U.S. patent application number 10/311712 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-07 for apparatus for physical exercise with magnetic interaction between the parts of which it is made.
Invention is credited to Alessandri, Nerio, Fabbri, Gianmatteo.
Application Number | 20030148853 10/311712 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 11439147 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030148853 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alessandri, Nerio ; et
al. |
August 7, 2003 |
Apparatus for physical exercise with magnetic interaction between
the parts of which it is made
Abstract
A physical exercise apparatus for recreational, rehabilitative,
gymnastic or sports purposes comprises at least one mobile part (2)
and at least one support part (4), interacting by means of field
forces generated by magnetic fields inserted between relative parts
of which the apparatus is made.
Inventors: |
Alessandri, Nerio; (Forli
Cesena, IT) ; Fabbri, Gianmatteo; (Rimini,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SQUIRE, SANDERS & DEMPSEY L.L.P.
14TH FLOOR
8000 TOWERS CRESCENT
TYSONS CORNER
VA
22182
US
|
Family ID: |
11439147 |
Appl. No.: |
10/311712 |
Filed: |
December 19, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
February 25, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB02/00575 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/5 ;
482/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/16 20130101;
A63B 22/0025 20151001; A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 2209/08
20130101; A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 21/00 20130101; A63B 22/0214
20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/5 ;
482/1 |
International
Class: |
A63B 015/02; A63B
071/00; A63B 021/005 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 27, 2001 |
IT |
BO2001A000105 |
Claims
1. A physical exercise apparatus for recreational, rehabilitative,
gymnastic or sports purposes, characterised in that it comprises at
least one mobile part (2) and at least one support part (4),
interacting with one another by means of field forces generated by
a magnetic field located between them.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the
part (2) and the corresponding support part (4) are dynamically
kept in equilibrium at least in a given direction (Y) of relative
movement.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the
part (2) and the corresponding support part (4) are dynamically
kept in equilibrium at least in a vertical direction (Y) of
relative movement.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterised in
that the part (2) is held in position relative to the support part
(4) with a direct magnetic action at least in a horizontal
direction of relative movement (X; Z).
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the
support part (4) are inserted between the apparatus (1) user and
the floor, the support part (4) being suspended above the floor by
the magnetic field.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterised in that the
part (2) susceptible of movement relative to a corresponding
support part (4) is attached to apparatus (1) actuator means (21,
22, 27) to which the user applies muscular force.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 6, characterised in that
the part (2) susceptible of movement relative to a corresponding
support part (4) is attached to resistive means (39, 41) reacting
to use of the apparatus (1) by the user.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least one
kinematic chain between the actuator means (21, 22, 27), upon which
the user acts, and resistive means (39, 41) reacting to the
actuator means, the apparatus being characterised in that the
mobile part (2) and the corresponding support part (4) are included
at any position in the kinematic chain.
9. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterised in that the
mobile part (2) and the corresponding support part (4) are attached
to a support part (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) for the apparatus (1)
user.
10. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 9, characterised in that
the support part is a footrest (21).
11. The apparatus according to claim 5 or 9, characterised in that
the support part is a platform (22).
12. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the
support part is a seat (23) which supports the user.
13. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterised in that the
support part is a backrest (24) which supports the user.
14. The apparatus according to claim 12, characterised in that the
support part is a saddle (25).
15. The apparatus according to claim 12, 13 or 14, characterised in
that the support part is a chair (26).
16. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that the
footrest (21) is connected to a structure (42) of a machine which
receives the user's muscular force.
17. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that the
platform (22) is included in a machine with sliding belt or
treadmill.
18. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the
actuator means includes at least handlebars (27).
19. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the
actuator means includes at least a lever (40).
20. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterised in that the
actuator means include at least a footrest (21).
21. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterised in that the
mobile part (2) and the support part (4) are attached to at least
one weight (39), the latter being designed to oppose the user's
muscular force.
22. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims,
characterised in that the part (2) and the corresponding support
part (4) exchange a magnetic action of reciprocal attraction.
23. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims from 1
to 21, characterised in that the part (2) and the corresponding
support part (4) exchange a magnetic action of reciprocal
repulsion.
24. The apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, characterised in
that the part (2) and the relative support part (4) exchange a
magnetic action designed to maintain their relative position about
a preset point of equilibrium.
25. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims,
characterised in that it comprises at least one permanent magnet
(3) for generating the magnetic field interacting between the part
(2) and the corresponding support part (4).
26. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims,
characterised in that it comprises at least one electromagnet for
generating the magnetic field interacting between the part (2) and
the corresponding support part (4).
27. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims,
characterised in that it comprises at least one electro-permanent
magnet for generating the magnetic field interacting between the
part (2) and the corresponding support part (4).
28. The apparatus according to claim 25 or 26, characterised in
that the magnet (3) is shaped and positioned in such a way as to
maintain a position of equilibrium through a force control, the
force being exchanged between the part (2) and the corresponding
support part (4).
29. The apparatus according to any of the claims from 25 to 27,
characterised in that the magnet (3) is shaped and positioned in
such a way as to maintain a position of equilibrium through a
position control, the position being a preset position of the part
(2) relative to the corresponding support part (4).
30. The apparatus according to any of the claims from 25 to 27,
characterised in that the magnet (3) is shaped and positioned in
such a way as to maintain a position of equilibrium through a
preset relation between the position of the part (2) relative to
the support part and a preset relation of force between the part
(2) and the support part.
31. The apparatus according to any of the claims from 25 to 27,
characterised in that the magnet is shaped and positioned in such a
way as to maintain a position of equilibrium through a preset
relation concerning the position of the part (2) relative to the
support part (4), concerning a preset relation of force between the
part (2) and the support part (4) and concerning the user's
weight.
32. The apparatus according to any of the claims from 25 to 27,
characterised in that the magnet (3) is shaped and positioned in
such a way as to maintain a position of equilibrium through a
preset relation of force between the part (2) and the support part
(4).
33. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims,
characterised in that at least the rigid part (2) or the support
part (4) is made of a ferromagnetic material.
34. The apparatus according to any of the claims from 1 to 33,
characterised in that at least the rigid part (2) or the support
part (4) is made of a diamagnetic material and is fitted with at
least one magnet (3).
35. The apparatus according to claim 26, characterised in that it
comprises damper means (36) connected to the electromagnet (3).
36. The apparatus according to claim 35, characterised in that the
damper means (36) include elastic elements (45) connected in
parallel to the electromagnet (3).
37. The apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, characterised in
that the elastic elements (45) include a system of helical
springs.
38. The apparatus according to any of the claims from 35 to 37,
characterised in that it comprises feedback control means that
drive the electromagnet (3).
39. The apparatus according to claim 38, characterised in that it
comprises a sensor designed to detect the extent of a suitable
variable physical quantity, the feedback control means driving the
electromagnet (3) according to the readings of the sensor.
40. The apparatus according to claim 39, characterised in that the
sensor is a position sensor (46), designed to detect the extent of
the relative movements of the mobile part (2) and the support part
(4), the feedback control means operating with the position control
(47) and driving the electromagnet (3) according to the movements
detected by the position sensor (46).
41. The apparatus according to claim 40, characterised in that the
position sensor (46) is of the inductive type.
42. The apparatus according to any of the claims from 35 to 41,
characterised in that it comprises stroke limiter means (48)
designed to limit the extent of the movement of the mobile part (2)
relative to the support part (4).
43. The apparatus according to claim 42, characterised in that the
travel limiter means (48) are adjustable.
44. The apparatus according to any of the foregoing claims,
characterised in that the magnetic field is stationary.
45. The apparatus according to any of the claims from 1 to 43,
characterised in that the magnetic field is variable.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatuses for personal
physical exercise, that is to say, more or less complex pieces of
equipment or machines, designed for carrying out motor activity for
the most widespread purposes, such as simple recreation, to achieve
and maintain physical fitness and well-being, rehabilitation and
gymnastics or sports training. The present invention relates in
particular to an apparatus of the aforementioned type which uses
stationary magnet fields which interact between the parts of which
it is made.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Amongst the exercise apparatus and machines of known
construction, there are no known applications which involve the use
of magnetism to maintain in dynamic equilibrium, without reciprocal
contact, the parts of which the apparatus is made and which are
generally susceptible of movement, whether absolute or relative,
that is to say, the parts which, while maintaining the specificity
typical of each piece of equipment or machine of this kind,
interact by using magnetic fields to exchange relative forces and
movements.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The aim of the present invention is, therefore, to provide
the application of magnetism to an apparatus for physical exercise,
in order to obtain, selectively or in combination according to a
criterion which may be defined at will: support, more or less
extensive elastically yielding suspension of parts of the equipment
susceptible of movement; damping of impulsive forces exchanged by
the parts of the apparatus and/or the user and the apparatus;
damping of mechanical vibrations; sound and electrical insulation;
accumulation and return of energy in a conservative or dissipated
manner.
[0004] Accordingly, the present invention achieves the preset aims
by providing a physical exercise apparatus for recreational,
rehabilitative, gymnastic or sports purposes, characterised in that
it comprises at least one mobile part, and at least one support
part, interacting by means of forces generated by one or more
stationary magnetic fields in between them.
[0005] According to the specific type of exercise apparatus the
above-mentioned dynamic equilibrium may involve relative mobility
of the parts in question with varying degrees, and may, for
example, mean in some types of equipment only a relative stationary
condition of the rigid part and the support part, with limited
translation and/or rotation movements, instantaneously oscillating
around a shared equilibrium position. Vice versa, in other types of
apparatus said dynamic equilibrium may involve real movements of
one part relative to another.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The technical features of the present invention, in
accordance with the above aims, are apparent in the claims herein,
and the advantages are more clearly described in the detailed
description below, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, without
limiting the scope of its application, and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a first gymnastic exercise
apparatus made in accordance with the present invention, in the
form of a machine conventionally known as a "treadmill";
[0008] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a second gymnastic exercise
apparatus made in accordance with the present invention and with a
footrest for the exchange of force between the user and the
apparatus;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a scaled up detail of the apparatus illustrated in
FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a front view of the apparatus illustrated in FIG.
1, seen in direction Z as indicated by the arrow A;
[0011] FIGS. 5 and 6 are respectively an elevation view and a top
plan view of a first embodiment of a user support part of a generic
exercise apparatus;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side view of a second embodiment of the support
part illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective assembly view of a third embodiment
of an exercise apparatus made in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIGS. 9, 10, 11 are schematic illustrations of some parts of
exercise apparatuses made in accordance with the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 12 is a scaled-up view of a detail from FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the operating principle of
a possible embodiment of the apparatus made in accordance with the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 14 is construction detail of a part of an actual
apparatus of the type illustrated in FIG. 13;
[0018] FIG. 15 is a partial assembly view of an exercise machine
incorporating the apparatus illustrated in the previous FIGS. 13
and 14.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0019] With reference to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings, the
numeral 1 denotes as a whole a physical exercise apparatus for
recreational, rehabilitative, gymnastic or sports purposes which is
represented, by way of example and without limiting the scope of
application, by a generic exercise machine known conventionally as
a "treadmill".
[0020] The apparatus 1 basically comprises a user support part, in
the form of a horizontal platform 22, fitted with a sliding belt
28, horizontally mobile at a suitable speed, on which the user
walks or runs.
[0021] The sliding belt 28 is an endless flexible belt looped
around two parallel rollers 29, 30, at least one of which is driven
by a motor.
[0022] A rigid part, in particular having the shape of a flat,
rectangular plate 2, is inserted, in a horizontal direction Z,
between the rollers 29 and 30, whilst, in the vertical direction Y,
it is located between the sliding belt 28 and a horizontal base 4
or machine frame below.
[0023] Pairs of permanent magnets 3 are located at opposite
positions on the plate 2 and the horizontal base 4.
[0024] The permanent magnets 3 are fixed and such that the opposing
polarities are identical and generate a magnetic field which exerts
repelling forces between the plate 2 and the base 4 (see also FIG.
12). These forces push the plate upwards until it reaches a
condition of equilibrium with its own weight, in the vertical
direction Y, in which the plate 2 levitates above the base 4, which
therefore supports it without physical contact.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates how the pairs of permanent magnets 3 can
be located between sides 31 of the platform 22 and opposite,
vertical sides 32 of the base 4, to obtain a lateral confinement of
the platform 22, in one or two horizontal directions X, Z, at right
angles, of the space passing through the plane on which the
platform 22 lies.
[0026] The magnetic support of the platform 22, in all right-angled
directions of the space, therefore, makes the platform 22 float
freely without any physical contact with the machine base 4.
[0027] Such a result is particularly advantageous for many aspects.
Levitation and magnetic confinement allow the damping of the impact
force of the user's foot against the rigid platform 22, generated
by walking or running movements, which is particularly useful for
reducing the risk of trauma to the bone and muscular system, or
vice versa, in the case of rehabilitation this promotes a safe and
more rapid recovery of movement by the person affected by an
illness or accident. Levitation and magnetic confinement also allow
the damping of mechanical vibrations induced on the platform 22 by
the user exercising; sound and electrical insulation relative to
the base 4 structure; and the return of energy in a conservative
fashion by the platform 22--base 4 system which, thanks to the
magnetic field, is able to accumulate the mechanical energy
received at the moment of impact, then return it at a later
time.
[0028] If, as illustrated in FIG. 4, further pairs of permanent
magnets 3 are added and positioned in such a way as to separate the
entire structure of the apparatus 1 from the floor or the machine
support surface, all of the above-mentioned advantages are
supplemented by the benefit of ambient sound insulation, since
architectural structures, insulated by the apparatus 1, are not
reached by sound stresses or vibrations.
[0029] From the detailed description above--relative to a
"treadmill" type apparatus 1--it may immediately be deduced that
the features described relative to platform 22 levitation can
easily be transferred to other apparatuses, that is to say, to all
equipment or machines which, for example, have a user support part,
with any configuration.
[0030] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate how it is possible to make a saddle
25, for example of a "bike"--which includes in its structure a
rigid part 2 with some permanent magnets 3 and is attached to a
fixed support column 33, free to oscillate about a horizontal axis
34. The column 33 has a support 35 with permanent magnets 33
respectively opposite the first magnets. The magnetic field between
the pairs of permanent magnets 3 may, therefore, be used to
maintain the equilibrium of the saddle 25 during rotation about the
axis 34.
[0031] Similar considerations may also apply to the user support
parts, which are completely different, and which may be, for
example, a seat 23 and/or a backrest 24 of a chair 26 of the type
which are normally used on many pieces of gymnastic exercise
equipment and exercise machines. The seat 23 and backrest 24, which
may be made in separate parts 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b, respectively
fitted with the opposite pairs of permanent magnets 3, polarised
and mounted in such a way as to keep the parts 23a, 23b, 24a, 24b
separate and out of contact.
[0032] Many other embodiments of the present invention are also
possible. FIG. 8 illustrates how the use of a magnetic field
interacting between pairs of permanent magnets 3 and even combined
with other damping means 36 of various types--elastic, mechanical,
solid or fluid--may be used for a tilting or elastic footrest
21.
[0033] The footrest 21 can also be included in a structure 4 of a
more complex machine, for example an isotonic machine, subject to
the user's muscular strength, as schematically illustrated in FIGS.
2 and 3, where a footrest 21 mounted in such a way that it turns
about a horizontal axis 34 is held in a position of equilibrium
during rotation about the axis 34 by the effect of the opposing
rotational torques generated by the magnetic repulsion (or
attraction--depending on the polarities selected) of pairs of
permanent magnets 3, set opposite one another and symmetrically
relative to the axis of rotation 34.
[0034] Other embodiments of the present invention may by obtained
by inserting the means which generate the magnetic field on the
actuator parts on which the user exerts a direct muscular force or
even directly on the resistive means, which provide resistance to
operation of the apparatus 1 by the user.
[0035] In such cases, this may be achieved for example as
illustrated in FIG. 9, which schematically illustrates handlebars
27, which may be gripped by the apparatus 1 user. The handlebars
are fitted with the permanent magnets 3 to dampen the travel
relative to a guide and support column 38. A different embodiment
is illustrated in FIG. 11, which shows how the permanent magnets 3
can be positioned below a set of weights 39, both to dampen the
impact on the downstroke and to facilitate the initial detachment
when lifting.
[0036] The magnets 3 may also be positioned at any point on the
kinematic chain which links the driving force applied by the user's
muscles to the resistive load applied by the apparatus 1. This can
be done, for example (FIG. 10) by inserting the pairs of permanent
magnets 3 between two adjacent parts of the kinematic chain,
connected (for example a lever, or handle, a pedal crank, or any
other actuator part 40 and a part 41 integral with the resistive
load) in such a way as to create, for example, a kind of elastic
magnetic joint, which allows the dampened transmission of the force
between the two parts 40, 41 of the chain.
[0037] In all of the examples described above, reference is made to
stationary magnetic fields generated by pairs of permanent magnets
3. This must be considered only by way of example, without limiting
the scope of the present invention, since it is obvious that the
magnetic interaction can be obtained between permanent magnets 3
and opposite ferromagnetic parts of the various apparatuses. As
regards the magnets 3, it is also obvious that they do not
necessarily have to have a permanent magnetic field, since the
field can be generated using suitable electric means.
[0038] The latter statement allows an explanation of how the
magnetic field can be controlled in terms of its specific
characteristics, to achieve operation which is particularly
effective in the management of the various types of exercise
apparatuses 1, that is to say, control of the position of the
mobile parts affected by the magnetic field; the position control
subordinate to the force exchanged by the user and the exercise
apparatus 1; the position control subordinate to the user's weight
and the force exchanged by the users and the apparatus 1; or any
combination of control of the above-mentioned mechanical
characteristics.
[0039] A possible embodiment of the apparatus 1 designed to allow
the above-mentioned operation is described with reference to FIGS.
13, 14 and 15.
[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates an apparatus 1 of said type comprising
damper means 36 which are operatively connected to each
electromagnet 3 and consist of elastic elements 45 placed parallel
with each electromagnet 3 so as to allow relative movements of the
part 2 and the support part 4 which are elastically opposed and
suitably dampened.
[0041] The elastic means can be made in many different ways, for
example with mechanical spring 45 systems, or elastic supports of
the type comprising rubber blocks or air cushions. The use of a
system of helical springs 45 is preferable, since it allows
constant rigidity, compactness and easy substitution for modifying
or customising the characteristics of the apparatus 1 according to
the requirements of specific categories of users.
[0042] For a particularly precise control and management of the
relative movements of the mobile part 2 and the support part 4
attached to it--in all possible embodiments: footrest, platform,
seat, chair, etc.--the apparatus 1 may also comprise position
feedback control means 47.
[0043] For this purpose, the apparatus 1 in FIG. 13 comprises a
position sensor 46, preferably of the inductive type, designed to
detect the extent of the relative movements of the mobile part
2--in this case the footrest 21 of a "treadmill"--and the support
part 4, and to exchange suitable signals with the position feedback
control means 47 which drive each electromagnet 3 accordingly.
[0044] In this way it is possible to modify the control law of the
magnetic suspension, altering the characteristics of the
electromagnets 3 so as to vary the rigidity and damping.
[0045] By suitably adjusting the control algorithm which governs
operation of the control means 47, it is possible to achieve a
situation in which the suspension parameters depend on the
frequency. The presence of position sensors 46 and the measurement
of the current sent to the electromagnet coils allow the estimation
and moment-by-moment modulation of the impact force, that is to
say, modulation according to requirements of the intensity of the
magnetic field generated by the electromagnets.
[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates a real construction detail of the
apparatus 1 in the basic drawing in FIG. 1, in particular with
stroke limiter means 48, designed to limit the extent of the
relative movement of the part 2 and the support part 4.
[0047] The stroke limiter means 48 are adjustable and comprise a
screw 49 with a nut and lock nut 50.
[0048] FIG. 15 illustrating a partial assembly view of a prototype
of a treadmill fitted with the apparatus made in accordance with
the present invention, shows how the apparatus 1 not only fulfils
all of the preset aims, but is also compact and relatively simple
to apply to devices and machines for gymnastic exercise, of various
types and sizes.
* * * * *