REVOLVING FOOTBOARD FOR RUNNING AND STRUCTURE INCORPORATING SUCH FOOTBOARD

Abstract

An apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes, comprising a cylindrical structure (1) housing therein a footboard (2), which is characterized in that said footboard (2) is of cylindrical shape and is revolvingly mounted internally to said structure (1), the arrangement being such that a user in order to carry out the motor activity places him/herself on said footboard (2) and internally to said cylindrical structure (1).

Description

The present invention refers to a revolving footboard for running for playing or sporting purposes, and to a structure incorporating such a footboard.

To date, structures incorporating sliding footboards that enable a person to run for sport or play purposes are already known. Such structures typically comprise a movable footboard, consisting of a sliding belt which is mounted in a horizontal condition on a structure. The structure in turn can be swingably or tiltably mounted on a second ground-supporting structure.

Thus, the tilt of the sliding belt with respect to the floor may be changed, thereby changing the type of training or the type of running.

Object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical footboard which is revolvingly mounted on a cylindrical structure and in manner such as to provide a more dynamic and more stimulating sensation to the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus comprising the above-mentioned cylindrical footboard and providing the option of interacting with the user to provide information for playing or sporting purposes, such as time available to carry out the exercise, history of maximum limits reached by the various users, values of the exercise carried out by the user, such as numbers of revolutions done, speed, etc.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus comprising a cylindrical revolving footboard therein, allowing to carry out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes, and wherein there is provided a scheme for carrying out the exercise done with user-apparatus interaction.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus comprising a cylindrical revolving footboard therein, allowing to carry out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes and wherein there is provided a completely electronic and automated management of the apparatus.

Therefore, object of the present invention is an apparatus comprising a cylindrical revolving footboard therein for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes, substantially as described in the appended claims.

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be provided of two preferred embodiments of the apparatus comprising the cylindrical revolving footboard according to the present invention, given by way of example and not for limitative purposes. Reference will be made to the annexed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates perspectively from one side a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates perspectively from another side the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates schematically, in a partial longitudinal section and in elevation from one side, the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates schematically and in elevation from one side a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates the power supply diagram of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates the management and control diagram of the engine of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the power supply and management diagram of the information displays of the apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the wiring diagram of the electronic board for managing the entire apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated therein.

The apparatus comprises a cylindrical structure 1 that houses therein a footboard 2, it also revolving and cylindrical. The footboard 2 is slidably mounted onto guide rails 3 and related bearings 4 (all better illustrated hereinafter).

Externally to the cylindrical structure 1 there are provided, at the bottom portion thereof, two carters 5 and 6, each one containing actuation members as better illustrated hereinafter.

Moreover, at the internal and central region of the structure 1 a stationary handle 10 is provided in order to give to the user a needed support, comprising means for detecting the presence of a user's hands.

As it will be better understood hereinafter, the presence detecting means is needed to switch the apparatus state from inactive (OFF) to active (ON).

On the other hand, at a side portion of the cylindrical structure 1 it is further provided a display unit 7, column-shaped and comprising one or more displays 70, a coin and/or token acceptor, a ticket dispenser, a dispenser of medals or the like, warning buzzers, etc.

Furthermore, the structure comprises safety side barriers 11 for providing a shielding to the user.

The entire structure rests on a support plane 8 which has sensors detecting a user's presence on the plane, and whose detection allows to enable or disable the various functions of the apparatus.

Furthermore, the structure 1 has some ancillary components, such as Newton discs 50 and 60, revolving and connected with a transmission of the motion of the revolving footboard 2 and in a manner such as to synchronically revolve with the latter. Moreover, the entire structure 1 externally has a set of light-emitting and decorative elements 12 in order to make the same more stimulating for the user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the internal arrangement of some actuators in structure 1 is illustrated in a longitudinal and partial section therein.

More precisely, the structure 1 internally comprises a pair of guide rails 3 onto which the cylindrical footboard 2 slides. For the supporting of the footboard 2 a set of bearings 4 is provided, arranged circumferentially to the footboard 2 in a manner such as to carry out the supporting and the centering thereof. Conveniently, the bearings 4 may be coated with vulcanized rubber or the like in order to guarantee a perfect rolling of the footboard 2.

Furthermore, some safety systems are provided on the structure 1. A first safety system comprises a non-return system 40 in order to guarantee the user that no displacement or revolution of the footboard 2 occur in a direction opposite to that given by the user him/herself.

Moreover, a gradually operating actuator 41 is provided, connected with a stay rod 42 to one or more shoe brakes 43 to brake the footboard during its non-use, or safely.

Specifically referring now to FIG. 4, in it is sectionally illustrated a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, in which a safety gate 13 is provided. The safety gate 13 is mounted at the region of access to the footboard 2, with the aim of safeguarding the user from any falls or improper use of the apparatus (e.g., getting out therefrom during a revolving of the footboard 2).

As it will be better illustrated hereinafter, the safety gate can be armed/disarmed by the unit managing the entire apparatus and upon user's consent.

Further ancillary components may be provided, such as, e.g., a fan positioned inside the structure 1 and for wind simulation during the carrying out of the exercise.

Referring now to the next figures, the various circuit and logic wiring diagrams of the various units and drivers of the apparatus of the present invention are illustrated therein.

More precisely, FIG. 5 illustrates the external power-supply system of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates the logic of the power-supplying and the management of the motors and drivers of the apparatus, such as the brake driver, the Newton disc driver, the fan driver.

FIG. 7 illustrates the wiring diagram of the displays arranged on the column 7 and, more precisely, of a time display 70, a reached score display 71, and a record display 72.

FIG. 8 refers to the management and circuit board of the above-mentioned displays 70, 71 and 72.

FIG. 9 illustrates the logic and circuit wiring diagram of the management and control board of the apparatus of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of the operation of the apparatus of the present invention.

For activity, it is envisaged that a user gets into the structure 1 and, holding onto the safety handle 10, interacts with the footboard 2, moving (rotating) the latter at will by walking more or less quickly.

The revolution speed of the footboard 2 is recorded by the electronic board, which stores into memory the absolute maximum number of revolutions previously reached. Revolutions value is displayed on the displays 70 on column 7.

In case a number of performed revolutions higher than the previous number of revolutions is reached, a prize will be dispensed and the new record will be recorded. Moreover, on column 7 an additional ticket dispenser is provided, dispensing coupons convertible into prizes or gadgets.

For use dynamics, it is envisaged that first the user inserts a token or coin into the acceptor (coin box) in column 7.

Then, the user may access the inside of structure 1 by opening the gate 13 disarmed by the credit acceptor.

When inside the structure 1, and once placed on the footboard 2, the user keeps him/herself steady by holding onto the safety handle 10 or the gate sidebars. Both are fitted with a rubber protection provided with sensors sensitive to pressure from the user's hand. Then, by holding tight onto the handle/handles (sidebars), the gradually operating shoe braking system of the footboard 2 is released.

Then, the user holding onto the sidebars pushes hard on the legs, actuating the footboard 2 that starts revolving with a speed proportional to the push received.

On the external column 7 the user avails him/herself of three displays 70,71,72 on which there can be read the progressive number of revolutions carried out, the absolute maximum number of revolutions reached (record) stored into memory, and the remaining playing time.

Moreover, on the external column a fan is installed, facing toward the user to simulate a wind effect.

At the end of the exercise, the apparatus can dispense a prize in the form of a medal, an evidence of the performance. Moreover, winning certificates can also be dispensed, convertible into prizes and referred to as “tickets”.

It should be specified that, at the end of the operation time period, there comes into play the shoe brake system 41 that, gradually, slows down the footboard 2 until stopping it, enabling the user to get off the structure 1 and withdraw the won souvenir prize or tickets.

Moreover, the structure may have some additional functions or features.

E.g., the brake system 41 may be used in order to change the drag to revolution during use, to make the performance more engaging.

On the other hand, the structure is contrived in the absence of apparatus/machines for transmitting motion to the footboard 2; therefore motion is actuated exclusively by human power.

Moreover, the arrangement of the vulcanized bearings 40 allows to hold in position (guide) the footboard 2 with respect to the external body of the structure 1. This arrangement allows for a sliding that is fluid and light with respect to other systems, with a reduction of rolling friction.

Claims

1. An apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes, comprising a cylindrical structure (1) housing therein a footboard (2),

characterized in that

said footboard (2) is of cylindrical shape and revolvingly mounted internally to said structure (1), the arrangement being such that a user in order to carry out the motor activity places him/herself on said footboard (2) and internally to said cylindrical structure (1).

2. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to the preceding claim, wherein said footboard (2) is slidably mounted on guide means (3) and sliding means (4).

3. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to the preceding claim, wherein said guide means comprises guide rails (3), and said sliding means comprises bearings (4).

4. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means (10) for detecting a user's presence in said structure (1).

5. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to the preceding claim, wherein said presence detecting means comprises a handle or fixed bars (10) wherein there are arranged one or more pressure sensors apt to detect a pressure exerted by user's hands.

6. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said means for detecting a user's presence switch the apparatus state from inactive (OFF) to active (ON), and vice versa.

7. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a display unit (7) which comprises one or more displays (70,71,72), a coin and/or token acceptor, a ticket dispenser, a dispenser of medals or the like, and warning buzzers.

8. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising safety side barriers (11,13) for providing a shielding to the user.

9. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said structure 1 rests on a support plane (8) which has sensors for detecting a user's presence.

10. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first non-return safety system (40) apt to prevent displacements or revolutions of the footboard (2) in a direction opposite to that given by the user.

11. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising braking means (41,42,43).

12. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to the preceding claim, wherein said braking means comprises a gradually operating actuator (41) connected with a stay rod (42) to one or more shoe brakes (43) to brake the footboard (2) during its non-use, or safely.

13. The apparatus for carrying out a motor activity for playing or sporting purposes according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a fan positioned inside or near the structure 1.