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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to exercising devices which are
used indoors or outdoors for running exercise to promote one's health by
improving his physical strength and functions of his heart and lungs and,
more particularly, it pertains to a running machine capable of controlling
the rate of stepping in accordance with the physical capacity and
condition of an exerciser.
It is an object of this invention to provide a running machine which
operates only when an exerciser runs on it constantly at a level above a
predetermined quantity of motion.
Another object of this invention is to provide a running machine which can
adjust the quantity of the motion according to individual differences.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a running machine
which indicates the end of exercise by emitting a sound when the number of
steps taken by an individual reaches a predetermined value.
Another object of this invention is to provide a running machine that emits
an intermittent sound when an individual runs at a slow rhythm.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a running machine
which permits free location of a casing with the program and information
section, which displays the number of steps, being separate from the
housing on which the mat member is mounted.
Further objects of this invention are to provide a running machine which
can be transported easily with its casing portions detached; thus
preventing the connecting cord from being broken during transportation.
Still a further object of this invention is to provide a running machine in
which the connecting cord is stored so as not to be a hindrance when out
of use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects and attendant advantages of the invention will become more
readily apparent and understood from the following detailed specification
and accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the rear of the casing of
the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the principal portion of
the grip handle of the casing;
FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view of the casing;
FIGS. 5(a), 5(b) and 5(c) are diagrams of the function of the handle;
FIGS. 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c) are diagrams illustrating the use of the casing;
FIG. 7(a) is an enlarged section of the target count number setter;
FIG. 7(b) is an enlarged section of the set volume attached to the casing;
FIGS. 7(c) and 7(d) are enlarged sectional views of the starting switch;
FIG. 8(a) is a lengthwise section of the casing;
FIG. 8(b) is a view showing the upper surface thereof;
FIG. 8(c) is a front view of the casing;
FIG. 8(d) is a view of the rear surface thereof;
FIG. 8(e) is a bottom view of the casing from which the base is removed;
FIG. 8(f) is a section taken on line X--X in FIG. 8(b);
FIG. 8(g) is a section taken on line Y--Y in FIG. 8(d);
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of the invention;
FIGS. 10(a) through 10(c) and 11(a) through 11(c) are views of timing
diagrams of the flying duration circuits;
FIGS. 12(a) through 12(d) are schematic views of timing diagrams of the
pacemaker circuit;
FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the circuitry of the pacemaker circuit of a
modified embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 14(a) through 14(c) are views of the timing diagrams of the pacemaker
circuit thereof;
FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the circuitry of the pacemaker circuit of
another modified embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 16(a) through 16(c) are views of timing diagrams of the pacemaker
thereof;
FIG. 17 is a schematic view of the circuitry of the pacemaker circuit of a
further modified embodiment of the invention; and
FIGS. 18(a) through 18(c) are views of timing diagrams thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
A running machine of the present invention is constructed basically of two
parts, a housing and a casing. The housing includes a running mat 2 having
a running detecting switch 1. The casing (hereinafter described as "the
main body") 3 has an electric circuit, such as a running counter indicator
6 and a target count setter 5, which are provided separately from each
other. The mat switch 1 and electric circuit are detachably connected by a
connecting cord 10. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred
embodiment, in which the running mat 2 has a mat switch arranged at the
control portion of the mat so that when both of the user's legs are
simultaneously in the air above the mat, the mat switch 1 is turned OFF,
and when either of the user's legs touch the mat, it is turned ON.
The main body 3 is formed of synthetic resin in an approximately elongated
rectangular prism. The main body 3 houses therein electric circuits and
has at the upper surface a packmaker sounder 4, a target count setter 5, a
count indicator 6, a pitchset variable register 7, a starting switch 8 and
a power supply switch 9, arranged thereon. The electric circuits housed
within the main body 3 and the mat switch 1 of the running mat are adapted
to be electrically connected by use of a curled cord 10 which is attached
to the main body 3 so that it can be housed therein and has, at the
terminal, an insertion jack 11 detachably inserted to a plug (not shown)
attached to the running mat 2. A space 12 is provided for the curl cord
10. The space 12 is, as shown in FIG. 2, provided at the rear surface at
one side of the casing which has a lid 14 pivotably attached by a pivot 15
to the casing 13 for opening or closing an opening thereat. The curled
cord 10 stored within the space 12 when out of use makes the casing 13
have a neat appearance, and also the curled cord is easy to store.
A grip handle 16 is provided for the main body 3. The handle 16 is formed
of a rod bent in an approximately U-like shape, which is pivoted to the
casing 13 and housed within a recess 17 formed at the rear surface of the
casing 13 and opening forwardly and downwardly. In detail, the handle 16
is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, extending laterally at both ends thereof to
form two bent portions 16a, whose end faces have projecting pins 18
passing through side walls 19 at the front of recess 17, thereby being
pivoted to the casing 13. At the tip of each pin 18 is attached a stopper
20 of a rectangular prism-like shape. The stopper 20 contacts an outer
wall 13c or base 13d of the casing, thereby twisting the pins 18 to
restrict the handle 16 from being further turned. When the handle 16 is
pulled out of the casing, the stopper 20 contacts at its one lengthwise
end face with the inner surface of the wall 13c as shown in FIG. 5a,
thereby restricting the handle 16 from being turned. This enables the main
body 3 to be carried or hung on a room wall 21 through the pulled-out
handle 16. On the other hand, when the handle 16 is pulled out
perpendicular to the base of casing 13, the stopper 20 contacts one of its
end faces with the inner surface of the base 13d of the casing 13 as shown
in FIG. 5b so as to restrict the handle's turn. In this instance, the main
body 3 is, as shown in FIG. 6b, placed slantwise on the floor 22 using the
handle 16 to facilitate watching the display by the user. Furthermore, the
stopper 20, at the other lengthwise end face thereof, contacts the inner
surface of the wall 13c of the casing when the handle 16 is turned to be
housed within the recess 17, as shown in FIG. 5c, thus holding the handle
therein. Accordingly, the main body 3 can, as shown in FIG. 6c, be laid in
parallel to the floor 22 or taken away.
In the casing 13 is housed the electric circuit to be hereinafter described
and four cells 23 for the power supply. The cells are in lateral alignment
and are balanced so as not to tilt the main body 3 when carried. The
casing 13, which is formed in an elongated rectangular prism-like shape,
can be easily held in the user's hands. At the upper side of casing 13 is
provided the target count setter 5 which comprises four target setting
switches 24a-24d which are digital switches. The switches 24a-24d extend
from the casing through a window 25 and are fixed to the casing 13 through
two lugs 26 formed at both ends and supported by holders 27 projecting
from the walls respectively. The control portions of the switches are
surrounded by a wall 28 projecting from the upper surface of casing 13
integrally therewith so as not to project outwardly.
The pitch set volume 7 comprises a slide volume, whose body 7a is fixed to
a point circuit panel 29 disposed within the casing 13 and whose control
knob 7b is arranged to be slidably controllable from the outside of casing
13. The control knob 7b variably sets the pitch of the pacemaker circuit
30 to be hereinafter described. The control knob 7b is surrounded by a
wall 31 projecting from the upper surface of casing 31 to thereby be
controlled inside the wall as shown in FIG. 7b.
The start switch 8 includes a pushbutton 33 which passes through the casing
13 to push with its tip a movable contact 32 attached to the printed
circuit panel 29 so that the movable contact 32 is brought into contact
with a fixed contact 34. Thus, the number of running steps is counted by
turning the start switch 8 ON. In addition, the start pushbutton 33 and a
knob 36 of a power supply switch 9, such as a slide switch, are surrounded
together with a wall 35 projecting from the upper surface of casing 13,
the knob 36 being exposed therefrom. The count indicator 6 is also
surrounded by the wall 28 surrounding the target count setter 5. Such
encirclement of the target count setter 5, count indicator 6, pitch-set
volume 7, starting switch 8 and supply switch 9, with the walls 28, 31 and
35, respectively, makes it possible to prevent the inner circuits and
printed circuit panel 29 from being subjected to an external force even
when trod on by the user during running, thus securing their safety. Also,
nothing projecting from the walls catches the body on a foreign object
when carried or taken away, where each of the walls 28, 31 and 35 are
substantially levelled.
The packmaking sound emitter 4 has a buzzer 39 housed within a projection
38 which is formed at the upper surface of casing 13 and has a window 37
comprising a plurality of widthwise cutouts, the projection 38 being
substantially levelled with the aforesaid walls. In addition, in the
drawings, 40 is a mounting plate for mounting the buzzer 39 to the casing
13; 41 is a fixed plate for mounting the count indicator 6 to the casing;
42 is a cell holder; 43 is a cell protector of synthetic fiber, 44 is a
lid for an opening passing through the rear of casing 13 to receive cells
therefrom; and 45 is a push-lock for holding the closed lid 14 of curled
cord space 12. Incidentally, the casing 13 is divided into the upper lid
13a and base 13b, and 2a is a grip for the running mat 2.
The running circuit of an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 9,
in which 46 is a power supply switch and starting switch closing circuit.
Numeral 47 designates a flying duration circuit; 48 is a running counter
circuit; and 49 is a display element driving circuit for the count
indicator 6. Numeral 30 designates a pacemaker circuit, 50 is a
sum-coincidence circuit; and 51 is an audible indicator driving circuit
for actuating the buzzer 39 to the pacemaking sound circuit 4. The flying
duration circuit 47 is provided in view of the fact that each user who
runs on the mat is different in style and amount of exercise, such as
lifting his legs very high or not so high. The circuit 47 serves to secure
the exercise amount over the fixed extent for promoting the health of the
person exercising.
Next, the function of flying duration circuit 47 will be detailed as
follows: When the user runs on the running mat 2, the mat switch 1 turns
ON and OFF. When the mat switch 1 turns OFF, i.e., the user is in the air.
The integral circuit comprises variable resistance R.sub.1, resistance
R.sub.2 and condensor C.sub.1, which allows voltage at the point A as
shown to draw the charge curve I as shown in FIG. 10b. When OFF, the user
treads on the mat, the discharge circuit of condensor C.sub.1 and
resistance R.sub.2 allows the voltage to form the discharge curve II as
shown in FIG. 10b. The condensor C.sub.1 is, when the mat switch 1 is
turned OFF, charged to have its terminal voltage reach a high level
operating voltage of a Schmitt trigger circuit 52, then the output thereof
is at the "H" level. On the other hand, when the mat switch 1 turns ON,
the condensor C.sub.1 is discharged to a low level operating voltage of
the Schmitt trigger circuit 52 and the output becomes the "L" level. The
outputs are alternately at the "H" and "L" levels of the Schmitt trigger
circuit and produce running count pulses as shown in FIG. 10c, which
pulses are counted by a counting circuit 48 to be hereinafter described.
When the variable resistance R.sub.1 is set to an adequate value of change
the charge curve so that the time "T" from "L" level to "H" may be set,
the time "T" is called the "flying duration". Schmitt trigger circuit 52
is not activated and the aforesaid count pulses are not produced unless
the mat switch 1 is turned OFF, i.e., the runner is in the air during the
flying duration.
FIG. 11a represents the output of the mat switch 1 when running within the
flying duration "T", and FIG. 11b is the voltage at the point A, with FIG.
11c being the output (running count pulse) of Schmitt trigger circuit 52,
and in the drawing represent operating voltage thereof, respectively.
This arrangement of the flying duration circuit 47 forces the user to run
and always stay in the air for a fixed time in order to increase the
running count number, resulting in constant exercise. Also, the flying
duration circuit 47 serves as a miscount prevention circuit because no
count pulse is produced by a short period pulse, for example, chattering
of the mat switch 1.
The pacemaker circuit 30 has been designed in view of the fact that running
in constant rhythm is less tiring in comparison with irregular running
steps. Therefore, the circuit is adapted to sound rhythmically a constant
rate. When voltage at the point B reaches the "H" level in FIG. 12a, an
astable oscillation circuit 53 operates to produce pulse signals with a
constant period, which pulse signals actuate a monostable oscillator
circuit 54 to produce the pulse signals shown in FIG. 12c. The pulse
signals are applied to the base of the transistor Tr.sub.1 through the OR
circuit 55, thereby driving the transistor Tr.sub.1 of sound emitting
circuit 51. The transistor Tr.sub.1, when turned ON and OFF, allows the
buzzer 39 connected in series thereto at the pacemaker sounder 4 to sound
intermittently, thereby making a pitch sound. In addition, the pitch set
volume 7 is properly controllable to adjust the pitch frequency as
desired, as shown in FIG. 12d.
The sum coincidence circuit 50 operates to inform the user of completion of
a target count number. Prior to running, the target number of the running
count is set by digital type target setting switches 24a, 24b, 24c and
24d, provided at the target count setter 5. The count number is, when
reaching the target number detected so as to change the sound of the
buzzer 39, so that the user receives an audible indication without being
disturbed in his running rhythm.
The supply switch and starting switch closing circuit 46 comprises
flip-flop 56 or the like. The supply switch 9 is switched from the "b"
terminal to the "a" terminal, so as to set the Q output of flip-flop 56 at
the "L" level and Q output at the "H" level. The OR output of the output
of supply switch 9 and that of starting switch 8 resets counters 48a-48d
at each unit of counting circuit 48. Next, when turning the starting
switch 8 ON, the Q output and the Q output of the flip-flop 56 are
inverted to reset the final flip-flop 57 of the sum coincidence circuit
50, and set the level at the point B of pacemaker circuit 30 at the "H"
level, thereby starting the operation of the pacemaker circuit 30. The
counter circuit 8 counts the output pulse of the flying duration circuit
47 using four unit counters 48a-48d. The resultant count at each unit is
applied to the multiplexer 59 as timing signals T.sub.1 -T.sub.4 through
latch circuits 58 a-58d which correspond to the counters 48a-48d. The
binary corded output signal of the multiplexer 59 is applied to the
display element driving circuit 49 and target setting switches 24a-24d
through amplifiers 61a-61d.
The display element driving circuit 49 comprises the count indicator 6
having seven segment display elements 62a-62d, switching transistors
Tra-Trd corresponding to each of the display elements 62a-62d, and BCD
circuit 63 for driving each segment of the display elements 62a-62d by
transforming the binary coded signals from the amplitifers 61a-61d into a
decimal coded signal. Each timing signal T.sub.1 -T.sub.4 of T-counter 60
thus turns each of transistors Tra-Trd at each unit ON, thereby allowing
each of the display elements 62a-62d at each unit to be displayed in
luminescence. In addition, each timing signal operation is carried out
extremely quickly so that the display is visible without any significant
delay and, thus, figures at four units are easily readable on the luminous
display. On the other hand, the target setting switches 24a-24d are, when
set to the control values, set in an ON-OFF pattern corresponding to the
control value so as to be transformed into a binary code. Thus, each
timing signal T.sub.1 -T.sub.4 of T-counter 60 gates binary coded outputs
of amplifiers 61a-61d to be applied to the sum coincidence circuit 50. The
sum coincidence circuit 50 compares the target set number with count
number every unit so as to set the flip-flops 64a-64c corresponding to
each unit of 1,000, 100 and 10 in relation of being coincident with
figures from upper to lower in sequence, so that when the lowest unit is
coincident, the flip-flop 57 is set. When the flip-flop 57 is set, the Q
output locks at the "H" level the output of the OR circuit 55 of sounding
circuit 51 and the Q output locks of each of latch circuit 58a-58d of the
counting circuit 48, thereby restricting further counting. In addition, 66
is an oscillator circuit for producing clock pulses for T-counter 60.
Next, the operation of the running machine of the invention will be
detailed as follows:
First, the main body 3 is arranged as shown in FIGS. 5a-5c. The curled cord
2 is connected through its jack 11 to the plug in the mat switch 1. The
power supply switch 9 is turned ON and the counter circuit 48 and the
count indicator 6 are reset. Then, the user runs on the mat 2 for five
minutes as quickly as possible for measuring his physical strength, and
then compares the indicated number with the running ability rank in Table
1 so as to set his target in such a manner that his target number and
pitch are decided in accordance with the standard running prescription in
Table 2, following ranks 1 to 10. The target setting switches 24a-24d of
the count number target setter 5 are set at the desired values
respectively and also the pitch set volume 7 is optionally slidably set.
Next, the pushbutton 33 is pushed to turn the starting switch ON, so that
the counting circuit 48 is again reset and the pacemaker sound
corresponding to the pitch set number is emitted in succession from the
buzzer 39 at pacemaker sounder 4. The user starts to run in pace with the
sound. When running on the mat, he lifts both of his legs in a manner
that, at one point, both legs are in the air so as to turn the mat switch
ON. The user's motion continues to turn switch 1 ON and OFF. The ON-OFF
switching is counted by the counter circuit and displayed continuously by
display elements 62a-62d of indicator 6. Thereafter, the count member
reaches the target, which is detected by the sum coincidence circuit 50
and the buzzer 39, which produces the pitch sound while running, produces
a continuous sound, thereby informing the user of obtaining his goal.
TABLE 1
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Sex Count Number
Dist.
Rank
For 5 Minutes
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-above
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1 1355-above
1450 good
1410
1370
2 1305-1354 1330
1300 Fair
3 1205-1304 1235 1300
1190
4 1105-1204 1145
1100 Aver. 1100
5 1005-1104 1035
1010
M 6 905-1004 960
A 915 915
N 7 805-904 870
Sl.bad
825
760
8 705-804 735
Bad
9 655-704
10 655-under
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TABLE 2
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6 times wk.-
3 times wk.-
Once a
Sex 15 minutes 30 minutes
week
Dist. Rank Target Pitch Target
Pitch Target
Pitch
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1 2900 185 5000 165 8200 135
2 2750 180 4800 160 7900 130
3 2600 170 4500 150 7500 125
MAN 4 2400 160 4100 135 6900 115
5 2200 145 3750 125 6300 110
6 2000 130 3450 115 5700 100
7 1800 120 3150 110 5100 95
8 1600 110 2700 100 4500 95
9 1400 105 2400 95 4050 90
10 1300 100 2200 90 3700 90
______________________________________
In addition, the above Tables are for reference; hence, any other tables
may be available.
In the aforesaid embodiment, when the starting switch 8 turned ON after
turn-on of the supply switch 9, the buzzer 39 produces a pitch sound, but
it is difficult to tune the user's steps to the pitch sound when set to an
especially rapid pitch. Hence, the astable oscillator circuit 53, as shown
in FIG. 3, is oscillated in a lagging pitch by means of the resistance
R.sub.3, condensor C.sub.2 and transistor Tr.sub.2, soon after closing the
starting switch 8, and then the pitch, as shown in FIG. 14c, is made
gradually faster as the condensor C.sub.2 charges so that the pitch
reaches the pitch number set by the user after several to several-tens
seconds, thereby easily tuning his steps to the pitch sounds. In detail,
in the circuit shown in FIG. 13, voltage of the condensor C.sub.2, when
turning the starting switch 8 ON, has an RC charge curve as shown in FIG.
14a, but if the operable area of transistor Tr.sub.2 is used, the
transistor Tr.sub.2 impedance becomes as shown in FIG. 14b. The impedance
change is used to allow the astable oscillator circuit 53 to have its
oscillation period changing from a long period to a short period following
the gradually decreasing impedance of the transistor Tr.sub.2. As a
result, the oscillation is carried out in a constant period when the
condensor C.sub.2 is charged to the supply voltage.
Furthermore, it is effective for the user to run at a continuous pitch
suitable for him, but his running steps are presumed not to be tuned to
the pitch sounds, and it is very difficult to run in constant pitch,
especially when in quick pitch. Hence, in the circuit shown in FIG. 15,
exclusive OR circuit 66 gates pitch signals and ON-OFF signals of the mat
switch 1 so that when pitch signal shown in FIG. 16a is coincident with
the mat switch ON signal in FIG. 16b, the output of exclusive OR circuit
66 is not generated, and when the mat switch ON signal is delayed, the
output from the OR circuit actuates the transistor Tr.sub.3 at the alarm
signal generating circuit 51a, thereby sounding the buzzer 39a.
It is said that a runner is less tired by respiration at a set of "inhale,
inhale" "exhale" and "exhale" while running, such as in a marathon, for a
long time. Of course, the pacemaker circuit may, as shown in FIG. 17,
actuate two sound circuits 16 for inhalation and exhalation. In greater
detail, the output signal of astable oscillator circuit 53 is used as a
clock pulse for a first flip-flop 67a, whose Q output is used for a clock
pulse for a second flip-flop 67b, the AND gate output of the Q output of
the first flip-flop 67a and the Q output of the second flip-flop 67b are
OR-gated to thereby produce a pulse signal of one unit of two continuous
pulses for inhalation, as shown in FIG. 18b. The AND gate output of the Q
output of the first flip-flop 67a and of the Q output of the second
flip-flop 67b and that of the Q output of the first flip-flop 67a and of
the Q output of the second flip-flop 67b are OR-gated to thereby produce a
pulse signal of one unit of two continuous pulses for exhalation as shown
in FIG. 18C. The pulse signals actuate the transistor Tr.sub.1 of the
inhalation sounding circuit 51 and Tr.sub.4 of the exhalation sounding
circuit 51b, respectively, so that the buzzer 39b produces different
sounds, thereby enabling the user to be less tired by tuning his breathing
to these sounds.
The running machine of the invention has advantages such that the running
mat provided with the running detecting mat switch and the main body
provided with the indicator and target setter are formed separately from
each other and the mat switch and electric circuit are detachably
connected to each other by a cord so that the main body may be disposed at
the position where the count indicator and target count number setter are
readily visible, thus facilitating its use, and also disposed not to be
trod upon by the user while he is running, thereby preventing the main
body from being damaged. Moreover, the main body and running mat are
detachably connected by the cord, whereby they are convenient to be
carried individually and easy to be set for use.
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