FR2643821A1 - Muscle-exercise apparatus of the rower type - Google Patents

Abstract

Muscle-exercise apparatus of the rower type, including oars and a carriage 5 capable of being displaced rearwards on a longitudinal support 4 when the user pulls on the oars 3 towards the rear, in which apparatus the carriage 5 is braked in its rearwards recoil movement by a resistance means which preferably ensures the return of the carriage to its initial position. The resistance means consists of the inclination of the longitudinal rectilinear support 4 carrying the carriage 5 at an angle alpha with respect to the horizontal and/or by an elastic return device, particularly an elastic band 7.

Description

ROWER-TYPE MUSCLE EXERCISE APPARATUS.

 The present invention relates to an apparatus for muscular exercise of the rower type.

 Rower type devices are well known. they generally include a carriage. able to move back and forth on a straight longitudinal support, oars fitted with handles and a device for propping up the feet. The user sits on the cart, wedges his feet and pulls the oars back. While he is doing this oar movement. the user helps himself by pushing on his legs, which makes the carriage move backwards.

When the user stops the backwards oars movement. the seat returns forward to its original position. either that the user lty brings back, or that he returns by himself,
However, the devices proposed up to now are not complete since they essentially allow the arms to be exercised and do not put much strain on the leg muscles.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneously exercising arms and legs
The present invention relates to an apparatus for muscular exercise of the rower type comprising a frame resting on the ground, on which two oars are provided, a foot-rest device, a rectilinear longitudinal support on which is mounted in translation a carriage carrying a saddle which is likely to move back under the action of the legs of the user when the latter pulls on the oars and to return to its initial position when the user stops pulling on the oars, characterized in that the carriage is braked in its backward movement by at least one means of resistance which ensures, preferably. return the carriage to its original position.

 Under these conditions, the user must exert an effort with his legs, for example with the calf and / or thigh muscles, to make the carriage move back.

 According to a first embodiment, the resistance means is constituted by the inclination of the longitudinal rectilinear support carrying the carriage at an angle d relative to the horizontal so that the carriage rises during its backward movement.

The angle # is preferably between 5 'and 45-C. The push to exercise is for example in% of the weight of the user
50% for an angle of 30
42% """" 25 34% """" 20
26% """" 15
17% """" 10
9% """" 5
The inclination of the longitu dinal rectilinear support with respect to the horizontal is. preferably adjustable. The angle of inclination of the longitudinal rectilinear support can, for example, be modified using an appropriate device of variable height, in particular a con located by a rack, at least one telescopic tube, at least one actuator. variable is a telescopic tube or a jack, these are preferably articulated to the frame or to the rectilinear support so as to be able to vary their inclination to ensure the stability of the device.

 You can either modify the inclination of the longitudinal support, by varying both the inclination of the frame and that of the support, the frame being at ground level at the front of the device and being raised at the 'rear, either by changing the angle between the frame and the longitudinal support, the longitudinal support being articulated on a substantially horizontal frame in the vicinity of the footrest.

 According to a second embodiment, the resistance means is constituted by a device of elastic pei which is hooked, on the one hand to a fixed point of the rectilinear longitudinal support, on the other hand to the carriage. The position of the fixed point of attachment of the elastic return device is preferably.

longitudinally adjustable. We can thus adjust the resistance force of the elastic return device and / or the stroke of the carriage,
According to a first variant, the elastic return device is an elastic. It is preferably used in duplicate, being fixed by its two ends to the carriage at two points arranged symmetrically with respect to the rectilinear longitudinal support, passing over two first horizontal pulleys fixed to the rectilinear support at the front end of said support and at the front of the carriage in its rest position, and on a third horizontal pulley fixed to the rectilinear support towards the rear.

 The attachment point of the third horizontal pulley can be changed longitudinally.

 According to a second variant, the elastic return device can also consist of at least one spring, preferably two, arranged symmetrically.

 According to a third variant, the elastic return device is at least one jack.

 These different variants of the elastic return device can be combined. It is more particularly possible to use a return device comprising both one (or more) cylinders and one (or more) springs.

 The resistance means can also be constituted by the combination of the inclination of the longitudinal rectilinear support and an elastic return device, this combination giving greater flexibility in adjusting the effort to be provided by the legs of the user to make back the carriage.

 According to the invention, the carriage preferably carries a saddle, the back of which forms with the seat an angle close to 14 '. The inclination of the backrest defined above makes it possible to have the optimal inclination of the bust backwards and facilitates pushing on the legs without the saddle slipping under the buttocks.

 Preferably, the back of the saddle is provided at the rear with a handle so that one can do an arm exercise which consists in pulling the trolley by hand.

To better understand the object of the invention, a description will be given below, purely by way of illustration, and without limitation, of several embodiments shown in the appended drawing,
On this drawing
- Figure 1 is a side view of a rower according to the invention
- Figure 2 is a bottom view along the line ll-ll figure i
- Figure 3 is a schematic view of a rower whose inclination is adjustable
- Figure 4 is an elevational view of the rear of an apparatus according to the invention showing a variable height device consisting of a telescopic tube; ;
- Figure 5 is a sectional view along the collar 211a of Figure 4
- Figure 6 is a side view of a device according to the invention or the elastic return device is constituted by a cylinder and a res
- Figure 7 is a view along Vll-Vll of Figure 6: 6
- Figure 8 is a more detailed view of Figure 6
- Figure 9 is a view along IX-IX of Figure 8.

 The rowing machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is generally designated by the number 1.

It comprises a frame 2 on which two rare articulated 3 are provided, a rectilinear longitudinal support 4 sJr which can move by rolling a carriage 5 and a toe clip 6. The frame 2 is constituted at the front by a tubular frame horizontal 21 which rests on the ground and which has a length less than that of the longitudinal rectilinear support 4, This chassis is connected to said support 4 by pillars 23a at the front and 23b at the rear. The rear end of the support 4 is fixed by a system of pins and legs to a leg 24 which is foldable.

 On the b ti 21 are fixed using a ball joint two oars 3. These oars 3 consist of arms 31 curved and provided with handles 32.

 A jack 33 articulated on one side to a train 33 and the other to the frame 21 allows to oppose a tensile force of the trains 3 backwards.

 The longitudinal support 4 is constituted by a rail which according to the embodiment shown is an I-rail, that is to say having longitudinal edges at its upper part and at its lower part. The carriage 5 is constituted by a base 51 on which a saddle 52 is fixed. The base 51 is constituted by a plate 54 provided with two sides 55a and 55b perpendicular to said plate located on either side of the longitudinal support 4. These two sidewalls 55a and 55b are provided with rollers 56 which allow the carriage to roll on the lower horizon tal edge of the rectilinear longitudinal I-shaped support. On these sidewalls 5a and 55b are also fixed lugs 57a and 57b which extend below the lower level of the longitudinal support 4 and have at their lower part a hole 57c and 57d respectively.

 The means of resistance to the recoil of the carriage is. in the mode of representation of FIGS. 1 and 2 constituted both by the inclination of the longitudinal longitudinal support 4 at an angle of 10- with respect to the horizontal, and by an elastic band 7.

 The elastic 7 is used in duplicate. At each end of the elastic there is a hook 71a and 71b which is introduced respectively into the holes 57c and 57d of the tabs 57a and 57.

The elastic 7 passes over a system of three horizontal pulleys 81. 82, 83. The first two pulleys 81 and 82 are located under the longitudinal support 4 near its front end and the pulley 83 is located under the longitudinal support 4 at vicinity of its rear end before the leg 24.

 If one starts from the end carrying the hook 71a fixed on the side 55a to the tab 57a, the elastic 7 forms a first strand 7a which goes from this end 7ta to the pulley 81, passes over the pulley 81; then forms a second strand 7b parallel to the strand 7a which goes from the pulley 81 to the pulley 83, passes over the pulley 83: then forms a third strand 7c parallel to the first two strands 7a and 7b which goes from the pulley 83 to the pulley 82; passes over pulley 82; then goes from the pulley 82 to the end 71 which is fixed to the side 55t.

 The pillar 23b is provided with an opening and forms a tunnel through which the strands 7b and 7c of the elastic band 7 can pass.

In the embodiment shown on
Figure 2, the point of attachment of the pulley 83 is fixed, but it is understood that this point could be adjustable, longitudinally, for example, using a window and screw system.

 On the carriage 5 the saddle 52 consists of ur: backrest 52a and a seat 52b. The angle ss between the backrest 52a and the seat 52b is 140. As previously explained, such an angle makes it possible to have an optimal inclination of the bust towards the rear and to prevent the gluteal region from sliding on the seat 52b during the movement of the carriage back. The seat back 52a carries a handle 58.

 According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the longitudinal support 4 carries at the front a computer 9 which allows the user to count and view the efforts provided.

 Figure 3 shows schematically a rower 11 in which the angle of the longitudinal support 104 relative to the horizontal is changeable. The longitudinal bar 14 is articulated on the frame t2 using a system 141 of axis and legs. On the other hand the rail carries at its lower part, towards its rear end, a sort of rack 142 provided with several notches. In these notches can engage locking fingers 125a and 125b carried by arms articulated on an axis 126 of the chassis 12.

 The rowing machine shown in Figures 1 and 2 operates as follows.

The user sits on the saddle 52 and places his feet on the toe clips 6. he grasps the handles 32 of the oars and pulls the oars back
In this movement, he makes the carriage 5 roll back using his legs which rolls on the rectilinear -longitu- dinal support 4; The effort of his legs is a function of the angle C between the straight longitudinal support 4 and the horizontal and the elastic force of the elastic 7. When the user has finished pulling the oars 3 back, he brings them back to the having and lets the carriage return to its initial position under the combined action of gravity.

 gr; e å the angle of 1- of the rectilinear longitudinal support 4 with respect to the horizontal, and of the return force of the elastic 7. The resistance means ensures dcn the return of the carriage to its initial position.

 When the user wishes to do an exercise using only his arms, he settles out of the rower so that he can pull * one arm, the carriage 5 by grasping the handle 58 and pulling on this handle.

 Figure 4 shows in elevation a view of the rear end, that is to say located behind the seat, of an apparatus according to the invention. The apparatus according to FIG. 4 represents a variant of the device making it possible to vary the angle # of inclination of the longitudinal rectilinear support carrying the carriage.

The apparatus comprises a frame designated as a whole by 21 and consisting of two longitudinal bars 22 connected to each other by a transverse bar 203, the transverse bar 23 carrying a leg 25, which, at its end opposite to the bar 203 carries a bar transverse 26 parallel to the transverse bar 203. The longitudinal support 204 carrying the seat (not shown) is constituted by a rail fixed to the transverse bar 23 by means of a square section tube 212. The bar 203 is fixed to the leg 205 using a device 207 making it possible to vary the angular position of the leg 25 relative to the vertical plane passing through a diameter of the bar 23. The leg 25 is telescopic. It is formed by two square section tubes 205a and 205b, the killed 205b being able to slide inside the tube 25a. The tube 25b carries at its end opposite to the transverse bar 206, on two opposite sides, holes 29b and of menine the tube 252 carries on two corresponding opposite cities of the holes 209a arranged so as to be able to be superposed on the holes 209b by sliding of the tube 25b in tube 205a. A stirrup-shaped key 28 makes it possible to block the tubes 205a and 205b in a determined position by entering holes 289a and 29b facing each other. The angular positioning device 207 is made of a U-shaped profile 21X, which is fixed at the end of the tube 25b at the end opposite to the hole 209b and two collars 211a and 211b which are fixed by bolting on the lateral edges of the U-shaped profile 210. The bar 203 is located inside the device 207 and is movable in rotation inside the latter. The two collars 211 are located on either side of the tube 212 carrying the longitudinal support 24. To be able to fix the angular position of the leg 205 relative to the tube 203 one of the collars 211a carries a hole 213 and the tube 23 is provided in the zone corresponding to the collar 211a with openings 214 located in the upper front quarter of the trarsoersal section of the tube 203. A pin 215 makes it possible to fix the relative position of the tube 203 and the collar 211 by entering the opening 213 and in an opening 214 of the bar 23- making it opposite. The pin 215 is arranged in a cylindrical case 218 fixed to the collar 211, the bottom of which surrounds the hole 213 the cover of the case 218 is provided with an opening which the rod of the pin 215 crosses. The pin 215 is provided with a collar 216 disposed on its rod at a point such that when the collar abuts on the collar 211 the end of the rod of the pin 215 can pass through both the collar 211 and the tube 23. A spring 217 is placed between the collar 26 and the cover of the shoemaker 218.

 The device described above operates in the following manner. When it is desired to modify the angle oC, the tutes 25a and 25b are slid into each other until a leg 25 of desired length is obtained. The relative position of the tubes 205a and 205b is then blocked using the stirrup-shaped key 28. The length of the leg 25 is increased when it is desired to increase the angle # between the horizontal and the longitudinal support 204 and we decrease this length if we want to decrease the angle dC. Furthermore, to obtain the stability of the device we have to tilt the leg 25 relative to the bar 23 so as to have a suitable length between the point d support of the bar 26 on the ground and the front of the device. To modify the inclination of the leg 25 relative to the bar 23 one pulls on the pin 215 so as to release it from the hole 214 where it is and from the hole 213, then one turns the leg 25, that is to say say the collars 211, around the bar 203 and when the collar 211 is in the desired position and that the hole 213 of the collar 211 faces a new opening 214, the pin is again introduced into the hole 213 and into the opening 214 so as to block the angular position of the bar 203 and of the leg 205.

 Figures 6 to 9 show an apparatus in which the elastic return system is a jack. The apparatus shown in these figures comprises a longitudinal support 31 constituted by an I-shaped section on which is arranged a seat 302 fixed on a carriage 33 provided with rollers 34 rolling on the lower edge of the section 301 in I. The jack 305 is fixed below the longitudinal support 31, at the front of said horizontal support by the bottom of the jack using a lug device 312 and 9 the rear by the piston rod or carriage 33 by a stirrup system 38 which will be described later. The carriage 33 is constituted by a base 36 on which the seat of the seat 302 is fixed and by two sides 307a and 307b perpendicular to said base 306. On these two sides 37a and 37b. the 3e4 rollers are fixed by an axis perpendicular to said blanks and extending inwards. The sides are also pierced by an elongated slot 310 whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the support 31. A spring 311 is fixed by one of its ends to the flanz 37, at the rear of the slot 310. The rod of the jack 305 is fixed to the blank ~ 307 of the carriage by a stirrup 38. The bar 38a of this stirrup is arranged in a plane parallel to the iron in I perpendicularly to the latter and it is arranged under the latter. The rod of the jack is fixed below this bar 38a. in the middle of it.

The lateral fasteners 308b of the stirrup 308 are perpendicular to the bar 308a and are connected to the sides 307a and 307b by a system of pins 309 penetrating into the slots 310 of the sides 307a and 307b.

In addition, each of the lateral fasteners of the stirrup is fixed to a spring 311. one end of the spring 311 is therefore fixed to the side fastener 3P and the other end to a flank37.

 The apparatus shown in Figures 6 to 9 operates as described below. In the starting position the piston rod 35 is retracted and the caliper 308 is in abutment at the rear end of the slot 310. The spring 311 is in the retracted position.

When the user exerts a force backwards using his legs, he first brings the stirrup 308 from the rear end to the front end of the slot 310 by pulling on the spring 311: it then pulls on the piston rod 305 fixed to the bar 308a of the caliper. The total stroke of the carriage is therefore equal to the length of the rod of the jack 35 plus the length of the slot 31. When the user ceases to exert a force on the carriage 33, the spring 311 which is in extension returns to its initial position, and brings the stirrup 38 from the front end to the rear end of the slot 21 and then the rod of the jack 305 retracts and brings the carriage 303 forward.

Claims (19)

CLAIMS I - Rowing machine type muscular exercise apparatus (1; 11) comprising a frame (2; in2). resting on the ground on which two oars are provided (3>, a footrest device (6), a rectilinear longitudinal support (4: 184) on which is mounted in translation a carriage (-5) carrying a saddle (52) which is likely to move back under the action of the legs of the user when the latter pulls on the oars (3) and to return to its initial position when the user stops pulling on the oars (3 characterized by the fact that the carriage (5) is braked in its recoil movement by at least one resistance means which preferably ensures the return of the carriage (5) to its initial position.  2 - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a resistance means is constituted by the inclination of the longitudinal rectilinear support (4) carrying the carriage (5) at an angle tZ) relative to the horizontal of so that the carriage (5! rises during its backward movement.  3 - Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the angle (%) is between 5 'and 459C.  4 - Apparatus according to claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the angle of inclination is adjustable.  5 - Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the inclination of the straight support is adjusted using a variable height device, consisting of a rack (142, 125a, 125b).  6 - Apparatus according to claim 5 characterized in that the inclination of the straight support is adjusted using a variable height device consisting of a telescopic tube or a jack.  7 - Apparatus] claim 6. characterized by the fact that the telescopic tube or the actuator are attached to the chassis or to the reciprocated support so as to be able to vary their inclination to ensure the stability of the device.  8 - Apparatus according to one of claims 5 d 7. characterized in that one changes the inclination of the longitudinal support by varying. at the same time, the inclination of the frame (201) excels d suw.rt (24, the frame being at ground level at the front and being raised at the rear.  9 - Apparatus according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that one modifies the inclination of the horizontal support ('I) by changing the angle between the b ti (2) and the longitudinal support (4 ) this longitudinal support (4) being articulated on a substantially horizontal frame, in the vicinity of the footboards (6) - - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a resistance means is constituted by a device elastic return (7) which is hooked on the one hand to a fixed point of the longitudinal rectilinear support (4), on the other hand to the carriage (5).  it - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the position of the fixed point of attachment of the elastic return device is adjustable longitudinally.  12 - Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic return device is a jack (305),  13 - Apparatus according to claim 1. characterized by the fact that the elastic return device comprises both a jack (on) and a spring (311).  14 - Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the elastic return device is an elastic (7).  15 - Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the elastic (7) is used in duplicate, being fixed at its two ends (71a. 71b) to the carriage (5) at two points arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal support straight (4). passing over two horizontal pulleys F (81. 82) fixed to the rectilinear longitudinal support at the front thereof and over a third horizontal pulley (83) located towards the rear.  16 - Apparatus according to claim 15.  characterized by the fact that the fixing position of the third horizontal pulley is adjustable in length.  17 - Apparatus according to any one of claims Il å 16 comprising a frame connected to the support by a front pillar and a rear pillar. characterized by the fact that the rear pillar (23b) forms a tunnel through which strands (7b. 7c) of the elastic can pass.  18 - Apparatus according to claim 1. characterized in that the resistance means is constituted by the combination of the inclination of the longitudinal rectilinear support (4) and of an elastic return device (7).  19 - Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the carriage carries a saddle (52) whose back (52a) made with the seat (52b) an angle of 140-.  20 - Apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that the backrest (52a) carries a handle (58) at the rear.  21 - Apparatus according to claims Il or 12, characterized in that the cylinder (35) is fixed by its bottom to a fixed point (36) of the longitudinal support (31) and by the end of its rod to the carriage (33 ).  22 - Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the cylinder rod is fixed to the carriage (33) by a stirrup (3R) passing under the longitudinal support (384).  23 - Apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that the stirrup (309) can move in two longitudinal slots (31) formed in the sides (37) of the carriage. the movement of the stirrup in these slots being effected by the action of springs (311).