WO1993025283A1

WO1993025283A1 - Muscle training device

Info

Publication number: WO1993025283A1
Application number: PCT/EP1993/001392
Authority: WO
Inventors: Viatcheslav Kusmitch Zaitsev
Original assignee: Promotech Corporation
Priority date: 1992-06-05
Filing date: 1993-06-03
Publication date: 1993-12-23
Also published as: EP0598087A1; DE4218646A1; JPH07501477A

Abstract

A muscle training device has an arrangement (15) for receiving a user and an actuating member (10) linked to one end of a traction element (6) and kinematically linked by the traction element (6) to a height-adjustable weighting unit in such a way that when the actuating member (10) is moved in one direction the weighting unit is lifted and when the actuating member (10) is moved in the opposite direction the weighting unit is lowered. In order to reduce the weight of the device, the weighting unit is constituted by the receiving arrangement (15), which is mounted so as to be height-adjustable, so that the weight of the body of the user is used as the load.

Description

Muscle training device

The invention relates to a device for muscle training according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Generic devices for muscle training are known in which the actuating member, for example a pull rod, is connected to a weight unit via a rope guided over guide rollers, to which unit any number of weights can be attached.

Due to the required weights, the total weight of the known device is very high. On the one hand, this complicates the transportation of the device. On the other hand, it requires a high load-bearing capacity of the floor on which the known device is installed. Finally, the cost of materials is also great.

In many cases, for example in the case of a physiotherapeutic treatment, it is desirable to keep the physical strain on a person using the device in a certain ratio to their body weight. For this purpose, it is necessary in the known device to measure the weight of the user, to calculate the required relative load and to set the calculated load by appropriately selecting the number of weights. However, this is very cumbersome.

The invention has for its object to provide a device for muscle training with structurally simple means, which has a low weight in relation to the possible physical stress and in which Ratio between the body weight of the user and the load to be exerted is the same for every user regardless of their body weight.

This object is achieved on the basis of the generic state of the art by the characterizing features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the device for muscle training according to the invention are the subject of claims 2 to 20.

The device for muscle training according to the invention is light in weight since, apart from the weight of the user on the receiving device, no additional weights are required. The device according to the invention is therefore easy to transport and can be set up on floors with low load-bearing capacity.

In addition, a very effective muscle training can be carried out with the device according to the invention, since the relationship between the body weight of the user and the load for each user is always the same regardless of their body weight.

The muscles of the user are stressed by the body weight both when the receiving device is raised and when it is lowered, since the user is prevented from letting go of the actuating member in the raised position. This strain in both directions of movement ensures effective muscle building.

The device according to the invention is structurally very simple. In addition, it is very quiet to operate, since it contains no weights that fall down after the actuating member is released or generate noise when it is moved by vibration. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. It shows:

Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of a device for muscle training with a two-armed lever.

FIG. 2 shows a second variant of the device for muscle training from FIG. 1;

3 shows a third variant of the device for muscle training from FIG. 1;

4 shows a second embodiment of the device for muscle raining;

5 shows a second variant of the device for muscle training from FIG. 4 with a pair of levers in a first position;

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the device of Fig. 5;

7 shows a third embodiment of the device for muscle training with a pair of levers mounted on handlebars in a first position;

FIG. 8 shows the device from FIG. 7 in a second position;

9 shows the device from FIG. 5 in a second position;

10 shows a fourth embodiment of the device for muscle training with a curve element; Fig. 11 is a rear view of the device of Fig. 10;

FIG. 12 shows the device from FIG. 10 with a second variant of the curve element;

13 shows the device from FIG. 10 with a third variant of the curve element;

14 shows a curve element in a pivoted position.

The device shown in FIG. 1 has a horizontal frame 1, from the surface of which a vertical support 3 extends. A two-armed lever 2 is mounted on the support 3 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis 4 in the vertical plane. On an arm 17 of the two-arm lever 2, a receiving device 15 for a user is fastened, which has a seat surface 44 and a backrest 43 connected to it in an articulated manner. Handles 18 are attached to the sides of the seat surface 44. In front of the seat surface 44 there is an actuating element 10, which is formed by a sliding block 12 which is slidably mounted on a guide 11 parallel to the surface of the two-armed lever 2. A bearing surface 13 is attached to the side of the sliding block 12 facing the receiving device 15. The support surface 13 serves to support the feet of a user so that the user can exert a force directed in the direction of the support 3 on the sliding block 12.

One end of a flexible cable 6 serving as a tension element is also attached to the sliding block 12. The rope 6 runs around three deflection rollers 14, the first of which is below the seat surface 44 on the arm 17, the second is attached to the frame 1 below the first and the third to the frame 1 below the arm 16.

The other end of the cable 6 is fastened to one of several fastening points 7 of the arm 16 by means of a rod 5 serving as a fastening element.

A damper 8 is attached below the end of the arm 17 facing away from the support 3. For example, three receptacles for the pivot axis 4 are provided on the support 3 in the vertical direction, as a result of which the height of the attachment of the two-armed lever 2 can be adjusted.

The leg muscles can be trained with the device of FIG. 1. For this, the user sits on the seat 44. Its weight is indicated by the arrow P in FIG. 1. The user places his feet on the support surface 13 of the sliding block 12. To carry out the exercise, the user exerts a force F directed towards the support 3 with his feet on the sliding block 12. As a result, a tensile force is applied to the cable 6, which acts on the arm 16 via the cable 6 at the fastening point 7 of the rod 5. The arm 16 is pivoted downward by this pulling force. At the same time, the arm 17 moves upwards and lifts the user sitting on the receiving device 15.

The weight of the user is thus used as the load weight. The relationship between the user's body weight and the load can be adjusted by changing the length of the lever arms. For this purpose, the rod 5 can be fastened at different fastening points 7 or the lever 2 can be mounted on the support 3 at different points. In the variants shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the lever is angled or the shape of its arms 16 and 17 is different. The two-armed lever 2 is fastened by the pivot axis 4 on the support 3 of the frame 1 below the receiving device 15. Fastening devices 19 are provided on the front of the seat surface 44, to which, for example (not shown here), the slide block 12 is attached with its guide 11. Further fastening devices 19 are attached to the frame. Actuating elements 10 for various exercises can be fastened to the fastening devices.

In the variant shown in FIG. 2, a concave support 21 is fastened on the arm 17 of the lever 2, in which a roller 20 of a vertical support 23 attached to the receiving device 15 is received. The support bracket 23 is vertically displaceably mounted in a guide 9. A plurality of fastening points 7 for a rod 5 are provided in the arm 16 along its length, to which one end of the flexible cable 6 is attached.

The arm 16 of the two-armed lever 2 can, as shown in FIG. 3, be bent, as a result of which its possible path length when the lever 2 is pivoted is increased. The support bracket 23 of the receiving device 15 is formed by a frame part which is supported on the arm 17 of the lever 2 by means of a link 24.

The devices according to FIGS. 2 and 3 function similarly to the device from FIG. 1. When the actuating member 10 shown in FIG. 1 is attached, the receiving device 15 is raised vertically when pressure is exerted on the contact surface 13, whereas it is at 1 is pivoted with the lever 2.

The second embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 4 has a U-shaped frame 1, the legs 1 'of which extend vertically upwards. Above the frame 1 there is a horizontal platform 26 on which the receiving device 15 is attached. An actuating member 10 is attached in front of the receiving device 15 in the same way as in the device of FIG. 1, to which one end of the cable 6 is fastened. The platform 26 is vertically displaceably supported on the legs 1 'by guides 9. At the end face of the legs 1 'of the U-shaped frame 1, dampers 8 are attached, on which the platform 26 is supported in a relief position.

On the underside of the platform 26, a vertically extending support 32 is attached, at the end facing away from the platform 26 a two-armed lever 2 is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 4, so that the two arms 16, 17 each extend outward from the pivot axis 4 extend. The end of one arm 17 of the lever 2 facing away from the support 32 is provided with a slide bearing 29 which is guided in a horizontal guide 28. This articulated connection 27 ensures that the lever 2 can be pivoted in the vertical plane, one end of the arm 17 being guided horizontally.

The cable 6 fastened to the actuating member 10 is guided around a guide roller 14 fastened to the platform 26 and with its other end with a rod 5 at a fastening point 7 of the other arm 16 of the lever 2 attached. The end of the arm 16 facing away from the support 32 rests on the damper 8 in a relief position of the device.

The support 32 is constructed in two parts and its length can be adjusted by means of a threaded sleeve 25. A series of fastening points 30 are provided on the platform 26 for fastening the support 32 to the platform 26. The lever action and thus the force F to be applied to the actuating member 10 can be adjusted by a corresponding choice of the attachment of the support 32 to the platform 26 and to a fastening point 7 of the lever 2.

The variant of the embodiment of FIG. 4 shown in FIG. 5 has two pairs (FIG. 6) of symmetrically arranged two-armed levers 2, 2a, which are connected to one another by a joint 33. On the underside of the platform 26, a pair of support strips 36 is fastened as a support, the support strips 31 of which are rigidly connected to one another and, in the relief position of the device, run parallel to the levers 2 and 2a. The support strips 31 also have fastening points 7, which are arranged vertically above the fastening points 7 of the levers 2, 2a in the relief position. The Befestigungs¬ provide 7 of the support strips 31 also serve to Befe¬ stigung _<one end of the support 32. The supports 32 are arranged symmetrically to the joint 33rd

The joints 33 of the levers 2 and 2a of the two pairs of levers are connected to one another by a hinge axis 35 (FIG. 6) on which a fastening unit 53 for the other end of the flexible cable 6 is attached. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the ends of the arms 16 and 17 facing away from the support 32 are connected in an articulated manner to one end of a link 39, the other end of which is articulated to the frame 1. This hinge connection 38 ensures a rotational and translational movement of the levers 2, 2a.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show positions of the supports 32 in which the relationship between the body weight of the user and his load is maximum or minimum.

In the devices shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, when a force F is exerted on the support surface 13, a tensile force is also applied to the cable 6, as a result of which the hinge axis 35 (FIG. 6) and the joints 33 of the pairs of levers 2 and 2a are raised.

5, the levers 2 and 2a move during lifting due to the rotation about the joint 27 and the translational movement of the slide bearing 29 in the horizontal guide 28 into a horizontal dead center position and then move in reverse Direction so that they assume the position shown in Fig. 9.

In the device shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the levers 2 and 2a perform a similar movement when the link 39 is pivoted.

When the levers 2 and 2a move, the supports 32 are simultaneously displaced. The supports 32 in turn raise the support strips 31 and thus the platform 26, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In doing so, - lü ¬

conditions the guides 9 of the horizontal platform 26 along the vertical legs 1 'of the frame 1, whereby a linear displacement of the platform 26 together with the receiving device 15, the user and the actuator 10 is ensured. The height by which the platform 26 rises is dependent on the set ratio between the body weight of the user and the force which he applies to move the sliding block 12 of the actuating member 10. When the force exerted by the user on the sliding block 12 of the actuating member 10 is reduced, the tension of the flexible cable 6 decreases, so that the cable 6 moves in the opposite direction due to the body weight. As a result, the sliding block 12 and the levers 2, 2a are returned to the starting position. At the same time, the horizontal platform 26 is lowered onto the frame 1 with the user. The dampers 8, onto which the platform 26 and the hinge 33 lower, dampen the platform 26 when it drops with a sudden reduction in the force exerted on the actuator 10.

The relationship between the body weight of the user and the load is adjusted by adjusting the supports 32 in the fastening points 7 of the levers 2, 2a and the support strips 31 and by fastening the supports 32 by means of securing elements.

8 shows a position of the supports 32 in which the force to be exerted by the user on the actuating member 10 for lifting the horizontal platform 26 together with the user is minimal, since the entire length of the levers 2 and 2a is used for the lever action . 9 shows a position of the supports 32 in which the supports 32 are at a maximum distance from the support points of the levers 2 and 2a on the frame 1, which is why the force to be exerted by the user on the actuating member 10 is at a maximum.

In the embodiments of the device for muscle training shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, instead of a two-armed lever 2, a curve element 42 is provided, the convex peripheral surface 47 of which faces the receiving device 15. A plurality of openings are provided on the side surfaces of the curve element 42 as fastening points 7 for receiving a fastening element, for example a rod 5, to which the other end of the flexible cable 6 is fastened. The length of the lever can also be changed here by adjusting the rod 5 in the fastening points 7.

The pivot axis 4 of the curve element 42 is offset with respect to its geometric axis of symmetry. As shown in FIG. 10, only one curve element 42 can be provided. However, as shown in FIG. 11, two curve elements 46 can also be provided. The support bracket 23 of the receiving device 15 has a support bracket which is formed by two braces 49, 50 which are arranged at an angle to one another and on which a roller 22 is rotatably mounted. The roller 22 is supported on the convex peripheral surface 47 of the curve element 42. The struts 49 and 50 are attached to the underside of the seat surface 44 of the receiving device 15. Guides 9 are attached to frame 1 for vertical guidance of struts 50. In the device shown in FIG. 12, the surface 47 of the cam element 42 facing the receiving device 15 is curvilinear, with as many fastening points 7 for the rod 5 being provided on the side surface of the cam element 42 as in the case of the The curve element 42 shown in FIG. 10. The arrangement of the pivot axis 4 of the curve element 42 and the support of the roller 22 on the circumferential surface 47 are similar to the embodiment of the curve element 42 according to FIG. 10. Due to the curvilinear design of the curved surface 47 the course of the load can be controlled.

In the variant according to FIG. 13, an arcuate support surface 52 is formed in the lower part of the seat surface 44 of the receiving device 15. The support surface 52 is supported on the curved surface of the curve element 42. A strut 50 is also attached to the underside of the seat surface 44 and is mounted in the guide 9 provided on the frame 1.

As in all the embodiments shown, the actuating member 10 is removably attached so that various exercises can be carried out with the same device. Fastening elements 19 for various actuating members 10 are therefore attached to the frame 1 and the receiving device, which enable the actuating members 10 to be attached to the frame 1 or to the receiving device 15 depending on the type of exercise to be performed fasten.

Depending on the goals and tasks of the training exercise and on the type and group of muscles that are to be trained, one of the actuating organs 10 is activated a fastening element 19 attached to the frame 1 or to the receiving device 15.

The exercise "pushing with the legs" is carried out with the device of FIG. 10. The user takes a seat on the seat 44, fixes the backrest 43 in a comfortable position, puts the feet on the support surface 13 and grips the handles 18 with the hands. By applying a force F with the legs to the support surface 13 the user moves the sliding block 12 on the guide 11, exerting a tensile force on the cable 6. The cable 6 guided over the guide rollers 14 pulls on the rod 48, which is inserted at the fastening points 7 of the curve element 42. As a result, the cam element 42 is pivoted by an angle α about the pivot axis 4 because of its eccentric arrangement. The roller 22 runs on the arcuate circumferential surface 47 and moves the holding device 15 together with the user seated on the seat 44 via the struts 49, 50. This strains the leg muscles. If the force exerted by the feet gradually decreases, the receiving device 15 moves downward due to the body weight of the user. The user is also burdened with lowering the force. The curve element then returns to the relief position. The exercise is then repeated several times.

The length of the lever arm can be changed by inserting the rod 48 into the various fastening points 7 of the cam element 42. By changing the length of the lever arm (the distance of the pivot axis 4 of the curve element 42 from the corresponding fastening point 7, in which the rod 5 with the one end of the flexible cable 6 attached to it is inserted), the ratio can be changed can be adjusted between the user's body weight and the user's physical stress. The physical load on the user depends on the following factors:

a) the user's body weight; b) the weight of the receiving device; c) the weight of the actuators; d) the length of the lever arm (r _x , r ₂ , ... r _n in Fig. 10); e) the mass of additional weight that can be placed on the cradle if desired.

However, the structure of the device also makes it possible to balance the weight of the receiving device and the actuating organs, so that the physical load depends solely on the body weight of the user.

The device can be used not only for muscle training, but also as a lifting device for loads other than the user.

Claims

1. Muscle training device, with

- A recording device (15) for a user, and

- An actuating member (10) connected to one end of a pulling element (6), which is kinematically connected via the pulling element (6) with a height-adjustable weight unit in such a way that when the actuating member (10) moves in the weight unit is raised in one direction and the weight unit is lowered when moving in the other direction, characterized in that

- That the weight unit of the receiving device (15) is formed, which is mounted displaceably in height, so that the body weight of the user is used as a weight.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the other end (5) of the tension element (6) with an arm (16) of a pivotable in the vertical plane gela¬ gerten two-armed lever (2) is connected, on its other arm (17) the receiving device (15) is supported (Fig. 1, 2, 3).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that on the other arm (17) a concave support (21) is attached, in which the receiving device (15) is supported (Fig. 2).

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that on one arm (16) a plurality of fastening points (7, 30) for the other end of the Zugele¬ elements (6) are provided, the distance to the swivel axis (4) of the two-armed lever (2) is different (Fig. 1 to 8).

5. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a downwardly extending support (23) is attached to the receiving device (15), which is arranged in a frame (1) attached vertical guide ( 9) is mounted and a roller (22) is attached to the lower end for support (FIG. 2).

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the other end (5) of the tension element (6) is connected to a pivotally mounted in the vertical plane curve element (42), on the peripheral surface (47) of which the receiving device (15) supports (Fig. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the pivot axis (4) of the curve element (42) to the axis of symmetry of the curve element (42) is arranged offset (Fig. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14).

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the peripheral surface (47) of the curve element (42) on the receiving device (15) facing side is convex (Fig. 10).

9. The device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the peripheral surface (47) of the curve element (42) on the receiving device (15) facing side is curvilinear (Fig. 12).

10. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that on the cam element (42) a plurality of fastening points (7) for the other end of the Zug¬ elements (6) are provided, the distance from the pivot axis (4) is different ( 10, 12, 13, 14).

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that below the receiving device (15) at least one support lever (37) is provided which is movably supported at one end in its pivot plane that the receiving device (15) from the support lever (37) and a support (32) is carried and that the other end (5) of the tension element (6) is fastened to the carrying lever (37), the receiving device (15) being displaceably guided in height (FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7,

8, 9).

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that on the underside of the receiving device (15) at least one support device (26, 36) is provided, on each of which one end of the support (32) is fastened, the other end of which The support lever (37) is fastened, and that the support lever (37) and the support device (36) have a number of fastening points (34) for fastening the respective end of the supports (32) (FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8) , 9).

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the length of the support (32) is adjustable

(Fig. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).

14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the row of attachment points (7) of the support lever (37) in a relief position parallel to the row of attachment points (7) of the support device (26, 36) (Fig. 5th , 7, 8).

15. Device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the one end of the support lever (37) is horizontally displaceable and pivotable in a guide (28) (Fig. 4, 5).

16. Device according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that one end of the support lever (37) is articulated to one end of a link (39), the other end of which is pivotably mounted on a frame (1) is (Fig. 7, 8).

17. Device according to one of claims 11 to 16 da¬ characterized in that at least one pair of hinged at its other end interconnected support lever (37) is provided, and that the other end of the tension element (6) on the hinge axis (35) of Pair of support levers (37) is attached

(Fig. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9).

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized by a plurality of juxtaposed pairs of support levers (37) which are interconnected by a hinge axis (35) (Fig. 6).

19. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating member (10) is attached to the receiving device (15).

20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating member (10) is attached to a frame (1).

21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that actuators (10) are removably attached for various exercises.