WO2008038893A1

WO2008038893A1 - Apparatus for walking exercise

Info

Publication number: WO2008038893A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/003353
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kwang - Su Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-09-29
Filing date: 2007-07-11
Publication date: 2008-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2009-03-29
Also published as: KR100713838B1

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for walking exercise which is constructed such that shocks transmitted from the ground can be satisfactorily absorbed, and such that, when the walking exercise apparatus is turned, it can be smoothly tilted to correspond to rotational inertia. The apparatus of the present invention includes a steering unit (10), which has a steering shaft (11), a steering handle and a steerable wheel, a main frame (20), which is rotatably coupled at a front end thereof to the steering shaft (11) and supports the weight of a rider, and a drive unit (30), which rotates drive wheels (32) using force generated by movement of the footsteps (31). The apparatus further includes a shock absorbing means (40), which is provided on the main frame for conducting a shock absorbing operation in a vertical direction with respect to the drive wheels (32).

Description

APPARATUS FOR WALKING EXERCISE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an apparatus for walking exercise.

Background Art

[2] The present invention relates, in general, to apparatuses for walking exercise and, more particularly, to an apparatus for walking exercise which is constructed such that, when traveling, shocks transmitted from the ground can be satisfactorily absorbed, and such that, when the walking exercise apparatus turns, it can be smoothly tilted to correspond to rotational inertia.

[3] Generally, apparatuses for walking exercise are used outdoors, for example, on a footpath, for training muscles of the lower part of the body or for walking. Unlike bicycles for enjoying speed, the walking exercise apparatuses can be used on footpaths. Furthermore, users can enjoy walking because the walking exercise apparatuses are faster than walking. In addition, unlike indoor running machines, the walking exercise apparatuses make it possible for the users to train the lower parts of their bodies outdoors as well as enjoying speed and walking. A representative example of such conventional apparatuses for walking exercise was proposed in Korean Patent Application No. 2006-41667, which was filed by the applicant of the present invention on May 9, 2006.

[4] As shown in Fig. 6, the conventional apparatus for walking exercise includes a steering unit 100, a main frame 200 and a drive unit 300. The steering unit 100 includes a steering shaft 101, which is oriented in a vertical direction, and a steering handle 102 and a steerable wheel 103, which are respectively coupled to the upper and lower ends of the steering shaft 101. The steering shaft 101 is coupled to the front end of the main frame 200. The drive unit 300 includes a pair of footsteps 301, which are provided in the main frame 200 and are alternately moved upwards and downwards, a drive sprocket 302, which is connected to the footsteps 301 and is rotated by movement of the footsteps 301, and a driven sprocket 303, which is connected to the drive sprocket 302 through a chain. The drive unit 300 further includes a pair of drive wheels 304, which are rotatably coupled to respective opposite sides of the main frame 200 and are connected to the driven sprocket 303. Thus, the drive wheels 304 are rotated using drive force generated when the footsteps 301 are alternately moved upwards and downwards, so that the walking exercise apparatus is advanced.

[5] However, in the conventional walking exercise apparatus, because the drive wheels are rotated in a state in which they are held at stationary positions by the main frame, when the walking exercise apparatus travels on an unpaved road surface, vibrations and shocks are directly transmitted from the surface to the rider, thus reducing riding comfort.

[6] Furthermore, while the walking exercise apparatus travels, when the direction in which it is advanced is changed using the steering unit, one wheel is lifted due to rotational inertia, or, because the center of gravity is not shifted, the apparatus may fall over. To avoid these problems, there is a disadvantage in that, when the walking exercise apparatus turns, the speed at which the apparatus travels must be reduced.

[7] In addition, in the conventional walking exercise apparatus, because the steering shaft is coupled to the main frame by a hinge through only a basic coupling structure, the steering shaft may be bent or broken for various reasons, for example, external shocks or the weight of the rider. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[8] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for walking exercise which is constructed such that, when the walking exercise apparatus travels, shocks transmitted from the ground can be satisfactorily absorbed, and such that, when the walking exercise apparatus turns, it can be smoothly tilted to correspond to rotational inertia.

[9] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for walking exercise which can securely support a main frame and a steerable wheel despite having a simple structure, and which can appropriately respond to rotational inertia.

[10] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for walking exercise which is constructed such that the walking force of a rider is efficiently transmitted to drive wheels to minimize power loss.

[11] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for walking exercise in which the angle of a steering shaft with respect to the main frame can be adjusted according to the intended purpose, and the force with which the steering shaft is supported is increased.

[12] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for walking exercise which allows several persons to ride thereon together.

[13] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides an apparatus for walking exercise, including: a steering unit, having a steering shaft oriented in a vertical direction, and a steering handle and a steerable wheel coupled to respective upper and lower ends of the steering shaft; a main frame coupled at a front end thereof to the steering shaft so as to be rotatable in a lateral direction with respect to the steering shaft, the main frame supporting a weight of a rider; and a drive unit provided in the main frame to rotate drive wheels using force generated when the rider, who stands on footsteps, alternately moves upwards and downwards the footsteps using his/ her feet, the apparatus further including: a shock absorbing means provided on a rear end of the main frame for conducting a shock absorbing operation in a vertical direction with respect to the drive wheels.

[14] Furthermore, the shock absorbing means may include: a pair of support brackets hinged to the rear end of the main frame, with the drive wheels 32 coupled to outer surfaces of the respective support brackets so as to be rotatable; a support rod coupled at an upper end thereof to a corresponding portion of the main frame; a support guide coupled to each of the support brackets such that the support rod is inserted through the support guide; and a shock absorbing spring fitted over the support rod, the shock absorbing spring being supported at an upper end thereof by an upper end of the support rod and supported at a lower end thereof by an upper end of the support guide.

[15] In addition, the drive unit may include: the footsteps connected to each other with a phase difference of 180° therebetween such that the left and right feet of the rider are alternately moved upwards and downwards; a rotating bracket for converting the upward and downward motion of the footsteps into rotational motion; a drive sprocket rotatably coupled to the main frame, the drive sprocket being fastened to the rotating bracket and rotated along with the rotating bracket; a driven sprocket fastened to the drive wheels; and a chain for transmitting drive force from the drive sprocket to the driven sprocket.

[16] The apparatus for walking exercise may further include: a hinge part provided at a junction between the steering shaft and the main frame such that the steering shaft is rotated upwards or downwards with respect to the main frame by the hinge part; a reinforcing shaft coupled at a lower end thereof to the main frame by a hinge, the reinforcing shaft being provided behind the hinge part; and a reinforcing guide slidably fitted over an outer surface of the steering shaft, the reinforcing guide being coupled to an upper end of the reinforcing shaft by a hinge.

[17] The apparatus for walking exercise may further include a subsidiary footrest provided on the main frame head of the footsteps.

Advantageous Effects

[18] As described above, the apparatus for walking exercise according to the present invention includes a shock absorbing means, thus reducing shocks transmitted from the ground when the apparatus travels. Furthermore, when the walking exercise apparatus turns, it can be appropriately tilted to correspond to rotational inertia. Therefore, even when the walking exercise apparatus travels on an unpaved road surface, shocks are prevented from being directly transmitted to a rider, thus enhancing riding comfort. In addition, even when the walking exercise apparatus turns, because a main frame is appropriately tilted to correspond to rotational inertia, the traveling stability is enhanced.

[19] As well, in the present invention, despite having a simple structure including support brackets, support rods, support guides and shock absorbing springs, the main frame and a steerable wheel can be securely supported, and the main frame can appropriately respond to rotational inertia. Therefore, there are advantages in that the process of manufacturing the walking exercise apparatus having the shock absorbing means is simplified, and, even if the walking exercise apparatus is used for a long period, it can reliably conduct the shock absorbing function.

[20] In the present invention, a drive unit includes a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket and a chain which are connected to footsteps, power loss is minimized, and walking force of the rider is efficiently transmitted to drive wheels. Thus, the force required for advancing the walking exercise apparatus is reduced, so that the rider can easily advance the walking exercise apparatus merely using simple motion.

[21] Moreover, the present invention includes a reinforcing shaft and a reinforcing guide, which are connected to the steering shaft, such that the angle of the steering shaft with respect to the main frame can be adjusted according to the intended purpose, and the force with which the steering shaft is supported is increased. Therefore, there are advantages in that the steering shaft is prevented from being damaged by the weight of the rider or external shocks, and the angle of the steering shaft can be appropriately adjusted depending on the height of the rider or the number of riders.

[22] Furthermore, a subsidiary footrest is provided on the main frame, so that several riders can ride the walking exercise apparatus, thus further increasing the usefulness thereof. Brief Description of the Drawings

[23] Fig. 1 is a front view of an embodiment according to the present invention;

[24] Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1 ;

[25] Figs. 3 and 4 are views taken along the line A-A of Fig. 2, in which Fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing critical parts of a shock absorbing means when it is not in operation, and Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing critical parts of the shock absorbing means when it is in operation;

[26] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view showing the operation of a drive unit according to the present invention;

[27] Fig. 6 is a front view showing the operation of adjusting the angle of the steering shaft according to the present invention; and

[28] Fig. 7 is a front view showing an example of a conventional apparatus for walking exercise.

[29] *Description of the elements in the drawings*

[30] 10: steering unit

[31] 11: steering shaft 12: steering handle

[32] 13: steerable wheel

[33] 20: main frame

[34] 21: hinge part 22: reinforcing shaft

[35] 23: reinforcing guide 24: subsidiary footrest

[36] 30: drive unit

[37] 31: footsteps 32: drive wheel

[38] 33: drive sprocket 34: driven sprocket

[39] 35: chain

[40] 40: shock absorbing means

[41] 41: support bracket 42: support rod

[42] 43: support guide 44: shock absorbing spring

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[43] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[44] Fig. 1 is a front view of the preferred embodiment according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of Fig. 1. As shown in the drawings, the present invention includes a steering unit 10, a main frame 20 and a drive unit 30 and is constructed such that, when a user stands on footsteps 31 and conducts walking motion, the apparatus for walking exercise is moved forwards, and such that the direction in which the apparatus moves forwards can be adjusted using the steering unit 10. In particular, in the present invention, a shock absorbing means 40 for conducting a shock absorbing function for drive wheels 32 is provided at a predetermined position in the drive unit 30, thus enhancing riding comfort even when traveling on an unpaved road surface. Furthermore, the present invention is constructed such that, when the steering operation is conducted, the main frame 20 is elastically tilted in one direction, thus enhancing the steering stability.

[45] The steering unit 10 makes it possible for the rider to adjust the direction in which the walking exercise apparatus advances according to his/her intentions. The steering unit 10 includes a steering shaft 11, which is oriented in a vertical direction, a steering handle 12, which is provided on the upper end of the steering shaft 11 and is oriented in a lateral direction, and a steerable wheel 13, which is rotatably coupled to the lower end of the steering shaft 11. Thus, when the steering handle 12 is rotated in one direction, the steerable wheel 13 is rotated along with the steering handle 12, so that the direction in which the walking exercise apparatus is advanced is adjusted.

[46] The main frame 20 forms the main body of the walking exercise apparatus. It is preferable that the main frame 20 be made of metal rods sufficiently able to withstand the weight of the rider. The steering shaft 11 is coupled to the front end of the main frame 20 so as to be rotatable around a vertical axis. The rear end of the main frame 20 comprises two end parts, which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance to form a fork structure. Furthermore, the drive unit 30 is provided in the rear end of the main frame 20, such that, when the rider operates the drive unit 30, the walking exercise apparatus is advanced.

[47] In detail, the drive unit 30 is constructed such that the walking exercise apparatus can be advanced by the walking motion of the rider. The drive unit 30 includes a pair of footsteps 31, which are rotatably coupled between the two spaced end parts of the main frame 20 and have a phase difference of 180° therebetween, and the two drive wheels 32, which are rotatably coupled to the respective two end parts of the main frame 20 such that they are rotated by rotation and concomitant vertical motion of the footsteps 31.

[48] The shock absorbing means 40 serves to support the two drive wheels 32 and to absorb the weight of the rider and vibrations and shocks, which are applied from the ground, for example, an unpaved road surface, to the walking exercise apparatus. Furthermore, the shock absorbing means 40 is constructed such that, when the walking exercise apparatus turns in a lateral direction, the main frame 20 can tilt in the direction in which the apparatus turns.

[49] Furthermore, reinforcing shafts 22 and a reinforcing guide 23 are provided between the steering shaft 11 and the main frame 20 to increase the force with which the steering shaft 11 is supported, thus preventing the steering shaft 11 from being damaged by a shock or a load applied thereto.

[50] In addition, a subsidiary footrest 24 may be provided in front of the drive unit 30 in the main frame 20, so that an additional passenger, as well as the principal rider who operates the drive unit 30, can safely ride the walking exercise apparatus. In this case, the walking exercise apparatus can be used more conveniently.

[51] Figs. 3 and 4 are views taken along the line A-A of Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing critical parts of the shock absorbing means 40 when it is not in operation. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing critical parts of the shock absorbing means 40 when it is in operation. As shown in the drawings, the shock absorbing means 40 includes a pair of support brackets 41, which are coupled to the rear end of the main frame 20 by hinges, and to which the respective drive wheel 32 are rotatably coupled. The shock absorbing means 40 further includes a support rod 42, which is coupled at the upper end thereof to a corresponding portion of the main frame 20, a support guide 43, which is fastened at the upper end thereof to each support bracket 41, and through which the support rod 42 is slidably inserted, and a shock absorbing spring 44, which is fitted over the support rod 42. The shock absorbing spring is supported at the upper end thereof by the upper end of the support rod 42 and is supported at the lower end thereof by the support guide 43.

[52] The support brackets 41 make it possible for the drive wheels 32 to move upwards or downwards with respect to the main frame 20. That is, the support brackets 41 are hinged to the rear end of the main frame 20 so as to be rotatable upwards or downwards around the rear end of the main frame 20. The drive wheels 32 are rotatably coupled to the respective support brackets 41. In addition, each rear end part of the main frame 20 extends above the corresponding support bracket 41 to a position spaced apart from the support bracket 41 by a predetermined distance.

[53] The support rod 42 is fastened at the upper end thereof to the main frame 20. The support guide 43, which is open at upper and lower ends thereof, and through which the lower end of the support rod 42 is slidably inserted, is fastened at a predetermined position to the support bracket 41. The shock absorbing spring 44, which is supported at the upper end thereof by the upper end of the support rod 42 and is supported at the lower end thereof by the upper surface of the support guide 43, is fitted over the support rod 42, so that the support rod 42 is elastically moved upwards or downwards.

[54] Therefore, when a load is applied to the main frame 20 in a downward direction, or when vibrations or shocks are transmitted from the ground through the drive wheels 32, the support brackets 41 are rotated, and the support guides 43, which are coupled to the rear ends of the respective support brackets 41, are moved upwards or downwards along the corresponding support rods 42. At this time, the load, vibrations and shocks can be absorbed by the elastic force of the shock absorbing springs 44.

[55] Moreover, when the direction in which the walking exercise apparatus is advanced is changed using the steering unit 10, the main frame is tilted by rotational inertia in the direction in which the apparatus turns. At this time, the shock absorbing means 40, which is provided on each of the two rear end parts of the main frame 20, is individually operated such that the main frame 20 can be appropriately tilted to correspond to the turning movement of the apparatus, thus enhancing steering stability.

[56] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view showing the operation of the drive unit 30 according to the present invention. As shown in the drawing, the drive unit 30 includes a rotating bracket 311, which is rotatably provided between the rear end parts of the main frame 20, which are spaced apart from each other, and is provided with the two footsteps 31 such that they have a phase difference of 180° therebetween. The drive unit 30 further includes the drive wheels 32, which are provided on the opposite sides of the main frame 20 and are rotated along with the rotating bracket 311 when it is rotated by re- ciprocating the footsteps 31. The drive unit 30 further includes a drive sprocket 33, which is rotatably coupled to the main frame 20 and is rotated by upward and downward movement and rotation of the footsteps 31, a driven sprocket 34, which is coupled to a rotating shaft of the corresponding drive wheel 32, and a chain 35, which connects the drive sprocket 33 to the driven sprocket 34.

[57] Therefore, when the rider alternately pushes down the two footsteps 31, which have the phase difference, using his/her feet, the rotating bracket 311, which is coupled to the footsteps 31, is rotated. Then, the drive sprocket 33, which is coupled to the rotating bracket, is rotated, and the rotating force of the drive sprocket is transmitted to the driven sprocket 34 through the chain 35. As a result, the drive wheels 32 are rotated, so that the walking exercise apparatus advances.

[58] Here, typical cranks, each of which is constructed such that power is transmitted in only one direction, may be provided at respective junctions between the footsteps 31 and the drive sprocket 33 and between the driven sprocket 34 and the drive wheel 32 so that the walking exercise apparatus can be used more conveniently.

[59] Fig. 6 is a front view showing the operation of adjusting the angle of the steering shaft relative to the main frame. As shown in the drawing, the steering shaft 11 is coupled to the front end of the main frame 20 so as to be rotatable upwards or downwards using a hinged part 21. Furthermore, the reinforcing guide 23 is provided on the outer surface of the steering shaft 11 so as to be slidable along the steering shaft 11, and the reinforcing shafts 22 are hinged at the opposite ends thereof to the reinforcing guide 23 and the main frame 20, thus facilitating the operation of adjusting the angle of the steering shaft relative to the main frame, and increasing the force with which the steering shaft is supported.

[60] Therefore, the steering shaft 11 can be reliably prevented from being damaged or deformed. In addition, in the case where several users get on the walking exercise apparatus, the steering shaft 11 is oriented such that it is almost perpendicular to the ground, and the reinforcing guide 23 is moved towards the lower end of the steering shaft 11, so that a relatively large space is defined above the main frame 20. In contrast, when only a single user gets on the walking exercise apparatus, or when it is desired to travel at a high speed, the steering shaft 11 is inclined towards the rear end of the main frame 20, and the reinforcing guide 23 is moved towards the upper end of the steering shaft 11. As such, because the angle of the steering shaft relative to the main frame is adjusted, the walking exercise apparatus can be used more conveniently.

[61] Preferably, a typical bolt or the like is tightened into the outer surface of the reinforcing guide 23 such that, when the end of the bolt is brought into close contact with the outer surface of the steering shaft, the reinforcing guide 23 is securely fastened to the steering shaft, thus preventing a safety hazard attributable to undesirable movement of the steering shaft when traveling.

Claims

[1] 1. An apparatus for walking exercise, comprising: a steering unit (10), having a steering shaft (11) oriented in a vertical direction, and a steering handle (12) and a steerable wheel (13) coupled to respective upper and lower ends of the steering shaft (11); a main frame (20) coupled at a front end thereof to the steering shaft (11) so as to be rotatable in a lateral direction with respect to the steering shaft (11), the main frame (20) supporting a weight of a rider; and a drive unit (30) provided in the main frame (20) to rotate drive wheels (32) using force generated when the rider, who stands on footsteps (31), alternately moves upwards and downwards the footsteps (31) using his/her feet, the apparatus further comprising: shock absorbing means (40) provided on a rear end of the main frame for conducting a shock absorbing operation in a vertical direction with respect to the drive wheels (32).

[2] The apparatus for walking exercise according to claim 1, wherein the shock absorbing means (40) comprises: a pair of support brackets (41) hinged to the rear end of the main frame (20), with the drive wheels 32 coupled to outer surfaces of the respective support brackets (41) so as to be rotatable; a support rod (42) coupled at an upper end thereof to a corresponding portion of the main frame (20); a support guide (43) coupled to each of the support brackets (41) such that the support rod (42) is inserted through the support guide (43); and a shock absorbing spring (44) fitted over the support rod (42), the shock absorbing spring being supported at an upper end thereof by an upper end of the support rod (42) and supported at a lower end thereof by an upper end of the support guide (43).

[3] The apparatus for walking exercise according to claim 2, wherein the drive unit

(30) comprises: the footsteps (31) connected to each other with a phase difference of 180° therebetween such that the left and right feet of the rider are alternately moved upwards and downwards; a rotating bracket (311) for converting the upward and downward motion of the footsteps (31) into rotational motion; a drive sprocket (33) rotatably coupled to the main frame (20), the drive sprocket being fastened to the rotating bracket (311) and rotated along with the rotating bracket (311); a driven sprocket (34) fastened to the drive wheels (32); and a chain (35) for transmitting drive force from the drive sprocket (33) to the driven sprocket (34).

[4] The apparatus for walking exercise according to claim 1, further comprising: a hinge part provided at a junction between the steering shaft (11) and the main frame (20) such that the steering shaft (11) is rotated upwards or downwards with respect to the main frame by the hinge part; a reinforcing shaft (22) coupled at a lower end thereof to the main frame (20) by a hinge, the reinforcing shaft being provided behind the hinge part; and a reinforcing guide (23) slidably fitted over an outer surface of the steering shaft

(11), the reinforcing guide being coupled to an upper end of the reinforcing shaft

(22) by a hinge.

[5] The apparatus for walking exercise according to any one of claims 1 through 4, further comprising: a subsidiary footrest (24) provided on the main frame (20) ahead of the footsteps (31).