EP1648573A2

EP1648573A2 - Physical exercise device

Info

Publication number: EP1648573A2
Application number: EP04737680A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nikolaos Marakakis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-01
Filing date: 2004-06-30
Publication date: 2006-04-26
Also published as: WO2005002680A2; BE1015585A3; WO2005002680A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a physical exercise device (1) comprising a frame (2) for placing on a support, a first cable (3a) of which each end is provided for enabling a force to be exerted thereupon or for being fixed in a moveable manner to said frame (2), said first cable (3a) passing around a first pin (4a) provided for sliding in a first track (5) connected to the frame (2), and comprising a second cable (3a) of which each end is provided for enabling a force to be exerted thereupon or this end can be held by the frame (2), said second cable (3b) passing around a second pin (4b) connected to the first pin (4a) and being able to slide in the first track (5) in such a manner that, when a force is exerted upon one end of the first cable (3a), its other end being fixed in a moveable manner to the frame (2), it is transferred via the first pin (4a) and via the second pin (4b) to the second cable (3b) and said force can be counterbalanced by an opposing force exerted upon one end of the second cable (3b), its other extremity being held by the frame (2), or to both ends of said second cable (3b).

Description

PHYSICAL EXERCISE APPARATUS

Subject of the invention

The present invention relates to a physical exercise device which can be used both by athletes in fitness rooms and by patients in rehabilitation centers.

State of the art Most of the physical exercise devices known from the prior art operate on the principle of counterweight opposing resistance to the force exerted on the device by its user. An example of this type of device is given in document US-A-5, 447, 80. In this type of device, the intensity of this force is therefore essentially determined by the mass of the counterweights used. Therefore, if for a given user an excessively large mass is used as a counterweight, this user risks suffering pain or even damage to his muscular system by using this mass to resist its force.

Another type of physical exercise device uses as an element of resistance to the force exerted by a user on the device, the own mass of this user.

Thus, US-A-5, 733, 229 describes a physical exercise device comprising a frame arranged to be placed on a support, a saddle allowing a user to sit on the device and secured a frame mounted in a .mobile manner on Te ", chassis. The user .applies a force on apparatus by means of his arms or his legs. The apparatus are .mounted on the frame of the device: and connected to the chassis by means of a cable and a lever arm system, so that, due to the force exerted on the apparatus by the user, the frame of the apparatus s raises along the chassis while lifting the user The lever arm system makes it possible to choose the intensity of the resistance, to the force applied by the user, this resistance being proportional to the weight of the user. This resistance is chosen by adjusting the amplitude of the movement of the lever arm along the chassis while maintaining the same amplitude of movement on the apparatus used. [0006] Such an apparatus does not include a counterweight since it is the weight of the user who allows resistance against his own force and that an adjustment the intensity of this resistance is possible by said user. However, this adjustment can, if it is poorly chosen by the user, create too great a resistance to the force exerted by the user on the apparatus relative to his physical capacity. As a result, the consequences can be pain and damage to the user's muscular system. In addition, it is not possible with such an apparatus that the user performs exercises without sitting on the apparatus since it is his own weight which creates the resistance opposing the force that it applies to this device via apparatuses connected to the latter. Another example of a device similar to this one, and which consequently has the same type of drawbacks, is described in document US-A-5,330,405. Goals of. The invention

The - present invention aims to provide an exercise machine, physical- which does not have the drawbacks .des.- devices: of 'the state of the art mentioned above .-

More specifically, - the present invention aims to provide a physical exercise device capable of operating without counterweight and which guarantees maximum safety- to its user. The present invention also aims to provide a physical exercise device capable of operating on the principle of a resistance force while avoiding excessive resistance which would risk causing pain or even damage to the muscular system of the. user.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a physical exercise device comprising: - a chassis arranged to be placed on a support,

- A first cable, each end of which is arranged to allow a force to be applied to it or to be removably fixed to said chassis, the first cable passing around a first axis arranged to slide in a first element such as a rail or a slide secured to the chassis,

- as well as a second cable, each end of which is arranged to allow a force to be applied to it, or that said end can be retained by said chassis, the second cable passing around a second axis integral with the first axis and capable of sliding in the first element (rail), so when a force is applied to one end of the first cable, its other end being fixed by removably to the chassis, the force is transferred by the first axis and by the second axis to the second cable and said force can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to one end of the second cable, its other end being retained by the chassis, or by an opposite force applied to both ends of the second cable.

Advantageously, the apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a third cable, each end of which is arranged to allow a force to be applied to it or to be removably fixed to the chassis, said third cable passing around a third. axis capable of sliding in a second element such as a rail or a slide integral with said chassis, and the second cable passes around a fourth axis integral with the third axis and capable of sliding in said second element (rail), so that when a force is applied to one end of the first cable or the third cable and that the ends of the second cable are retained by the chassis, this force is transferred by the first, second, third and fourth axes, respectively to the third cable or to the first cable and can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to one end of said third cable or said first cable the, their other end being detachably fixed to the chassis and that when the same force is applied to one end of each of the first and third cables, this is transferred by the first, second, third and fourth axes to the second cable and can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to the ends of said second cable or to one of them, the other being retained by the chassis. Preferably ') in .1.'. Device according to the invention, each - axis around which passes. -A: .cable is the axis of a pulley on which 'said' cable passes:

[.0015] From preferences-, the chassis .comprend .a plurality of attachment means-, removable, ^'an' end at least of the first cable and the third cable.

Advantageously, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a ballasting element arranged to ballast the second cable and thus maintain all of the cables stretched when the apparatus is not used.

Preferably, said ballasting element is arranged to be moved substantially vertically between a lower position and an element blocking its progression such as a stop defining a higher position, each cable being arranged so that a force applied to one end of a cable can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to another end of a cable only when said ballast means reaches the blocking element (the stop). Advantageously, the device also comprises an adjustment means for adjusting the height of the stop relative to the lower position of the ballast element. Preferably, in the present invention, the apparatus comprises at least one rail or a slide arranged to guide the ballasting element between its lower position and the stop.

The ballasting element can be arranged to receive additional weights. Advantageously, the device according to the invention comprises a pressure sensor for measuring the intensity of the force exerted by a user on the device, said pressure sensor being preferably placed under the stopper and facing the ballast element. Preferably, the device further comprises a digital screen arranged and provided for translating a signal generated by the pressure sensor.

Preferably, the device is arranged for. so that apparatus can be connected to it.

Brief description of the figures

[0024] FIG. la corresponds to a side view of an apparatus according to the invention. [0025] FIG. lb shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention provided with a straight arm.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. the.

[0027] FIG. 3 corresponds to a perspective view of a detail of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. the.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of an apparatus according to the invention provided with different apparatus.

[0029] FIG. 5 is an exposed view of an apparatus according to the invention and of various apparatuses which can be connected to it.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an apparatus of the invention provided with different apparatus.

Detailed description of the invention An example of an apparatus according to the invention is presented in Figs. la, lb and 2.

As illustrated in these figures, this device 1 comprises a frame 2 arranged to be placed on a support, in particular on the ground. This frame 2 itself comprises a base 2a intended to be placed on the support, a substantially vertical upright 2b provided with a transverse support 2c arranged to receive a saddle for the user and a

• 2d stem transverse to the upright 2b, the stem being disposed. so as to overhang the user when seated on the saddle.

The apparatus 1 also includes- a first cable 3a at each end of which one. strength, can. be applied by means of apparatus provided - to be connected to the device, ^• 1 and on which the user applies the said force

These devices can also be removably attached to the chassis 2 by a plurality of removable fixing means 8, 8 'provided' for this purpose along a first lateral side of the upright 2b of the chassis 2, for example at means of lugs intended to retain a corresponding ring fixed to one end of the first cable 3a.

The first cable 3a is arranged to pass around a first axis 4a on which can rotate a pulley 6a provided with a groove intended to receive the first cable 3a during its passage around the first axis 4a.

This first axis 4a is arranged so as to be able to slide in a first rail 5 which is integral with the chassis 2 and which is arranged parallel to the upright 2b of this chassis 2, along the first lateral side of this upright.

The apparatus 1 also includes a second cable 3b, each end of which is arranged to be retained, at the end of the bracket 2d, by the chassis 2 or to allow a force to be applied to it.

The second cable 3b passes around a second axis 4b on which can also rotate a pulley 6b provided with a groove intended to receive the second cable 3b during its passage around the second axis 4b.

The second axis 4b is integral with the first axis 4a thanks to a first connecting element 17 and this second, axis .4b can slide .in said first., rail 5. Thus, when a force is: applied to one end of the first cable 3a, it is transferred -by the first axis 4a and- the second - .. axis \ .b> au, ... second:. ^' cable' 3b. and can be counterbalanced by - a force. opposite ^' .. applied to one end of the second cable 3b.

^• To guide. the. first cable 3a from its point, passing around the first axis 4a to the point where one of its ends can be fixed removably to a removable fixing means 8 'along the first ^' lateral side of the upright 2b of chassis 2 ,. an additional pulley 16 'is arranged along the first side of this upright 2b.

In particular, this additional pulley 16 'is placed below the removable fixing means 8' arranged lowest on the upright 2b, as shown in FIG. the.

To guide the first cable 3a from its point of passage around the first axis 4a to the point where its other end can be either connected to apparatus when using the device 1, or fixed so removable along the first lateral side of the upright 2b of the chassis 2, two other additional pulleys 13a and 13b are also provided at the base of the chassis 2, on the first lateral side of the upright 2b.

Finally, to guide the second cable 3b from its passage around the second axis 4b to the retaining points of each of its ends or the application of a force to the latter which are located at the end of the bracket 2d of chassis 2, two additional pairs of pulleys 15a and 15b, 15 'a and 15' b are also provided on each lateral side of. this 2d stem. The first pair of pulleys 15a, 15 'a is placed at the top of the upright 2b and the second pair of pulleys 15b, 15 'b. being placed in ^the ^ end of the bracket 2d as shown in Fig. lb. 1.0046] The apparatus 1 according to the invention also includes - third cable 3c, each end of which is arranged so that a force is applied to it, via the apparatus provided. - to be connected to the device 1 or to be ^' - removably attached to the frame ^' 2 by removable fixing means 8, 8 'provided for this purpose along the second lateral side of the upright 2b of the frame 2. These fixing means - removable 8,8 'can be for example lugs intended to retain a corresponding ring fixed to the ends of the third cable 3c. The third -cable 3c passes: around, -a third axis 4c on which can rotate a pulley 6c provided with a groove intended to receive the third cable 3c during its passage around the third axis 4c. This third axis 4c can slide in a second rail 5 'which is integral with the frame 2 and which is arranged parallel to the amount 2b of the frame 2, along the second lateral side of this amount 2b.

According to the invention, the second cable 3b passes around a fourth axis 4d on which can also rotate a pulley 6d, this fourth axis 4d is integral with the third axis 4c thanks to a second connecting element 17 'which slides in the second 5 'rail.

To guide the third cable 3c from its point of passage around the third axis 4c to the point where one of its ends can be removably attached to a removable fixing means 8 along the second lateral side of the upright - 2b of the frame 2, an additional pulley 16 is disposed along the second side of this upright 2b.

In particular, this additional pulley 16 is placed below the removable fixing means 8 most arranged ^' .bas _. on- 1-e .- .. amount .2b, -so that - shown in Fig. lb.

To guide -the --third, cable 3c. from its point of passage around., from-, third axis -4c to- the point where- its other extremity -ρ.elit is to be- connected to apparatus during use -from the apparatus 1 -or be detachably fixed along, - on the second lateral side of the upright 2b of the chassis -2, two additional pulleys 13 'a and 13' b are also provided. the base of the chassis 2, on the second lateral side of the upright 2b.

Thus, when a force is applied to one end of the first cable- 3a. or of the third cable 3c and the ends of the second cable 3b are retained by the chassis 2, this force is transferred by the first axis 4a, the second axis 4b, the third axis 4c and the fourth axis 4d respectively to the third axis 4c or to the first cable 3a and can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to one end of said third cable 3c or of the first cable 3a, the other ends of these being detachably fixed to the upright 2b of the chassis 2.

When the same force is applied simultaneously to one end of the first cable 3a and the third cable 3c, it is transferred by the first axis 4a, by the second axis 4b, by the third axis 4c and by the fourth axis 4d to the second cable 3b.

In this way, this force can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to

- ends of the second cable 3b or at one of these ends, the other end being retained by the end of the bracket 2d of the chassis -2.

The means for fixing at least one of the

^• ends of the first cable 3a and of the third cable 3c at the substantially vertical upright of the chassis 2 allow to adjust the travel of the first axis 4a and -, of the third axis 4c around which the first cable 3a and the third cable 3c pass, respectively, in the first rail 5 and in the second rail 5 '. This allows - therefore also to adjust the amplitude of the movement made by the user on apparatus connected to the ends of the cables. This makes it possible to adapt the device 1 to all the apparatuses which can be connected to it as well as to the size of the user. Between its passage around the second axis 4b and: its passage around the fourth axis 4d, the second cable 3b passes around a fifth axis 14 perpendicular to the second axis 4b and the fourth axis 4d. A pulley 14a can also rotate around this fifth axis 14 and this pulley 14a is provided with a peripheral groove intended to receive the second cable 3b during its passage around the fifth axis 14, as shown in FIG . lb. In the device according to the invention, a ballasting element 9 is suspended from the fifth axis 14 to ballast the second cable 3b in order to keep all of the cables stretched when the device 1 is not used.

This ballasting element 9 is arranged to be moved substantially vertically along two guides or guide rails 12, substantially parallel, between a lower position and a stop 10 which defines an upper position.

The set of cables is arranged so that a force applied to at least one end of one of them cannot be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to another end of one of these cables that when said ballasting element 9 reaches the stop 10. To adjust the stroke of the ballasting element ec thus determine the amplitude that must have a movement performed on apparatus connected to one end of one of the cables of the apparatus 1, before this force cannot be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to another end of a cable, the height of the stopper 10. by relative to the lower position of the ballasting element 9 ^" can be adjusted by suitable adjustment means 11, for example perforations which are made in the rails or the slides 12 and which are intended to receive pins which can pass through the stop 10, as shown in Fig. 4.

If it is desired that a force applied to the end of a cable of the device 1 can meet a resistance greater than that of the mass of the ballasting element 9 before it has reached the stop 10, the ballasting element 9 can be ballasted with additional weights so that the apparatus 1 then functions as a traditional apparatus 1 in which the resistance to a force applied by a user to this apparatus 1 is generated by counterweights. A pressure sensor 19 may be disposed under the stop 10, facing the ballasting element 9, so that when the latter reaches the stop 10, the intensity of the force exerted by the user on the second cable 3b, either directly at at least one of its ends, or via the first cable 3a and / or the second cable 3b, can be measured by the pressure sensor 19 then compressed between the ballasting element 9 and the stop 10 and possibly displayed on a screen 18 so that the user can visualize the intensity of his effort with a view to both being able to dose it while appreciating the progress of his physical condition over the exercise sessions on the device 1 according to the invention.

[0067] FIG. 3 illustrates the first crew of axes 4a and 4b, joined by a first element of link 17, and pulleys, respectively 6a. and 6b, which can rotate around said axes, which can slide in the first rail 5 as well as the second set of axes 4c and 4d (not shown) and pulleys, respectively 6c and 6d , which can rotate around said axes.

Typically, when traction is exerted on one end of the first cable 3a, the first crew descends along the rail 5 and carries with it the second cable 3b. This causes the ballasting element 9 to rise to the stop 10 and the ends of the second cable 3b to be blocked at the end of the bracket 2d, then, if the traction on the considered end of the cable 3a continues , the ascent of the second crew of axes 4c and 4d and of pulleys 6c and 6d along the rail 5 ', which causes traction on one end of the third cable 3c in the opposite direction to that exerted on said end of the first cable 3a .

If a traction is exerted simultaneously on one end of the first cable 3a and the third cable 3c, the two above crews will descend respectively along the rails 5 and 5 'and the traction may be counterbalanced by a traction exerted on one or both ends of the second cable 3b. It should be noted that in these different configurations, one end of the cable on which traction is not exerted is fixed to the chassis 2 of the device 1 by the means provided for this purpose.

[0071] FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate different apparatus which can be connected to the device 1 according to the invention.

For example, a pair of handles A can be connected to the ends of the second cable 3b or to a end of the first cable 3a and to one end of the third cable 3c.

A pair of arm exercisers, B-can be connected to the second cable 3b. A pair of leg exercisers C, a pair of steps D, can be connected to one end of the first cable 3a and to one end of the third cable 3c. Similarly, it is possible to add an additional seat E for exercises to be performed in front of the apparatus 1 of the invention.

[0075] FIG. 6 shows an apparatus of the invention after mounting the various apparatus. In practice, the device 1 according to the invention operates as follows. When a user exerts via apparatus connected to the device 1 a force on one end of the first cable 3a and / or of the third cable 3c, the other ends of these cables being detachably fixed to the removable fixing means 8, 8 'provided for this purpose along the substantially vertical upright 2b of the apparatus 1, this force causes the first axis 4a and the second axis 4b and / or the third axis 4c and the third axis 4c and the fourth axis 4d to slide downward. , respectively in the first rail 5 and / or in the second rail 5 'until the ballasting element 9 has reached the stop 10.

If the force has been applied to only one end of the first cable 3a or of the third cable 3c, this force can then be counterbalanced by either a force applied to one end of the other of these cables, the ends of the second cable 3b then being retained by the end of the bracket 2d of the chassis 2, either by a force applied to one or both ends of the second cable 3b. If the force J is applied simultaneously to one end of the first cable 3a and to one. end of the third cable 3c, this force may be counterbalanced by a force applied to one or both ends of the second cable 3b.

The same principle applies to a force applied to one or both ends of the second cable 3b, which can be counterbalanced by a force applied respectively to the other end of this second cable 3b or to one end of the first cable 3a and / or the third cable 3c.

The plurality of combinations of forces allowed by the device 1 according to the invention makes it extremely versatile since it allows work of practically all the muscle groups of the body, in a multitude of positions thereof and via all apparatus arranged to be connected to the apparatus 1 and actuated via the cables of the said apparatus 1. In addition, the user can permanently control his effort on a screen 18 of digital display which translates the signal generated by a sensor pressure which is preferably located in the stop 10 of the apparatus 1. With the apparatus according to the invention, the user can exert traction at eight points on which tackles can be fixed. In particular, the six ends of the three cables of the device 1 are points of direct traction. The pulleys 15a, 6b, 15 'a, 6d represent, for their part, indirect traction points. These pulleys are visible in FIG. the.

In particular, the device 1 of the invention allows simultaneous or alternating work of the lower and upper limbs and movements in the same direction or in the opposite direction of these members. [0085 -] '- As it is the user's own force' e ^'st used by the device 1 to withstand a ^"force than this, applies user rigging connected' -audit apparatus .- 1, there is no risk of painful muscular overload or damage to the muscular system of the user.

This also allows the device 1 not to require specific adaptation to each user, except for the choice of removable attachment points of at least one end of the first cable 3a and the third cable 3c and / or the height of the stop 10 of the apparatus 1. In fact, the distance between the ballasting element 9 and the stop 10 must be minimum taking into account the size of the user and the exercise that he wants run.

The adjustment of this distance can be carried out by modifying the position of the stop 10 thanks to the adjustment means 11 as explained previously or by shortening the first or the second cable by fixing at least one of their ends to the removable fastening means 8, 8 'which are arranged along the upright 2b of the chassis 2 of the device 1. The two adjustment methods described above being combinable. The device 1 of the invention therefore allows the user to reduce his effort during the transition between a movement of a member in one direction and a movement of the same member in the opposite direction, which offers the advantage of a smooth and perfectly fluid work of the member practiced. These advantageous features of the device 1 according to the invention also make it particularly suitable for exercises in the context of physiotherapy and rehabilitation sessions. In conclusion ,. ^' the-, advantages presented by the device according to the present invention -are numerous ..- ^• , [009, -1] First of all, thanks to: .. the system of axes - and ^' - cables of the 'apparatus according to the invention, .. ^• ''..the resistance opposed to a force applied by' a ^' user on apparatuses connected to this apparatus' is -. created by . the user's own strength. ^'

Indeed, a movement made by at least one member (arm or leg) of the user in one direction with a certain force is counterbalanced by another movement carried out with an equivalent force but in the opposite direction by the minus one member of this user. From then on, it is the user himself who, at any moment, can adjust his effort thanks to ^• his own force and not counterweights or a fraction of his own mass, which would be predetermined once and for all the exercise considered, without being proportional to the strength and therefore to the muscular capacity of the user. As already pointed out above, the device according to the present invention also has the advantage of being able to be used to exercise all the muscle groups of the human body.

The absence of counterweight and the fact that the control of the muscular effort is carried out by the user himself makes it possible to avoid any risk of overloading the muscular system of the user and consequently the pains and lesions that can result. In addition, since each movement of the user on apparatus is at all times counterbalanced by a movement in the opposite direction, the force of the user on the apparatus can be applied so

-keep on going. This characteristic differentiates the device according to the invention from devices operating on the principle of counterweights, in which a discontinuity -force, - applied is inevitable ... when.-..- the counterweights arrive at the end of their travel and a tensile force proportional to the mass of these weights is. then suddenly converted into an equivalent retaining bore and exerted in the opposite direction.

Thanks to. the apparatus of the invention, this conversion of the tensile force into a retaining force can be carried out • progressively, the user loosening, somewhat his effort at the end of the travel of the apparatus used so that the switching from one type of force to another is carried out smoothly and continuously.

Another advantage of the device according to the present invention is that there is no change of counterweight to be made each time a new user wants to exercise on the device. Indeed, each user can directly use the device of the present invention without prior adjustment, since it is done automatically according to the muscular capacity of said user. An additional advantage due to the absence of a counterweight in the apparatus of the invention is that it operates silently.

In addition, this device is also intended for exercises during which the user stands for example in front of the device, which is not possible with known devices which also use the own mass of the user as resistance force to the force applied by the user.

Claims

REVEMDI.CATIONS

1 .. Exercise machine (1) comprising _. :; - a- chassis, - (2) arranged to be placed ... on-: a support,

- a., first cable (-3a) of which - each end is. arranged to allow a force to be applied to it or to be detachably attached to said chassis

(2), the first cable (3a) passing around a first axis (4a) arranged to slide ^" in a first rail (5) secured to the chassis (2),

- And a second cable (3b) each end of which is arranged for (2) to allow a -force to be applied to it, or that said end can be retained by said chassis, the second cable (3b) passing around '' a second axis (4b) integral with the first axis (4a) and capable of sliding in the first rail (5), said device being such that when a force is applied to one end of the first cable (3a), its other end being removably attached to the frame (2), the force is transferred by the first axis (4a) and by the second axis (4b) to the second cable (3b) and said force can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to one end of the second cable (3b), its other end being retained by the chassis (2), or by an opposite force applied to the two ends of the second cable (3b).

2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a third cable (3c), each end of which is arranged to allow a force to be applied to it or to be fixed in a removable manner. to the chassis (2), the third cable (3c) passing around a third axis (4c) which can slide in a second rail (5 ') integral with said. chassis (2), the second cable (3b) passing around a fourth axis (4d) integral with the third axis (4c) and capable of sliding in said second rail (5 '), so that when a force is applied to one end of the first or third cable (3a, 3c) and the ends of the second cable (3b) are retained by the chassis (2), this force is transferred by the first, second, third and fourth axes (4a, 4b , 4c, 4d), respectively to the third or first cable (3c, 3a) and can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to one end of said third or first cable (3c, 3a), their other end being detachably fixed to the chassis (2) and that when the same force is applied to one end of each of the first and third cables (3a, 3c), this is transferred by the first, second, third and fourth axes (4a, 4b, 4c , 4d) to the second cable (3b) and can be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to the ends of said second cable

(3b) or to one of them, the other being retained by the chassis (2).

3. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each axis (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) around which passes a cable (3a, 3b, 3c) is the axis of a pulley (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) over which said cable passes (3a, 3b, 3c).

4. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chassis (2) comprises a plurality of removable fixing means (8, 8 ') of at least one end of the first and third cable ( 3a, 3c).

5. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a ballasting element (9) arranged to ballast the second cable (3b) and thus maintain all of the 'cables (3a, 3b, 3c) tensioned, when the device (1) is ^' not used.

6. Apparatus (1) according to the claim. 5 ^' ,' •, characterized in that said ballast element - (- ^' 9) is: 5 arranged - to be moved substantially ^' vertically, between a lower position - and- a stop (10) defining a - upper position and in that each cable - (3a, 3b, 3c) is arranged so that a force applied to one end of a cable (3a, 3b, 3c) cannot be counterbalanced by an opposite force applied to a other end of a cable (3a, 3b, 3c) that -when said ballasting means (9) reaches the stop (10).

I. Apparatus (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises an adjustment means (11) 5 for adjusting the height of the stop (10) relative to the lower position of the ballasting element (9).

8. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one rail or a slide (12) arranged to guide the ballast element (9) between its lower position and the stop (10).

9. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the ballasting element (9) is arranged to receive additional weights5.

10. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a pressure sensor for measuring the intensity of the force exerted by a user on the apparatus, said pressure sensor. - Preferably being placed under the stop (10) and facing the ballasting element (9).

II. Apparatus (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a digital screen (18)

. planned for. translate 'a signal generated by. the pressure sensor.

12. Apparatus (1) according to 1. Any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it -is- arranged so that apparatus (A, B, C, D, E) can be connected to it.