ITPI20120051A1 - TOOL FOR EXERCISING ABDOMINAL MUSCLES - Google Patents

Description

â € œTOOL FOR EXERCISING ABDOMINAL MUSCLESâ €

DESCRIPTION

Scope of the invention

The present invention relates to a tool for sports use, and more precisely it refers to a tool for exercising the abdominal muscles.

Prior to the invention

There are various equipment for exercising the abdominal muscles, in the form of mats, benches, or more complex tools.

WO2007 / 060401A1 describes a mat designed to reduce boredom during abdominal exercise and to stimulate the user to perform twisting and coordination exercises. The mat includes anchors for the feet, in order to perform exercises of lifting and rotating the hips and stretching the arms forward. It also includes panels that are arranged beyond the user's feet, and that have a plurality of light elements, which are switched on one at a time. By touching or bringing your hand near the lit element, it switches off, and in the following exercise another light element lights up. In this way, trying to touch or approach a luminous element each time, the user performs the abdominal exercise in a diversified and not boring way. The various milestones reached by the user are recorded gradually, giving a score on the effectiveness of the exercise, which is displayed on a monitor.

A drawback of this device is that the user can perform the exercise even without bringing the back or head to the ground on the mat, and remain with the torso erect or bent forward, greatly reducing the effectiveness of the ™ exercise. In this way, the assigned score is distorted, compared to the case in which the user brings the torso back to the ground each time.

Another drawback is that the succession of exercises and the score are assigned based on the time that elapses between two successive extinguishing of a light element. Furthermore, a luminous element remains lit only for a predetermined time, after which, without being turned off by the user's hand, it turns off by itself and the score is not updated. This implies that the user is obliged to perform the exercise according to the time, and not the position reached. This excludes being able to do exercises not as a function of time, but only as a function of position, for example in the case of rehabilitation exercises.

A further problem is the starting and ending position of the exercise, which cannot be adjusted, to make the exercise more or less hard depending on the degree of training achieved.

Yet another problem is the regulation of the exercise according to the size of the athlete, in order to have intensity of the exercises and relative scores that are comparable for athletes of different sizes.

Summary of the invention

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device for exercising the abdominal muscles which solves the problems encountered in the known art.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device for exercising the abdominal muscles that is adaptable to the user's build.

It is still the object of the invention to provide a device for exercising the abdominal muscles which is constructively simple and economical to make.

These and other purposes are achieved by a device for exercising the abdominal muscles comprising:

- one session;

- a backrest connected to the seat, the seat and the backrest being mutually arranged so as to allow an exercise of the abdominal muscles which consists in the alternate lifting of the torso from the backrest by a user who is on the seat;

- a support on which a plurality of objectives are mounted which can be reached by the hands of a user during an exercise of the abdominal muscles.

According to a first aspect of the invention

- the support is connected to the seat on the opposite side to the backrest

- the backrest includes a sensor designed to detect contact or proximity to the user's back,

- There is a control unit that responds to signals from the backrest sensor, so that the user can perform the abdominal exercise by bringing his hands close to the targets, and the sensor transmits a signal of confirmation to the control unit at each return of the user with the back in contact with the backrest;

- means of signaling are provided to signal to the user that the back is in contact with the backrest and the consent to restart and repeat the exercise.

In this way, the user after having reached a goal, in order to have the consent to repeat the exercise, the user must arrive with his back in contact with the backrest, in order to be able to restart and repeat the entire exercise. In this way the user is encouraged and stimulated to perform the exercise entirely, starting each time from the position of the backrest, and not from an intermediate position.

By sitting we mean, in general terms, means of supporting a portion of the human body including the buttocks, regardless of the position of the user's torso, which can also be lying on the seat instead of sitting in the strict or literal sense.

Advantageously, each lens can comprise a lens sensor able to detect the contact or proximity of the objectives with one hand of a user, the control unit responding to signals coming from the lens sensors and giving a signal of consent to the achievement of the objectives. targets.

In this way, the user is stimulated to touch or graze the target in order to have the consent on the correct execution of the exercise, thus favoring and encouraging a complete exercise of the abdominals between the position of support of the back and achieving goals with the hand.

Each lens can include lamp means capable of lighting up individually, the control unit determining the switching on or off of the lenses according to a predetermined program and according to the signals coming from the lens sensors and the backrest sensor.

In this way, when a goal is reached, it can switch off or on, thus giving the user an indication that he has achieved it. Also, when a user causes a lens to turn off, the control unit does not turn a subsequent lens on / off until it receives the confirmation signal from the backrest sensor. The next goal can be the same one already on / off previously, or it can be a different goal, thus stimulating the user to vary the exercise, on a more central or lateral goal, only on the right side, or from the left side or both, to be touched with both hands, etc.

According to another aspect of the invention,

- the support is connected to the seat on the opposite side to the backrest;

- the support comprises a reference axis and means for moving the support with respect to the reference axis from a first position, in which the plurality of objectives is at a first distance from the backrest, to a second position, in which the plurality objectives is located at a second distance from the backrest.

In this way, once positioned on the seat, the user can move the objectives according to the length of the arms and according to the different type of abdominal exercise to be performed.

In particular, the means of displacement allow to position the objectives between a first and a second position with the aim, first of all, of calibrating a starting position according to the build of the user, and secondly, of being able to modify the difficulty of the exercise for the abdominals.

For example, the user can move the support with the lenses to a predefined distance that allows him to reach them with his hands when he is with his back completely resting on the backrest, and this position can be defined as starting position or position of â € œzeroâ €.

Once the aforementioned adjustment has been made, the user will choose the second position in which to arrange the objectives to perform a predetermined exercise. For example, to perform so-called â € œcrunchâ € exercises, the user will move the objectives, starting from the starting position or zero, by a certain angle or a certain stretch so that he can perform a contraction movement of the abdominals, of the order of 10 ° -20 °, detaching only the cervical and dorsal part of the back in order to reach the objectives arranged in the second position, keeping the lumbar vertebrae adherent to the backrest.

In particular, once the support with the objectives is placed at a â € œzeroâ € distance from the athlete, for example according to the length of the user's arms, starting from this â € œzeroâ € position, the support with the objectives are moved to an exercise position that requires the user to perform a tension movement of the abdominals to reach it with outstretched arms.

Advantageously, the displacement means are means for rotating the support around the reference axis.

Alternatively, the displacement means are means for translating the support with respect to the reference axis.

Still alternatively, the displacement means are roto-translation means of the reference axis.

Preferably, the reference axis is positioned in use substantially at the height of the user's hip.

In particular, the reference axis is substantially horizontal.

Advantageously, the support extends in an arc from the seat. In this way, the userâ € ™ s legs can be positioned under the arch.

Advantageously, the arched support is rotatable with respect to an axis placed in correspondence with the connection points of the arch with respect to the seat.

In particular, the rotation axis is placed in coincidence with a position chosen between:

- the positioning axis of the user's hip on the seat;

- anchoring elements of the user's lower limbs;

- a seat base.

If the rotation axis coincides with the hip positioning axis, there is the advantage that the backrest is advantageously adjustable in inclination with respect to the seat.

Preferably, the control unit is associated with a monitor mounted on the stand. In particular, the monitor is mounted in the center of the arch support.

Advantageously, the support comprises:

- a frame on which the seat and backrest are arranged, the frame being able to rest stably on the ground on the opposite side with respect to the seat and backrest;

- a pair of uprights arranged on the opposite side with respect to each other with respect to the seat and the backrest, in which the pair of uprights supports the plurality of objectives, and in which the displacement means are associated with the pair of uprights .

In particular, the pair of uprights respectively comprise a first fixed branch and a second movable branch rotatably connected with respect to the first fixed branch about the reference axis.

Advantageously, the support extends in an arch from the seat, so as to allow the user's legs to be positioned under the arch.

Preferably, the control unit is associated with a monitor mounted on the stand. In particular, the monitor is mounted in the center of the arch support.

In one embodiment, the support is mounted on a movable support which can be removably associated with the seat.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will become clearer with the following description of two embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

- Figures 1 and 2 show in side view and in perspective view a first embodiment of a device for exercising the abdominal muscles according to the invention;

- Figures 3A and 3B show a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device for exercising the abdominal muscles according to the invention in two phases of use;

- figure 4 shows a further device for exercising the abdominal muscles, according to another aspect of the invention;

- figure 5 shows the device of figure 4 with the user highlighting the functions of positioning the objectives from a first to a second position.

Figures 6 and 7 show two possible variants of the device for exercising the abdominal muscles of Figure 4;

- figure 8 shows a further variant of the device for exercising the abdominal muscles, according to the invention;

- Figures 9 and 10 show a further variant of the device for exercising the abdominal muscles, according to the invention, in the form of a universal device applicable to a common bed or bench.

Description of the preferred embodiments

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a device 100 for exercising the abdominal muscles comprises a seat 10, a backrest 11 connected to the seat, a support 12 connected to the seat 10 on the opposite side to the backrest 11. A plurality is mounted on the support 12 of 15 lenses, each of which is able to illuminate individually, by means of for example LED lights, or incandescent lights, not shown.

Each lens 15 further comprises a sensor, not shown, suitable for detecting contact or proximity with a user's hand.

A control unit 17 responds to signals coming from the sensors present in the objectives 15 and determines the switching on or off of the objectives 15 according to a predetermined program according to said signals.

The backrest 11 comprises a sensor 18 suitable for detecting contact or proximity to the back of the user 150 (figures 3A, 3B), and for transmitting a confirmation signal to the control unit 17. In this way, when the User 150 causes a lens 15 to switch off, the control unit 17 does not switch on a subsequent lens until it receives the confirmation signal from the sensor 18 located on the backrest. Sensor 18 is for example a pressure sensor, although it can be any contact, displacement, proximity sensor, etc.

As shown in figures 2 and 3, the support 12 can extend in an arc from the seat 10, so as to allow the positioning of the legs of the user 150 under the arch.

In a possible simplified variant, the objectives 15 can also not be sensorized. In any case, the user after having reached an objective, in order to have the consent to repeat the exercise, the user 150 must arrive with his back in contact with the backrest 11, in order to be able to restart and repeat the exercise. € ™ entire year.

In this case, the control unit 17 can provide an acoustic or light signal every time the user 150 comes into contact with the sensor 18 of the backrest 11.

In all the above cases, the user is encouraged and stimulated to perform the exercise entirely, starting each time from the position of the backrest 11, and not from an intermediate position.

The backrest 11 can also be adjustable in inclination with respect to the seat 10, in a way that is not shown but can be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art. In this way it is possible to adjust the excursion of the â € œcrunchâ € exercise between the position of back support and that of contact of the hands with the objectives.

The control unit 17 can be associated with a monitor 20 mounted on the support 12, in the center of the support itself.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, in another aspect of the present invention, the support 12 is adjustable in position with respect to the seat 10. In particular, the arched support is rotatable with respect to an axis 30 located in correspondence with points of connection of said arch with respect to said seat, as shown by the arrow.

Going into more detail, again with reference to Figures 4 and 5, a device 110 for exercising the abdominal muscles comprises, as in the case described above, a seat 10, a backrest 11 connected to the seat 10 and a support 12 which extends from the seat 10 from opposite part of the backrest 11. Mounted on the support 12 is a plurality of lenses 15, each of which is able to illuminate individually, for example by means of LED lights, or incandescent lights, not shown. Also in this case there is a control unit, not shown, which responds to the signals coming from the sensors and determines the switching on or off of the objectives 15 according to a predetermined program.

In particular, as shown in Figure 5, the support 12 comprises a reference axis 30 and displacement means 32, in particular a hinge, of the reference axis 30 from a first position A, in which the plurality of objectives 15 are it is located at a first distance from the back 11, at a second position B, in which the plurality of objectives 15 is at a second distance from the back 11.

In this way, the displacement means 32 allow the objectives 15 to be positioned between a first position A and a second position B with the aim, in the first place, of calibrating a starting position according to the build of the user 150, and secondly, to be able to modify the difficulty of the exercise for the abdominals.

In particular, the user 150 can adjust the positioning of the objectives 15 to the distance d1, which allows him to reach them with his hands when he is with his back completely resting on the backrest. A starting position will then be defined.

Once the above adjustment has been made, the user 150 will choose the second position, at the distance d2, at which to arrange the objectives 15 to perform a predetermined exercise. For example, to perform crunches, the user will move the lenses 15 by a certain angle or a certain stretch so that he can perform a contraction movement of the abdominals, of the order of 10 °, detaching only the cervical part of the back in order to achieve goals 15 arranged in the second position. In other words, the objectives are first calibrated at a â € œzeroâ € distance as a function of the length of the user's arms and then, starting from the â € œzeroâ € position, moved to an operating position that allows the user to perform a correct movement of the exercise that at the same time is concentrated in the development of the abdominal muscles.

Advantageously, the displacement means are means of rotation 32 around the reference axis 30, or means of translation 33 of the reference axis 30, as shown in figure 8 or a combination thereof, as always visible in figure 8. The reference axis 30 is positioned in use substantially at the height of the user's hip and is substantially horizontal.

Constructively, the support 12 comprises a frame 13 on which the seat 10 and the backrest 11 are arranged, the frame 13 is able to rest stably on the ground on the opposite side with respect to the seat 10 and the backrest 11. Furthermore, a pair of of uprights 12b, 12c arranged on the opposite side with respect to each other with respect to the seat 10 and the backrest 11.

The pair of uprights 12b, 12c supports the plurality of objectives 15, and the displacement means 32 are associated with the pair of uprights. In particular, the rotation means comprise for example an actuator capable of making the uprights rotate with respect to axis 30.

In particular, the pair of uprights respectively comprises a first fixed branch 12b and a second mobile branch 12c rotatably connected with respect to the first fixed branch 12b around the reference axis 30.

Also in this case, the support 12 extends in an arc around the seat 10, so as to allow the positioning of the legs of the user 150 under the arch.

Figures 6 and 7 show embodiment variants. Of the solution of figures 4 and 5. In figure 6 the support 12 is made of the two parts, so as to always allow rotation around the axis 30, but also a rotation of a terminal portion 12â € ™ with respect to an axis 30â € ™.

In figure 7, the support 12 is rotatable with respect to a point of the frame higher than the axis of the hips.

With reference to figures 9 and 10, the invention is also applicable to a frame 200, which can be of any shape, and capable of self-supporting independently from a seat with backrest. In this way, any session can be used. The back sensor, provided with a wired connection 25 with the control unit 17, can be applied as a removable band 22 to any backrest, and the control unit can have a remote control 23 with display 24 provided with connection wired 26 or wireless not shown on control unit.

The above description of embodiments of the method and of the apparatus according to the invention, and of the methods of use of the apparatus, is able to show the invention from the conceptual point of view so that others , using the known technique, they will be able to modify and / or adapt these specific embodiments in various applications without further research and without departing from the inventive concept, and, therefore, it is understood that such adaptations and modifications will be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiments. The means and materials for carrying out the various functions described may be of various nature without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terminology used have a purely descriptive purpose and therefore not limitative.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. A device (100) for exercising the abdominal muscles comprising: - one session (10), - a backrest (11) connected to said seat (10), said seat (10) and said backrest (11) being mutually arranged so as to allow an exercise of the abdominal muscles which consists in alternating lifting of the bust from said backrest (11) by a user 150 who is on said seat (10), - a support (12) on which a plurality of targets (15) are mounted which can be reached by the hands of a user (150) during an exercise of the abdominal muscles, characterized by the fact that - said support is connected to said seat (10) on the opposite side to said backrest (11) - said backrest (11) comprises a sensor (18) suitable for detecting contact or proximity with the back of said user (150), - A control unit (17) is provided which responds to signals from said backrest sensor (18), so that said user (150) can perform the abdominal exercise by bringing his hands close to said lenses (15), and said sensor (18) transmits a confirmation signal to said control unit (17) at each return of said user (150) with the back in contact with said backrest (11); - signaling means are provided to signal to the user (150) that the back is in contact with said backrest (11) and consent to restart and repeat the exercise. 2. A device (110) for exercising the abdominal muscles comprising: - a session (10); - a backrest (11) connected to said seat (10), said seat (10) and said backrest (11) being mutually arranged so as to allow an exercise of the abdominal muscles which consists in alternating lifting of the bust from said backrest (11) by a user 150 who is on said seat (10); - a support (12) on which a plurality of targets (15) are mounted which can be reached by the hands of a user (150) during an exercise of the abdominal muscles, characterized by the fact that - said support is connected to said seat (10) on the opposite side to said backrest (11); - said support (12) comprises a reference axis (30) and means for moving said support (12) with respect to said reference axis (30) from a first position (A), in which said plurality of objectives (15) is located at a first distance from said backrest (11), at a second position (B), in which said plurality of objectives (15) is located at a second distance from said backrest (11). 3. Device (100, 110) according to claim 1 or 2, in which each lens comprises a lens sensor (15) adapted to detect the contact or proximity of the objectives (15) with a hand of a user (150), said unit control (17) responding to signals coming from said sensors of the objectives (15) and giving a signal of consent to the achievement of said objectives (15). 4. Device (100,110) as per claim 3, in which each lens (15) comprises lamp means capable of lighting up individually, said control unit (17) causing the switching on or off of said objectives (15) according to a predetermined program and according to said signals coming from said objective sensors (15), in particular, said control unit (17), when a user (150) causes the switching off of a lens (15), blocks the switching on / off of a subsequent objective until it receives the confirmation signal from the sensor ( 18) of said backrest (11). 5. Device (100,110) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the support (12) extends in an arc from said seat (10), so as to allow the positioning of said user (150) under said arch, in particular, said device (100,110) comprising anchoring elements (27,28) for the lower limbs, and said support (12) is arranged between said backrest (11) and said anchoring means (27,28). 6. Device (100,110) as per claim 1 or 2, in which the arched support (12) is rotatable with respect to a rotation axis (30) located at the connection points of said arch with respect to said seat (10 ), in particular, said rotation axis (30) coincides with a position chosen from: - the positioning axis (30) of the hip of said user (150) on said seat (10) - anchoring elements of the lower limbs of said user (150) - a base of said seat (10). 7. Device (100) as per claim 1, in which said control unit (17) is associated with a monitor (20) mounted on said support (12), in particular, the monitor (20) is mounted in the center of said arch support (12). 8. Device (110) as per claim 2, in which said displacement means (32,33) are selected from rotation means (32) around said reference axis (30) or translation means (33) of said axis reference (30), means for rotation around said reference axis (30) and for translating said reference axis (30). Device (110) according to claim 2, wherein said support (12) comprises: - a frame (13) on which said seat (10) and said backrest (11) are arranged, said frame (13,200) being able to rest stably on the ground on the opposite side with respect to said seat (10) and backrest (11); - a pair of uprights (12b, 12c) arranged on the opposite side with respect to each other with respect to said seat (10) and said backrest (11), wherein said pair of uprights (12b, 12c) supports said plurality of objectives (15), and in which said displacement means (32) are associated with said pair of uprights (12b, 12c), in particular said pair of uprights ( 12b, 12c) respectively comprise a first fixed branch (12b) and a second mobile branch (12c) rotatably connected with respect to said first fixed branch (12b) around said reference axis (30). Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, in which said support (12) is mounted on a mobile support (200) which can be removably associated with said seat (10).