WO2003074132A2

WO2003074132A2 - Exercise apparatus with variable inclination in respect to floor

Info

Publication number: WO2003074132A2
Application number: PCT/IB2003/000749
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claudio Canessa
Original assignee: Claudio Canessa
Priority date: 2002-03-06
Filing date: 2003-02-26
Publication date: 2003-09-12
Also published as: WO2003074132B1; AU2003248591A1; ITTO20020187A1; WO2003074132A3; AU2003248591A8; ITTO20020187A0

Abstract

Tool for bodily activity, comprising a work plane for a user in seated condition and a system for the physical training of the lower limbs (pedalling simulator, step simulator) and of the upper limbs. The inclination of the work plane can be modified selectively, even simultaneously with the bodily activity.

Description

"TOOL WITH CHANGEABLE WORK INCLINATION FOR AEROBIC,

ANAEROBIC OR MIXED TOTAL BODILY ACTIVITY"

***

Technical Field The present invention relates to tools for bodily activity, usable for instance within gyms, ofthe type comprising a work plane for a user in sitting conditions, and means for the physical training ofthe upper limbs and/or ofthe lower limbs. Background Art

Tools for bodily activity of the type defined above are known, which provide the ability to adjust, prior to use and for a limited range of angles, the inclination of the work plane as a function of the user's structural characteristics and conformation. In no case does such an adjustment, however, allow to change the inclination of the work plane during use for physical training purposes, and in any case the maximum possible inclination allows the user's lower limb to reach a modest height. This entails, during the bodily activity, a limited return of venous blood and consequent pooling of venous blood and waste products in general.

Disclosure of Invention

The aim ofthe present invention is to provide a tool for bodily activity ofthe type defined above, usable for aerobic, anaerobic or mixed aerobic-anaerobic training which allows to limit the production of waste products, controlling its deposits at the venous and lymphatic level by mechanical return towards distant muscular districts subjected to work, whilst optimising their recovery, reducing stasis.

Another aim of the invention is to provide a tool for bodily activity of the aforesaid type which allows to limit functional overloads in general and specifically at the vertebra level.

An additional aim of the invention is to provide a tool for bodily activity of the aforesaid type which allows to train the body in all its districts at the same time and through its various force lines in selective fashion.

These and other aims are achieved, according to the invention, by means of a tool for bodily activities of the type defined above, whose essential characteristic resides in the fact that the inclination ofthe aforesaid work plane can be modified selectively even simultaneously with the bodily activity.

The inclination ofthe work plane is advantageously variable substantially between a minimum inclination and a maximum inclination between which there is at least an intermediate inclination in which at least the user's lower limbs are positioned at a height exceeding the level ofthe user's heart.

More advantageously, between said minimum and maximum inclinations there is at least an intermediate inclination in which both the user's lower limbs and upper limbs are positioned at a height exceeding the level of his/her heart: This intermediate inclination can, for instance, be between 45° and 60° with respect to a horizontal plane.

The means for physical training of the lower limbs may be continuous (for instance a pedalling simulator), or discontinuous (for instance a step simulator).

The innovative and original characteristics of the tool according to the invention allow, in use, to limit the pooling of venous blood and waste products in general for the user, calling into play opposite and mutually distant muscular districts in alternating or simultaneous fashion. In the first case, the return of blood to the involved muscular districts can be optimised, limiting local congestion and controlling the quantity of waste products generated, typical of a bodily activity protracted continuously over time in the same muscular area. In the second case, the cardiac aspect in and of itself is given priority, whilst maintaining the decongesting principles described above at a more than sufficient level.

The various inclinations of the work plane allow to train the districts of the main joints under different force lines, assuring harmonic, complete development and toriing, passing from the minimum inclination (for instance 0°) to the maximum working inclination, which can be hypothesised in the order of 90°, through an optimal intermediate inclination, in the order, as stated, of 45°-60°. This optimal intermediate inclination constitutes the best compromise for a minimum functional overload at the vertebral level, with the head positioned at a sufficient level relative to the heart muscle (thanks to the constant working angle ofthe coxofemoral joint), the lower limbs rising and reaching a position above the heart muscle. In the resting times provided for the lower part ofthe body, this position will allow a considerable blood down flow from the lower limbs, still more accentuated by the activity to be conducted for the upper portion of the body. This is one of the maximum decongesting conditions: work provided for the upper part of the body with the work plane of the tool in an inclined attitude, work provided for the lower portion of the body with work plane in horizontal attitude. All possible different angular combinations will provide more ore less cardiovascular and more or less decongesting benefits.

In the preferred configuration of the tool which provides means for physically training both for the upper limbs and for the lower limbs, total training and specific decongesting properties are achieved from the combination of the principles of alternating and/or coinciding movements of upper and lower limbs combined with the simultaneous variation of the inclination of the work plane. In this way, the achievable results do not derive so much from the type of activities performed, but from the peculiar way whereby they are practised. More specifically, combined or stepped activities can be performed, at the basis whereof a continuous or discontinuous aerobic movement of the lower limb is carried out by means, as stated, of a pedalling simulator, of a step simulator or other tools on a first transmission-resistance system combined with activities for the upper limbs and the torso in general by means of a second transmission system with cables communicating on a second flywheel with dual outer rim or on a traditional elastic return flywheel, or else by means of elastic cable or yet again by means of a traditional aerobic simulator for the arms for specifically cardiovascular work. Said work will alternate or will be combined with the aerobic activity prescribed for the lower limbs, simultaneously with continuous variations in the inclination of the work plane of the tool, to assure a continuous and optimal recovery/return flow of the venous and lymphatic circulation alternatively ofthe upper limbs and lower limbs.

According to the invention, the variation in the inclination of the work plane of the tool can be achieved through a simple swivelling action effected by the user in the working position by means of an appropriate manual mechanism, or it may be assisted or entirely effected by means of a motorised servo-system, for instance of the electromechanical type, also with programmable electronic control.

Briefly stated, the advantageous effects achievable through physical training conducted by means of the tool according to the invention essentially derive from the combination ofthe following two characteristic aspects: 1) the ability to perform a total simultaneous bodily activity, with the quality of its result not closely linked to the type of activities chosen for the upper and lower limbs, but rather deriving from the capability to perform such activities simultaneously. The user will thus be able to select among different types of aerobic simulators for lower limbs (mentioned above) and opt, for the upper limbs and the torso, among the different transmission/resistance systems also mentioned above, to assure the achievement to total training and specific decongesting properties.

2) The ability to vary the inclination of the work plane between the minimum inclination (0°) and the maximum possible inclination (90°), thereby achieving a high decongesting effect on the various muscle districts. The varieties of body training activities possible for the tool according to the invention, but above all the procedures and the position with which they are performed by the user, allow to program an aerobic, anaerobic, or mixed aerobic-anaerobic activity. When the main aerobic activity is performed simultaneously with the other activities, co-ordination capabilities are further enhanced. The aforementioned activities for the upper limbs will interact in synchrony with the main aerobic activity for the lower limbs, in a complex motion that involves nearly all muscle-skeleton districts, attaining benefits similar to those of activities entailing a holistic bodily effort, such as swimming or cross-country skiing.

The range of bodily activities possible with the tool according to the invention is completed by a particular system of cables which, starting from a common flywheel positioned in the rear part ofthe tool, connects all movements provided for a body semi- side on a single resistance point and the movements provided for the other semi-side on a second resistance point, opposite the first. The two resistance points act on the aforesaid flywheel with an equal and opposite action so that, developing the same tension with the two body semi-sides, the system is in equilibrium or anyway in such conditions as to work in concentric fashion on a semi-side in the attempt to overcome a force developed in eccentric fashion with the opposite body semi-side.

It is thus possible to obtain an innovative training technique where isokinetic work is developed, i.e. with constant speed, sustainable throughout the duration ofthe motion, calling into play, in addition to the traditional external work load, also the much more important internal work load, variable as a function physical conditions, which will be transformed into the traditional isometric work at the instant when the two forces in mutual equilibrium are protracted over time.

These forces in action can be emphasised and diversified using on an appropriate braking device of various types with remote control which, acting on the flywheel in question, transforms it from a passive transmission system into an active tension transmission system for typical isotonic work. Brief Description ofthe Drawings

The invention shall now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided purely by way of non limiting example, in which:

- Figure 1 is a lateral elevation view, in diagram form, of a tool for the bodily activity according to a first embodiment ofthe invention, shown in a first operative condition, - Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the tool in a second operative condition,

- Figure 3 is a top plan view of Figure 1,

- Figure 4 is a top plan view of Figure 2,

- Figure 5 is a front elevation view of Figure 1, - Figure 6 is a front elevation view of Figure 2,

- Figure 7 schematically shows the tool of Figure 1 in a compact configuration for transporting,

- Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a first variation of the tool according to the invention, - Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a second variation ofthe tool according to the invention,

- Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 2 of a third variation ofthe tool according to the invention, and

- Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 2 of a fourth variation of the tool according to the invention.

Detailed Description ofthe Invention Referring initially to Figures 1 through 7, a first embodiment of the tool according to the invention comprises a work plane A formed by a backrest and by a seat supported by the summit of an upright D by means of a hinge C thanks to which the inclination motion ofthe work plane A takes place. In this embodiment, said inclination motion is controlled by means of a manual transmission operated acting on a handlebar with articulated elements Al, A2, A3, which acts on appropriate telescopic rods U to actuate a movable support P provided inferiorly with a carriage K able to move along a rail B4 of the base B of the tool. The handlebar could be assisted by a trapezoidal assembly in proximity with the hinge C, or by similar systems.

As will be shown, the inclination motion of the work plane A can be actuated in servo-assisted or motorised fashion, in semi-automatic or automatic, also programmable, ways. The tool is provided with a transmission-resistance system for the lower limbs, constituted, in the case ofthe embodiment described herein, by a pedalling simulator L-N-F. As will also be shown below, said system could be constituted by a step simulator.

For the upper limbs, a sheave and pulley assembly T is provided, terminating in three pairs of handle grips Q-Qa, R-Ra and S-Sa, which enable a complete movement at the joint level. The three pairs of handle grips lead to a single resistance point which, in the case ofthe embodiment described herein, can be constituted by a flywheel with double outer rim E, positioned in the rear part of the tool, in such a way that the system of communicating cables with insertion in El, E2, wound on the rim E3, E4 in mutually opposite directions, following the force line dictated by the positioning of the aforementioned sheave transmission system put the different districts of the right and left semi-side in working condition.

The insertion points El, E2 are diametrically opposite to each other and the respective cables E5, E6, with flat section able to be superposed in that point, are wound about the rims E3, E4 on appropriate grooved guides in mutually opposite directions. It will thus be readily apparent that, acting on the cable positioned on one side, the cable is unwound from the rim whereon it is wound, setting in motion both the flywheel, and the rim of the opposite side, thereby producing a return action on the second antagonist cable which will be wound in the opposite direction relative to the first. An equilibrium situation is thereby achieved, in which to each action impressed with a body semi-side on one of the cables will correspond an equal and opposite action in terms of velocity, displacement and resistance on the opposite cable and on the corresponding body semi-side. Through a braking device of various known types E7 it is possible to increase muscle work, adding an external resistance to the aforementioned forces at play. The braking device E7, as well as a similar braking device FI applied to the flywheel F of the pedalling simulator, may be adjusted by means of remote controls H2, H3, positioned for instance in proximity to a seat H applied to the work plane A.

The return ofthe cable that at the end ofthe work will be unwound from the flywheel E is assured by means of a sheave mechanism with spring-actuated telescopic device which, moving along its own axis, increases its total length, bringing one of its sheaves TI in the position of maximum elongation distancing from a pair of sheaves T2, T3 positioned on the opposite side of the sheave TI. The free cable unwound from its own rim will thus be collected.

The double flywheel system described above can also be replaced with different systems, for instance ofthe type shown in the variations of Figures 8 and 9. The embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 shows a more specifically aerobic and cardio-fitness version of the tool, in which the double outer rim flywheel is replaced by a tradition elastic return flywheel, for instance of the type used for classic rowing machines, or by a system of elastic cables and related sheave system able to allow a simultaneous or alternated work ofthe two body half sides. Obviously, muscle effort in this version is more sacrificed in favour of an aerobic type of effort.

The variation of the tool shown in Figure 9 uses, instead of the double rim flywheel, traditional overload systems with plates or the like, aimed at a specific isotonic activity, possibly combined with the basic aerobic activity carried out through the same sheave system of the previous version for simultaneous or alternating work of the body semi-sides. In this version, the muscle effort excels as a training activity, with significant results in terms of muscle toning.

In all embodiments described above, the activities of the upper and of the lower limbs can be carried out positioning the work plane A selectively at different inclinations, starting from a minimum inclination shown in Figures 1, 3, 5, 8 and 9, in which the seat is arranged with an inclination substantially equal to 0° relative to the horizontal. The preferred inclination of the work plane A, operated in the embodiments described heretofore in manual fashion, by acting on the handlebar A1-A3, is the one in which the lower limbs and the upper limbs will be at least partially positioned at a greater height than the level ofthe user's heart. This inclination may be, for instance, the one, in the order of 30°, shown in Figures 2, 4 and 6 with reference to the embodiment of Figures 1 through 7, and also in the order of 45° and 60° as in the embodiments of Figures 10 and 11, described below. The advantages described in the introductory part ofthe present description will thereby be obtained.

Figure 7 shows a compact folded configuration ofthe tool in a condition for transporting.

As stated previously, the variation in the inclination ofthe work plane A of the tool according to the invention can be operated, instead of manually, in servo- assisted fashion, for instance using an electro-hydraulic actuator or the like, possibly operated by means of a programmable electronic control unit. This solution is shown in Figure 10: in this case, the handlebar, if present will simply serve as a grip during the activity of the lower limbs, in the case of Figure 10 constituted by a step simulator, if the user does not intend to train the upper limbs as well. For the upper limbs, in this case an elastic flywheel is provided.

The optimal work inclination, as shown in Figure 10, will for example be in the order of 45°.

The variation shown in Figure 11 is generally similar to the embodiment of Figure 10, and differs therefrom simply in that for the lower limbs a pedalling simulator is provided, and for the upper limbs an aerobic simulator is provided, positioned adjacent to the handlebar. With this arrangement, particularly indicated for decongesting work, the optimal inclination expected for the work plane will be in the order of 60°. From the above discussion it will be readily apparent that the tool for physical activity according to the invention is characterised by a double transmission and resistance system with the variable inclination ofthe work plane, achievable both manually and in servo-assisted mode. Diversified activities can be conducted, which entail combining a traditional flywheel, with external resistance of various types, whereby an aerobic activity can be conducted with the lower limbs, to a system of cables with opposite and/or combined action for the upper limbs which, depending on the specific training activities planned, may use a peculiar system of flywheel with double outer rim, or a traditional elastic return flywheel of the type used on classic rowing machines, or else a counter-weight resistance system for typical isotonic activities, in any case with the ability to work also with the body semi-sides separately. In all cases, the inclination of the work plane will allow the user to perform exercises with the upper and lower limbs positioned at least partly at a higher level than his/her heart, with considerable benefits in terms of decongesting effects. Naturally, the construction details and the embodiments may be varied amply relative to what is described and illustrated herein, without thereby departing from the scope ofthe present invention as it is defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. Tool for bodily activity, comprising a work plane for a user in seated conditions and means for physically training the upper limbs and/or the lower limbs, characterised in that the inclination of said work plane is selectively modifiable also simultaneously with the execution ofthe bodily activity.

2. Tool as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said inclination is variable substantially between a minimum inclination and a maximum inclination between which is included at least an intermediate inclination in which at least the lower limbs of the user are situated at a greater height than the level of the user's heart.

3. Tool as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that between said maximum and minimum inclination is included at least an intermediate inclination in which both the lower limbs and the upper limbs ofthe user are situated at least partially at a greater height then the level of the user' s heart.

4. Tool as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that said intermediate inclination is in the order of 45° relative to a horizontal plane.

5. Tool as claimed in claim 3 or claim 3, characterised in that said intermediate inclination is in the order of 60° relative to a horizontal plane.

6. Tool as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, characterised in that said minimum inclination is in the order of 0° and said maximum inclination is in the order of

90° relative to a horizontal plane.

7. Tool as claimed in any of the previous claims, characterised in that said means for the physical training ofthe lower limbs are ofthe continuous type.

8. Tool as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that said physical training means consist of a pedalling simulator.

9. Tool as claimed in claim 1 a 6, characterised in that said means for the physical training ofthe lower limbs are ofthe non continuous type.

10. Tool as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that said means for the physical training ofthe lower limbs consist of a step simulator.

11. Tool as claimed in any ofthe previous claims, characterised in that said means for the physical training of the upper and lower limbs comprise a transmission — resistance system with communicating cables and flywheel with double outer rim.

12. Tool as claimed in any of the claims 1 through 10, characterised in that said means for the physical training of the upper limbs use an elastic return flywheel.

13. Tool as claimed in claim 1 a 11, characterised in that said means for the physical training ofthe upper limbs use elastic cables.

14. Tool as claimed in any of the claims 1 through 10, characterised in that said means for the physical training ofthe upper limbs use plate overloads.

15. Tool as claimed in any of the previous claims, characterised in that a manual system is provided for changing the inclination of said work plane.

16. Tool as claimed in claim 15, characterised in that said manual system includes and articulated handlebar.

17. Tool as claimed in any ofthe claims 1 through 14, characterised in that a motorised system is provided for the inclination of said work plane.

18. Tool as claimed in claim 17, characterised in that said motorised system is at least partially automatic.

19. Tool as claimed in claim 18, characterised in that said motorised system includes a programmable electronic unit.