CZ114798A3 - Apparatus for strengthening lower limbs - Google Patents

Abstract

The device for strengthening the legs includes at least an abutment member (5) foot exerciser and fixed frame / 1 / with which it is actuator / 5 / coupled. Frame / 1 / minimally from the front end (11) and from the base (13), wherein the base (13) is pivotally mounted an actuator (5) formed by a stepping platform (51) with calf support (52). Front / 11 / is provided with a handle (3) for supporting the body of the exerciser. The tread plate (51) grips with it calf support / 52 / sharp angle. Construction can be supplemented with additional load / 6 / and / or a rotary axis position controller (7) actuator (5).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus for strengthening the lower limbs, in particular a quadriceps femoris.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, a number of training boosters are known, which are equipped with a platform for the feet of the exercising person. The instructor can sit or lie on the couch, pushing his feet away from the platform, or pushing down the load-bearing platform. In other cases, the person is standing, and the body weight acts against the platform, which can be increased by additional weight if necessary. The known support platforms used in these boosters may have different designs. Usually, the pivot is mounted on a pivot, and the pivot angle is usually limited in various ways.

An extensive group of such boosters are those that have an adjustable platform tilt angle, but during exercise this angle is locked and does not change. Other boosters have platforms with some fluctuation during exercise, because for exercise comfort and exercise effect, deflection to a lesser extent is desirable. Platforms are also used, which make use of larger fluctuations during exercise. As an example, there is a booster in which a person is sitting or lying down, pushing the platform connected to the load and resting on the lever or a pair of levers. There are also design solutions that include two platforms mounted on the levers, with the practitioner pushing the feet alternately on the platforms.

Practically all of the above mentioned design solutions of training boosters with a support platform for the feet have one common rather serious disadvantage. It consists in the fact that when the lower limbs are fully stretched, there is a significant decrease in the exerciser «· · ·

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• Tension in the quadriceps femoris, which reduces the effectiveness of exercise. This is because when the legs are strained, the exercise load transfers the bones and joints, while the muscles perform only the stabilizing function. In addition, the rapid repetition of exercises on these devices, when the exerciser stretches the limbs to the extreme position, stresses the knee joint. Otherwise, the thigh muscle is not contracted to the maximum if the limb athlete does not stretch to the extreme straight position.

A special group of known boosters with a support platform are the so-called known "Roman benches". This device consists of a rigid frame with a pair of backrests. Between them the practitioner has placed the lower part of the legs so that the upper part of the limb is denied, the back of the limb below the knee joint, and the lower part of the limb is denied above the instep, the front of the limb above the ankle level. Feet stand on the platform or directly on the floor. During exercise, the upper half of the lower limb, which carries the weight of the body, oscillates around the knee joint, thus exercising the thigh muscle. On this device, the lower limb of the front of the limb, located above the instep, is necessary to prevent rotation of the lower half of the limb. The disadvantage of this device is especially apparent when the limbs reach their extreme upright position during exercise. Although the thigh muscles are maximally contracted, the effectiveness of exercise is reduced as the load is transferred to the bones and joints. Another disadvantage is difficulty breathing in the lower end position of the exerciser. It is the position where the exerciser in the squat forces the thighs against the abdomen. The disadvantages include the fact that at higher weights, or during exercise with exercise, there is considerable pressure of the lower back on the area above the instep, which is perceived due to the sensitivity of this area, especially in the lower extreme position of the exerciser, considerably unpleasant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that effectively strengthens the muscular groups of the lower body, particularly the muscles of the lower limbs. During exercise, the device should load the muscle groups more evenly and with less strain on the joints and bones than is the case with known boosters.

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Said object fulfills the invention, which is a device for strengthening the lower limbs 5 comprising at least an actuator for resting the legs of a exerciser and a fixed frame with which the actuating element is coupled. It is an object of the present invention that the frame comprises at least a front part and a base, the actuator formed by a tread with a calf support being pivotably mounted on the base. The front part is fitted with a handrail to support the body of the gymnast.

An advantage and a higher effect of the device according to the invention is the fact that an increased tension in the thigh muscles is maintained by the calf support pressure near the extreme position of the body during the exercise, when the body is practically upright.

The actuator is usually mounted on the base of the frame by means of a main pin housed in the housing, the main pin being located near the foot portion of the tread and the calf plane.

The use of the main pin to achieve the pivoting bearing of the actuator is the simplest and probably the most common. However, other structural elements can also be selected, as follows.

For more active athletes or equipment to be placed in fitness centers and the like, it is advisable that the actuator is supplemented with an additional load.

No extra load is required for simple devices requiring maximum simplicity and low weight and cost, such as those designed for homework.

The additional load can be of almost any design. Advantageously, a linear fluid energy absorber can be chosen which is proven and reliable over the long term.

Another option of selecting an additional load is to add a spring provided with a cable connected to the winding drum. This purely mechanical construction is quite popular for its simplicity.

One possible construction of the additional spring load is the case where the actuator is provided with a pin carrier which engages the engagement pin on the winding drum.

This will allow you to choose the amount of swing and the amount of load at different stages of the exercise.

It is often desirable to allow a change in the position of the axis of rotation of the actuator. To this end, the device is supplemented by at least one actuator of the actuator axis of rotation.

The actuator axis of rotation of the actuator can then be formed by an electric motor. The stator of the electric motor is mounted on the frame of the actuator and the rotor is equipped with a helix which engages a nut connected to the main pin, on which the step plate is slidably supported by a guide groove.

This results in a change in the position of the axis of rotation, in particular its distance from the vertical axis of the body. This, of course, does not change the size of the load.

Another possibility to change the position of the axis of rotation of the actuator is to provide a rolling path on which the actuator is mounted by means of a cam.

The position of the axis of rotation thus changes continuously during exercise.

Another design of the rotary axis position regulator may be to form a pair of pins movable in guide grooves. The pins are located one behind the other in the vicinity of the plane of the tread and the guide grooves are formed substantially vertically with a slight curvature.

It is a simple design, which has its merit especially in the case of devices requiring simplicity.

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A somewhat altered structure, in particular to achieve stability of muscle tension, is the formation of a pivot axis position regulator from a front pin located near the rear end of the tread and a rear pin located in the frame housing. The front pin and the rear pin are connected to each other by a spacer coupling. In this construction it is suitable if the horizontal base of the frame is provided with an adjustable stop of the platform.

The construction of the device according to the invention can also be kinematic reversed. Then the base is placed vertically and the front part is placed horizontally on the mat. The handrail is placed on a lounger linearly sliding on the front and coupled to the basic gravity load.

This design suits many exercisers because the exercise is in a lying position. However, the principle remains the same, since the effect of pressure on the calf part of the limb that causes tension in the thigh muscle remains.

The device for strengthening the lower limbs according to the invention can also be designed such that the actuator on the horizontal base is paired as two independent sets, for each leg of the trainee separately.

This device evokes a feeling of physiological walking, so it is very convenient for many. Again, it differs from conventional speppers by the main effect of the invention, namely the pressure on the calf region and the constant tension in the thigh muscle and in the upright position of the limb.

In the case of the invention applied as a pair of independent assemblies, it is suitable that the actuator is mounted on a joint or a pair of pins.

This is because it allows the feet to turn during exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

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- Figure 1: the simplest basic design,

- Fig. 2: design with linear fluid kinetic energy absorber as an additional load,

- fig. 3: design with spring forming additional load and winding drum,

- Fig. 4: design with electric motor as regulator of the axis of rotation of the actuator,

- Fig. 5: additional to the embodiment of Fig. 4, showing a detail of the controller,

- Fig. 6: design with rolling track and toothed cam as a regulator of the axis of rotation of the actuator,

- Fig. 7: design with a pair of pins in the guide grooves as regulator of the axis of rotation of the actuator,

- Fig. 8: double embodiment of the invention as two independent systems,

- Figure 9: embodiment of the invention in kinematic rollover,

- Fig. 10: design with actuator position axis regulator in the form of two pins connected by a spacer, upright position,

Fig. 11: version with actuator position controller in the form of two pins connected by a spacer, position of the gymnast in a squat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Example 1

This example, shown in FIG. 1, represents the simplest embodiment of the invention. The device consists of a rigid frame 1, the front part 11 of which is provided with a handle 3, the rear part 12 of which is provided with a seat 2. On the horizontal base 13 there is a pair of houses 4 carrying a horizontal main pin 41. An actuator 5 comprising a tread platform 51 and a calf support 52 is pivotably mounted thereon. The axis of rotation of the actuator 5 lies close to the foot portion of the tread platform 51 and the plane of the calf support 52.

The practitioner sits on the seat 2, grabs the upper portion of the calf support 52 and places the feet on the platform 51. Then he grabs the handle 3 and gets up from the seat 2. Tihova • · · · · · ·

the force deflects the front portion of the platform 51 towards the floor, but does not rest on it. This is prevented by a firm connection with the calf support 52, which is supported by the calf of the exerciser. Even in an upright position, the exerciser has a quadriceps thigh muscle tense to prevent the knees from bending. Alternating to squatting and squatting, the thigh muscles are kept in tension throughout the workout. The phase where the other boosters occur and the transfer of virtually the entire load to the bones and joints is missing.

Example 2

The device according to this exemplary embodiment fully conforms to Example 1 with the basic structure. However, the actuator 5 is supplemented with an additional load 6, in the embodiment of Fig. 2, in the form of a unidirectional linear kinetic energy absorber. The absorber is equipped with a valve 61 which is operated by a cable 63 connected to a toggle actuator 62 located near the handle 3.

In the rest position, the actuator 5 is fixed by means of an additional load 6 in a position where the front end of the tread is directed obliquely upwards. The trainee grasps the handle 3 and enters the platform 51. It then unlocks the energy absorber with the actuator 62, thereby relieving the calf support 52 against the calf. The additional load 6, that is, the energy absorber, places minimal resistance in the phase when the practitioner goes into a squat. In the upright phase, however, it places a defined resistance, which is added to the weight force exerted by the body weight of the trainee.

Example 3

The described exemplary embodiment is shown in Fig. 3. The basic construction is completely identical to the embodiment No. 1, it differs from the example No. 2 only in the design of the additional load 6. This is formed by a spring connected by a cable 65 to the winding drum 64. The actuator 5 is in this case provided with a pin carrier 67. The pin engages the engagement pin 66 located on the winding drum 64. The position of the engagement pin 66 can be varied as desired, since the drum 64 is circumferentially provided with a plurality of holes for receiving it.

The exercise is essentially the same as in the previous embodiment. However, the amount of additional load 6 can be varied within a selected exercise range by selecting a different position of the engagement pin 66.

Example 4

Another embodiment of the invention corresponds to the basic structure of the embodiment according to example 1. However, the actuator 5 is supplemented by a rotary or pivot position controller 7, respectively. 4 and 5. The regulator 7 is in this example an electric motor, which is provided with a pedal platform 51 in the front part. The electric motor stator 71 is fixedly connected to the frame structure of the pedal platform 51 and is led out of the rotor. a shaft designed as a helix 72, which passes through the frame structure at the front of the platform 51. The helix engages the nut 73 firmly connected to the main pin 41. Guiding grooves 78 perpendicular to the axis of rotation are provided on the sides of the platform 51 and the main pin 41 is displaceably received therein.

During exercise, the practitioner may, by means of a controller (not shown), select to move the platform 51 in the desired direction, thereby varying, moving away or approaching the position of the axis of rotation of the platform 51 relative to the body axis of the practitioner. This changes the amount of force acting on the calf area and at the same time the difficulty of exercising.

Example 5

A further exemplary embodiment with the rotation axis position regulator 7 of the platform 51 is shown in FIG. 6. The regulator 7 is formed here by a rolling path 74, in the present embodiment in the form of a rack, along which the toothing of the actuator 5, preferably in the form of a cam 75, is moved. Thus, the cam 75 mounted in the rolling path 74 fulfills the function of the main pin 4, but moving during exercise.

During exercise, the position of the rotation axis changes. In this way, the magnitude of the force acting on the calf area and thus the magnitude of the load on the muscles is also varied. In the phase when the practitioner is squatting, the force application is less and increases in a position close to upright.

Example 6

Another embodiment with variable position of the axis of rotation of the platform 5 during exercise is shown in Fig. 7. In this embodiment, the platform 51 is provided with a pair of pins 76, 77 that serve as the main pin 4 of the basic embodiment. In each house 4, two guide grooves 78 are provided corresponding to a pair of pivot pins 76.77 therein.

During exercise, the tread platform 51 begins to rotate on the rear pin 77 as the exerciser moves from an upright position to a squat. The front pin 76 moves in the front guide groove 78 until it engages the lower end thereof. Then, the front pin 76 assumes the function of the rear pin 77, which means that the tread plate 51 begins to rotate about it. The rear pin 77 now moves upward in the rear guide groove 78.

Example 7

A construction analog of the previous embodiment with a similar effect is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Again, it is an embodiment with a variable position of the axis of rotation of the platform 51 during exercise. The device is also provided with a pair of pins 76, 77 that serve as the main pin 4 described in the basic embodiment. The front pin 76 belongs to the tread platform 51, and is located near its heel portion, while the rear pin 77 belongs to the housing 4. A pair of pins 76, 77 are connected to each other by a spacer 79. Complementary to this construction is the adjustable stop 14 of the platform 51, which is provided with the horizontal base 13 of the frame 1. In the described embodiment, the stop 14 is in the form of a pin located in the frame pin 15 in one of its holes.

During exercise, as the exerciser moves from the upright position to the squat, the platform 51 begins to rotate on the rear pin 77. The front pin 76 remains stationary until it contacts the stop 41. . Then, the front pin 76 assumes the function of the rear pin 77, which means that the tread plate 51 begins to rotate about it while the rear pin 77 is brought to a standstill.

Depending on which hole in the pivot pin 15 engages the stop pin 14 before the training begins, the swivel range of the actuator 5 varies in both the first and second stages of performing one exercise, and hence the difficulty of the exercise.

Example 8

This exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 9, demonstrates the possibility of carrying out the invention in kinematic rollover. The vertical front portion 11 and the horizontal base 13 are structurally arranged such that the base 13 is positioned vertically and the front part 11 is positioned horizontally on the support. The handle 3 is complemented by a shoulder rest 91 and is placed on a lounger 9 linearly displaceable in the guide 92 on the front part JT. In this example, however, it conceals under the back of the trainee. Through the guide pulley 96 and the deflection pulley 95, the cable 97 is a deck chair 9 coupled to the basic gravity load 94. The actuator 5, in this exemplary embodiment located on the vertically situated base 13, is supplemented by a balancing load 98.

The course of the exercise is evident from the attached illustration. It differs from the conventional known versions of the so-called "leg press" devices in that there is not only a swivel surface for the pushing feet, but there is a tread platform 51 connected to the calf support 52. This changes the nature of the exercise, especially when the legs are stretching. Even with stretched limbs, tension is maintained in the thigh muscles, especially in the quadriceps thigh muscle.

Example 9

The last of the described exemplary embodiments of the invention, but not the last one possible, is the example shown in Fig. 8. The horizontal base 13 is provided here with two symmetrically adjacent actuating elements 5 with accessories. These assemblies are of identical construction but are kinematic independent of each other and each of them is a separate embodiment of the invention. Actuator accessories may be - 11 · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · Any desired, for example some of the already described exemplary embodiments. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, an additional load 6 in the form of a linear fluid kinetic energy absorber has been selected as an accessory for the actuator 5. The rear vertical part 12 of the frame 1 is provided with an anchor 68 on which the absorber is attached by pivoting one end. The other end is attached to the free end of the lever 69, which is anchored to the horizontal base 13 by a fixed end via a pivot pin 15. The lever 69 carries a housing 4 with a main pin 41 around which the platform 51 is rotatable. The main pin 41, which in most cases serves to pivot the actuator 5, can be replaced by a pair of pins or a joint to achieve multiple degrees of freedom.

During exercise, each leg rests on one of the actuators 5, and the practitioner alternately alternates from right to left as if climbing stairs. The effect of the exercise is similar to that of the previous examples, but with the more psychological effect of natural walking. If the main pin 41 is replaced by a joint, the practitioner can turn the feet.

Industrial applicability

The device according to the invention can be industrially manufactured for a wide range of applications for individual fitness and sports centers.

Claims (16)

Patent claims An apparatus for strengthening a lower limb, comprising at least an actuator for resting the legs of a gymnast and a fixed frame with which the actuator is coupled, characterized in that the frame (1) comprises at least a front part (11) and a base (13) wherein an actuator (5) formed by a tread platform (51) with a calf support (52) is pivotably mounted on the base (13) and the front portion (11) is provided with a handle (3) for supporting the body of the exerciser. Lower limb strengthening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (5) is mounted on the base (13) of the frame (1) by means of a main pin (41) housed in the house (4), the base pin (41). ) is located near the heel of the tread (51) and the plane of the calf support (52). Lower limb strengthening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuator (5) is supplemented by an additional load (6). Lower limb strengthening device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is supplemented by at least one position regulator (7) of the axis of rotation of the actuator (5). Lower limb strengthening device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the additional load (6) is formed by a linear fluid energy absorber. Lower limb strengthening device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the additional load (6) is formed by a spring provided with a cable (65) connected to the winding drum (64). Lower limb strengthening device according to claims 1, 3 and 6, characterized in that the actuator (5) is provided with a carrier (67) with a pin which engages the engagement pin (66) on the winding drum (64). . -13 • · · · · · "· · · · · ···· · ··" • · ··· ····· "···· ·· · Lower limb strengthening device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the axis of rotation (7) of the actuator (5) is formed by an electric motor. Lower limb strengthening device according to claims 1, 4 and 8, characterized in that the electric motor stator (71) is mounted on the frame of the actuator (5) and the rotor is equipped with a helix (72) which engages the a nut (73) connected to the main pin (41), on which the tread (51) is slidably supported by a guide groove (79). An apparatus for strengthening the lower limbs according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the rotational axis position regulator (7) is formed by a rolling path (74) on which the actuator (5) is mounted to be rolled by the cam (75). Lower limb strengthening device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that: 15, characterized in that the pivot axis regulator (7) is formed by a pair of pins (76,77) movable in guide grooves (78), the pins (76,77) being arranged one after the other near the plane of the tread (51) and guide groove (78) ) are formed substantially vertically with a slight curvature. 20 May Lower limb strengthening device according to claim 1 and 4, characterized in that the rotation axis position regulator (7) consists of a front pin (76) located near the rear end of the platform (51) and a rear pin (77). located in the housing (4) of the frame (1), the front pin (76) and the rear pin (77) being connected to each other by a spacer coupling (79). Lower limb strengthening device according to claim 1, 4 and 12, characterized in that the horizontal base (13) of the frame (1) is provided with an adjustable stop (1). (14) treads (51). A lower limb strengthening device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vertical front portion (11) and the horizontal base (13) are kinematic inverted such that the base (13) is positioned vertically and the front portion (13). 11) is placed horizontally on a support, the handrail (3) being placed on a lounger (9) linearly displaceably mounted on the front part (11) and coupled to the basic gravity load (94). Lower limb strengthening device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the actuator (5) is formed in pairs on the horizontal base (13) as two independent sets, for each leg of the trainee separately. Lower limb strengthening device according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the rotation axis position regulator (7) consists of a hinge on which the actuator (5) is mounted.