FR3079423A1 - MUSCULATION TOOL - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a weight training device (1) of the type intended to be held in two hands by the user (U), characterized in that it comprises two arms (10) each provided with gripping means by the user , in that these two arms (10) are mutually connected to one another at one of their ends (13) by rotary connection means (20) and in that these rotary connection means comprise means ( 26) of resistance to said rotation. The rotary connection of the arms allows a greater progressivity in the use of the weight machine. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

The present invention relates to a weight training device of the type intended to be held in both hands by the user.

There are a wide variety of weight machines, which can be broadly classified into two categories, namely portable weight machines and stationary weight machines, either specialized such as rowers, exercise bikes, or multi-functional such as weight press with chassis, weights, pulleys, jibs. The devices of this second category are not portable or easily transportable, nor easily usable for disabled people, they are also very bulky, heavy and expensive.

Portable weight training machines are very specialized, for example they are hand weight training machines, dumbbells, or bodybuilding torsion bars also called force bars or torsion bars held with two hands and intended to work the muscles of the upper body, namely pectoral, arm and shoulder muscles. The torsion bar is made up of a bar provided with a huge spiral spring surrounding said bar and opposing its bending when it is folded.

This type of weight training machine is recognized as a good bodybuilding accessory, but it suffers from certain disadvantages. One of these drawbacks is that the torsion bar does not offer a modular resistance to the effort, as for example with dumbbells where we can vary the weights or weight training machines of the hand where the you can change the number of springs as it progresses.

The resistance to the effort of the torsion bar is also not progressive, which makes it very difficult if not impossible to use this type of device for people who do not have sufficient muscles.

Another non-negligible drawback of the torsion bars is linked to the risk of accident in the event of an uncontrolled return of the spring, for example because the hands slide on the ends of the bar, even if they are provided with handles; under the effect of perspiration, fatigue, wear of the handles ...

In addition, these torsion bars allow only very limited exercises, the only possible movement consisting in folding the torsion bar until bringing the hands together, then releasing gently to tighten the bar horizontally, while holding firmly. Variations are possible by holding the bar horizontally above the head, but the movement is always the same.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these drawbacks. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved portable type weight training machine. It is also a goal that the weight system is progressive. Another goal is that the weight machine provides improved safety. A goal is also that the device is practical and handy and finally a last goal is that it is also versatile while being inexpensive.

This or these goals are achieved in the weight training device according to the invention which is of the type intended to be held in both hands by the user, by the fact that it comprises two arms each provided with gripping means by the user, by the fact that these two arms are mutually connected to one another at one of their ends by means of rotary connection and in that this rotary connection comprises means for resisting said rotation

Indeed, the rotary connection of the arms allows greater progressiveness in the use of the weight training machine.

According to an additional aspect, the rotary connection means are of the gear type. This structure makes the use of the device particularly progressive and allows for example its use by people can muscular. This type of device is therefore very suitable for muscle rehabilitation.

According to another aspect, the device comprises a protective box for the rotary connection. This arrangement makes it possible to secure the rotary connection and the associated means of resistance to rotation and to avoid accidents of the type described above in connection with torsion bars.

The invention will be better understood and other characteristics and advantages of these will be highlighted with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the appended schematic drawing, which illustrates by way of nonlimiting example, a mode and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the rear face of the weight training apparatus according to the present invention in the deployed position,

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the front face of the apparatus of FIG. 1, showing more particularly the protective housing of the rotary connection means

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded perspective view of the detail in FIG. 2, showing the means of rotary connection after opening the housing,

FIG. 4 is a schematic view in partial section from the front of the rotary connection means of FIG. 3,

FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of one of the arms of the weight training apparatus attached to the protective housing,

FIG. 6 is in perspective showing the start of a first mode of use of the weight training apparatus,

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the end of the first mode of use,,

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 of a second mode of use,

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6 of a third mode of use,

FIGS. 10 and 11 are views similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 of a third mode of use,

- Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 5 to 11 of a fourth mode of use.

As shown more particularly in Figures 1 and 2, the weight training apparatus 1 according to the invention is, in the deployed position, in the form of an elongated machine having two arms 10 of substantially arched shape, each provided nearby of their free end 11 of a transverse handle 12 and connected together at their opposite end known as of connection 13 by means of connection or rotary connection 20 arranged inside a housing 30. This device having a symmetrical shape the elements similar or identical will be designated by the same reference numbers.

The rotary connection means 20 are shown more particularly in FIGS. 3 and 4. As these figures show, each arm 10 is connected at its connection end 13 to the rotary connection means 20 fitted respectively in a cavity 13a disposed at the end of said arm 10. In this case each arm 10 is formed of a hollow tube made of rigid, resistant but light material, such as steel, aluminum, synthetic material. Depending on the material and the section size of the arms 10, as well as the type of connection with the rotary connection means 20, these arms 10 could also have a solid section and be non-hollow over all or part of their length.

The arms 10 can have a circular, elliptical, square, rectangular or other cross section and therefore be hollow or solid. According to the embodiment shown, they have a slight curvature along one or more radii of curvature, the role of which will be explained below. According to an exemplary embodiment, these arms consist of cylindrical metal tubes of circular cross section with a diameter of 30mm, of length L (cf. FIG. 5) approximately 50 cm, bent according to a radius of curvature of approximately 50cm. They can also be covered with a soft, non-slip synthetic material such as rubber to facilitate grip and grip when performing strength training exercises. In the example of FIG. 5, it can be seen that the arms 10 may have two slightly different curvatures, namely a first more marked curvature according to a radius of curvature R1, in this case for example 263mm, near the housing. 30 and, from a distance 11 of for example 180 mm from the center of the housing 30, a second less marked curvature according to a greater radius of curvature R2, in this case for example 512 mm.

Thus the arms 30 are long enough to allow them to be taken in different places and thus allow the muscles to work differently or in different places. Furthermore the arms (or curvatures) allow better ergonomics and adaptation to the morphology of the user for the execution of movements. More particularly the curvature of the arms makes it possible to have a more progressive resistance to the opening of the device, and substantially constant from the beginning to the end of the movement. This or these curvature (s) also makes it possible to avoid giving a blow or jolts to launch the device, and therefore allows a more pleasant use and with less risk of injury. Of course the arms could also be straight, but with less efficiency and overall comfort of the device.

Each connection means 20 generally consists of an assembly end piece 21 and a connection head 22. In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each end piece 21 has a generally solid cylindrical shape, the cross section corresponds to the internal cross section of the cavity 13a of the associated connection end so as to allow a press fit and therefore a solid assembly of the head 22 with the associated arm 10. Depending on the case, other types of assemblies can be provided, for example by gluing, welding, snap-type or other form of connection, without going beyond the ambit of the present invention. In the case where the arms 10 have a non-cylindrical and for example rectangular, square cross section, this also allows an additional form of connection with the associated assembly end pieces 21 and therefore an additional connection solidity.

Each connection head 22 is made of machined or molded metal, steel in the example shown, or possibly synthetic material having sufficient strength, and moreover has a generally circular shape with internally a central cavity 23, provided for example at level of the region of the nozzle 21, of a notch 23a. The central cavity 23 is, in the embodiment, emerging and fulfills two functions, on the one hand serve as housing for a spiral-type spring 26 and on the other hand serve as a guide in rotation of said head 22 in cooperation with the case as we will see later. This cavity 23 could also be non-opening, the guiding in rotation then being carried out by other means.

Externally each head 22 is provided, on at least a part of its periphery, arranged opposite the other head 22, with teeth 25 capable of meshing with the teeth 25 of the other head, thus allowing connection mutual rotation of the two heads 22. The teeth 25 have the profile of conventional gear teeth so as to allow easy and smooth engagement of said teeth. These teeth 25 extend over an arc of a circle of approximately 90 ° from the associated connection head 22 of each arm. Each head 22 will therefore be able to rotate in a direction opposite to the other head so as to allow their mutual rotation and progressive and smooth closing of the weight training machine.

Each head 22 also has at its tip 21 a projection 24 able to cooperate in abutment with the housing 30 as will be seen below.

Each spiral spring 26 is of a type known per se, and will not be described in more detail, each end respectively 26a, 26b of each spring 26 is fixed respectively on the one hand in the notch 23a of the associated central cavity and, on the other hand on the protective housing 30 as will be seen later. Each spring 26 is mounted so as to urge the associated connection head 22 in a direction of rotation opposite to that corresponding to the opening of the weight training machine. In this way a progressive resistance is produced by the springs at the opening of the device and allows the muscular effort desired by the user. This construction also has the advantage that in the unused position the device is folded back on itself and is therefore less bulky to store, transport.

The housing 30 serves both as a fixing housing for the rotary connection means, as a protective housing and for example prevents the springs 26 from escaping and injuring the user. He also participates in the use of the device and in the realization of certain movements as we will see below.

In the example shown, the housing 30 has a generally hexagonal shape and comprises a rear flange 31, made of aluminum or other resistant and light material so as to form a hexagonal bottom 34 with two horizontal piafs 32 (ie extending perpendicular to the bottom 34) diametrically opposite, which are perforated and tapped 33a (cf. fig. 3) in their thickness, as well as a front flange or cover 35 of aluminum or other resistant and light material, of hexagonal shape and generally flat and provided with holes 35a corresponding in position to the holes 33a of the associated bottom and capable of receiving means for fixing and closing the housing such as screws 36. Of course, other fixing methods can be provided. The lateral edges 33 of the upper plate 32 have a chamfered shape corresponding to the shape of the projections 24 of the connection heads 22 so that they can come into abutment with these at the end of the movement. In the example of FIG. 5, the case is for example inscribed in a circle of diameter D of the order of 120mm.

Once assembled using screws 36, the housing 30 defines laterally between the two flanges 31, 35 two lateral openings 30 a allowing the movement of the arms when using the device (cf. FIG. 1).

The cover 35 also comprises two split fixing pins 37 extending perpendicular to the internal face of the cover and each intended to receive in its slot 37a an end 26b of a spiral spring so as to ensure the fixing of these on the housing as previously described. At the base of each pin 37, the cover 35 also comprises on its internal face a circular shoulder 35b whose dimensions correspond to the dimension of each internal cavity 23 of the heads 22 so as to allow the guiding in rotation of said connection heads.

With this construction, reliable rotation guidance of the connection heads is obtained, and the springs are held securely and securely.

The resulting weight machine is reliable, easy to use, light and easy to transport. It is also progressive and usable for rehabilitation or for disabled people, for example in a wheelchair.

The apparatus can be provided without means for adjusting the springs, as described, or with simultaneous or individual means for adjusting the springs of a type known per se and actuated for example an adjustment button 38 provided on the external face of the cover 35 of the housing (see Figure 2). Alternatively, it is possible to provide removable key type adjustment means acting individually or simultaneously on the springs, the advantage of a removable key being that it does not disturb the user in certain types of exercises as well as will see it later.

Figures 6 to 12 illustrate different modes of use of the apparatus according to the present invention.

First of all, Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the mode of use closest to that of conventional torsion bars. The user U holds the device closed by the free ends 11 of the arms, the device being oriented substantially vertically with the connection means 20 directed upwards, the user then spreads the arms against the force of the springs 26. This type of exercise makes it possible more particularly to work the pectoral, dorsal and forearm muscles. Note that in this type of exercise the handles 12 serve as a stop and prevent the user's hands from sliding up.

In the example of FIGS. 8 and 9, it can be seen that the user uses the dishes 32 of the housing 30 to bear respectively on the nape of the neck and the abdomen and thus make other muscles work and in particular the pectoral muscles and those of the shoulders. In this example of use, the curvature of the arms 10, in particular in the radius 51 over the length 11 closest to the housing 30 of the device is particularly important because it allows the neck to be left free and therefore makes it possible to execute correctly. movement In order to improve comfort, the so-called flat 32 may have a slightly curved shape, more ergonomic and better adapting to the shapes of the body. A more comfortable rubber-like coating can also be provided on these dishes 32.

In the case of FIGS. 10 and 11, the device is arranged vertically on the right side along the body of the user and held by the handles 12 by the user, this type of exercise makes it possible to work the bicep muscles, of the shoulders and forearm. In this type of position of the device, where the protective casing is close to the body, it is advantageous not to have means for adjusting the spring or the flattest possible or even removable adjustment means, removable key type, to avoid any protrusion along the body and therefore avoid any discomfort for the user. In the same vein, provision may be made for the handles 12 to be made removable, for example unclipping, by means of an associated mechanism and button or the like (not shown in the drawings).

In the case of Figure 12, the device is arranged in the back of the user, the user raising the arms up and back, in this type of exercise you can work the back muscles, trapezius and shoulder muscles.

Of course, other modes of using the device can be imagined for working the aforementioned muscles or even other muscles.

So we see that the bodybuilding device offers many possibilities of use and allows to work a large number of muscles. It is therefore very versatile, unlike conventional torsion bars and offers many more possibilities, while being inexpensive, light, mobile, more progressive and suitable for people with little or no muscle and without risk of ejection of the springs. It can also be used in a seated position and for example by disabled people.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of nonlimiting examples, but encompasses all similar or equivalent embodiments.

Claims (1)

Claims [Claim 1] Weight training machine (1) of portable type intended to be held in both hands by the user (U) and comprising two arms (10) each provided with gripping means by the user, characterized in that these two arms (10 ) are connected to each other at one of their ends (13) by rotary connection means (20,22), in that these rotary connection means are of gear type (25) for rotation mutual of said ends by meshing of said gear type connection means of the apparatus and in that these rotary connection means comprise means (26) of resistance to said rotation. [Claim 2] Weight training machine according to claim 1, characterized in that each arm (10) is provided at its mutual connection end (13) with a connection head (22) provided on at least part of its periphery of teeth (25) able to mesh with the teeth (25) of the connection end (13) of the other arm. [Claim 3] Strength training device according to claim 2, characterized in that the teeth (25) extend over an arc of a circle of approximately 90 ° from the connection head (22) of each arm. [Claim 4] Weight training machine according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rotation resistance means (26) are of the spring type. [Claim 5] Strength training apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that each connection head (22) is provided with a cavity (23) in which is housed a spring (26) for biasing the associated arm, each spring ( 26) urging the associated arm according to a determined direction of rotation. [Claim 6] Weight training machine according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a protective housing (30) of the rotary connection. R011259 FR RDR Texte.docx [Claim 7] Strength training apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the housing has shoulders (35b) for guiding the rotation of the connection heads. [Claim 8] Weight training machine according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the resistance of the springs (26) to the rotation of the connection heads is adjustable. [Claim 9] Strength training apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each arm (10) has at least one curvature according to a determined radius of curvature (R1, R2). [Claim 10] Weight training machine according to claim 9, characterized in that the radius of curvature R1 is about 263 mm and in that the radius of curvature R2 is about 512mm.