WO2015019118A1

WO2015019118A1 - Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement

Info

Publication number: WO2015019118A1
Application number: PCT/GR2014/000042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anastasios KALLITSIS
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-08-09
Filing date: 2014-07-22
Publication date: 2015-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2016-02-09
Also published as: GR1008313B

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for providing constant resistance values against displacement. The device comprises a suitable mechanical arrangement consisting of a cylinder connected to a cone or a cam or a variable diameter pulley. The mechanical device couples and balances the preselected resistance value - variable during displacement- of one or more resilient means (e.g. springs), at the one side (cylinder side) by the variable torque generated by an externally applied constant force, at the other side (cone or cam or variable diameter pulley side) by the suitable variation of the geometrical features which define the torque, including radii, distances, angles. The device is particularly suitable for workout equipment, as well as in any industrial application requiring the provision of constant resistance values against displacement.

Description

DESCRIPTION

"DEVICE FOR PROVIDING CONSTANT RESISTANCE

VALUES AGAINST DISPLACEMENT" Description

The invention relates to a device for providing constant resistance values against a displacement, which is particularly suitable for workout equipment, as main field of application, as well to for any industrial application which requires provision of constant resistance values against displacement, e.g. garage gates.

State of the art

Many workout equipments are widely known, which provide a constant resistance value against displacement, using metal weights and pulleys, so that the person works out by displacing (raising) the selected weight. These workout equipments provide only limited workout capabilities.

There are also known workout equipments which uses springs so that they provide a resistance force against displacement, which however increases during displacement.

The said known workout equipments occupy large space, are heavy and have high cost. When springs are used, the force applied increases during displacement.

The device according to the invention aims at providing workout equipment, which provides a constant resistance force, has low weight and low cost.

The device according to the invention also aims at providing workout equipment which additionally, due to its low weight and low cost, is portable and suitable for personal use. Summary of the invention

The invention relates to a device for providing constant resistance values against displacement. The device comprises a suitable mechanical arrangement consisting of a cylinder connected to a cone or a cam or a variable diameter pulley. The mechanical arrangement couples and balances the preselected resistance value -increasing during displacement- of one or more resilient means (e.g. springs), at the one side (cylinder side) by the increasing torque generated by an externally applied constant force, and at the other side (cone or cam or variable diameter pulley side) by the suitable variation of the geometrical features which define the torque, including radii, distances, angles.

Brief description of the figures

The said features and advantages, as well as further features will be better understood by means of the accompanying figures:

Figure 1 shows a device with a mechanical arrangement for coupling and balances the torque of a spring according to the invention,

Figure 2 shows a device according to claim 1 with a compression spring,

Figure 3 shows a device according to claim 1 or 2 with a rotating spring and

Figure 4 shows an alternative component of the mechanical arrangement for coupling and balancing the torque of a spring according to the invention.

Detailed description of the figures

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device where the support frame (1 ), the shaft (2), the cylinder (3), the belt (4), the spring(s) with resistance against elongation (5), the belt (6), the cone (7), the end (8), the support points (9), the reducer (10), the resistance adjustor (11 ), the spring pretensioner (12), the engagement mechanism (13), the radius r of the cylinder (14), the radius Rx of the cone (15), the end stop (16), the available-length selector (17), the retention point (18) of the belt (4) and the retention point (19) of the belt (6) are shown.

Figure 2 shows a device similar to that of figure 1 , except that the spring (5) shows resistance against compression.

Figure 3 shows a device similar to that of figure 1 , except that the spring shows resistance against rotation.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an eccentric screw, which may replace the cone (7) of figures 1 , 2, 3. Also, the radius Rx (15), the hole (16) through which the shaft (2) passes, as well as the surface (17) on which the belt (6) is wound are shown. The initial radius Rx of the eccentric screw (14) is shown. Description of the invention

The said devices aim at achieving a constant resistance value during displacement of the end (8). In the device of figures 1 , 2, 3, this is achieved by the cone (7) or the eccentric screw of figure 4, which must execute a common rotational motion with the cylinder (3). In the devices of figure 1 , 2, 3, initially via the available-length selector (17), we select the desired length of the belt which will protrude out of the device and beyond the end stop (16). After activation of the end stop (16), the end (8) cannot be moved/wound in respect to the cone (7). Thereafter, we can select the desired resistance f via the spring, either by selecting the suitable spring, or by adjusting its active length via the resistance adjustor (1 1 ), or by adjusting its pretention by the spring pretehsioner (12). Thereafter, the end (8) is pulled by the preselected force f and the belt (6) is unwound and applies torque on the system cone (7) and cylinder (3) which is equal to M=f»Rx (where Rx: the individual radius of the cone (7) from the shaft (2) and f: the preselected force). Correspondingly, the cylinder (3) winds the belt (4), for example by length x which depends on the radius r (14), since for a common rotation angle φ on the system cone (7) and cylinder (3), the winding of the belt (4) and thus the variation of the length of the spring (5) is χ=2πΓ·(φ/360). This causes an increase in the resistance of the spring (5), the other end of which is fixed either on the spring pretensioner (12) or on the resistance adjustor ( ). This increase in the resistance of the spring (5) based on the Hooke's law is df= »x (wherein κ = the spring constant). The increasing resistance of the spring (5) and thus the increasing torque applied on the system cone (7) and cylinder (3) will be continuously balanced by the respectively increasing torque applied by the cone (7) due to the transition of the belt (6) pulled by the end (8), to a cone cross-section with increased radius Rx and maintaining the preselected force f constant. The whole procedure may start with already pretensioned springs. One of the possible solutions for the increase rate of the radius Rx of the cone (7) for each rotation of the cylinder (3) is given by the relationship dRx=(2»Tr«r»r)/l (where dRx = the variation in the radius of the cone (7) or of the screw of figure 4 or of the variable diameter mechanism which replaces the cone (7) or the screw of figure 4 and where I = the length of the initial pretension of the spring). In any case, even for springs not obeying Hooke's law, the increase in the radius of the cone (7) or of the screw of figure 4 or of the variable diameter mechanism should be such that their torque is always equal to f»Rx (wherein f = the preselected force and Rx = the variable radius from the shaft (2), to balance the increasing torque generated by the also increasing resistance of the spring (5) and which is equal to Κ·Χ·Γ (wherein = the spring constant, x = the total variation in its length and r = the radius of the cylinder (3) from the shaft (2)). Also, the shaft (2) may be stationary and not rotating and have turns as well as the system cylinder (3), cone (7) may have turns at the points coming in contact with the shaft (2), so that during their rotation they displace parallel to the shaft. Thus, it may be achieved that the end (8) will always come out from the same point of the device, without following its longitudinal displacement to the cone (7), since this is eliminated by the opposite displacement of the system cylinder (3), cone (7).

Figure 4 shows an eccentric screw which may replace the cone (7) since at each subsequent point of its periphery (17) and starting from the point with the smallest radius Rx (14), its radius (15) is larger than that at the previous point. Thus, the increase in its radius from its shaft (2) ensures a respective increase in its torque, which will balance the increase in the torque on the cylinder (3) by the increasing variation in the length of the individual spring (5).

All the above variations of the device aim at achieving a constant resistance force during displacement of the end (8).

The terms "mechanical arrangement of cylinder-cone" and "system of cylinder-cone" are used interchangeably within the present invention. It is clear that all the devices described herein may accommodate various changes, for example the cylinder (3) in figures 1 , 2, 3 may be replaced by a conical component or, we may have two cones (7), as well as the relative position of the components, their manufacturing cost, their size, plurality and form may vary depending on the individual needs. Also, the force application angle may vary, in order to achieve force balancing. Also, the reducer (10) may be interposed between the cylinder (3) and the cone (7) or the eccentric screw of figure 4, or elsewhere, so that the relative rotations or the relative torques between the cylinder (3) and the cone (7) or the eccentric screw of figure 4 may be adjusted. Also, certain components may be collapsible so that the device occupies smaller space. Also, in all the devices two or more ends (8) may be present, or more than one device may be incorporated or combined by their common components. Also, in all the said devices, the springs may be more than one, or may be different between them and these may be removed or inserted at will by an engagement mechanism (13) or similar mechanism of a respective effect. Also, their active length may be adjusted by a resistance adjustor (1 1 ) or other component of similar effect, which essentially determines a new fixation point and thus how much of the total available length of the spring will be active and will accept tension and which may operate in total with a similar adjustment for all the springs or may have a separate adjustment for each spring. Also the pretension of the springs altogether or separately may be adjusted by a spring pretensioner (12) or similar, thereby achieving a wide range of force combination. The cone (7) may comprise a spiral guide groove on its surface so that the winding/unwinding of the belt is suitably guided. Also, the cone (7) may be replaced by a pulley-cylinder which will have a mechanism for increasing its diameter so that the torques are always balanced. Also, the springs (5) may be made of any material or even instead of springs, a resilient material may be used, and the belts may be made of rope, wire rope or any other material as required. Also, pulleys may be interposed at any point of the structures to change the direction of the belts used. The size and the figures in all parts constituting the devices, the ratios between them and their relative position, are exemplary and may be changed according to the individual needs. Also, the direction of the resistance may be modified, depending on the positioning of the device, the winding/unwinding selection and its adjustments. Finally, in all the devices a rotation or torque reducer may be fitted.

EMBODIMENT

Portable workout equipment A portable workout equipment consists of a device according to figure 1 , which is arranged within a metal casing of dimensions 20cmx20cmx30cm (HxWxL).

On the upper part of the casing a hole is provided, through which the belt (of adjustable length up to 2 m) passes, which ends to a handle. On the lower side of the casing, two collapsible wings articulated at the lower side ends of the lower side of the casing are provided, which in the closed position are folded on the lower side of the casing.

In the open position, they protrude right and left of the casing, forming with its lower side a common support surface. These two wings have each a suitable opening(s), through which these may either be suspended by means of a suitable hook on the wall or may be fixed on the floor.

The suspension to the wall or the fixation on the floor is not necessary when the user simply presses with his feet on the two open wings, which extend to the left and to the right of the casing by a length slightly smaller than the length of the casing of the device. In this position, the device provides optimal workout for the muscles of the whole body, providing an adjustable resistance force in the vertical direction. The suitable exercises are widely known and applied in modern gyms.

Operation of the mechanical arrangement of the portable workout equipment

Initially via the available-length selector (17), we select the desired length of the belt which will protrude out of the device and beyond the end stop (16). After activation of the end stop (16), the end (8) cannot be moved/wound in respect to the cone (7). Thereafter, we can select the desired resistance f via the spring, by adjusting its active length via the resistance adjustor (1 1 ). Thereafter, the end (8) is pulled by the preselected force f and the belt (6) is unwound and applies torque on the system cone (7) and cylinder (3) which is equal to M=f«Rx (where Rx: the individual radius of the cone (7) from the shaft (2) and f: the preselected force). Correspondingly, the cylinder (3) winds the belt (4), for example by length x which depends on the radius r (14), since for a common rotation angle φ on the system cone (7) and cylinder (3), the winding of the belt (4) and thus the variation of the length of the spring (5) is ^χ=2τττ·(φ/360). This causes an increase in the resistance of the spring (5), the other end of which is fixed on the resistance adjustor (1 1 ). This increase in the resistance of the spring (5) based on the Hooke's law is df=K»x (wherein κ = the spring constant). The increasing resistance of the spring (5) and thus the increasing torque applied on the system cone (7) and cylinder (3) will be continuously balanced by the respectively increasing torque applied by the cone (7) due to the transition of the belt (6) pulled by the end (8), to a cone cross- section with increased radius Rx and maintaining the preselected force f constant. The suitable winding/unwinding of the belt is ensured by a spiral guide groove so that the increase rate of the radius Rx of the cone (7) for each rotation of the cylinder (3) is given by the relationship dRx=(2«Tr*r»r)/l (where dRx = the variation in the radius of the cone (7)).

The weight of the device does not exceed 5 kg, thus the device is portable.

In this way, it is ideal workout equipment for the house, office or journey. It is apparent to the skilled in the art that many combinations of the features of the invention are possible within the spirit of the invention and within the protection scope thereof.

The above examples are given only for better understanding of the invention and do not limit its protection scope, which is exclusively defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement, characterized in that it has a suitable mechanical arrangement consisting of a cylinder (3) connected to a cone (7) or a cam or a variable diameter pulley, wherein the mechanical device couples and balances the preselected resistance value -variable during displacement- of one or more resilient means (e.g. springs), at the one side (cylinder side) by the variable torque generated by a constant force externally applied by one or more belts (6) (rope or wire rope), at the other side (cone or cam or variable diameter pulley side) by the suitable variation of the geometrical features which define the torque, including radii, distances, angles.

2. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the resilient means may be one or more similar or different springs (5).

3. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it comprises a spring pretensioner (12).

4. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 and 2 or 3, characterized in that it comprises a spring resistance adjuster (1 ).

5. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 , characterized in that in the mechanical arrangement of cylinder (3)-cone (7), instead of the cylinder a cone of different shape is provided.

6. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 , characterized in that in the mechanical arrangement of cylinder (3)-cone (7), instead of the cone two identical or different cones are present and two belts are respectively provided.

7. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 , characterized in that in the mechanical arrangement of cylinder (3)-cone (7) a reducer (10) is provided between the cylinder (3) and the cone (7).

8. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a belt available-length selector (17).

9. Device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 , characterized in that the casing of the device comprises on its lower side openable wings with suitable openings, through which it can be suspended on a wall or fixed on a floor.

10. Use of the device for providing constant resistance values against displacement according to claim 1 to 9 as workout equipment, characterized in that the wings of the casing serve a support base on the floor, on which the user stands, without a need for it to be fixed on the floor.