EP0030512B1 - Abdominal and thoracical musculation apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an abdominal and thoracic bodybuilding apparatus.

The invention relates to the technical sector of corrective gymnastics, means of bodybuilding for sports purposes, means of aesthetic correction.

It is often difficult to improve the hold of the abdominal strap or to strengthen it in an intense way and in a short position, using traditional gymnastics (work of the lower limbs: scissors, pedaling, etc ...; work in flexion : legs on bust or bust on legs), especially if the user suffers from the back (low back pain, low back pain, sciatica).

Or can, for example, illustrate the prior art with French Patent 318,958 SANDOW, having as its object a weight training machine. The latter includes a belt connected to handles by means of elastic cords passing over pulleys fixed to a wall. In a lying position, the user, after having passed the belt in the hollow of the two adjoining legs, tries to unfold his legs towards the ground, against a reaction force resulting from the positioning of the arms in horizontal support On the ground.

We also know US-A-3,884,464 which describes an individual and transportable bodybuilding machine. It is essentially a very long bar grabbed at its ends by the user.

The principle of the apparatus according to the Request, is different, and based on the isometric contraction in short position of the whole of the abdominal muscles. Isometric contraction does not require any kinetic displacement of the muscle. It consists in taking a position in relation to a given resistance, and in holding it. An isometric contraction that lasts five to ten seconds, uses four times more motor units than in a simple movement. Strength training will therefore be four times more intense, four times more toned and four times faster. It is therefore possible to remake an abdominal strap using its own physiological possibilities thanks to the flexibility of adaptation of the method, without other indications since the user will be able to analyze permanently, his muscular work and control its duration, power and progression.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the abdominal and thoracic body-building apparatus comprising handles connected by an elastic material connection to a part held by another part of the body of the user of the apparatus, is characterized in that the handles, or the like, are part of a single rigid gripping part (2, 10, 69, 77) able to move by translation or pivoting towards or opposite to a supporting part (3, 11 , 28, 67, 72, 84) constituting the part held by a part of the body of the user and formed of a surface provided with cavity (s) for supporting a part of at least one knee of the user, in that the elastic material connection connecting the two parts keeps said parts close to each other and is provided with elastic means (4, 12, 70, 74) so that at any force F1 exerted by the user's hands on the handles is opposed by the elastic means the force F2 opposite exerted by the user's knee (s), on which the support piece is supported (3, 11, 28, 67, 72, 84), the abdominal and thoracic muscles thus working by isometric contractions.

The apparatus as will be described later, is used in the following manner: the user is lying on his back, his thighs being arranged in a plane at 90 degrees substantially, with respect to the plane of the ground, the knees being flexed. He grabs the device by the gripping piece by placing the support piece against the joined knees, arms outstretched. He pushes with his hands, extending his arms, while keeping the thighs vertical. These should not move, while counterbalancing the force developed by the arms. This pressure must be regular and constant. The abdominal work is performed in the perfect position, with in particular a lumbar spine aligned in a correction of physiological lordosis. Thus, the vertebral hinge is not subject to the shears and settlements which are always caused by the classic reeducation mentioned in the preamble to the Request. The work of the abdominals must be accompanied as much as possible, by wide and full respiratory movements, by tucking in the belly at each exhalation. One of the ways to control exercise is to precisely count the respiratory cycles performed during exercise.

As a variant of use, the subject can use the device in a sitting position, on a chair for example.

In another variant of use, the subject can lean against a wall, the support on the ground with legs stretched out, being in front with respect to the reference plane of the back.

It is observed that this device also works the muscles of the arm and the thorax, including the diaphragm, which are subjected to the same isometric contraction.

This device allows progression in difficulty and efficiency. One can, for example, according to an exercise, raise the head by looking at the knees or the device, holding it thus, which creates an elective reinforcement of the upper part of the abdominals. We can also raise the tips of the feet, without lengthening the legs, maintaining it, which causes an elective strengthening of the lower part of the abdominals. These movements strengthen the muscular corset and refine the size.

The advantages obtained thanks to this device consist on the one hand in its simple realization, and on the other hand, in the multiple possibilities which it offers, each user being able to remake personally and under his own control, an abdominal strap under very conditions greater than those known from the prior art.

• La figure 1 représente un usager vu de profit, en position d'exercise, tenant un appareil contre ses genoux.
• Les figures 2 à 9 représentent des vues schématiques de réalisations en variante de l'appareil, comportant les moyens principaux de l'invention, notamment une pièce de préhension, une pièce d'appui, une liaison matérielle entre les pièces précitées, autorisant la transmission de l'une à l'autre des forces de réaction et de contre-réaction à l'encontre d'un moyen élastique.
• Les figures 10 à 15 représentent des vues schématiques de l'appareil comportant une pièce de préhension, une pièce d'appui et des variantes de réalisation de la liaison matérielle précitée.
• Les figures 16, 17, 18 représentent des vues schématiques de l'appareil comportant une pièce de préhension, une pièce d'appui, les forces s'exerçant sur l'une et l'autre pièce en utilisant la compression d'un fluide.
• Les figures 19, 20 et 21 illustrent d'une manière détaillée, l'appareil schématisé figure 2, selon des vues en plan, en élévation et de profil, l'appareil comportant des moyens principaux identiques et trois variantes successives d'un moyen de détermination de l'effort à effectuer et son contrôle.
• Les figures 22 à 31 définissent une variante de l'appareil avec tous ses composants illustrés séparément.
• La figure 32 illustre une unité de contrôle utilisée avec l'appareil.
• Les figures 33, 34 et 35 illustrent un dispositif adjoint à un masque respiratoire en liaison avec l'appareil.
• La figure 36 est une vue de face illustrant un appareil selon l'invention dont la pièce de préhension est un volant.
• La figure 37 est une vue de dessous selon la figure 36.
• La figure 38 est une variante de réalisation dans laquelle la pièce de préhension peut être soumise à une rotation angulaire par rapport à son axe d'articulation.
• La figure 39 est une vue de profil avec une coupe partielle illustrant le positionnement d'un index.
• La figure 40 est une vue de dessous de l'appareil selon la figure 39; les tracés en traits interrompus illustrant le positionnement de la pièce de préhension.
• La figure 41 est une vue de face illustrant une variante de réalisation de la pièce de pression.

The invention is set out below in more detail, with the aid of the drawings.

• FIG. 1 represents a user seen from a profit, in the exercise position, holding a device against his knees.
• Figures 2 to 9 show schematic views of alternative embodiments of the apparatus, comprising the main means of the invention, in particular a gripping piece, a support piece, a material connection between the aforementioned pieces, allowing transmission from one to the other of the reaction and feedback forces against an elastic means.
• Figures 10 to 15 show schematic views of the device comprising a gripping piece, a support piece and alternative embodiments of the aforementioned hardware connection.
• Figures 16, 17, 18 show schematic views of the apparatus comprising a gripping piece, a support piece, the forces exerted on one and the other piece using the compression of a fluid.
• Figures 19, 20 and 21 illustrate in detail, the device shown schematically in Figure 2, in plan views, in elevation and in profile, the device comprising identical main means and three successive variants of a means of determination of the effort to be made and its control.
• Figures 22 to 31 define a variant of the device with all its components illustrated separately.
• Figure 32 illustrates a control unit used with the device.
• Figures 33, 34 and 35 illustrate a device associated with a respiratory mask in connection with the device.
• Figure 36 is a front view illustrating an apparatus according to the invention, the gripping part of which is a steering wheel.
• Figure 37 is a bottom view according to Figure 36.
• Figure 38 is an alternative embodiment in which the gripping part can be subjected to angular rotation relative to its axis of articulation.
• Figure 39 is a side view with a partial section illustrating the positioning of an index.
• Figure 40 is a bottom view of the apparatus according to Figure 39; the dashed lines illustrating the positioning of the gripping part.
• Figure 41 is a front view illustrating an alternative embodiment of the pressure piece.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a user seen in profile, in the exercise position, holding a device against his knees. This device comprises a body (1) on which slides a plunger (5) integral with handles (2) disposed on either side of a support piece (3) pressed against the knees. These handles or equivalent are part of a single gripping piece. By exerting the force (F1) on the gripping part, the pusher (5) compresses an elastic means such as a spring (4), against the part (3). The user must develop one. force (F2) with his knees, to balance the force (F1). This force (F2) is produced by the action of the above-mentioned muscles. An index (6) connected to the pusher (5) moves along a graduation (7) visible to the user, who thus controls his effort. A cursor (8) pushed by the index specifies the maximum effort made during the exercise. This slider can be set at the start of the session to the position corresponding to the maximum effort to be achieved. A contact integrated in the cursor, allows to activate a signal when the effort is reached and maintained. Other contacts, or even rheostats, can be placed on the path of the index and the cursor, to view or record remotely the decisive indications for the good progress of the treatment. The various aforementioned provisions allow self-emulation of the subject, which facilitates the efforts necessary for the successful completion of the treatment.

Many alternative embodiments of the apparatus can be envisaged for performing such an exercise, these variants being illustrated and described below.

FIGS. 2 to 9 show variants of the device each comprising the main means of the invention, namely: the central body (1) composed of parts sliding against each other, the gripping part (2), the support piece (3) against the knees, the springs (4) transmitting the force exerted on the pieces (2) and (3). The spring function measures the importance of the force developed as a result of the deformation of the spring. Figures 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 show the use of compression springs and Figures 5, 8 and 9 tension springs. Figures 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 show the use of spiral springs of suitable materials; Figure 4 shows schematically the use of compression in a vacuum, of all materials, making spring effect; Figures 8 and 9 are differentiated by the reciprocal position of the sliding parts of the body of the device.

Figures 10 to 15 show mounting arrangements having no central body comparable to the previous, we recognize the gripping part (2), the support part (3); Figure 10 shows an arrangement where the force applied to the gripping part (2) is transmitted to the support piece (3) via a spring (4) acting in torsion; Figure 11 shows a simplified variant of Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a variant of Figure 11, an elastic mass such as rubber, is substituted for the torsion spring. Figure 12 is comparable to Figure 10, but the spring effect is obtained by the use of rods, spring steel or any other comparable material, working both in bending and in torsion. Figure 14 follows from Figure 13, the torsional effect being replaced by the bending effect of two half-loops. In FIG. 15, a single part performs the functions of the gripping part and of the supporting part, these are formed for each wing of a sheet of elastic material folded back on itself to work in bending, and shaped such that one has the gripping part (2) and the supporting part (3) curved in the support zone against the knees.

To facilitate understanding of the drawings, only FIGS. 11 and 15 illustrate the index and the cursor represented by a graduated rod (7) secured to the part (3); a cursor (8) is visible in FIG. 11.

Figures 16, 17, 18 show an apparatus using compression of a fluid; it consists of a skin interposed between the knees and the hands. The conformation of this addition may have two protrusions in the form of domes, placed side by side, on which the user pushes with his hands; it can in particular be provided with a gripping part, as indicated in the figures. The control of the force can be done using any means allowing to measure the pressure of the fluid, manometer, bellows as figure, etc ...

Figures 19, 20, 21 detail the apparatus in plan, elevation and profile views. Each of these figures, however, presents a particular embodiment of the index and the cursor. The body (9) of the device consists of a tube, the section of which has the shape of an omega, defining a longitudinal slot over its entire length; the parts (10) (11) (12) (13) correspond to the aforementioned parts (2) (3) (4) and (5). In FIG. 19, the graduated cursor (14) is pushed by a boss provided in the ring (13) integral with the gripping part, and moves in the tube passing under the index finger (15) which makes it possible to locate its position, and consequently, the deformation of the spring (12), therefore the effort of the practitioner. Said boss can only advance the cursor, it cannot make it move back. Thus, the cursor parks in the position of maximum effort reached. A lug (16) integral with the cursor, exceeds the surface of the body (9), which allows the user to move the cursor either to bring it back to the zero position, or to position it at the point of maximum effort that it should reach during the fiscal year. The cursor incidentally contains a device which reacts to the thrust of the above-mentioned boss, and gives a signal to the user. This device can be audible or optical, with mechanical or electrical control. It can for example consist of a buzzer or an electric indicator accompanied by a battery whose circuit closes under the pressure of the boss. Figure 19, a battery and a bulb are housed in the cursor itself, the light being directed through the transparent plug (17), towards the user. Figure 20, the graduation (18) is fixed, vertical, to obtain better visibility. The index (19) is connected to the pusher (20) by a cable or a linkage, and moves along the scale by pushing the cursor (21) secured to the lug (22) that the user can move. FIG. 21 shows a rotating graudation (23), connected to the pusher (27) by any suitable means, which moves in front of the index (24) integral with the plug (25). A graduated rotary button (26) is driven by the dial drum, only in the ascending direction of the value of the graduations; it replaces the sliders described above and the operator adjusts it by turning it. A built-in contact provides the alert function, the bulb or the buzzer being housed in the cap (25) for example. Figures 22, 23, 24, show a variant of Figure 20: the control elements are housed in the support piece (28), the scale (29) is engraved on the pediment (30) and traversed by the cursor (31) pushed by the index (32), itself connected to the pusher (33) by the cable (34). The other side of the pediment, FIG. 25, has housings receiving the battery (35), the buzzer (36), the bulb (37), the index finger (32) and the cursor (31).

The plate (38), Figures 26, 27, which encloses these cavities, has an electrical circuit (CE) illustrated in Figure 28. There are two linear resistors placed on either side of four electrical lines parallel to each other. The cursor and the index are provided with friction contacts (39) ensuring the electrical connections between the aforementioned lines and resistances; the wiper (39), placed in the center of the cursor, comprises two elastic conductive wires, one of the ends of each being in contact with one of the two parallel lines (40) and (41); the other two ends believe each other without normally touching each other. When the index comes into contact with the cursor, it compresses them, which closes the battery-ring or indicator circuit. An inverter (42) can select either of these signals. The wiper (43) also placed in the cursor, ensures contact between the line (44) and the turns of the resistor (45). Similarly, the wiper (46), Figure 31, arranged in the index, ensures contact between the line (47) and the turns of the resistor (48). The electrical outputs of the circuits (44-45) and (47-48) lead to the multi-pin socket (49) ensuring by a cord, the connection of the device to a control unit (50), figure 32. The lines ( 40 and 41) lead to the control unit, in the same way.

The control unit (50) can be performed for an emulatory, sporting, or strictly medical. It may include, in Figure 32, a socket (51) following the terminal (49); a dial (53) indicating the position of the index; this can be a galvanometer placed on the resistance circuit (48) Figures 26, 28; 31, or any other provision allowing the same result; a dial (54) indicating the posi _- tion of the cursor (31); an indicator (55) or buzzer, signaling that the desired effort has been reached, the contact (39) being closed, see FIGS. 25, 28, 29; a clock (56) or timed pulse distributor; a timer (57) controlling the duration scheduled for the session; a totalizer (58) of the maximum effort times; a totalizer (59) of the expiration times during the maximum effort; a totalizer (60) of apnea times during maximum effort; a totalizer (61) of the inspiration times during maximum effort; a recorder (62) on any medium, making it possible to keep a record of the essential criteria; a connection (63) to the respiratory mask (64).

Figure 33 shows schematically a device associated with the respiratory mask, which makes it possible to detect the expiratory, inspiratory and apnea phases. It essentially consists of two flaps (65) and (66) which are raised, one (65), under the effect of the expiratory air flow, the other (66), under the effect of the flow of d outrageous. The electrical (or electronic) diagrams, Figures 35 and 37, describe the networks controlled by each of the contacts (E) and (i) closed by the flaps at rest. When the switch (A) closes, the relays (RE) and (RI) are energized by the contacts (E) and (I) of the flaps (65) and (66) if they are at rest. During inspiration, the shutter (66) opens, as well as its contact (I), the relay (RI) is not energized and its contact (RI / 65) activates the totalizer (61). During expiration, the shutter (65) opens while the shutter (66) is closed, the contact (E) opens, the relay (RE) is not energized and its contact (RE / 65 ) turns on the totalizer (59). During apnea, the two flaps are closed, the two relays (RI) and (RE) are energized and the totalizer (60) is activated by the circuit of the two contacts (RI / 66) and (RE / 66) in series.

Illustrated in Figures 36 and 41, a variant of the device. It will be recalled that the abdominal and thoracic weight training apparatus comprises a bearing piece (67) which is applied. against the user's knees. This part advantageously comprises two cavities (67 ¹ ) arranged symmetrically with respect to the transverse median axis of said part. In its solid central part (67 ² ), it has an opening (67 ³ ) authorizing the sliding passage of the body (68) of the device. It further comprises, on the opposite side of the gripping part (69), a support boss (67 ⁴ ) on which bears the end (70 ¹ ) of an elastic means of the spring type (70 ) for example, the other end (70 ² ) of said spring, coming to bear appropriately, against said gripping part (69). A stop (71) limits the positioning of the support piece at the end of the body (68) of the device.

According to one characteristic, the gripping part is in the form of a handwheel (69 ¹ ), Figures 36 and 37. The latter, of round section, for example with grip imprints, is made of any material and has a relative thickness to facilitate its gripping. It further has, on its face directly visible to the user, a dial (69 ² ) or the like. The wheel is mounted with freedom of rotation, on the axis of the body _(68): by any known means.

The dial (69 ¹ ) has marks corresponding to the angular rotation carried out with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body of the device, the latter possibly having a reference mark. The user can therefore grasp the device properly and combine his physical movements, on the one hand by ensuring an axial thrust on the thrust face, against the support piece, and on the other hand, by causing in combination or not, a rotational movement of the steering wheel, the amplitude of which it can control. A locking means is provided in all positions of the steering wheel relative to the body, so as to eliminate the effect of rotation of the steering wheel relative to the body and to keep the pushing effect alone. Stops are provided to limit the angular movement of the steering wheel.

There is shown in Figures 38, 39 and 40, an alternative embodiment of the device also allowing to combine the forces in both directions.

To this end, the device comprises a support piece (72) similar to the previous ones, mounted with freedom of movement on the body (73) of the device, against an elastic means (74), one end bears on a plate (75) fixedly mounted on the body. The gripping part (76) is mounted on the body, by means of a pivot axis (77), with a capacity for angular rotation relative to the axis of said body of the device. Locking means (78) locks said gripping part in position.

Illustrated in Figure 40, various positions of the gripping part. There is therefore obtained a combined movement of a longitudinal displacement of the gripping part (76) on the body (73), and possibly its angular rotation. This is controlled by the user. A dial not shown, can allow the visual measurement of this rotation. The plate (75) serving both as a stop for the spring, on one side, and for supporting the gripping part, on the other, can, in the event of biocage of the latter, be profiled on this latter side. , to allow precise angular positioning of the gripping part. Housing, such as guide grooves, can be provided for this purpose.

According to another improvement illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39, provision has been made along the body (73), a series of notches or openings (73 ') authorizing the engagement and the maintenance of a cursor (79) against which the gripping part abuts. This cursor can therefore be positioned at different levels to ensure a gradual variation of the efforts to be made, by forming stroke limiter.

Illustrated in Figure 41, an alternative embodiment of the device where the support piece (84) has a crescent profile for positioning a single knee of the user.

Claims (25)

1. Abdominal and thoracic musculation device, with handles connected by a link in elastic material to a component held by another part of the body of the user of the device, characterised in that the handles, or equivalents, form part of a single rigid gripping component (2, 10, 69, 77) capable of being moved in a . straight line or pivoting towards or away from a contact piece (3, 11, 28, 67, 72, 84) constituting the component held by a part of the body of the user and formed by a surface containing a cavity or cavities in contact with at least one knee of the user, the elastic material link connecting the two components ensuring that the said components are held in close proximity to each other and being provided with elastic means (4, 12, 70, 74) in such a way that any force F1 applied by the hands of the user to the handles is opposed by the opposite force F2 applied by the knee or knees of the user against which the contact component (3, 11, 28, 67, 72, 84) is resting, with the abdominal and thoracic muscles thus working as a result of isometric contractions.

2. Device in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that it has a slim body (1), of which one end is integral with the contact component (3), and on which a pusher (5) integral with the gripping component (2) slides, an elastic means (4), such as a spring, being mounted on the body and coming, into contact at its ends with the faces opposite the contact and gripping components.

3. Device in accordance with claim 2, characterised in that a pointer (6) is integral with the pusher (5) and moves, when force is applied, along a scale (7) located on the body, the said scale being visible to the user, with the measurement of the deformation of the elastic means being obtained by the positioning of the pointer in relation to the scale.

4. Device in accordance with claim 3, characterised in that a cursor (8) is mounted on the body at predetermined positions or moving freely over the graduated section, with the said cursor having a lug (16) so that it can be gripped and returned to the desired position.

5. Device in accordance with claim 4, characterised in that the cursor (8) is moved along the graduated section (7) by the pusher (5) in such a way that the user knows the value of the maximum force applied during the exercise.

6. Device in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the gripping (2) and contact (3) components are formed by each flange of a sheet of elastic material folded back on itself.

7. Device in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the pivoting movement is provided by rods.

8. Device in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the material link is in the form of a shaped central body (1) with complementary male and female sections with a spring (4) interposed as elastic means.

9. Device in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the gripping (2) and contact (3) components are formed by the two faces which can be elastically deformed.

10. Device in accordance with claim 2, characterised in that the gripping component (69; 76) is mounted with freedom of angular positioning in relation to the axis of the body (68; 73) of the device, making it possible to combine the effects of musculation, on the one hand in an axial direction of thrust and counter- thrust, and on the other by torsion, as a result of the positioning of the gripping component of which the amplitude can be monitored.

11. Device in accordance with claim 10, characterised in that the gripping component (69) is in the form of a wheel (69¹) with gripping impressions, the said wheel. having on its face directly visible to the user a visible dial (69¹) with markings, corresponding to the angular rotation of the said wheel in relation to the longitudinal axis of the device.

12. Device in accordance with claim 11, characterised in that the wheel can be locked in position by any suitable means of locking.

13. Device in accordance with claim 11, characterised in that the angular rotation of the wheel in relation to the axis of the device is defined by stops.

14. Device in accordance with claim 10, characterised in that the gripping component (76) is mounted on the body (73) by means of a pivot pin (77), with a capacity for angular rotation in relation to the axis of the body, the said gripping component butting against an intermediate contact plate (75) on one side, against which plate the elastic means (74) rests, with a locking facility (78) holding the said gripping component in position.

15. Device in accordance with claim 14, characterised in that the contact plate (75) is shaped and has a number of guide slots permitting variable, guided positioning of the gripping component, with the locking facility holding the said component in the appropriate position.

16. Device in accordance with claim 4, characterised in that the body (73) has a series of notches or openings (73¹) permitting engagement, retention and variable positioning of a cursor (79) against which the gripping component butts.

17. Device in accordance with claim 10, characterised in that the contact component is crescent-shaped (84) for positioning a single knee of the user.

18. Device in accordance with one of the claims 1, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 14, characterised in that it comprises means controlling one or more visible (37) or audible (36) signals, informing the user of the progress of the force applied up to a maximum force to be attained.

19. Device in accordance with claim 18, characterised in that the cursor (31) contains a device which reacts during its contact with the pusher integral with the gripping component, giving the user a signal, with this device being either audible or visual and with mechanical or electrical control.

20. Device in accordance with claim 19, characterised in that the device reacting to the thrust of the pusher consists of an electric bell (36) or indicating lamp (37) connected to a battery (35) of which the cell closes under the pressure of the pusher.

21. Device in accordance with claim 18, characterised in that the monitoring and signalling elements are housed in the pressure piece (28).

22. Device in accordance with claim 21, characterised in that the pressure piece (28) has a central section in the form of a front panel with, on one of the visible faces, a graduated scale (29) travelled over by a cursor (31) pushed by a pointer (32), in its turn connected to a pusher (33) integral with the gripping component (10); the other side of the front panel has locations to take visual or audible elements (35, 36, 37), a blanking plate (38) for the said locations, and an electric circuit (CE).

23. Device in accordance with claim 22, characterised in that the cursor (31) and the pointer (32) are provided with means (39) ensuring the electrical connections when they make contact.

24. Device in accordance with claim 18, characterised in that the monitoring and signalling elements work together with an electric circuit permitting remote display, on a monitoring unit (50), of the progress of the force applied.

25. Device in accordance with claim 4, characterised in that it can be used in conjunction with a device to monitor the rate of respiration.

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