ITMI20122094A1 - REFORMER EQUIPMENT PERFECTED, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE EXECUTION OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES ACCORDING TO THE PILATES METHOD, WITH A NEW ROPE TRACTION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Description

â € œREFORMER REFORMER TOOL, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF PHYSICAL EXERCISES ACCORDING TO THE PILATES METHOD, WITH NEW ROPE TRACTION SYSTEMâ €,

DESCRIPTION

Technical sector of the invention

The present invention generally relates to the sector of tools for the physical well-being of man and the gymnastics of his body, and more particularly it relates to a tool, usually also called with the English term â € œreformerâ €, for the execution of special physical exercises according to the so-called â € œPilatesâ € method, comprising a sliding trolley that is able to be pushed and / or pulled by a user of the tool itself, in contrast to an elastic force applied on it.

Background of the invention and state of the art

As is known, the term â € œPilatesâ €, from the name of the creator, indicates a gymnastic and exercise system with the human body that tends to give not only physical but also mental well-being and is inspired, among other things , to oriental techniques of breathing and coordination of movements.

The gymnastics of the Pilates system is a typical â € œposturalâ € gymnastics and is based in particular on the use of a series of tools that are specific to this special gymnastics and system of physical exercises.

Certainly one of the tools of fundamental importance for the application of the Pilates method and the execution of the related physical exercises is constituted by a tool usually called with the English term â € œreformerâ €, coined by the same creator of the Pilates method.

In particular, the reformer comprises a fixed structure or frame, and a carriage sliding along this frame, in which elastic means usually consisting of springs are interposed between the fixed frame and the sliding carriage.

When using the tool, the user leans on the trolley and makes it slide along the fixed frame, in contrast to the elastic force applied on the trolley itself by the springs.

In particular, the user can slide the trolley by pulling it with his arms and hands, using a rope traction system, or by pushing it with his arms or legs with his feet resting against a special bar.

The user can assume various positions and lean on the sliding trolley in various ways, to push or pull it, according to the exercises he has to do and the muscles he has to activate, according to the Pilates method.

Furthermore, by varying the elastic force applied by the elastic means on the sliding trolley, it is possible to vary the resistance force to its sliding along the fixed structure and consequently adjust the thrust and traction that the user must exert to slide the trolley, during the execution of the exercises according to the Pilates method.

Various types of reformers and similar tools are currently available and offered on the market for the execution of exercises with the Pilates method.

These reformers and tools, currently known and in use, cannot however be considered completely free from limits and drawbacks, especially if their user is very experienced and demanding and therefore expects maximum efficiency and performance from them.

In particular, there is a need, not always satisfied by the tools known and currently offered on the market, to be able to perform a wide range of different physical exercises with the same reformer tool, as envisaged by the Pilates method, which in particular involve the application of physical exertion with different parts of the body, such as legs and arms, as well as passing quickly and easily from one to the other of these exercises.

Furthermore, even leaving aside the previous considerations, it is clear that any improvement aimed at improving the performance and functional efficiency of the reformers, currently in use, for gymnastics and physical exercises with the Pilates method, can only meet the requirements. expectations of the vast and growing audience of users who follow and apply the Pilates method.

Aims and summary of the invention

Therefore, a first, general purpose of the present invention is to realize a new reformer tool, typically for the execution of physical exercises according to the Pilates method, which meets the needs, remembered above, of an ever greater comfort and versatility of use. compared to the reformers currently available and offered on the market.

A second purpose of the present invention, however connected to the first, is to implement new and useful improvements and improvements in a reformer-type tool, for the execution of exercises with the Pilates method, in order to make it more practical and efficient use and expand its versatility, compared to the reformer models currently offered on the market, and therefore also further favor the spread of this beneficial and healthy gymnastics.

The above objects can be considered fully achieved by the reformer-type tool having the characteristics defined by independent claim 1.

Particular embodiments of the present invention are defined by the dependent claims.

In particular, a first aspect of the invention relates to a tool or reformer for the execution of physical exercises provided with a special rope pulling system, comprising a single rope.

In a second aspect, the invention relates instead to a tool or reformer which is equipped with a new and advantageous mechanism for adjusting the inclination and position, along the same tool, of a foot-rest bar on which the user leans to perform the physical exercises of the Pilates method.

Advantages of the invention

Numerous and relevant are the advantages associated with the new tool or reformer, conforming to the present invention, for the execution of physical exercises according to the Pilates method, such as those listed below purely by way of example:

- possibility for the user to actually check the symmetry of application, on the various parts of his body, of the physical effort required for the exercise he is performing, especially when the exercise requires the user to slide the trolley pulling the cord pull system, thanks to the adoption of a traction system comprising a single cord, whereas the traction systems of conventional reformers usually include several separate and distinct cords;

- consequent notable improvement of the postural value, or a better enhancement of the posture assumed by the user, when he performs the exercises of the Pilates method using the tool;

- speed and ease for the user in adapting the length of the traction system ropes to his own size and body characteristics and / or to the exercise he intends to perform;

- speed and ease in passing from the configuration with a single rope traction system to a possible configuration with several fixed and independent ropes,

- ease in passing from one type of exercise to another, according to the Pilates method, in particular involving the user's arms and related muscles;

- greater versatility in the choice of physical exercises according to the Pilates method and the amount of physical effort required to perform these exercises;

- easy and practical adjustment of the foot bar, with constant control of the safety of the bar positions, so as to avoid any risk of involuntary or accidental changes in position, potentially dangerous for the user;

- possibility of ergonomically modifying the supports of the user's body on the tool, and in particular the possibility of continuously varying the width of the space that separates the supports for his shoulders;

- a simple and reliable construction, in particular as regards the rope pulling system to pull and slide the trolley.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other objects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become clear and evident from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figs. 1A-1I are a series of photographic views, from various points of view, which show in a panoramic way a reformer tool, according to the present invention, in particular comprising a carriage sliding along a fixed structure, for the execution of physical exercises according to the Pilates method;

Fig. 2A and 2B are further photographic views showing in detail a system for adjusting and anchoring a plurality of springs associated with the sliding carriage of the reformer of the invention, and how this adjustment is actually carried out by a user with a series of steps that avoid potentially dangerous situations for the user himself;

Fig. 3 is a further photographic view showing in detail a stop device of the sliding carriage of the reformer of the invention, in which this stop device is designed to be adjusted autonomously and independently of the adjustment and anchoring system springs;

Figs. 4A-4C are further photographic views showing in detail a tilting footbar of the reformer of the invention, a mechanism for adjusting the inclination and position of this footbar, and how the footbar itself is actually adjusted by a user in inclination and in position along the length of the reformer;

Figs. 5A and 5B are photographic views showing in a panoramic way a single-rope pulling and pulling system included in the reformer of the invention;

Figs. 5C and 5D are further photographic views of the sliding carriage, disassembled and separated from the rest of the reformer of the invention, in order to show closely the relevant parts and areas of the single-rope traction system of Fig. 5A and 5B;

Figs. 6A-6C are further photographic views showing in detail a mechanism for adjusting the position of a return pulley of the single rope pulling system of Figs. 5A-5D and how this regulation is actually achieved;

Fig. 6Câ € ™ is an enlarged photographic view of an area of Fig. 6C with the return pulley of the adjustment mechanism;

Figs. 7A-7C are further photographic views showing in detail a rope sliding locking mechanism of the single rope pulling system of Figs. 5A-5D, respectively in a first open release configuration and in a second closed lock configuration, and how this sliding locking mechanism is actually activated by a user;

Fig. 7D is a photographic view of an area which has a control lever of the sliding locking mechanism of Figs. 7A-7C;

Figs. 8A-8E are further photographic views which show in more detail and how the adjustment mechanism, of Figs. 4A-4C, of the foot-rest of the reformer of the invention;

Figs. 8F-8G are schematic and partial views, integrating the photographic views of Figs. 8A-8C, of the foot bar adjustment mechanism;

Fig. 9A is a further photographic view showing the reformer of the invention in its actual use, in which a user pulls both ends of the rope of the single rope traction system to slide the tool carriage along the fixed structure; And

Fig. 9B is a further photographic view showing the reformer of the invention in its actual use, in which a user pulls only one end of the rope of the single rope pull system to slide the tool carriage along the fixed structure.

Description of a preferred embodiment of the reformer of the invention

With reference to the drawings, a tool, conforming to the present invention, usually also called with English terminology â € œreformerâ €, in particular for the execution of physical exercises with the Pilates method, is indicated as a whole with 10.

For completeness, Figs. 1A to 1I give a 360-degree panoramic and overall view of the tool or reformer 10 of the invention, from various points of view, in order to highlight the relevant areas and details.

Structure and general characteristics of the reformer

The reformer 10 comprises a fixed structure, indicated as a whole with 11, which extends along the length of the reformer 10, between a respective head side 10â € ™ and a respective foot side 10â € ™ â € ™, and a carriage , indicated as a whole with 13, which is able to slide in both directions along the fixed structure 11, as indicated by a double arrow f1.

The fixed structure 11 in turn includes a metal base; two longitudinal members 11a and 11b, for example of fiberglass, rigidly fixed on said metal base and along which the carriage 13 is precisely able to slide back and forth as indicated by the double arrow f1; a platform 11c, which connects the two longitudinal members 11a and 11b in the area of the foot side 10â € ™ â € ™; and a support structure 11d, arranged in the area of the head side 10â € ™ of the reformer 10.

In particular, the support structure 11d comprises an adjustable external transmission system for the traction cords of a new cord traction system included in the reformer 10 of the invention and described in detail hereinafter.

The trolley 13 has characteristics, at least in general, substantially known and exhibits a configuration suitable to allow the execution of the various physical exercises, as foreseen by the Pilates method.

In particular, the carriage 13, which is able to slide along the fixed structure 11 of the tool 10 by means of a system of wheels 13 ', comprises a horizontal flat part 13a, parallel to the longitudinal members 11a and 11b, on which a user of the € ™ tool 10 can be placed in a supine, sitting, kneeling or standing position; two prominent elements, indicated with 13b, on which the user usually leans with his shoulders; and a protruding part 13c, adjacent to the two raised elements 13b, which extends from the side of the horizontal part 13a, of the carriage 13, facing the head side 10â € ™ and on which the user rests his head, during € ™ execution of physical exercises according to the Pilates method.

Advantageously, the two raised elements 13b can be adjusted by the user so as to continuously vary the width of the space that separates them and, if desired, can also be completely removed from the sliding carriage 13.

The height or projection of the protruding part 13c with respect to the flat horizontal part 13a is also adjustable.

Therefore, thanks to these measures, the user has the possibility to ergonomically modify the supports of his body on the tool, and in particular, by continuously varying the width of the space that separates the two prominent elements 13b, of adapt the shoulder rests.

Elastic means, indicated in general with 14, are interposed between the fixed structure 11 and the sliding carriage 13, in order to apply an elastic contrast force, indicated with FC, aimed at counteracting the action, that is the thrust and / or the pull exerted by the user to translate and slide the carriage 13 along the longitudinal members 11a and 11b of the fixed structure 11, as better described below.

These elastic means 14 are typically constituted by a series of helical traction springs, each indicated by 14a, which extend axially along the length of the tool 10 and are fixed at one end, in an adjustable way, to the fixed structure 11 of the reformer 10, in the area of the respective foot side 10â € ™ â € ™, and at the opposite end, in a non-adjustable but fixed way, to the mobile structure of the sliding carriage 13.

For clarity, Figs. 6B and 6C show how these springs 14a are attached and

anchored, at their ends, in a rigid way to the structure of the sliding carriage 13, or without the possibility of adjustment, by means of a corresponding series of anchoring elements 18, in turn fixed on a bar 19 belonging to the structure of the sliding carriage 13.

Instead, as anticipated, the same springs 14a can be fixed, at the opposite ends, in an adjustable way with respect to the fixed structure 11, or in different positions along the fixed structure 11, by means of a corresponding adjustment and anchoring system indicated as a whole with 15, in order to vary the amount of the elastic force FC exerted by them on the sliding carriage 13, according to the needs of the user and the type of exercise to be performed with the Pilates method.

For clarity, Fig. 2A shows in detail the area of the reformer 10 which has this system of adjustment and anchoring 15 of the springs 14a.

In particular, the adjustment and anchoring system 15, of substantially known characteristics and therefore only briefly described below, comprises a transverse hooking bar 15a, exhibiting a comb configuration, which can be manually slid in both directions along associated fixed lateral guides. with the longitudinal members 11a and 11b of the fixed structure 11, as indicated by a double arrow f4 in Fig. 2B, and be suitably locked once arranged and adjusted in the desired position.

Each of these springs 14a in turn has a small ball 17 at one end which allows its insertion and anchoring in the comb configuration of this hooking bar 15a.

Furthermore, the coupling bar 15a is configured in such a way as to be able to be released from the respective lateral guides, and therefore to be free to slide along them, only after having disengaged and unhooked from the same coupling bar 15a the ball ends of the

springs 14a.

Therefore, in the actual adjustment of the springs 14a, a user U in a first step, with the hooking bar 15a locked in a certain position, releases and removes the ball ends of the springs 14a from the reed of the hooking bar 15a, then unlocks the hooking bar 15a and slides it along the respective lateral guides, along the length of the tool 10, until it reaches a new adjustment position, as indicated by the double arrow f4.

Then the user U locks the hooking bar 15a in the new adjustment position, and finally inserts the ends, with the ball 17, of the springs 14a into the comb of the hooking bar 15a, as shown in Fig. 2B.

In this way the springs 14a are adjusted in a new setting so as to vary and adapt the elastic contrast force FC applied by them on the carriage 13, while it slides on the fixed structure 11 in response to the thrust or the pull exerted by the user.

It should be noted that this adjustment operation of the hooking bar 15a is always carried out in safe conditions, without the risk of the elastic means 14 being released, potentially dangerous for the user.

In fact, during this operation, the coupling bar 15a is released from the springs 14a, and is therefore free to move along the length of the reformer 10 without being subjected to the traction of these springs 14a.

A stop device, generally indicated with 16, is provided to stop and limit the stroke of the carriage 13, in the area adjacent to the coupling bar 15a, so as to maintain a minimum distance between the sliding carriage 13 and this transverse bar of coupling 15a of the springs 14a

Fig. 3 shows in detail this stop device 16 of the sliding carriage 13 of the reformer of the invention.

In particular, the stop device 16, which is disconnected from and completely independent from the adjustment and anchoring system 15 of the springs 14a to adjust the elastic load FC applied by them on the sliding carriage 13, comprises a pair of blocks 16a, only one of the which can be seen in Fig. 3, which can be made to slide along the length of the tool 10, as indicated by a double arrow f5, and then be stably locked, so as to define the stopping position of the carriage stroke sliding 13 towards the hooking bar 15a.

The reformer 10 also comprises a foot-rest bar, indicated by 12, which is also, similarly to the carriage 13 but independently of the latter, able to slide along the longitudinal members 11a and 11b of the fixed structure 11 of the reformer 10 , as indicated by a double arrow f2.

The foot bar 12 is also associated with a respective adjustment mechanism, described in detail below, which allows you to adjust the inclination of the foot bar 12 with respect to the fixed structure 11, as indicated by a double arrow f3, in depending on the needs of the user and the type of exercise according to the Pilates method to be performed on the apparatus 10.

For greater clarity, Figs. 4A-4C show in detail the foot bar 12 and the area of the respective adjustment mechanism adapted to adjust the inclination, and also how this bar rests is actually adjusted by the user in inclination and in position along the length of the reformer.

Moreover, similarly to the known reformers and currently in use, the reformer 10 of the invention comprises a traction or rope pulling system, indicated as a whole with 20, by means of which the user has the possibility, by pulling with his arms the rope of this system 20, to exert a traction force to make the carriage 13 slide along the longitudinal members 11a and 11b, in contrast with the elastic contrast force FC applied thereon by the elastic means 14, or by the springs 14a.

In this way, as foreseen by a series of exercises of the Pilates method, the user must apply a certain traction effort, through his arms, to pull the rope of this rope pulling system 20 and therefore slide the trolley. 13,

In summary, when using the reformer 10, the user sits or leans on the sliding trolley 13, assuming various postures and positions according to the type of physical exercise envisaged by the Pilates method.

Then the user slides, along the longitudinal members 11a and 11b of the fixed structure 11, the trolley 13 in contrast with the elastic force FC applied on it by the elastic means 14, pressing with his feet the foot-rest bar 12, or pulling, with his arms, the rope of the rope pull system 20.

It follows that the muscles and the various parts of the user's body are suitably stressed and subjected to an effort, according to the various exercises provided by the Pilates method.

Single-rope traction system of the sliding carriage of the reformer of the invention

According to an essential characteristic of the reformer 10 of the present invention, which clearly differentiates it from the reformers currently known and in use, the traction and rope pulling system 20, which is integrated in and essential part of the reformer 10, is of the type a single rope.

In other words, while the traction and rope pulling systems applied in known reformers usually comprise several ropes or ropes distinct from each other, the firing system 20 of the reformer 10 of the invention comprises a single and single string 21, in which this single and single string is foreseen to be pulled, at its two ends or end sections, by the user of the reformer 10, so as to make the sliding carriage 13 slide along the fixed structure 11, in order to contrast to the elastic force FC applied on the same carriage 13 by the elastic means 14.

Furthermore, according to a further characteristic of the invention, this rope pulling system 20, as mentioned of the single rope type, is configured in such a way as to allow the user of the reformer 10 to grip and pull both the two ends of the € ™ single rope 21 to slide the carriage 13, or, alternatively, to operate with these two ends independently of each other, or to grip and pull only one of these two ends or sections of the ends of the rope to slide the carriage 13.

In particular, in the first way of operating, when the user exerts a traction on both ends of the rope, the single rope 21, being free to slide in the traction system 20, ensures that, if it extends to one end and one extremity, for example because it is pulled more, inevitably shortens at the other extremity.

Instead, in the second way of operating, when the user pulls one end of the rope, the single rope 21, being blocked and prevented from sliding in the traction system 20, ensures that there is no cooperation and transfer of movement between the two ends of the string 21, as in the first way of operating, in which an elongation of the string 21 at one end corresponds to a shortening of the string 21 at the other end and vice versa.

Therefore, advantageously, the user can choose, during the execution of the exercises provided by the Pilates method, to pull both ends of the single rope and then to exert a traction effort with both his arms, differentiating the effort exerted between the two arms, or to pull only one of these ends or stretches of extremities and then to exert the traction effort with only one or the other

of his arms.

Figs. 5A-5D offer both an overview as well as some more detailed views of this single-rope pull-and-pull 20 system which is associated with the sliding carriage 13 and is an essential part of the invention reformer 10 .

For this purpose, ie to clearly highlight the parts and characteristics of this traction system 20, in the photographic views of Figs. 5C and 5D the mobile carriage 13 and the relative supporting structure, sliding along the longitudinal members 11a and 11b of the fixed structure 11, are shown separated from the other parts of the tool 10, i.e. in a disassembled configuration in which the sliding carriage 13 and the respective structure are removed from the tool 10.

In detail, with reference to the aforementioned figures, this rope pulling system 20, associated with the trolley 13, comprises:

- a single rope, as already mentioned, indicated with 21, in turn defining two respective portions or ends of ends, indicated with 21a and 21b, to which respective grips or handles, 22a and 22b, are fixed to be gripped by the user of the reformer 10;

- a return wheel or pulley 23 rotatably mounted on the carriage 13 and able to move integrally with the same carriage 13, when the latter slides on the fixed structure 11, in which this transmission pulley 23 has the function of guiding and returning about 180 ° the single chord 21 of the pulling system 20;

- an adjustment or positioning mechanism 26, associated with the sliding carriage 13, for varying and adjusting the position of the return pulley 23 with respect to the supporting structure of the carriage 13; And

- a sliding locking mechanism, also associated with the trolley

sliding 13 and indicated in general with 30, suitable for blocking or releasing the sliding of the single rope 21 in the pulling system 20.

The two ends 21a and 21b of the single string 21 correspond to two portions, respectively 21a 'and 21b', of the single string 21 which, as shown in the drawings and in particular in Figs. 1C, 1D and 1E, extend from the sliding carriage 13 and wind around respective return wheels 29, rotatable, in turn mounted on the fixed support structure 11d which is arranged in the area of the head side 10â € ™ of the ™ tool 10.

The adjustment and positioning mechanism 26 in turn is able to position a sliding support 24, which rotatably supports the return pulley 23 and which is able to slide along respective guides 25 integral with and rigidly fixed to the structure of the carriage 13.

In detail, with reference to Figs. 6A-6C (also here for clarity the mobile carriage 13 is shown in a configuration disassembled from the fixed structure 11 of the tool 10), this positioning mechanism 26 comprises a positioning element 26a, of elongated shape and exhibiting a configuration with rack, which is adapted to be moved by an operator laterally back and forth, as indicated by a double arrow f6, by manually operating a special lever 26b, movable on the structure of the trolley 13 as indicated by a double arrow f6â € ™ , in order to engage or disengage a peg 24a, integral with the sliding support 24, so as to block or unlock the sliding of the sliding support 24 along the guides 25.

In this regard, it should be noted that the pin 24a is fixed on the sliding support 24 in a position approximately central between the respective guides 25 and moreover not too offset with respect to the pulley 23 and therefore to the direction of pull defined by the rope 21.

This configuration has the advantage of making the locking of the

support 24 with respect to the structure of the trolley 13 and furthermore ensures that excessive stresses and moments are not generated on the same support 24, which could damage it, when the trolley 13 is subjected to the pulling of the rope 21, during the execution of physical exercises with tool 10, as better described later on.

When using the reformer 10, the user adjusts, by means of the mechanism 26, the position of the sliding support 24 and therefore of the return pulley 23 with respect to the structure of the sliding carriage 13.

In particular, in a first step, the user operates, in contrast to the force of the elastic means, the lever 26b so as to disengage the rack positioning element 26a from the pin 24a, and therefore unlock the support 24 and allow it to slide freely along the guides 25.

At this point, with the single rope 21 also unlocked and able to slide, or with the mechanism 30 in an open release configuration, as described in more detail below, the user activates and pulls the single rope 21 in this way to slide the support 24 along the respective guides 25, as indicated by an arrow f7, in contrast to the action of springs 28 interposed between the sliding support 24 and the structure of the carriage 13.

Therefore, once the support 24 is in the desired adjustment position, the user releases the lever 26b so as to re-engage, by means of the positioning element 26a, the pin 24a and therefore lock the support 24 carrying the return pulley 23.

Therefore in this way, or by adjusting the position of the return pulley 23 with respect to the structure of the carriage 13, the user varies the length of the portions 21aâ € ™ and 21bâ € ™ of the single rope 21 which extend externally from the sliding carriage 13, so as to consequently adjust the position of the handles 22a and 22b fixed to the two ends of the single rope 21, and also, at least in part, the tractive effort that he must exert to pull the single rope 21, so as to adapt the traction 20 to your needs, your physical dimensions and the type of exercise to be performed with the Pilates method.

In summary, the sliding locking mechanism 30 has the function, when released, of allowing the user, by adjusting the position of the transmission pulley 23 and therefore varying the extension of the portions 21aâ € ™ and 21bâ € ™ of the single rope 21 , to adjust the position of the handles 22a and 22b, in order to adapt the rope pulling system 20 to the needs of the user himself, to the posture he assumes in the reformer 10 and to the exercises he wants to perform, as well as for the purpose of varying the conditions in which to slide the carriage 13 and the tractive effort to be exerted with the single rope 21 to cause such sliding.

In addition to this function, the sliding locking mechanism 30 also has the function of allowing the user of the tool 10 to be able to operate and therefore exert the tractive effort, to make the carriage 13 slide, by pulling only or the one or the other of the two ends 21a and 21b of the single rope 21 of the pulling and pulling system 20.

In detail, this sliding locking mechanism 30, mounted on the sliding carriage 13 and exhibiting a scissor or comb configuration as shown in Figs. 7A-7C, includes:

- a pair of wheels 31a and 31b suitable for receiving and guiding the single rope 21 of the pulling system 20;

- a plurality of movable pegs 32a, in turn fixed to a locking lever 33 pivoted on the structure of the sliding carriage 13; And

- a plurality of fixed rungs 32b, in turn fixed directly to the structure of the sliding carriage 13,

in which the locking lever 33 is adapted to be rotated by the user of the reformer 10, as indicated by a double arrow f8, by means of a control lever 33a, of the two-arm type, in turn pivoted on the carriage structure 13 and connected to one end of one of its two arms with the locking lever 33.

As can be seen from the drawings, the system consisting of the control lever 33a and the locking lever 33 is suitably configured in such a way as to make the operator's maneuver comfortable and easy, both when he has to close the movable rungs 32a on the fixed rungs 32b and then choke the single rope 21 between them, engaging the latter to assume a zig-zag path, both when it has to open the movable pegs 32a from the fixed pegs 32b and then free the rope 21, thus restoring its straight path , and at the same time allow it to slide in the traction system 20, with consequent rotation of the return pulley 23.

Figs. 7A and 7C show the sliding locking mechanism 30 when it is respectively in an open configuration, indicated with C1, suitable for allowing the sliding of the single rope 21 in the rope traction system 20, with consequent rotation of the transmission pulley 23, as indicated by double arrows f9, and in a closed configuration, indicated by C2, suitable to prevent such sliding of the single rope 21.

Therefore, when the sliding locking mechanism 30 is in the open configuration C1, the single rope 21, being free to slide through this sliding locking mechanism 30 as indicated by the double arrows f9, must necessarily be pulled by the user at both ends. its ends 21a and 21b, i.e. the user is obliged to apply a tensile force on both ends 21 and 21b, to make the trolley 13 slide along the fixed structure 11 in contrast to the elastic force applied by the elastic means 14.

On the other hand, when the sliding locking mechanism 30 is in the closed configuration C2, the single rope 21 is blocked and prevented from sliding through the sliding locking mechanism 30, so as to form two independent and non-cooperating portions separated precisely by this locking mechanism 30, whereby the user can apply his traction effort only on one or the other of the ends 21a and 21b of the rope 21 to make the carriage 13 slide against the applied elastic force FC from elastic means 14.

Therefore, when using the tool 10, the user can choose, by operating the control lever 33a, as shown in Fig. 7C, to unlock or block, by means of the locking mechanism 30, the sliding of the single rope 21 in the drive system 20.

In the first case, the user will be able to perform exercises, according to the Pilates method, in which he must use both hands and arms to pull both ends 21a and 21b of the single rope 21, while, in the second case, he will be able to perform exercises in which he is no longer obliged to pull the rope 21 with both his hands and arms but will be able to apply his traction effort with only one hand and arm on only one of the ends 21a and 21b, to make the trolley slide 16 along the reformer 10.

Figs. 9A and 9B show precisely these two different situations.

In particular, Fig. 9A shows the user U while, after having deactivated the locking mechanism 30, he prepares to pull with both hands the two ends 21a and 21b of the rope 21 of the traction system 20.

On the other hand, Fig. 9B shows the user U who, after having activated the locking mechanism 30, is preparing to exert his tractive effort on only one of the ends 21a and 21b of the rope 21.

Footbar adjustment mechanism

According to a further aspect of the present invention, the reformer 10 comprises a new and innovative adjustment mechanism, indicated as a whole with 40, to adjust both the position of the foot-rest bar 12 along the fixed structure 11 of the reformer 10 and its inclination with respect to to the same fixed structure 11.

In particular this adjustment mechanism 40, shown in detail in Figs. 8A-8G in which for reasons of clarity the foot bar 12 has been totally or partially removed, includes:

- a base support 41, in turn adapted to slide back and forth along the length of the reformer 10, as indicated by the double arrow f2, along a corresponding guide 11â € ™ associated with one of the longitudinal members of the fixed structure 11, for example the side member 11b;

- an orientable support 42, carried by the base support 41 and on which the foot-rest bar 12 is rigidly fixed at the ends, in which this orientable support 42 is able to be manually oriented and to rotate, by operating a control lever 51 , around an axis A on the base support 41; And

- a system of connecting levers, generally indicated with 43, which connects the orientable support 42 with a pawl 44, pivoted to the top of the orientable support 41 and subject to the action of a spring 44a, with this pawl in turn adapted to cooperating with a rack profile 45, including a plurality of teeth 45a, formed on the same base support 41.

The adjustment mechanism 40 further comprises a stop mechanism, mounted on the base support 41 and indicated as a whole with 46, which has the function of firmly and stably fixing the sliding base support 41, carrying the foot-rest bar 12, in the desired position along the length of the reformer 10.

In detail, this stop mechanism 46 consists of a lever 48 which is subject to the action of a spring 50 and comprises an engagement element 49, in turn having a tooth 49a adapted to engage a profile 47, associated with the longitudinal member 11b, which extends along the reformer 10 and has a plurality of notches, indicated with 47a.

In the step of adjusting the inclination of the foot-rest bar 12, with the latter in a certain initial position, such as the one shown with a solid line in Fig. 8F, and therefore with the pawl 44 engaged with the rack profile 45, the user controls by means of the lever 51 the rotation of the adjustable support 42, as indicated by a scum f10, so as to disengage the pawl 44 from the rack profile 45, as indicated by an arrow f11 and represented by means of the lever system 43 with dashed line and dot in the same Fig. 8F.

In this way the foot-rest bar 12 is free to rotate around the axis A and can therefore be suitably inclined by the user, according to the desired inclination angle with respect to the fixed structure 11 of the reformer 10, as indicated by an arrow f12, whereby the foot-rest bar 12 assumes the position P2.

Then, with the foot-rest bar 12 in the desired position P2, the user releases the lever 51, so as to re-engage the pawl 44 in the rack 45 and therefore stably lock the foot-rest bar 12 with respect to the base support 41.

In adjusting the foot bar 12 along the fixed structure 11 of the reformer 10, the user, in a first step, rotates the foot bar 12 in the direction of the head side 10 'of the reformer 10, as indicated by an arrow f14 , so as to move the foot-rest bar 12 towards a position of end travel, of its angular excursion, schematized and represented with a dotted line in Fig. 8G.

This rotation of the foot-rest bar 12 in turn deactivates the stop mechanism 46, i.e. it controls the lever mechanism 48 so as to disengage the tooth 49a of the engagement element 49 from the respective notch 47a of the profile 47, as indicated by an arrow f13 in Fig. 8G.

Therefore, following this rotation of the foot-rest bar 12, the base support 41 is released from and free to slide along the fixed structure 11 and can thus be suitably positioned by the user in the desired position along the fixed structure 11 of the reformer 10, as indicated by the double arrow f2.

Then, with the base support 41 and therefore also with the foot bar 12 arranged in the desired position along the fixed structure 11, the user releases the foot bar 12 which thus rotates in the direction of the foot side 10â € ™ â € ™ of the reformer 10.

This rotation of the foot-rest bar 12 in turn reactivates the stop mechanism 46, i.e. it controls the lever mechanism 48 so as to engage the tooth 49a of the engagement element 49 with a new notch 47a of the profile 47, whereby the support 41 It is again locked with respect to fixed structure 11.

It is therefore clear, from what has been previously described, with regard to both the structural characteristics that qualify the reformer tool and the way in which it is used by the respective user, that the present invention fully achieves the aims it had set for itself, and in particular it provides a new tool of the reformer type which presents significant improvements and better performances with respect to those currently known and offered on the market.

In particular, it will be appreciated that the adoption of a single rope for the pulling and pulling system allows, advantageously, a symmetry of movement of the hands and arms of a user of the apparatus, in particular in physical exercises in the which the user must operate and exerts his traction effort with both his hands and arms to pull and slide the trolley against the action of the elastic means.

In addition, the user has the possibility to choose to exert his effort, to pull and slide the trolley, with one or the other arm, or with both upper limbs, so as to differentiate between these parts of the body, the tractive effort to exert.

Again, this reformer has a non-complex construction, with a limited number of parts, in particular as regards the traction and rope pulling system, so as to be competitive, even in terms of costs, compared to those currently. offered in the market.

Finally, the new mechanism associated with the foot bar is such as to ensure a quick, comfortable and safe adjustment both of the inclination of the foot bar and of its position along the fixed structure of the reformer, so as to further benefit the reformer of the € ™ invention compared to those currently in use and offered on the market.

Claims (9)

CLAIMS 1. Reformer type tool (10), in particular for the execution of physical exercises with the Pilates method, comprising: - a fixed support structure (11), in particular comprising two longitudinal members (11a, 11b); - a carriage sliding (13) along said fixed longitudinal member structure (11a, 11b); - elastic means (14), in particular consisting of a plurality of traction springs (14a), interposed between said fixed structure (11) and said sliding carriage (13) and able to apply on said carriage (13) an elastic force of contrast (FC) to its sliding movement, imposed by a user (U) of the tool (10); - a rope pulling or traction system (20), associated with said sliding carriage (13) and in turn comprising two lengths of end rope (21a, 21b) designed to be gripped and then pulled by the user in order to slide said sliding carriage (13) along the fixed structure (11) of the reformer in contrast with the elastic force (FC) applied thereon by said elastic means (14), said tool (10) being characterized by what said rope pulling system (20) comprises a single rope (21). Reformer tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein said single rope traction system (20, 21) comprises a sliding locking mechanism (30) associated with said sliding carriage (13) and able to assume a first configuration release mechanism (C1), in which said locking mechanism (30) releases and leaves said rope (21) free to slide, and a second locking configuration (C2) in which said locking mechanism (30) blocks the sliding of said single rope (21) in said rope pulling system (20), therefore, with said locking mechanism (30) in said locking configuration (C2), the user (U) of the tool (10) has the possibility to slide said trolley (13) by pulling only one of the ends end (21a, 21b) of said single chord (21). Reformer tool (10) according to claim 2, wherein said sliding locking mechanism (30) comprises a plurality of pins (32a, 32b) adapted to close and open relative to each other, so as to engage and therefore blocking or releasing the single rope (21) of said rope pulling system (20). Reformer tool (10) according to claim 3, wherein said sliding locking mechanism (30) further comprises a locking lever (33), rotatable on the structure of said sliding carriage (13) and carrying one or more movable pegs ( 32a), and a control lever (33a), also rotatable on the carriage structure (13), and kinematically connected to the locking lever (33), in which said control lever (33a) is adapted to be commanded (f8) by a user of the reformer (10) to open or close the movable rungs (32a) with respect to the other fixed rungs (32b) and consequently block or block the sliding of the single rope (21). Reformer tool (10) according to claim 2, wherein said single rope traction system (20, 21) further comprises an adjustment mechanism (26) associated with said sliding carriage (13), wherein said adjustment mechanism (26) has the function of adjusting (f7), with respect to the structure of said sliding carriage (13), the position of a return pulley (23), which can rotate, able to return the single rope (21) of said traction system (20), so as to vary the extension and length of the same single rope (21, 21aâ € ™. 21bâ € ™) which extends outside the sliding carriage (13). 6. Reformer tool (10) according to claim 5, wherein said return pulley (23) is rotatably supported by a support (24), in turn adapted to slide along the structure of said carriage (13), and wherein said adjustment mechanism (26) comprises a positioning and locking element (26a), of elongated shape and exhibiting a rack configuration, which is adapted to be operated manually (f6), by means of a special lever ( 26b, f6â € ™), so as to engage or disengage said support (24) for the return wheel (23) of the single rope (21) of the traction system (20), in order to lock or respectively unlock said support ( 24), sliding with respect to the carriage structure (13). 7. Reformer tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said single rope (21) is wound around return wheels 29, which can rotate, mounted on said fixed support structure (11, 11d), in the area of a head side (10â € ™) of the tool (10). 8. Reformer tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an adjustment mechanism (40) for adjusting (f3, f2) the inclination and position of a foot bar (12) of said reformer (10 ) along the respective fixed structure (11), wherein said adjustment mechanism (40) in turn comprises: - a base support (41), sliding along said fixed structure (11); - an orientable support (42), rotatably mounted on said base support (41), on which said foot-rest bar (12) is fixed; And - a stop mechanism (46), associated with said base support (41), sliding, for firmly locking said base support (41) with respect to said fixed structure (11); wherein said orientable support (42) is able to be operated by a user to disengage, through a system of levers (43), a pawl (44) from a rack profile (45) formed in said support, sliding, of base (41), so as to release said foot-rest bar (12) and allow its positioning (f3) in a new inclination; And in which said stop mechanism (46) is able to be operated by a user, by moving said foot-rest bar (12) to a limit position at the end of its angular excursion, to disengage by means of a lever mechanism (48) an engagement element (49) from a profile (47), integral with said fixed structure (11) and provided with a plurality of notches (47a), so as to free said base support (41) carrying said foot-rest bar ( 12), and allow its positioning (f2) in a new position along the fixed structure (11). 9. Reformer tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said elastic means (14) consist of a series of helical tension springs (14a) which extend axially along the length of the tool (10) , wherein said tool (10) further comprises: - a transverse hooking bar (15a) for said tension springs (14a); an adjustment and anchoring system (15) to vary the amount of the elastic force (FC) exerted by said tension springs (14a) on the sliding carriage (13), and a stop device (16) adapted to stop and limit the stroke of said sliding carriage (13), in the area adjacent to said transverse hooking bar (15a), so as to maintain a minimum distance between the sliding carriage (13) and said transverse hooking bar (15a), e in which said stop device (16) is disconnected from and completely independent from said adjustment and anchoring system (15) of the springs (14a) to adjust the elastic load (FC) applied by them on the sliding carriage (13), and in particular it includes a pair of blocks (16a), which are able to slide (f5) along the length of the tool (10) and to be subsequently stably locked, so as to define the stop position of the stroke of the sliding carriage (13) towards the coupling bar (15a).