Restraint system for a device for training muscles, and associated device for training muscles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a restraint system, particularly suitable for use in a device for training muscles, and to a device for training muscles, which device comprises the restraint system according to the invention and which device for training muscles comprises a power arm, wherein the power arm is pivotable about a pivot axis, and the pivoting movement of the power arm about the pivot axis can be braked by the restraint system.

Description

[0001] Restraint system for a muscle training device and associated muscle training device

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a restraint system, particularly suitable for use in a device for training muscles, and to a device for training muscles, which comprises the restraint system according to the invention and which device for training muscles comprises a power arm, wherein the power arm is pivotable about a pivot axis and the pivoting movement of the power arm about the pivot axis can be braked by the restraint system.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Devices for training muscles are known in a variety of forms. For example, document US 4,618,140 A shows such a device in which the first pivot point, where one end of the compression spring element is attached to the force arm, is adjustable along the force arm. For this purpose, a series of holes are provided on the force arm. The end of the compression spring element is equipped with a bracket that encloses the force arm. A pin is inserted into this bracket and, via a spring, is pressed into the respective hole on the force arm, thereby fixing the end of the compression spring element to the force arm.To adjust, the spring-loaded pin must be pulled out of the bore, the bracket at the end of the compression spring element can be moved along the force arm, in the desired position the pin is pressed back into the corresponding bore over the spring, training can be continued, whereby the force to be overcome on the force arm becomes greater or smaller depending on the setting.

[0006] With this device, adjusting the force opposing the operation of the lever arm is complicated. In particular, the position of the end of the compression spring element on the lever arm must be precisely adjusted so that the pin can penetrate the bore. There is a particular risk that the pin will not be correctly inserted into the bore, which could cause the pivot point of the compression spring element to shift unintentionally along the lever arm during its movement. This could be unpleasant for the person operating the lever arm. Furthermore, there is a risk that the lever arm, if not connected to the compression spring element, could swing uncontrollably due to gravity and strike a person within its swing path.

[0007] From EP 3 229 926 A1, a device for training muscles is known in which the pivot point of the compression spring element can be easily adjusted along the force arm, and in which it is ensured that the compression spring element is correctly articulated to the force arm by providing an end region of the compression spring element with a first articulating surface having a first curvature, and by arranging a series of second articulating surfaces along the force arm over an adjustment range, each of which has a second curvature complementary to the first curvature, so that the first end region of the compression spring element with the first articulating surface can be brought into operative contact with one of the second articulating surfaces, and so that the force arm can be pressed against one end region of the compression spring element via a second spring element, such that the two articulating surfaces in operative contact are kept in contact.The second spring element is attached at one end to the retaining element and at the other end to the power arm in an area separate from the first pivot point. Even with this device for muscle training, a risk remains that the power arm may swing uncontrollably under the influence of gravity and / or, in particular, under the influence of the second spring element, and that a person within the swinging range of the power arm could be struck by the swinging arm, provided that the power arm and the compression spring element are not operatively connected. This danger is particularly high in the so-called "parked position," as the second spring element is under tension in this position, and even a small and unintentional movement of the power arm can, due to the tension of the second spring element, lead to a very forceful and uncontrolled swinging of the power arm.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a restraint system which is particularly suitable for use in a device for training muscles, which device for training muscles comprises a power arm and a holding element, wherein the power arm is pivotable at an end region about a pivot axis arranged on the holding element, wherein the restraint system according to the invention generates a braking force against the pivoting movement of the power arm about the pivot axis in a simple but reliable and safe manner.A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for training muscles, which device for training muscles comprises a power arm and a holding element, wherein the power arm is pivotable at an end region about a pivot axis arranged on the holding element, and which device for training muscles comprises the restraint system according to the invention and by means of this restraint system the pivoting movement of the power arm about the pivot axis can be braked, so that a pivoting movement of the power arm caused by gravity and / or the tensile force of a tension spring element can be braked, thereby preventing a person located in the pivoting area of ​​the power arm from being hit by an uncontrolled pivoting power arm.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The restraint system according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a device for training muscles, which device for training muscles comprises a force arm and a holding element, wherein the force arm is pivotable at one end region about a pivot axis arranged on the holding element, and is characterized in that the restraint system comprises at least one friction element arranged on the holding element with a first friction surface and an elastically deformable area, and that the force arm has a second friction surface, wherein the first friction surface and the second friction surface can be brought into engagement with each other at least along part of the path traveled during the pivoting movement of the force arm about the pivot axis in such a way that the elastically deformable area is elastically deformed and generates a restoring force.which generates a braking force between the first friction surface and the second friction surface, opposing the pivoting movement of the lever arm around the pivot axis.

[0011] This design of the restraint system generates the braking force in a simple yet reliable and safe manner, counteracting the pivoting movement of the force arm around the pivot axis, without requiring a large number of additional components. The system's complexity, and therefore its susceptibility to failure, is thus reduced to a minimum, making the restraint system particularly suitable as a safety feature.

[0012] The braking force generated by the restraint system depends on the one hand on the restoring force and on the other hand on the coefficient of friction between the first and second friction surfaces. The restoring force can be influenced by appropriately selecting the material or geometry of the friction element and / or the force arm and / or the retaining element. The coefficient of friction between the first and second friction surfaces can, in turn, be adjusted by modifying the surface area of ​​the first and / or second friction surfaces.

[0013] Advantageously, the elastically deformable area comprises at least one slot-shaped recess, which can be arranged in an end region of the force arm and / or in the retaining element. Such a slot-shaped recess increases the elastic deformability of the force arm and / or the retaining unit in the elastically deformable area and thus reduces the restoring force generated by elastic deformation of the elastically deformable area.

[0014] In a further advantageous manner, the restoring force, caused by the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable area, and the braking force are adjustable by appropriate dimensioning of the at least one slot-shaped recess, whereby for this adjustability, for example, the self-weight of the force arm and / or additional forces acting on the force arm, for example from tension spring elements connected to the force arm, can be taken into account.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the braking force can be adjusted by modifying the first friction surface and / or the second friction surface, preferably by applying a surface coating, whereby changes to the surface roughness, the application of a lubricant to the first and / or second friction surface or other modifications are also conceivable.

[0016] Advantageously, a transition surface can also be formed adjacent to the second friction surface. This transition surface can engage with the first friction surface at least along a portion of the path traveled during the pivoting movement of the force arm about the pivot axis, such that the elastically deformable area is elastically deformed and generates a restoring force, which in turn causes a rotational force on the force arm. This rotational force generated by the restoring force in the region of the transition surface can either assist or counteract the pivoting movement of the force arm. The transition surface can be a ramp-shaped, wave-shaped, straight, convexly curved, or preferably a concavely curved surface.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment, the friction element is designed as a pin, preferably as a pin with a substantially cylindrical cross-section. This pin comprises connecting means, for example in the form of a thread on each of its end faces, a through thread along its longitudinal axis, or a through bore along its longitudinal axis, by means of which the pin can be attached to the retaining element.

[0018] The device according to the invention for training muscles comprises a power arm and a holding element, wherein the power arm can be equipped with actuating elements at one end region and is pivotable at another end region about a pivot axis arranged on the holding element, wherein one end region of a compression spring element is articulated to the power arm at a first pivot point, which first pivot point is adjustable along the power arm, while the other end region of the compression spring element is articulated to the holding element at a second pivot point, characterized in that the device for training muscles includes the restraint system according to the invention, with which the pivoting movement of the power arm about the pivot axis can be braked. The braking effect thus generated can be used, for example, to brake the pivoting movement about the pivot axis caused by the weight of the power arm.The inventive device for training the muscles is safer because the power arm cannot pivot around the pivot axis unbraked, i.e., at reduced speed, following the weight of the power arm.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pivoting movement of the power arm about the pivot axis can be divided into at least two sub-regions, wherein in a first sub-region the pivoting movement of the power arm about the pivot axis is braked by the braking force of the restraint system, and in a second sub-region the power arm can pivot about the pivot axis without influence of the braking force of the restraint system. In particular, when the device according to the invention is used for muscle training, the power arm can pivot about the pivot axis in the second sub-region of the pivoting movement, i.e., without influence of the braking force of the restraint system. The movement of the power arm during muscle training is therefore essentially unaffected by the braking effect of the restraint system.

[0020] Advantageously, the pivoting movement of the force arm about the pivot axis can be divided into at least three sub-regions, wherein in a first sub-region the pivoting movement of the force arm about the pivot axis can be braked by the braking force of the restraint system, and in a second sub-region the force arm can pivot about the pivot axis without the influence of the braking force of the restraint system, and wherein in a third sub-region the restoring force exerts a rotational force on the force arm. The third sub-region of the movement represents the transition region between the first sub-region and the second sub-region, wherein in this third sub-region the transition surface engages with the first friction surface and the force arm is rotated in the direction of the second sub-region of the pivoting movement by the rotational force induced by the restoring force in the region of the transition surface.When the force arm rotates around the pivot axis from the first part of the pivoting movement towards the second part of the pivoting movement, the rotational force generated in the third part of the pivoting movement by the restoring force in the area of ​​the transition surface supports the rotational movement, and when the force arm rotates around the pivot axis from the second part of the pivoting movement towards the first part of the pivoting movement, the rotational force generated in the third part of the pivoting movement by the restoring force in the area of ​​the transition surface opposes the rotational movement.

[0021] Preferably, the braking force generated by the restraint system is greater in magnitude than the rotational force caused by the weight of the lever arm. A pivoting motion of the lever arm about its pivot axis, caused by its weight, is therefore not only slowed down, i.e., its speed reduced, but brought to a standstill.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the device for training the muscles comprises a spring element designed as a tension spring, which is attached at a first end to the retaining element and at a second end to the force arm, wherein the braking force generated by the restraint system is greater in magnitude than the rotational force caused by a tension spring attached to the force arm, preferably greater than the sum of the rotational force caused by the tension spring and the weight of the force arm. In this way, the pivoting movement of the force arm about the pivot axis caused by the tension spring or by the tension spring and the weight of the force arm can be braked until the force arm comes to a standstill.In one embodiment of the invention, the device for training muscles is characterized in that the power arm can be moved into a parked position in which the longitudinal axis of the power arm and the longitudinal axis of the support unit are essentially parallel to each other. The power arm can be positioned either below or above the support unit. In the parked position with the power arm below the support unit, the force of gravity and possibly additional forces applied by spring elements attached to the power arm act upon it. In the parked position with the power arm above the support unit, the weight of the handlebar can also be applied if it is not removed after use of the device.An uncontrolled swiveling movement of the power arm from this parked position—both when the power arm is below and when it is above the support unit—can be braked and / or prevented by the restraint system, even when the weight of the handlebar is added to the weight of the power arm itself. With the power arm in this parked position, the device for muscle training can be stored, particularly when not in use. In this parked position, the power arm can be positioned so that, extending from the pivot axis, it points essentially away from the support element. In a resting position, the power arm can be positioned so that, extending from the pivot axis, it points essentially in the direction of the support element.

[0023] Advantageously, the holding element can be attached to a support frame, so that, for example, the alignment of the device and the height adjustment can be carried out in an optimal manner.

[0024] In a further advantageous manner, the holding element can be detachably attached to a support frame, so that the device for muscle training can be used as a mobile, transportable, and stowable unit. Preferably, the power arm can be arranged in the resting position as described above during transport. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] One embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing.

[0026] It shows:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a side view of the retention system according to the invention, wherein the first friction surface and the second friction surface are not in contact with each other;

[0028] Figure 2 shows a first side view of the retention system according to the invention, wherein the first friction surface and the second friction surface are connected to each other;

[0029] Figure 3 shows a second side view of the retention system according to the invention, wherein the first friction surface and the second friction surface are connected to each other;

[0030] Figure 4 shows a side view of the device for training the muscles comprising the retention system according to the invention in a particular embodiment in which a concave surface of the cam-shaped curvature comes into contact with the friction element;

[0031] Figure 5 shows a side view of a section of the device for training the muscles comprising the retention system according to the invention in another special embodiment in which two slot-shaped recesses are provided;

[0032] Figure 6 shows a side view of the device for training the muscles with the working arm pushed upwards;

[0033] Figure 7 shows a side view of the device for training muscles with the working arm pressed downwards; Figure 8 shows a side view of the device for training muscles in a parked position; and

[0034] Figure 9 shows a side view of the device for training the muscles in a resting position.

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0036] Figure 1 shows that the restraint system 1 comprises a friction element 11 arranged on the retaining element 6 with a first friction surface 10 and an elastically deformable area 2a, and that the force arm 2 has a second friction surface 13, wherein the first friction surface 10 and the second friction surface 13 are not in engagement with each other in the representation according to Figure 1.

[0037] Figure 2, in particular, shows the force arm 2 in the first part of a pivoting movement, wherein the first friction surface 10 and the second friction surface 13 are engaged with each other such that the elastically deformable area 2a is elastically deformed and generates a restoring force 15, which produces a braking force 16 between the first friction surface 10 and the second friction surface 13, acting against the pivoting movement of the force arm 2 about the pivot axis 5. This braking force opposes a pivoting movement of the force arm 2 about the pivot axis 5 both clockwise and counterclockwise.

[0038] Figure 3 shows the force arm 2 in the third part of its pivoting movement, where the transition surface (not shown) engages with the first friction surface 10, causing the elastically deformable area 2a, 6a to deform elastically and generate a restoring force (not shown), which in turn causes a rotational force on the force arm 2. In the illustrated embodiment, this rotation results in a clockwise rotation of the force arm 2 about the pivot axis 5. Figures 1 to 4 also show that the elastically deformable area 2a includes a slot-shaped recess 12, which is located in an end region 4 of the force arm 2. The restoring force 15, caused by the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable area 2a, and the braking force 16 are adjustable by appropriately dimensioning the at least one slot-shaped recess 12.

[0039] In the embodiment of the retention system according to the invention shown in Figures 1 to 4, the friction element 11 is designed as a pin with a substantially cylindrical cross-section, wherein the first friction surface 10 is formed by the lateral surface of the friction element 11 designed as a pin with a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

[0040] Figure 4 illustrates a particular embodiment of the device for training muscles, in which, in addition to the restraint system according to the invention, a braking element is also provided. The specific example in Figure 4 shows that an end region 4 of the power arm 2 is designed such that a stop surface 7 acts as a stop to limit the pivoting movement of the power arm 2 about the pivot axis 5, thereby braking the movement of the power arm 2. However, it is also conceivable that a different braking element is used instead of such a stop surface 7, for example, that two or more restraint systems according to the invention are used side by side.

[0041] Figure 5 shows another particular embodiment of the device for training the muscles, in which not just one, but two independent slot-shaped recesses 12 and 12' are provided. This embodiment of the invention thus illustrates an alternative solution for the braking element, which in the embodiment from Figure 4 is realized by the stop surface 7 on the projecting element. Specifically, in this alternative embodiment in Figure 5, the projecting element 7 is designed such that the friction element 11 is not stopped by this stop surface 7, but can slide over this element 7. It is then held in a defined position due to the elasticity of the subsequent area. Furthermore, thanks to two independent recesses 12 and 12', the elasticity of the deformable area 2a, 6a can be controlled even more precisely.Furthermore, the stability of this entire area can be increased without losing the desired functionalities.

[0042] Figure 6 shows a device for training muscles, comprising a force arm 2 and a holding element 6, wherein the force arm 2 can be equipped with actuating elements at one end region 3 and is pivotable at another end region 4 about a pivot axis 5 arranged on the holding element 6, to which force arm 2 one end region 21 of a compression spring element 20 is articulated in a first pivot point 23, which first pivot point 23 is adjustable along the force arm 2, while the other end region 22 of the compression spring element 20 is articulated in a second pivot point 24 on the holding element 6, which device for training muscles is characterized in that the device for training muscles comprises a restraint system 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, with which restraint system 1 the pivoting movement of the force arm 2 about the pivot axis 5 can be braked.

[0043] If the power arm 2 of the device shown in Figure 6 is pivoted about the pivot axis 5, this pivoting movement about the pivot axis 5 can be divided into at least two sub-areas. Figures 2 and 3 show the power arm 2 in a first sub-area, where the pivoting movement of the power arm 2 about the pivot axis 5 can be braked by the braking force 16 of the restraint system 1, and Figure 4 shows the power arm 2 in a second sub-area, where the power arm 2 can pivot about the pivot axis 5 without the influence of the braking force 16 of the restraint system 1.The second section is particularly suitable for muscle training, as the power arm 2 can pivot independently of the braking force 16, and the resistance to the pivoting movement of the power arm 2 about the pivot axis 5 can be determined by the compression spring element 20 and the pivot point 23, which is adjustable along the power arm 2. Figure 7 shows the device for muscle training after the power arm 2 has been pivoted clockwise about the pivot axis 5 against a resistance generated by the compression spring element 20. Figure 8 shows the device for muscle training in a parked position, in which the longitudinal axis of the power arm 2 and the longitudinal axis of the holding unit 6 are essentially parallel to each other, and an uncontrolled pivoting movement of the power arm 2 from this parked position can be braked and / or prevented by the restraint system 1.

[0044] Finally, Figure 9 shows the device for training the muscles in a resting position, in which resting position the force arm 2 extends from the pivot axis 5 essentially in the direction of the holding element and which resting position is particularly advantageous for transporting the device for training the muscles.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Restraint system (1), particularly suitable for use in a device for training muscles, which device for training muscles comprises a force arm (2) and a retaining element (6), wherein the force arm (2) is pivotable at an end region (4) about a pivot axis (5) arranged on the retaining element (6), characterized in that the restraint system (1) comprises at least one friction element (11) arrangable on the retaining element (6) with a first friction surface (10) and an elastically deformable region (2a, 6a), and that the force arm (2) has a second friction surface (13), wherein the first friction surface (10) and the second friction surface (13) can be brought into engagement with each other at least along part of the path traveled during the pivoting movement of the force arm (2) about the pivot axis (5) such that the elastically deformable region (2a, 6a) is elastically deformed and a restoring force (15) is generated. causeswhich generates a braking force (16) between the first friction surface (10) and the second friction surface (13) against the pivoting movement of the force arm (2) about the pivoting axis (5).

2. Retention system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastically deformable area (2a, 6a) comprises at least one slot-shaped recess (12) which can be arranged in an end region (4) of the force arm (2) and / or in the retaining element (6).

3. Restraint system (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the restoring force (15) caused by the elastic deformation of the elastically deformable area (2a, 6a) and the braking force (16) are adjustable by appropriate dimensioning of the at least one slot-shaped recess (12).

4. Restraint system (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the braking force (16) is adjustable by modifying the first friction surface (10) and / or the second friction surface (13), preferably by applying a surface coating.

5. Retention system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a transition surface (17) can be formed adjacent to the second friction surface (13), which transition surface (17) can be brought into engagement with the first friction surface (10) at least along part of the path travelled during the pivoting movement of the force arm (2) about the pivot axis (5) in such a way that the elastically deformable area (2a, 6a) is elastically deformed and causes a restoring force (15) which causes a rotational force on the force arm (2).

6. Retention system (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the friction element (11 ) is designed as a pin, preferably as a pin with a substantially cylindrical cross-section.

7. Device for training muscles, comprising a force arm (2) and a holding element (6), wherein the force arm (2) can be equipped with actuating elements at one end region (3) and is pivotable at another end region (4) about a pivot axis (5) arranged on the holding element (6), on which force arm (2) one end region (21) of a compression spring element (20) is articulated in a first pivot point (23), which first pivot point (23) is adjustable along the force arm (2), while the other end region (22) of the compression spring element (20) is articulated in a second pivot point (24) on the holding element (6), characterized in that the device for training muscles comprises a restraint system according to one of claims 1 to 6, with which restraint system the pivoting movement of the force arm (2) about the pivot axis (5) can be braked.

8. Device for training the muscles according to claim 7, characterized in that the pivoting movement of the power arm (2) about the 16 The pivot axis (5) can be divided into at least two sub-areas, wherein in a first sub-area the pivoting movement of the force arm (2) about the pivot axis (5) can be braked by the braking force (16) of the restraint system (1) and in a second sub-area the force arm (2) can pivot about the pivot axis (5) without influence of the braking force (16) of the restraint system (1).

9. Device for training the muscles according to claim 7, characterized in that the pivoting movement about the pivot axis can be subdivided into at least three sub-areas, wherein in a first sub-area the pivoting movement of the force arm (2) about the pivot axis (5) can be braked by the braking force (16) of the restraint system (1) and in a second sub-area the force arm (2) can be pivoted about the pivot axis (5) without influence of the braking force (16) of the restraint system (1), and wherein in a third sub-area the restoring force (15) causes a rotational force on the force arm (2).

10. Device for training the muscles according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the force arm (2) is pivotable about the pivot axis (5) by applying a rotational force, characterized in that the braking force generated by the restraint system is greater in magnitude than the rotational force caused by the weight of the force arm (2).

11. Device for training the muscles according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the force arm (2) is pivotable about the pivot axis (5) by applying a rotational force, and which device for training the muscles comprises a spring element designed as a tension spring (18) which is attached at a first end to the retaining element (6) and at a second end to the force arm (2), characterized in that the braking force generated by the restraint system is greater in magnitude than the rotational force caused by the tension spring (18), preferably greater than the sum of the rotational force caused by the tension spring (18) and the weight force of the force arm (2).

12. Device for training the muscles according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the force arm (2) can be brought into a park position in which park position the longitudinal axis of the force arm (2) and the longitudinal axis of the holding unit (6) are essentially parallel to each other.

13. Device for training the muscles according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the holding element (6) can be attached to a support frame.

14. Device for training the muscles according to one of claims 7 to 13, characterized in that the holding element (6) can be detachably attached to a support frame.

15. Device for training the muscles according to one of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that an end region (4) of the force arm (2) can be designed such that a stop surface (7) acts as a stop to limit the pivoting movement of the force arm (2) about the pivoting axis (5).

16. Use of a device for training the muscles according to one of claims 7 to 15 for training the muscles.

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