PORTABLE GYMNIC MACHINE AND BAG-CONTAINER FOR ITS TRANSPORT AND UTILIZATION
A portable exercise machine (1), for the execution of gymnastic and/or rehabilitation exercises through the extension of an elastic element, characterized in that it comprises: a base or platform (2) of small size, adapted to be transportable in a cabin briefcase, said base or platform being usable to stabilize the machine by means of the weight or the thrust of the user; a gripping element or handle (3) of cylindrical shape, provided with a device (130) for sensing the three-dimensional motion, adapted to transmit a signal relating to the displacement carried out and usable for displaying on an electronic device (105) the trajectory of the movement performed by the gripping element or handle (3); an elastic band (4) whose ends are respectively fixed to said base (2) and to said gripping element or handle (3), the length of the portion of the elastic band used for an exercise being variable due to the winding of the same elastic band (4) around the element gripping or handle (3).
The present invention relates to a portable gymnic machine and to a bag-container for its transport and for its utilization.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The aim of this invention is to provide a portable gymnic machine which can solve the problems mentioned above.
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.
Among the advantages of the present invention can be listed the following.
The machine is portable and compact and, therefore, can be carried with themselves, also during travels, for example in a briefcase.
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.
This machine allows a very high number of gymnic and rehabilitation exercises.
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.
The machine has a structure of simple construction, user friendly and very robust, able to maintain its shape even after prolonged use.
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.
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 . . .
The machine may include, in addition, a scales, means for measuring the exerted pushing and a impedance-balance for assessing the body fat mass.
Among the advantages of the present invention can be listed also those described below. The machine is portable and compact and, therefore, can be carried along while traveling, such as a briefcase, purse or backpack. The structure of the same machine can constitute the frame of the bag or backpack that contains it. Thanks to the presence of suitable sensors in the handle it is possible to obtain an objective of each exercise performed, being able to use data relating to the displacement and speed of execution of graphics to determine immediate visualization for possible corrections of the exercises already in the process of execution;
Furthermore, the data can be stored for later analysis, the setting times of the year, to define archives, etc . . .
The machine object of the present invention also allows to fix in a stable way the handle to the base thanks to the presence on the basis of appendices that are inserted in corresponding slots provided on the handle, in particular under the reaction offered by the elastic band.
Also, the machine is stabilized with the same weight of the user, ie with the thrust that the same exercise on a base or platform. As will be better described later, the user can stabilize the machine due to the thrust exerted on the base or foot plate when he is standing, sitting or kneeling on the same or when pushing the same against a wall or similar fixed structure. The machine comprises a handle of cylindrical shape, so as to allow to wrap around the elastic element. This machine allows an extremely large number of physical exercises and rehabilitation.
The exercises can be performed may be quite different between them, affecting different parts of the body, with different methods of approach to the exercise and, consequently, with the ability to perform both workouts generic type which aimed at specific targets, sports-type and/or rehabilitation.
The machine has a structure of simple construction, intuitive to use and extremely robust, able to keep its characteristics unchanged also after prolonged use.
The entire exercise machine portable, comprising base, elastic band and handle, has an extremely low weight and size really reduced which allow its transport and storage substantially without any limitation.
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:
With reference to the accompanying drawings, in particular
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.
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.
The base element or platform (2), in the example shown in
The platform (2) is small-sized, having dimensions that allow easy transport. For example, the platform (2) may have an approximate area of about 35×35 cm (less than 50×50), 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.
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.
In the example shown in
With reference to the non limiting embodiment of
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
In the example of
In
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).
In
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
The example of
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
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.
In the example of
The example of
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The exercises in
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The exercises schematically shown are proposed to better describe the features of the machine, without limiting further possibilities of use.
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.
In the example of
The invention will be described with reference to the examples of
The machine (1) comprises a base or platform (2), a gripping element or handle (3), an elastic band (4) whose ends are respectively fixed to the base (2) and the element gripping or handle (3).
The base or platform (2) is of contained dimensions, ie adapted to be transportable in a briefcase cabin, also called “hand luggage” or “cabin baggage”.
The base or platform (2) it is used to stabilize the machine by means of the weight or the push exerted of the user; when the user is on the platform stabilizes it with its own weight;
when, instead, the footrest is pushed against a wall it is stabilized by the thrust (or push) of the user.
The base (2) has an extension in plan of slightly greater than that of the area covered by the footprints of two feet; in other words, it is contained in an area of about 40×40 cm (about 15,7×15,7 inches), and has a thickness not more than 2 cm (about 0,78 inches). The footrest can be made using different materials. Good results in terms of ratio weight/strength have been reached by footrests made of aluminum, rigid plastic, simple metal foils or metal foil sandwich with plastic inside. In many cases the thickness (S) can be less than 1 cm (bout 0,39 inches). With regard to the other dimensions, the height (H) and the and the width (L) can be less than 35 cm (about 13,7 inches).
The base or platform (2) is provided with non-slip areas (121) at the areas intended for the support of the feet of the user. The non-slip areas (121) can be realized by making a rough part of the upper face of the platform (2), as in the examples of
The platform (2) is provided with an opening (20) and two slots (122) and 1(24), which are through holes and, therefore, are visible on the front face (127) of the platform and on the rear side (128).
In the example, the opening (20) has a substantially semicircular and through to it is possible to pass the handle or the handle (3). The slots (122) and (124) are used for the attachment of a first end or proximal end of the elastic band (4).
On the rear side or rear face (128), the slot (124) is disposed within a groove or elongated cavity (240), shaped in a complementary manner with respect to a locking bar or little rod (129). The bar (129) may present internally, that is, on its surface destined to go in contact with the elastic band (4), a roughness which increases the coefficient of friction.
During assembly of the exercise machine (1), the proximal end of the band (4) is placed inside the cavity (240), possibly wound around a rod to increase the thickness, to be blocked by the bar (129), which is fixed to the footboard (2) by means of screws which pass through the holes (291) of the bar (129) to be inserted in the holes (241) provided at the sides of the cavity (240). Adhesive material can also be used to increase the solidity of the fastening.
The elastic band (4) is thus securely fixed in the cavity (240) and, in the example shown, is so disposed relative to the platform (2): through the slot (124) protrudes on the upper face (127) of the platform (2), then passes through the slit (122) and arrives to the rear face (128) of the platform (2); finally, through the opening (2), arrives on the upper face (127) of the platform (2).
Obviously, the above description is related to a method of attachment that does not exclude other, always remaining within the scope of protection of the patent.
The gripping element or handle (3) has a cylindrical conformation and is provided with a three-dimensional motion sensor device (130), adapted to transmit a signal related to the exercise executed and usable for display on an electronic device the trajectory of the movement performed by the gripping element or handle.
The electronic device (105) can be a “smart-phone” or a “tablet” provided with a software application designed to provide an evaluation of the exercise performed and/or store the data acquired by the sensor (130) and/or comparing these data with an archive. The displacement sensor (130), which can be defined a movement sensor or an accelerometer, is able to supply in an extremely precise manner a signal (V) concerning the execution of the exercise made by the user. In other words, the sensor (130) measures three-dimensionally, i.e. on three axes, any movements performed by the handle (3).
Thank to the application stored on the smart-phone (or on other electronic device) (105) it is possible to display the trajectories followed during the exercise, providing a useful tool for assessing the reliability of the done exercise and for knowing in real time the possible execution errors.
Since it is possible to know the value of the resistance offered by the elastic band (4) (as will be better described hereinafter) is consequently possible to obtain the values of all the forces in play thanks to the data related to speed and the acceleration detected by the sensor (130).
With the present invention therefore it is possible to perform an analysis both quantitative and qualitative of the performed exercise, with positive results both for gymnastic exercises of training and for rehabilitation exercises.
The elastic band (4) can be realized in a suitable elastic material, such as natural or synthetic rubber; the length of the portion of the elastic band (4) used for the exercise is variable due to the winding of the same elastic band around the element gripping or handle (3).
The band or elastic band (4) is provided with reference marks or indicators (140) suitable to allow the adjustment of the elastic reaction provided according to predetermined values. As visible in
The lines (140) may be provided on both faces of the band (4) so as to provide an indication for both directions of winding of the band around the element (3); in practice, the face of the band (4) that remains outside in the winding will still be provided with indicators (140, 141). The value indicated by the indicators of the winding (140, 141) can be used to set the application software in function of the resistance offered by the elastic band (4). Such resistance value can be entered manually on the electronic device (105) on the basis of the value supplied by the indicators (140, 141) or automatically, thanks to a procedure of initialization of the application software that detects the number of windings of the band (4) gripping around the element (3) by means of the motion sensor (130).
Advantageously, moreover, the base or the platform (2) is provided with a pair of appendages (123) complementarily coupled with two corresponding slots (132) presented by the element gripping or handle (3), so as to allow the fixing of the same element of the socket (3) to the base (2). In practice, when you want to fix the gripping element (3) to the base (2), it is sufficient to roll up the elastic band (4) on the same element (3) until the not rolled part of the band has a value such as to insert the appendages (123) into the corresponding slots (132); the elastic reaction provided by the band keeps the appendages (123) into the slots (132). The release is obtainable overcoming the elastic force, by removing the element (3) from the base (2).
The gripping element (3) comprises a hollow cylindrical body the outer (131) and an internal cylindrical body (133).
The outer cylindrical body (131) is provided with a slit (137) dimensioned so as to be crossed by the elastic band (4). At the sides of the slot (137) there are provided two through holes (136) through which are inserted the screws that secure the outer cylindrical body (131) to the internal cylindrical body (133) after mounting.
The inner cylinder (133) is rotatable relative to the outer cylinder (131), being provided a small gap (134) between the two bodies (131), (133). The inner cylinder (133) is also provided with a radial seat (135) that is developed so as to allow the housing of the distal end of the band (4).
During assembly of the exercise machine (1), the distal end of the elastic band (4) is introduced into the seat (135), as shown in
Subsequently, the inner cylinder is rotated (see arrow R in the figures) to a value greater than 360°, that is, until when the seat (135) has traveled a full circle and has passed the slit (137). In this way the band (4) is contained in the cavity (134) wound on itself to a value greater than one full turn. The subsequent fixing by means of screws determines a substantially unbreakable bond between the elastic band (4) and gripping element (3), providing a high degree of safety in the execution of the exercises.
As shown schematically in
In the figures it is represented a backpack or rucksack (106), provided with shoulder straps (163), as well as a pocket (165) in which can be contained the base (2) to constitute the frame of the same rucksack or bag (106). The pocket (165) can be closed by lateral hinges, not described in detail. Furthermore, the backpack (106) is provided with a flap (161) which can be inserted into the opening (20) of the platform (2) to be then locked on a corresponding portion (164) of the backpack by means of a press stud (162) .
The present invention therefore also relates to a bag or container for the transport of an exercise machine, in which the frame of the bag or container (106) is constituted by the base (2) of an exercise machine of the type described above.
Similarly, the invention relates to a set of elements for the execution of gymnastic exercises and/or rehabilitative exercises through the extension of an elastic element, set which is formed by a gymnastic machine of the type described above and from a bag container
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.
Claims
1. Portable exercise machine, for the execution of gymnastic and/or rehabilitation exercises through the extension of an elastic element, characterized in that it comprises:
- a base or platform of small size, adapted to be transportable in a cabin briefcase, said base or platform being usable to stabilize the machine by means of the weight or the thrust of the user;
- a gripping element or handle of cylindrical shape, provided with a device for sensing the three-dimensional motion, adapted to transmit a signal relating to the displacement carried out and usable for displaying on an electronic device the trajectory of the movement performed by the gripping element or handle;
- an elastic band whose ends are respectively fixed to said base and to said gripping element or handle, the length of the portion of the elastic band used for an exercise being variable due to the winding of the same elastic band around the element gripping or handle.
2. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base has an plan extension slightly greater than that of the area covered by the footprints of two feet, and it is contained in an area of about 40×40 cm, and it has a thickness not more than 2 cm.
3. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base is provided with a pair of appendixes complementarily matchable with two corresponding slots presented by the element gripping or handle, so to allow the fixing of the same gripping element to the base, with the gripping element subject to the action of the reaction force of said elastic band rolled up on it.
4. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said elastic band is provided with reference marks suitable to allow the adjustment of the elastic reaction provided according to predetermined values, i.e. by the number of windings of the band all around to said gripping element.
5. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base or platform forms the frame of a purse or backpack, said base being provided with a perforated portion defining a handle for the transport.
6. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base or platform forms the frame of a purse or backpack, said base being provided with a perforated portion defining a handle for the transport, wherein said bag or rucksack is provided with a transparent pocket adapted to house an electronic device connected to said sensor to graphically display the exercise executed.
7. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said base or platform is provided with non-slip areas in the areas intended for the support of the feet of the user.
8. Bag or container for the transport of an exercise machine, characterized in that said bag or container has a frame constituted by a base of an exercise machine, said exercise machine is a portable exercise machine, usable for the execution of gymnastic and/or rehabilitation exercises through the extension of an elastic element and comprising:
- said base, which is a base or platform of small size, adapted to be transportable in a cabin briefcase, said base or platform being usable to stabilize the machine by means of the weight or the thrust of the user;
- a gripping element or handle of cylindrical shape, provided with a device for sensing the three-dimensional motion adapted to transmit a signal relating to the displacement carried out and usable for displaying on an electronic device the trajectory of the movement performed by the gripping element or handle;
- an elastic band whose ends are respectively fixed to said base and to said gripping element or handle, the length of the portion of the elastic band used for an exercise being variable due to the winding of the same elastic band around the element gripping or handle.
9. Set of elements for the execution of gymnastic and/or rehabilitation exercises through the extension of an elastic element, characterized in that it comprises:
- a portable exercise machine, for the execution of gymnastic and/or rehabilitation exercises through the extension of an elastic element, comprising: a base or platform of small size, adapted to be transportable in a cabin briefcase, said base or platform being usable to stabilize the machine by means of the weight or the thrust of the user; a gripping element or handle of cylindrical shape, provided with a device for sensing the three-dimensional motion, adapted to transmit a signal relating to the displacement carried out and usable for displaying on an electronic device the trajectory of the movement performed by the gripping element or handle; an elastic band whose ends are respectively fixed to said base and to said gripping element or handle, the length of the portion of the elastic band used for an exercise being variable due to the winding of the same elastic band around the element gripping or handle;
- an electronic device connectable to said sensor and provided with a software application adapted to provide an evaluation of the exercise performed and/or to store the acquired data from the sensor and/or to compare these data with an archive.
10. Set of elements according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a bag or container having a frame formed by said base of the portable gymnic machine.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 13, 2015
Publication Date: Mar 10, 2016
Inventor: Roberto Piga (Chiocchio)
Application Number: 14/940,181