EP0624108A1

EP0624108A1 - Apparatus for body-building exercises and method for operating same.

Info

Publication number: EP0624108A1
Application number: EP93904093A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Leon Therond
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-01-22
Filing date: 1993-01-19
Publication date: 1994-11-17
Anticipated expiration: 2013-01-19
Also published as: EP0624108B1; WO1993014822A1; AU3502993A; FR2686259A1

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil pour exercices physiques en vue d'améliorer la musculature et sa mise en oeuvre. L'appareil télescopique (1, 21, 51, 71) comporte une chambre (6, 25, 54, 72) et un piston (4, 23, 53, 78) coulissant l'un dans l'autre, au moins un moyen permettant à l'utilisateur d'actionner le piston et un réservoir (9, 26). Suivant l'invention le réservoir qui est relié à la chambre par un clapet anti-retour permettant seulement le passage d'un gaz de la chambre au réservoir peut être mis en libre communication avec la chambre par un moyen adapté (11, 37, 37-1) lorsque le niveau de pression souhaité est atteint. L'utilisation de courroies ou de câbles (56-1, 69, 82) permet de démultiplier l'effort et d'allonger la course. Utilisation pour exercices physiques avec développement progressif des efforts.The invention relates to an apparatus for physical exercises to improve the muscles and its implementation. The telescopic device (1, 21, 51, 71) comprises a chamber (6, 25, 54, 72) and a piston (4, 23, 53, 78) sliding one inside the other, at least one means allowing the user to actuate the piston and a reservoir (9, 26). According to the invention the reservoir which is connected to the chamber by a non-return valve allowing only the passage of a gas from the chamber to the reservoir can be placed in free communication with the chamber by suitable means (11, 37, 37 -1) when the desired pressure level is reached. The use of belts or cables (56-1, 69, 82) allows to multiply the effort and lengthen the stroke. Use for physical exercises with progressive development of efforts.

Description

APPA REIL P OR R STRENGTHENING EXERCISES AND P ROCEDE

FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION

^The apparatus and method for strength training exercises that are ^the object of ^the invention relate to the practice of physical exercises to improve muscles.

We know devices allowing the muscles to work travailler by opposing a force to the movements executed, some of these devices such as the extensors are designed to work in traction, they generally include 2 handles connected by elastomer straps which exert a force recall ^when it deviates these handles to each other.

$ There are also known devices capable of working in compression and also in traction.

Thus, document FR 2,402,454 discloses a telescopic exerciser with handles at both ends and having a helical spring which allows exercises of compressing the spring by moving the handles ^to one of ^the other. This device also comprises arranged along two opposite generators and stretched each between two rollers mounted in the vicinity of the handles two endless cables. These cables allow by exerting on them a traction perpendicular to the axis of the spring of

2.0 bring the two handles closer to each other and therefore make the spring work in compression. Following ^that traction is exerted on one or both strands of each cable there is or not a muffle effect which substantially vary the force to develop doubled.

2.5 These exercisers provided with compression springs devices have ^the disadvantage of not permetre change the spring restoring force which they are equipped, more rapid growth there is the force applied to compress based jurisdiction of the race, he n ^'is therefore not possible ^to make <movements of relatively large amplitude constant force or slightly increasing.

There are pneumatic devices ^(utility certificate 2,577,812) in which the force opposed to the operator is provided by a a cylinder connected to adjustable pressure reservoir by means of valves connecting ^the one hand to ^the free air to reduce the pressure. ^{on the} other hand to a compressor to increase the pressure.

It is described in US Patent 4,333,645 a portable device 5 in which the force opposite to ^the operator a result of ^the depression ^of a pneumatic piston in a closed chamber volume greater than that of the piston. A belt encircling ^the also allows device, but by tensile forces of the two opposite strands and placed along the body of ^the apparatus to retract the piston into the chamber.

10 In ^the other devices (DE 30 20 323) ^that is a throttle by which the resistance to the flow ^of air between at least one chamber and ^the atmospheric air provides a resistance to ^the operator. In this case the major drawback is that this resistance varies with the speed of the movement to be zero

15 at low speed or too high if the movement is rapid.

Pneumatic devices is finally known (US Patent 3,944,221) in which especially valves placed on a circuit of ^air between the cylinder chamber and atmospheric ^air are used ^to oppose an operator effort resulting from the increase 20 of the amount of ^air in this chamber where the pressure gradually increases. Such a system has the main drawback that the force opposed to ^the operator increases continuously up to be too strong for the working muscles.

The possibility was sought to develop a method for 2. 5 weight wherein the opposing force to the operator remains fixed with ^a movement to ^the other and does not depend on the speed. It is provided by an actuator connected to a reservoir with the possibility of varying the pressure without the need for a source ^of outside air. We also investigated the means ^of exerting the tensile loads along the longitudinal direction 30 of ^the apparatus in addition to the opportunity to enjoy them in the transverse direction -

Finally, it was investigated the possibility of realizing ^the apparatus for implementing such a method. ^The device which is ^the subject of the ^invention has such characteristics and allow your bet 3 5 photograph ^of such a method

^The apparatus according to ^the invention has a telescopic structure having two components adapted to slide ^one in ^the other, a biasing means for bringing one of ^the other two ends of ^the apparatus, an elastic force antagonist ^that opposes this approximation. One of ^the two components is a piston, the head 5 slides in a sealed manner along the cylindrical wall ^of a chamber constituting ^the other component. The end of the chamber opposite to that through which the piston enters is connected to a reservoir by a passage comprising a first non-return valve allowing the discharge of at least one gas from the chamber in the direction of the reservoir. A second check valve permits ^the entry ^of a gas into the chamber from outside during the retraction of the piston.

According to ^the invention a communication formatting means ^ensures the free movement ^of at least one gas between reservoir and chamber 15 for strength exercises when the desired pressure level is reached.

The communication means is advantageously a manually operated valve mounted in parallel with the non-return valve between the chamber and the reservoir. Depending on the applications, a tank 2-0 is used which is separated from the telescopic structure and connected to the latter by a pipe, preferably flexible, or else integral with the chamber in which the piston moves and preferably arranged annularly around the 'she,.

Preferably the means for bringing the reservoir into communication with Z5 the chamber, ensuring the free circulation of at least one gas, is a control means comprising an opening means capable of opening the first non-return valve situated between the chamber and the tank and keep it open. Advantageously the control means is a control rod and the means ^of opening a part ^of opening 30 integral with the control rod. Advantageously resilient means pushes the control rod in position for ^opening the first check valve.

Preferably a locking pin can ensure locking of the recessed operating rod from its open ^position of the valve 5 nonreturn. An unlocking of the control rod and the decline of the locking pin controlled by the retraction of the piston in the vicinity of ^the end of the chamber remote from its connection to the reservoir causes the release of the control rod. -r

Preferably, the volume of the assembly comprising the reservoir and the chamber is 3 to 10 times greater than the volume displaced by the piston in the chamber in its course.

Advantageously, i ^appliance comprises at each end an S handle and advantageously also, it comprises two belts arranged in parallel along two opposite generatrices and each connected by their ends to - both ends of ^the unit. By making a transverse traction on at least ^one of these two belts or causes penetration of the piston 10 in the chamber.

Preferably, ^the apparatus comprises a single belt assembly so as to form an endless belt passing over pulleys disposed in the vicinity of both ends and folded over itself so as to cover each side, two times the length of

"15 ^the unit. Two strands are thus able to be gripped on each side, preferably in the vicinity of the middle, in order to cause the penetration of the piston in the chamber. It is found that by exerting a pulling force on a single strand simply ^a pull exerted perpendicular to the axis of the device four times

2.0 to achieve a low penetration of the piston in the chamber than in ^the case of a belt one strand attached at both ends of ^the unit. By acting on two strands on the same side this effort is still approximately twice as low.

According to one implementation advantageous embodiment of ^the device, the handle 2.5 traversed by the two strands of the endless belt has a notch for gripping ^one thereof. to exert on it a traction strand in ^the axis of ^the device, ^the other end of this unit being attached to a fixed point such as the ground or a wall, this pull causing movement of the piston in opposite direction.

30 In some cases it is advantageous to ^use ^the stationary device to be able to work the arms together or separately in different directions. To this is secured room ^within which moves the piston with a fixed wall and we equip ^the end of the piston rod ^of a transmission means

35 having an approximately axial thrust resulting finally use is made of a tension means operated by ^the user which causes the thrust transmitting means. Advantageously, the means of thrust transmissi on is a free pulley in rotation with an axis perpendicular to the axis of the piston rod and fixed to the end of this rod the traction means is a cable fixed to a fixed point by one of its ends the other end surrounds at least partially the pulley 5 and, after a further at least one passage around ^a pulley includes an end adapted to be grasped zone e by a user exerting traction I effort required to force the piston is A1 and A2 determines angles relative to ^the axis of the piston rod that are both strands surrounding at least

\ 0 partially the pulley connected to the piston rod, to that they are acute and value approximately near I from ^each other may, if necessary, placing a guide pulley symmetrically relative to ^the axis of the piston rod, of the fixing point of the end of the cable. This gives perfect equality

\ angles A1 and A2

If the device is oriented so that its piston rod faces upwards, the guide pulley must be used as the first deflection pulley In this position we note that the connection between chamber and tank if it is made by a flexible hose , could 2.0 be shorter

The invention also relates to a method of weight in which use the muscle strength to bring together two components of a telescopic device, a fluid, consisting of at least one gas opposing an elastic force to the penetration ^of a piston in a chamber 2.5 . ^The end of the chamber, towards the end of the piston stroke, is connected to a reservoir via a first check valve permitting filling of the tank by means of at least one gas discharged by the piston

A second check valve allows the penetration of a gas or 0 mixture of gases, such as ^air and thus ensures the filling of the chamber during the retraction of the piston According to ^the invention, thus makes the necessary number '' back and forth of the piston through the chamber to fill the reservoir to the desired pressure level, then a permanent passage of gas or gas mixture is established between the chamber and the reservoir in order to ensure the free circulation of this gas or gas mixture at least for the duration of weight training, at this pressure level

The permanent passage of gas or gas mixture between chamber and reservoir may be achieved either by means ^of a valve mounted in parallel with the first non-return valve or by using a locking means in ^the open position of the first valve anti¬ return. Advantageously, use is made as blocking means of

S this check valve room ^opening which enables both to ^open the valve and keep it open. When the first check valve comprises a ball kept on its seat by a spring is used as part ^of opening a small diameter rod which can pass through the ball seat by lifting it

10 and leaving sufficient passage for the gas or gas mixture.

Numerous variations or modifications may be made to the device according to ^the invention which do not leave the area of the latter.

The examples and the following diagrammatic figures describe, 5 without limitation, embodiments of the device according to ^the invention.

LIST OF FIGURES :

Figure 1 is a schematic overview of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to ^the invention equipped with ^an o separate tank.

Figure 2 is a schematic view ^of a second embodiment of ^the apparatus according to ^the invention equipped with a means of controlling opening ^of a check valve held in the retracted position by a setting means and equipped with ^an annular reservoir 2.5 surrounding the compression chamber.

Figure 3 is a plan view of ^the apparatus of Figure 2 including control means for opening ^the check valve is engaged with its end part forming ^the opening. through the seat of this valve, thus holding it blocked in ^the open position.

Figure 4 is a schematic view ^of a third embodiment of ^the apparatus according to ^the invention equipped ^with an endless belt traveling on each side twice the length of ^the device and permitting transverse tractions. Figure 5 is a schematic view ^of a variant of ^the apparatus of Figure 4 for longitudinal traction.

Figure 6 is a schematic view ^of another embodiment of ^the apparatus according to ^the invention, the compression chamber is secured to a wall, the thrust of the piston being provided by a cable passing over a pulley having a fixed end and the other drawn by the ut it is ate ur.

Example 1:

As shown in Figure 1 ^the telescopic device 1 according to the invention comprises a control piston 2 by a handle 3, the head 4 provided with ^a ^seal 5 slide so étaπche into the cylindrical chamber 6 ^of axis X1 -X1. the rod 7 of the piston 2 slides seamlessly through the ^end wall of the chamber 6 provided ^with an orifice 8. In order to reduce pressure variations a reservoir 9 connected to the chamber 6 by a pipe 10 provided ^with a valve 1 1 allows ^{on the} one hand a storage of the gas or gas mixture such as air used in the apparatus 1 and also allows an increase in the gas volume subjected to the compression-expansion cycles during the exercises of bodybuilding.

A first non-return valve 12 mounts on a pipe 13 in parallel with the pipe 10 allows the passage of gas or gas mixture in the direction of the chamber 6-reservoιr 9, a second non-return valve 14 connects the chamber 6 to an orifice 15 for ^introducing the gas or gas mixture for passing this gas or gas mixture from the outside to the chamber 6. in order to, in a first stage, filling the tank 9 at the desired pressure is closed the valve 1 1 and actuating the piston 2 by bringing the handles 3. 3- 1 ^one of ^the other; thus the valve 12 opens and the reservoir 9 is filled. By bringing back the plunger, the valve 12 closes and the valve 14 s ^opener with admission ^of a gas or gas mixture from ^outside. Is carried out the number of cycles required to cause the reservoir to the desired pressure, while opening the valve 1 1 which allows free movement of the gas or gas mixture between reservoir and chamber ^during operation of ^the apparatus for exercises bodybuilding. The volume of the reservoir is determined so that the volume of the chamber 6 plus that of the reservoir 9 is approximately 3 to 10 times that displaced by the piston in its course. In practice, the pipes 10, 13 are given the desired length and flexibility to be able to easily handle the telescopic device 1 -

As discussed below can also secure the reservoir 9 S with ^the telescopic device 1 with the annularly around the cylindrical chamber 6.

Advantageously this unit was fitted analogs belts to those used in ^the apparatus shown in Figures 4 or 5. There is thus ^a device which, while having an average of 10 pressurizing at an adjustable level in a wide range allows ^'' perform bodybuilding exercises in a variety of ways.

The reservoir further includes a ^drain valve 16 to reduce it to atmospheric pressure.

Example 2:

15 Figures 2 and 3 show a particular embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1 wherein in order to ^increase the compactness of the container the latter is integral with the chamber. As seen in FIGS 2 and 3 ^the telescopic device 21 ^of axis X2-X2 comprises a piston 22 with a head 23 provided with a seal may 23-1

Zύ sealingly slidable in a cylindrical chamber 25. The reservoir 26 is arranged coaxially around the chamber 25. As in the case of ^Example 2 in Figure 4, ^the apparatus 1 comprises means for filling, by acting on the piston 22, the reservoir 26 to the desired pressure ^of a gas or gas mixture such

2.5 only air. For this purpose the flange 28 flange which secures at ^one of their ends the reservoir 26 and the chamber 25 has two ball valves nonreturn 35 and 43. The first valve 35 includes a ball 36 held on its seat by a return spring 36.1; this valve allows the passage of the gas or gas mixture from the chamber 0 25 to the reservoir 26 through the passages 35. 33 and 34. the first valve 35 comprises a ball 36 held on its seat by a return spring 36-1: The valve 43 allows the passage ^of a gas or gas mixture from ^the outside towards the chamber 25 by passages45 and 45.1 . Note that the piston rod 22 slides

35 with play through the upper flange 28-2 which closes the chamber 25 and the reservoir 26.

As shown in Figure 2. by pushing the piston 22 into the 3 cylindrical chamber 25 by means of the handle 28.1, the gas or mixture of gases which it contains is compressed enough to lift the ball 36 from the first valve 35 and penetrate into the reservoir 26. By bringing this piston back the depression raises the ball 44 from its seat and allows I ^admission of a gas or gas mixture such as air into the chamber 25 a sufficient number of cycles of the return piston 22 allows the pressure to the desired level of the reservoir 26. once achieved this result, simply put in free communication the reservoir 26 and the chamber 25 to perform, using ^the unit, strengthening exercises for this as shown in Figure 3 must lift ball 36 of the valve 35 from its seat by means of the control rod 37. U n double safety device provides the setting back of this command when the piston 22 ^is not brought in ^the position of maximum elongation of ^the device telescopic and that it is desired ^to remain in inflating position of the tank, to avoid the sudden projection behind the piston 22 at ^the moment of opening of the valve 35.

For this purpose the control rod 37 which comprises a part ^of small diameter opening 37.1 at its end adapted to lift the ball 36 and provided with an annular flange 41 against which comes to bear ^the end of a locking pin 39 . the control 37 ^of axis X3-X3 perpendicular to X2-X2 rod passes through the end plate by a bearing 48 provided with a sealing gasket 48.1, a spring 38 is adapted to push it by acting on a ring integral 38-1 the rod 37 to lift the ball 36 by the piece ^of 37.1 opening. The annular rim 41, however, prevents the penetration of the workpiece ^opening 37.1 into the passage 33 ^until the ball 36. As the locking pin remains thrust locking position by the spring 42 which acts on the ring integral with 42.1 this rod.

To allow opening of the valve 35 it is necessary to rotate the stop 49 rotation axis 50 parallel to ^the X3-axis X3 so that it is no longer under the shoulder 46 to ^the end of the control rod 37 and the piston 22 back through the 28.1 handle until its head 23-2 comes into contact with the ^end flange 24 of the locking pin 39 that runs through a sealed passageway 40 that it therefore causes it to retreat. The control 37 then unlocked advance rod until the ball lift 36 and therefore opening of the valve 35. The pressures ^s' then balance between the reservoir 26 and the chamber 25 ^and then is set available for training exercises.

One can also imagine ^other variants to ensure the connected reservoir 26 and the chamber 25. 5 Thus for ^example the back of his rod 22 and therefore, the end of its run, the recoil of the rod 39 may authorize ^the ^opening of a valve placed in parallel with the valve and thus joining these two volumes. said valve being manually controlled by the rod 37 which may also be accompanied by ^a locking abutment 49 1 0 as described above.

As in the case of ^Example 2 the volume of ^the assembly formed by the reservoir 26 and the chamber 25 is 3 to 10 times greater than the volume displaced in the chamber 25 by the piston 22 in its travel.

It is possible if necessary ^to lower the working pressure in repressing 5 from ^outside by means ^of a rod adapted the ball 44 of the valve 43.

It returns the control rod 37 to its original position by pulling on the end 46 until ^the return to the locking position of the rod 39. The latch dog 49 is placed under O 2 ^the shoulder 46 of the rod 37 by an action of the hand or under the effect ^of a not shown return spring.

The safety device which has ^just been described in the case ^of a reservoir 26 arranged annularly around the cylindrical chamber 25, can also be used with a fixed reservoir 2.5 as in the case ^of Example 1 shown in Figure 1 . It is sufficient that the first and the second check valve and the actuating rod ensuring the locking in position ^of opening of the first check valve are accommodated in a flange integral with ^the end of the cylindrical chamber opposite to that crossed by the piston rod. Just 30 also that the reservoir is connected by a flexible hose to ^the port of the first check valve linking the cylinder chamber with the reservoir as ^the port 34 shown in Figures 2 and 3.

Example 3. 35 ^"is seen in Figures 4 and 5 two particular embodiments of ^the apparatus according to the ^invention which has ^just been described in Figures 1 to 3. An apparatus 51 Figure 4 has seen for weight training exercises according to ^the invention having a piston 52 whose head 53 is capable of circulating sealed manner through an annular ^gasket seal 53-1 ^within ^a cylindrical chamber 54. An orifice 55 puts in

5 relation the chamber 54 with a first non-return valve not shown connected to a tank also not shown by a flexible pipe, a valve also not shown mounted in parallel with a valve playing the same role as the valve 1 1 with respect to the first non-return valve 12 in FIG. 1. A second

10 check valve plays the same role as the valve 14 of Figure 1. In order to ^increase the flexibility of ^use of ^the apparatus according to the invention, there is an endless belt, folded back on itself, running on pulleys 58- 1 to 58-6 disposed in the vicinity of the handles 59. 60 and going through each of the generators twice

15 opposite ^the telescopic device 51 parallel to the axis X4 - X4. The belt thus has on each side two strands 56-1 56-2 and 57-1,57-2. Thus, by performing a cross tensile force F perpendicular to X4 - X4 on one strand as 56- 1, it is sufficient to ^apply a lower strength four times as would be

10 required in the case ^of a single strand attached at both ends of ^the unit. By exerting ^the pulling force on the two strands at once, such as 56- 1 and 56-2 ^effort would still be two times lower than in the case of single strand attached to both ends of ^the device.

As in the cases of Examples 1 and 2 is carried out in a 2.5 Phase pressurization non reservoir represented by pumping by means of the piston 52 whose rod 61 enters the chamber 54 through a passage provided with ^an inlet air 62 ^until the desired pressure level. Rising valve is then opened in parallel with the first check valve ^before performing the ϋ strength exercises.

5 shows another embodiment of ^the device according to ^the invention equipped ^with an endless belt.

As in the case of Figure 4 apparatus includes ^a piston 52, the head 53 slides in leaktight fashion thanks to an annular seal 35 53-1 within ^a cylindrical chamber 54. The stem 61 enters the chamber 54 through a passageway unsealed through an orifice 62. a n orifice 55 communicates the chamber 54 with an unillustrated tank ^via ^a first check valve and d a manual valve mounted in parallel, I one and I other not shown.

A second check valve, also not shown, connects ^the orifice 55 with ^the exterior, the two valves and the valve

S play the same role as the non-return valves 12 and 14 of figure 1 and the valve the same role as the valve 1 1 of the same figure 1. As in the case of figure 4 an endless belt twice folded upon itself is stretched between the pulleys disposed in the vicinity of the two handles 63. 64 of ^the device. The handle 63 is

10 attached through a loop 65 to a hook 66 secured to ^a wall ^or a floor.

The handle 64 includes two additional rollers 67, 68 facing the rollers 58-5 and 58-6 to prevent the strand 69 to ^escape of the handle 64 when ^the user grasps the strand and exerts on it

15 with a tensile force F1 in the direction X5 - X5 of ^the axis of ^the device. This tension causes a displacement of piston 52 towards the bottom of the chamber 54 approximately equal to half the length of the movement performed by ^the user. It is noted that ^a cutout 70 must be made in the handle 64 -0 facilitate decision by the user. And one can work in traction with a large stroke, and through the tank relatively large volume relative to the chamber, limiting the variation in ^the force on the stroke length. Finally, thanks to the device according to ^the invention an initial pressure is selected from

2.5 work which then hardly varies from one compression-expansion cycle to the next.

Example 4:

6 shows schematically a particular mode of ^use of ^the apparatus according to ^the invention.

30 As shown in this figure ^the device 71 is mounted in a fixed position against a wall to which the chamber 72 is connected by its ends 73. 74 through fasteners 75. 76. ^The axis X6 - X6 ^'s device is vertical. The rod 77 of the piston enters the chamber 73 at its lower end by a non-watertight passage 5 provided with ^a hole 73-1. The piston head 78 slides tightly in the chamber 72 by means of an annular seal 78-1. The chamber communicates at its upper end, via a passage 80 with a not shown tank ^through ^a first non-return valve not shown. As in the case of the preceding examples a second check valve permits ^the entry ^of at least one gas from ^the outside when the chamber is in vacuum. As also in the previous examples, a

5 means controlled by the user makes it possible to put the chamber in connection with the reservoir by establishing a free passage when the operating pressure is reached. As shown in Figure 6 the rod 77 of the piston is provided at its lower end ^a pulley 81 around which passes a cable 82 whose one end is fixed

10 83. A second pulley 84 is fixed at a sufficiently high level so that ^the free end 85 of the cable 82 can be pulled with a force F2 by a user standing by performing the necessary stroke for the piston traverses the chamber over most of its length. We approximate the

15 angles A1 and A2 made by two strands of cable 82 relative to ^the axis X6 - X6 on both sides ^of the pulley 81. so ^that they are slightly different ^one from ^the other, the resultant of ^the tensile stress being preferably substantially coincident with X6 - X6. You can, if necessary, install an additional guide pulley, resting

Z O against the rising strand of the cable, placed symmetrically with respect to the attachment point 83. on the opposite side of the axis X6 - X6, in order to keep A1 = A2 throughout the entire stroke of the piston rod.

It is noted that the apparatus may be oriented in opposite direction through ^the use of an additional deflection pulley such

2.Ç as that just described. May also be provided around the reservoir of the chamber, analogous to the arrangement described in ^Example 2. Finally, one can use a security device such as that described in the case of ^Example 1, both when the tank is secured to the room when ^it is simply 0 connected thereto by a pipe.

The safety device avoids false operations and facilitates the work of the user.

Claims

H

R EVEN DI CATIONS

1) An apparatus for telescopic structure comprising two components capable of sliding ^one in ^the other, at least one urging means to bring ^one of ^the other two ends of ^the apparatus, an elastic force antagonist ^s' opposing this

5 approximation, ^one of these components is a piston (2. 22, 52) comprising ^• a head (4, 23, 53) provided ^with a seal (5, 23-1, 53-1) capable of sliding in way sealed along the cylindrical wall ^of a chamber (6, 25, 54) constituting ^the other component, chamber ^whose end opposite the one through which penetrates the piston is connected to 0 a reservoir (9, 26) a passageway having a first check valve (12, 35) for the discharge ^of at least one gas from the chamber into the reservoir by means of the piston, a second check valve (14) for ^the suction of ^at least one gas from the outside by means of the piston 15, characterized in that a communication formatting means (1 1, 37) ^ensures the free movement of at least one gas between reservoir and chamber, for strength training exercises, when the desired pressure level is reached.

2) Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the means 2. 0 for communication is a valve (1 1) manually controlled mounted in parallel with the first non-return valve (12) between the chamber (6) and the tank (9).

3) Apparatus according to claim 1 characterized in that the communication means is a control rod (37) comprising

2. 5 piece ^opening (37-1) adapted to open the check valve (35) between the chamber (25) and the reservoir (26) and to maintain it in open ^position.

4) Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in ^that a locking pin (39) ensures locking of the control rod (37) recessed

3 O with respect to the ^opening position of the check valve (35), the decline of the locking pin (39) controlled by the retraction of the piston (22) stroke start position releasing the control rod ( 37).

5) Apparatus according to claim 4 characterized in ^that an elastic means (38) urges the control rod (37) in position opening of the non-return valve (35) after the setting rod (39) has retreated

6) Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5 characterized in ^that an articulated bearing for ^the axis of rotation 50 parallel to ^the X3-X3 axis is used to lock the control 37 in pin position retracted relative to the valve 35 indépandemment position timing rod 39

7) Apparatus according to I one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the internal volume comprising the reservoir (9. 26) and the chamber (6, 25) is three to ten times greater than the volume moved by the piston (2, 22) ^until its end point race I inside the ch amber

8) Apparatus according ^to one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that the reservoir (26) is disposed annularly about the chamber (25)

9) An apparatus as claimed I any of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that ^it comprises a single belt (56-1 56-2, 57-1 57-2) connected to form an endless belt passing over pulleys ( 58-1 to 58-6) arranged in the vicinity of the two ends (59, 60) and folded back on itself so as to travel on each side twice the length of the apparatus, thus presenting two strands (56-1 56 -2, 57-1, 57-2) able to be grasped on each side independently in the vicinity of their center

10) Apparatus according to claim 9 characterized in that the handle (64) has a notch (70) allowing to easily grasp at least one of the two strands (69) passing through the handle to pull (F 1) in the defined direction through ^the axis of ^the apparatus (X5 - X5), ^the other handle (63) being connected to a fixed point (66).

1 1) Device according to one of Claims 1-8 characterized in that the chamber (72) wherein the piston head moves (78) is integral with ^a fixed wall, ^the end of the rod (77) of piston outside the chamber (72) having a pulley (81) free in rotation about the axis perpendicular to ^the axis (X6 - X6) of the rod (77) which is surrounded, at least partially, by a cable (82) which both strands make with ^the axis X6 - X6 of the piston rod (77) of the acute angles X1, X2, ^one of the two strands being connected to a fixed point (88).

REPLACEMENT SHEET 6

! other after passing over at least one pulley (84) of fixed axis, free to rotate, having an end provided ^with an engaging means (85) which allows a user by performing a tractιon (F2) to stem the piston head in the room (72).

5 ^"12) weight method in which is used the strength to bring two components ^of a telescopic device, a fluid consisting of at least one gas opposing an elastic force to the penetration ^of a piston (2. 22) in a chamber (6. 25) whose ^end on the side of the end of the piston stroke is

- \ 0 connected to a reservoir (9. 26) by a first check valve (12. 35) for filling the tank by means ^of at least gas discharged by the piston, a second check valve (14. 43) for ^the penetration of at least one gas in the chamber (6. 25) from ^the outside during the pressure reduction phase of the

1 5 bed by the piston, characterized in ^that after carrying out, by means of several cyclical movements of the piston in the chamber, filling the reservoir with at least one gas ^up to a desired pressure level, it establishes a passage permanent gas between the chamber (6. 25) and the reservoir (9. 26), in order to ^ensure the

2__Q free circulation of this gas, at least for the duration of weight training, at this pressure level.

13) Method according to claim 1 1, characterized in ^that the permanent passage is established between the chamber (6, 25) and the reservoir (9. 26) by means ^of a control rod (37) having a part 25 ^of opening (37-1) adapted to open the first check valve (35) and to maintain it in open ^position.