Weight simulator for weight-bearing computed tomography

Abstract

A weight simulator for weight-bearing computed tomography of a patient's lower limb, which allows the tomography to be performed with the individual in a supine position and with any tomograph, thus providing greater practicality, comfort and accessibility for any medical centre. The simulator of the invention allows the person to support the lower limb in a much more comfortable and stable manner, avoiding any involuntary movement, thus obtaining better results and, consequently, a better diagnosis.

Description

[0001] WEIGHT SIMULATOR FOR WEIGHT-BEARING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

[0002] STATE OF THE ART OF INVENTION

[0003] Field of Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of devices, means and arrangements used for computed tomography, more particularly for weight-bearing computed tomography, and more preferably relates to an improved weight simulator or weight applying device that allows a weight-bearing computed tomography to be performed where the individual to be studied is in a supine position, properly supporting his / her foot and lower limb in order to provide greater practicality, comfort, safety and speed during the tomography, avoiding any type of involuntary movement.

[0005] Description of prior art

[0006] As it is widely known in the field of the art, computed tomography allows for taking three-dimensional images of both the upper and lower limbs. In both cases, tomography has allowed for better results to be obtained in order to determine more accurate diagnoses. In the case of lower limb CT, this has resulted in great practicality when diagnosing injuries, fractures or the like. Generally, during tomography the person is placed in his / her functional position (weight-bearing), thus providing exact information on the different alterations and pathologies that the lower limb being studied could present.

[0007] Although these images can be obtained with the Curve-Beam tomography scanner, high cost thereof generates a great difficulty for the doctor and / or the care centers. This brings with it great limitations when studying a possible injury or fracture of the patient's lower limb, since without access to this device, information is lost and the diagnosis is insufficient. It is thus understood that it is very important to have this information (provided by the Curve-Beam device and which is not easily accessible) since it would be very beneficial for the individual to be studied.

[0008] Based on the above, and in accordance with Figure 1 related to the Prior Art, the holder of the present invention developed a weight simulator SIM 1 for computed tomography in accordance with Patent Document AR 122334 B1, which allows obtaining the necessary information for carrying out complete diagnoses at a low cost by having a base 2 with steps 4 on which the individual enters and supports his / her foot while in a supine position, which provides greater practicality when performing the tomography. Thus, the weight simulator SIM allows the person to have a tomography of the lower limb 15 under weight on a conventional tomograph 14 while in a supine position and not in a monopodal position.

[0009] The weight on the lower limb 15 is carried out through a cover 7 that is guided by threaded rods 6 that extend from fixed pillars 5 and project from the base 2, and the cover 7 is duly adjusted by means of adjustment elements 8 and in accordance with the weight intended to be generated and which rests against the upper surface of said lower limb 15 at the level of the upper face of the homolateral thigh.

[0010] In this way, a lowering of the upper surface is generated, generating a compression of the lower limb at the level of the upper thigh, thus simulating the same weight that would occur in conventional cases where the individual receives weight in a monopodal position. In addition, these forces are transferred to the lower end of the limb, in this case the foot, which generates a deformation at the structural and morphological level of said foot, thus simulating the monopodal weight position of the lower limb to be studied.

[0011] Although the weight simulator SIM AR 122334 B1 has provided a low-cost solution for performing tomographies of people's lower limbs, the holder of the invention has continued to develop improvements so that the tomography is performed in the best possible way, allowing more information to be obtained in each case and generating a more accurate and reliable diagnosis. This is because it has been detected that during the tomography the person's foot tends to move slightly from the original position due to the weight generated and / or discomfort, causing inconveniences when taking images.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved weight simulator for weight-bearing computed tomography that provides better fixation and support of the lower limb in order to improve the tomography process.

[0014] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a weight simulator that provides support for the patient's leg, so that the patient is in a much more comfortable and safe position, avoiding any type of involuntary movement during the tomography. Another object of the present invention is to provide a simulator with a base provided with adjustable and movable footstep or support guide stops that adapt to the footstep and dimensions of each person's foot, adjusting it in such a way as to establish a support or footstep area so that the person always rests his / her foot thereon without shifting that could interfere with the tomography and data collection.

[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a padded means that works as a spring, elastically holding the weight against the patient's lower limb and that allows the force or weight to be calibrated to adjust the most approximate and estimated value that is applied to it. It is emphasized that the size and thickness of the padded means may vary according to the constitution of each patient.

[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a weight simulator that is provided with said padded means so as to provide greater comfort and convenience to the lower limb of the person during the tomography.

[0017] It is also the object of the present invention to provide a weight simulator that allows generating the same type of images that are obtained with the "Curve-Beam" (tomograph that performs weight-bearing tomographies in a monopodal position).

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a weight simulator that allows the use of information obtained with the Cone-Beam (tomograph in which images are obtained with the individual lying down), thus generating the same reliability on said information obtained.

[0019] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a weight simulator that, due to its simple and low-cost configuration, provides accessibility for anyone who does not have the conventional tomograph to obtain the weight-bearing images in a monopodal way as mentioned above, thus avoiding having to access said tomograph to obtain information on the individual with weight.

[0020] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a weight simulator that allows the user to be provided with the most realistic and reliable images possible for the study of the lower limb, in this case the leg, ankle and foot.

[0021] It is also another object of the present invention to provide a weight simulator that allows obtaining information from a weight-bearing tomography in a way that is generated at a low cost, and by being adaptable to existing tomographs, thus not generating the need for the user to obtain a new, more expensive tomograph.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a weight simulator that solves the drawbacks mentioned in the prior art, and can be used with all existing tomographs in order to achieve easier access to information and equal opportunities for users to perform it.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] For greater clarity and understanding of the object of the present invention, it has been illustrated in several figures, in which the invention has been represented in one of the preferred embodiments, all by way of example, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the simulator according to Patent Document AR122334 B1;

[0026] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the simulator of the invention, wherein a person is positioned in a supine position and ready to be examined by the tomograph;

[0027] Figure 3 shows another perspective view of the simulator of the invention;

[0028] Figure 4 shows a side view of the simulator according to the invention;

[0029] Figure 5 shows yet another perspective view of the simulator of the invention;

[0030] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the simulator of the invention;

[0031] Figure 7 shows a perspective view taken from above of a base of the simulator of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 shows a perspective view taken from below of the base of the simulator of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a base pillar of the invention in a preferred embodiment; Figure 10 shows a perspective view taken from the bottom of a cover according to the invention;

[0034] Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a lower limb support plate according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a guide stop bolt and guide stop cover forming a support guide stop according to the invention;

[0036] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the simulator of the invention according to a second preferred embodiment;

[0037] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the cover and a bottom cover according to the second preferred embodiment, where an expandable means is illustrated between them;

[0038] Figure 15 shows an enlarged sectional view of a second preferred embodiment of the simulator of the invention, wherein a bottom cover is illustrated in conjunction with an expandable means; and

[0039] Figure 16 shows an enlarged sectional view of the simulator of the invention according to the second preferred embodiment, wherein the bottom covers was displaced due to the expansion of the expandable means.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Referring now to the figures, it can be seen that the invention consists of a new, weight simulator for weight-bearing computed tomography of a person's lower limb, which allows the tomography to be performed with the individual in a supine position and with any tomograph, in order to provide greater practicality, comfort and accessibility for any medical centre. The present simulator may be understood as a stand position simulator that emulates in the limb of a patient the weight of the body while in the stand position. This is necessary because the images of the limb part or parts must be taken as if the patient is in stand position and the limb is naturally deformed under the patient body's weigh. The simulator of the invention allows the person to support the lower limb in a much more comfortable and stable manner, avoiding any involuntary movement. As it is known, injuries can vary in severity and the patient cannot always bear weight during tomography. This leads to involuntary movements of the lower limb that impair the tomography results. The invention solves the foregoing and also provides a fixed area for foot support which adapts to the dimensions of each person. This also makes it possible to know the type of foot support of each person, among other things, which further improves the final studies and diagnoses.

[0042] Thus, and in accordance with Figures 2 to 12, the improved weight simulator of the invention is indicated by general reference 101 and comprises a base 102 with a support surface 103 for the foot 104 of a person P, which has a plurality of support surface transverse guide slides 105 that are separated and spaced apart from each other, with respective textured areas 106 being interleaved between them and in an intercalated manner, which generate an “anti-slip” effect for the foot 104. Each of said support surface transverse guide slides 105 is provided with a set of support guide stops 107 that can be selectively moved along them. According to Figure 12, each of said support guide stops 107 comprises a guide stop bolt 108 which has an upper threaded bolt end 109 onto which a guide stop cover 110 is screwed through an internal cover thread 111. The guide stop bolt 108 is inserted through the bottom of the base 102, with its upper threaded bolt end 109 passing through the support surface transverse guide slides 105, protruding beyond it and facing the side of the support surface 103 of said base 102. Thus, the position of the guide stop bolt 108 is then fixed through the threading of the guide stop cover 110 on the upper threaded bolt end 109. The support guide stops 107 will move until they contact the periphery of the foot 104 of the patient P and are fixed in said position. In this way, a “fixed” support area is generated so that the patient always supports his / her foot at the same place. This greatly favors the tomography process since by having the foot in a “fixed” position, involuntary movements that may affect subsequent results are avoided. In the event of needing to repeat the tomography, the defined support area will facilitate the location of the lower limb in a much more practical and quick way. Likewise, by supporting the foot on the support surface 103, the footprint of each person can be observed, and correct images can be obtained, in order to improve the final diagnoses.

[0043] Referring again to said base 102, Figures 7 and 8, it comprises on each side and adjacent to said support surface 103, a plurality of base through openings 112 interleaved with a plurality of base blind openings 113. Furthermore, said base 102 comprises a support surface fixing slot 114 provided, preferably but not limited thereto, in an end portion of said support surface 103 and a plurality of slot holes 115. The support surface fixing slot 114 shall allow the assembly of a lower limb support plate 116 such as that illustrated in figure 11 . Said lower limb support plate 116 comprises a plurality of lower plate projections 117 which are inserted into the respective slot holes 115 provided on said support surface fixing slot 114 of said support surface 103, said lower limb support plate 116 being arranged perpendicular to said support surface 103 of said base 102.

[0044] It is highlighted that the geometry or shape of the support surface fixing slot 114 coincides with the shape or geometry of the lower part of the lower limb support plate 116 so as to generate an adequate fit that prevents play or movement of the support plate 116. Likewise, by using the lower limb support plate 116, person P leans the calf against it, resting on it and remaining stable in a much more comfortable position. This also prevents the person from having to make efforts to maintain a fixed position of the lower limb, knowing the ailments or discomfort that he or she may have at that time and that may lead to involuntary movements that affect the tomography studies. The lower limb support plate 116 may be provided with a plurality of perforations 136 in order to provide a surface that prevents slipping of the calf and part of the leg of the person and in turn generate ventilation paths that allow perspiration from the calf and / or leg to dissipate in case this occurs.

[0045] On the other hand, the present invention is provided with at least one pair of removable base pillars 118 that are removably mounted on each side of said base 102. Wherein, figure 9, each of said base pillars 118 comprises at least one base pillar column 119 inside which a column through hole 120 is provided that can be completely or partially threaded, each base pillar 118 being in turn provided with at least one lower base pillar projection 121 that removably fits into a corresponding said base through opening 112 provided in said base 102, said column through hole 120 being in turn coincident with a corresponding base blind opening 113. According to a preferred embodiment, but not being limiting for the invention, each base pillar 118 may be comprised of three base pillar columns 119 which are joined together at the top by means of a base pillar crossbar 122, while at the bottom they are part of a triangular base pillar structure 123, said column through holes 120 being arranged at the bottom in an interleaved manner with said lower base pillar projections 121. Likewise, each base pillar 118 has a base pillar leg 124 arranged inclined with respect to the longitudinal development of the base pillar columns 119, such that the general structure of the simulator may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane and supported and held in said position by said base pillar leg 124 of each base pillar 118, as best illustrated in Figures 2 to 4.

[0046] Furthermore, the present invention is provided with a plurality of threaded bars 127 mounted on said base pillars 118, more particularly threadedly mounted within each corresponding column through hole 120 of each base pillar column 119 of the base pillars 118. Wherein, each threaded bar 127 projects in elevation such that its free bar ends 128 pass through respective cover holes 129 provided on an upper cover or upper plate 130. Each threaded bar 127 comprises a bar base end 211 which is in contact with a blind opening base 131 of a corresponding blind base opening 113 provided in said base 102, a bar threaded longitudinal development 132 which rises from said bar base end passing partially inside said column through hole 120 of said base pillar column 119 of base pillar 118, and said free bar end 128.

[0047] It is emphasized that said threaded bar 127 may present its entire bar threaded longitudinal development 132 or may present certain bar threaded portions. In both cases, said threads will allow the assembly by threading the adjustment elements 133 which may comprise square nuts, wing nuts or a combination thereof, and which are mounted on corresponding portions of said bar threaded longitudinal development 132 of said threaded bar 127 so as to fix said removable base pillars 118 on said base 102 and said upper cover 130 against the upper part of the lower limb at the level of the upper face of the homolateral thigh so as to generate a homogeneous weight on the lower limb. Likewise, in order to adjust said adjustment elements 133 on said threaded bars 127 and also allow the fixing of the latter, a plurality of adjustment nuts 137 is provided, a plurality of corresponding adjustment nuts 137 being arranged in respective blind opening bases 131 of said base blind openings 113 provided in said base 102, so as to allow the lower adjustment and fixing of said threaded bars 127. The rest of the adjustment nuts 137 will be arranged so as to allow the adjustment of the respective parts such as base pillars 118 and upper cover 130.

[0048] According to the present invention, said upper cover 130 is provided at its lower end with a padded cover means 134 which is mounted on a lower cover guide support 135 and in direct contact with said upper part of the lower limb at the level of the upper face of the homolateral thigh. The padded cover means 134 will provide greater comfort in the upper part of the thigh of the lower limb so that the person can be in a comfortable position supporting the weight and avoiding any involuntary movement. Likewise, said cover padded means 134 may comprise a pad that works as a spring holding the weight elastically against the lower limb of the patient and allows the force or weight to be calibrated to adjust the most approximate and estimated value that is applied thereto. It is highlighted that the size and thickness of the padded means can vary according to the constitution of each patient.

[0049] Thus, the lower limb of the person is positioned between said base 102, base pillars 118 and said upper cover 130, such that the calf rests against said lower limb support plate 116 while the foot is supported on said support surface 103 of said base 102 and retained by means of said set of support guide stops 107. This prevents any involuntary movement during the tomography while providing greater comfort.

[0050] As regards the operation of the improved simulator of the invention, the individual to be studied must first be positioned in a supine position with the leg placed between the base pillars 118, resting his / her calf on said lower limb support plate 116 and his / her foot 104 on said support surface 103 of said base 102, accompanied by a hip flexion and thus bringing the gluteal region closer to the base 102 of the weight simulator of the invention. Once the individual is in this position, the support guide stops 107 are moved until they contact the periphery or sides of the foot. For this purpose, first the guide stop cover 110 are slightly unscrewed, then they are moved together with the guide stop bolt 108 and finally the guide stop cover 110 is screwed back on. Once each adjustment of the support guide stops 107 has been completed, a support area for the patient's foot is generated or defined in which the patient will always step on the same place in order to avoid involuntary shifting or movement and which helps to achieve better results. Furthermore, and as mentioned above, the patient's footstep can be observed, among other things.

[0051] Once the foot has been adjusted, the previously described upper cover 130 is placed on the upper surface of said limb at the level of the upper side of the homolateral thigh. For this purpose, the upper cover 130 is placed so that its cover holes 129 pass through the free bar ends 128 until they contact the corresponding part of the person's leg. The adjusting elements 133 are then screwed to the level at which said upper cover 130 is located in order to generate a first adjustment using a similar tool. Then, a final adjustment is made to provide the desired compression onto the limb of the patient, to simulate the weight of the patient on the foot, the adjustment being made by screwing adjusting elements 133, manually or by a tool, with a torque wrench to determine the weight exerted on the leg in a homogeneous manner through each adjusting element 133. Thus, the compression mechanism is reproduced by decreasing the space between two surfaces, in this case between the upper cover 130 and the base 102, applying the weight, compression or load at the upper end of the corresponding part of the lower limb and generating compression of said limb against the lower surface thereof, which is fixed. The determination of the final weight is carried out by virtue of the arrangement of the padded cover means 134 which interacts directly against the part of the lower limb.

[0052] On the other hand, the way in which said weight is simulated in the upper part is through the adjustment of the adjustment elements 133 as mentioned above. Said adjustment elements 133, which may be nuts, but are not limiting for the invention, are screwed through the threaded bars 127 and allow the existing space between the upper cover 130 and the base 102 to be reduced. In this way, a lowering of the upper surface is generated, generating a compression of the lower limb at the level of the upper face of the thigh, thus simulating the same weight that would occur in conventional cases wherein the individual receives a weight in a monopodal position. This is a great advantage over previous art since the individual is in a supine position and with a conventional tomograph, making this much more practical, comfortable and accessible for any medical center. Furthermore, through the improvements of the present invention, involuntary movements that may affect the results of the tomography are avoided.

[0053] In this way, these forces are transferred to the lower end of the limb, in this case the foot, which generates a deformation at a structural and morphological level of said foot, thus simulating the monopodal weight position of the lower limb to be studied. It should be noted that the arrangement of the base pillars allows for uniform compression of the entire limb, thus generating an even and ergonomic simulation of the applied force.

[0054] It is highlighted that the present invention can be used in both children and adults without any inconvenience.

[0055] According to Figures 13 to 16, in a second preferred embodiment, the simulator of the present invention is provided with a lower cover 201 arranged immediately below said upper cover 130. The lower cover 201 comprises an upper surface 202 that can be complementary to the lower surface of the upper cover 130 so as to generate a partial coupling between them. Furthermore, the lower cover 201 has a lower surface 203 which is provided with said padded cover means 134. The assembly of the padded cover means 134 on the lower surface 203 of the lower cover 201 is carried out through a support 204 which is constructively identical to the lower cover guide support 135 of the upper cover 130 so that further descriptive details about it will not be entered into. It is emphasized that the padded cover means 134 has not been illustrated in Figures 13 and 15-16 in order to assist with the understanding of the second preferred embodiment, it being understood that said padded cover means 134 is used during tomography.

[0056] Lower cover 201 has respective holes 205 for the guided passage of said threaded bars 127 so as to allow the assembly of the lower cover 201 on the device of the invention. It is emphasized that, in this second preferred embodiment, upper cover 130 is retained at the top by means of said adjustment elements 133, while the lower cover 201 is in contact with the lower limb of the person through the padded cover means 134. Upper cover 130 may be adjusted as disclosed in connection to Figures 2-10 just to put upper cover 130 in contact with the limb of the patient to exert a first retention force. Then, the final compression is obtained by moving lower cover 201 down up to the final compression is obtained. Lower cover 201 can move down and up slidably guided along bars 127 by holes 205. Each hole 205 has a shape like a short length of conduit to improve guided sliding. Holes 205 will slide along bars 127 even if the bars are entirely threaded or partially threaded.

[0057] Likewise, between said upper cover 130 and lower cover 201 there is provided an expandable or inflatable means 206 that expands so as to separate the lower cover 201 from the upper cover 130. In this way, when expandable means 206 is inflated it separates said upper cover 130 and lower cover 201 causing the latter to move so as to progressively compress, according to a certain weight, the lower limb of the person. Upper cover 130 is prevented from moving upwardly because it is retained in its position by adjustment elements 133.

[0058] The expandable means 206 may be any means capable of expanding by means of air, pneumatically, or the like such as a chamber commonly used in blood pressure monitors, this not being limiting for the invention since other types and configurations of chambers or expandable means can be considered and used without any inconvenience. Although in Figure 15 the expandable means 206 has been illustrated with a certain volume, this is merely schematic in order to help understanding the object of the invention, it being understood that it is initially collapsed or "crushed" by the covers 130 and 201. Expandable means 206 may be a chamber, a bag and the like, made of any expandable material, capable of receiving a fluid under pressure.

[0059] It is highlighted that said expandable means 206 may have an inflation means comprised of one hose 207, preferably two hoses, for conducting pressurized fluid, like air, for inflating expandable means 206. Hoses 207 are connected to a pressurizing means 208, such as an electrical pump or manual actuated pump, to fee hoses 207 with pressurized fluid to controllably inflate means 206. Expandable means 206 can be expanded manually or by means of an inflating apparatus 208, always under control to have a precise pressure onto the limb of the patient. Likewise, said lower cover 201 is provided with a slot or channel 209 for the passage of said hose or hoses 207. In turn, the inflating apparatus 208 is connected to a pressure gauge 210, as shown, or to the expandable means 206. According to the invention, the pressure exerted by cover 201 under the expansion of means 206 is determined on the basis of the weight of the patient. Thw following Table is successfully employed to apply pressure onto the limb of the patient, with the left side column showing the weight of the patient, and the right side column showing the pressure that must be applied to expandable means 206:

[0060] In this way, the person is positioned as described above, and in this second embodiment the expandable means 206 is inflated or expanded, generating the separation of the lower cover 201 which, through contact with the padded cover means 134, generates a progressive compression or weight on the lower limb of the person. Said progressive weight is previously predetermined by means of suitable calculations to exert the necessary weight during the tomography. At the same time, by being progressive, the person is prevented from moving during the application of the weight, avoiding involuntary movements.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A weight simulator (101) for weight-bearing computed tomography, comprising a base (102) with a support surface (103) for supporting the foot (104) of a patient (P) and an upper cover (130) that exerts pressure on part of a lower limb of the patient to simulate the weight of the patient as if it were actuating onto the foot of the patient, the upper cover (130) and the base (102) being connected by threaded bars (127) and adjustment elements (133), the simulator being characterized by: a lower cover (201) slidably connected to a plurality of threaded bars (127) connecting the upper cover (130) to the base (102), the lower cover (201) being adjacent the upper cover (130) and the lower cover (201) being capable of moving up and down along the threaded bars (127), expandable means (206) arranged between the upper cover (130) and the lower cover (201), and pressurizing means (208) connected to the expandable means (206) to expand the expandable means (206) and controllably move the lower cover (201) along the threaded bars (127) to exert said pressure against said part of the lower limb of the patient.

2. A weight simulator according to claim 1 , characterized in that the lower cover (201) is arranged immediately below said upper cover (130), wherein said lower cover (201) comprises an upper surface (202), a lower surface (203), respective holes (205) and a slot or channel (209), the threaded bars (127) slaidably passing through said holes (205).

3. A weight simulator according to claim 1 , characterized in that the expandable means (206) is a pneumatic chamber.

4. A weight simulator according to claim 1 , characterized in that one of said upper cover (130) and lower cover (201) is provided with a padded cover means (134) which is mounted on a lower cover guide support (135, 204), the padded cover means (134) being for contacting said upper part of the lower limb at the level of the upper face of the homolateral thigh of the patient.

5. A weight simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that said support surface (103) of the base (102) comprises a plurality of support surface transverse guide slides (105) that are separated and spaced apart from each other, with each of the support surface transverse guide slides (105) being provided with a set of support guide stops (107) selectively movable along said support surface transverse guide slides (105).

6. A weight simulator according to claim 5, characterized in that said support surface (103) of said base (102) has textured areas (106) arranged in an interleaved manner with said support surface transverse guide slides (105).

7. A weight simulator according to claim 5, characterized in that at least one lower limb support plate (116) for providing support to a rear part of the limb of the patient is mounted in said support surface (103) of said base (102).

8. A weight simulator according to claim 7, characterized in that said lower limb support plate (116) has a plurality of lower plate projections (117) that are inserted into respective slot holes (115) provided in a support surface fixing slot (114) of said support surface (103), said lower limb support plate (116) being arranged perpendicular to said support surface (103) of said base (102).

9. A weight simulator according to claim 1 , characterized in that further comprising a pair of removable base pillars (118) mounted on each side of said base (102), with the plurality of threaded bars (127) being mounted on said base pillars (118), and the base pillars (118) are extended in elevation so that their free bar ends (128) pass through respective cover holes (129) provided on said upper cover (130).

10. A weight simulator according to claim 9, characterized in that said base (102) has, at each side therefor and adjacent to said support surface (103), a plurality of base through openings (112) interleaved with a plurality of base blind openings (113).

11. A weight simulator according to claim 10, characterized in that each of said base pillars (118) comprises at least one base pillar column (119) inside which a column through hole (120) is provided, each base pillar (118) being in turn provided with at least one lower base pillar projection (121) that fits into a corresponding said base through opening (112) provided in said base (102).

12. A weight simulator according to claim 11 , characterized in that each of said threaded bars (127) comprises: a bar base end (211) in contact with a blind opening base (131) of a corresponding one of said base blind openings (113), a bar threaded longitudinal development (132) passing through said column through hole (120) of said base pillar column (119) of the removable base pillar (118), andsaid free bar end (128).

13. A weight simulator according to claim 1 , characterized in that said adjustment elements (133) comprise square nuts, wing nuts or a combination thereof, and the adjustment elements (133) are mounted on corresponding portions of said threaded bars (127) so as to retain said upper cover (130) in the desired position.

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