WO2011128749A1

WO2011128749A1 - Modular expander device

Info

Publication number: WO2011128749A1
Application number: PCT/IB2011/000756
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Krupa; Jean-Romain Krupa
Original assignee: Sveltus Sarl
Priority date: 2010-04-12
Filing date: 2011-04-07
Publication date: 2011-10-20
Also published as: FR2958553A1; FR2958553B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular expander device (1) which is completely flexible (except for an optional rigid or semi-rigid element providing a link between modules), hereinafter referred to, where applicable, as a "modular elastic band", including at least two modules (4, 5) each made of elastic band material, said at least two modules (4, 5) having at least two different ranges of flexural strength (R1 and R2) and being rendered inseparable by at least one linking means (2) which is advantageously placed between each module or between each pair of two modules and can consist, for example but not exclusively, of said aforementioned rigid or semi-rigid element.

Description

MODULAR DEVICE OF EXTENSION TYPE

TECHNICAL SECTOR

The invention relates to the technical sector of gymnastic devices, rehabilitation, muscle building. It relates more particularly to the field of extensors, that is to say devices for muscle contraction, including those comprising an elastic band. PRIOR ART

Devices are known comprising latex strips, or strips of elastic tape, or comprising tubes with handles at the ends. All these devices comprise a single strength of resistance which is determined by the thickness of the tube or by the thickness of the strips or strands of latex that make up the strip, or springs, cylinders, etc.

All elastics used are limited in their strength of resistance because they are strips or tubes manufactured in extrusion or woven in linear form.

The only existing devices having different strengths of resistance are multi-stranded stents (for example "bungees", or elastic strands coated with fabrics or knits): the force is adjusted by attaching to handles 1, 2 etc. strands. This system almost requires having to mount or dismantle the entire structure. In addition, it is almost impossible to adapt to the levels of certain parts of the body because the handles are not flexible enough and / or the length of the strands is pre-determined and not modifiable.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM POSE: There is therefore a real need to create a device type extender, to work all parts of the body, and has at least two ranges of strengths of different strengths and if possible a length adaptable to the work of different body parts, for example arms, legs, glutes, back muscles, etc.

In addition, it should be composed of multiple gripping elements arranged throughout the device to allow optimal grip according to the wishes of the user and the exercises he wants to perform. This expander will be completely flexible and very light, and moreover very inexpensive.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a modular device of extensor type (1) entirely flexible (except possibly a rigid or semi-rigid element of connection between modules) which will be called in this text, if necessary "modular elastic band", comprising at least two modules (4, 5) each composed of an elastic band-type material, said at least two modules (4, 5) having at least two ranges of different tensile strengths (R1 and R2), and being rendered indivisible by at least one connecting means (2) advantageously placed between each module or between each pair of two modules, which may for example consist of said rigid or semi-rigid element mentioned above, without limitation. FIG. 1 represents said device according to the present invention, with two modules (4) and (5) connected together by a connecting means.

Figure 2 shows the device attached to a bracket to perform the tests whose results are in Table 1.

FIG. 3 represents the device of the present invention comprising two modules having two ranges of tensile strengths (R1 and R2) connected by a connecting means (2) itself comprising a modularity means (MM).

Figure 4 shows a variant of the device (1) according to the present invention. The connecting means (2) for fixing an element such as a bottom base triangle to place the feet side by side.

This device is formed of two bands superimposed on their length (or 1 band folded on itself over its length) and will be sewn at certain points on its width (that is to say transversely) in order to create at least a solid transverse connection between the two superposed strips and therefore at least two gripping means (3), preferably several.

In particular, it is possible to refer to FIG. 1, which shows two tensile strength force modules composed of 4 gripping elements (3) each, numbered from 1 to 4 for the 1st module, from 5 to 8 for the 2 ^nd module. . This is only intended to indicate to the skilled person or the user what gripping element he must enter to perform this or that exercise.

The term "module" here means an elastic band having a certain strength of resistance related to its composition. By way of nonlimiting example, if the device comprises 3 aligned modules, they will be connected two by two by total two connecting means (connecting module 1 and 2, and connecting module 2 and 3).

Said "connecting means" (2) is, according to a first embodiment, a transverse seam connecting two modules together at their common ends. According to a second embodiment, said connecting means (2) is a polyamide strap type element placed between two modules. Preferably, this element will be sewn at its two ends connecting the modules.

According to a third embodiment, said connecting means (2) may be an additional gripping element placed between two modules. Preferably, it will also be sewn at both ends connecting the modules.

In the first 3 embodiments mentioned above, the sewing performed is of the double stitch type in points. It must naturally resist the pull of a human being.

According to a fourth embodiment, said connecting means (2) can be one or more rigid or semi-rigid element for connecting modules 2 to 2, among which, possibly, a means including itself a "means of modularity" ( MM) for fixing additional modules in addition to those already existing, (Figure 3).

In this case, it will be possible to place as many different modules as desired and this in order to create combinations of different strengths.

These modules will be referred to as "additional modules".

It is thus possible to manufacture a device intended to undergo the traction of a human being, in particular for gymnastic and / or bodybuilding (or "fitness") exercises, able to withstand said traction at will (which takes place naturally by employing said "gripping means" where one or both feet will be placed, or a fixed element as a fixed hook, for certain muscular exercises) by presenting, according to the selected modules and their combination, varying resistances to said traction, as well as variable lengths, this last point allowing for example to pass the device behind the back, etc., while maintaining the same resistance or modifying it.

The device is eminently adaptable in resistance, length, adaptation to any exercise, and the combinations and selections are so simple that they are within the reach of any person skilled in the art and even of any particular. As non-limiting general examples one can conceive:

linear devices consisting of 2, 3, 4, ..., preferably 2 or 3, linearly combined modules 2 by 2, for example a succession of resistance modules R1, R2 or R1, R2, R3, etc. .

- "branched" devices using "modularity means" (MM) such as: a) R1 MM R2 or even

R3 (additional) b) R1 MM R2

)

R3 (additional)

!

R1 or R4 (additional) For example, the foot can be placed at the level of R3 in the combination a), and both hands (or a hand and a eighth note) on R1 and R2, or both feet in R1 and R2 and one hand (or both hands) in R3, etc.

The non-limiting option b) makes it possible to retain the advantages of a) by increasing the length.

It is also possible to fix in the connecting means an element such as a hoop, a base triangle at the bottom (FIG. 4) for placing the feet side by side, and any other variants that are obviously accessible and limited only by the right one. meaning.

In FIG. 3, it can be observed that the modularity means (MM) is a hollow solid tube adapted to receive a tube-shaped element placed at the top of a complementary module having a tensile strength R3; said element being adapted to slide inside the modularity means (MM).

Those skilled in the art will naturally be able to replace this system by any other system that guarantees the same qualities, in particular a system with clips, clips, staples, etc.

The invention also relates to a method of using said device.

In a preferred embodiment, the device of the expander type comprises 2 modules: a first "weak" resistance force module composed of 4 gripping elements and a second "strong" resistance force module also composed of 4 elements. gripper, having a so-called "strong" resistance force. When the user enters the device at the level of the gripping elements 1 to 4 (1st module), he will be able to exercise with different forces (depending on whether he grasps the gripping elements 1 and 2, or 1 and 4, for example) of a range of so-called "weak" forces. (figure 1 )

When the user grasps the device at the level of the gripping elements 5 to 8 (2 ^nd module), he will be able to exercise with different forces (depending on whether he grasps elements 5 and 6, or 5 and 8 for example) a range of so-called "strong" forces.

The user will also have the possibility (which will be the most common) to enter the device at the level of the gripping elements located in the two modules: for example, the element 3 of the "weak" traction force module and the element 7 of the "strong" traction force module. It will thus obtain a range of so-called ^" intermediate" forces.

The range of forces is thus obtained by the combination of two factors:

- gripping at the level of one of the modules, or both

- choice in each module of a gripping element, which allows:

to vary the overall traction force and

- vary the total length to suit the exercise and / or morphology.

Naturally, it will be possible for those skilled in the art to vary the strength of the modules by varying the thickness of the elastic band, that is to say by varying the thickness of the latex strands component ; either by varying the width of the band, that is to say by varying the number of strands.

Generally, the elastic bands are composed of a certain number of latex strands, the whole being covered with tissues.

These latex strands are woven in length with a multitude of small polyamide yarns that form a "weft" and "warp" a JACQUARD ™ type elastic band. The Applicant has performed a series of tests for a device according to the present invention consisting of two different bands, (see Table 1).

A band constituting a first module with a ^" weak ^" resistance force and a second band constituting a second module with a "strong" resistance force.

The gripping elements are all elements sewn about every 10, 5 cm on the module. The "weak ^" modules are made from JACQUARD ™ tape elastics consisting of 30 latex strands 0.7 mm in diameter. The "strong" modules consist of 32 latex strands of 0.9 mm diameter.

For strips of width about 39 mm, there will be about 30 to 32 strands of latex; the latex strands having a diameter in relation to the strength of resistance that is desired. The thicker the strands, the higher the resistance will be. These examples are 1) non-limiting and 2) open to all materials and combinations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Table 1 represents a test performed using a dynanometer to assess the elongation of 2 modules given in a non-limiting manner.

The first module says to "low" tensile strength, the second module says to "strong" tensile strength. This test makes it possible to appreciate the elongation of an "intermediate" traction force system which is obtained from the two "weak" and "strong" modules.

"low" stretch cm kilo "intermediate" stretch cm kilo "strong" stretch cm KG

INERT 45 0 INERT 52 0 INERT 45 0

120% 54.0 1, 5 120% 62.4 2 120% 54.0 3

140% 63.0 2.5 140% ^* 72.8 3 140% 63.0 4.2

160% 72.0 3 160% 83.2 4 160% 72.0 5.4

180% 81.0 4 180% 93.6 5 180% 81, 0 7

200% 90.0 5.5 200% 104.0 6.8 200% 90.0 9

220% 99.0 7.5 220% 114.4 8.5 220% 99.0 12

230% 103.5 10 230% 119.6 11 230% 103 15

Table 1

The results of the left column (corresponding to the so-called ^" weak ^{" force} ) are obtained by fixing the gripping element 1 (1st module) to a bracket and pulling on the gripping element 4 (first module) until to reach the maximum elongation (that is to say 230%). The 1st module allows to create a strength of resistance corresponding to the maximum to 10 kg.

The results of the right column (corresponding to the so-called "strong" force) are obtained by fixing the gripping element 5 (2 ^nd module) and pulling on the gripping element 8 (2 ^nd module) until reach the maximum elongation (that is, 230%). The 2 ^nd module allows to create a strength of resistance corresponding to the maximum to 15 kg.

The results of the middle column (corresponding to the so-called "intermediate" force) are obtained by fixing the gripping element 3 (first module) and pulling on the gripping element 7 (2 ^nd module) until reaching the maximum elongation (that is 230%).

In practice, we will not "fix" elements # 1, 5, etc., it will "grab" to perform traction.

On reading this table we clearly see the presence of the 3rd force called ^" intermediate" which offers strength of resistance corresponding to a maximum of 1 1 kg. The obvious interest is that the user from two resistance strength modules different does not only get 2 ranges of corresponding forces, but also a third range of forces.

It will also be evident that by adding more modules, we will still obtain other intermediate force ranges.

Of course, if the person skilled in the art wishes, it is quite possible to provide bands of larger dimensions including a bandwidth of between 20 mm and 50 mm.

The person skilled in the art will imagine any other possibility by practicing only routine tests.

The expander, which measures more than 30 to 40 cm or 80 cm to 1 m or 1, 5 m, allows to work all muscle groups, (arms legs, bust). The easy and difficult bands allow to vary the work intensity of certain muscles such as the gluteus muscles, the biceps and the triceps)

The person skilled in the art, that is to say, the gym teacher or the manufacturer for the use of individuals will be able to adapt the choice of the level of grip (that is to say the gripping element that the one will seize with the hand or the foot) on the one hand at the level of the ^" weak" module and on the other hand at the level of the strong module or at the level of all the combinations that can be grafted by means of connection (it is that is, at will, a "strong-strong" or "weak-weak" or "strong-weak" or ^" strong-moderately weak" band or "Moderately low - moderately low" or "very strong - strong"; and other combinations which will be apparent to those skilled in the art) according to the planned exercise of gymnastics and the morphology and physical abilities of the person performing the exercise as well as the results to be achieved over a given period of time that will be able to define the professor of gymnastics or the manufacturer for the use of particulars not of the notices of known and simple type.

The attached table also allows any teacher of gymnastics or a person skilled in the field of energy expenditure to calculate with extreme ease the amount of energy dissipated with this or that combination of strong bands, weak, moderately low ETC according to the invention as a function of the time of the exercise.

Those skilled in the art will also be able to establish exercise programs (based on the above data, values in Table 1 and "modules" of different tensile strengths that can be combined according to the invention. as well as the gripping point on each of the modules) comprising, for example, a warm-up phase, that is to say such a combination of modules used for X minutes followed by gymnastics and physical exercises intended in particular to consume such or such amount of calories over certain periods of time.

The invention also covers all the embodiments and all the applications which will be directly accessible to the person skilled in the art upon reading the present application, and of his own knowledge.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Modular device of extensor type (1) entirely flexible (except possibly a rigid or semi-rigid element of connection between modules) which will be referred to in this text, if necessary "modular elastic band", comprising at least two modules (4, 5) each composed of an elastic band-type material, characterized in that said at least two modules (4, 5) have at least two ranges of different tensile strengths (R1 and R2), and are rendered indissociable by least one connecting means (2) advantageously placed between each module or between each pair of two modules, which may, for example, consist of said rigid or semi-rigid element mentioned above, without limitation.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting means (2) is a seam transversely connecting the two modules together at their common ends.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting means (2) is a polyamide strap type element placed between the two modules; preferably, this element will be sewn transversely at its two ends connecting the modules.

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that is formed of two superimposed bands along their length (or 1 band folded on itself over its length) and will be sewn at certain points over its width ( that is to say transversely) in order to create at least one solid transverse connection between the two superimposed bands and therefore at least two gripping means (3), preferably several.

5. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting means (2) may be an additional gripping element placed between the two modules, and preferably will also be sewn at its two ends connecting the modules.

6. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the sewing performed is double stitch type points.

7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said connecting means (2) can be a rigid element for connecting modules 2 to 2, including means including itself a "means of modularity" (MM) allowing to set up additional modules in addition to those already existing; in this case, it will be possible to place as many different modules as desired and this in order to create combinations of different resistance forces.

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises 2 modules: a first module resistance force called "weak" composed of 4 gripping elements (3) and a second module by force of so-called "strong" resistance also composed of 4 gripping elements, having a so-called "strong" resistance force.

9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least 3 modules to create a device "branched" if one uses "modularity means" (MM) such as for example:

a) R1 MM '' R2 or even

i

R3 (additional)

b) R1 MM = R2

)

R3 (additional)

)

R1 or R4 (additional)

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises, fixed in the connecting means, an element such as a hoop, a bottom base triangle to place the feet side by side , and all other variants obviously accessible

1 1. Device according to any one of claims 10, characterized in that the latex strands are woven in length with a multitude of small polyamide yarns which form in "weft" and "warp" a JACQUARD ™ type elastic band, and in that for webs with a width of about 39 mm - it is quite possible to provide larger webs, especially with a web width of between 20 mm and 50 mm - there will be about 30 to 32 mm latex strands; latex strands having a diameter in relation to the strength of resistance that is desired; the thicker the strands, the higher the resistance will be, especially the "weak" modules are made from elastic tape JACQUARD ™ consisting of 30 strands latex 0.7 mm in diameter; the "strong" modules consist of 32 latex strands of 0.9 mm in diameter, said measuring device measuring more than 30 to 40 cm or 80 cm to 1 m or 1, 5 m, makes it possible to work all the groups muscular, (arms, legs, bust).

1 2. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the skilled person ie the gym teacher or manufacturer for private use will adapt the choice of the level of grip (that is to say the gripping element that will be grasped with the hand or foot) on the one hand at the level of the "weak" module and secondly at the level of strong module or at the level of all the combinations that can be grafted to the linking means (that is to say what forms at will a "strong-strong" or "weak-weak" or "strong-weak" band or "Strong - moderately low" or "moderately low - moderately low" or "very strong - strong" and other combinations that will be obvious to those skilled in the art. ^the exercise of scheduled gymnastics and morphology and physical abilities of the person performing the exercise and the results to be achieved over a period of time that will define the gym teacher or the manufacturer to the particular use not records of known and simple type.

3. A method using a modular device of the fully flexible stent type comprising at least two "modules" each composed of two parallel strips along their length (or a band folded on itself according to its length) of elastic band type material elastic according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that when the user grasps the device at the level of the gripping elements 1 to 4 (1st module), he will be able to exercise with different forces (depending on whether he seizes elements 1 and 2, or 1 and 4, for example) of a range of so-called "weak" forces.

14. A method using a modular device of fully flexible stent type comprising at least two "modules" each consisting of two parallel strips along their length (or a band folded on itself according to its length) of elastic elastic band type material according to claims 1 to 12, characterized in that when the user grasps the device at the level of the gripping elements 5 to 8 (2 ^nd module), he will have the opportunity to exercise with different forces (as he for example, enter elements 5 and 6, or 5 and 8, of a range of so-called "strong" forces.

5. A method using a modular device of the fully flexible extender type comprising at least two "modules" each composed of two parallel strips along their length (or a band folded on itself according to its length) of elastic band type material according to claims 1 to 12, the user will also have the possibility (which will be most common) to enter the device at the gripping elements located in the two modules: for example, the element 3 of the force module of "weak" traction and element 7 of the "strong" traction force module. It will thus obtain a range of so-called "intermediate" forces.

16. Process according to claims 1 3 to 1 5, characterized in that the range of forces is thus obtained by the combination of two factors:

- gripping at the level of one of the modules, or both

- choice in each module of a gripping element, which allows:

to vary the overall traction force and

- vary the total length to suit the exercise and / or morphology.