FR2593707A1 - Training or physical re-education apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a training or physical re-education apparatus permitting continuous and instantaneous regulation of the load by the user himself. The apparatus comprises a stationary frame 11 and at least one movable part 13 provided with assistance means 25 arranged within reach of the user so as to enable him to apply, on the said movable part, at the same time as the principle force, an assistance force supplied by a muscle group other than that supplying the principle force. In particular, in an apparatus for the lying-down press, in which the principle force consists in raising a bar with discs 18 with the arms 19, the assistance force may be supplied by the legs 26. Such an apparatus makes it possible to work with a braking force greater than the impulse force of the same group of muscles. A dynamometric sensor 30 enables a force to be displayed 31.

Description

PHYSICAL TRAINING OR REHABILITATION APPARATUS
The present invention relates to a training or physical rehabilitation apparatus, comprising a stationary frame and at least one movable part mounted on the frame so as to have resistance to a main force exerted by a user by means of a determined muscle group. .

Multiple forms of apparatus of the type mentioned above are known, in which said resistance can be provided by weights, springs or hydraulic or pneumatic mechanisms. This resistance exerted by the device on the mobile part results in a load exerted on the user by an element (for example a handle or a pedal) of this mobile part. The resistance is generally adjustable in intensity and it can vary in a predetermined manner along the travel of the movable part, for example thanks to the elastic characteristic of the springs used, thanks to the variations in orientation of certain lever arms, or by means of cams serving as eccentric pulleys for traction cables. The term "resistance" can be understood here in a broad sense meaning any force or moment exerted in the apparatus against the force exerted by the user, whatever the direction of movement of the movable part with respect to this force, that is to say that the resistance may be, depending on the case, less, equal or greater than the force exerted by the user, and that this effort can be exerted positively, therefore in the direction of movement of the moving part (impulsive muscular effort), or negatively, therefore in the direction opposite to that of movement (braking muscular effort) or even without movement (effo isometric rt).

However, the use of a predetermined load or resistance requires an adjustment carefully dosed according to the physical, even psychological, possibilities of the user. These possibilities are often poorly understood in advance and moreover they vary even during an exercise session, if only by fatigue. This not only leads to loss of time and effort until appropriate settings are obtained, but above all presents the danger of muscle or ligament accidents if the resistance is too high and causes excessive effort on the part of the user, in particular following a wrong choice of setting or a malfunction of the device. This risk is particularly high at the start of a movement requiring intense effort.

The present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks mentioned above by providing an apparatus which allows continuous and instantaneous regulation of the load by the user himself, to allow him to adapt the load to what he feels. every moment.

To this end, the invention provides an apparatus of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that said mobile part includes assistance means arranged within reach of the user so as to allow him to apply to said mobile part, at the same time time as the main effort, another effort by means of another muscle group.

Preferably, said movable part comprises actuation means intended for the application of said main force by the user, and the assistance means are distinct from said actuation means.

According to the variant used, the actuation means are arranged within reach of the user's hands and arms and the assistance means are arranged within reach of his feet or legs, or vice versa.

The device can advantageously include at least one dynamometric sensor arranged to measure the intensity of a force exerted on the mobile part, and a device for displaying this intensity.

In a particular embodiment, an apparatus according to the invention comprises a frame provided with a substantially horizontal bench and a bracket supporting a pulley above this bench, and a mobile arm articulated on the frame and connected to a flexible traction member passing over said pulley, a weight being suspended from said traction member and placed within reach of the user's hands. In this embodiment, the movable arm is provided with a thrust member disposed within reach of the feet of the user. Preferably a dynamometric sensor is associated with said flexible traction member.

A particular embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention and various other applications of the invention will be described below by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
FIGS. 1 to 4 are diagrams illustrating a basic principle of the present invention, by different combinations of forces in a training apparatus,
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a bench press apparatus, and
Figures 6 to 10 are block diagrams illustrating other embodiments.

As mentioned above, the basic principle of the invention consists essentially in bringing into play on the moving part of a physical training apparatus an assistance effort which is provided by the user and which can be combine with the resistance presented by the device so as to modify, at a given instant, the intensity of the main force exerted by the user on the mobile part of the device. Figures 1 to 4 respectively show symbolically an element of said movable part and the forces which are applied to this element, the direction of each force (but not its intensity) being indicated by an arrow.

In the case of FIG. I, a main force P is exerted by the user (for example by means of a cable) on a circular pulley I, and a resistance force R is exerted by the device on a eccentric 2 or concentric cam, integral with the pulley 1, which requires a force P which links it with the position of the moving part. In accordance with
The invention, the static or dynamic balance between the two forces
P and R is modified by an assistance force A which is exerted by the user, with an intensity that he himself chooses at each instant and by putting into action another muscle group than that produced by the effort P , on a second pulley 3 which is concentric and integral with the pulley 1.

The mechanism symbolized in Figure 2 is different from the previous one, but the combination of the forces exerted on it is similar. This mechanism essentially comprises a lever 4 articulated at 5 on a frame, and a cam 6 which is integral with the lever 4 and which is eccentric with respect to point 5. The user exerts on two different points of the lever 4 a main force P, by a first group of muscles, and an assistance effort A by another group of muscles. The apparatus opposes these two forces a resistance R applied to the cam 6.

We note that, when the forces have the meanings indicated by the
arrows in Figures i and 2, The assistance effort A corresponds in each case to a relief of the main effort P. However, this is not always necessarily the case. For example, in the case of FIG. 2, the assistance effort A could be applied to the lever 4 in the same direction as the main effort P during a forward movement and in the opposite direction to the during a movement
back, to produce an increase in charge.

The resistance R exerted by the device on its mobile part can be
fixed (for example by a weight) or progressive (by a spring or by
a hydraulic device) in an apparatus according to the invention, it can also be reduced to practically zero, the assistance function and that of resistance being provided at the same time by the user, in this case by means of a group muscle different from the group producing the main effort. This principle is illustrated by the figures
3 and 4. In the example of figure 3, The assistance effort A which constitutes
effectively kills the resistance R is applied to the periphery of a circular pulley 7, while the main force P is applied to the periphery of an eccentric cam 8 integral with the pulley 7. With this device, the ratio between the forces P and A varies during a movement. On the contrary, in the case of FIG. 4, the forces
A and P are applied at two different points on a rocking lever 9, which determines a constant ratio between these forces.

The advantages provided by the various provisions will become apparent below from the description of the examples of application.

FIG. 5 represents in lateral view, an apparatus for the bench press, the user being in supine position. The general structure of this device is known and includes a stationary frame
It provided with a bench 12 for the user, and a movable arm 13 articulated on the frame II at its lower end 14. The upper part of the frame 11 comprises a bracket 15 provided with a pulley 16 over which passes a cable 17 moored at the upper end of the arm 13. The cable 17 supports a weight generally consisting of a disc bar 18 which the user must raise and lower by the force of his arms 19. A pair of catches 20 is provided to support the disc bar 18 at rest. Two stops 21 limit the stroke of the arm 13.

In addition, the arm 13 is resiliently biased, in the opposite direction to the effect of the weight of the disc bar 18 by the force of a return spring 22 moored to the frame II and connected to the arm 13 by a cable 23 passing on a pulley 24. In this way, the resistance that the device offers to the effort of the user's arms is not constant, but it varies (more or less linearly) with the stroke of the barbell 18 , when the arm 13 oscillates along the double arrow M.

This resistance increases when the bar 18 rises. Of course, the bar 18 can be fitted with interchangeable discs, the weight of which is chosen according to the morphology of the user and according to the purpose of the exercises practiced. However, the present apparatus also includes other equipment making it possible to adjust the load which is exerted on the arms 19 of the user. For this purpose, a footrest 25 is fixed to the arm 13, at a certain height above the level of the bench 12 to allow the user to push with his legs 26 on the arm 13 of the apparatus. The construction of the footrest 25 can be arbitrary; in the example shown, this comprises a pair of plantar support plates 27 which are fixed on a support adjustable in length, formed by two telescopic elements 28 and 29, the second of which is integral with the arm 13.

On the other hand, a dynamometric sensor 30 is mounted at the point of attachment of the cable 17 on the end of the arm 13, to measure the instantaneous tension of this cable and transmit this value to a display device 31 which is visible for the user. The tension of the cable 17 can be displayed on a dial opposite an index corresponding to the weight of the disc bar 18. The difference between the two values represents the force exerted by the arms 19 of the user.

The use of the apparatus shown in Figure 5 offers multiple possibilities. After having mounted discs of suitable weight on the bar 18, the user takes place on the bench 12, then the length of the footrest 25 is adjusted and the user presses his feet on it. He then grasps the bar 18 resting on the feet 20 to lift it by a main effort exerted by his arms 19 and the pectoral muscles, as well as by an assistance effort exerted on the footrest 25 by the legs 26 and the muscles glutes. In this way, the user is not obliged to make a violent effort at the outset, which is very important for preventing accidents. On the contrary, he can measure the assistance effort at any time according to what he feels in the arms and pectorals. In addition, he can control the importance of the assistance effect on the dial of the device. display 31.

When the user lets the disc bar 18 slowly descend, he exerts a restraining force through his pectoral muscles and his arms 19. At the same time, he can adjust the load exerted by the device on his arms, by means of the assistance effort produced by his legs. In particular, this assistance effort can be practically zero or at least less than the effort exerted during the rise of the bar 18, that is to say that the user imposes a braking effort which is greater than the impulsive effort exerted by the same muscle group (pectorals and arms) to lift the bar 18. This constitutes a very important advantage of the apparatus according to the invention because it is well known that a given muscle group is generally capable of exert a braking force greater than the corresponding impelling force. In conventional devices, a different load depending on the direction of movement of the movable part can only be obtained by complicated and expensive mechanisms, and it is not adjustable at all instant. In the present case, on the contrary, the user can freely determine and control during the exercise the difference in load between the ascent and descent of the bar 18, by adjusting the assistance force exerted by the legs.

 It should be noted that the device shown can also be used without any assistance effort, like a conventional device, or only with a momentary assistance effort, for example only at the start of the exercise or only at the ascent of the closed off. It can also be used for static muscular work with high load, in different positions of the mobile part. The assistance effort will be used in this case for positioning the mobile part.

The device can also be used for combined muscular work (dynamic plus static) with the search for maximum congestion obtained by training - progressive or declining pyramid of one muscle group with the assistance of another muscle group.

The device then allows ideal and permanent control of the charges by the user's brain, ensuring optimal regulation of the charges by means of assistance efforts. Furthermore, the apparatus shown can also be used with a main effort provided by the legs, the assistance effort being able to be provided by the arms on the disc bar 18 or on a complementary mechanism, for example straps provided with handles and moorings 13.

The principle of the present invention is applicable in a large number of devices and for training all kinds of muscle groups. Figures 6 to 10 show some examples of application of this principle, with diagrams designed to essentially illustrate the operation of the device rather than its structure.

In the case of FIG. 6, the user exerts by his legs a main force P on a pivoting arm 41 or a carriage, against a resistance R provided by weights 42. By his arms and his pectoral muscles , the user can add assistance to the resistance R
A, by pushing on handles 43. The arm 41, the weights 42 and the handles 43 are connected by cables respectively to pulleys 44, 45 and 46 having different diameters, so as to determine appropriate ratios between the force main P, Assistance effort A and resistance R and between the corresponding strokes. Either of the pulleys could be replaced by an eccentric cam. In the assembly shown, The assistance effort A is added to the effort of the resistance
R in order to increase the main effort P to be provided, for example,
The user can apply assistance effort only during the folding movement of the legs to determine a braking effort greater than the impelling effort.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an apparatus for training the back muscles, by pulling on handles 51 connected by cables to a pulley 52. A footrest 53 arranged to slide horizontally is connected by a cable to a pulley 54 integral with the pulley 52.

The rest position of the elements 51 and 53 is determined by a return spring 55 which corresponds to a very low resistance R. In such an apparatus, the main effort is produced by the back muscles and the arms of the user on the handles 51 while an assistance effort
A is applied by the legs to the footrest 53 opposes the main force P and at all times determines the necessary intensity of cleuici. According to a variant, the spring 55 could be replaced by a friction member acting on the pulleys 52 and 54.

FIG. 8 illustrates a case where the assistance effort A, exerted by the legs on a sliding footrest 53 or on a pivoting arm, alone provides all of the resistance opposed to the main effort P.

In the particular case, it is a device for the bench press,
The main force P being exerted in a horizontal direction on a bar 56, by the force of the pectorals and the arms of the user. In this way, the user controls himself and permanently the load imposed on him. It can permanently dose this charge between zero and a maximum depending on its own capacities.

The device illustrated in FIG. 9 is similar to that of FIG. 6, except that the assistance force A acts on the pulleys in the opposite direction to that of the resistance R, that is to say that it is added to the effect of the main effort P. This device can be used to work the legs with the assistance of the pectoral muscles, but also to make the pectoral muscles work with the assistance of the legs. Of course, the pivoting arm 41 can be replaced by a carriage or another equivalent movable member. Finally, FIG. 10 represents an apparatus for working the back muscles with assistance by the legs. This device comprises handles 51 and a footrest 53 which are arranged as in the case of FIG. 6, but here an adjustable resistance R is ensured by weights. It should be noted that, in a device with three pulleys such as the show, in FIGS. 6, 9 or 10, one of the pulleys can be off-center so as to compensate for the angular variations of the segments of the body during the movement and to obtain a respective maximum force at any point in the travel of the movement. Nevertheless the user can relieve the hyperextension joint at the start or at the end of the race, by adopting the main effort or the assistance effort.

The examples described above clearly show that an apparatus according to the invention allows the work of a muscle group with continuous regulation of the load by means of an assistance effort provided by another muscle group of the user. The assistance effort may tend to move the mobile part of the device in the same direction as the main effort or in the opposite direction, that is to say respectively produce an effect which is added to that of the main effort or opposing it. In addition,
The assistance effort alone can produce resistance opposing the main effort.

In addition, the apparatus according to the invention can be used very advantageously with a main impeller force (P-) having an intensity
imp - different from that of the main braking force (Pfr), the difference being obtained by the user himself (assistance effort A) without having to modify the possible resistance (R) provided only by the device, therefore without the need for complex and expensive equipment.

In a first type of embodiment corresponding to FIGS. 5, 9 and 10, where the effects of A and P are in the same direction, it is possible to obtain a braking force greater than the impelling force simply by providing a fairly high resistance R, corresponding braking force.

We can then write symbolically
forward movement P. = R - A
imp
return movement: Pfr = R
In all cases, Pfr can also be added thanks to the dosage of the assistance effort (variable):
Pfr = RA
In another embodiment of the apparatus, corresponding in particular to FIG. 6, A is opposed to P and an increased braking effect can be obtained as follows
forward movement: P. = R imp
return movement: P fr = R + A
The same process applies in cases where the resistance R is zero or practically zero, for example in the case of FIGS. 7 and 8, because
P = A on the outward and return journey and A is determined at all times by the user.

Depending on the needs and the type of device, one or more dynamometric sensors and a corresponding display device can be provided to allow the user to continuously monitor one or more of the forces P, A and R.

Claims (10)

Claims I. Training or physical rehabilitation apparatus, comprising a stationary frame and at least one movable part mounted on the frame so as to be resistant to a main force (P) exerted by a user by means of a determined muscle group , characterized in that said mobile part (13, 17, 18 and 23) comprises assistance means (25) arranged within reach of the user so as to allow him to apply to said mobile part, at the same time as the main effort (P), another effort (A) using another muscle group. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that said movable part comprises actuating means (18, 41, 51, 56) intended for the application of said main force by the user, and in that the means of assistance (25, 43, 53) are distinct from the actuation means. 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating means are arranged within reach of the hands or arms (19) of the user, and the assistance means are arranged within reach of his feet or his legs (26). 4. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating means are arranged within reach of the feet or legs (26) of the user, and the assistance means are arranged within reach of his hands or his arm (19). 5. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one dynamometric sensor (30) arranged to measure the intensity of a force exerted on said movable part, and a display device (31) of this intensity. 6. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a frame provided with a bench (12) substantially horizontal and a bracket (15) supporting a pulley (16) above this bench, and a movable arm (13) articulated on the frame and connected to a flexible traction member (17) passing over said pulley, to a weight (18) being suspended from said traction member and placed within reach of the user's hands, characterized in that the movable arm ( 13) provided with a thrust member (15) disposed within reach of the feet of the user. 7. Apparatus according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the dynamometric sensor (30) is associated with said flexible traction member (17). 8. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the main force (P) and the assistance force (A) both tend to move said movable part in the same direction. 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the main force (P) and the assistance force (A) respectively tend to move said movable part in opposite directions. 10. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that said resistance is produced only by the assistance effort (A).