WEIGHT LIFTING SIMULATOR APPARATUS

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to weight lifting simulator apparatus for exercise or therapeutic use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Weight lifting simulator apparatus of conventional form includes the provision of weights giving a resistance loading, which may be varied by selection, for a user who activates the apparatus using a gripping handle operating on a cable and pulley or lever mechanism. It is also known to employ such simulator apparatus that includes either a resistance arrangement on its own, being either elastic, pneumatic or the like, or in combination with weights. Examples of such apparatus are disclosed in US Patent application publication No. US 2003/0115955 to Keiser, which comprises a compact resistance unit that houses a pneumatic cylinder providing resistance through a block-and-tackle mechanism to a handle operable by a user. US Patent application publication No. US 2005/0032612 to Keiser describes a combined weight and pneumatic resistance exercise apparatus. US Patent No. 6,652,429 to Bushnell discloses an exercise machine with controllable resistance. In most prior art apparatus control of the resistance level is effected by the use of a simple valve in conjunction with an air compressor which is expensive, cumbersome, noisy and require external power source. All these apparatuses have systems that allow control of some static inertial effect of weight simulation since the control effect depends of the position of the different components of the respective mechanism. None of these apparatuses includes a control of the dynamic inertial effect of weight that depends on the speed the different components move relative to one another during operation of the apparatus, by increasing the inertial effect thereof, especially during movement of the apparatus. Document US 4,746,115 discloses an exercising device using a pneumatic piston and cylinder as the resistive element together with a force controlling mechanism that provides a continuously changing mechanical advantage throughout the course of the exercising stroke. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved weight lifting simulator apparatus, which provides the facility for a constant application of resistance at any given setting.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved weight lifting simulator apparatus that solves the above-noted problems. Said problems are solved by the apparatus of claim 1. An advantage of the present invention is that the weight lifting simulator apparatus includes a typically controllable dynamic inertial effect simulation of weight displacement in addition to a static inertial effect; the dynamic inertia effect being increased, this increase being dependent on the speed of the activation movement of the apparatus. Typically, the apparatus enables, through a relatively simple mechanism, simulation of weight lifting with a control of the amount of dynamic inertial effect, from constant force with negligible inertial effect all along its extension path to a more real inertial effect feel of the weight as found in conventional weight lifting apparatuses using real physical weights.

[0004] An advantage of the present invention is that the apparatus is of compact design and construction using elastic or pneumatic technology, and preferably compressible elastic fluid technology for the simulation of weight resistance without the use of active compressor.

[0005] Another advantage of the present invention is that the apparatus allows a ready control and modulation of the weight resistance and/or the dynamic weight inertia effect simulation by simple manipulation of the configuration.

[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a weight lifting simulator apparatus comprising a frame, a guideway pivotally mounted on the frame for activation by a user, a primary load resistant member having generally opposed first and second primary ends respectively movably mounted on the frame and pivotally and adjustably securable to the guideway at a desired position therealong, at least one secondary load resistant member having generally opposed first and second secondary ends respectively mounted in pivoting fashion in relation to and adjacent the second primary end and connected to a slider associated with and movable relative to the guideway so as to remain substantially perpendicular thereto, the primary and secondary load resistant members being operatively interconnected in such manner as to provide a generally constant resistance with dynamic weight inertial effect upon activation of the guideway by the user, whereby in use upon activation of the guideway the user encounters a dynamically reduced resistance for increased weight inertial effect from both the primary and secondary load resistant members after initial activation of the guideway depending on the displacement speed thereof.

[0007] In one embodiment, the first primary end is pivotally mounted on the frame and the second secondary end is pivotally mounted on the slider.

[0008] Typically, the primary and secondary load resistant members are fluid actuatable cylinders, and typically pull-type load resistant members.

[0009] In one embodiment, the primary and secondary cylinders are fluidly interconnected in such manner as to constantly provide a uniform internal pressure therein.

[0010] Conveniently, two secondary cylinders are provided, and mounted in parallel relative to one another.

[0011] In one embodiment, a clamp is provided for the securement of the second primary end to the guideway.

[0012] In one embodiment, a stepped adjustment mechanism is provided for the securement of the second primary end to the guideway.

[0013] Typically, the stepped adjustment mechanism is in the form of a rack, eventually arcuate, with a resiliently-loaded detent engageable with the interstices of the rack, and the resiliently-loaded detent is remotely operable by means of a cable actuable upon the detent.

[0014] Alternatively, the stepped adjustment mechanism includes a scalloped, typically arcuate, slot formed in the guideway, a cam-operable roller engageable with a selected one of the scallops in the slot.

[0015] Conveniently, the cam-operable roller is carried on a yoke having a bridge with a bridge collar mounted adjacent the second primary end, and a fixed collar connected adjacent to the first primary end having pivotally mounted thereon a lever carrying a cam operable upon the bridge collar of the yoke, whereby in use operation of the lever and the cam moves the cam-operable roller into or out of engagement with a scallop in the guideway slot.

[0016] In one embodiment, the slider associated with the guideway includes at least one roller or a linear type bearing engageable with the guideway.

[0017] Typically, the second secondary end is pivotally mounted on a pivot axis substantially intersecting a sliding axis of the slider moving relative to the guideway.

[0018] In one embodiment, the secondary load resistant member is further attached to the primary load resistant member in sliding manner through the agency of a mount providing for resiliently-biased linear movement and secured to and adjacent the second primary end so as to further dynamically increase weight inertial effect from both the primary and secondary load resistant members after initial activation of the guideway depending on the displacement speed thereof.

[0019] Typically, the guideway is pivotally mounted on the frame at a pivot axis and the linear movement is along a linear movement axis oriented towards the guideway in a direction away from the pivot axis relative to the first secondary end.

[0020] Conveniently, the linear movement axis is angularly adjustable relative to the guideway for adjustment of the dynamically increased weight inertial effect from the secondary load resistant member.

[0021] In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a user handle connected to the guideway for activation thereof by the user.

[0022] Typically, a cable member and pulley arrangement connects the handle to the guideway.

[0023] Alternatively, the handle is mounted on an extension of the guideway extending longitudinally away from a pivot axis thereof.

[0024] In other embodiment, the second secondary end is either fixably or movably mounted on the slider.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first primary end slidably mounted on a guide rail of the frame so as to be virtually pivotally mounted on the frame.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second primary end is pivotally and adjustably securable to the guideway along an arcuate guide; and conveniently, the arcuate guide has a gradually decreasing radii curve shape about a pivot mounting point of said first primary end when leading away from a neutral position thereof in which said primary and secondary load resistant members are generally parallel to one another.

[0027] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the description in association with the following Figures, in which similar references used in different Figures denote similar components, wherein:

Figure 1 is a simplified top perspective view of a weight lifting simulator apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, showing the main cylinder positioned in a heavy-load simulation in an extended configuration;

Figure 2 is a partially broken and enlarged perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 1, showing the main cylinder in a contracted configuration;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the main cylinder in an extended configuration, in a light-load simulation;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3, showing the main cylinder in a contracted configuration;

Figure 5 is a simplified side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention with the cylinder assembly mounted up side down;

Figure 6 is a partially broken and enlarged side view of the embodiment of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, showing another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is an enlarged section view taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 7, showing another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing another embodiment of the present invention with the main cylinder movably mounted on the fame with a virtual pivot point;

Figures 11a through 11d are enlarged broken views, showing different embodiments of the attachment of the secondary cylinder(s) to the slider; and

Figures 12a and 12b are enlarged broken views similar to the embodiment of Figure 7, schematically showing the relative force required from a user to position the main cylinder along the guideway away from a neutral position thererof, with the guideway arcuate guide following a constant radii curve and a gradually decreasing radii curve when leading away from the neutral position, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of a weight lifting simulator apparatus according to the present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation. Although the following description describes the use of primary and secondary pneumatic cylinders, any elastic behavior load resistant members, such as elastic springs or the like, could be considered without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Referring first to Figures 1 to 4 there is shown a generally rectangular frame 2 of a weight lifting simulator apparatus 1, a guideway 4, or arm, being pivotally mounted thereon at pivot 6 on a side limb 8 thereof for rotation about a pivot axis between two limit angular positions (one position limiting stopper being the piston rod 18 fully retracted inside the cylinder 14 as detailed hereinbelow and shown in Figures 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9, the other being shown in Figure 9 in dotted lines). The free end of the guideway 4 remote from its pivot 6 either pivotally carries a block-and-tackle arrangement diagrammatically depicted at 10, the arrangement 10 being connected to a suitable actuating handle 5 (see Figure 5) via a rope or cable 12, or is provided with a longitudinal extension 4' and handle 5' (shown in dotted lines in Figure 1) of the guideway 4 away from the pivot 6, for a user.

[0031] A primary load resistant member, typically a pneumatic cylinder 14 is movably, preferably pivotally, mounted at a first primary end 16 on the frame 2 as illustrated with its primary second end or piston rod 18 pivotally carrying a clamp 20, adjacent pivot 19, for registration with the guideway 4 at any desired and selected position therealong. In this embodiment, twin secondary load resistant members, typically pneumatic cylinders 30 are provided and have a first secondary end pivotally attached to a collar 32 for pivotal connection with and adjacent the end of the piston rod 18. The second secondary ends or piston rods 34 of the cylinders 30 are attached or connected, either fixedly or movably (see Figures 11a to 11d and corresponding details hereinbelow) and typically pivotally mounted, to a yoke in the form of a slider 36 bridging the guideway 4 and being slidable therealong, typically using a linear type bearing or the like. A pivot axis 35 of the secondary piston rods 34 is generally perpendicular and typically as close as possible to the sliding axis of the slider 36 for increased smoothness in the sliding motion, as shown in Figures 1 through 9. Preferably, the pivot axis 35 generally intersects the sliding axis of the slider 36. In operation, the slider 36 allows the secondary cylinders 30 to remain substantially perpendicular to the guideway 4 during pivotal displacement thereof.

[0032] The primary and secondary cylinders 14, 30 are typically fluidly interconnected, to generally keep all internal pressures uniform, by suitable hoses 40 which typically unite in a pressure control or fill/purge valve 42, such as a typical bicycle fill valve or the like, to eventually allow selective modification of the total amount of fluid, or fluid pressure, inside the cylinders 14, 30. The filling of the cylinders 14, 30 could be performed via a conventional manually or power activated pump. Obviously, more sophisticated pump mechanisms with predetermined pressure levels could also be considered without departing from the scope of the present invention; the more fluid there is inside the cylinders the more resistive the created force will be.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1 the apparatus 1 has the guideway 4 in its maximum upward angular displacement or extension such that the primary cylinder 14 has had its piston as "fully extended" as possible by a user employing the block-and-tackle 10 and the rope 12, which is accordingly taut. The cylinder 14, which obviously still has a minimum volume of air therein, is in a heavy load simulation with the clamp 20 secured near the free end of the guideway 4 and the slider 36 of the secondary cylinders 30 having moved towards side limb 8 with their collar 32 locked to the rod 18 to remain substantially perpendicular to the guideway 4. This relative movement occasions free fluid interflow between the primary and secondary cylinders 14 and 30 thereby distributing the resistive force and providing a generally constant resistance to the user. Depending on the weight of the slider 36, the sliding displacement of the secondary cylinders 30 along the guideway 4 dynamically increases the weight inertial effect of the load simulator; i.e. the relatively small dynamic load reduction felt by the user, as would be naturally felt with a real weight being lifted, will be larger if the displacement speed of the slider 36 induced by the rotational displacement of the guideway 4 is larger.

[0034] Figure 2 shows the cylinder 14 in a contracted (seating) position corresponding to a resting configuration of the apparatus 1 ensured by the built-in pressure inside the cylinders. In the apparatus resting configuration, the rope or cable 12 is released by the return stroke of the user with the handle 5 (as shown in Figure 5) up to an abutment position against a stopper or the like (not shown) that could also be the handle 5 itself or even protectors thereof that would be blocked by the first pulley it encounters or the like. The slider 36 of the secondary cylinders 30 has moved along the guideway 4 towards the block-and-tackle 10, and this reciprocating movement is repeated as the user moves the rope 12 into a heavy load and then into a return or release position.

[0035] Figures 3 and 4 show the clamp 20 in a different position nearer to the pivot 6 of the guideway 4 with the rod 18 extended to a smaller extent than in Figures 1 and 2. The close position of the clamp 20 provides for a smaller lever length to the cylinder 14 on the guideway 4, associated with a smaller range of travel of the piston in the primary cylinder 14, give a lower resistance weight loading simulation. Again, the interflow of air between the cylinders with the sliding of the piston rods 34 on the guideway 4 provides for a balancing of force that gives a smooth and constant application of load resistance with dynamic weight inertia effect.

[0036] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the primary cylinder 14 is pivotally attached to an upper region 50 of the apparatus 1 and the guideway 4 is pivoted at 6 in a relatively lower region 51 of the apparatus. The clamp 20 is in the form of a spring-loaded detent 52 registering and engaging with a rack 54 of arcuate form provided in a slot 56 within the guideway 4. The detent 52 is actuable by means of a wire or cable 58 and accordingly resetting the detent 52 in a recess of the rack will change the resistance loading of the primary cylinder 14 as with the first embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. The clamp 20 is pivotally carried by an arm 53 which is attached to the piston rod 18 of the primary cylinder 14. The slider 36 of the secondary cylinders 30 engages the guideway 4 in the manner shown in the drawings; the secondary cylinders 30 are connected in a similar manner to a collar (not shown) pivotally mounted on the piston rod 18.

[0037] The guideway 4 carries at the free end remote from its pivot 6 a pulley 60 which is one of an array 70 of pulleys provided for the apparatus 1 as shown. The cable 12 is reeved around the pulley 60 and upon appropriate movement of the cable the guideway 4 is caused to pivot about its mounting at 6. A pull on the cable causes tension therein and brings the guideway 4 into a downward path thus generating resistance via the compressed fluid in the primary and the secondary cylinders 14, 30 which are balanced due to the fluid flow therebetween via the hoses 40. The advantage of the arrangement is as previously indicated in relation to the first embodiment. However, the setting of the primary cylinder orientation relative to the guideway is fixed by virtue of the rack, which provides for predetermined incremental steps to give discrete modulation.

[0038] With reference now to Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a variation on the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 in that the guideway 4 is in two parts 4a and 4b generally parallel to each other; the slot 56 is formed in each part and is of scalloped form on its relatively upper margin, each scallop 72 being so shaped as to accommodate a roller 74 carried on a yoke 76 which embraces both parts as more clearly can be seen in Figure 8. A bridge piece 78 of the yoke 76 is mounted on the piston rod 18 also connected to a collar 80 mounted thereon. A fixed collar 82 is provided on the cylinder 14 and carries an actuating lever 84 with a cam 86 that abuts the collar 80 when the apparatus 1 is in the resting configuration with primary cylinder 14 in a substantially contracted configuration, rotation of the lever and thus the cam occasioning movement of the yoke 76 to engage or disengage the rollers 74 in a respective scallop 72 as desired to change the setting and to fix the rollers in the required setting. The slider 36 comprises spool type rollers 90 which engage the lower side of each of the parts 4a and 4b as can be seen in Figure 8. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the pivot mounting 19 of the piston rod 18 would typically coincide with the axis of rollers 74 while the pivot 35 of the piston rods 34 would typically coincide with the rotation axis of the rollers 90. The operation of this embodiment is essentially the same as that of the previous embodiment except that the setting of the primary cylinder is effected by the interengagement of the rollers 74 with the scallops 72 in contrast to the rack formation and the locking of the setting is secured by the use of a cam operated lever arrangement.

[0039] Figure 9 depicts a variation of the embodiment of Figure 7 in terms of the connection mount between the primary and secondary cylinders 14 and 30.

[0040] The connection 100 provides for a linear displacement of the secondary cylinder(s) 30 relative to the rod 18 with a resilient bias giving a damping effect. In this connection, the connection 100 comprises a slideway bracket 104, tightly secured to the rod 18 at 102, holding a pin 106 on which the end 108 of the cylinder(s) 30 slides reciprocally, as shown by the straight arrow Y, as much as possible in a frictionless manner, typically via a linear bearing or the like. A spring 110 is provided on the pin 106 and thus gives a bias to the end of the cylinder(s) 30. Obviously, the end 108 of the cylinder(s) 30 is pivotally mounted relative to the pin 106 as shown by arrow X.

[0041] The pin 106 has its axis 107 (linear movement axis) that is typically angularly oriented towards the guideway 4 in a direction away from the pivot axis relative to the cylinder(s) 30, or towards the free end of the guideway 4 when the latter is in its limit angular position away from the main cylinder 14, as shown by angle T of Figure 9 with the limit angular position of the guideway 4 shown in dotted lines. Obviously, when the angle T is properly set with the main piston rod 18 connected to the guideway 4 at its far most location relative to the pivot 6 (in a heavy load configuration, not illustrated), any other subsequent location of the piston rod 18 on the guideway 4 would be automatically set, with the effect of the connection 100 being the most apparent in that heavy load configuration where it is expected the most.

[0042] The provision of the connection 100 is to further dynamically increase the weight inertial effect of the load simulator by increasing the simulation of the weight reduction feeling occurring during the lifting movement when lifting real weight bars, depending on the speed of the movement. The secondary cylinder(s) 30 always tends to remain generally perpendicular to the guideway 4 while contracting as much as possible, thus having the first secondary end or cylinder(s) 30 slide toward the spring 110 upon lifting movement because of the angle of the pin axis 107. The biasing spring 110 is there to bias this displacement and prevent any shock that could occur, especially at the end of the linear displacement path along the pin 106.

[0043] Typically, the angular position of the mount connection 100 relative to the piston rod 18 can be adjusted, preferably incrementally, via an adjustment mechanism 102 such as a tightening bolt or the like, to control the additional dynamic weight inertia effect of the apparatus 1 provided by this connection 100.

[0044] The overall advantage of the present invention is to simulate weight lifting apparatus by the use of pneumatic cylinders with free interflow of air thus facilitating the achievement of constancy in terms of resistance.

[0045] Referring more specifically to Figure 10, there is shown another embodiment 1a of the apparatus of the present invention in which the first primary end 16 of cylinder 14 is movably, typically slidably and non-pivotally, mounted on an arcuate guide rail 3 secured to the frame 2. The guide rail 3 provides for circular displacement of the first primary end about a virtual pivot 16' such that the primary load resistant member is virtually pivotally mounted on the frame. This mounting allow the use of a shorter primary cylinder 14, yet with similar volume as the long primary cylinder of Figures 1 through 9, i.e. similar reservoir, without affecting the weight lifting simulation characteristics of the apparatus 1a.

[0046] In order to vary the dynamic weight inertia effect of the apparatus 1, the second secondary ends or piston rods 34 could be connected in different ways to the slider 36, as shown in Figures 11a through 11d, as examples.

[0047] In Figure 11a, the rods 34 are fixedly mounted on the slider 36 via securing bolts 37a to restrain the dynamic weight inertia effect from the sliding motion of the slider 36. In Figure 11b, the dynamic weight inertia effect is slightly enhanced by the rods 34 being slidably mounted, in a direction typically parallel to the slider displacement direction, on the slider 36 via a slot-square shaft arrangement 37b or the like, the arrangement providing a smooth (not jerked) sliding.

[0048] In Figures 11c and 11d, the rods 34 movably mounted on the slider 36 via flexible links, such as a rubber-type piece 37c, a helical spring 37d, respectively, or the like flexible arrangement, further enhance the dynamic weight inertia effect to the apparatus 1 from the sliding motion of the slider 36.

[0049] Referring now to Figure 12a, there is schematically shown the relative force Fu required from a user to position the second primary end (piston rod 18) of the primary cylinder assembly 14 along the guideway 4 away from a neutral position N, with the arcuate guideway slot 56 (or any other arcuate guide or the like) having a smooth upper margin 57 rollably engaged by the roller 74 whose pivot axis 19 is further a pin or the like that lockingly engages one of the different position holes 75 following a generally constant radii curve C about the first primary end pivot point 16 when leading away from the neutral position N wherein the primary and secondary cylinders 14, 30 are generally parallel to one another (as shown in dotted lines in Figures 12a and 12b), since the secondary cylinder 30 tends to remain into the neutral position with force Fs. This user applied force Fu might get significant enough to prevent a young or weak user from locating the primary piston 14 in position holes 75 at either ends of the slot 56. In order to reduce that amount of effort required by the user, illustrated by smaller force Fu' in Figure 12b, the guideway slot 56' is preferably shaped with a gradually decreasing radii curve C', about the first primary end pivot point 16, when leading away from the neutral position N, as illustrated in solid lines (relative to dotted lines) in Figure 12b. This decreasing radii curved slot 56', with corresponding position holes 75', essentially compensates for the retention force Fs exerted by the secondary cylinder 30 by allowing the primary cylinder 14 to contract while the secondary cylinder 30, operatively or fluidly interconnected to the primary cylinder 14, is forced to expand and pulls with force Fp while getting away from the neutral position N.

[0050] Depending on the design parameters (actual angles and the like), the force Fp exerted by the primary cylinder 14 could happen to be slightly larger than the resistive force Fs from the secondary cylinder 30 such that the user's force Fu' could be negative (in the opposite direction than illustrated in Figure 12b). It is to be noted that the neutral position N could be anywhere along the arcuate guide, or even away therefrom (virtually out of the guideway 4), and not necessarily at its geometrical center. Also, as it would be readily understood by one skilled in the art, the gradually decreasing radii curve C' could be formed with a constant smaller radii about a point located closer to the guideway 4 than the first primary end pivot point 16.

[0051] Although the above description refers to resistance provided by pull-type cylinders (or other pull-type load resistant members), it would be obvious to one skilled in the art to use push-type cylinders (or other push-type load resistant members) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0052] In order to further control the dynamic weight inertia effect response of the apparatus 1, some weight (not shown) could be selectively added /removed to the slider 36 or rollers 90 of Figures 1 to 4 since the gravity effect works in the same direction as the sliding movement direction of the secondary second end or piston rod(s) 34 on the guideway 4. Additionally, when the guideway 4 is below the cylinders 14, 30 as in Figures 5 to 9, some hanging weight W or the like biasing force (as shown in dotted lines in Figure 7) could be even connected to the slider 36 to reorient the resulting gravity effect in the same direction as the sliding inertial effect of the piston(s) 34 on the guideway 4 by counteracting the direct effect of gravity on the slider 36 that would otherwise tend to generate some shuddering of its sliding movement.

[0053] Although the present weight lifting simulator apparatus has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A weight lifting simulator apparatus (1) comprising a frame (2), a guideway (4) pivotally mounted on the frame (2) for activation by a user, a primary load resistant member (14) having generally opposed first (16) and second (18) primary ends respectively movably mounted on the frame (2) and pivotally and adjustably securable to the guideway (4) at a desired position therealong, characterized by
at least one secondary load resistant member (30) having generally opposed first and second (34) secondary ends respectively mounted in pivoting fashion in relation to and adjacent the second primary end (18) and connected to a slider (36) associated with and movable relative to the guideway (4) so as to remain substantially perpendicular thereto,
wherein the primary and secondary load resistant members (14, 30) are operatively interconnected in such manner as to provide a generally constant resistance with dynamic weight inertial effect upon activation of the guideway (4) by the user, whereby in use upon activation of the guideway (4) the user encounters a dynamically reduced resistance for increased weight inertial effect from both the primary and secondary load resistant members (14, 30) after initial activation of the guideway (4) depending on the displacement speed thereof.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first primary end (16) is pivotally mounted on the frame (2) and the second secondary end (34) is pivotally mounted on the slider (36).

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the primary and secondary load resistant members are fluid actuatable cylinders (14, 30).

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the primary and secondary cylinders (14, 30) are fluidly interconnected (40, 42) in such manner as to constantly provide a uniform internal pressure therein.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein two secondary cylinders (30) are provided, and mounted in parallel relative to one another.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a clamp (20) is provided for the securement of the second primary end (18) to the guideway (4).

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein a stepped adjustment mechanism is provided for the securement of the second primary end (18) to the guideway (4).

8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the stepped adjustment mechanism is in the form of a rack (54), preferably arcuate, with a resiliently-loaded detent (52) engageable with the interstices of the rack (54).

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the resiliently-loaded detent (52) is remotely operable by means of a cable (58) actuable upon the detent (52).

10. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the stepped adjustment mechanism includes a scalloped slot (56) formed in the guideway (4) and preferably being arcuate, a cam-operable roller (74) engageable with a selected one of the scallops (72) in the slot (56).

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the cam-operable roller (74) is carried on a yoke (76) having a bridge (78) with a bridge collar (80) mounted adjacent the second primary end (18), and a fixed collar (82) connected adjacent to the first primary end (4) having pivotally mounted thereon a lever (84) carrying a cam (86) operable upon the bridge collar (80) of the yoke (76), whereby in use operation of the lever (84) and the cam (86) moves the cam-operable roller (74) into or out of engagement with a scallop (72) in the guideway slot (56).

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the slider (36) associated with the guideway (4) includes at least one roller (90) or a linear type bearing engageable with the guideway (4).

13. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the secondary load resistant member (30) is further attached to the primary load resistant member (14) in sliding manner through the agency of a mount (100) providing for resiliently-biased linear movement and secured to and adjacent the second primary end (18) so as to further dynamically increase weight inertial effect from both the primary and secondary load resistant members (14, 30) after initial activation of the guideway (4) depending on the displacement speed thereof.

14. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the guideway (4) is pivotally mounted on the frame (2) at a pivot axis (6) and the linear movement is along a linear movement axis (107) oriented towards the guideway (4) in a direction away from the pivot axis (6) relative to the first secondary end.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the linear movement axis (107) is angularly adjustable relative to the guideway (4) for adjustment of the dynamically increased weight inertial effect from the secondary load resistant member (30).

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zur Gewichthebesimulation (1), umfassend einen Rahmen (2), eine Führung (4), die drehbar am Rahmen (2) montiert ist, zur Aktivierung durch einen Benutzer, ein primäres Lastwiderstandselement (14) mit im Allgemeinen gegenüberliegenden ersten (16) und zweiten (18) primären Enden, die jeweils beweglich am Rahmen (2) montiert sind und drehbar und verstellbar an der Führung (4) an einer gewünschten Position daran entlang befestigt werden können, gekennzeichnet durch
mindestens ein sekundäres Lastwiderstandselement (30) mit im Allgemeinen gegenüberliegenden ersten und zweiten (34) sekundären Enden, die jeweils in drehender Weise in Bezug auf das zweite primäre Ende (18) und benachbart dazu montiert und mit einem Schieber (36) verbunden sind, der mit der Führung (4) verbunden und Bezug auf dieselbe beweglich ist, um im Wesentlichen senkrecht dazu zu bleiben,
wobei die primären und sekundären Lastwiderstandselemente (14, 30) betrieblich derart miteinander verbunden sind, dass sie einen im Allgemeinen konstanten Widerstand mit dynamischer Gewichtsträgheitswirkung bei Aktivierung der Führung (4) durch den Benutzer bereitstellen, wodurch in Verwendung bei Aktivierung der Führung (4) der Benutzer auf einen dynamisch reduzierten Widerstand für erhöhte Gewichtsträgheitswirkung sowohl von den primären als auch den sekundären Lastwiderstandselementen (14, 30) nach anfänglicher Aktivierung der Führung (4) in Abhängigkeit von der Verschiebungsgeschwindigkeit davon stößt.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das erste primäre Ende (16) drehbar am Rahmen (2) montiert ist, und das zweite sekundäre Ende (34) am Schieber (36) montiert ist.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei die primären und sekundären Lastwiderstandselemente durch Fluid betätigbare Zylinder (14, 30) sind.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei die primären und sekundären Zylinder (14, 30) in Fluidverbindung (40, 42) miteinander stehen, derart dass sie konstant einen gleichmäßigen Innendruck darin bereitstellen.

5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, wobei zwei sekundäre Zylinder (30) vorgesehen und parallel zueinander montiert sind.

6. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei eine Klammer (20) für die Befestigung des zweiten primären Endes (18) an der Führung (4) vorgesehen ist.

7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei ein Mechanismus zur stufenweisen Einstellung für die Befestigung des zweiten primären Endes (18) an der Führung (4) vorgesehen ist.

8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, wobei der Mechanismus zur stufenweisen Einstellung in der Form eines Gestells (54), vorzugsweise bogenförmig, mit einer federbelasteten Arretierung (52) ist, die mit den Zwischenräumen des Gestells (54) in Eingriff gebracht werden kann.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei die federbelastete Arretierung (52) mittels eines Kabels (58) wirkbar auf die Arretierung (52) ferngesteuert werden kann.

10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, wobei der Mechanismus zur stufenweisen Einstellung einen gekerbten Schlitz (56) umfasst, der in der Führung (4) ausgebildet und vorzugsweise bogenförmig ist, eine mit Nocken betreibbare Rolle (72), die mit einer ausgewählten der Kerben (72) im Schlitz (56) in Eingriff gebracht werden kann.

11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 10, wobei die mit Nocken betreibbare Rolle (74) auf einem Joch (76) getragen wird, das eine Brücke (78) mit einem Brückenkragen (80), der benachbart zum zweiten primären Ende (18) montiert ist, und einem festen Kragen (82) aufweist, der benachbart zum ersten primären Ende (16) angeschlossen ist und einen drehbar daran montierten Hebel (84) aufweist, der einen Nocken (86) wirkbar auf den Brückenkragen (80) des Jochs (76) trägt, wodurch in Verwendung eine Betätigung des Hebels (84) und des Nockens (86) die mit Nocken betreibbare Rolle (74) in den oder aus dem Eingriff mit einer Kerbe (72) im Führungsschlitz (56) bewegt.

12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Schieber (36), der mit der Führung (4) verbunden ist, mindestens eine Rolle (90) oder ein lineares Lager umfasst, das mit der Führung (4) in Eingriff gebracht werden kann.

13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das sekundäre Lastwiderstandselement (30) ferner in verschiebbarer Weise durch die Wirkung einer Halterung (100), die eine federvorgespannte lineare Bewegung ermöglicht, am primären Lastwiderstandselement (14) angebracht und am zweiten primären Ende (18) befestigt und benachbart dazu ist, um die Gewichtsträgheitswirkung sowohl von den primären als auch den sekundären Lastwiderstandselementen (14, 30) nach anfänglicher Aktivierung der Führung (4) in Abhängigkeit von der Verschiebungsgeschwindigkeit davon weiter dynamisch zu erhöhen.

14. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Führung (4) drehbar am Rahmen (2) an einer Drehachse (6) montiert ist, und die lineare Bewegung entlang einer linearen Bewegungsachse (107) ist, die zur Führung (4) in einer Richtung weg von der Drehachse (6) in Bezug auf das erste sekundäre Ende ausgerichtet ist.

15. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 14, wobei die lineare Bewegungsachse (107) in Bezug auf die Führung (4) zur Einstellung der dynamischen erhöhten Gewichtsträgheitswirkung vom sekundären Lastwiderstandselement (30) winkelig verstellt werden kann.

Revendications

1. Appareil de simulation de levage de poids (1) comprenant un châssis (2), un rail de guidage (4) monté de manière pivotante sur le châssis (2) pour l'activation par un utilisateur, un élément de résistance de charge principal (14) ayant des première (16) et deuxième (18) extrémités principales généralement opposées, respectivement montées de manière mobile sur le châssis (2) et pouvant être fixées de manière pivotante et ajustable sur le rail de guidage (4) au niveau d'une position souhaitée le long de ce dernier, caractérisé par :

au moins un élément de résistance de charge secondaire (30) ayant des première et deuxième (34) extrémités secondaires généralement opposées, respectivement montées de manière pivotante par rapport à et adjacentes à la deuxième extrémité principale (18) et raccordées à une glissière (36) associée à et mobile par rapport au rail de guidage (4) afin de rester sensiblement perpendiculaire à ce dernier,

dans lequel les éléments de résistance de charge principal et secondaire (14, 30) sont interconnectés de manière opérationnelle afin de fournir une résistance généralement constante avec un effet inertiel de poids dynamique suite à l'activation du rail de guidage (4) par l'utilisateur, moyennant quoi à l'usage, suite à l'activation du rail de guidage (4), l'utilisateur rencontre une résistance dynamiquement réduite pour un effet inertiel de poids augmenté provenant à la fois des éléments de résistance de charge principal et secondaire (14, 30) après l'activation initiale du rail de guidage (4) en fonction de sa vitesse de déplacement.

2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première extrémité principale (16) est montée de manière pivotante sur le châssis (2) et la deuxième extrémité secondaire (34) est montée de manière pivotante sur la glissière (36).

3. Appareil selon la revendication 2, dans lequel les éléments de résistance de charge principal et secondaire sont des cylindres hydrauliques (14, 30).

4. Appareil selon la revendication 3, dans lequel les cylindres principal et secondaire (14, 30) sont interconnectés de manière fluide (40, 42) afin de fournir une pression interne constamment uniforme à l'intérieur de ces derniers.

5. Appareil selon la revendication 4, dans lequel deux cylindres secondaires (30) sont prévus et montés en parallèle l'un par rapport à l'autre.

6. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel on prévoit un dispositif de serrage (20) pour la fixation de la deuxième extrémité principale (18) sur le rail de guidage (4).

7. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un mécanisme d'ajustement étagé est prévu pour la fixation de la deuxième extrémité principale (18) sur le rail de guidage (4).

8. Appareil selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le mécanisme d'ajustement étagé se présente sous la forme d'une crémaillère (54) de préférence arquée, avec un cliquet (52) chargé de manière élastique, pouvant se mettre en prise avec les interstices de la crémaillère (54).

9. Appareil selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le cliquet (52) chargé de manière élastique peut être actionné à distance au moyen d'un câble (58) pouvant être actionné par le cliquet (52).

10. Appareil selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le mécanisme d'ajustement étagé comprend une fente échancrée (56) formée dans le rail de guidage (4) et étant de préférence arquée, un rouleau (74) pouvant être actionné par came, pouvant se mettre en prise avec une échancrure sélectionnée des échancrures (72) dans la fente (56).

11. Appareil selon la revendication 10, dans lequel le rouleau pouvant être actionné par came (74) est supporté sur une fourche (76) ayant un pont (78) avec un collier de pont (80) monté de manière adjacente à la deuxième extrémité principale (18), et un collier fixe (82) raccordé de manière adjacente à la première extrémité principale (16), ayant monté de manière pivotante sur ce dernier, un levier (84) supportant une came (86) pouvant être actionnée sur le collier de pont (80) de la fourche (76), moyennant quoi à l'usage, le fonctionnement du levier (84) et de la came (86) déplace le rouleau pouvant être actionné par came (74) en mise en prise ou en dégagement avec une échancrure (72) dans la fente (56) du rail de guidage.

12. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la glissière (36) associée au rail de guidage (4) comprend au moins un rouleau (90) ou un palier de type linéaire pouvant se mettre en prise avec le rail de guidage (4).

13. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'élément de résistance de charge secondaire (30) est en outre fixé à l'élément de résistance de charge principal (14) d'une manière coulissante, par l'agencement d'un montant (100) fournissant le mouvement linéaire sollicité de manière élastique et fixé à et adjacent à la deuxième extrémité principale (18), afin d'augmenter davantage dynamiquement l'effet inertiel de poids à la fois à partir des éléments de résistance de charge principal et secondaire (14, 30) après l'activation initiale du rail de guidage (4) en fonction de sa vitesse de déplacement.

14. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le rail de guidage (4) est monté de manière pivotante sur le châssis (2) au niveau d'un axe de pivot (6) et le mouvement linéaire a lieu le long d'un axe de mouvement linéaire (107) orienté vers le rail de guidage (4) dans une direction à distance de l'axe de pivot (6) par rapport à la première extrémité secondaire.

15. Appareil selon la revendication 14, dans lequel l'axe de mouvement linéaire (107) est ajustable de manière angulaire par rapport au rail de guidage (4) pour l'ajustement de l'effet inertiel de poids dynamiquement accru à partir de l'élément de résistance de charge secondaire (30).

Drawing