EP0060798A1 - Muscle exercise apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

This apparatus is of the type comprising a vertical column (2) consisting of at least two vertical lateral uprights (2a) fixed on a base (3) and connected at their top by means of a brace (4), a first pulley (7) with a horizontal axis suspended from the abovementioned brace (4), at the rear of the lateral uprights (2a), a second pulley (11) with a horizontal axis secured to the base (3) and a plate (12) supporting a weight (13) secured to a flexible link (15) such as a rope or a cable which passes successively in the grooves of the first and of the second pulleys (7, 11) and has at least one loop enabling various operating elements (22, 23) to be attached to it. The base (3) is wide at the front of the apparatus to serve as a support platform for the user who may be kneeling or standing. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a weight training machine. Numerous weight machines are known, each of which is designed to work a limited number of muscles so that to make all the muscles work for a complete weight training, it is necessary to have a large number of machines that only specialized institutes can own.

Apparatus are also known comprising a vertical column constituted by at least two vertical lateral uprights fixed on a base and linked at their top by a spacer, a first pulley of horizontal axis suspended from the aforementioned spacer, behind the lateral uprights, a second horizontal pulley moored to the base and a weight support plate moored to a flexible link such as a rope or cable which passes successively in the grooves of the first and second pulleys and has at least one loop allowing to attach various operating devices to it.

Known devices of this type have the drawback either of requiring several operating cables and as many return pulleys, which increases the cost price, or of lacking stability and, consequently, requiring inking between floor and ceiling or against a wall.

The present invention aims to remedy this drawback by providing a simple, stable device, without any inking and therefore capable of being easily moved and whose size and low cost make it available to individuals.

To this end, in the device that it concerns and which is of the aforementioned type, the base is largely dimensioned in front of the device to serve as a support platform for the user, kneeling or standing.

To allow the weight support plate to be lifted by acting from bottom to top or from top to bottom on the flexible link, not only the strand of the link corresponding to its free end is equipped with one or more loops but also its strand located between the two pulleys.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the operating member attached to a loop of the flexible link is constituted by a single or double handle or by two handles which can be operated by either hand of the user or both hands.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the operating member of the weight support plate is constituted by a stretcher articulated, by one of its ends, to the two lateral uprights of the vertical column and whose free ends are bent horizontally outwards and are connected by flexible secondary links to one of the loops of the first flexible link. This stretcher can thus be used as a weight bar.

Preferably, each arm of the stretcher is equipped with a flexible rubber foam sleeve or the like allowing it to be maneuvered by the shoulders of the user without risk of bruising them.

The secondary flexible links are advantageously constituted by chains of which a link is engaged on a hook or the like provided at the free end of each stretcher.

This arrangement allows a fine and easy adjustment of the position of the stretcher, at rest, according to the size of the user and the position adopted, standing, sitting, kneeling or lying on the back.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the means of articulation of the arms of the stretcher to the lateral vertical uprights are arranged so as to allow their rapid assembly and disassembly. For example, the articulation end of each arm is constituted by a cylindrical lock which can be engaged in a cylindrical hub carried by the corresponding lateral upright of the column.

To allow a choice between different positions of use of the stretcher, according to yet another charac teristic of the invention, each lateral upright carries at least two hubs, each of which is coaxial with a hub of the other upright.

To allow better stability of the weight bearing plate and in particular to avoid its rotation, a guide such as a cable or the like is stretched between the spacer and the base and the weight bearing plate has a hole through which said guide passes.

Finally, according to yet another characteristic of the invention, ensuring better rigidity of the column, the latter comprises a rear upright giving the column a substantially prismatic configuration, this third upright being fixed to the base by its lower end and to the 'spacer by its upper end.

• Figures 1 à 4 en sont des vues en perspective de trois quart illustrant quatre modes d'utilisation ;
• Figure 5 montre, à échelle agrandie, une forme d'exécution des moyens rapidement escamotables d'articulation du brancard aux montants de la colonne.

In any case, the invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawings representing, by way of nonlimiting example, an embodiment of this device:

• Figures 1 to 4 are perspective views of three quarters illustrating four modes of use;
• Figure 5 shows, on an enlarged scale, an embodiment of the rapidly retractable means of articulation of the stretcher to the uprights of the column.

As shown in the drawing, this device essentially comprises a vertical column (2) constituted by two lateral uprights (2a) vertical and a posterior upright (2b) giving it a prismatic shape. At their lower ends, the lateral uprights (2a) and the rear upright (2b) are fixed to a base (3) while their upper ends are connected by a spacer (4) in the shape of a "T". At a point (5) of the height gauge (4) located between the two lateral uprights (2a) and the rear upright (2b) of the column (2), a yoke (6) is suspended supporting the horizontal axis d 'a first pulley (7), while at a point (8) of the base (3) located in front of the lateral uprights (2a), is fixed a yoke (9) supporting the horizontal axis of a second pulley ( 11).

Between the uprights (2a) and (2b) of the column (2), is arranged a plate (12) capable of being moved vertically between said uprights and on which one or more weights (13) can be arranged. At one rod (14) fixed perpendicular to the upper face of the plate (12) is moored one of the ends of a flexible link such as a cable (15) passing successively in the grooves of the pulley (7) and the pulley (11). At its free end located downstream of the pulley (11), the cable (15) has a loop (16), while its strand (15a) located between the pulleys (7) and (11) has a loop (17) .

It is easily understood that if the free end of the cable (15) is pulled, that is to say from its loop (16), either horizontally in the direction of the arrow (18), or vertically in the direction of the arrow (19), the weight-bearing plate (12) is raised and it is the same if one pulls vertically from top to bottom, that is to say in the direction of the arrow (21) on the strand (15a) of the cable (15), for example from its loop (17).

From the elements described above, it is therefore possible to maneuver the weight plate (12) in two different ways.

According to the invention, there are provided several different types of actuators for the weight-bearing plate (12)

The first type of these operating members consists of a handle (22) capable of being moored at one or between the loops (16) or (17) of the cable (15). This handle (22) can be simple and will allow the weight plate (12) to be operated using a single arm. It can be double or it is possible to tie two handles (22) to the same loop (16) or (17), as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

As is easily understood, the use of handles (22) makes it possible to develop numerous muscles of the human body, for example by using a single handle (22) moored to the loop (16), the user positioning himself so as to have a shoulder along the side uprights (2a) of the column (2), it is possible to work the opposite shoulder by grasping the handle (22) by the hand corresponding to this shoulder.

By keeping the same position, but by grasping a handle (22) moored to the loop (17) by the hand corresponding to the shoulder closest to the column (2), the user can exercise his pectoral muscles, condition to stand with the bust substantially horizontal. By standing in front of the column (2) and grasping the handle (22) still tied to the loop (17) with one hand, the user can develop the triceps of the corresponding arm.

By keeping this same position facing the column (2) and by grasping with one hand the handle (22) moored this time to the loop (16), it is possible to work the biceps corresponding to this hand.

Using two handles (22) still moored to the loop (16), as illustrated in Figure 2, it is possible to work the biceps of both arms in the same position as for a single arm, but by grasping a handle in each hand.

Finally, by kneeling on the base (3) and grasping the two handles (22) moored to the loop (17) the user can work his back muscles. It can also achieve the same result by sitting in front of the column (2), both feet resting against the base of the side uprights (2a) and by grabbing the two handles (22) which this time are moored to the terminal loop (16). In this last exercise, the user pulls on the handles (22) substantially horizontally, that is to say in the direction of the arrow (18).

By standing on the base (3) in front of the lateral uprights (2a) and by grasping the two handles (22) or a double handle not shown in the drawing moored to the terminal loop (16), the user can do work his lumbar muscles or his shoulders by extending upwards the travel of the loop (16).

Instead of a single (22) or double handle or two handles (22), the user can also use a stretcher (23), each arm of which is articulated by one end, as the operating member of the weight-bearing plate (12). (23a) to one of the lateral uprights (2a) of the column (2) and has at its other end an extension (23b) bent horizontally outwards at the end of which is provided a hook (24) serving to mooring a secondary link (25) fixed by its other end to the loop (16) or (17) of the cable (15).

It is easily understood that when the links (25) are moored to the loop (17), the maneuver downwards, that is to say in the direction of the arrow (21) of the extensions (23b) of the arms of the stretcher (23), causes the lifting of the weight bearing plate (12) and, conversely, when the links (25) are moored to the loop (16) of the cable (15), it is their maneuver upwards , that is to say in the direction of the arrow (19), which causes the lifting of the weight carrier plate (12).

It is easily understood that, depending on the standing, sitting, kneeling or lying on the back position adopted by the user and depending on whether the links (25) are moored to the loop (16) or to the loop (17) of the cable ( 15), it is possible to work many muscles.

In the sitting position, the user can also maneuver the stretcher (23-) not by grasping its extensions (23b) by the hands, but by lifting it directly by its shoulders. To avoid bruising, each arm of the stretcher (23) is advantageously fitted with a sleeve (26) of rubber foam or the like. By maneuvering the extensions (23b) of the stretcher (23) in the seated position with the links (25) moored to the loop (16), the user can work the shoulder muscles, while in the kneeling position and with the links (25) moored to the loop (17), it can work the back muscles.

While lying on your back and maneuvering the extensions (23b) of the stretcher's arms (23), he can work his pectoral muscles or his triceps.

Finally, by maneuvering the stretcher (23) only by his shoulders resting under the sleeves (26), the links (25) being moored to, the loop (16), the user can work the muscles of his thighs by movements successive bending, or his calves rising on tiptoe.

All examples viennentd ^f described above have only been as an illustration of the many possibilities of using this device and without limiting.

As indicated above, the platform (12) of this device can be operated either using simple or double handles (22), or using the stretcher (23) and, in certain cases where only the handles (22) are used, the stretcher (23) must be removed so as not to constitute discomfort. To this end, its means of articulation to the lateral uprights (2a) of the column (2) are easily retractable. FIG. 5 shows an interesting embodiment of the means of articulation of the stretcher (23) to the lateral uprights (2a) of the column (2).

In this example, the articulation end of each arm of the stretcher (23) has a return (23a) bent horizontally at right angles to the outside of tubular section and carrying a latch (27) operable axially using 'a control lug (28) movable in a light (29) in the shape of a "U". This lock (27) can be engaged in a hub (31) with a horizontal axis carried by the corresponding upright (2a) of the column (2). To allow a choice between several positions of the stretcher (23), each upright (2a) carries several hubs (31) each of which is coaxial with the corresponding hub (31) carried by the other upright (2a).

As shown in the drawing, to avoid rotation of the plate (12) during its vertical movements between the uprights (2a) and (2b) of the column (2), there is provided a guide (32) constituted by a cable stretched vertically between the spacer (4) and the base (3) and passing through the plate (12) by a hole not visible in the drawing.

As is obvious and as appears from the foregoing, the invention is not limited to the only embodiment of this weight training device which has been described above by way of nonlimiting example; on the contrary, it embraces all of its variant embodiments.

Claims (11)

1. - Weight training machine of the type comprising a vertical column (2) constituted by at least two vertical lateral uprights (2a) fixed on a base (3) and linked at their top by a spacer (4), a first pulley (7 ) with a horizontal axis suspended from the aforementioned spacer (4), behind the lateral uprights (2a), a second pulley (11) with a horizontal axis moored to the base (3) and a plate (12) weight support ( 13) moored to a flexible link (15) such as a rope or cable which passes successively through the grooves of the first and second pulleys (7, 11) and has at least one loop allowing it to hang various organs of maneuver (22,23) characterized in that the base (3) is largely dimensioned in front of the device to serve as a platform -support of the user, kneeling or standing. 2. - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that not only the strand of the link (15) corresponding to its free end, but also its strand (15a) located between the two pulleys (7 and 11) has at least one loop (16.17). 3. - Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the operating member attached to a loop (16,17) of the flexible link (15) is constituted by a single or double handle or by two handles ( 22) maneuverable by either hand of the user or by both hands. 4. - Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating member of the plate (12) weight support (13) is constituted by a stretcher (23) articulated by one (23a) of its ends to the two lateral uprights (2a) of the vertical column (2) and the free ends of which are provided with extensions (23b) bent horizontally outwards and connected by secondary flexible links (25) to one of the loops (16,17) of the first flexible link (15). 5. - Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that each arm of the stretcher (23) is equipped with a man flexible pad (26) of rubber foam or the like allowing it to be maneuvered by the shoulders of the user. 6. - Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the secondary flexible links (26) consist of chains of which a link is engaged on a hook (24) or the like provided at the free end of each extension (23b) of each arm of the stretcher (23). 7. - Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the means of articulation of the stretcher arms (23) to the lateral vertical uprights (2a) are arranged so as to allow rapid assembly and disassembly stretcher (23). 8. - Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the articulation end of each arm has a tubular extension (23a) bent horizontally at right angles to the outside supporting a latch (27) axially movable and operable at l using a lug (28) movable in a "U" shaped light (29) so as to be able to engage the lock (27) in a hub (31) carried by the corresponding lateral upright (2a) of the column (2 ) or extract it. 9. - Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that to allow a choice between different positions of use of the stretcher (23), each lateral upright (2a) carries several hubs (31) each of which is coaxial with the hub (31 ) corresponding to the other lateral upright (2a). 10. - Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that to allow better stability of the plate (12) weight carrier (13) and in particular to avoid its rotation, a guide (32) such as a cable or the like is stretched between the spacer (4) and the base (3) and the plate (12) has a hole through which said guide (32) passes. 11. - Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the column (2) comprises a rear upright (2b) giving it a prismatic shape, this rear upright (2b) being secured by its lower end of the base (3) and by its upper end of the spacer (4).

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