WO2006106229A1

WO2006106229A1 - Muscular exercise device provided with stroke generator(s)

Info

Publication number: WO2006106229A1
Application number: PCT/FR2006/000748
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernard Comet
Original assignee: Medes - Institut De Medecine Et Physiologie Spatiales
Priority date: 2005-04-06
Filing date: 2006-04-05
Publication date: 2006-10-12
Also published as: ES2321555T3; EP1871492B1; DE602006004980D1; FR2884152B1; ATE421365T1; FR2884152A1; EP1871492A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a muscular exercise device (1) comprising at least one mechanism which is movable by cycling movements of a user and makes it possible to develop muscular efforts by the user during said movements and means for transmitting strokes to the user, wherein the strokes generated by the user' movements are used for actuating the mechanism(s). The inventive device is characterised in that it comprises at least one stroke generator (2) embodied in the form of an autonomous system which is incorporated into the mechanism(s) and is provided with at least two mounting terminals (27, 28) enabling said generator to be incorporated into the mechanism. Said stroke generator produces strokes, possibly adjustable in amplitude, in response to movements carried out and/or efforts delivered by the user and transmits said strokes to the mechanism by means of mounting terminals.

Description

MUSCLE EXERCISE APPARATUS WITH IMPACT GENERATOR (S)

The invention applies to the technical field of muscle exercise apparatus for the execution of movements and the development of muscular efforts by a user, which furthermore make it possible to transmit impacts or shocks to the user during his movements.

The aging of the populations on the one hand, their sedentarisation and the development of certain technologies and in particular the means of communication on the other hand, which have led to a profound change of lifestyles and a significant decrease of the physical activity in the of men, are now leading to a significant increase in bone deficiencies or diseases such as osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is manifested by a loss of bone mass and a deterioration of bone microarchitecture, which increases the risk of fracture including fracture of the neck of the femur, spine and wrist. Few warning symptoms can be used to diagnose this disease, which is often only detected after a first fracture.

According to statistics provided by the World Health Organization in 2001, for the European Union (which had about 370 million inhabitants in 2001): a fracture due to osteoporosis occurs every 30 seconds; Osteoporosis affects 20 to 30% of postmenopausal women, 50% of women over 60 and 13% of men over 50; the annual number of hip fractures, which now stands at 400,000, is expected to reach one million in the next 50 years; the hospital costs generated are estimated at more than 23 billion euros per year. The decline of osteoporosis and other bone deficiency is therefore one of the major economic challenges of our societies.

There are various medications for osteoporosis (including hormone replacement therapy with estrogen and progestin for postmenopausal women), which is now known to have adverse side effects (risk of cancer development). breast, ...) can exceed the benefits. On the other hand, the majority of scientists agree that bone tissue resistance can be improved, usually without side effects, by the application of adequate loads and / or mechanical impacts. Recent studies have in particular shown that the application of impacts reproducing the shocks generated on the skeleton by walking or running, made it possible to reduce the importance of certain bone deteriorations (demineralization, etc.) induced by a sedentary life. Admittedly, osteoporosis is part of a complex mechanism influenced by many factors. But some scientists assume that the absence of adequate mechanical stimulation is the main factor of bone loss. This is why impact generating devices have been developed, among which we can mention the vibrating platforms and rocking platforms such as those described by US 5 484 388, EP 427 732, CA 1 326 188 and WO 90/06789. Whether mechanical or electrical, the impacts generated by these devices are triggered automatically and regularly according to a preprogrammed frequency, regardless of the attitude and possible movements of the user, who normally must remain passive and immobile .

At the same time, musculoskeletal equipment has also been developed in an anecdotal way, integrating means for transmitting impacts on the user into a user-driven kinematic chain. US 4,149,715 discloses various upper limb muscular exercise apparatuses which successively combine isotonic exercises and isometric impacts. These devices have one or two levers, the operation of which is initially opposed (isotonic exercise phase) to the force of compression or return of a spring, until the lever exceeds a position of given release, beyond which it is either released from the action of the spring, or assisted by it in the pursuit of its race, until it comes to a stop against an impact block that stops it (phase isometric impact). Each impact therefore results from the shock, on a fixed block, of the lever moved by the user. The impact is initiated by the passage of the lever to the right of the release position. The intensity of the impact depends on the force exerted by the user on the lever throughout the movement. It also depends on the ability of the impact block to absorb shocks and the length of the free or assisted path traveled by the lever between the release position and the impact block. But these last two parameters result from intrinsic structural characteristics specific to each device; they can not be modified. The devices of US 4,149,715 strengthen both the musculature and the bone structure of the upper limbs. But they have the following disadvantages:

- they are exclusively intended for the exercise of the upper limbs; - they do not allow any control of the intensity of the shocks suffered by the user. Indeed, this intensity only depends, for a given device, the force exerted by the user on the lever.

The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages by proposing, for all or most of the human skeleton (upper limbs but also and especially lower limbs, hips, spine ...), a range of devices for muscular exercise and bone stimulation by impacts, the design of which stems from a common principle.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus for muscular exercise and bone stimulation by impacts in which the intensity of the impacts transmitted to the user can be modulated, with a view, for example, to adapt this intensity to the morphology and / or the pathology of the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide muscle exercise equipment and bone stimulation by impact whose cost is only slightly higher than conventional muscle exercise devices (without impact) of the same destination.

The invention relates to a muscular exercise apparatus comprising:

at least one mechanism adapted to be able to be moved by cyclical movements of a user and allow the development of muscular efforts by the user during these movements, means for transmitting impacts to the user, the impacts being initiated by the movements executed by the user to move the (or one of) the mechanism (s).

The apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises at least one impact generator produced by an autonomous assembly, which is attached to the (or one of) mechanism (s) and has at least two terminals. for mounting it within the mechanism, said impact generator being adapted to produce impacts in response to the movements performed and / or the forces provided by the user and transmit these impacts to said mechanism via its terminals mounting.

The fact that the impact generator according to the invention is an autonomous set reported in the mechanism means, on the one hand, that it is produced from elements distinct from those constituting the mechanism, and on the other hand that the mechanism is able to fulfill its function (to be moved by cyclical movements of a user) in the absence of the impact generator.

It should be noted that, thus integrated into the mechanism of the muscular exercise apparatus, the impact generator at least partially undergoes the forces cyclically applied by the user to the mechanism.

The basic principle underlying the design of the invention is to provide an impact generator that can be integrated within various types of known muscle exercise apparatus, possibly with slight adjustments to allow Assemble the impact generator to existing elements of the device.

The impacts are initiated by the movements and / or efforts of the user, but are produced by the generator. The invention is radically different from known impact generating devices, the operation of which is completely independent of any movements or efforts of the user (the latter being on the contrary requested to remain passive and to provide no effort). It also moves away from US 4,149,715 or other known muscle exercising apparatus incorporating impact transmission means, in which the impacts result from the impact of an element of the mechanism (lever moved by the user) against a stop mechanism (which abutment alone achieves the impact transmission means) and are not produced by an impact generator. The integration, according to the invention, of a real impact generator in the mechanism offers the possibility, not only to decline a whole range of devices of various destinations from the same model of impact generator, but also to control the intensity of the impacts applied to the user.

In addition, according to the mounting of the impact generator within the mechanism and according to its mode of operation, the impacts can be applied to the user in muscular effort phases (contrary to US 4,149,715, where the phases of isotonic exercise and isometric impact are necessarily successive), which enhances the effectiveness and safety of exercise.

Advantageously and according to the invention:

the impact generator is arranged in the mechanism so as to undergo between its mounting terminals, in a direction of the generator said axial direction, a resultant instantaneous force, called axial force, non-zero during at least one period of each cycle of user movements,

- The impact generator is adapted to produce at least one impact during a cycle of movements of the user if the axial force during this cycle exceeds a predetermined threshold value, said impact trigger value. In this embodiment, taking into account the arrangement of the impact generator in the mechanism, the forces cyclically applied by the user to the mechanism result at least by an axial force of compression or traction imposed on the generator. . This axial force triggers the production of at least one impact when it exceeds a certain value (in this embodiment, an impact is therefore produced in response to a user-supplied effort).

Advantageously and according to the invention, the impact generator comprises means for selecting or adjusting the impact trigger value. According to a first version of the invention, the impact generator advantageously has one or more of the following characteristics:

the impact generator comprises two members guided in translation relative to one another in the axial direction of the generator, between a position, called an armed position, and a position, called an impact position, in which a face , said impact face, of one of the organs, said effector member is in abutment against a limit stop of the other member, said receiving member;

each member is secured to a mounting terminal of its own, and the impact generator comprises a locking device, adapted to hold the two members in the armed position and to allow axial translation of the effector member, in a direction in the sense of impact, towards the limit stop only when the axial force experienced by the impact generator is greater than the impact trigger value. Each member being secured to a mounting terminal, the mechanical assembly formed by the two members is therefore subjected, inter alia, to the axial force. The unlocking of the locking means, which occurs when the axial force exceeds the impact trigger value, therefore causes the release of the members and their relative displacement in the direction of impact under the effect of the axial force, until the effector member abuts against the end stop of the receiving member, thereby producing an impact;

the impact generator comprises a return spring, referred to as a reset spring, arranged between the effector member and the receiver member so as to be compressed when the members are in the impact position and to be able to place the members in position again. army. This return spring therefore makes it possible to rearm the impact generator for a new impact.

In this first version of the invention, the intensity (that is to say the amplitude) of the impacts produced by the impact generator depends on the following parameters: the intensity of the axial force undergone by the generator (the latter being transmitted to the effector and receiver members through the mounting terminals), which results from the forces applied by the user;

- the impact trigger value, which conditions the efforts that the user must develop in order to be able to receive an impact and benefit from its exercise; the axial force therefore also indirectly depends on the impact trigger value. As previously defined, the impact generator advantageously comprises means for selecting or adjusting the impact trigger value. These means thus indirectly make it possible to modulate the impacts applied to the user. They make it possible to choose an impact trigger value depending not only on the morphology of the user and / or the muscles urged to initiate the impacts (depending on the type of muscle exercise machine), but also on the pathology and / or desired intensity of impacts; - The length of the path (or stroke), said free path, traveled by the effector member relative to the receiving member between the armed position and the impact position, that is to say between the trigger (unlocking locking means) and impact. Note that this path is called "free" in the sense that the effector member is unlocked and can be moved in the direction of impact under the effect of the axial force, although said member is subjected to the force of compression of the reset spring. Advantageously and according to the invention, the impact generator comprises means for adjusting the length of the free path of the effector member, in order to allow modulation of the impacts applied to the user; the stiffness of the resetting spring and its compression ratio when the members are in the impact position. These parameters can be modified-for example by choosing an appropriate stiffness spring or by changing the position of the reset spring in the generator to adjust the compression ratio of the spring in the impact position-from one generator to another , in order to predetermine impact intensity ranges in function, on the one hand, of the type of muscular exercise apparatus and of the parts of the skeleton intended to receive the impacts, and on the other hand the type of user (man, woman, child ...) for which the muscular exercise apparatus is intended;

- The constituent material of the limit stop, and in particular its ability to absorb shocks. This material can be chosen according to the destination of the impact generator (type of muscle exercise machine in which the generator is integrated and parts of the skeleton receiving the impacts, type and morphology of the target user -man, woman , child-, etc.). Advantageously and according to the invention, the limit stop is made of a material capable of absorbing shocks, in order to avoid the production of shocks of the metal impact type, which are harmful to the user's joints.

It can therefore be seen that, unlike the known apparatuses combining muscle exercise and bone stimulation, a muscle exercise apparatus according to the invention has means for modulating the intensity of the impacts received by the user (means for adjusting the length of the free path of the effector member, and also means for selecting or adjusting the impact trigger value). The invention also makes it possible to modulate the intensity of these impacts from one exercise machine to another, by playing on other parameters (stiffness and position of the rearming spring, ability of the end stop to absorb shocks ...). Advantageously and according to the invention, according to a first embodiment of the first version of the invention, the impact generator also has one or more of the following characteristics:

the effector member comprises a piston; the receiving member comprises a hollow cylindrical body in which said piston can slide; the limit stop is for example made or carried by a bottom or an internal shoulder of said cylindrical body;

the piston has a tapping for fixing a mounting terminal at each of its axial ends; the receiving member comprises a cap at each of the axial ends of the cylindrical body, each cap having an axial through-hole opposite the tapping of the piston and fastening means (for example threads) of a mounting terminal. Such a generator impact therefore has four means for fixing mounting terminals, which, as will be explained later, allow the generator to be used either in tension or in compression;

one of the covers of the receiving member forms or carries the end stop and is screwed onto the cylindrical body so that the position of said abutment relative to the cylindrical body is adjustable (by screwing or unscrewing the cover) . As a result, the position of said stop relative to the piston (effector member) in the armed position is adjustable. But the relative position of the stop and the piston determines the length of the free path of the piston. The hood and the threads conjugated said hood and the cylindrical body are therefore means for adjusting the length of the free path of the effector member, which can modulate the intensity of impacts produced;

- The locking device comprises at least one radial bore formed in the piston, wherein are housed a ball, said locking ball, and a compression spring, said locking spring, which is supported on the one hand on a bottom the bore and secondly on said locking ball; said locking spring is adapted so that, when at rest, the locking ball extends radially projecting from the piston; it is also adapted to be compressible at least until the locking ball extends completely inside the bore; each bore cooperates with a radial shoulder (which is part of the locking device) formed in the cylindrical body so that, when the effector and receiver members are in the armed position, the ball extends radially projecting from the piston and the shoulder retains said ball in the axial direction and in the direction of impact, Advantageously and according to the invention, according to a second embodiment of the first version, the locking device further comprises:

an axial bore formed in the piston so as to communicate with each radial bore, a piece, called a control cone, inserted in the axial bore and adapted to be able to slide in this bore, said adjustment cone having a bevelled end,

for each radial bore, an anchor inserted in the radial bore so as to provide the bottom of said bore (on which the locking spring is supported), said pin being adapted to be able to slide in the radial bore and bear in abutment against the beveled end of the adjustment cone,

means for adjusting, in the axial direction, the position of the control cone in the axial bore relative to the piston, these means comprising, for example, an axial spring extending between the control cone and the bottom of the axial bore, and secondly a screw passing through a cylindrical lumen arranged axially in the control cone, and coming to anchor in the piston (at the bottom of the axial bore).

The axial bore, the adjusting cone, the pins and the means for adjusting the axial position of the cone of the locking device form means for adjusting the impact release value. In fact, by varying the axial position of the adjustment cone, the radial position of each of the pins (the latter being based on the bevelled end of the cone) is modified, and each locking spring is further expanded or compressed. thus modifying the locking force exerted by each spring on the associated ball.

Advantageously and according to the invention, according to a third embodiment of the first version of the invention, the generator has one or more of the following characteristics:

the effector member comprises a body, said impactor body, slidably mounted in the axial direction in an impact generator housing,

the receiving member is for example essentially constituted by a wall of the housing opposite, in the axial direction, of the impactor body or by a stud fixedly mounted in the housing opposite the impactor body,

- The locking device comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnet fixedly mounted in the housing and adapted to cooperate with the impactor body of the effector member. The use of an electromagnet is preferred in that it offers the possibility of adjusting the impact trigger value, by modifying the intensity and / or the voltage of the current delivered to the electromagnet (which current defines the force of attraction exerted by the electromagnet on the impactor body). Note that, in this embodiment, one of the mounting terminals may be directly attached to the impactor body of the effector member, while the other mounting terminal is attached to the housing or part of the generator fixed mounting in the housing, such as the locking device or the pad of the receiving member (in any case, this mounting terminal is firmly attached to the receiving member, the latter being fixed relative to the housing).

The invention is applicable to many types of muscle exercise apparatus.

A muscular exercise apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one mechanism in which is reported an impact generator according to the invention. It should be noted that, generally, this mechanism comprises at least one resistive element (jack, spring ...) increasing the muscular efforts that the user must develop to move the mechanism. But it is not excluded that the mechanism is devoid of own resistive element, other than the impact generator itself which, in the case of a telescopic generator (effector organs and sliding receiver) whose impacts are triggered in response to a user-provided effort, opposes some resistance as long as the impact trigger value is not reached. It is also possible that the mechanism is completely devoid of resistive element, and that it integrates for example a non-telescopic impact generator whose impacts are triggered in response to a movement performed by the user to move the mechanism (and not to a degree of effort provided). However, this last case is of less interest, considering that the effectiveness and the safety of the exercise rest largely on the combination of muscular efforts and impacts. It is therefore preferable, when the operation of the impact generator responds to simple movements (and not to a degree of effort) of the user, that the mechanism further comprises at least one own resistive element. The invention particularly relates to an apparatus having two pedals each comprising a foot board pivotally mounted at an anterior end on a support board forming a base. The apparatus also includes two impact generators each associated with one of the pedals (a generator by pedal). Each generator extends under the footboard of the pedal, said generator being mounted between said footboard and the corresponding support board. Each impact generator is adapted to "work in compression", that is to say to produce an impact when it undergoes an axial compression force (greater than the impact trigger value) between its mounting terminals . Each impact generator provides resistance holding the kick board in a raised position as long as the force exerted by the user to depress the pedal is less than the impact trigger value and then permits pivoting of the kick board (at an angle corresponding to the stroke or free path of the effector member) when the impact release value is reached, to a depressed position of the pedal in which the impact occurs.

The user must then limit the force he exerts on the pedal to allow the

• rearming the impact generator. This device is especially for the elderly or weak or with reduced mobility. The impact trigger value is preferably set to a value less than or equal to the weight of the user; to operate the device, the user then performs simple rocking movements to transfer alternately its weight from one leg to the other, that is to say from one pedal to the other.

The invention also relates to muscle exercise apparatus with clean resistive elements. It relates in particular to a device, called "stepper", adapted to simulate walking and more particularly the ascent of a staircase. This apparatus comprises in particular two pedals pivoted at their front end and coupled to two cylinders (resistive elements). The apparatus advantageously comprises two impact generators, each mounted between one of the cylinders (a generator by jack) and a fixed part of the apparatus or between one of the cylinders and the associated pedal. Each impact generator is adapted to "work in traction", that is to say to produce an impact when it undergoes an axial force of traction (greater than the impact trigger value) between its mounting terminals.

The invention also relates to an apparatus, said rower, adapted to simulate the rower's gesture and comprising a sliding saddle, two foot boards and two swinging rim-shaped levers, associated with two jacks (resistive elements). The apparatus advantageously comprises two impact generators, each mounted between one of the levers (a generator by lever) and the associated jack. Each impact generator is suitable for working in tension.

The invention also relates to a rower equipped with a sliding harness, two levers and two cylinders as previously defined, and whose foot boards are pivotally mounted at their upper end within the apparatus. The apparatus advantageously comprises two impact generators each arranged at the front of one of the footboards (a generator per footboard), said generator being mounted between said footboard and a fixed part of the apparatus . Each impact generator is adapted to work in compression.

Note that it is possible to equip impact generators according to the invention, the pedals or other footboards of other types of muscle exercise apparatus, especially in the case where the user is brought to apply force on these pedals or footboards as part of normal use of the unit.

The invention also relates to an apparatus, called ergometric rowing machine, adapted to simulate the rower's action and comprising a sliding saddle, two foot boards pivotally mounted at their upper end within the apparatus, a spring wheel mounted rotary, a chain winding around the axis of rotation of the wheel, said chain being fixed to said axis at one end and being provided with a handle at the other end. Note that the spring (s) of the wheel, not only causes (s) the winding of the chain about the axis of the wheel, but also opposes (s) a resistance to the course of this- this. The apparatus advantageously comprises two impact generators each arranged at the front of one of the footboards (a generator per footboard), said generator being mounted between said foot board and a fixed part of the apparatus. Each generator is suitable for working in compression.

The invention extends to other types of muscle exercise apparatus equipped with impact generators according to the invention. The invention also relates to a muscular exercise apparatus characterized in combination by all or some of the features mentioned above and below.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description which refers to the appended figures representing preferred embodiments of the invention given solely by way of non-limiting examples.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first muscle exercise apparatus according to the invention, said simple pedals with impactors.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second muscle exercise apparatus according to the invention, said stepper.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a third muscle exercise apparatus according to the invention, said rowing machine.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a fourth muscle exercise apparatus according to the invention, also called rower. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fifth exercise machine according to the invention, said rower ergometer.

Figure 6 is an axial sectional view of a first embodiment of an impact generator according to the invention, without a mounting terminal. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the impact generator of Figure 6 working in tension, part of which is seen in axial section.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the impact generator of Figure 6 working in compression, part of which is seen in axial section.

Figure 9 is an axial sectional view of a second embodiment of an impact generator according to the invention, provided with mounting terminals so as to work in tension. Figure 10 is an axial sectional view of the second embodiment of the impact generator, provided with mounting terminals to work in compression.

Figure 11 is an axial sectional view of a third embodiment of an impact generator according to the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first muscle exercise apparatus 120 according to the invention, comprising two mechanisms each formed of a pedal comprising a foot board 121, 122 articulated on a support board 124, 125. Each foot board 121, 122 is pivotally mounted at its anterior end (the term "anterior" referring to the direction and direction of vision of a user using the apparatus) on its support board, about a transverse axis. The support boards 124, 125 are arranged in parallel and are connected by a shaft 123; their relative spacing is preferably adjustable to adapt to the morphology of the user. Each of the two pedals also incorporates an impact generator 2, arranged under the rear end of the foot board. Each impact generator is articulated on the one hand on the posterior end of the foot board via a first rod-shaped mounting terminal 28, and on the other hand on the rear end of the foot board. support board via a second mounting terminal. The mounting terminals of the impact generator are located at the axial ends thereof. Each impact generator 2 is similar to that shown in Figures 6 and 8; he works in compression, as explained later. The user stands on the pedals, placing his heels on the posterior ends of the foot boards 121, 122, above the impact generators. Depending on the setting chosen for the impact trigger value, the user alternately swings from one foot to the other (if the impact trigger value is set to correspond to a value less than or equal to its value). weight) or performs a forced march gesture by alternately pressing a pedal at each step (in the case of a higher impact trigger value). The impacts produced by the generators 2 are transmitted to the heels and therefore to the lower limbs of the user, via the foot boards 121, 122. Where appropriate, the apparatus is provided with a guardrail (not shown) on which the user can lean to balance himself.

FIG. 2 illustrates a second muscle exercise apparatus 1 according to the invention, called a "stepper" or walking simulator, adapted to simulate walking and more particularly ascending a staircase. This apparatus comprises, in known manner, a mast 32, two support and stabilization legs of said mast, a handlebar 33 at the top of the mast, on which the user can rest and balance, and two muscular exercise mechanisms arranged. on one side and the other side of the mast. Each mechanism comprises firstly a pedal 30, 31 pivotally mounted at its front end 34 about a transverse axis on a fixed part - in this case the front foot - of the apparatus, and secondly a jack 35, 36 (resistive element of the mechanism) arranged above the pedal. Said cylinder is articulated at its lower end on said pedal, in a central zone thereof. The rear portion of the pedal extending to the rear of the cylinder joint is adapted to receive a foot of the user.

According to the invention, each of the two mechanisms of the stepper also incorporates an impact generator 2, connected on the one hand to the upper end of the jack 35, 36 by a mounting terminal 27, and on the other hand to a crosspiece fixed by a mounting terminal 28, said cross member being carried by the mast 32. The mounting terminals 27, 28 of the impact generator are located at the axial ends thereof. The impact generator 2 is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7; he works in traction, as explained later. The user alternately presses one pedal and the other against the resistive effect of the cylinders, thus simulating a step. At each step, the force it exerts on the pedal that it depresses is translated by an axial traction force on the associated impact generator, which axial force triggers an impact (since it exceeds a threshold value ). The impacts produced by the generators are transmitted to the lower limbs of the user via the mounting terminals 27, the cylinders 35, 36 and the pedals 30, 31. As a variant, each impact generator extends between a cylinder and the associated pedal, and the impacts are transmitted to the user only through a mounting terminal of the generator and said pedal. FIG. 3 illustrates a third muscular exercise apparatus according to the invention, called rowing machine, adapted to simulate the rower's gesture. This apparatus comprises in a known manner a base preferably fixed to the ground, comprising a frame 51 and an axial central rail 46. The apparatus further comprises a sliding saddle 41 guided in translation on the rail 46 and on which can sit l two foot boards 44, 45 fixedly mounted on the base -in the example, on the rail 46- of the apparatus, as well as two muscular exercise mechanisms arranged on one side and the other of the Each mechanism comprises on the one hand a reaming lever 47, 48 pivotally mounted at its lower end 49, 50 about a transverse axis, on the base - in this case on a reinforcement. side of the frame 51- of the device. Each mechanism further comprises a cylinder 42, 43 (resistive element of the mechanism) arranged at the front of the lever, which cylinder is articulated at its front end on the base (namely on the aforementioned lateral reinforcement). The lever 47, 48 also has a gripping handle at its free upper end.

According to the invention, each of the two mechanisms of the rower also incorporates an impact generator 2, connected on the one hand to the rear end of the cylinder 42, 43 by a mounting terminal 27, and on the other hand to the lever 47, 48 (at an intermediate point thereof between its upper and lower ends) by a mounting terminal 28. The mounting terminals 27, 28 of the impact generator are located at the axial ends thereof. The impact generator 2 is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7; he works in traction. When the sliding harness and the levers are in the forward positions, the user, who has his legs flexed, pushes on his legs by pressing on the foot boards 44, 45, and then brings his hands towards his bust against the resistive effect jacks, moving the fifth wheel and the levers backwards. In doing so, it exerts a torque on each lever, which results in an axial traction force on each impact generator 2. When this pulling force exceeds a threshold value, an impact is triggered. Arrived in the rear position, the user relaxes his efforts, releasing the levers which are brought forward by the cylinders, which also cause the user and the sliding saddle to the front, while each impact generator is rearmed. The impacts produced by the generators are transmitted to the upper limbs of the user via the mounting terminals 28 and levers 47, 48.

FIG. 4 illustrates another rower 70 according to the invention, comprising, like the rowing machine 40 of FIG. 3, a frame 51, a central rail 46, a sliding saddle 41, two ratchet levers 47, 48 and two jacks. 42, 43. The rower 70 also includes two pedals similar to those illustrated in Figure 1. Each pedal thus comprises a foot board 52, 53 pivotally mounted at its upper end (or earlier) on a support board 54, 55 attached to an anterior cross member of the frame 51. Each pedal (which forms a rower mechanism) incorporates a compression generator 2 working in compression (similar to that shown in Figures 6 and 8), inserted between the board and the board Pedal support, facing their lower end (or posterior). As previously explained, to move the fifth wheel and the levers rearward, the user pushes on his legs by pressing on the footboards 52, 53. In doing so, it exerts a compressive force on each pedal, which is translated by an axial compressive force on the impact generator. An impact is triggered when this axial force is greater than the generator's impact trigger value. The impacts produced by the generators 2 are transmitted to the lower limbs of the user via generator mounting terminals and footboards 52, 53.

The invention extends to a rower (not shown) comprising four impact generators, namely two impact generators associated with the rower levers (like the rower 40) and two impact generators associated with the boards. rower's foot (as rower 70), to deliver impacts to both the upper limbs and the lower limbs of the user.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fifth muscular exercise apparatus 60 according to the invention, called an ergometric rower, also adapted to simulate the rower's gesture. This apparatus comprises, in known manner, an axial central rail 62, a sliding saddle 61 guided in translation on the rail 62 and on which the user can sit, a first mechanism of muscular exercise. comprising a wheel 64, arranged at the front of the device -sensibly at the height of the hands of a user using the apparatus and rotatably mounted about a transverse axis, on a fixed part of the apparatus occurrence, an earlier extension of the rail). This first mechanism comprises on the other hand a chain 65 wound around the axis of rotation of the wheel under the effect of leaf springs carried by the wheel. The chain has a free end provided with a gripping handle 66 and an opposite end fixed to the axis of the wheel. Said wheel 64 constitutes the resistive element of this mechanism. It advantageously has an adjustable brake to be able to modulate the resistant torque developed by the wheel (in response to the traction force applied by the user on the chain).

According to the invention, the rower 60 also comprises two pedals 63 similar to those of the rower 70 illustrated in FIG. 4, whose support boards are fixed to the central rail 62. The pedals respectively define a second and a third mechanism of the apparatus , each integrating an impact generator 2 working in compression (similar to that illustrated in Figures 6 and 8). The impacts generated by the generators 2 during the recoil movements of the harness -unless the compression force exerted by the user on the pedals exceeds the impact trigger value- are transmitted to the lower limbs of the harness. user via generator mounting terminals and pedals foot boards.

It is also possible to insert an impact generator working in tension in the first mechanism of the rowing machine 60. The impact generator is integrated in the chain 65 by means of two mounting terminals located at the axial ends of said generator. It is arranged near the free end of the chain so as to remain outside the wheel during the movements of the user. An impact is produced when the user pulls on the chain (during recoil movements of the fifth wheel) by exerting a traction force resulting in the generator by an axial force greater than the impact trigger value. The impact is transmitted to the upper limbs of the user via a generator mounting terminal, the handle 66 and possibly a portion of the chain 65. Each impact generator 2 (see FIG. 6) comprises on the one hand a cylindrical body 5, closed at its two axial ends by two covers 6, 7 (one at each end) screwed onto an outer face of the cylindrical body. The impact generator further comprises a piston 4 housed inside the cylindrical body 5 and slidably mounted relative to the cylindrical body, which piston forms the effector member of the impact generator. One of the covers -referenced 6- carries a limit stop 18 facing, in the axial direction, an impact face 29 of the piston 4. The end stop is a damping material (absorber of .chocs) which can be, for example, Podiane® type. Note that the cylindrical body 5, the covers 6 and 7 and the end stop 18 form the receiving member 3 of the generator.

As they are illustrated in FIG. 6, the effector and receiver members are in a position called the armed position. The distance that separates, in the armed position, the limit stop 18 from the impact face 29 of the piston, corresponds to the length of the free path of the piston 4. The length of this path can be adjusted by screwing or unscrewing the cover 6 with respect to the cylindrical body 5 (the cover having a generally cylindrical threaded inner surface 17, cooperating with a threaded end portion 16 of the outer face of the cylindrical body). By varying the length of the free path of the piston, it is possible to modulate the intensity of the impacts produced.

The piston 4 has, at each of its axial ends, a central axial thread 8, 12, for fixing (by screwing) to said piston a rod 28 forming a mounting terminal of the impact generator. Each cover 6 - respectively 7- has a central axial slot 13-respectively 9- in the axis of the piston tapping 12-respectively 8-, for the passage and guiding of such a rod. Each cover 6-respectively 7- also has two threads 10 and 11-respectively 14 and 15- for fixing a mounting terminal 27.

The impact generator 2 also comprises a return spring 19, said resetting spring, arranged between the cylindrical body 5 and the piston 4, which spring rests, at one end, on a shoulder 25 of the body cylindrical and at the other end on a collar 26 of the piston. The collar 26 is formed at the end of the piston opposite its impact face 29. This spring is adapted to be in a compressed state when the effector and receiver members are in a position called the impact position, in which the face The spring 19 of the piston is in abutment against the limit stop 18. The spring 19 is also adapted to bring the piston 4 in the armed position (as shown in Figure 6).

In the example shown, the collar 26 of the piston has two bores 38, 39 extending radially, each receiving a locking spring 22, 23 and a locking ball 20, 21. Each locking spring 22, 23 is adapted for that, in a compressed state of the spring, the locking ball 20, 21 can extend entirely into the bore, in order to allow the piston to slide in the cylindrical body. It is also adapted so that, when the effector and receiver members are in the armed position, the locking ball extends projecting from the piston (that is to say projecting from the peripheral face of the collar 26), so that to prevent sliding of the piston in the cylindrical body in the direction of impact (that is to say in the direction of the end stop 18). To this end, the locking ball 20, 21 cooperates with a radial shoulder 24 of the cylindrical body (in the illustrated example, the two balls cooperate with the same circular shoulder, but it is possible to provide a shoulder per ball, formed by a lug protruding from the inner main face 37 of the cylindrical body).

The radial bores 38, 39, the springs 22, 23, the balls 20, 21 and the radial shoulder 24 of the cylindrical body provide a device for locking the effector and receiver members in the armed position, able to allow relative translation of said organs in the direction of impact when the resultant axial force experienced by the impact generator is greater than an impact trigger threshold value. Said axial force is defined as the sum of the axial components of the forces applied to the generator by the mechanism of the muscular exercise apparatus; in other words, it is the sum of the axial forces applied to the generator mounting terminals. Note that, in the armed position, the center of the locking ball 20, 21 is slightly offset towards the inside of the cylindrical body with respect to the main internal face 37 of the cylindrical body. Thus, the axial force experienced by the impact generator effectively induces, on each of the springs 22, 23, a radial compressive force transmitted by the locking ball 20, 21. The impact release value can be chosen, in function of the affected exercise machine, selecting appropriate locking springs (length and stiffness).

FIG. 7 illustrates the impact generator of FIG. 6 provided with two mounting terminals, which terminals are arranged so that the generator works in tension, that is to say can produce impacts when the axial forces applied to said terminals are directed to the outside of the generator. To do this, a rod-shaped mounting terminal 28 is screwed into the tapping 12 of the piston, while a stirrup-shaped mounting terminal 27 is screwed onto the axial face of the cover 7, using the threads 10. and 11 of said hood. FIG. 8 illustrates the impact generator of FIG. 6 provided with two mounting terminals, which terminals are arranged so that the generator works in compression, that is to say can produce impacts when the axial forces applied to said terminals are directed towards the inside of the generator. A rod-shaped mounting terminal 28 is screwed into the tapping 8 of the piston, while a stirrup-shaped mounting terminal 27 is screwed onto the axial face of the cover 6 (cover carrying the end-of-travel stop). , using the threads 14 and 15 of said cover.

Any other form of the mounting terminals is in accordance with the invention. However, for the impact generator to work in tension, it should be provided with a mounting terminal secured to the piston (effector member) on the side of the impact face 29 thereof, and a terminal mounting integral with the receiving member (for example the cover 7) on the opposite side. Conversely, for the impact generator to work in compression, it should be provided with a mounting terminal integral with the piston on the opposite side to its impact face 29, that is to say on the side its collar 26, and a mounting terminal secured to the receiving member (for example the cover 6) on the opposite side. Note that, regardless of the muscle exercise device considered, the mounting direction of an impact generator in a mechanism is indifferent. Only the position of the mounting terminals within the impact generator counts. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another embodiment 81 of an impact generator according to the invention, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, but provided with more means for adjusting the impact triggering value. . The elements common to the two embodiments will not be described in detail below. The impact generator 81 comprises, like that previously described, a piston 82 and a return spring 89 for rearming the impact generator. The cylindrical body of this generator is however formed of several elements, namely a cylinder 83, a bearing 84 and a hoop 90. Associated with the end caps 85 and 86, these elements form the receiver member of the generator. It should be noted that the effector and receiver members are shown in the impact position in FIGS. 9 and 10; the impact face 93 of the piston 82 is in abutment against the end stop 94 (which is a washer of damping material - shock absorber-).

The bearing 84 is slidably mounted in the cylinder 83 on the end stop 94 side, that is to say on the side of the cap 85, on which said bearing rests. The bearing 84 supports the resetting spring 89. The latter rests, on the one hand on the collar 95 of the piston 82, and on the other hand on a face 92 of the bearing opposite said collar 95.

The hoop 90 is inserted into the cylinder 83 on the side of the cap 86 (that is to say on the opposite side to the impact face of the piston) until it comes into abutment against a flange 93 of the cylinder. Said hoop has a shoulder 91 contributing to the locking effector organs and receiver in the armed position (like the shoulder 24 of the cylindrical body 5 of the generator of Figure 6).

The hoop 90, whose shoulder 91 undergoes significant axial forces, is a hard and strong material such as steel. It can possibly be changed in case of wear. On the other hand, the cylinder 83, the piston 82, the covers 85 and 86, etc., are preferably in a lighter material, such as aluminum.

As previously explained for the impact generator 2 illustrated in FIG. 6, the cap 85, which carries the end stop, is screwed onto the cylinder 83. The respective threads of the cap and the cylinder are provided sufficiently long to allow a certain variation of the relative position of said hood and cylinder in the axial direction. By varying the position of the cap 85 relative to the cylinder 83, the length of the free path of the piston 82 is modified, which makes it possible to modulate the intensity of the impacts produced. The impact generator 81 comprises a graduated scale 88 indicating the relative position of the cap 85 and the cylinder 83, facilitating this adjustment.

Unlike the generator 2, the impact generator 81 also comprises means for adjusting the impact release value, which act on the compression ratio in the armed position of the locking springs. The effector member comprises in particular a part 87, called adjustment cone, inserted in an axial bore 96 formed in the collar 95 of the piston. This axial bore 96 communicates with the radial bores 97 and 98 of the locking device. An anchor 100, 101 is arranged between the adjusting cone 87 and each locking spring, in the corresponding radial bore 98, 97, so as to provide support for said locking spring and to form a bottom for said radial bore. The position of the anchor 100, 101 in the radial direction determines the compression ratio of the locking spring in the armed position, that is to say the pressure force exerted by the spring on the locking ball and therefore the value triggering impact. Or the pin 100, 101 is based on a tapered end 99 (for example conical) of the control cone. The radial position of the ankle therefore depends on the position of the control cone in the axial direction.

The adjustment cone is based on a return spring 79, arranged in the axial bore 96 between the bottom of said bore and the adjustment cone. Figure 9 illustrates the impact generator 81 provided with two mounting terminals 27, 28 arranged so that the generator works in tension. In this case, a rod-shaped mounting terminal 28 is screwed into the piston on the side of its impact face 93, while an opposed stirrup-shaped mounting terminal 27 is screwed onto the axial face. The adjusting cone is held in the desired axial position, according to the desired impact release value, by means of the return spring 79 and a screw 118 passing through the cone. of adjustment and coming to anchor in the piston. To enable the screw 118 to be manipulated by means of a key, the stirrup 27 has an opening 119 arranged opposite the axial slot 78 of the cap 86.

Figure 10 illustrates the impact generator 81 provided with two mounting terminals 27, 28 arranged so that the generator works in compression. In this case, a rod-shaped mounting terminal 28 is screwed into the piston on the side opposite its impact face, while a stirrup-shaped mounting terminal 27 is screwed onto the axial face of the cap 85 (which hood carries the limit stop). The mounting terminal 28 passes through the adjustment cone 87 to become anchored in the piston. The adjustment cone is held in the desired axial position, according to the desired impact release value, by means of the return spring 79 and a counter-nut 117 screwed onto the Mounting 28. The locknut 117 is accessible from the axial slot 78 of the cover 86. Note that each pin 100, 101 has a contact face with the cone which is tapered or convex (for example conical or spherical). to facilitate the installation of said cone in the bore 96.

The muscular exercise apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 are advantageously equipped with impact generators 81 in place of the impact generators 2.

FIG. 11 illustrates a third embodiment of an impact generator according to the invention. This impact generator 102 includes:

a housing 103, an impactor body 107 slidably mounted inside the housing in an axial direction and forming the effector member, - A stud 106 fixedly mounted in the housing facing the impactor body 107 in the axial direction, and whose face facing the impactor body 107 is provided with a damping washer 112 providing a limit stop; the stud 106 provided with the washer 112 form the receiving member of the impact generator;

- An electromagnet 108 fixedly mounted in the housing and powered by a DC source 109 provided with a switch 110, which electromagnet 108 and current source 109 form a locking device effector and receiver in the armed position; for this purpose, the impactor body 107 or at least a portion thereof from its face 113 is made of a magnetic material capable of being attracted by the electromagnet 108;

a resetting spring 111, which is able, on the one hand, to be compressed at least until the impact face 114 of the impactor body 107 is in abutment with the damping washer 112, and on the other hand part to return the impactor body 107 in the armed position as illustrated in FIG. 9,

a first mounting terminal 105 in the form of a rod (with a hanging stud), which is fixed by screwing to the impactor body 107 on the side of its impact face 114; said terminal crosses the stud 106 and extends, with a hanging pin, projecting from a first axial end 116 of the impact generator, - a second mounting terminal 104 also in the form of a rod (with a pin of hooked), secured to the receiving member, that is to say fixed to a fixed part of the impact generator, and arranged at the other axial end 115 of the impact generator; in the illustrated example, the second mounting terminal 104 is screwed to the electromagnet 108. The impact generator 102 as shown in Figure 11 works in tension. A similar impact generator working in compression can be obtained by attaching a first mounting terminal to the impactor body 107 on the side of its face 113 so that this terminal passes through the electromagnet 108 and protrudes from the end. axial 115 of the generator, and by fixing a second mounting terminal to a fixed portion of the impact generator at its axial end 116 opposite-for example to the housing or the pad 106-. It goes without saying that the invention may be subject to numerous variants with respect to the embodiments previously described and shown in the figures.

In particular, a locking device having a number of pairs of ball / lock spring different from that of the embodiments shown is in accordance with the invention.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a muscular exercise apparatus having an impact generator having means for detecting a movement of the user executed to move the mechanism, in the context of using the 'apparatus. The impact generator is adapted to produce an impact when said movement is detected by the detection means, regardless of the effort provided by the user in the execution of this movement.

In addition, the invention extends to a muscular exercise apparatus having an impact generator having motor means for producing impacts, capable of producing impacts of predetermined intensity and totally independent of the efforts provided by the device. the user, provided that the production of an impact is however initiated by a movement and / or effort of the user.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 / Muscular exercise apparatus comprising:

at least one mechanism adapted to be able to be moved by cyclical movements of a user and allow the development of muscular efforts by the user during these movements,

means for transmitting impacts to the user, the impacts being initiated by the movements executed by the user to move the (or one of) the mechanism (s), characterized in that it comprises at least one impact generator (2, 81, 102) produced by an autonomous assembly, which is attached in the (or one of) mechanism (s) and has at least two mounting terminals (27, 28) to allow its mounting within the mechanism, said impact generator being adapted to produce impacts in response to the movements performed and / or the forces provided by the user and transmit these impacts to said mechanism through its mounting terminals.

2 / Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that:

the impact generator (2, 81, 102) is arranged in the mechanism so as to undergo between its mounting terminals, in a direction of the generator said axial direction, a resulting instantaneous force, called axial force, non-zero during the at least one period of each cycle of the user's movements,

the impact generator (2, 81, 102) is adapted to produce at least one impact during a cycle of movements of the user if the axial force during this cycle exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the so-called trigger value; impact.

3 / Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the impact generator (81) comprises means (87, 79, 117, 118) for selecting or adjusting the impact trigger value.

4 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the impact generator (2) comprises two members (4; 5, 18) guided in translation relative to each other in the direction axial of the generator, between a position, said armed position, and a position, said impact position, wherein a face (29), said impact face, of one (4) of the organs, said effector member is in abutment against a stop end of stroke (18) of the other (5, 18) member, said receiving member. 5 / Apparatus according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that each member (4; 5, 18) is integral with a mounting terminal (27, 28) of its own, and in that the impact generator comprises a locking device (38, 39, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24), adapted to hold the two members in an armed position and to allow axial translation of the effector member (4), in a said direction sense of impact, towards the limit stop (18) only when the axial force experienced by the impact generator is greater than the impact trigger value.

6 / Apparatus according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the impact generator (2) comprises a return spring (19), said resetting spring, arranged between the effector member (4) and the receiving organ

(5, 18) so as to be compressed when the members are in the impact position and to be able to place the organs in the armed position.

Apparatus according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the impact generator (2) comprises means (6, 16, 17) for adjusting the length of a path, said free path, traveled by the effector member (4) relative to the receiving member (5, 18) between the armed position and the impact position.

8 / Apparatus according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the effector member comprises a piston (4), the receiving member comprising a hollow cylindrical body (5) in which can slide said piston.

9 / Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that:

- the piston (4) has, at each of its axial ends, a tapping (8, 12) for fixing a mounting terminal,

- The receiving member comprises a cover (6, 7) at each of the axial ends of the cylindrical body (5), each cover having on the one hand a through axial lumen (13, 9), opposite the tapping (12, 8) of the piston, and secondly means (14, 15; 10, 11) for fixing a mounting terminal.

10 / Apparatus according to claims 7 and 9, characterized in that one (6) of the covers of the receiving member forms or carries the end stop (18) and is screwed onto the cylindrical body (5) of so that the position of said abutment relative to the cylindrical body is adjustable.

11 / Apparatus according to claims 5 and 9, characterized in that the locking device comprises at least one radial bore (38, 39) formed in the piston (4), wherein are housed a ball (20, 21), said locking ball, and a compression spring (22, 23), said locking spring, which bears on the one hand on a bottom of the bore and on the other hand on the locking ball, said locking spring being adapted so that, when it is at rest, the ball extends radially projecting from the piston and can be compressed until the ball extends completely inside the bore, each bore co-operating with a radial shoulder (24) formed in the cylindrical body such that, when the effector and receiver members are in the armed position, the ball extends radially projecting from the piston and the shoulder holds said ball in the axial direction and in the sense of impact.

12 / Apparatus according to claims 3 and ₅ characterized in that the locking device comprises:

an axial bore (96) formed in the piston (82) to communicate with each radial bore (97, 98),

a piece (87), called a control cone, inserted in the axial bore and adapted to be able to slide in this bore, said adjustment cone having a beveled end (99),

- For each radial bore (97, 98), a pin (101, 100) inserted into the radial bore so as to make the bottom of said bore, said pin being adapted to slide in the radial bore and abut against the beveled end (99) of the adjusting cone, means (79, 117; 118) for adjusting, in the axial direction, the position of the adjusting cone (87) in the axial bore (96) with respect to the piston.

13 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the mechanism comprises at least one resistive element.

14 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises two pedals each comprising a foot board (121, 122) pivotally mounted at an anterior end on a support board (123, 124) forming a base, and two impact generators (2) each mounted between one of the foot boards and the associated support board.

15 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said apparatus (1), said stepper, is adapted to simulate walking and comprises two pedals (30, 31) pivotally mounted at their front end and coupled to two cylinders (35, 36), the apparatus comprising two impact generators (2) each mounted between one of the cylinders and a fixed part of the apparatus.

16 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said apparatus (40), said rower, is adapted to simulate the rower's gesture and comprises a sliding saddle (41), two foot boards (44, 45) and two pivoting levers (47, 48) forming reams associated with two cylinders (42, 43), the apparatus comprising two impact generators (2) each mounted between one of the levers and the associated jack.

17 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13 or according to claim 16, characterized in that said apparatus (70), said rower, is adapted to simulate the rower's gesture and comprises a sliding saddle (41), two boards foot (52, 53) pivotally mounted at their upper end, two swivel levers (47, 48) forming reams associated with two cylinders (42, 43), the apparatus comprising two impact generators (2) each mounted between l one of the foot boards and a fixed part of the apparatus. 18 / Apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that said apparatus (60), said ergometric rower, is adapted for simulate the rower's action and comprises a sliding saddle (61), two foot boards (63) pivotally mounted at their upper end, a spring wheel (s) (64) rotatably mounted, a chain (65) wrapping around the axis of rotation of the wheel, the apparatus comprising two impact generators (2) each mounted between one of the foot boards and a fixed part of the apparatus.