FR2606507A1 - Device for weighing persons on a weight-training pull bar - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises a unit 1 engaged and immobilised on a weight-training pull bar 3 comprising two clamping cylinders 4 and 5 pressing on the walls 8, 9 which are close together. The unit 1 comprises a lower piece 23 at right angles, in which is located a measurement means consisting of a single double-fitting metal-plate force sensor fitted with strain gauges, interacting with an electronic unit, a display unit and an electrical power supply. The measurement means may also be a single hydraulic sensor interacting with an electrical pressure signalling sensor, with an electronic unit and a weight-display unit. A hang grip 12 interacts with the measurement means.

Description

Device for weighing people on a muscle pull-up bar.

The invention relates to a device for weighing people on a muscle pull-up bar arranged between two close walls.

We already know of individual scales placed on the ground or on a toilet bowl, but to date there are no means of weighing suspended people.

The drawbacks presented by known weighing devices of the scale type resting on the ground or on a toilet bowl are the following: - uneven weight distribution on at least three supports to balance the load; - risks of distortions between the supports or the force sensors, which must be compensated, the load never being placed at the center of gravity of the support points: or of the sensors; - complexity of processing measurement signals and drifting in precision due to the multiplication of sensors; - complexity of implementation.

The object of the invention is to provide a device for weighing people suspended on a muscle pull-up bar arranged between two close walls, for example an apartment corridor.

 I1 comprises a pull-up bar of the conventional type with clamping by screw jacks, on which a block has been added integrating a weight measurement device and its display means.

According to a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, the measuring means comprises a metal blade with double embedding equipped with force sensors with strain gauges arranged in bridge of
Wheatstone, either in traction, or in compression, or in traction-compression. The measurement signal delivered by the gauges is shaped in an electronic conversion block which attacks a display block indicating the weight of the user.

According to a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, the measuring means comprises a sealed enclosure filled with an incompressible liquid on which is pressed a piston secured to a traction rod fixed on a suspension handle.

The pressure on the fluid generated by the user is measured by means of a single pressure sensor delivering a signal shaped by an electronic block attacking a liquid crystal display block or the like.

The device according to the invention has the following advantages: - great simplicity due to the fact that the weight of the user results in a punctual action on the measuring means with strain gauges or at hydraulic pressure; - absence of distortion in the application of the weight on the 7th force sensor; - a single sensor is sufficient to carry out the measurement; - simplification of the electronic block for processing the measurement signal; - low cost of production; - good measurement accuracy.

The weighing device according to the invention is described in the following text with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples in which: - fig.l shows, seen in elevation, an example of the weighing device; - Fig.2 shows3 in cross section, an embodiment of a measuring means according to the invention equipped with a force sensor with strain gauges; - Fig.3 shows a cross-sectional elevation example according to Fig.2; - Fig.4 shows, in cross section, a barrier equipped with a hydraulic sensor measuring means; - Fig.5 shows an enlarged detail of the mounting of the sealing membrane of the device of Fig.4.

- Fig.6 shows a 1st variant of Fig.4 in section in elevation;
- Fig.7 shows a 2nd variant of Fig.4 in section in elevation;
- Fig.8 shows a 3rd variant of Fig.4 in section in elevation;
- Fig.9 shows a 4th variant of Fig.4 and 7 in section in elevation;
- Fig.lO, ll and 12 show a 1st variant of fig.2;
- fig. 13 shows a second variant of FIG. 2;
- fig.l4 shows a 3rd variant of fig.2.

As shown in fig.13 the suspended weighing device according to the invention comprises a support block 1 comprising a bore 2 in which is engaged the drawbar 3 provided with two screw jacks 4.5 whose pads 6,7, are supported on the walls 8,9 for example of a corridor. The block 1 is preferably placed on the middle of the bar 3 on which it can be immobilized either by a clamping means, or by a screw 10 acting on a blocking pad 11 as shown in fig.3. To avoid transmitting lateral forces to the measuring means, the suspension handle 12 is hooked to the measuring means by two rods 13,14 each comprising a ring 15,16 arranged perpendicularly to each other.

This function could also have been ensured by a cable, for example in stranded steel wires or de'Kevlar "fibers or the like.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show a first example of a measurement means constituted by a metal blade 20 of a strain gauge with double embedding 21, 22 between the block 1 and a lower part 23 attached and fixed by screws 24. The 25,26 clearances allow the bending of the blade 20 and facilitate its proper positioning in its recesses.

There have been shown the groups of strain gauges 27, 28 which could also be placed above the blade. These gauges can be traction, compression or traction-compression. The signals delivered by these gauges and their operating mode are well known to those skilled in the art and are therefore neither claimed nor described. The fixing of the traction rod 13 has been shown on the blade 20 by means of the nuts 30 and against the nut 31 and by a lower nut 32 blocked at the bottom of the thread on the rod 13 which is engaged in a boss 33 of the lower part. 23.

The lower part 23 is square-shaped, the right side is hollow to receive the electronic unit 35 and a weight display unit 37, a clip-on cover 38 closes the access to the batteries 36 and to the electronic unit. The display unit 37 is arranged on a bias portion 39 of the part 23 so as to be easily readable by the user attached to the handle 12 held on the rod 14 by a nut and a lock nut 40. The axis of the bore 2 and the suspension rods 13,14 are located on the vertical axis XX '. The handle 12 has fingerprints 41,42 (fig.l) for properly centering the user's hands relative to the axis XX '.

The pull-up bar can be normally used to perform muscular exercises by placing the hands on each side of the block 1 which is space-saving. The bar 3 must be arranged at a height such that the handle 12 can be directly reached while standing with the arms raised vertically. Weigh ourselves by lifting the feet slightly off the ground.

The hydraulic point-by-point means for measuring the weight of the user shown in FIG. 4 is arranged in a support block 50 similar to that of FIGS. 2 and 3. The identical parts have been assigned the same reference number.

The lower part 51, fixed by screw 52 on the block 50, is also square-shaped, but is adapted to receive a hydraulic measurement means constituted by a cylindrical enclosure 53 in which is engaged vertically, along the axis XX ' , a concentric piston 54 on the center of which the load is applied vertically along the same axis XX 'by means of a shouldered through rod 55 fixed by its shoulder 56 bearing under said piston by means of nuts 57. The enclosure is sealed by means of a very thin metal membrane 60 interposed below the piston and. the surface of the fluid filling the enclosure 53. The membrane is traversed by the rod 61, the sealing of the crossing is ensured by elastomer washers 62 cooperating with metal washers 63.64.

An O-ring 65 is disposed on the rod 61 to complete the sealing of the enclosure. The measurement of the weight is carried out by conversion of the pressure measurement prevailing in the enclosure under the load of the user, by means of a pressure sensor with electronic signaling arranged laterally in relation to the internal pressure of the enclosure , said sensor delivering a signal driving the electronic conversion unit acting on the weight display means 37 as in the example in FIG. 2.

On the section of fig.5 we have shown enlarged the detail of the assembly of the membrane 60. This membrane is made of very thin metal and good mechanical characteristics and in particular in bending to avoid introducing distortions in the measurement. It comprises a stamped half-ring 66 whose internal diameter corresponds to that of the external diameter of a bearing surface 67 of the piston 54 on which it is engaged, while the external diameter 68 of the internal part of this same half-ring is engaged in the bore 69 of the enclosure.

The part of the diaphragm resting on the underside of the piston is offset at 70 relative to the external part 71 of said diaphragm, which is pinched between block 50 and the lower added piece 51 and optionally glued to said piece 51 to sealing. The piston 54 also comprises a shoulder portion 72 forming a convex bearing surface 73 which cooperates with the pull rod 61 to center the piston in the bore 74 of the block 50 to avoid lateral parasitic stresses which can cause distortions in the measurement. The traction handle 12 is hung on the measuring means by means of a first rod 14, the lower part of which is engaged in said handle 12 and held by nuts 40.

The upper part comprises a ring 16 engaged perpendicularly in a second ring 15 secured to a second rod (13,61-55) fixed to the measuring means, gauge blade or piston.

Of course one could also use any other type of hydraulic pressure sensor capable of providing an electrical pressure signal, piezoelectric type sensor or pressure switch type sensor with signaling for example.

It is also possible to use other known means for measuring the weight on the drawbar, for example of the rocking, spring type, etc. using only one measurement point. All other conventional means of weighing people use at least three support points.

Alternatively, the weight measurement sensor could have been placed above the bar 3 without departing from the invention. This latter arrangement is not, however, optimal since it generates a reversal torque which would make it necessary to provide very rigid immobilization between the support block 1 or 50 and the bar and between the bar and the wall to avoid overturning. In addition, at the time of fixing, the axis XX 'should be strictly vertical to avoid creating an initial overturning moment.

To save batteries, you can provide a commissioning button when you want to weigh yourself.

Fig.6 shows a first variant of Fig.4 in section in elevation.

The sealed enclosure constituting the measurement means is produced with a toroid 80 of elastically deformable material, for example of elastomer, on which is mounted an internal pressure tap connected to an electric pressure sensor delivering a signal as a function of the weight of the user; the weight is displayed on a display block as in fig.2 or 4. A piston 81, of enveloping shape, cooperates with the bore of the support block 83 to hold said toroid 80; the piston extends downwards at 84 through a second bore 85 and receives the rod 13 for fixing the hanging handle 12. The body of the upper support 86 is engaged on the bar 3, it is similar to that of fig. 4.

Fig.7 shows a 2nd variant of Fig.4 in section in elevation.

The sealed enclosure 90 constituting the measuring means is produced by virtue of at least one pseudo-cylindrical metal bellows capsule on which an electric pressure measurement sensor is mounted. The capsule is arranged at the upper part of the support 91 engaged on the bar 3 in opposition with the hooking rod 13 of the suspension handle, which is fixed on a second support 92 bearing on the capsule 90 and sliding laterally on the support 91 which it completely envelops.

The external support 92 is analogous to the support 50 in FIG. 4 and receives all the electronic components for processing the measurement and display signals.

Fig.8 shows a 3rd variant of Fig.4 in section in elevation.

The sealed enclosure 95 constituting the measurement means is produced by means of a cylindrical tube of elastically deformable material, for example elastomer or the like, on the end of which is mounted an electrical internal pressure sensor. Said tube is placed in longitudinal support on the top of the bar 3 and partially trapped in the external support 96 laterally enveloping the bar 3 and sliding thereon. A closure plate 97 is fixed below the support 96 and receives the rod 13 for hooking the suspension handle 12, vertical to the tube 95.

Fig.9 shows a 4th variant of Figs 4 and 7 in which the sealed enclosure 100 constituting the measuring means, is produced by means of two stamped circular metallic membranes forming a sealed capsule placed in abutment on the top of the support 101 analogous to the support 50 of fig. 7, itself engaged on the bar 3.

The capsule 100 is arranged in opposition to the hooking rod 13 of the hanging handle 12 fixed on a second external support 102 bearing on the upper part of the capsule and sliding laterally on the internal support 101.

Fig.10 shows a 1st variant of Fig.2. The measuring means is constituted by a support 105 hooked on the bar 3. I1 receives an articulated lever 106 whose free end 107 is supported on a hydraulic capsule with metal bellows 108 (FIG. 11) cooperating with an electrical sensor of internal pressure measurement of the bellows 108. the suspension handle 12 is hooked in the middle of the lever 106 by means of a threaded rod 13 passing through the support 105. Said support 105 can be placed on the bar 3 by means of lateral cheeks 109, 110 forming either two hooks, or each having a hole for passage of the bar 3. The assembly is protected by a cover 11 passing over the cheeks, or else, if hooks are used, the cover passes just above lever 106, under bar 3, it includes the electronic components and the weight display unit as well as the source of electrical energy.

As a variant, in FIG. 12, we have shown, in place of the hydraulic measurement capsule of FIG. 11, a blade 115 with double embedding on the support 105, receiving a bridge of strain gauges 116. free end 107 of lever 106 rests with a knife on the middle of said gauge blade 115.

Fig.13 shows a second variant of Fig.2 in which the gauge blade 120 with double embedding is equipped with at least one gauge bridge and fixed inside the bar 3, on a support piece 121 integral of the lower part of the bar 3. The user’s weight is applied at 122 to the middle of the said blade by means of a handle 123 placed in knife support inside an oblong opening 124 of the bar 3. Alternatively, the weight can be applied punctually to the middle of the blade 120 by means of a threaded rod 13 screwed into said blade and receiving the handle 12 of the user's suspension.

Fig.14 shows a 3rd variant of Fig.2 in which the tube 3 constituting the drawbar is replaced by a bar of rectangular or square section 130, in aluminum for example of type AU2GN, in the middle of which is arranged at least a bridge of strain, compression or both strain gauges, above and below the bar so as to measure the bending of the translated bar - then by weight.

The bar is terminated, at its ends, by threaded bearing surfaces 131, 132 cooperating with threaded end pieces 133,134 each comprising a base 135 bearing on a wall, for example two corridor walls.

Said bases can be fixed on the support wall. The bar receives a plastic shell 136 on which are provided spaces 137 for placing the hands and for receiving the electronic block for processing the measurement signals coming from the gauge bridge, the digital weight display block 138, as well as the source of electrical energy. One end of said shell has a vertical reference face 139 to orient the gauges vertically and avoid measurement distortions
In all the examples of the weighing device according to the invention, the digital weight display unit can be replaced or doubled by an electronic component of voice announcement of the weight of the user, cooperating with a corresponding speaker, this component is attacked by the electronic processing unit of the signal delivered by the weight measurement sensor (s).

These components and circuits, well known to those skilled in the art, have not been described

Claims (13)

CLAIMS: 1 - Device for weighing people on a pull-up bar, characterized in that it is arranged on the middle of a pull-up bar (3) placed between two close walls (8,9), and in that that the load to be measured is applied vertically along an axis XX 'at a single point on the weight measurement device by means of a double handle (12) hung in the middle on the measurement device by means of a free suspension (13,14,15,16) does not introduce lateral constraints. 2 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the point measurement means is constituted by a single metal blade (20) with double embedding (21), equipped with strain gauges (27,28), and disposed between a block support (1) comprising a bore (2) slid over the bar (3) and immobilized by a clamping means, the gauge circuit delivers a measurement signal attacking an electronic unit (35) for processing said signal and delivering it even the weight display signals corresponding to a display block (37) secured to an inclined side face (39) of the lower support (23), the electrical supply being effected by batteries (36), and in that the electronic unit, the display means (37) and the batteries (36) are arranged on a lateral part of the lower part (23) attached under the support (1). 3 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the point measurement means consists of a hydraulic sensor comprising a sealed cylindrical enclosure ('53) formed in the lower part (51) attached to the support (50) slid on the bar (3), and in that a cylindrical piston (54) is engaged in the bore of said enclosure bearing on the incompressible fluid with which it is filled, and in that the load is applied along the axis XX ' in the center of the piston by means of a shouldered through rod (55,56) fixed to said piston by means of nuts (57), and in that the enclosure (53) is sealed by means of a very thin (60) interposed between the underside of the piston and the liquid filling the enclosure, and in that said membrane is traversed by the shouldered rod (55,61) cooperating with annexed sealing means (62,65), and in that the measurement is carried out by a pressure sensor disposed laterally in relation to the inter pressure ne of the enclosure, said sensor delivering a signal attacking the electronic unit acting on the weight display means (37). 4 - Device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the membrane (60) is made of very fine metal of good mechanical strength and comprises a stamped half-ring (66) whose internal diameter corresponds to the diameter of a span (67) of the piston on which it is engaged, however the outside diameter of the internal part (68) of the half-ring is engaged in the bore (69) of the enclosure, and in that the part of the membrane, resting under the piston, is offset by (70) relative to the outer part (71) of said membrane, which is pinched between the support (50) and the lower part (51) and optionally glued to said part (51) , and in that the piston (54) further comprises a shoulder portion (72) forming a preferably convex bearing surface (73) which cooperates with the pull rod (55,61) to center said piston in a bore (74) of the support (50). 5 - Device according to claims 1,2 and 3, characterized in that the suspended traction handle (12) is hung on the measuring means by a first rod (14) whose lower part is engaged and fixed in said handle, and the upper part of which comprises a ring (16) engaged perpendicularly in another ring (15) secured to a second rod (13,61-55) fixed to the measuring means, gauge blade or piston. 6 - Device according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the suspended pull handle (12) is hung on the measuring means by means of a cable. 7 - Device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the sealed enclosure constituting the measuring means is produced by means of a sealed torus (80) of elastically deformable material on which is mounted a pressure connection electric pressure sensor, and in that it cooperates with a piston (81) and a bore (82) of complementary shape to the support (83) enveloping the torus, and in that the handle (12) is hooked to the base (84) of the piston. 8 - Device according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the sealed enclosure (90) constituting the measuring means is produced by means of a metal bellows capsule cooperating with an electric pressure measurement sensor, the capsule is disposed at the upper part of the support (91) mounted on the bar (3) in opposition to the fixing rod (13) of the suspension handle, which is fixed on a second support (92) bearing on the capsule 90 and sliding on the support (91) which it completely envelops. 9 - Device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the sealed enclosure (95) constituting the measuring means is produced by means of a cylindrical tube of elastically deformable material on the end of which is mounted an electrical sensor pressure measurement, said tube being placed in longitudinal abutment on the top of the bar (3), partially trapped in the support (96) at the base of which is fixed, vertical to said tube, the rod supporting the handle (12) suspension. 10 - Device according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the sealed enclosure (100) constituting the measuring means is made by means of two circular metallic stamped membranes forming a capsule, resting on the top of a support (101 ) itself engaged on the bar (3).  1-1 - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the measuring means disposed on the draw bar (3) consists of a support (105) engaged on said bar, on which is articulated, a lever (106 ) whose free end (107) is supported on a hydraulic bellows capsule with metal bellows (108) cooperating with an electric pressure measurement sensor, and in that the suspension handle (12) is held by a rod ( 13) fixed on the middle of said lever. 12 - Device according to claims 1 and 11, characterized in that the end (107) of the lever (106) is in knife support on the middle of a gauge blade (115) with double embedding on which is mounted at minus a strain gauge bridge (116). 13 - Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the pull-up bar consists of a metal bar (130) of rectangular or square section, terminated at its ends by a threaded seat (131,132) cooperating with threaded ends ( 133,134) each comprising a support base fixed vertically on a support wall, and in that the bar (130) receives in its middle, at least one bridge of strain gauges, and in that said bar is covered with '' a molded plastic shell (136) on which are provided locations for positioning the user's hands and for receiving the equipment for processing and displaying the weight measurement signal as well as an energy source electric, and in that said shell comprises, at one end, a vertical reference face (139). 14 - Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the measuring means consisting of a single metal blade (120) with double embedding, equipped with at least one bridge of strain gauges, is fixed inside the bar (3), and in that the weight of the user is applied as a knife to the middle of said blade by means of a handle (123) placed in abutment in a notch of the bar (3), or at by means of a handle suspended by a rod (13) fixed in the middle of said blade. 15 - Device according to any of claims 1 to 3 and 7 to 14, characterized in that the weight of the user is spoken by voice by means of an electronic component of speech synthesis cooperating with a corresponding speaker , attacked by an electronic block for processing the signal delivered by the weight measurement sensor (s).