GB2218004A

GB2218004A - A gymnastic implement

Info

Publication number: GB2218004A
Application number: GB8910052A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rocco Ajello
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-05-03
Filing date: 1989-05-03
Publication date: 1989-11-08
Also published as: GB8910052D0; FR2631837A3; DE8905245U1; BE1002023A6; IT8832814V0; NL8901135A

Abstract

The gymnastic implement is a one-piece moulded elastic rubber cord with linear grips. The implement shows uniform modulus values both at the beginning of the pull and during elongation, in contrast to metal springs which require an initial strong pull with the modulus falling beyond a certain threshold degree of stretch. <IMAGE>

Description

A gymnastic implement The present invention relates to a gymnastic implement particularly conceived as the optimum load for the entire diest, back and arm muscle, as a replacement for conventional steel-spring expanders, and in particular as a medium-strengh resistance force for maintaining adeguate muscle toning without, particularly in the case of women, the need for excessive time consumption and particular location.

The implement according to the invention finds specific application in sport to increase power, in female body building to maintain harmonic toning, in harm rehabilitation etc., and in particular for the very young for whom the use of '.zal springs is usually inadvisable as they can trouble the muscular ligaments.

By virtue of its shape, minimum size and weight characteristics, the invention is of more versatile use than similar commercially availabie devices as it allows implementation of all exercises, even the most unusual, which the inventiveness and inspiration of tlit user can devise. Before marketing, the elastic expander, according to the invention, will be subjected to a careful 2 tranction test expressed in kg per cm and a test to determine its elasticity according to the international UNI rules.

The gymnastic implement, according to the invention, is in the form of a single pull cord with integrally moulded linear grips and weighing about 100 grams.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side elevation of a gymnastic implement according to the invention; and Figures 2, 3 and 4 show alternative forms of hand grips for the implement of Figure 1.

In each of the implements shown in the drawings a hand grip 2 is provided at each end of an elongate element 1 of elastomic material.

The element 1 in each implement is cord-like and is moulded in one-piece from natural or synthetic rubber.

In the implement of Figure 1, each hand grip 2 is formed as a thickened extension of the element 1.

Figure 2 shows a modification of the hand grip 2 of Figure 1 in that one side of the grip is ribbed.

In Figures 3 and 4, each hand grip 2 has a part which is formed as a closed loop. The hand grip in Figure 3 includes a further part which is formed as a thickened extension of the element 1 and extends into the space within the closed loop.

The hand grip in each of the drawings has a granular, roughened or sanded surface.

Rubber is chosen not for the purpose of using material different from those generally used for this sports equipment (metal springs etc.), but because of the advantages which it offers. In this respect, rubber is the material which most closely approaches the type of load ideal for the purposes of training as it has a quick elastic response (rapid shortening) and a likewise quick viscoelastic response but with lengthy yielding. Summarising, the proposed elastic implement shows uniform modulus values both at the beginning of the pull and during elongation, in contrast to metal springs which require an initial strong pull with the modulus falling beyond a certain threshold degree of stretch.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A gymnastic implement comprising an elongate element of natural or synthetic elastomeric material having a hand grip at or near each end thereof.

2. An implement as claimed in claim 1, wherein the said material is natural rubber.

3. An implement as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the said element is cord-like.

4. An implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each hand grip is formed as a thickened end section of the said element.

5. An implement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each hand grip comprises a closed loop.

6. An implement as claimed in claim 5, wherein each hand grip further comprises a thickened end section of the said element which extends into the space within the said loop.

7. An implement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each hand grip has a granular, roughened or sanded surface to facilitate gripping.

8. A gymnastic implement constructed, arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings.