WO2019185557A1

WO2019185557A1 - Muscle-development apparatus of the type to be held in two hands by the user

Info

Publication number: WO2019185557A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/057468
Authority: WO
Inventors: Quentin FAVRE
Original assignee: Favre Quentin
Priority date: 2018-03-29
Filing date: 2019-03-25
Publication date: 2019-10-03
Also published as: FR3079423A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a muscle-development apparatus (1) of the type to be held in two hands by the user (U), characterised in that it comprises two arms (10) which are each provided with means for gripping by the user, in that said two arms (10) are mutually connected to each other on one of the ends (13) thereof by rotational connection means (20), and in that said rotational connection means comprise means (26) for resisting said rotation. The rotational connection of the arms allows greater progression in the use of the muscle-development apparatus.

Description

Title of the invention: body-building apparatus of the type intended to be held by both hands by the user

[0001] [The present invention relates to a weight training device of the type intended to be held in both hands by the user.

There is a wide variety of weight machines, which can generally be classified into two categories, namely portable weight machines and fixed weight machines or specialized such as rowers, exercise bikes , or multi-functions such as weight press with chassis, weight, pulleys, gallows. The devices of this second category are not portable or easily transportable or easily used for disabled people, they are also very bulky, heavy and expensive.

[0003] Portable weight training machines are in turn very specialized, such as, for example, hand-weight machines, dumbbells, or body-building torsion bars, also called bars of force or torsion bars held at two. hands and intended to work the muscles of the upper body namely pectorals, muscles of the arms and shoulders. The torsion bar is constituted by a bar provided with an enormous spiral spring surrounding said bar and opposing the bending thereof when folded.

This type of bodybuilding device is recognized as a good bodybuilding accessory, it suffers however some disadvantages. One of these disadvantages is

That the torsion bar does not offer resistance to effort, such as with dumbbells where we can vary the weight or weight machines of the hand where we can change the number of springs as it progresses.

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

Another significant disadvantage of the torsion bars is related to the

risk of accident in case of uncontrolled return of the spring, for example because that the hands slide on the ends of the bar, even if they are provided with handles; under the effect of perspiration, fatigue, wear

handles ....

Moreover, these torsion bars only allow very limited exercises, the only possible movement is to fold the torsion bar to bring hands between them, then gently release to tighten the bar horizontally, while holding it 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 overcome these disadvantages. An object of the present invention is to provide an improved portable type bodybuilding apparatus. One goal is also that the weight machine is progressive. Another goal is that the weight machine offers improved safety. A goal is also that the device is practical and handy and finally one last goal is that it is also versatile while being inexpensive.

This or these goals are achieved in the bodybuilding apparatus according to the invention which is of the portable type and intended to be held by both hands by the user, in that it comprises two arms each provided with means gripping by the user, in that these two arms are mutually connected to one another at one of their ends by means of rotational connection, in that these rotary connection means are of the gear type for mutual rotation of said ends by meshing said gear type connection means of the apparatus and that said rotary connection means comprise means for resisting said rotation.

Indeed, the rotary connection of the arms allows a greater

progressivity in the use of the weight machine. In addition, the gear-type rotary connection structure makes the use of the apparatus

particularly progressive and allows for example its use by people can muscular. This type of device is therefore very suitable for muscle rehabilitation.

In another aspect, the apparatus comprises a protective housing of the rotary connection. This disposition makes it possible to secure the rotary connection and the associated rotational resistance means and to avoid accidents of the type of those described above in connection with the torsion bars.

The invention will be better understood and other features and advantages thereof will be demonstrated with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the attached schematic drawing, which illustrates by way of non-limiting example. , an embodiment, and wherein:

[0014] FIG 1 is a perspective view of the rear face of the device of

bodybuilding according to the present invention in the deployed position,

[0015] FIG 2 is a detailed view of the front face of the apparatus of Figure 1, showing more particularly the protective housing of the rotary connection means

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

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view in partial cross section of the rotary connection means of FIG. 3,

[0018] FIG 5 is a schematic front view of one of the arm of the weight training device attached to the protective housing,

[0019] FIG 6 is in perspective showing the beginning of a first mode

how to use the weight system,

[0020] FIG 7 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing the end of the first mode of use,

[0021] FIG 8 is a view similar to Figures 5 and 6 of a second mode

use,

FIG 9 is a view similar to Figure 6 of a third mode of use, Figures 10 and 11 are views similar to Figures 5 and 6 of a third mode of use ,

[0024] - Figure 12 is a view similar to Figures 5 to 11 of a fourth mode of use.

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

The rotary connection means 20 are represented more

3 and 4. As shown in these figures, each arm 10 is connected to its connecting end 13 to the rotary connection means 20 fitted respectively into a cavity 13a disposed at the end of said arm 10. In this case each arm 10 is formed of a hollow tube of rigid material, resistant but light, 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 may have a circular cross section, elliptical, square, rectangular or other and thus be hollow or solid. According to the embodiment shown, they have a slight curvature along one or more radii of curvature whose role will be explained later. According to an exemplary embodiment, these arms are constituted by cylindrical metal tubes of circular cross section of diameter 30 mm, length L (see Figure 5) about 50 cm, bent with a radius of curvature of about 50 cm. They can also be covered with a soft and non-slip synthetic material such as rubber to facilitate handling and adhesion during the performance of weight training. In the example of Figure 5, it can be seen that the arms 10 may have two slightly different curvatures, namely a first curvature more marked by a radius of curvature R1, in this case of for example 263mm, near the housing And from a distance 11 of, for example, 180 mm from the center of the housing 30, a second less pronounced curvature with a larger radius of curvature R2, in this case for example 512 mm. Thus the arms 30 are long enough to allow their taking in different places and thus allow to work the muscles differently or in different places. Moreover, the (or the curvatures) of the arms allow a better ergonomics and adaptation to the morphology of the user for the execution of the movements. More particularly the curvature of the arms makes it possible to have a more progressive resistance to the opening of the apparatus, and

substantially constant from beginning to end of movement. This or these curvature (s) also avoids giving a jerk or jolts to launch the device, and thus 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 consists generally of an assembly nozzle 21 and a connection head 22. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, each nozzle 21 has a generally cylindrical solid shape , whose cross section corresponds to the internal cross section of the cavity 13a of the associated connecting end so as to allow a

press fitting and therefore a solid assembly of the head 22 with the associated arm 10. Depending on the case of other types of assemblies may be provided, for example by gluing, welding, snap type or other type of connection, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the case where the arms 10 have a non-cylindrical cross section and for example

rectangular, square, this further allows an additional form connection with the associated assembly ends 21 and thus additional connection strength.

Each connection head 22 is machined or molded metal, steel in the example shown, or possibly synthetic material having sufficient strength, and also has a generally circular shape with internally a central cavity 23, provided for example at the region of the tip 21, a notch 23a. The central cavity 23 is, in the exemplary embodiment, open and fulfills two functions, firstly serve as a housing for a spiral spring 26 and secondly serve as a rotational guide of said head 22 in cooperation with the case as we will see later. This cavity 23 could also be non-emergent, the rotation guidance being then achieved by other means.

Externally each head 22 is provided, on at least a portion of its periphery, arranged vis-à-vis the other head 22, teeth 25 adapted to mesh with the teeth 25 of the other head, allowing thus the mutual rotary connection of the two heads 22. The teeth 25 have the profile of conventional gear teeth so as to enable easy and smooth engagement of said teeth. These teeth 25 extend over a circular arc of about 90 ° of the connecting head 22 associated with each arm. Each head 22 will be able to rotate in a direction opposite to the other head so as to allow their mutual rotation and smooth and gradual closing of the weight training device. Thus, on a given sector or arc, a peripheral mutual rotation heads 22, relative to one because of the engagement of their teeth 25 located on a portion of their respective peripheries. The axes of rotation of the heads 22 are therefore parallel, corresponding to the centers of the toothed circular arcs, and not coaxial. In other words the heads are arranged side by side and so as to mesh with each other on a portion of their periphery.

Each head 22 also comprises at its end 21 a projection 24 adapted to cooperate abutting with the housing 30 as will be seen later.

Each spiral spring 26 is of known type, and will not be described in more detail, each end respectively 26a, 26b of each spring 26 is respectively fixed on the one hand in the notch 23a of the central cavity associated 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 apparatus. In this way a progressive resistance is produced by the springs at the opening of the apparatus and allows the effort of

bodybuilding desired by the user. This construction also has the advantage that in the unused position the device is folded back on itself and is less cumbersome to store, transport. The housing 30 serves both as a mounting housing for rotary connection means, protective housing and for example prevents the springs 26 from escaping and do not come to injure the user. He also participates in the use of the apparatus and the realization of certain movements as will be seen later.

In the example shown, the housing 30 has a shape overall.

hexagonal and comprises a rear flange 31, made of aluminum or other material resistant and light so as to form a hexagonal bottom 34 with two horizontal plates 32 (ie extending perpendicular to the bottom 34)

diametrically opposite, which are perforated and tapped 33a (see Fig. 3) in their thickness, and a front flange or cover 35 made of aluminum or other strong and lightweight material, hexagonal in shape and generally flat and provided with holes 35a corresponding in position at the holes 33a of the associated bottom and adapted to receive fastening and closing means of the housing such as screws 36. Of course other modes of attachment 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 as to be able to abut with them at the end of the movement. In the example of Figure 5, the housing is for example inscribed in a circle of diameter D of the order of 120mm.

Once assembled with the aid of screws 36, the housing 30 defines laterally between the two flanges 31, 35, two lateral openings 30a allowing the arms to be displaced during use of the apparatus (see FIG. ).

The cover 35 also comprises two split fixing pins 37 extending perpendicularly to the inner 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 attachment of these elements. ci on the housing as previously described. At the base of each pin 37, the cover 35 also has on its inner face a circular shoulder 35b whose dimensions correspond to the size of each internal cavity 23 of the heads 22 so as to allow the rotation guidance of said connection heads.

With this construction we obtain a reliable guide rotation of the connection heads, and a safe and secure hold of the springs. The resulting weight training device is reliable, easy to use, lightweight and easy to carry. It is also progressive and usable for rehabilitation or disabled people and for example wheelchair.

The apparatus may be provided without means for adjusting the springs, as described or with simultaneous or individual adjustment means springs of known type and actuated for example an adjusting knob 38 provided on the outer face of the cover 35 of the housing (see FIG. Alternatively, one can provide adjustment means removable key type acting individually or simultaneously on the springs, the advantage of a removable key is that it does not interfere with 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.

Firstly, Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the mode of use closest to that of conventional torsion bars. The user U holds the apparatus closed by the free ends 11 of the arms, the apparatus being oriented substantially

vertically with the connection means 20directed upwards, the user then spreads the arms against the force of the springs 26. This type of exercise allows more particularly to work the pectoral muscles, dorsal and the forearm. Note that in this type of exercise the handles 12 serve as a stop and prevent the user's hands from sliding upwards.

In the example of Figures 8 and 9, we see that the user uses the dishes 32 of the housing 30 to bear respectively on the neck and the abdomen and thus work other muscles including 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 on the length 11 closest to the housing 30 of the apparatus is particularly important because it allows to leave the neck free and thus allows to execute correctly movement. To improve comfort, said dishes 32 may have a slightly curved shape, more ergonomic and adapting better to body shapes. It is also possible to provide a more comfortable rubber type coating on these dishes 32. In the case of Figures 10 and 11, the device is disposed vertically on the right side along the body of the user and held by the handles 12 by the user, this type of exercise allows to work the biceps muscles. , shoulders and forearms. In this type of position of the apparatus, where the protective housing is close to the body, it is advantageous not to have adjustment means of the spring or adjustment means as flat as possible or removable, removable key type, to avoid any protrusion along the body and therefore avoid any inconvenience for the user. In the same vein, it can be provided that the handles 12 are made removable, for example unclipable, using a mechanism and associated button or other (not shown in the drawings)

In the case of Figure 12, the device is disposed in the back of

the user, the user raising arms upwards and backwards, in this type of exercise it is possible to work back muscles, trapezius and shoulder muscles.

Of course other modes of use of the apparatus may be

designed to work the aforementioned muscles or other muscles.

It is therefore seen that the musculature apparatus offers many

possibilities of use and allows to work a large number of muscles. It is therefore very versatile, in contrast to conventional torsion bars and offers many more possibilities, while being inexpensive, lightweight, mobile, more progressive and suitable for people with little or no muscular and without risk of ejection springs. It can also be used in a sitting position and for example by persons with disabilities.

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

Claims

claims

[Claim 1] [A weight training device (1) of the portable type intended to be held with both hands by the user (U) and comprising two arms (10) each provided with means for gripping 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 the gear type ( 25) for mutual rotation of said ends by meshing said gear type connection means of the apparatus and that said rotary connection means comprises means (26) for resisting said rotation.

[Claim 2] Strength training apparatus according to claim 1,

characterized in that each arm (10) is provided at its connecting end (13) with a connection head (22) provided on at least a part of its periphery with teeth (25) capable of meshing with the teeth (25) of the connecting end (13) of the other arm.

[Claim 3] Strength training apparatus according to claim 2,

characterized in that the teeth (25) extend over a circular arc of approximately 90 ° to the connection head (22) of each arm.

[Claim 4] Strength training device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rotation resistance means (26) are of the spring type.

[Claim 5] Bodybuilding apparatus according to claim 4,

characterized in that each connecting 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 in a determined direction of rotation .

[Claim 6] Strength training device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a protective housing (30) of the rotary connection.

[Claim 7] Strength training apparatus according to claim 6,

characterized in that the housing comprises shoulders (35b) for guiding rotation of the connection heads.

[Claim 8] Strength training device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the resistance of the springs (26) to the rotation of the connecting heads is adjustable.

[Claim 9] Strength training device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each arm (10) has at least one curvature with a determined radius of curvature (R1, R2).

[Claim 10] Strength training apparatus according to claim 9,

characterized in that the radius of curvature R1 is about 263 mm and that the radius of curvature R2 is about 512mm. ]