FR2700269A1 - Weight simulation appts. for sports training - Google Patents

Abstract

The weight training device includes a main body (1) which occupies the same amount of space as the mechanical equivalent. A series of pipes runs inside the body with a moving section attached to the pull chord (9) traversing through one of the pipes, moving the liquid out of the pipes. The input to the pipes is connected to a common inlet (5) fed by a pump (10).The output from each pipe passes to a mixer section (7) which returns all the liquid to the inlet. The mixing proportions of the liquid input (8) and output (7) are computer controlled (13) allowing the equivalent weight being pulled to be varied.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for replacing the fixed weights of weight machines and dumbbells by a system allowing the change of weight during the exercise.

Muscular apparatus, weights, weightlifting bar and apparatus for re-education allow the increase or decrease of the displaced load only at the end, or before the beginning of the exercise, but no change in weight is possible. possible during the exercise.

These devices do not allow the muscles to be solicited to the maximum of their possibilities at the beginning of the exercise and it can only be prolonged with the help of a third person lifting the load with the user.

Some of these machines use a tank instead of fixed weights and a pump moves a liquid through a single pipe from a fixed tank on the ground to this tank mass, the liquid falling through the same pipe by gravity and the pump being controlled at distance.

But this technical solution does not eliminate the following problems
-The difficulty to accurately control the amount of
liquid transferred by the pump and therefore to determine the
desired weight by the user.

-The obligation for the pump used to operate without
stops and especially by uninterrupted cycles of stopping and running.

Which brings a high cost price by the expense in
energy and the maintenance it requires.

-The little flexibility of use of a system with com
direct instructions not indicating to the user the quanti
transferred or total weight tees.

-The obligation to design and manufacture in their tota
devices using this technical solution.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to remedy these drawbacks. It is aimed above all at a modification of the traditional machines but can constitute a basic technique for the realization in their entirety of apparatuses and weight-training benches.

It increases the safety of these devices because the user can cancel the load raised by simply pressing a command button.

The device comprises in fact according to a first feature, a reservoir whose outer shape is similar to the weight it replaces and whose interior is made of baffles so as not to give shock sensations or internal movement to the user during exercise or filling.

Tank with upper openings for filling and venting, and a lower port with remotely controlled electro-valve for draining into a pipe.

The filling is effected by one of the upper orifices using a pipe whose upper end is connected to a remotely controlled electro-valve and located above the maximum stroke of the reservoir.

A sensor, when the tank is full, sends a signal to the electronic interface which then prevents the opening of the filling valve, the upper pipe to remain empty.

The controls are electrical contacts whose location is determined by the type of device or exercise performed
-Actionable by the feet or knees for
exercises using the upper limbs.

-Actionable by the hands for the exercises of
legs.

A system consisting of pump and hoses connected to the device allows the recovery of liquid or bulk material for reuse.

The term "bulk material" refers to: sand, metal balls, filings.

According to particular embodiments: the reservoir may comprise several lower orifices;
and upper draining and filling and thus several valves and hoses for emptying and filling.

- The tank can replace the weights of the appliances in
their entirety or in part only.

- The controls of the device can operate directly
the filling and emptying valves.

- The controls of the device can be connected to a
electronic interface managing the filling and the emptying
of the tank.

- The controls can be remote-controlled infra-red or
to be voice-activated.

- The system allowing the recovery of the liquid or the material
in bulk maybe added to each device or serve for a
set of devices modified by the device.

 It may just be running water.

The illustrated drawings illustrate the invention
FIG. 1 represents a nonlimiting example of the device
sitif according to the invention, adapted to a barbell
equipped for the exercise of the bench press.

FIG. 2 represents a nonlimiting example of the dispo
device according to the invention, installed on a pulley machine
characterizing all machines using the same
type of weight.

Figure 3 is an interior and not complete view of the
Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows in section the interior of the tank
of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is an interior and not complete view of the
Figure 2.

Figure 6 shows in section the interior of the tank
of Figure 2.

With reference to these drawings the device comprises
A tank (1)
- its external form is identical to the whole or the
part of the weight that it replaces so that it can be
in their place on the device to be modified.

- its interior is formed of meanders (11) so as not to
give shock or internal movement to 1 '
user during the exercise or its filling.

One or more upper openings (2) of the tank allow its filling.

Several orifices (6) allow the evacuation of air during filling of the tank.

One or more lower openings (3) of the tank allow its emptying.

Hoses (4) and (5) of a diameter allow the filling and the rapid evacuation of the tank and are arranged in the most vertical way possible
Their length is determined so as not to hinder the stroke of said tank during exercise.

Upper flexible hose (4) -tracks the filling of the tank.

-connected
by its lower end to the upper orifice (2) of the tank
see.

by its upper end to a electro-valve (7) actuating
the filling of the tank.

Lower flexible hose (5)
-tracks the flow of the tank -connected
by its upper end to a solenoid valve (8) actuating
emptying the tank.

by its lower end to the general evacuation of the system.
Valves (8) located on the lower openings (3) of the tank operate the drain.

Valves (7) located at the upper end of the pipe (4) and connected to the general power supply of the system actuate the filling.

Controls (9) operate the filling and emptying valves through an electronic interface.

An electronic interface (13) receives the information given by the user by means of the controls (9) and manages the filling and emptying of the tank by means of the valves (7) and (8).

A sensor (12) makes it possible to determine the level of filling of the tank (1) and sends when it is full, a signal at the electronic interface (13) which closes the valve (7), the upper pipe (4) to remain empty.

A system (10) raises the liquid or bulk material for reuse after discharge from the reservoir.

The device according to the invention is particularly intended to replace the weight of weight machines and dumbbells and to serve as a technical basis for the design of new devices.

Claims (13)

1. Device intended to replace the weight of dumbbells and weight training and rehabilitation equipment characterized in that it comprises a reservoir (1) whose outward shape is similar to that of the weight it replaces, having in its upper part an orifice (2) connected to a conduit (4) through which is introduced by means of a valve (7) a liquid or bulk material and in its lower part an orifice (3) connected by a valve (8) to a conduit ( 5) where the contents of said tank are poured. 2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the valves (7) and (8) are electrically controlled and managed by an electronic interface (13) remotely controlled by the user by means of electrical contacts (9). 3. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the electro-valves (7) and (8) are controlled directly by the user by means of the electrical contacts (9). 4. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the tank (1) has in its upper part several orifices (6) which allow the evacuation of air during filling of the tank. 5. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the tank (1) has in its upper part several orifices (2) each connected to a duct (4), each leading to a valve (7). ). 6. Device according to claim 1 or any of the preceding claim characterized in that the reservoir (1) has in its lower part several orifices (3) each connected to a valve (8) and each connected to a conduit (5). ). 7. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the interior of the tank (1) consists of baffles (11) in order to reduce shocks and movements of the liquid or bulk material. when filling the tank and its displacement. 8. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that a sensor located inside the tank sends a signal to the electronic interface when the tank is full. 9. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the reservoir is filled with liquid or bulk material designating: sand, metal balls or filings. 10. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the tank replaces the weight of the devices modified by the device in their entirety or in part only. 11. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the system (10) raising the liquid is the running water supply of the room equipped by the device. 12. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that a set of apparatus modified by the device has a system (10) raising the liquid or bulk material after use. 13. Device according to claim 1 or any one of the preceding claims characterized in that each device modified by the device has a system (10) raising the liquid or bulk material after use.