to upper and lower portions of the vertebra band, respectively, and each of the connecting belts is separably connected to an associated one of the connecting brackets at opposite ends of the connecting belt.

[9] An exercise assisting apparatus comprising: a lower frame including first and second horizontal bars adjustable in length; an upper frame mounted to the lower frame such that the upper frame is adjustable in height; a supporting unit mounted to the upper frame, to support a body to exercise; a first adjusting unit for adjusting a total length of the first and second horizontal bars of the lower frame; and a second adjusting unit for adjusting the height of the upper frame, wherein the supporting unit includes a supporting table horizontally mounted to the upper frame, a cushion mat vertically mounted to the support table, and a vertebra band mounted to the cushion mat.

[10] The exercise assisting apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each of the first and second adjusting unit includes a collet including a plurality of jaws, and a fastening nut for fastening the jaws of the collet.

[11] An exercise assisting apparatus comprising: a frame including a plurality of vertical bars and a plurality of horizontal bars; a supporting unit mounted to the frame; and an adjusting unit for adjusting a vertical length of each vertical bar and a horizontal length of each horizontal bar, wherein the supporting unit includes a supporting belt for supporting a lower body of a pet animal, front and rear harnesses mounted to front and rear ends of the supporting belt, and a plurality of supporting straps connected to the front and rear harnesses.

[12] The exercise assisting apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the adjusting unit includes a collet including a plurality of jaws, and a fastening nut for fastening the jaws of the collet.

[13] An exercise assisting apparatus comprising: a frame including vertical bars and horizontal bars; a supporting unit mounted to the frame, to support a body to exercise; and adjusting units each including a collet having a bent tube structure, and first and second fastening nuts mounted to opposite ends of the collet, to fasten the ends of the collet, respectively, the collet having a first open end for receiving a grip of a running machine, and fastening the received grip by the first fastening nut, to fix the grip, and a second open end for receiving an associated one of the vertical bars, and fastening the received vertical bar by the second fastening nut, to fix the vertical bar.