LOAD TRANSMISSION MECHANISM FOR TRAINING APPARATUS, AND TRAINING APPARATUS INCORPORATING THE SAME

Abstract

A load transmission mechanism for training apparatus is disclosed, comprising a main drive shaft unit, an intermediate shaft unit, and a perpendicular shaft unit. The mechanism utilizes a transmission chain and sprockets to transfer rotational force, with bevel gears enabling a change in rotational direction. The system includes a load applying unit that allows for adjustable tension, making it suitable for various training intensities. The gripping portion may be annular, enhancing user interaction. This mechanism is designed to provide smooth and adjustable resistance, improving the effectiveness and versatility of training apparatus.

Claims

1. A load transmission mechanism for training apparatus, comprising: a main drive shaft unit including an input unit connected to an end of the main drive shaft unit, to which input unit a user applies force, wherein the main drive shaft unit rotates along with the input unit; an intermediate shaft unit that rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the main drive shaft unit; a first rotation transmission unit that is linked between the main drive shaft unit and the intermediate shaft unit and is used to transmit a rotary motion between the main drive shaft unit and the intermediate shaft unit; a second rotation transmission unit that is linked between the intermediate shaft unit and a perpendicular shaft unit that is perpendicular to the intermediate shaft unit, wherein the second rotation transmission unit is used to transmit a rotary motion between the intermediate shaft unit and the perpendicular shaft unit; a sliding shaft unit that is subject to external tension and is supported by a bearing and allowed to reciprocate in an axial direction of the bearing; a linear motion guide unit including a connecting and fixing unit that connects the main drive shaft unit, the intermediate shaft unit, the perpendicular shaft unit, and the bearing, wherein the linear motion guide unit guides the connecting and fixing unit in a linear direction that is parallel to a direction of extension of the first rotation transmission unit; a tensile member that is connected to the sliding shaft unit, transmits the tension, and changes a direction of extension in accordance with a movement of the sliding shaft unit in the axial and linear directions; and a link mechanism that is connected to the perpendicular shaft unit and the sliding shaft unit at both ends thereof and converts a rotational movement of the perpendicular shaft unit into a reciprocating movement of the sliding shaft unit.

2. The load transmission mechanism for training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit is a gripping portion gripped by the user or a foot rest for the user.

3. The load transmission mechanism for training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connector for connecting the load transmission mechanism to a training apparatus.

4. The load transmission mechanism for training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation transmission unit is a transmission chain, the main drive shaft unit includes a main drive shaft sprocket, the intermediate shaft unit includes an intermediate shaft sprocket, and the transmission chain is suspended between the main drive shaft sprocket and the intermediate shaft sprocket.

5. The load transmission mechanism for training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second rotation transmission unit includes: an intermediate shaft bevel gear that is provided in the intermediate shaft unit, and a perpendicular shaft bevel gear that is provided in the perpendicular shaft unit and in tooth mesh with the intermediate shaft bevel gear.

6. The load transmission mechanism for training apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the gripping portion is annular.

7. The load transmission mechanism for training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tension is generated by a load applying unit that freely adjusts a magnitude of a load of the training apparatus.

8. A training apparatus comprising the load transmission mechanism for training apparatus 45 according to claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a front view for illustrating a configuration of an inside of a load transmission mechanism 1A for training apparatus according to a first embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a side view for illustrating the load transmission mechanism 1A for training apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1A for training apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows a diagram for illustrating a link mechanism of the load transmission mechanism 1A for training apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 shows a front view for illustrating an operation of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1A for training apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 6 shows a diagram for illustrating an operation of the link mechanism of the load transmission mechanism 1A for training apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a front view for illustrating a configuration of an inside of a load transmission mechanism 1B for training apparatus according to a second embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view illustrating a first training apparatus for both arms.

[0020] FIG. 9 shows a front view illustrating the first training apparatus for both arms.

[0021] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view illustrating the first training apparatus for both arms in use.

[0022] FIG. 11 shows a front view illustrating the first training apparatus for both arms in use.

[0023] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view illustrating a first training apparatus for one arm.

[0024] FIG. 13 shows a front view illustrating the first training apparatus for one arm.

[0025] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view illustrating a second training apparatus.

[0026] FIG. 15 shows an enlarged perspective view illustrating a foot rest of the second training apparatus.

[0027] FIG. 16 shows a side view illustrating the second training apparatus in use according to a first form.

[0028] FIG. 17 shows a side view illustrating the second training apparatus in use according to a second form.

[0029] FIG. 18 shows a side view illustrating the second training apparatus in use according to a third form.

[0030] FIG. 19 shows a front view for illustrating a configuration of an inside of a load transmission mechanism 1C for training apparatus according to a third embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 20 shows a front view for illustrating a configuration of an inside of a load transmission mechanism 1D for training apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 21 shows a front view for illustrating a configuration of an inside of a load transmission mechanism 1E for training apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 22 shows a front view for illustrating a configuration of an inside of a load transmission mechanism 1F for training apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 23 shows a front view for illustrating a configuration of an inside of a load transmission mechanism 1G for training apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 24 shows a perspective view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1G for training apparatus according to the seventh embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 25 shows a front view for illustrating a configuration of an inside of a load transmission mechanism 1H for training apparatus according to an eighth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of an exemplary embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals denote like elements, and wherein:

Overview of a Load Transmission Mechanism 1A for Training Apparatus according to a First Embodiment

[0038] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, a load transmission mechanism 1A for training apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as load transmission mechanism 1A) according to a first embodiment of this disclosure will be described. The load transmission mechanism 1A is used attached to the first training apparatus 100 and the second training apparatus 201 described below, and accepts input from the hand of a user.

Description of a Configuration of the Load Transmission Mechanism 1A

[0039] With reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, the configuration and operation of the load transmission mechanism 1A according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0040] First, with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, the configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1A according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows a front view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1A, FIG. 2 shows a side view for illustrating the configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1A, FIG. 3 shows a perspective view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1A, and FIG. 4 shows a diagram for illustrating a link mechanism 30 of the load transmission mechanism 1A.

[0041] The load transmission mechanism 1A includes a housing unit 22. FIGS. 1 and 3 illustrate the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1A, and thus the housing unit 22 is drawn with imaginary lines in FIGS. 1 and 3. The housing unit 22 incorporates a main drive shaft unit 4, intermediate shaft unit 5, perpendicular shaft unit 6, and sliding shaft unit 13. The force can be transmitted in both directions between the main drive shaft unit 4 and the sliding shaft unit 13 via the respective shaft units between the main drive shaft unit 4 and the sliding shaft unit 13.

[0042] The main drive shaft unit 4 is connected at the end thereof to the gripping portion 11, which is the input unit for the user to input force, and rotates along with the gripping portion 11 and moves horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the housing unit 22, toward and away from the sliding shaft unit 13.

[0043] The first rotation transmission unit 1K is used to link the main drive shaft unit 4 and the intermediate shaft unit 5 and to transmit the rotary motion between the main drive shaft unit 4 and the intermediate shaft unit 5.

[0044] The intermediate shaft unit 5 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the main drive shaft unit 4.

[0045] The intermediate shaft unit 5, perpendicular shaft unit 6, and sliding shaft unit 13 are connected to the main drive shaft unit 4 via a connecting and fixing unit 23 described below, and thus they move horizontally as the main drive shaft unit 4 moves horizontally.

[0046] The housing unit 22 configures the outer wall of the load transmission mechanism 1A.

[0047] The perpendicular shaft unit 6 is perpendicular to the intermediate shaft unit 5.

[0048] The second rotation transmission unit 1M is used to link the intermediate shaft unit 5 and the perpendicular shaft unit 6 and to transmit the rotary motion between the intermediate shaft unit 5 and the perpendicular shaft unit 6.

[0049] The sliding shaft unit 13 is subject to external tension and is supported by the sliding bearing 13a to allow axial reciprocating movement of the sliding bearing 13a. The tension 19 is generated by the load applying units 130 and 230, described below, which freely adjust the magnitude of the load of the training apparatus 100.

[0050] The connecting and fixing unit 23 connects the main drive shaft unit 4, the intermediate shaft unit 5, the perpendicular shaft unit 6, and the sliding bearing 13a. The connecting and fixing unit 23 includes a first fixing piece 23a and a second fixing piece 23b. As shown in FIG. 1, the first fixing piece 23a is directed to a straight plate and the second fixing piece 23b is directed to an L-shaped plate.

[0051] The first fixing piece 23a includes a main drive shaft bearing (not shown) and an intermediate shaft bearing 5a. The main drive shaft bearing freely supports the main drive shaft unit 4 and the intermediate shaft bearing 5a freely supports the intermediate shaft unit 5. The main drive shaft bearing and intermediate shaft bearing 5a support the corresponding main drive shaft unit 4 and intermediate shaft unit 5 so that the main drive shaft unit 4 and intermediate shaft unit 5 are parallel to each other.

[0052] The second fixing piece 23b is directed to an L-shaped plate with a short side and a long side perpendicular to each other. The L-shaped short side includes a sliding bearing 13a and the L-shaped long side includes a perpendicular shaft bearing 6a. The sliding shaft unit 13 supports the sliding bearing 13a such that the sliding bearing 13a can reciprocate in the axial direction. The perpendicular shaft bearing 6a supports the perpendicular shaft unit 6 in a rotational manner.

[0053] The link mechanism 30, described below, is connected at both ends thereof to the sliding shaft unit 13 and the perpendicular shaft unit 6, and converts the rotational movement of the perpendicular shaft unit 6 into a reciprocating movement of the sliding shaft unit 13.

[0054] The first fixing piece 23a connects to the second fixing piece 23b in a manner that is perpendicular to the long side of the L-shaped second fixing piece 23b. Accordingly, the main drive shaft unit 4, intermediate shaft unit 5, and sliding shaft unit 13 are provided at the connecting and fixing unit 23 so that they are parallel to each other. The perpendicular shaft unit 6 is provided at the connecting and fixing unit 23 so that the perpendicular shaft unit 6 is perpendicular to the main drive shaft unit 4, the intermediate shaft unit 5, and the sliding shaft unit 13.

[0055] The main drive shaft unit 4 includes a main drive shaft sprocket 4c and the intermediate shaft unit 5 includes an intermediate shaft sprocket 5c. The sprocket is directed to a gear that transmits the rotation of the shaft to the transmission chain 10, or transmits the rotation of the transmission chain 10 to the shaft. The transmission chain 10 is one of the mechanical elements used in power transmission that transmits the rotation of the shaft as tension. The main drive shaft sprocket 4c and intermediate shaft sprocket 5c are linked by the transmission chain 10, which serves as a first rotation transmission unit 1K, suspended therebetween, and the transmission chain 10 rotates the main drive shaft sprocket 4c and intermediate shaft sprocket 5c in cooperation, and thus the intermediate shaft unit 5 rotates linked with the rotation of the main drive shaft unit 4.

[0056] The second rotation transmission unit 1M includes an intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d and perpendicular shaft bevel gear 6c. The intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d and the perpendicular shaft bevel gear 6c transmit rotation to each other by meshing their teeth with the teeth of the other. The intermediate shaft unit 5 includes the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d and the perpendicular shaft unit 6 includes the perpendicular shaft bevel gear 6c.

[0057] The bevel gear is directed to a gear that is attached to each of two intersecting rotary shafts, transmits rotary motion between these two shafts, and the toothed surface of the gear itself is tapered to be conical. The intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d and perpendicular shaft bevel gear 6c configure the second rotation transmission unit 1M and are used to link the intermediate shaft unit 5 and the perpendicular shaft unit 6, which is perpendicular to the intermediate shaft unit 5, to transmit rotation between the intermediate shaft unit 5 and the perpendicular shaft unit 6.

[0058] The first fixing piece 23a is fixed to the slider 20c of the linear motion guide unit 20. The linear motion guide unit 20, which is one of the machine element parts, includes guides 20a and 20b that serve as rails (iron tracks), slider 20c, and guide support base 20d where the slider 20c sliding along the guides 20a and 20b performs low-friction, smooth linear motion. The connecting and fixing unit 23, which connects the main drive shaft unit 4, intermediate shaft unit 5, perpendicular shaft unit 6, and sliding shaft unit 13, is attached to the slider 20c that moves the connecting and fixing unit 23 in the direction that is parallel to the direction of extension of the first rotation transmission unit 1K.

[0059] The linear motion guide unit 20 includes a first guide 20a, a second guide 20b, a slider 20c, and a guide support base 20d. The guide support base 20d is fixed to the inside of the housing unit 22. The first guide 20a and second guide 20b are straight bars and are fixed to the guide support base 20d, maintaining the first guide 20a and second guide 20b parallel to each other. The slider 20c is installed across the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b and moves straight over the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b.

[0060] When the gripping portion 11 as the input unit is moved horizontally by the user, the connecting and fixing unit 23 moves horizontally smoothly with low friction in the direction of extension of the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b along with the slider 20c. The intermediate shaft unit 5 and perpendicular shaft unit 6 move horizontally as the connecting and fixing unit 23 moves horizontally. The first guide 20a and second guide 20b are installed in the housing unit 22 so that the direction of extension of the first guide 20a and second guide 20b is parallel to the direction of extension of the perpendicular shaft unit 6. Accordingly, the direction of horizontal movement of the perpendicular shaft unit 6, which involves the horizontal movement of the main drive shaft unit 4, is parallel to the direction of extension of the perpendicular shaft unit 6.

[0061] The parallelism of the two directions is a three-dimensional parallelism, meaning that the two directions are on the same plane and they do not intersect.

[0062] The top surface 22a of the housing unit 22 has a long hole 33 that passes through the top and bottom thereof. The long hole 33 is formed to extend in the direction of linear movement of the slider 20C. The sliding shaft unit 13 is inserted through the long hole 33. The sliding shaft unit 13 moves horizontally in the long hole 33 as the gripping portion 11 is moved horizontally by the user.

[0063] The link mechanism 30 is connected at both ends to the sliding shaft unit 13 and the perpendicular shaft unit 6, and converts the rotational motion of the perpendicular shaft unit 6 into a reciprocating motion of the sliding shaft unit 13 in the up-down direction.

[0064] With reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the link mechanism 30 will be described. The link mechanism 30 includes a first link 30a and a second link 30b. The link is generally directed to an elongated rod-shaped member with joints at both ends to transmit force or motion. One end of the first link 30a is fixed to the perpendicular shaft unit 6, and the other end of the first link 30a is connected to one end of the second link 30b to form the first joint 30c. The first joint 30c is directed to a joint formed by the first link 30a and the second link 30b and serves as a movable unit. The second link 30b is capable of rotating substantially 360 degrees with respect to the first link 30a about the first joint 30c.

[0065] The other end of the second link 30b is connected to the first end 13b of the sliding shaft unit 13 to form the second joint 30d. The second joint 30d is directed to a joint formed by the second link 30b and the sliding shaft unit 13 and serves as a movable unit. The second link 30b is capable of rotating substantially 360 degrees with respect to the sliding shaft unit 13 about the second joint 30d.

[0066] A tensile member 25 is connected to the sliding shaft unit 13 to transmit the tension 19 and change the direction of extension in accordance with the axial and linear movement of the sliding shaft unit 13.

[0067] The tensile member 25 is directed to a flexible rope with little elasticity, and the material and thickness are determined in accordance with the loading conditions and durability requirements. The tensile member 25 is mainly made of metal. The tensile member 25 may be directed to a metal chain.

[0068] In the first training apparatus 100a for both arms (see FIGS. 8 to 11), the tensile member 25 is connected at one end thereof to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft unit 13 and at the other end to the tensile member connector 181 of the load applying unit 130.

[0069] In the first training apparatus 100b for one arm (see FIGS. 12 and 13), the tensile member 25 is connected at one end thereof to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft unit 13 of one of the two load transmission mechanisms 1A and at the other end to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft unit 13 of the other load transmission mechanism 1A.

[0070] The tensile member 25 extends from the load applying unit 130 and is inserted and wound around the first guide roll 26, second guide roll 27, and direction changing guide wheel 170.

[0071] The first guide roll 26 and the second guide roll 27, respectively, are disk-shaped and have annular grooves 26a and 27a extending circumferentially on their outer peripheral surface (see FIGS. 1 to 4). The tensile member 25 fits into and is held in the groove 26a and groove 27a. The tensile member 25 is held in the groove 26a and groove 27a, thereby restricting its movement in the front-back direction (left and right on the paper surface in FIG. 1).

[0072] The tensile member 25 is held between the first guide roll 26 and the second guide roll 27, and its movement from side to side (left from/to right on the paper surface in FIG. 2) is restricted.

[0073] The first guide roll 26 and the second guide roll 27 rotate in accordance with the advance and retreat of the tensile member 25 due to friction generated between the tensile member 25 and the rolls 26, 27.

[0074] The direction changing guide wheel 170 converts the downward load applied to the tensile member 25 by the weights 131 described below into an upward load.

[0075] The direction changing guide wheel 170 is disk-shaped and has an annular groove 170a extending circumferentially on its outer peripheral surface (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The tensile member 25 fits into the groove 170a and is retained.

[0076] The first guide roll 26 and the second guide roll 27 are mounted in the vicinity of a top of a guide post 140 via a mounting bracket 141. The load transmission mechanism 1A is allowed to swivel about the guide post 140. The mounting bracket 141 is oriented to follow the orientation of the load transmission mechanism 1A in accordance with the orientation of the load transmission mechanism 1A in its swiveling motion.

Description of an Operation of the Load Transmission Mechanism 1A

[0077] Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation of the load transmission mechanism 1A will be described. FIG. 5 shows a front view for illustrating the operation of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1A, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for illustrating the operation of the link mechanism 30 of the load transmission mechanism 1A.

[0078] Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 5, the operation of the inside of the main drive shaft unit 4 in the load transmission mechanism 1A at a time when it moves horizontally will be described. In FIG. 5, the housing unit 22 is depicted by an imaginary line.

[0079] In the reciprocal change between the state shown in FIG. 1 and the state shown in FIG. 5, the horizontal movement of the gripping portion 11 in the housing unit 22 in a direction away from the guide post 140 by the operation of the user is transmitted, via the connecting and fixing unit 23, as the horizontal movement of the sliding shaft unit 13. The sliding shaft unit 13 moves horizontally in the long hole 33 formed in the top surface 22a of the housing unit 22. The tensile member 25 connected to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft unit 13 extends as the second end 13c moves horizontally, changing the angle in the direction of extension from the portion of the tensile member 25 held by the grooves 26a and 27a.

[0080] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the movement of the internal structure where the main drive shaft unit 4 is rotated in the load transmission mechanism 1A will be described.

[0081] In the interconversion between the state shown in FIG. 4 and the state shown in FIG. 6, the rotational movement of the gripping portion 11 by the user is transmitted as rotational movement of the perpendicular shaft unit 6 by the first rotation transmission unit 1K and second rotation transmission unit 1M. Further, the rotational movement of the perpendicular shaft unit 6 is converted by the link mechanism 30 into the vertical movement of the sliding shaft unit 13 to advance and retract the tensile member 25, which, in combination with the horizontal movement of the gripping portion 11, causes an appropriate twisting load on body portions such as the arms and shoulders of the user rotating the gripping portion 11, thereby enhancing the training effect on the muscles of the entire body.

About a Load Transmission Mechanism 1B for Training Apparatus According to a Second Embodiment

[0082] With reference to FIG. 7, a load transmission mechanism 1B for training apparatus according to a second embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as load transmission mechanism 1B) will be described. The load transmission mechanism 1B shows a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1A. It is attached to the second training apparatus 201 (described below) and accepts input from the foot of the user.

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 15, the load transmission mechanism 1B according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 shows a front view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1B, and FIG. 15 shows an enlarged perspective view illustrating the foot rest 271 of the second training apparatus 201. In FIG. 7, the housing unit 22 is depicted by an imaginary line.

[0084] The load transmission mechanism 1A described above is directed to a mechanical component mainly for users to grasp by hand and use for training the upper limbs. In addition to this, the load transmission mechanism 1B may be proposed for training the lower limbs. The load transmission mechanism 1B includes a foot rest 271, and the user places his/her foot on the foot rest 271 to train the lower limb. As described above, the structure of the load transmission mechanism for training apparatus according to the present disclosure can be extended for training the upper and lower limbs.

[0085] In the load transmission mechanism 1B, the foot rest 271, which serves as the input unit for the force of the user, is connected to the end portion 276c of the main drive shaft unit 276. In comparison to the load transmission mechanism 1A, the load transmission mechanism 1B differs from it in the configuration of the main drive shaft unit 276 with respect to the main drive shaft unit 4 of the load transmission mechanism 1A (see FIG. 1). The main drive shaft unit 276 differs from the main drive shaft unit 4 of the load transmission mechanism 1A in that the end portion 276c protrudes on the same side as the sliding shaft unit 13, and the foot rest 271 is connected to the end portion 276c. In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1B, the description of the components that are common to those of the load transmission mechanism 1A are omitted with the reference numerals used in the description of the load transmission mechanism 1A in FIGS. 7 and 15, and only the components that differ from those of the load transmission mechanism 1A will be described.

[0086] The load transmission mechanism 1B is rotated 90 degrees from the load transmission mechanism 1A (see FIG. 1) and is used in an upright position so that the axial direction of the perpendicular shaft unit 6 is almost vertical. The main drive shaft unit 276 is located near the upper portion 277 (see FIG. 15) of the main body.

[0087] The user places any of the left or right foot on the foot rest 271. The foot rest 271 has an area one size greater than the size of the foot of the user. The foot rest 271 has a third rotary shaft 273, a side plate 274a, a side plate 274b, and a connection plate 275.

[0088] The central portion of the connection plate 275 is connected to the main drive shaft unit 276 vertically. At the ends of the connection plate 275, flat side plates 274a and 274b connected perpendicularly to the connection plate 275 are provided. Between the side plates 274a and 274b, the third rotary shaft 273 to which the foot rest 271 is attached is rotatably installed.

[0089] The third rotary shaft 273 is rotatably supported by a bearing 272 (see FIG. 15) provided on the rear surface of the foot rest 271. This allows the foot rest 271 to rotate about the third rotary shaft 273. Further, the foot rest 271 is capable of rotating about the main drive shaft unit 276.

[0090] That is, the foot rest 271 is capable of rotating about two different mutually perpendicular axes. Accordingly, the structure shown in FIGS. 7 and 15 allows the user to have a greater degree of freedom in how to place his/her foot, including the direction and bending angle of the foot, and place the sole of his/her foot on the foot rest 271 in a stress-free manner and press his/her own foot on the foot rest 271 at the desired angle. This allows the user to apply a load, by means of the second training apparatus 201, to the flexion and extension movement of the foot placed on the foot rest 271 in a desired posture (angle and force), and, during the flexion and extension movement, to apply a load to the twisting movement of the entire foot by changing the orientation of the toe of the foot from upward to lateral. Therefore, in training of the lower limbs using the second training apparatus 201, both the flexion and extension movement with load of the foot placed on the foot rest 271 and the twisting movement with load can be performed simultaneously, causing multiple muscles of the foot to perform compound movements under a state in which an appropriately adjusted load is applied.

Description of the Operation of the Load Transmission Mechanism 1B According to the Second Embodiment

[0091] The user can perform various leg exercises using the load transmission mechanism 1B. With reference to FIGS. 7 and 15, the operation of the load transmission mechanism 1B will be described below, showing an example of leg exercise. As an example of leg exercise, the operation of the load transmission mechanism 1B associated with the exercise of flexing and extending the knee joint of the user will be described below.

[0092] The initial posture of the user is to flex the knee joint and place the instep of the foot straight upward on the foot rest 271 (see FIG. 16). In the initial posture of the user, the foot rest 271 is positioned closer to the body of the user with the leg of the user bent.

[0093] Next, the user rotates the leg by gradually extending the knee joint from the flexed position in the initial posture (see FIG. 17), and simultaneously inwardly tilting the knee joint (see FIG. 18). The user pushes the foot rest 271 up and translates the foot rest 271 upward by pushing the leg diagonally upward when extending the knee joint (see FIG. 17). With the knee joint maximally open, the user then tries to maximally tilt the knee joint inward (see FIG. 18).

[0094] The state of the foot rest 271 at this time is that it is positioned on the side far from the body of the user of the load transmission mechanism 1B with the leg extended, and the foot rest 271 is in a state of maximum rotation about the axis of the main drive shaft unit 276 (see FIG. 18). In the load transmission mechanism 1B, the upward parallel translation of the foot rest 271 causes the sliding shaft unit 13 to move upward, thus increasing the load applied by the load applying unit 230.

[0095] In the load transmission mechanism 1B, by rotating the foot rest 271, the rotation of the main drive shaft unit 276 is transmitted to the sliding shaft unit 13 via the first rotation transmission unit 1K, the second rotation transmission unit 1M, and the link mechanism 30, and the sliding shaft unit 13 is displaced relative to the housing unit 22, and the displacement causes the weight of the load applying unit 230 to be displaced vertically. In the load transmission mechanism 1B, the rotation of the foot rest 271 about the axis of the main drive shaft unit 276 causes the displacement of the sliding shaft unit 13, which results in a variation of the load by the load applying unit 230. The user is capable of performing the rotational movement of the foot rest 271 while resisting the biasing force generated by the load applying unit 230. The rotational movement of the foot rest 271 in any position in the parallel translation of the foot rest 271 can be subjected to variations in the load generated by the load applying unit 230.

Overview of the First Training Apparatus 100 and the Second Training Apparatus 201

[0096] With reference to FIGS. 8 through 13, the first training apparatus 100 will be described. The first training apparatus 100 is directed to a device used for exercising the upper limbs with the load transmission mechanisms 1A attached, that accepts input from the hands. The first training apparatus 100 may be divided into a first training apparatus 100a for both arms (see FIGS. 8 through 11) and a first training apparatus 100b for one arm (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0097] With reference to FIGS. 14 through 18, the second training apparatus 201 will be described. The second training apparatus 201 is directed to a device for exercising both upper and lower limbs with the load transmission mechanism 1A attached that accepts input from the hand and the load transmission mechanism 1B attached that accepts input from the foot.

[0098] The load transmission mechanism 1A includes a mechanism for transmitting the weights and other loads of the first training apparatus 100 and the second training apparatus 201 to the user. The load transmission mechanism 1A includes a gripping portion 11 (see FIG. 1, for example), which is a handle for the user to hold, and is used for training the arms, shoulders, and other upper limbs. The load transmission mechanism 1B includes a foot rest 271 (see FIG. 7) for the user and is used for training the legs and other lower limbs.

[0099] The gripping portion 11 gripped by the user and the foot rest 271 for the user serve as the input units where the user inputs force.

[0100] For example, the user grasps, by each of the left and right hands, a corresponding one of the gripping portions 11, which serve as the two input units, with the backs of the hands of both arms facing the outer left and right sides of the first training apparatus 100 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) in its initial state. The user then grips the gripping portions 11 with both hands while simultaneously moving both arms downward to input a pulling force downward to the gripping portions 11.

[0101] Further, the user grasps, by each of the left and right hands, a corresponding one of the two gripping portions 11 with the backs of the hands of both arms facing the outer left and right sides of the first training apparatus 100 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) in its initial state. The user then inputs force to cause the two load transmission mechanisms 1A to perform outward rotational movement through the two gripping portions 11 by grasping the respective gripping portions 11 with both hands and, with the arms extended, simultaneously rotating both arms outward to perform a chest-opening exercise.

[0102] The gripping portions 11 are annular, and the user grips the annular gripping portions 11 through his or her hands.

[0103] The user is seated on the right side (in the front in FIGS. 14 to 18) of the seat 211 of the second training apparatus 201 (see FIGS. 14 to 18) in its initial state. The user then raises the right arm and grasps the gripping portion 11 with the right hand. The user then maintains the gripping portion 11 with the right hand and swings the right arm forward to input the force to pull down the gripping portion 11, which serves as the input unit.

[0104] The user is seated on the right side (front in FIGS. 14 to 18) of the seat 211 of the second training apparatus 201 (see FIGS. 14 to 18) and places the left leg on the foot rest 271 that serves as the input unit of the load transmission mechanism 1B with the knee flexed (see FIG. 16). The user then inputs a pushing force to the foot rest 271 by extending the left leg (see FIG. 17).

First Training Apparatus 100

[0105] The configuration of the first training apparatus 100 is shown in FIGS. 8 through 13. The first training apparatus 100 is directed to a training apparatus to be used with the load transmission mechanisms 1A attached.

[0106] The first training apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 8 through 13 may be divided into a first training apparatus 100a for both arms (see FIGS. 8 through 11) and a first training apparatus 100b for one arm (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

[0107] The first training apparatus 100a for both arms shown in FIGS. 8 through 11 is directed to a device for the user to exercise with both upper limbs by holding the handles (gripping portions 11) of the two load transmission mechanisms 1A with both hands and always maintaining the same height, to coordinate the functions between the left and right upper limbs and enhance functional relatedness.

[0108] The first training apparatus 100b for one arm shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is the same as the first training apparatus 100a for both arms in that the handles (gripping portions 11) of the two load transmission mechanisms 1A can be held with both hands. The first training apparatus 100b for one arm is different from the first training apparatus 100a in that it is directed to a device for exercising one of upper left and right limbs at a time by holding corresponding one of the gripping portions 11 of the two load transmission mechanisms 1A with one hand.

[0109] The first training apparatus 100 includes the first training apparatus 100a for both arms (see FIGS. 8 to 11) and the first training apparatus 100b for one arm (see FIGS. 12 and 13) with the same reference numerals for the common configuration.

Description of the Configuration of the First Training Apparatus 100

[0110] The first training apparatus 100 on which the load transmission mechanisms 1A are mounted can be used for training the upper limbs of the user. The configuration of the first training apparatus 100 will be described where the load transmission mechanisms 1A are mounted on the first training apparatus 100 as an example.

[0111] As shown in FIGS. 8 through 13, the first training apparatus 100 includes a seating portion 110, a frame unit 120 supporting the seating portion 110, a load applying unit 130 provided in the frame unit 120 with freely adjustable load magnitude, and two guide posts 140 fixed in the vertical direction on the frame unit 120 at a predetermined interval so that the seating portion 110 is in the central position. Further, the first training apparatus 100 includes two load transmission mechanisms 1A, each of which is fitted at one end to be vertically movable and horizontally rotatable; two gripping portions 11 connected to the lower ends of the main drive shaft units 4 of the two load transmission mechanisms 1A; and two tensile members 25, each having one end connected to the load applying unit 130 and the other end wound around the direction changing guide wheel 170 provided on the frame unit 120 and connected to the opposite side of the fitting position of the guide post 140 to the load transmission mechanism 1A. Within each load transmission mechanism 1A, the load from the load applying unit 130 is given a load variation to the rotation of the shaft of the gripping portion 11 via the tensile member 25.

[0112] The seating portion 110 is configured by a seat 111 suitable for a user of the first training apparatus 100 to be seated facing the front direction, and a seat post 112 vertically provided on the under surface of the seat 111.

[0113] The frame unit 120 stabilizes and installs the first training apparatus 100 on the floor and serves as a framework of the entire first training apparatus 100, to which the seating portion 110, load applying unit 130, and two guide posts 140, for example, are fixed. The seat post 112 is inserted into a hole in the vertical direction forward from the central portion of the underside of the frame unit 120, and the seating portion 110 is supported by the frame unit 120. The frame unit 120 includes a thigh holding unit 121 that prevents the thighs of the user seated on the seat 111 from being lifted up. The thigh holding unit 121 is preferably provided to allow the user to create an appropriate arch in the back during training.

[0114] The load applying unit 130, which is provided in the frame unit 120 and capable of adjusting the magnitude of the load on the first training apparatus 100, includes weights 131 such as a stack weight configured by a plurality of plates serving as metallic weight members, weight guide posts 132 that support the weights 131 in the frame unit 120 in a vertically freely movable manner, and a clamp (not shown) that enables the weights 131 to be freely connected to and disconnected from each other so that the number of stacked plates can be adjusted. The load (loading) of the load applying unit 130 is adjusted by adding or subtracting the number of weights 131. Two cylindrical weight guide posts 132 are fixed vertically to the frame unit 120 behind the seating portion 110 with their top and bottom ends spaced at predetermined right and left intervals, and inserted through a through-hole of each plate of the weights 131. The weights 131 are stacked, and supported by the frame unit 120 in a vertically freely movable manner.

[0115] To connect the load transmission mechanism 1A to the first training apparatus 100, a connector 7 is provided in the housing unit 22. The form employed by the connector 7 of the load transmission mechanism 1A is a cylindrical connection tube unit 8. The guide post 140 is inserted into the connection tube unit 8. For example, a material with low sliding resistance such as fluoroplastic is used for the connection tube unit 8. As a result, the load transmission mechanism 1A can be smoothly raised, lowered, and swiveled in the first training apparatus 100.

[0116] The load transmission mechanism 1A is fitted to the guide post 140 by inserting the guide post 140 into the connector 7, and moved freely up and down and rotated in the horizontal direction. The gripping portions 11 connected to the main drive shaft units 4 of the two load transmission mechanisms 1A correspond to annular handles that serve as the input units for the user to grasp and input force respectively by hands. Each gripping portion 11 is rotated horizontally about the main drive shaft unit 4 of the load transmission mechanism 1A. In the initial state of the first training apparatus 100 (see FIGS. 8 and 9), the backs of the hands of the user grasping the corresponding gripping portions 11 face outer right and left sides of the first training apparatus 100, and each gripping portion 11 is further above the position of the corresponding hand with the arm extended upward by the user seated on the seat 111. The user can then grasp each gripping portion 11 with his/her hand and lower his/her arm to lower the load transmission mechanism 1A through the gripping portion 11. At this time, the user moves both arms from the median line (the middle line between the left and right sides of the body) outward to open the chest. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the first training apparatus 100a for both arms in the posture where the user opens the chest.

[0117] Of the first training apparatus 100, FIGS. 8 through 11 illustrate the first training apparatus 100a for both arms used by operating both arms simultaneously, and FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the first training apparatus 100b for one arm used by operating each arm.

[0118] The first training apparatus 100a for both arms uses two ropes or wires of the same length as the tensile members 25 with one end of each of the two tensile members 25 connected to the weights 131 and the other end of each connected to the corresponding load transmission mechanism 1A. The two tensile members 25 are each wound about the corresponding direction changing guide wheel 170. The direction changing guide wheel 170 converts the downward load applied to the tensile member 25 by the weights 131 into an upward load.

[0119] The two tensile members 25 and the weights 131 are connected at two tensile member connectors 181 (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, for example).

[0120] The tensile member 25 of the first training apparatus 100b for one arm shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is directed to a single rope or wire. Both ends of this single tensile member 25 are connected to corresponding one of the two load transmission mechanisms 1A. One movable pulley 134 is housed in a box unit 133 at the top end of the weights 131, and the tensile member 25 is wound around this movable pulley 134. The tensile member 25 is pulled into the box unit 133 through two holes 136 in the top surface of the box unit 133 (only one hole 136 is shown in FIG. 12). When one of the two load transmission mechanisms 1A is pulled down, the tensile member 25 lifts the weights 131 upward along with the movable pulley 134 using the other load transmission mechanism 1A as a fulcrum.

[0121] The movable pulley 134 is rotatably supported on a support base 135 fixed inside the box unit 133.

[0122] The movement of the chest of the user opening from the initial state shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 applies a load due to the tension of the tensile member 25 to the outward horizontal rotation of each load transmission mechanism 1A about the guide post 140. The tension of the tensile member 25 is generated by the load applying unit 130, which freely adjusts the magnitude of the load of the first training apparatus 100. In the second training apparatus 201 described below, in the same manner as in the first training apparatus 100, the tension of the tensile member 280 is generated by the load applying unit 230, which freely adjusts the magnitude of the load of the second training apparatus 201.

[0123] In contrast, in the state shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a load acts to close the load transmission mechanisms 1A inward so that it faces the front direction, allowing the user to rotate the load transmission mechanisms 1A to a predetermined angle to oppose the load. The load that causes the load transmitting mechanisms 1A to close inward so that it faces the front direction is proportional to the load of the load applying unit 130 and approximately inversely proportional to the vertical positions of the load transmitting mechanisms 1A.

[0124] The first training apparatus 100b for one arm shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is capable of training each user differently by adjusting the load applying unit 130 so that the load associated with the lifting and lowering motion of the load transmission mechanisms 1A is different for each user.

Description of a Method of Using the First Training Apparatus 100

[0125] Typical method of using the first training apparatus 100 will be described in order. First, weights 131 are set in accordance with the load in consideration of the muscle strength and purpose of the user, for example. The user sits on the seat 111 facing forward and adjusts and secures the seat 111 to the appropriate height so that the soles of the feet touch the floor. In addition, the thigh holding unit 121 is adjusted and secured to the appropriate height to the extent that it contacts the upper surfaces of the thighs of the user seated on the seat 111.

[0126] Next, the user stands up, and grasps the gripping portions 11 with the back of the hands facing outward on the left and right sides of the first training apparatus 100 in accordance with the initial state of the load transmission mechanisms 1A where the user faces the front direction (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The user is then seated facing forward on the seat 111 while grasping the gripping portions 11 with the hands outstretched upward and pulling the gripping portions 11 downward.

[0127] Next, the user twists both upper arms outward against the rotational biasing force acting on the gripping portions 11 by a force proportional to the load of the load applying unit 130, and rotates each gripping portion 11 horizontally with respect to the corresponding load transmission mechanism 1A so that the back of each hand grasping the gripping portion 11 faces outward from the front direction of the first training apparatus 100. By taking this dodging motion position, both the flexor muscles and the extensor muscles become relaxed so that the shoulders and arms are brought into a relaxed state. Further, the gripping portions 11 are urged upward by the load of the load applying unit 130 so that the muscles around the shoulder girdle and other areas are appropriately stretched.

[0128] Next, the user flexes both arms against the load of the load applying unit 130 to shorten the muscles and pull down the gripping portions 11, thereby causing the muscles around the shoulder girdle and other areas that have been appropriately stretched to induce a reflex. At this time, the movements of relaxation and stretching are further added by twisting the upper arms outward, and simultaneously the user pulls down the gripping portions 11 with both hands. This outward twisting motion of the upper arms further rotates the gripping portions 11 outward in the horizontal direction with respect to the load transmission mechanisms 1A, thereby lifting the weights 131 and reducing the load in the initial operation of pulling down both arms. As described above, when both arms are flexed to pull down the gripping portions 11 and shorten the muscles, further twisting the upper arms outward adds the actions of relaxation and stretching and thereby produces an appropriate time point of shortening so that each muscle group obtains a time point of relaxation-stretching-shortening, allowing the user to perform movements in a well-coordinated manner.

[0129] Further, since the user can apply loads appropriately adjusted by the load applying unit 130 in each of three directions, namely downward, rotational, and lateral directions, by pulling down both arms and further twisting the upper arms outward while extending them outward, each muscle group that is appropriately extended and contracted obtains the time point of relaxation-stretching-shortening and can perform movements in a well-coordinated manner. When the user extends the upper arms outward, no significant variation occurs in the load applied by the load applying unit 130 (weights 131) relative to the horizontal movement of the gripping portions 11 (main drive shaft units 4).

[0130] When the user flexes both arms and pulls down the gripping portions 11, the user spreads both arms outward progressively so that each of the load transmission mechanisms 1A faces outward against the force by which each of the load transmission mechanisms 1A is rotationally biased to face the front direction. Since the force by which the load transmission mechanisms 1A are rotationally biased to face the front direction is substantially inversely proportional to the position (height) of the load transmission mechanisms 1A, the resistance to spreading both arms outward decreases as the arms are flexed to pull down the gripping portions 11. Accordingly, when the user flexes both arms to pull down the gripping portions 11, the user can smoothly perform the motion of gradually spreading both arms outward while pulling down the gripping portions 11 by outputting a substantially constant muscular force to spread the arms outward, thereby preventing co-contraction of the agonist muscles and antagonist muscles.

[0131] The agonist muscle is directed to a muscle that generates the primary force for performing a motion.

[0132] The antagonist muscle is directed to a muscle that has an action opposite to that of the agonist muscle and exerts a certain degree of resistance or performs an opposite movement with respect to a specific motion. The antagonist muscle serves to control the action of the agonist muscle by performing a motion opposite to that of the agonist muscle.

[0133] For example, in the motion of flexing the elbow, the biceps brachii corresponds to the agonist muscle, and the triceps brachii located on the opposite (rear) side of the biceps brachii corresponds to the antagonist muscle. In contrast, in the motion of stretching the elbow, the triceps brachii corresponds to the agonist muscle and the biceps brachii corresponds to the antagonist muscle.

[0134] Muscles are relaxed and elongated in a state without exertion of force (relaxed), and muscles exert force by shortening (contracting).

[0135] For example, the motion of flexing the elbow is performed by the biceps brachii shortening and the triceps brachii, which is an antagonist muscle, stretching. However, if both the biceps brachii and triceps brachii try to shorten with force, the elbow cannot be flexed. Co-contraction refers to the simultaneous attempt to shorten both the agonist and antagonist muscles, which hinders the intended motion. The co-contraction tends to occur when the body is not relaxed due to excessive force and tension. In the field of sports, the co-contraction is a factor that hinders a series of smooth movements such as pitching, throwing, or striking, in which a preparatory phase of storing force is followed by the release of that force.

[0136] Next, after the user pulls down the respective gripping portions 11 to approximately the height of the shoulders, the user slowly returns to the seated state with the backs of the hands following the gripping portions 11 by extending both arms while twisting the upper arms inward and closing both arms inward in accordance with the biasing forces generated by the load of the load applying unit 130. This completes one cycle of training. This training is then repeated for the appropriate number of cycles.

Second Training Apparatus 201

[0137] With reference to FIGS. 14 through 18, the configuration and operation of a second training apparatus 201 will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the second training apparatus 201, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a foot rest 271 of the second training apparatus 201. FIGS. 16 through 18 show side views illustrating the first through third forms of the second training apparatus 201 in use, respectively.

Description of the Configuration of the Second Training Apparatus 201

[0138] As shown in FIG. 14, the second training apparatus 201 includes a seating portion 210 for the user to be seated, a load applying unit 230 that applies load, and a cylindrical guide post 240 extending in the vertical direction. Further, the second training apparatus 201 includes an elevating unit 250, which is guided by and connected to the guide post 240 in a vertically movable and rotatable manner, and a gripping portion 260 provided on the elevating unit 250. Moreover, the second training apparatus 201 includes a foot rest 271 on which the sole of one foot of the user is placed, slide rails 222a and 222b, a load transmission mechanism 1B including the foot rest 271, and a tensile member 280 having one end connected to the elevating unit 250 and the other end connected to the load transmission mechanism 1B to apply a load from the load applying unit 230 to the elevating unit 250 and the load transmission mechanism 1B.

[0139] For the elevating unit 250, the load transmission mechanism 1A can be applied and used. The gripping portion 260 corresponds to the gripping portion 11 of the load transmission mechanism 1A and serves as the input unit where the user inputs force.

[0140] First, the structure of the second training apparatus 201 will be described using FIGS. 14 and 15.

[0141] In the second training apparatus 201 shown in FIG. 14, the seating portion 210 is supported by the frame unit 220 that serves as the base frame of the second training apparatus 201. The frame unit 220 serves as a framework for the entire second training apparatus 201, which framework stabilizes and installs the second training apparatus 201 on the floor. The frame unit 220 can be formed, for example, by machining a square pipe material or plate material made of steel, aluminum, stainless steel, resin, or other material having a certain level of rigidity, and securing it with bolts or welding.

[0142] The seating portion 210 is configured by a seat 211 on which the user is seated and a seat post 212 that supports the seat 211. The seat post 212 is fixed to the frame unit 220. The seat post 212 then holds the seat 211. The seat post 212 has a through hole (not shown) for passing the tensile member 280 in the front-back direction therethrough. The seat 211 is where the user of the second training apparatus 201 is seated, and as shown in FIG. 14, it is an elongated rectangle in the left-right direction of the second training apparatus 201. This is to allow the user to be seated on either the right or left side of the seat 211, but it need not be rectangular if the user can be comfortably seated, that is, it can be square, or even circular.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 14, the seating portion 210 may include a backrest 215 behind the seat 211 between the seating portion 210 and the load applying unit 230 for the user to support their body during use.

[0144] The frame unit 220 includes the guide post 240 that extends vertically. As shown in FIG. 14, the guide post 240 is located in front of the load applying unit 230 and behind the seating portion 210. As shown in FIG. 14, the frame unit 220 includes an upper housing 225 behind the guide post 240 to vertically guide the tensile member 280. The guide post 240 is then connected to the frame unit 220 at its lower end and fixed to the upper housing 225 at its upper end.

[0145] As shown in FIG. 14, the guide post 240 may include a shock absorbing material 241. The shock absorbing material 241 is directed to a member for mitigating the impact of the elevating unit 250 when it contacts the upper housing 225 and the frame unit 220. The shock absorbing material 241 may be embodied by rubber or sponge as an example.

[0146] The elevating unit 250 shown in FIG. 14 is attached to the guide post 240. As shown in FIG. 14, the elevating unit 250 is attached to the guide post 240 so that it can move freely up and down. Although not shown, the elevating unit 250 has a through hole for inserting the guide post 240. Accordingly, the elevating unit 250 moves up and down along the guide post 240. The elevating unit 250 is attached to the guide post 240 such that the elevating unit 250 is freely rotational with respect to the guide post 240 with the guide post 240 as its central axis. Accordingly, a certain rigidity is needed for the guide post 240. That is, the guide post 240 may be made of stainless steel as an example. In the second training apparatus 201, the load transmission mechanism 1A according to the first embodiment described above may be applied as the elevating unit 250.

[0147] As shown in FIG. 14, the load transmission mechanism 1B of the second training apparatus 201 slides along the slide rails 222a and 222b. The slide rails 222a and 222b are suspended from the frame unit 220 of the second training apparatus 201 and the frame unit 221, which is located in front of the frame unit 220, and are fixed at both ends.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 14, the load applying unit 230 includes two columnar weight guide posts 232 with upper and lower ends fixed to the frame unit 220, and weights 233 provided on the weight guide post 232 in a vertically movable manner. Each weight 233 has through holes for inserting the weight guide posts 232. The load applying unit 230 is configured such that the magnitude of the load to be applied can be adjusted. Specifically, the load can be adjusted by the number of weights 233 such as stack weights, which are plate-shaped members that serve as weight members. Accordingly, the load applying unit 230 may include a clamp (not shown) that adjusts the number of weights 233 that can be connected and disconnected from one another and stacked one upon another. Each weight guide post 232 includes a shock absorbing material 231 to prevent the weight 233 from colliding with the frame unit 220 with more than a certain degree of impact.

Method of Using the Second Training Apparatus 201

[0149] With reference to FIGS. 16 through 18, a method of using the second training apparatus 201 will be described.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 16, the user is seated on the right side of the second training apparatus 201, i.e., on the right side of the seat 211 (the upper front side in FIG. 16). That is, the user is seated on the seat 211 with the load transmission mechanism 1B on the left side and the backrest 215 on the right side. As shown in FIG. 16, the user places the left leg on the foot rest 271 of the load transfer mechanism 1B and flexes the knee.

[0151] From this state, the user extends the left leg and pushes the load transmission mechanism 1B. As shown in FIG. 16, the load transmission mechanism 1B slides along the slide rails 222a and 222b. At this time, a load is applied to the load transmission mechanism 1B so that it is pulled rearward of the second training apparatus 201 (in the left direction on the paper in FIGS. 16 to 18) by the tensile member 280 connected to the connector 279.

[0152] From the state in which the leg is extended as shown in FIG. 16, the load transmission mechanism 1B is then caused to be slowly slid along the slide rails 222a and 222b to return to its original position. This exercise is repeated a certain number of times. That is, the user repeats the posture between FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 a predetermined number of times.

[0153] As shown in FIG. 18, the user may push the load transmission mechanism 1B farther than in the state shown in FIG. 17 in a manner that adds more twist to the waist, allowing the user to work out the waist area while stretching the leg. This posture can be achieved since the foot rest 271 is configured to be freely rotatable around the axis of the main drive shaft unit 276 with respect to the main body of the load transmission mechanism 1B. The user may perform leg extension and contraction exercises between FIGS. 16 and 17, or between FIGS. 16 and 18 with the waist twisting.

[0154] Although not shown, the user may also be seated on the opposite side of the seat 211 in FIGS. 16 through 18 and on the left side of the second training apparatus 201 (on the far side of the paper in FIGS. 16 through 18). That is, the user may be seated on the seat 211 such that the load transmission mechanism 1B is on his/her right side and the backrest 215 is on his/her left side, allowing the user to perform exercise with his right leg.

[0155] Accordingly, the user can use the second training apparatus 201 to perform a bidirectional rotational movement around the waist and simultaneously strengthen both legs. Specifically, the user opens the leg and pushes the load transfer mechanism 1B in a kicking motion. This is a good example for strengthening the muscles around the hip area, pelvic area, each thigh, and knee of the user, for example.

[0156] Each muscle group in the leg can obtain a time point of relaxation-stretching-shortening to perform the movement in a well-coordinated manner. Specifically, in the state shown in FIG. 16, the left leg is not loaded by the load applying unit 230 and the muscles are in a state of extension. The state shown in FIG. 16 can also be recognized as relaxed since the foot is simply placed on the foot rest 271, and the overall state is relaxed.

[0157] From here, the user applies force to the foot to push the load transmission mechanism 1B, which is loaded by the load applying unit 230. That is, in the process shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, the load of the load applying unit 230 is applied to the left leg of the user, creating a shortening state in the muscles of the left leg of the user. In the state shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, the rotation of the foot rest 271 with respect to the load transmission mechanism 1B reduces the load applied to the foot by the load applying unit 230 by pulling the connector 279 into the load transmission mechanism 1B by the internal crank mechanism. That is, as shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, in the state where the load transmission mechanism 1B is rotated, a shortening state can be produced in the foot of the user. In addition, the load transmission mechanism 1B is less subjected to a great load from the load applying unit 230 with respect to the translational movement of the foot rest 271, allowing the user to focus on the load associated with the rotation of the foot rest 271.

[0158] In the process of transitioning from the state shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18 to the state shown in FIG. 16, the leg can then be returned to the state shown in FIG. 16, thereby creating a stretched state of the muscles.

[0159] Accordingly, the cycle of exercise of moving the load transmission mechanism 1B from the state shown in FIG. 16 to the state shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18, and from there, returning to the state shown in FIG. 16 is repeated, creating a time point of the relaxation-stretching-shortening to perform the motions in a well-coordinated manner. The state shown in FIG. 16 may be used as the initial state for the leg exercise, or the state shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18 may be used as the initial state for one cycle of exercise. However, since it is desirable to start exercise from a relaxed state, when exercise is started with the state shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18 as the initial state, it is desirable to start exercise from a state with no load with the cooperation of a third person, for example, in the initial state.

[0160] The second training apparatus 201 is structured to train one leg at a time in place of both legs, reducing the size to be more compact than where it is configured in a way to train both legs at once since load transmission mechanisms 1B to train both legs at once need not be provided. Further, the second training apparatus 201 may be configured narrower in width when it includes one load transmission mechanism 1B for a single leg in comparison to a configuration in which two such units are provided for both legs, thereby reducing the needed installation area. In the exercise in FIGS. 16 and 17, the user may be seated on the seating portion 210 with the load transfer mechanism 1B in front and the backrest 215 behind with respect to the second training apparatus 201 to perform the exercise.

Summary of the First Training Apparatus 100 and the Second Training Apparatus 201

[0161] The first training apparatus 100 and second training apparatus 201 described above are directed to apparatuses that provide appropriate training for shoulder muscles, arm muscles, back muscles, and leg muscles, for example, through beginning movement load training B.M.L.T. (registered trademark). The beginning movement load training is defined as a movement, utilizing bodily changes, which promotes a series of motions of relaxation-lengthening-shortening of the agonist muscle to a position where reflex occurs and accompanies changes in the position of the center of gravity while preventing co-contraction of the agonist and antagonist muscles. The reflex is an unconsciously expressed response. The beginning movement load training is quite different from ending movement load training, which hypertrophies muscles while applying load to the end and involving muscle tension (hardening). In the beginning movement load training, training need to be performed by the user grasping an overall motion image including the point at which load is applied, the point and angle at which the load is released, rhythm, and continuity of muscle output. Conventional load training involves the problem that appropriate movement and form are hard to achieve due to body balance, partial hardening, and other factors. However, training with an ideal sequence of movements and forms is easily induced by the first training apparatus 100 and the second training apparatus 201, which embody the beginning movement load training.

[0162] In the beginning movement load training using the first training apparatus 100 and the second training apparatus 201, the intersegmental force transmission from the central portion (body root) to the end is first performed, i.e., the muscles of the human body, which have the characteristic of contracting without trying to extend themselves, are relaxed to be in a relaxed state. In the beginning movement load training, an appropriate load is applied to the sensory receptors, i.e., muscle spindles and tendon organs to induce a muscle stretch reflex, exertion of force is induced at a time when the muscle shortens from a state in which it has been appropriately stretched or passively stretched, and the load is instantaneously and continuously reduced, achieving an active state without co-contraction, and promoting and developing neuromuscular control.

[0163] The muscle stretch reflex is a kind of a spinal reflex, i.e., a phenomenon in which skeletal muscles contract when they are passively stretched. This contraction is caused by the muscle spindles within the muscle sensing the tension generated by the muscle stretch. The muscle stretch reflex is also a kind of defense reflex in which overstretched muscles contract to avoid damage. An example of the muscle stretch reflex may include a patellar tendon reflex.

[0164] The cardiac muscle is said to be the only muscle in the human body that does not undergo co-contraction, and the beginning movement load training is directed to a training performed to prevent co-contraction by promoting the sequential actions of relaxation-stretching-shortening in muscles other than the cardiac muscle.

[0165] The beginning movement load training using the first training apparatus 100 and the second training apparatus 201 is directed to a training that uses the load of the training apparatuses to cause a reflex in the muscles, causing the muscles that should be working to work better and enhancing functions of muscles and nerves. The load is used as a catalyst to promote well-timed stretching and shortening of the relaxed muscles. Such training promotes the sequential actions of relaxation-stretching-shortening, and, further prevents the co-contraction, thereby enhancing the functions and coordination of nerves and muscles, reducing the load on the body such as muscle pain and fatigue, and providing flexible and resilient muscles without causing hardening of the muscles. In addition, such training promotes metabolism aerobically with little forced increase in heart rate and/or blood pressure, thereby being effective for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, and for promoting the healing of ligament injuries and fractures, while also creating beneficial conditions for the body such as relieving stress on nerves, muscles, and joints and removing waste products.

About a Configuration of a Load Transmission Mechanism 1C for Training Apparatus according to a Third Embodiment

[0166] With reference to FIG. 19, a load transmission mechanism 1C for training apparatus according to a third embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as load transmission mechanism 1C) will be described. FIG. 19 shows a front view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1C according to the third embodiment. The load transmission mechanism 1C corresponds to a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1A. It is used attached to the first training apparatus 100 and accepts input from the hand of the user. In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1C, only the differences from the load transmission mechanism 1A will be described, and the points in common with the load transmission mechanism 1A will be omitted with the same reference numerals as those of the load transmission mechanism 1A in FIG. 19.

[0167] The load transmission mechanism 1C is configured such that a feed roll 28 is added to the load transmission mechanism 1A.

[0168] The first guide roll 26, second guide roll 27, and feed roll 28 are mounted in the vicinity of the top of the guide post 140 via the mounting bracket 141.

[0169] The tensile member 25 extends from the load applying unit 130 and is inserted and wound around the first guide roll 26, second guide roll 27, feed roll 28, and direction changing guide wheel 170.

[0170] The tensile member 25 is connected to the sliding shaft unit 13 to transmit the tension 19 and extends tangentially to the outer circumference of the cylindrical feed roll 28, changing the direction of extension in accordance with the movement of the sliding shaft unit 13 in the axial and linear directions. The tensile member 25 connected to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft unit 13 extends in accordance with the horizontal movement of the second end 13c and changes the angle of the direction of extension from the feed roll 28 accordingly.

[0171] The feed roll 28 is disk-shaped and has an annular groove 28a extending circumferentially in its outer circumference (see FIG. 19). The tensile member 25 fits into the groove 28a and is retained.

[0172] The feed roll 28 is positioned between the first and second guide rolls 26 and 27 and the sliding shaft unit 13 to regulate the movement of the tensile member 25 in the front-back direction (left and right on the paper surface in FIG. 19).

[0173] The feed roll 28 rotates in accordance with the advance and retreat of the tensile member 25 due to friction between it and the tensile member 25.

About a Configuration of a Load Transmission Mechanism 1D for Training Apparatus According to a Fourth Embodiment

[0174] With reference to FIG. 20, a load transmission mechanism 1D for training apparatus according to a fourth embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as load transmission mechanism 1D) will be described. FIG. 20 shows a front view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1D according to the fourth embodiment. The load transmission mechanism 1D is a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1B as well as a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1C. It is used attached to the second training apparatus 201 and accepts input from the foot of the user. In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1D, only the differences from the load transmission mechanism 1B will be described, and the points in common with the load transmission mechanism 1B will be omitted with the same reference numerals as those of the load transmission mechanism 1B in FIG. 20.

[0175] The load transmission mechanism 1D is configured such that the feed roll 28 is added to the configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1B. In comparison to the load transmission mechanism 1C, the load transmission mechanism 1D differs from it in the configuration of the main drive shaft unit 276 with respect to the main drive shaft unit 4 of the load transmission mechanism 1C (see FIG. 19). The main drive shaft unit 276 differs from the main drive shaft unit 4 of the load transmission mechanism 1A in that the end portion 276c protrudes on the same side as the sliding shaft unit 13 and the foot rest 271 is connected to the end portion 276c.

[0176] The first guide roll 26, second guide roll 27, and feed roll 28 are mounted in the vicinity of the end portion of the guide post 140 via the mounting bracket 141.

[0177] The load transmission mechanism 1B shown in FIG. 7, the load transmission mechanism 1D shown in FIG. 20, and the load transmission mechanism 1F shown in FIG. 22 are mounted on the second training apparatus 201 with the foot rest 271. Thus, the first guide roll 26, second guide roll 27, and feed roll 28 are installed in the vicinity of the lower portion of the seat 211 or elsewhere via the mounting bracket 141.

[0178] The tensile member 25 extends from the load applying unit 230 and is inserted and wound around the first guide roll 26, second guide roll 27, feed roll 28, and a pulley 285h.

[0179] In the same manner as in the load transmission mechanism 1C, the tensile member 25 is connected to the sliding shaft unit 13 to transmit the tension 19 and extends tangentially to the outer circumference of the cylindrical feed roll 28, changing the direction of extension in accordance with the movement of the sliding shaft unit 13 in the axial and linear directions. The tensile member 25 connected to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft unit 13 extends in accordance with the horizontal movement of the second end 13c and changes the angle of the direction of extension from the feed roll 28 accordingly.

[0180] In the same manner as in the load transmission mechanism 1C, the feed roll 28 is disk-shaped and has an annular groove 28a extending circumferentially on its outer circumference (see FIG. 20). The tensile member 25 fits into the groove 28a and is retained.

[0181] The feed roll 28 is positioned between the first and second guide rolls 26 and 27 and the sliding shaft unit 13 to regulate the movement of the tensile member 25 in the front-back direction (vertical direction on the paper surface in FIG. 20).

[0182] In the same manner as in the load transmission mechanism 1C, the feed roll 28 rotates in accordance with the advance and retreat of the tensile member 25 due to friction between it and the tensile member 25.

About a Configuration of a Load Transmission Mechanism 1E for Training Apparatus According to a Fifth Embodiment

[0183] With reference to FIG. 21, a load transmission mechanism 1E for training apparatus according to a fifth embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as load transmission mechanism 1E) will be described. FIG. 21 shows a front view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1E according to the fifth embodiment. The load transmission mechanism 1E corresponds to a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1A. It is used attached to the first training apparatus 100 and accepts input from the hand of the user. In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1E, only the differences from the load transmission mechanism 1A will be described, and the points in common with the load transmission mechanism 1 A will be omitted with the same reference numerals as those of the load transmission mechanism 1A in FIG. 21.

[0184] The load transmission mechanism 1E is configured such that the first guide roll 26, the second guide roll 27, and the mounting bracket 141 are removed from the configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1A.

[0185] The tensile member 25 extends from the load applying unit 230 and is inserted and wound around the direction changing guide wheel 170 and connected to the sliding shaft unit 13.

[0186] The tensile member 25 is connected to the sliding shaft unit 13 to transmit the tension 19 and change the direction of extension in accordance with the axial and linear movement of the sliding shaft unit 13. The tensile member 25 connected to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft unit 13 extends in accordance with the horizontal movement of the second end 13c and changes the angle of the direction of extension from the direction changing guide wheel 170 accordingly.

About a Configuration of a Load Transmission Mechanism IF for Training Apparatus According to a Sixth Embodiment

[0187] With reference to FIG. 22, a load transmission mechanism 1F for training apparatus according to a sixth embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as load transmission mechanism 1F) will be described. FIG. 22 shows a front view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1F according to the sixth embodiment. The load transmission mechanism 1F is a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1B as well as a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1E. It is used attached to the second training apparatus 201 and accepts input from the foot of the user. In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1F, only the differences from the load transmission mechanism 1B will be described, and the points in common with the load transmission mechanism 1B will be omitted with the same reference numerals as those of the load transmission mechanism 1B in FIG. 22.

[0188] The load transmission mechanism IF is configured such that the first guide roll 26, the second guide roll 27, and the mounting bracket 141 are removed from the configuration of the load transmission mechanism 1B. In comparison to the load transmission mechanism 1E, the load transmission mechanism 1F differs from it in the configuration of the main drive shaft unit 276 with respect to the main drive shaft unit 4 of the load transmission mechanism 1E (see FIG. 21). The main drive shaft unit 276 differs from the main drive shaft unit 4 of the load transmission mechanism 1A in that the end portion 276c protrudes on the same side as the sliding shaft unit 13 and the foot rest 271 is connected to the end portion 276c.

[0189] The tensile member 25 extends from the load applying unit 230, is inserted and wound around the pulley 285h, and is connected to the sliding shaft unit 13.

[0190] The tensile member 25 is connected to the sliding shaft unit 13 to transmit the tension 19 and change the direction of extension in accordance with the axial and linear movement of the sliding shaft unit 13. The tensile member 25 connected to the second end 13c of the sliding shaft unit 13 extends in accordance with the horizontal movement of the second end 13c and changes the angle of the direction of extension from the pulley 285h accordingly.

About a Configuration of a Load Transmission Mechanism 1G for Training Apparatus According to a Seventh Embodiment

[0191] With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, a load transmission mechanism 1G for training apparatus according to a seventh embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as load transmission mechanism 1G) will be described. FIG. 23 shows a front view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1G, and FIG. 24 shows a perspective view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1G.

[0192] The load transmission mechanism 1G corresponds to a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1B. It is used attached to the second training apparatus 201 and accepts input from the foot of the user. In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1G, only the differences from the load transmission mechanism 1B will be described, and the points in common with the load transmission mechanism 1B will be omitted with the same reference numerals as those of the load transmission mechanism 1B in FIGS. 23 and 24.

[0193] The load transmission mechanism 1G differs from the load transmission mechanism 1B in the guiding direction of the linear motion guide unit 20. The guiding direction of the slider 20c of the linear motion guide unit 20 of the load transmission mechanism 1G is vertical to the paper surface in FIG. 23 and perpendicular to the direction of extension of the transmission chain 10. Accordingly, the direction of extension of the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b of the linear motion guide unit 20 is vertical to the paper surface in FIG. 23 and perpendicular to the direction of extension of the transmission chain 10.

[0194] Since the connecting and fixing unit 23 is fixed to the slider 20c, the connecting and fixing unit 23 reciprocates horizontally in the direction vertical to the paper surface in FIG. 23. The main drive shaft unit 276 and the sliding shaft unit 13 move horizontally along with the connecting and fixing unit 23. The horizontal movement of the main drive shaft unit 276 involves a load as it pulls the tensile member 25 connected to the sliding shaft unit 13. Further, the rotational movement of the main drive shaft unit 276 involves axial displacement of the sliding shaft unit 13 and also a load since it pulls the tensile member 25.

[0195] The top surface 22a of the housing unit 22 includes a long hole 34 for the main drive shaft unit 276 to protrude outward. The main drive shaft unit 276 reciprocates inside the long hole 34 in the direction of arrow 276a. The top surface 22a of the housing unit 22 includes a long hole 33 for the sliding shaft unit 13 to protrude outward. The sliding shaft unit 13 reciprocates inside the long hole 33 in the direction of arrow 13d.

[0196] The rotational movement of the foot rest 271 attached to the end portion 276c of the main drive shaft unit 276 is transmitted, via the transmission chain 10, as the rotational movement of the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d. The rotational movement of the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d is transmitted in turn to the perpendicular shaft bevel gear 6c, which along with the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d configures the second rotation transmission unit 1M. Since the rotational movement of the perpendicular shaft bevel gear 6c is subjected to drag force due to the load of the tensile member 25 via the link mechanism 30 and the sliding shaft unit 13, the force to move the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d horizontally in the same direction as the rotational movement acts as a reaction to the rotational movement of the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d. The force acting on the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d to move it horizontally acts on the main drive shaft unit 276 and foot rest 271 via the connecting and fixing unit 23.

[0197] Accordingly, when the user rotates the foot placed on the foot rest 271 clockwise, the foot rest 271 moves horizontally with a load in the right direction as viewed by the user. In contrast, when the user rotates the foot placed on the foot rest 271 counterclockwise, the foot rest 271 moves horizontally with a load in the left direction as viewed by the user.

[0198] Therefore, the leg of the user moves horizontally in the same direction as the rotational movement with the rotational movement of the foot rest 271, and thus the leg of the user undergoes both rotational and horizontal movement at the same time, allowing the user to perform a compound exercise using multiple muscles in the leg.

[0199] Further, by adding flexion and extension movements of the leg placed on the foot rest 271, the leg of the user can simultaneously perform a three-directional movement of rotation movement, lateral movement, and flexion and extension movements, thus allowing the user to perform a three-directional compound exercise using a wide range of muscles in the leg.

About a Configuration of a Load Transmission Mechanism 1H for Training Apparatus According to an Eighth Embodiment

[0200] With reference to FIG. 25, a load transmission mechanism 1H for training apparatus according to an eighth embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as load transmission mechanism 1H) will be described. FIG. 25 is a front view for illustrating the configuration of the inside of the load transmission mechanism 1H.

[0201] The load transmission mechanism 1H is a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1A as well as a variant of the load transmission mechanism 1G. It is used attached to the first training apparatus 100 and accepts input from the hand of the user. The load transmission mechanism 1G is mainly used for exercise for a lower limb and is mounted on the second training apparatus 201. In contrast, the load transmission mechanism 1H is mainly used for exercise for an upper limb and is mounted on the first training apparatus 100. In comparison to the load transmission mechanism 1G, the load transmission mechanism 1H differs from it in the configuration of the main drive shaft unit 4 with respect to the main drive shaft unit 276 of the load transmission mechanism 1G (see FIGS. 23 and 24). The main drive shaft unit 4 differs from that of the load transmission mechanism 1G in that the end portion thereof protrudes on the side opposite the sliding shaft unit 13 and the gripping portion 11 is connected to the end portion.

[0202] In the following description of the load transmission mechanism 1H, only the differences from the load transmission mechanism 1A will be described, and the points in common with the load transmission mechanism 1A will be omitted with the same reference numerals as those of the load transmission mechanism 1A in FIG. 25.

[0203] The load transmission mechanism 1H differs from the load transmission mechanism 1A in the guiding direction of the linear motion guide unit 20. The guiding direction of the slider 20c of the linear motion guide unit 20 of the load transmission mechanism 1H is vertical to the paper surface in FIG. 25 and perpendicular to the direction of extension of the transmission chain 10. Accordingly, the direction of extension of the first guide 20a and the second guide 20b of the linear motion guide unit 20 is vertical to the paper surface in FIG. 25 and perpendicular to the direction of extension of the transmission chain 10.

[0204] The rotational movement of the gripping portion 11 attached to the end portion of the main drive shaft unit 4 is transmitted, via the transmission chain 10, as the rotational movement of the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d. The rotational movement of the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d is transmitted in turn to the perpendicular shaft bevel gear 6c, which configures the second rotation transmission unit 1M. Since the rotational movement of the perpendicular shaft bevel gear 6c is subjected to drag force due to the load of the tensile member 25 via the link mechanism 30 and the sliding shaft unit 13, the force to move the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d horizontally in the same direction as the rotational movement acts as a reaction to the rotational movement of the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d. The force acting on the intermediate shaft bevel gear 5d to move it horizontally acts on the main drive shaft unit 4 and the gripping portion 11 via the connecting and fixing unit 23.

[0205] Accordingly, for example, the user stands up and grasps the gripping portions 11 with the backs of the hands facing outward to the left and right sides of the first training apparatus 100 in accordance with the initial state of the load transmission mechanism 1H where the user faces the front direction (see FIGS. 8 and 9). When the user rotates each gripping portion 11 clockwise viewed from above from this state, the gripping portion 11 moves horizontally with load in the same direction as the rotational movement, i.e., to the right as viewed by the user. In contrast, when the user rotates each gripping portion 11 counterclockwise viewed from above from this state, the gripping portion 11 moves horizontally with load in the same direction as the rotational movement, i.e., to the left as viewed by the user.

[0206] Therefore, each arm of the user moves horizontally in the same direction as the rotational movement with the rotational movement of the corresponding gripping portion 11, and thus the arm of the user undergoes both rotational and horizontal movement at the same time, allowing the user to perform a compound exercise using multiple muscles in the arm.

[0207] Further, by adding a downward pull down movement to the arm, the arm of the user can simultaneously perform a three-directional movement of rotation movement, lateral movement, and pull down movement, thus allowing the user to perform a three-directional compound exercise using a wide range of muscles in the arm.

[0208] This disclosure is not limited to the load transmission mechanisms 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, IF, 1G, and 1H for training apparatus, and the training apparatuses 100 and 201 using the same according to the embodiments above if it does not depart from the gist of the disclosure described in the claims, and various other variations or applications are possible.