U.S. patent application number 13/698652 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for portable gymnic machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to POLYMED S.R.L.. The applicant listed for this patent is Roberto Piga. Invention is credited to Roberto Piga.
Application Number | 20130130873 13/698652 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43413473 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130130873 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Piga; Roberto |
May 23, 2013 |
PORTABLE GYMNIC MACHINE
Abstract
A portable gymnastic machine for the execution of gymnastic
exercises and/or rehabilitation through the extension of an elastic
element characterized in that comprises a base or platform (2) used
to stabilize the machine by the weight or thrust of the user and at
least one gripping element or handle (3) interconnected by an
elastic element (4).
Inventors: |
Piga; Roberto; (Chiocchio,
IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Piga; Roberto |
Chiocchio |
|
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
POLYMED S.R.L.
Sambuca
IT
|
Family ID: |
43413473 |
Appl. No.: |
13/698652 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
May 17, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2011/001071 |
371 Date: |
February 4, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/123 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/70 20130101;
A63B 21/0557 20130101; A63B 23/0494 20130101; A63B 2230/65
20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 21/00069
20130101; A63B 23/1272 20130101; A63B 71/0036 20130101; A63B
2210/50 20130101; B65D 25/28 20130101; A63B 71/0054 20130101; A63B
21/00061 20130101; A63B 2071/027 20130101; A63B 2208/0204 20130101;
A63B 2220/51 20130101; A63B 2208/0214 20130101; A63B 23/1263
20130101; A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 2230/06 20130101; A63B
2071/0658 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 23/1209 20130101;
A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 2208/0233
20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B
23/03525 20130101; A63B 2230/01 20130101; A63B 23/0211 20130101;
A63B 2220/62 20130101; A63B 21/0442 20130101; A63B 24/0062
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/123 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/04 20060101
A63B021/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 17, 2010 |
IT |
BO2010A000307 |
Claims
1. Portable gymnic machine, usable to perform gymnic and/or
rehabilitative exercises by means of the extension of an elastic
element, characterized in that it comprises a small-sized base or
platform (2) usable to stabilize the machine by the weight or a
thrust of the user and at least one gripping element or handle (3),
said base and said handle being interconnected by a flexible
elastic element (4), said handle (3) being provided with a at least
a cylindrical portion suitable to allow the winding of said elastic
element (4) around the same handle (3).
2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic
element (4) is an elastic band and the cylindrical portion extends
for a value corresponding to the width of said band (4), so to
enable the winding of the same band.
3. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base or
platform is provided with a perforated portion (20) which can be
passed through by said handle (3).
4. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic
element (4) is an elastic band and that the machine is provided
with means to constrain the band of (4) to that base or platform
(2) and said handle (3), said means including a body (46) provided
with a slot (48) through which the band of (4) is passed, said body
(46) being received and secured in a corresponding seat (29)
presented by the platform (2).
5. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic
element (4) is an elastic band and that the machine is provided
with means for fixing the band (4) to said base or platform (2) and
to said handle (3), said means comprising a cylindrical body (44)
around which the band (4) is wrapped and corresponding pair of
hollow half bodies or half-parts (23a, 23b, 31, 32) suitable to
receive the unit formed by the cylindrical corp (44) and an end of
said band wrapped around it.
6. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic
element (4) is an elastic closed ring and the machine is provided
with means for fixing said ring (4) to said base or platform (2)
and said handle (3), said means comprising pairs of hollow half
bodies or half-parts (23a, 23b, 31, 32) suitable to receive an are
defining the end of said ring.
7. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base or
platform is provided with a slot (21) capable of being crossed by
said elastic element (4).
8. Machine according to claim 5, characterized in that said base or
platform (2) is provided with a seat (29) which is complementary
shaped in respect to a housing body (23) formed by two of said
pairs of half-bodies (23a, 23b) and capable of blocking an end of
said elastic element (4).
9. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said handle
(3) consists of a main body (39) of substantially cylindrical shape
at the ends and with a small section in the middle part, part which
is intended to receive a cover (38) that, when it is fixed to the
main body (39), blocks said elastic element (4) to handle (3).
10. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that includes an
extensible framework (5) that can be attached to the base (2) to
define an anchor point.
11. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it is
provided with a timer and/or a cardio-frequency device and/or audio
players.
12. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
platform (2) is provided with one or more load cells (200) designed
to measure the effort exerted by the user on the same platform,
means being provided for displaying (270) its measured value.
13. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
platform (2) is provided with one or more load cells (200) designed
to measure the weight of the user, means being provided for
displaying (270) its measured value.
14. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
platform (2) has two electrodes (200) for defining an impedance
scales, means being provided for displaying (270) its measured
value.
15. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said
platform (2) has an area of less than 50 cm.times.50 cm.
16. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the
thickness of the said platform (2) is less than 8 cm.
17. Machine according to claim 5 characterized in that said base or
platform (2) is provided with a seat (29) which is complementary
shaped in respect to a housing body (23) formed by two of said
pairs of half-bodies (23a, 23b) and capable of blocking an end of
said elastic element (4).
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a portable gymnic
machine.
[0002] Usually, gymnastics and rehabilitation exercises (excluding
the free-style exercises, of course) are conducted using relatively
complex gymnastic machines, which are fixed, that is intended to be
used in the same place where they are located.
[0003] It is possible to transport from place to place small
dumbbells or similar tools, but it is clear that a solution of this
type is not suitable for many types of exercises and also it is
impractical and greatly uncomfortable for the user.
[0004] In practice, using the machines and the exercise equipments
currently on the market, because they are generally fixed, it is
impossible to execute an appropriate series of exercises for the
users that aren't in a gym or in rooms provided with such machines;
this can affect, in the case of travelling people, both the
continuity of athletic training and the opportunity to complete
rehabilitation exercises.
[0005] US2002/0160891 describes a gymnastic machine which can be
moved and which includes a base on which to fix a rubber band. The
base, which has a great dimension (about 180 cm), allows the
transport of the gymnastic machine inside a house but can not be
easily carried during travel outside the home.
[0006] The aim of this invention is to provide a portable gymnic
machine which can solve the problems mentioned above.
[0007] This result was reached in accordance with the invention by
adopting the idea of a machine having the features described in
claim 1. Other features are in dependent claims.
[0008] Among the advantages of the present invention can be listed
the following.
[0009] The machine is portable and compact and, therefore, can be
carried with themselves, also during travels, for example in a
briefcase.
[0010] The machine is stabilized with the same weight of the user,
or with the pushing that the same user exercises on the base or
platform. As will be described below, the user can stabilize the
machine thanks to the pressure exerted on the base or platform when
he is standing, sitting or kneeling on it, or it pushes the same
base against a wall or similar fixed structure. The machine
includes a handle at least partially cylindrical in shape, so that
the the elastic element can be wrapped around it.
[0011] This machine allows a very high number of gymnic and
rehabilitation exercises.
[0012] The executable exercises can be very different, involving
different parts of the body, with different ways to approach the
exercise and, consequently, with the ability to perform both
generic and aimed at specific targets trainings, of sport and/or
rehabilitation type.
[0013] The machine has a structure of simple construction, user
friendly and very robust, able to maintain its shape even after
prolonged use.
[0014] The machine, as will be described below, includes an elastic
stretching element, can be provided with a kit of these elastic
elements, presenting different elastic coefficients in order to
allow the variation of the resistance offered by the machine during
the exercises.
[0015] In its possible embodiments, the machine can be
advantageously equipped with a range of accessories to enhance the
functionality and ease of use. In fact, the machine may include a
timer to optimize the performance of the exercises and/or a heart
rate monitor and/or audio players, eg MP3, radio, CD, etc . . .
[0016] The machine may include, in addition, a scales, means for
measuring the exerted pushing and a impedance-balance for assessing
the body fat mass.
[0017] The advantages and features of the invention will be better
understood from the following description and with the help of the
annexed drawings, given as practical examples of the invention, but
not to be considered by limiting, in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a possible
embodiment of a portable gymnic machine in accordance with the
invention; in this embodiment, the machine is provided with an
elastic band which is the elastic element of the same machine;
[0019] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the machine, shown in
an embodiment in which the elastic element consists of a tubular
closed ring;
[0020] FIGS. 3, 4A-C, 5 relate to particulars of the machine; in
particular, FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of locking means
of the proximal end of the elastic element, while FIGS. 4 A-C and 5
show, respectively in three plan views (FIGS. 4A, B, C) and in
perspective view (FIG. 5), possible embodiments of the locking
means of the distal end of the elastic element;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of another possible
embodiment of the machine, provided with an additional bar;
[0022] FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24 show diagrams representing possible types of
exercises which can be executed with the machine in accordance with
the invention;
[0023] FIGS. 25, 26 are, respectively, a rear perspective view
(FIG. 25) and a front perspective view (FIG. 26) of another
embodiment of a platform in accordance with the invention;
[0024] FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a
handle in accordance with the invention, connected by a band to the
platform shown in FIG. 26;
[0025] FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a cover which is a part
of the handle shown in FIG. 27;
[0026] FIG. 29 shows an exploded side view of the handle of FIG.
27;
[0027] FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the locking means of the elastic element to the
platform, and
[0028] FIG. 31 is a plan view from above of a further embodiment of
a platform in accordance with the invention.
[0029] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a machine (1)
according with the invention includes a base element (2) or
platform, at least one gripping element or handle (3)
interconnected by means of an elastic stretching element (4). In
practice, a first end or proximal end (41) of the elastic element
(4) is permanently bound to the platform (2), while the other end
or distal end (42), is attached to the handle (3).
[0030] In particular, the elastic element (4) is preferably formed
by an elastic band or'by an elastic ring, for example of tubular
type. For the realization of the band and the tubular ring (4) can
be used a band of elastomeric material having a determined
coefficient of elasticity.
[0031] The connection between the elastic element (4) and two
elements (2) and (3) can be of resealable type and the machine (1)
can be provided with a plurality of elastic elements of different
coefficient of elasticity. This makes it possible to calibrate the
machine according to the type of exercise to be performed.
[0032] The base element or platform (2), in the example shown in
FIG. 1, has a substantially rectangular shape in plan and can be
formed using, for example, wood or plastic. The platform (4) is
provided with a perforated portion (20) through which the elastic
band (4) can be passed, placing the handle (3) substantially
orthogonal with respect to the plane defined by the same platform
(2).
[0033] The platform (2) is small-sized, having dimensions that
allow easy transport. For example, the platform (2) may have an
approximate area of about 35.times.35 cm (less than 50.times.50),
with a few centimeters thick (eg about 3 or 4, less than 8 cm). In
practice, the base (2) can be conveniently packed in a small bag
and carried with ease.
[0034] The perforated portion (20) forms also a handle for
transporting the same machine (1), allowing, in practice, a
transport like a bag or a small suitcase.
[0035] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the proximal end (41) of the
elastic element, which consists of a band (4), passes through a
slot (21) placed in a substantially central area of the platform
(2) and that develops parallel to two sides of the platform (2).
The proximal end (41) is fixed by means of a box element (23),
better described below, which clamps the band (4) and which is
inserted into a seat (29) of the platform (2), complementary
shaped. As described with specific reference to the example of FIG.
1, for securing the elastic band (4) to the platform (2) can also
be done in some other suitable way.
[0036] With reference to the non limiting embodiment of FIG. 1, the
distal end (42) is clamped between the two half-parts (31, 32)
forming the handle (3), blocked with screw elements (33). Similarly
to what was expressed for the proximal end (41) with respect to the
platform (2), also for the the distal end (42) may be provided
other fixing means to the handle (3).
[0037] The handle (3) has at least a cylindrical portion extending
for a value at least equal to the width of the band (4). This
feature allows to wrap the band (4) around the handle (3) to
shorten the length of the band (3) during the exercise. (In the
example shown in FIG. 1 is the whole handle having a cylindrical
development).
[0038] In the example of FIG. 1 some possible accessories of the
machine (1) are shown. A possible part of the machine is, for
example, a timer (24), possibly equipped with a ringer device.
Another possible accessory device is a heart rate monitor (25)
connected, for example, to a corresponding band worn by the user.
In addition, the machine (1) may include audio players, eg MP3, CD,
radio, and these devices have been schematically represented by a
USB port (26), from a desk CD player (27) and a display with keys
(27').
[0039] FIG. 2 shows a machine (1) in which the elastic element (4)
consists of an elastic closed ring, preferably tubular, i.e. having
a circular cross section. The proximal end (41) of the elastic
element (4) is fixed to the body box (23), which is closed by
screws (22); the distal end (42) is attached to the handle (3). In
this way, the part of the elastic ring (4) that connects the
box-body (23) and the handle (3) consists of two elastic wires
which pass through the slot (20) of the base (2). The box-body
(23), as mentioned above, has a steady position in the seat (29) of
base (2). The seat (29) is placed in correspondence of the slot
(21) and is shaped in a complementary way to the box-body (23);
preferably, the seat (29) has a depth capable of maintaining the
body (21) not outside the plane defined by the face of the base
(2).
[0040] In FIG. 3 shows in detail a possible example embodiment of
the box body (23). In particular, the example refers to a solution
which has the ring (4) as elastic element.
[0041] The box-body (23) comprises a base (23b) and a cover (23a)
which have corresponding edges (230a) and (230b) that are joined
when the body (23) is closed. The lower base (23b) has two grooves
or notches (231) of sufficient size to allow the passage of the
elastic element (4). In practice, to attach the elastic element (4)
to the body (23), the arc (41) which defines the proximal end of
the ring (4) is passed into the base (23b) of the body (23),
crossing the two notches (231). The cover (23a) is placed on the
base (23b) and using the screws (22) which are inserted in their
seats (220), the box body (23) is assembled, so blocking the ring
(4).
[0042] In FIGS. 4A-C are shown in detail two possible embodiments
of the handle (3). In particular, FIG. 4A shows a semipart-base
(31) used in the case where the elastic element is a ring, FIG. 4B
shows a semipart-base (31) used in the case where the elastic
element is an elastic band, FIG. 4C shows a semi-part-cover (32)
can be used for both cases.
[0043] Similarly as described for the example of the box body (23),
the handle is made of a semipart-base (31) and a semi-part-cover
(32) having corresponding edges (310) and (320) intended to mate,
leaving a cavity inside. In the case of FIG. 4, the semipart-bottom
base (31) has two grooves or notches (311) of sufficient size to
allow the passage of the elastic element (4). As for the box body
(23), to constrain the elastic element (4) to the semi-part (31),
the arc (42) which defines the distal end of the ring (4) is passed
in the inner, crossing the two notches (311). The semi-part-cover
(32) is placed on semi-part-base (31) and, using screws (33), not
shown in FIG. 4-C, is obtained the assembly of the handle (3).
[0044] The example of FIG. 4B shows the semi-part-base (31) which
can be used when the strap is made of a rubber band (4). In this
embodiment, the semi-part-base (31) has an edge (310) continuous,
that is not provided with the slots (311) that characterize the
semipart-base (31) used for the elastic ring. To better constrain
the distal end (42) of the band (4) to the handle, said distal end
(42) is wrapped around a thin cylinder (44), which can have the
cylindrical surface knurled to provide a greater foothold. In
practice, when the band (4) is being secured to the handle (3), the
same band (4) is wrapped around the cylinder (44) and, once
executed several loops, or once reached a certain diameter, the
cylinder (44) is inserted into semi-part-base (31), which is closed
with the semi-part cover (32). The band (4) is therefore clamped by
the two half-parts (31, 32) of the handle (3). The winding of the
band (4) around the cylinder (44) can be effective for a number of
turns so as to produce a total thickness of the whole barrel-band
slightly larger than the depth of the cavity defined within the two
half-plane; in such way, the closure of the handle (3) and the
resulting clamping of the elastic band is improved by crushing
allowed by the elastic band.
[0045] The fixing of the proximal end (41) of the band (4) to the
box-body (23) can be done in the same manner as provided for fixing
the distal end (42) of the rubber band to the handle (3), as
described in reference to the example of FIGS. 4B-C. In practice,
also the proximal end can be wrapped around a cylinder and
subsequently inserted in the box body (23); in this case the base
(23b) of the box-body (23) may have a continuous edge (230b), not
being necessary the slots (231).
[0046] Both in the case of an elastic ring or in the case of an
elastic band or strip, the connection between the elastic element
and the other parts of the machine is very solid and substantially
inseparable if not desired.
[0047] In the example of FIG. 6, the machine (1) is provided with a
bar (5) arranged parallel to one side of the platform (2) and
connected to it by two rods (51) inserted into corresponding
cylindrical seats (28) of the platform (2). The rods (51), in
correspondence of their ends opposite to the bar (5), are provided
with holes (52) that allow, through the introduction of relevant
stopping elements (e.g. pins) to fix the bar (5) to the platform
(2), or to prevent the extraction of the group bar-rods when the
rods are inserted in the seats (28). During the execution of some
exercises, the bar (5) provides an anchor point; for example, when
the user is seated on the base (2), the feet can be inserted below
the bar (5) to be blocked.
[0048] FIGS. 7 to 24 schematically show some of the types of
exercise that can be executed by the machine (1) of the invention.
In the drawings the elastic element is represented by a trait that
has a thickness greater than the line used to represent the limbs
of the user. In addition, the user's bust is schematically
represented by a triangle, the basin structure by a square, and the
head by a circle.
[0049] FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10 show exercises for abdominal, in which,
respectively, the user is seated on the base resting on the ground
(FIGS. 7, 8), is kneeling on the platform (FIG. 9) and is sitting
on the base (2) located on a seat (6) (FIG. 10).
[0050] The example of FIG. 11 is a schematic exercise for triceps,
with up distensions executed with the user sitting on the base
(2).
[0051] The exercise of FIG. 12 relates to the distension of the
deep type forward/back, with the user sitting on the base (2)
placed on a bench (6).
[0052] The exercise of FIG. 13 is relevant to the biceps, with the
user standing.
[0053] The exercise of FIG. 14 is relevant to the erector muscles
of the body, using his feet.
[0054] The exercise of FIG. 15 applies to forward momentum.
[0055] The exercise of FIG. 16 is relevant to the deltoid, with
outbursts side, with the user standing.
[0056] The exercises of FIGS. 17, 18 are for pulling up.
[0057] The exercise of FIG. 19 is of the "rowing machine"; in this
case, the user is seated and maintain the platform (2) pushed
against a wall (7) with the pressure exerted by the feet.
[0058] The exercise of FIG. 20 is an "add-back" in this case, the
user is seated and maintain the platform (2) pushed against a wall
(7) with the pressure exerted by the feet.
[0059] The exercises in FIG. 21 are for the flexibility of the back
with stretching standing; in this case is easily variable the
amplitude of the exercise thanks to a greater or lesser wrapping of
the elastic band around the handle (3).
[0060] The exercise of FIG. 22 relates to the flexibility of the
back and is executed with the user sitting on the ground, pushing
the platform or base (2) against a wall.
[0061] The exercise of FIG. 23 relates to the leg's muscle, with
the user standing on the base or platform (2) pushing with the legs
defining different angles with the knee.
[0062] The exercise of FIG. 24 is related to pushes by the
feet.
[0063] The exercises schematically shown are proposed to better
describe the features of the machine, without limiting further
possibilities of use.
[0064] In conclusion, with the machine (1) of the present invention
it is possible to cover a very broad type of exercises with a
remarkably simple object that can be easily transported and that
can be very pleasant and comfortable to use.
[0065] FIGS. 25-30 show another possible embodiment of the
invention. In this case, the means for fixing the band (4) to the
platform (2) include a body (46) provided with a slot (48) through
which the band (4) is passed. In particular, the body (46) has an
inner portion (47) intended to be received in the corresponding
seat (29) presented by the platform (2). To determine the fixing of
the band (4) to the platform (2) is sufficient to put the band (4)
through the slot (49), wrap for one or more laps the same band (4)
around the body (46) and, therefore, fix, for example by means of
screws, the body (46) to the platform (2). Also in the example of
FIGS. 25-30, the handle (3) consists of a main body (39) of
substantially cylindrical shape at the ends and having a small
section in the middle part, part which is intended to accommodate a
cover (38) that, when it is fixed to the main body (39), blocks the
said elastic element (4) to handle (3).
[0066] In the example of FIG. 31, the base (2) is provided with one
or more load cells (200) or similar devices for measuring the
effort exerted by the user on the same platform, means being
provided for the display (270) of its measured value, formed, for
example, by a LCD display or otherwise. The same load cell (200)
can be used to measure the weight of the user, means being provided
for the display (270) of its measured value. The areas marked with
(200) may also represent two electrodes (200), used to define a
impedance scales, whose value is shown by the same means of
visualization (270).
[0067] The details of implementing information may change as
equivalent in form, size, arrangement of elements, type of
materials used, without leaving the area of the idea of the
solution adopted and therefore remaining within the limits of the
protection afforded by this patent.
* * * * *