The present invention lies in the general field of sport and more particularly physical exercise machines.
In recent years, the world of physical training (“fitness”) has witnessed the development of fast-growing new practices, and particularly the practice of “functional”/“cross” training (“CrossFit” type).
These practices have developed new needs for specific equipment and the market has seen many new actors go into the production of equipment dedicated to this type of practice, with a certain commercial success.
The main equipment used as part of these new practices is mainly:
At the same time, the practice of physical training at home is growing very fast, mainly in the USA (“home gyms”/“garage gyms” phenomenon).
This for various reasons:
These two strong trends in recent years have created a significant new market in the sector of fitness equipment adapted to these new practices.
Examples of such machines are cited in documents CN108379769, CN106730592, CN206549054, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,815,552, 5,316,535, CN2040789, FR2560773 and FR2561528.
Documents WO2019/173517, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,700,232 and 10,486,015 illustrate other machines of this kind.
The main problem that the present invention proposes to solve lies in the fact that most people wishing to equip themselves with equipment adapted to the practices described above have either a limited available space, or a limited budget, or both simultaneously. Indeed, the fact of equipping oneself with the multiple machines necessary for varied and complete training considerably increases the financial investment as well as the physical space to arrange them.
The invention described below therefore relates to a training device which responds to these problems, and this by presenting a modular and multifunctional approach.
For this purpose, the invention firstly relates to a device for performing sports exercises, characterized in that it includes a pivoting mast which has the shape of a hollow profile, whose at least two parallel opposite surfaces together form a linear guide path, this mast having means for fixing a first range of removable accessories,
Thus, the device according to the invention responds to a modular approach in which:
On the other hand, the “secondary” functions are transferred to a range of different accessories.
The main advantages of such a device are particular:
According to other advantageous and non-limiting characteristics of the invention, taken alone or according to any combination of at least two of them which are technically compatible:
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the description which will now be made with reference to the appended drawings, which represent, by way of indication but without limitation, different possible embodiments.
In these drawings:
The device D according to the invention and illustrated in the appended figures is organized in the form of a “core” which advantageously constits here of a mast 1 and a support base 2.
This vertical mast 1 forms a structural portion of the device D. It is made of a resistant material such as metal. It is formed of a hollow profile 10 with a rectangular section (other section shapes are possible, for example a square section) and thus constitutes a frame.
Its two large parallel opposite faces 100 and 101 have a set of holes (through orifices) 11, which have particular the function of fixing a wide range of accessories, as will be seen later. It will be noted that in one embodiment not represented, the profile 10 may have not faces, but parallel, for example curved, surfaces.
Advantageously and as visible in the figures, the orifices 11 are distributed in pairs, at a regular spacing, over the entire height of the mast. The orifices present on one of the faces 100 and 101 are positioned facing those on the other face.
At the base of the faces 100 and 101, two preferably identical panels 12a and 12b are fixed parallel to each other, for example by welding.
These panels serve both as structural reinforcements for the mast 1 and as bearing support 120.
They have such a shape that they present regions in which they face each other directly (that is to say regions not “adjoined” to the mast 1. In these regions, they include different openings 121 for the set-up of mutual connecting means 122 or cylinders, or the engagement of removable parts such as pins.
As will be seen later, the cylinders 122, in addition to constituting connecting means, can fulfill the function of pivot axle.
Resisting torque generation equipment is fixed in the lower portion of the mast 1 and against the face 101, this equipment here has the shape of a centrifugal fan 3 whose axle of rotation is horizontal, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal axle of the mast 1. It plays the role of a resistance means for performing physical exercises. Thus, when it is driven in rotation, it generates a resistance, which depends on the speed.
The centrifugal fan has the characteristic of generating a torque evolving according to the square of the rotational speed (drag force), by neglecting the effect of pressure rise of the stator enclosure, the inertia of the parts, etc. This effect is sought after medium and high-end rowers because it is the behavior that best reproduces the force of the water on the blades of a paddle/oar.
According to one variant not represented, this fan could be replaced by an electric motor whose torque would be controlled by the speed generated by the user, and which would be measured by a speed sensor.
A carriage 5 free in translation along this mast 1 and making it possible to fix various accessories described later is also mounted on this mast. This carriage comprises two parallel faces 50 which extend on either side of the faces 100 and 101 of the mast 1 and which are connected together by rolling elements 51 and by a front panel 52 pierced in its center. Thus, the faces 100 and 101 make it possible to guide the carriage 5 in translation along and relative to the mast 1.
Two independent transmission lines TR are integrated inside the mast 1, each of them being composed of a rope C/tensioner T pair:
In the appended
A folding arm 13 is also disposed on the mast 1 and more particularly at the base of the second small face 103. Its articulation axle extends at the base of the mast 1, between the large parallel faces 101 and 102. This arm can serve to perform a rowing type exercise.
The position of this folding arm 13 can be modified by manipulating a blocking means 131 such as a stud, so that it can then pivot about its articulation axle on which a return pulley 130 is mounted. Thus, depending on the needs, it can be positioned substantially parallel to the mast 1 (
In
As indicated previously, quick hooking means such as a carabiner M are disposed at the end of each of the ropes C1 and C2 and are used to connect different exercise members thereto, not represented here.
The action on either of these two ropes C1 and C2 causes, as will be seen later, the rotation of the fan 3. Simultaneous action on the two ropes is technically possible, but has no great interest, because the resistance generated by the fan 3 will then be shared between the two ropes.
Depending on the exercise that the user wishes to perform with the device D according to the invention, the mast 1 can be disposed, either in the vertical position or in the horizontal position, and this via a support base 2, particular visible in
This support base 2 has a structural portion comprising:
The support base 2 also has a blocking mechanism 21 making it possible to maintain the mast 1 in the vertical position, and mainly composed of:
The support base 2 is also provided with a hook 23 (whose opening is oriented upwards, that is to say opposite to the foot 202, making it easier to rotate and position the mast 1 between the vertical and horizontal positions. This portion will be described in detail later in the description.
The mast 1 can be used in three different ways:
In the vertical position, advantageously and as illustrated in
In this vertical position, the mast 1 is bearing on the support base 2 by two of the aforementioned cylinders 122, namely the lowest ones, which engage with the latch 210 and the hook 23.
After removing a connecting pin between the mast 1 and the hook 23 and by activating the lever 212 located on the support base 2 so that it retracts at least partially between the sheet metals 200, it is possible to dissociate the latch 210.
By holding the mast 1 through its free end, it is then possible to make it describe a rotational movement about the axle embodied by the tube housed in the hook 23. This kinematics is more particularly visible in
The user can thus unlock the mast 1 in order to position it horizontally, as illustrated in
The maneuvers explained above are more particularly illustrated in
Preferably, a support foot 14 is first installed not far from the free end of the mast 1, so that the latter is horizontal. The foot 14 then serves as a practical gripping means for the user when he pivots the mast. This horizontal position is for example used for the practice of the rowing exercise, as will be seen later.
The passage to the other horizontal position illustrated in
As will be seen below, in this second horizontal position, the mast 1 and its accessories constitute an independent and movable assembly, dissociated from the support base 2.
Before any tilting movement of the mast and as illustrated in
This module includes a spar 90 whose upper end includes a through opening 91. This spar extends opposite to the aforementioned upper end by an arm 92 whose free end forms a concave opening. The spar 90 and the arm 92 form approximately an angle of 90° and the length of the former is much greater than that of the latter.
The module 9 also includes a cross-member 93 provided with wheels 94. This cross-member is fixed to the base and to the rear of the spar 90.
As shown particularly in
In order to make the mast 1 independent and movable, the module 9 must first be connected to the mast on the front face.
This operation is carried out as illustrated in
It is then possible to unlock the mast 1 in the same way as explained above.
After unlocking the mast 1, the user can pivot it by pulling it towards him. From a certain angle, the wheels 94 come into contact with the ground. During this phase, the axle of rotation of the mast corresponds to the pivot axle 122.
The user continues to pivot the mast, while supporting it at the level of the foot 14. The axle of rotation of the latter is now the axle of the wheels 94, so that this has the effect of generating an upward force at the level of the pivot axle 122, and by lever effect, to force it out of the housing of the hook 23.
When the pivot axle 122 has passed the upper surface of the hook 23, the mast 1 is free in translation, the user can then pull it in order to dissociate it from the support base 2 and move it on the ground at his convenience.
Thanks to this arrangement, the user can dissociate the mast from the support base with minimal effort.
Indeed, during the pivoting movement, the wheels come into contact with the ground at a certain angle of inclination. During this first phase, the vast majority of the weight of the mast rests on the axle housing.
Exceeding this angle of inclination of the mast, the contact of the wheels with the ground combined with the weight of the mast generate a force at the level of the detachable pivot link, which has the effect of removing the pivot axle from its housing. The user only holds the mast but does not carry his full weight and does not need to himself generate the force necessary to remove the axle from its housing.
The mast being dissociated from the support base, the user can then easily move the mast, because the majority of the weight of the latter rests on the ground thanks to the wheels.
The mast 1 is replaced in the reverse order of the operations detailed above. More specifically, the user aligns the mast 1 in front of the support base 2 of the base, the opposite side surfaces of the hook 23 serve to guide the 100 and 101 of the mast 1.
When the pivot axle 122 comes into contact with the upper surface of the hook 23, the user raises the mast, until the axle 122 enters the housing of the hook 23.
The user continues to lift the mast in order to pivot it until it reaches the vertical position.
From a certain angle, the second locking axle 122 forces against the latch 210, which causes the rotation of the latter about its pivot axle, without the need to press the pedal 212.
Finally, when the mast arrives in the vertical position, the latch 210 locks automatically thanks to the return spring 213.
As indicated previously, a transmission system integrated into the mast 1 comprises two independent transmission lines TR1 and TR2, with identical operation:
Thus, in this example, the line comprises a drum 4, mounted on a transmission shaft 40 via a freewheel, and a rope C. This rope serves to transmit the movement of the user to the fan 3 and vice versa, the force resistant to the user. It is hooked to one side 41 of the drum 4 by one of its ends, while its second end is connected to the aforementioned carabiner M.
The line also comprises an elastic tensioner 42, which serves to maintain tension in the rope C, and thus allow it to rewind around the drum 4 during a return movement.
This tensioner 42 hooked to the second side 43 of the drum 4 through one end 420 and to the mast 1 through its second end 421, thus constituting a fixed point.
The line also comprises return pulleys PR integrated into the mast and located at its high end, making it possible to obtain lengths and angles of ropes/tensioners necessary for optimal operation (stroke, tension of the tensioner, winding, etc.).
In the rest state, the rope C is wound around the drum 4 and the elastic tensioner 42 is (partially) wound around this same drum, in the opposite direction to the rope C.
During a forward movement, the rope C unwinds, driving the drum 4 in rotation, which in turn causes the rotation of the shaft 40 on which it is mounted via a freewheel. At the same time, the elastic tensioner 42 elongates and winds around the drum 4 and takes the place of the rope C on the latter.
During a return movement opposite to the previous one, the tension accumulated in the tensioner 42 during the forward movement makes it possible to drive the drum 4 in rotation in the direction opposite to that of the forward movement. The freewheel, which has the function of transmitting the torque only in one direction, makes it possible to avoid causing the rotation of the shaft 40. The tensioner 42 then unwinds, and the rope C rewinds by returning to its place on the drum 4. At the end of the return movement, the system is again in the “rest state”.
As mentioned above, the winding drum 4 is mounted on the shaft 40 via a freewheel 44 (
The winding drum 4 is mounted on the shaft 40 thanks to the freewheel 44 and to the bearings 45. The shaft 40 is mounted on the mast 1, at its faces 100 and 101 via bearings 46. One end of the shaft 40 passes through the mast 1, on which a pulley 47 is mounted making it possible to transmit the rotation of the shaft to the fan 3 via a belt CO. In one alternative embodiment, the belt could be replaced by a chain.
When the winding drum 4 is driven in rotation by the unwinding of the rope C, the rotational movement is transmitted to the shaft 40. When it is driven in the opposite direction by the tension of the tensioner 42, it remains stationary (the torque is not transmitted to the shaft) thanks to the freewheel 44. The means for generating resisting torque described here is based on the principle of the centrifugal fan 3.
An example of such a fan is represented in
Thus, a rotor 30 (also called turbine, vane wheel, blade wheel, impeller) is integrated into an enclosure 31 which acts as stator 3. When the rotor 30 is driven in rotation by the user, outside air is sucked through orifices 32 present on the large opposite faces of the cylindrical stator and expelled through the orifices 33 arranged in the curved wall of the enclosure 31.
It is noted that the hub of the rotor is referenced 301 in
The resisting torque is obtained thanks to the friction of the air on the blades 300 of the rotor 30, and is therefore variable depending on the rotation speed. In addition, this torque can be adjusted by varying the surface of the orifices 32 and 33 thanks to a shutter system (not represented), the principle being that if the air intake surface is larger than the extraction surface, the air increases in pressure in the enclosure, and the torque is greater.
The drive axle of the turbine 3 is an additional shaft, generally similar to the shaft 40 already described with reference to
By consulting
The two transmission lines TR1 and TR2 are connected to each other as well as to the shaft of the fan 3 by the transmission belt CO mentioned above. Their independence is ensured thanks to the aforementioned freewheels.
The shafts of the transmission lines and the shaft of the rotor are all parallel to each other.
The fan 3 can therefore be driven in rotation by either of the two lines TR1 and TR2, or both at the same time, without prior adjustment.
In addition, the use of a belt (or chain) system allows, if necessary, having a different diameter of pulleys 47 in order to obtain a different reduction ratio (and therefore a resisting force) between the transmission lines TR1 and TR2.
The following describes some examples of exercises that can be performed with the device D, while the mast 1 is secured to the support base 2.
Thus, referring to
This exercise works out the entire body and the use of an air resistance system means that it is more focused on cardiovascular work than purely muscular work.
During this exercise, the resistance force generated by the fan 3 is transmitted to the user via an exercise bar 6, fixed to the carriage 5 of the mast 1, this carriage being itself connected to the front transmission rope C.
To perform this exercise and as shown in
In addition, the front rope C is hooked to the carriage 5 in order to transmit to it the resisting force generated by the fan 3. This force is transmitted only during the forward phase, upwards (position 1 towards 2), whereas during the return phase, the carriage 5 descends by the effect of its own weight.
Referring to
In order to perform this exercise, it is first necessary to tilt the mast 1 to bring it to the horizontal, as explained with reference to
Referring to
While the mast 1 is in the vertical position, it can be performed by hooking a handle (paddle) MA on the front rope C via a carabiner M type quick clip.
The user simulates the paddling movement by pulling the bottom of the handle MA towards him.
This movement can also be performed in the seated position on a support or on the knees, with a shorter handle MA, in order to perform a “Canoe” type training (not represented).
As illustrated in
It is firstly a weight 70 supporting bar 7, which is provided at mid-length with a connection part 71, which is secured to the carriage 5 by inserting its free end 710 into the aforementioned opening 520 of said carriage.
A pin G is inserted into the holes 521 of the carriage 5 and into the hole 711 provided for this purpose in the part 71. This pin makes it possible to hold the assembly together.
The weights 70 are advantageously weightlifting type plates and can be slid on either side of the bar 7 of the weight support.
The accessories also comprise a cable CE which is hooked to the carriage 5 thanks to a carabiner M type attachment means in a hole 521 provided for this purpose in the front face of the carriage 5.
They also comprise an assembly forming a stop 72 fixed in a detachable manner to the mast 1 thanks to one of the holes provided in the latter, in order to adjust the height desired by the user. It also serves to break a potential fall of the carriage 5+weight 70 assembly.
As illustrated in
To do so, advantageous use is made of a set of “high pulleys” 8 including one or more pulleys 80 serving as a return system for the cable CB, which set is fixed in one of the holes arranged in the mast 1.
Use is also made of a pulling accessory such as a bar 80, a handle, a rope, etc., hooked to the aforementioned cable by a quick attachment means such as a carabiner M.
Another bodybuilding exercise, the “low pulley pulling” can be performed by adding an additional accessory to those described above.
As shown in
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2104965 | May 2021 | FR | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2022/061271 | 4/27/2022 | WO |