EP2022539A1 - Static device. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a pedal assembly (4) provided with a shaft (6) on which two cranks (7) are mounted, where each crank is provided with a pedal (8). One of the cranks is angularly displaced relative to the other crank and relative to an axle that perpendicularly extends relative to the shaft. The shaft is mounted on a balance wheel (10) provided with a braking unit. A rotational angle detector determines a rotational angle of the balance wheel, and is connected to a braking power regulator that is connected to the braking unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a static device intended to allow muscular work and provided with a crankset having a shaft on which are mounted two cranks, each being provided with a pedal.

Such devices are known and used for bodybuilding work either for physical training purposes or by physiotherapists or physiotherapists for physical rehabilitation work. These known static devices are generally formed by fixed bicycles provided with a conventional crank where the cranks form an angle of 180 ° between them. The known devices thus essentially allow to train the lower limbs and the overlying limbs of the human body.

A disadvantage of known devices is that it is necessary to have several different devices to allow various situations to be treated in the training and development of the lower limbs. The different devices require considerable financial investments.

The object of the invention is to provide a static device intended to allow muscular work for a large number of work necessary for the training and development of the lower limbs.

To this end, a device according to the invention is characterized in that relative to an axis which extends perpendicularly with respect to said shaft, at least one of the cranks is angularly offset relative to the other. The angular offset of at least one of the cranks makes it possible to generate different muscular work for each lower limb and thus to cover with a single device a large number of muscular workings.

A first embodiment of a device according to the invention is characterized in that said shaft is mounted so as to allow rotation in both directions of the pedal. This makes it possible to reverse the imposed phases of thrust and traction on the lower limbs and thus to distribute these phases evenly on both legs of the user.

A second embodiment of a device according to the invention is characterized in that the shaft is mounted on a steering wheel of inertia provided with a braking member. The braking member makes it possible to regulate the force to be exercised during the pedaling exercises.

A third embodiment of a device according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a rotation angle detector of the flywheel arranged to determine the angle of rotation of the flywheel, said detector being connected to a braking power regulator itself connected to the braking member, said regulator being arranged to receive said angle of rotation and to determine a braking power signal as a function of said angle, which braking power signal is supplied to the braking member. A variation of the force to be applied during the same rotation is thus possible.

Preferably, the cranks have a variable length. By varying the length of the cranks it is possible to vary the torque to be applied on the crankset.

Preferably, the cranks are mounted on the shaft by a so-called racagnac mechanism.

Preferably, the pedal has pedals, each pedal being tiltable relative to the crank on which it is mounted.

The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the drawings which illustrate a preferred form of a device according to the invention.

• la figure 1 montre une vue d'ensemble d'un dispositif suivant l'invention;
• la figure 2, respectivement 3, illustrent le pédalier du dispositif suivant l'invention où les manivelles forment entre elles un angle de 0° respectivement de 45°;
• les figures 4 et 5 illustrent les configurations où les manivelles forment entre elles un angle de + 90° et de - 90°;
• les figures 6 et 7 montrent la variation de l'angle des manivelles par rapport à une configuration classique où les manivelles forment entre-elles un angle de 180°;
• la figure 8 illustre l'organe de freinage;
• les figures 9 et 10 illustrent la zone de freinage;
• la figure 11 illustre un montage variable de la pédale sur son support fixé à la manivelle;
• la figure12 illustre le siège du dispositif;
• la figure 13 illustre comment la pédale peut être montée avec un degré de liberté sur la manivelle;
• la figure 14 illustre une forme de réalisation où le dispositif est muni d'un système de suspension; et
• la figure 15 illustre comment la variation de l'angle peut se faire à partir de l'arbre.

In the drawings:

• the figure 1 shows an overview of a device according to the invention;
• the figure 2 , respectively 3, illustrate the crank of the device according to the invention wherein the cranks form between them an angle of 0 ° respectively of 45 °;
• the Figures 4 and 5 illustrate the configurations where the cranks form between them an angle of + 90 ° and -90 °;
• the Figures 6 and 7 show the variation of the angle of the cranks compared to a conventional configuration where the cranks form between them an angle of 180 °;
• the figure 8 illustrates the braking member;
• the Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the braking zone;
• the figure 11 illustrates a variable mounting of the pedal on its support fixed to the crank;
• the Figure12 illustrates the seat of the device;
• the figure 13 illustrates how the pedal can be mounted with a degree of freedom on the crank;
• the figure 14 illustrates an embodiment where the device is provided with a suspension system; and
• the figure 15 illustrates how the variation of the angle can be done from the tree.

In the drawings the same reference has been assigned to the same element or to a similar element.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 , the device 1 according to the invention is a static device, that is to say it is intended to be placed on the ground and stay there, even when a user 2 is sitting on it. It is not a device that allows you to move.

The static device according to the invention is intended to allow muscle work for the user 2, which will take a sitting position on the device. As illustrated in figure 12 , the seat 3 is preferably movably mounted in a sagittal plane located at the rear of the crankset 4. This is for example achieved by mounting the seat 3 on an arm 5, itself pivotably mounted. Of course, when the seat is movable must be ensured that the distance between the seat and the pedal remains such that the user can access the pedal.

The device also comprises the crankset, which is provided with a shaft 6 on which are mounted two cranks 7, each being provided with a pedal 8.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 , the device according to the invention has the characteristic that relative to an axis 9, which extends perpendicular to the shaft 6 of the crankset, at least one of the cranks 7 is angularly offset relative to the other. This variation can be from 0 ° to 360 °, however the position where the pedals form an angle of 180 ° between them is not claimed because it would then be a conventional pedal where the two pedals are separated by the length of the two cranks which form an angle of 180 ° between them.

The two cranks of the pedal can, in the device according to the invention, form a large number of angles from 0 ° to 360 °. The most interesting being all those spaced 45 ° from 0 ° is: 135 ° - 90 ° - 45 ° - 0 °. In this case, only one crank will traverse the following steps: 45 ° - 90 ° - 135 ° - 180 ° - 225 ° - 270 ° - 315 °.

To achieve the angular variation of the cranks, it is preferable to manufacture a crankshaft 6 and cranks 7 which allow a variation to the degree close to the angle between them. The cranks are removably mounted on the shaft 6 of the crankset, for example by means of a clamp which can be tightened and which is part of the crank. To obtain the angular offset, simply vary the angle of a single crank over a range of 0 ° to 360 °. Alternatively, the fixing on the crank shaft will for example be equipped with a "racagnac" type system. This "racagnac" type system will block or release in both directions, the crank in which it is mounted. Once attached to the axis of the crankset, the crank can use its own system, so as to release in own rotation or counter-rotation and to be fixed anywhere in its rotation. It is therefore possible to choose all the angles you want and to work with the chosen angles. The release in both directions is interesting since it allows a direct and easy access to the position that you want to get. In addition, its operation is simpler than if one had to choose a single direction of rotation of the crank itself. It is therefore in the presence of a system allowing release and a locking of the crank at any point in its own cycle of rotation.

1. 1. de pouvoir être commandée électroniquement en dehors du système;
2. 2. de pouvoir visualiser le résultat que l'on veut obtenir, à savoir l'angle désiré entre les deux manivelles. La visualisation peut se faire sur un écran embarqué et/ou sur des repères placés sur la manivelle concernée;
3. 3. de pouvoir varier et la valeur de cet angle et le moment où l'on désire le faire.

Preferably, an electromechanically coupled mechanism is mounted where the crank is attached to the shaft. This system includes one or more position sensors arranged to determine the angle at which the crank is placed. This design has the triple advantage:

1. 1. can be controlled electronically outside the system;
2. 2. to be able to visualize the result that one wants to obtain, namely the desired angle between the two cranks. The visualization can be done on an onboard screen and / or marks placed on the crank concerned;
3. 3. to be able to vary and the value of this angle and the moment when one wishes to do it.

It is possible to motorize the mounting of the crank on the shaft, so as to remotely trigger the rotation of the crank for get the desired angle. In this way, the crank can be mobilized throughout its cycle of rotation.

Preferably, another sensor arranged to determine the position of the crank in its cycle of rotation is provided, as well as a sensor of the direction of rotation of this crank, whether or not integral with the axis of the crankset and of its rotation. This will display on screen the angle between the two cranks crankset, the direction of rotation of the cranks and where the crank is in its cycle.

Since the angle is different from 180 °, the pedals are no longer diametrically opposed. They come closer to each other in the circle whose each crank is the radius, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 7 . With the cranks 180 °, when one foot of the user 2 pushes, the other can not push at the same time and can do it only when the first is at the end of its propulsion stroke, ie 180 °. Each foot thus passes the relay so that the one who does not push remains either passive or he draws voluntarily.

The variation of angulation, as performed by the device according to the invention, induces quite new and surprising possibilities to train the lower limbs and the overlying limbs (including the heart) of the person who uses said device. device. All cases arise when you change the angle formed by the two cranks of a pedal. The two pedals inevitably approach each other because the 180 ° are no longer respected as described above. In the same rotation cycle (360 °) one foot necessarily accompanies the other in thrust and in simultaneous traction in a very precise range of the rotation cycle. This range is equal to the difference in angle between the two cranks with respect to the angle of 180 ° they form conventionally. This fact is important to emphasize since a variation of angle imposes muscular work that does not exist on a pedal with cranks in conventional position. Members of the lower limbs who work little, because they do not push when the cranks are 180 °, will have to intervene in a natural way. In addition, traction becomes mandatory for both lower limbs. This situation has the enormous advantage of making it possible to perform on the same device muscle exercises that would otherwise require several different devices. The rotation thus produced engenders a harmony of work that we do not meet in another movement. It is important to specify that the work of the lower limbs mentioned above is a work aimed at a training, a maintenance or a reeducation which triggers a harmonious development of the limbs while respecting these, as well as the tendons and the joints. However, looking for and getting muscle hypertrophy is also possible using this concept.

Before proceeding to the description of certain angles, it should be remembered that the device according to the invention is static and that the concept presented here does not apply to a mobile bicycle, as this would present a danger of moving by pedaling so asymmetrical unless the crankset drives a craft with more than two wheels.

In addition, it is preferable that the pedal, which drives a flywheel 10, is provided with a fixed gear, or a fixed drive, because it is advantageous to pedal backwards, as will be described below. below. If the pinion is not fixed, the concept is usable but only in forward. A mobile bicycle can be equipped with this concept of angulation variation if it is attached to the ground in one way or another.

• l'angulation entre les deux manivelles du pédalier;
• les sens de la rotation du pédalier (avant ou arrière);
• la vitesse de rotation du pédalier;
• la longueur de la manivelle.

By not considering a braking of the flywheel, which will be described later, the device, described above, has a four-variable function, (against two with a conventional crankset which are the speed of rotation of the pedal and its sense of rotation). These four variables are:

• angulation between the two pedal cranks;
• the direction of pedal rotation (front or rear);
• the speed of rotation of the pedalboard;
• the length of the crank.

There will be inter-influence of these variables on the work of each lower limb.

With a conventional crankset, the speed of rotation and its direction will not create a difference of work between the two lower limbs. These, regardless of the value given to each variable, each working in turn with a strength more or less equal. This difference in angle between the two cranks will cause a different work for each lower limb, regardless of whether or not the speed of rotation and / or the direction of rotation of the crankset is varied. The introduction of two additional variables will make possible an influence of these variables on the work of each lower limb. This inter-influence entails a multitude of specific work possibilities for members of each lower limb. It triggers a different result on the function as soon as one modifies the value of at least one variable. Indeed each combination: $$\mathrm{angle\; x}+\mathrm{speed\; z}+\mathrm{sense\; s}+\mathrm{crank\; length\; l}=\mathrm{a\; different\; job\; for\; each\; lower\; limb}\mathrm{.}$$

Training and development of members require situations that allow them to work. It is for this reason that there is a large amount of different gear for the lower limbs in the fitness and rehabilitation rooms. The action of the four aforementioned variables allows to train and develop a large number of members while remaining on the same device and this in a rotary motion. This movement is the one that most respects the biomechanics of the lower limbs, pelvis and back. In addition, the user of such a device is not required to practice multiple manipulations and tedious to vary the exercises he wants to practice.

The variation of the radius of the two cranks of a pedalboard influences the length of the cycle of rotation of the pedals and thus the amplitude of the movements of the two lower limbs. This involves greater flexion / extension of lower limb joints. These strokes of propulsion and traction will therefore be modified and the muscular and articular work will be directly influenced by the different variations of these rays. The importance of this variable is quite indubitable.

In order to better illustrate the concept of the angular variation of the cranks, some configurations will be described in more detail. Consider first the case where the cranks form an angle of 90 °. In this case, the same crank can be positioned at either 90 ° or 270 ° (-90 °) from a conventional position. This configuration is illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 .

• la pédale gauche se trouve en tête de la course dans un même cycle de rotation et dirige les opérations;
• la pédale droite vient naturellement assister celle de gauche en pratiquant une traction ou une poussée adéquate.

If you pedal forward regardless of speed or of the flywheel 10 and that the right hand crank 7-1 is 90 ° ( figure 4 ):

• the left pedal is at the head of the race in the same rotation cycle and directs the operations;
• the right pedal naturally comes to assist the left pedal by pulling or pushing properly.

This phenomenon, induced by the asymmetry of the position of the two cranks is felt by the user as soon as he pedal. A harmony in the movement settles immediately and a new sensation is now created by this particular situation. It is a sensation of balance in a movement out of the ordinary that imposes itself to the user, as well as a brand new feeling of muscular work on the level of the lower limbs. The solicitation of the lower limbs and stabilizing members of the pelvis (square of the loins, abdominals, glutes ...) in activity and recovery phase is quite different compared to a conventional position of the cranks (angle 180 °). It results in a more effective and better targeted bodybuilding than in a conventional rotary movement driven by a pair of diametrically opposed forces. The reason is that the kinetic energy is perfectly preserved because the transition phases do not take place at the same time and the tensile phases are more intense and long.

Each lower limb pulls and / or grows spontaneously and naturally. The term "transition phase" is the moment when each lower limb goes from the pushing phase to the pulling phase and vice versa. This phase corresponds to a range of 60 ° in the same rotation cycle. There are two per cycle of rotation.

Now consider the case where the right hand crank is at 270 ° or -90 ° ( figure 5 ).

• La pédale de droite se trouve en tête de la course dans un même cycle de rotation et dirige les opérations.
• La pédale de gauche vient assister celle de droite de façon naturelle en pratiquant une traction ou une poussée adéquate.

This change reverses the process.

• The right pedal is at the head of the race in the same rotation cycle and directs the operations.
• The left pedal comes to assist the right one of natural way by practicing a traction or an adequate push.

This variation perfectly balances the previous one with the distribution of work given the asymmetry of cranks.

If on the other hand pedaling back (regardless of speed or braking) comes a brand new concept of operation since pedaling back is not used in an exercise done on a known device. Pedaling back is generally considered unnecessary and even anti-physiological by the training professionals. The push and pull phases are diametrically opposed when pedaling backward rather than forward. The interest now lies in the fact that the thrust and traction are in a different angle for the lower limb joints and that these occur different areas of effort that provide the limbs forward. There is therefore a widening of the work horizon from a biomechanical point of view by involving both directions of rotation.

• La pédale droite se trouve en tête de course dans un même cycle de rotation et dirige les opérations;
• La pédale gauche vient assister celle de droite de façon naturelle en pratiquant une traction ou une poussée adéquate.

Now consider the case where the right hand crank is at 90 ° and the reversal of the direction of rotation. This change reverses the process namely:

• The right pedal is at the head of the race in the same rotation cycle and directs the operations;
• The left pedal comes to assist the right one of natural way by practicing a traction or an adequate push.

This is the same process as before at 270 ° but the thrust and traction are diametrically opposed in the cycle of rotation.

• La pédale gauche est en tête de course dans un même cycle de rotation et dirige les opérations.
• La pédale droite vient assister celle de gauche de façon naturelle en pratiquant une traction et une poussée adéquate.

Now consider the case where the right hand crank is at 270 ° (-90 °) always with an inverted direction of rotation.

• The left pedal is at the head of the race in the same rotation cycle and directs the operations.
• The right pedal comes to assist the one on the left in a natural way by practicing a traction and an adequate push.

This is the same process as in forward 90 ° but pushes and pulls are diametrically opposed in the same cycle of rotation.

The study of these different cases shows that there is complementarity in the work of members and joints both in the lower limbs and in the pelvis. The user can optimize the exercises at will, if he adapts the speed of execution of rotations and the braking of the flywheel depending on the desired effect whether it is cardiopulmonary, cardiovascular or muscle . In this context, it is even possible to acquire a very important muscular development.

A particular case is where the cranks form an angle of 0 °, as illustrated in FIG. figure 2 . At 0 ° the situation is quite special. The two cranks are side by side and the movement will be realized by concurrent forces. The two lower limbs will therefore simultaneously perform the same movement during all cycles of rotation, whether forwards or backwards. Downhill, the movement will be assisted by the force of gravity exerted on the lower limbs and uphill members will struggle together against this same force. It is the same notion of unbalance that we find as soon as we change the angle between the two cranks of a pedal outside the 180 ° conventional.

As soon as you get closer to the 0 ° angle between the cranks, this unbalance becomes more and more important and fight against him in traction becomes more and more difficult. It is for this reason that the flexors are solicited in an interesting and unexpected way compared to a crankset whose cranks are placed at 180 ° in a conventional manner. So we can exploit these flexors, something not easy in many cases. In this specific case at 0 °, the pelvis is very solicited and requires a significant intervention of abdominals and squares of the loins.

The kinetic energy in this case is of paramount importance to make a complete cycle of rotation in the first round. Once this lap has passed, it is sufficient for the user to keep the right pushing pulse to pass the course of traction quite easily. The exercise also provides a relaxing effect that can surprise, whether in front or back rotation. In this particular example of closed kinetic chain, the user will realize how much faster the movement is and the easier it is to execute it.

In any case, gravity has a different effect on the lower limbs and acts at another point in the cycle of rotation, whether you are pedaling forwards or backwards. That's when the cranks have a angle of 0 ° between them that the difference is the greater between the two positions of the user. It is preferable for the balance of the pelvis and the overlying limbs to use a reclining backrest as well as a reclining seat with in all cases an excellent support, even a counter support for the hands and the forearms.

Apart from the angular variation of the cranks, the device according to the invention may also be provided with a braking member 11 mounted on the flywheel 10, as illustrated in FIG. figure 8 . The flywheel being mounted on the shaft 6, the braking member can in a cycle of rotation of the pedal and intervene to vary the effort applied by the user. Although braking can be used with 180 ° cranks, its combination with angular variation provides additional benefits. When the cranks are 180 ° no unbalance occurs, since the mass applied to one pedal is diametrically opposed to the mass applied to the other pedal. In this way, the user is continually in balance if one does not apply a different force on one of the two pedals. If the user stops in his rotary movement, the pedal will not move, no matter where the pedals are in their cycle of rotation. If the value of this angle is different from 180 °, this balance will be broken and the pedal will make a rotation equivalent to the modification of this angle forwards or backwards depending on whether the position of this angle is positive or negative. This is illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 .

Preferably, this braking member will be electromagnetically controlled so as to be able to manage the braking during each pedaling cycle. As illustrated in figure 8 , the braking member 11 is connected to an interface 12, itself connected to a communication bus to which are connected a microprocessor 14 and a memory 15. A rotation angle detector 16, mounted near the flywheel , is also connected to the interface 12, as well as the position sensor 17. The rotation angle detector 16 of the flywheel is arranged to determine the rotation angle of the flywheel. The braking member is connected to a power regulator, which is formed by the microprocessor and the memory. Via the interface the signals from the detector 16 (angle and direction of rotation) and if appropriate the sensor 17 (angle of the crank) are transmitted to the microprocessor. According to these signals and the program stored in the memory 15, the microprocessor will determine a braking power signal. This braking signal will then be transmitted to the braking member 11 to determine the braking.

When the two lower limbs simultaneously undergo the force of gravity in "downhill", the unbalance will cause a natural acceleration of the rotation over a range equivalent to the modification of the angle between the two cranks of the pedal. Conversely, when the two lower limbs simultaneously undergo the effort of gravity in "climb", the unbalance will cause a natural deceleration of the rotation over a range equivalent to changing the angle between the two cranks of the pedal. Thus will occur at this time, on each respective range, a natural ease of rotation and a natural difficulty in rotation.

This makes it possible to compensate the unbalance downhill and uphill according to the angle chosen between the two cranks of a pedal. The braking on the flywheel can vary so that at the time of the descent it is more important than when climbing. These braking will have to intervene on specific beaches in the same cycle of rotation. Given the presence of the sensor 17 it is possible to know the angle at which the cranks are placed. The angle sensor measures the direction and position in the rotation of the pedal. The data thus measured can then be supplied to the microprocessor 14, which on the basis of these data can control the braking.

As an example, consider the case where crank cranks form an angle of 0 °. In this case, the unbalance is at its maximum because the two lower limbs act simultaneously, side by side in concurrent forces to perform a complete cycle of rotation of the pedal. The descent and the climb are each done on a range of 180 °. This 360 ° cycle is thus looped in a descent and a climb. If the user does a whole cycle with the same intensity, the work of the lower limbs will be different from braking part of this cycle with a different intensity than the one applied in the other part. Whether in forward or reverse, it will require to intervene in a controlled manner a greater braking on the flywheel on the descent and less important on the climb. The only thing is that this braking will have to intervene on a different range of the cycle of rotation if one pedales forward or backwards. As illustrated in figure 9 braking more important is applied in the 0 ° zone at 180 ° when the user is pedaling forwards, whereas when pedaling backwards ( figure 10 ) greater braking is applied in the 180 ° zone at 0 °. The braking power can be adjusted according to the efforts that the user will want to make. This is for example achieved by means of a control lever 18 installed on the device and connected via the interface 12 to the microprocessor 14. The power difference between the two ranges concerned is preferably the same.

As previously described the "racagnac" crank has a position sensor thereof in order to be able to view the angle formed by the two cranks at this or that location of the own rotation of the crank "racagnac". Once the crank is fixed to the desired angle, the sensor sends the information of this angle to the microprocessor and the latter determines the braking program of the flywheel or chooses a predetermined braking. The interventions of this braking system must be done in the same rotation cycle, since the specific braking interventions will take place during the same rotation cycle.

The sports worn are few. Actuating your feet with a pedal from the sitting position is one of them. This makes it a sport of choice because the weight of the body does not act on the lower limbs and thus releases the natural levers of its constraint while respecting the work on the bones and joints.

Whatever the braking system used, the concept of angle variation between the two cranks of a pedal offers a specific and effective work of the members of the lower limbs, pelvis and trunk (all linked biomechanically). We can therefore opt for a powerful bodybuilding or for a harmonious development of the limb according to the constraint that the concept can provoke. The natural and instinctive intervention of certain members is therefore possible in a pleasant and harmonious movement thanks to the device according to the invention and having variable angulation cranks.

The device according to the invention, which is preferably a semi-coated device, can also be equipped with other attributes. These attributes are also adaptable to other types of fixed pedal devices such as the ergometer, the spinning device, the aquabike (hydrobike, aquaspinning), the fixed device with assistance of motorized pedaling, etc.

• ajustable en hauteur pour une position parfaite;
• inclinable vers l'avant ou l'arrière pour plus de confort.

Pedaling in an oblique position must also be included in the possibilities of using the device according to the invention. To allow this there is provided a seat with a sliding system allowing easy development of the forward and back of the saddle with two joysticks placed laterally. The seat rail has a joystick for easy and smooth modification of the chosen position. A backrest with lumbar support allows a comfortable workout. This file is adaptable to the morphology of each:

• adjustable in height for a perfect position;
• tilt forward or back for comfort.

This seat has armrests extended by two handles for better support, especially when pedaling simultaneously at 0 °.

• à 0° d'angulation entre les deux manivelles du pédalier;
• à l'horizontale;
• en oblique en dessous de l'horizontale;
• en oblique au dessus de l'horizontale.

The presence of a headrest is advantageous for achieving stability of the head and neck in unusual situations during pedaling:

• at 0 ° angulation between the two cranks crankset;
• horizontally;
• obliquely below the horizontal;
• oblique above the horizontal.

The device according to the invention may also comprise cranks equipped with telescopic pedals, as illustrated in FIG. figure 11 . This is achieved using a support shaft 20 of variable length pedals. Operated via a sliding rod, this axis is either lengthened or shortened according to the position of the user. The mechanism is locked using for example a bolt 21 before the pedaling cycle.

• antéropostérieur;
• latéro-latéral;
• haut-bas.

Pedals with 3 axes of movement will allow movements in the direction:

• anteroposterior;
• latero-lateral;
• Up down.

This will promote the freedom of the foot joint during the complex eversion-inversion movement. Thus, the stresses are greatly reduced both at the ankle and knee. On the other hand, this system will make it possible to work specifically certain members, for example the vast internal in the thigh. So, it is a system that respects the biomechanics of each joint involved in the movement. The latter is achievable by placing a ball-and-socket joint at the center of the pedal. To avoid any excess tilting of the pedal and therefore of the dowel, the mechanism is preferably provided with a fixing system limiting the unwanted freedom of said pedal.

In order to avoid touching the crank when pedaling, it can be provided a distance from the pedal relative to the plane of movement of the crank. This is achieved by extending the axis 20 of the pedal and moving the pedal 8 away from the crank 7, as shown in FIG. figure 11 . This is interesting when rotating the ankle and leg that influences the specific work of some thigh members. In this case, the heel would always come to the crank if one does not use this concept.

• blocage du talon (cfr. rétropédalage ou toutes les phases de traction d'un ou des deux membres inférieurs);
• blocage de l'avant-pied en une seule opération.

It is also possible to fix the foot of the pedal. This is a system that allows to secure the foot of the pedal with the pedal:

• heel blockage (see backpedaling or all phases of traction of one or both lower limbs);
• blocking the forefoot in one operation.

You can also change the length between the pedal axle and the pedal axis, as shown in figure 13 .

It has been described that horizontal pedaling offers interesting possibilities both from the standpoint of sitting comfort and from the point of view of the action of gravity on the lower limbs and pelvis, especially when using the concept of angle variation. A noticeable difference therefore exists with respect to "vertical" pedaling. It is far from negligible to conceive of intermediate positions that offer the same advantages but interestingly modify the action of gravity on the lower limbs and the basin. The different cycles of rotation will run with nuances if you pedal with the lower limbs obliquely.

• 1- le siège se situe entre l'horizontale et la verticale dans un angle positif par rapport à l'angle 0° de la position horizontale;
• 2- le siège se situe entre l'horizontale et la verticale dans un angle négatif par rapport à l'angle 0° de la position horizontale.

Two situations arise:

• 1- the seat is between the horizontal and the vertical in a positive angle relative to the 0 ° angle of the horizontal position;
• 2- the seat is between the horizontal and the vertical in a negative angle relative to the 0 ° angle of the horizontal position.

As illustrated in figure 12 the user can pedal on a fixed device with the lower limbs vertically, obliquely or horizontally. The seat can therefore be placed on any point of the sagittal rear plane of the pedal provided that the seat-pedal distance is respected.

To leave the horizontal position and to pedal with the lower limbs obliquely, the ideal solution is undoubtedly the installation of cylinders at the four corners of the base of levitation of the device (the latter being suspended at the same time). The action of these cylinders is multiple and can cause all the movements that could encounter a machine moving on uneven ground or on the water (except the displacement itself).

Consider first the pitching motion (front-to-back rocker).

• a- une élévation de l'avant engendre une position relative du siège en dessous de l'horizontale et peut permettre un pédalage oblique vers le haut (un ou deux vérins à l'avant peuvent suffire dans ce cas);
• b- une élévation de l'arrière engendre une position absolue du siège au dessus de l'horizontale et peut permettre un pédalage oblique vers le bas (un ou deux vérins à l'arrière pourraient suffire dans ce cas);
• c- si l'avant s'élève et que l'arrière descend simultanément, la situation «a» sera obtenue plus rapidement et diminuera de moitié la course des vérins concernés. Tout se passe comme si le dispositif pivotait autour d'un axe central dans un plan sagittal. Toutes les inclinaisons utiles peuvent ainsi être obtenues avec une grande facilité et une grande précision sans garde au sol importante.

The front or the back can go up or down independently of each other:

• a- a front elevation generates a relative position of the seat below the horizontal and can allow a pedaling oblique upwards (one or two jacks at the front may be sufficient in this case);
• b- an elevation of the rear generates an absolute position of the seat above the horizontal and can allow pedaling obliquely downward (one or two cylinders at the rear could be sufficient in this case);
• c- if the front rises and the rear goes down simultaneously, the situation "a" will be obtained more quickly and will reduce by half the stroke of the jacks concerned. Everything happens as if the device was pivoting around a central axis in a sagittal plane. All useful inclinations can thus be obtained with great ease and precision without significant ground clearance.

If the front goes down and the rear rises simultaneously, the opposite situation will be obtained with the same remarks as above.

In a movement of modification of the attitude of the device, the stroke of each cylinder will always depend on the displacement of the point where it is anchored to the device. A roll motion is made in a frontal plane around the anteroposterior axis of the device. We are thus witnessing flip-flops from left to right and vice versa. A left front jack and a left jack go down, and the device tilts to the left. For the tilt right is the opposite happens.

• programmation possible d'un parcours simulé;
• sensations diverses (pentes, montées, virages, bercement, etc.);
• accompagnements des mouvements engendrés par les variations d'angulation entre les deux manivelles d'un pédalier;
• possibilité d'exploiter idéalement le pédalage dans les diverses positions décrites plus haut.

It is therefore possible to move from one movement in one plane to another in another plane. This is done through a transition to a supported transition phase and driven by the proper stroke of each cylinder. If the steering is done without saccades, the transition from one plane to another will be smooth and harmonious. But you can create saccades on demand to get the effect you want. Everything can happen with or without clashes. It is therefore possible to obtain smooth or less soft continuous movements and fixed and stable positions of the device. It is possible to use several types of jacks each representing different cost prices (pneumatic jack, hydraulic jack, electric positioning racks). The addition of the cylinders, in the device described above, to the concept of angulation variation represents undeniable advantages for the user:

• possible programming of a simulated course;
• various sensations (slopes, climbs, turns, cradling, etc.);
• accompaniments of the movements generated by the variations of angulation between the two cranks of a pedal;
• possibility of optimally using pedaling in the various positions described above.

Now consider what happens when a cyclist sitting on a normal bicycle moves by pedaling and not by freewheeling. We will isolate the motion of the device from its linear motion. In this case, the device undergoes on the part of its user a lateral toggle more or less light (depending on whether or not it remains on the saddle) left and right and vice versa, on its anteroposterior axis. In addition, this same device undergoes more or less vertical stresses on the part of the cyclist. These constraints are made in the form of pressures and depressions on the handlebars, saddle and pedals alternatively. Thus, when the cyclist presses the right pedal, his center of gravity will move to the right, forward and downward pushing him to press with the right hand on the right side of the handlebars. The resultant of these three directions gives us an oblique direction: on the right, forwards and downwards. The movement printed on the device by the cyclist will follow this resultant. When the cyclist presses on the left pedal, the opposite happens. This combined movement will be exacerbated if the cyclist pedal "dancer".

The reason is that the cyclist moves his center of gravity much more sensibly and transmits his weight directly to the pedals by no longer using the saddle. The movements of the device therefore accompany, harmoniously and naturally, the movements and influence of the weight of the cyclist. This results in a side rocker and crush stress on the front tire, accompanied by a vacuum on the rear tire. A perfect harmony is thus installed between the cyclist and the device. This same harmony can be obtained on a fixed device.

• a. axes antéro-postérieur;
• b. axes transversaux;
• c. axes obliques.

Whether pedaling with the lower limbs vertically, obliquely (above or below the horizontal) or horizontally, the device according to the invention is preferably provided at its base of levitation a suspension system comprising two dampers 23 at the front and two dampers 24 at the rear, as shown in FIG. figure 14 . The four dampers will be located between the device and its fixed base. They will become one with these last two elements. This suspension system makes it possible to obtain a response in the form of movements in the various axes of the device. In this way, the device can not move but can move around several axes passing through the dampers.

• at. anteroposterior axes;
• b. transverse axes;
• vs. oblique axes.

To all these movements, it is possible to add vertical movements of the device under the shock absorbers. This is illustrated in figure 14 . The user represents an animated mass of own oscillatory movements that he transmits to the device. It is important to note that the device will experience more stress on the part of the user when it pedal with the lower limbs to the vertical. The reason lies in the fact that in this case the center of gravity of the user is higher than in other cases (horizontal and oblique position of the user). The stability of a body or a system under the laws of gravity on the ground or on a fixed base is indeed inversely proportional to the distance existing between its center of gravity and its base of levitation.

The dampers will be adapted to the concept of movement of the device placed on a fixed base. This means that they will have to be reliable in endurance, in consistency in their reactions and in fineness of response to the solicitation. We must also be able to delete their action at any time. We have seen that the user prints constraints to the device. These will not be able to induce the slightest movement to the device if it is completely immobilized such as those we know so far.

Apart from the pedals, the current fixed device "does not accompany" the user. For him to "accompany" him, he must be mobilizable from his base of sustenance. It is done with the presence of dampers. In this case, the dampers can only allow movements of small amplitude and will have to control the inertial forces of the device by absorbing them and partially returning them. Everything will depend on the degree of freedom granted to the device through the calculated intervention of dampers. Once this result is achieved, a perfect harmony between the user and the device can exist.

It would be interesting to allow the handlebars or anything that will serve as support and grip for the hands, depending on the type of device used, a certain degree of freedom to accompany the solicitations of the trunk, shoulders and arms via the hands . This degree of freedom may be used in all the plans required to enable the realization of the movements that will accompany the solicitations of the hands. This degree of freedom must be blocked at all times. The presence of this new concept is not essential to the realization of the advantages that have just been described concerning the concept of angulation variation between the two cranks of a pedal. This concept of mobility, however, provides a refinement of use of the whole which, undoubtedly, is welcome.

Claims (11)

Static device intended to allow muscular work and provided with a crankset having a shaft on which are mounted two cranks, each being provided with a pedal, characterized in that relative to an axis which extends perpendicularly with respect to said shaft, at least one of the cranks is angularly offset relative to the other. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said shaft is mounted so as to allow rotation in both directions of the pedal. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shaft is mounted on a flywheel provided with a braking member. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a rotation angle detector of the flywheel arranged to determine the rotation angle of the flywheel, said detector being connected to a brake power regulator itself connected to the braking member, said regulator being arranged to receive said rotation angle and to determine a braking power signal as a function of said angle, which braking power signal is supplied to the braking member. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cranks have a variable length. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cranks are mounted on the shaft by a so-called racagnac mechanism. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cranks are mounted on the shaft by an electromagnetically coupled mechanism. Device according to Claim 7, characterized in that the electromagnetic coupling mechanism is provided with a position sensor arranged to determine the angle of at least one of the cranks with respect to said axis. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the shaft is formed by two half shafts connected to each other so as to be angularly displaceable relative to each other. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pedal has pedals, each pedal being tiltable relative to the crank on which it is mounted. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises at its lifting base a suspension system comprising dampers.

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