Weight lifting simulator apparatus

Abstract

Weight lifting simulator apparatus includes a primary pneumatic cylinder providing the principal resistance for simulating weight lifting exercise with at least one secondary cylinder in free fluid interconnection with the primary cylinder whereby constant and balanced loading is achieved, with provisions for dynamic simulation of weight inertia effect, and control thereof, as in lifting a real weight. The primary and the secondary cylinders are associated with a guideway, the primary cylinder being fixed to the guideway and the secondary cylinder being slidable relative to the guideway and pivotable relative to the piston rod of the primary cylinder. Variation of the securement position of the primary cylinder on the guideway is available and valving is provided in the fluid interconnection.

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 pneuma...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] 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 weights.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.

[0007] 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 pivotally 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 pivotally mounted on a slider associated with and movable relative to the guideway so as to remain substantially perpendicular thereto and mounted in pivoting fashion in relation to and adjacent the second primary end, 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.

[0008] In one embodiment, 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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

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