WO2008142503A1

WO2008142503A1 - Gymnastics apparatus, particularly for the workout of the abdominal muscles

Info

Publication number: WO2008142503A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/001171
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario Salvioli
Original assignee: Mario Salvioli
Priority date: 2007-05-16
Filing date: 2008-05-12
Publication date: 2008-11-27
Also published as: ITMO20070163A1

Abstract

The gymnastics apparatus, particularly for the workout of the abdominal muscles, comprises a base frame, a seating surface for a user associated with the base frame and able to swing around a first rotation axis between a first horizontal configuration and a second configuration reclined backwards, a backrest associated with the base frame and able to swing between an initial configuration moved close to the seating surface and a final configuration moved away from the seating surface, resistant means placed between the base frame and the backrest and suitable for exercising an action resistant to the movement of the backrest between the initial and the final configurations in a user's torso arching exercise, the backrest having a resting surface for the user's back that has a curved shape around a horizontal cylindrical axis, with convexity turned towards the user's back, and which extends for the substantial totality of the length of the backrest.

Description

GYMNASTICS APPARATUS, PARTICULARLY FOR THE WORKOUT OF THE ABDOMINAL MUSCLES

Technical Field

This invention refers to a gymnastic apparatus, particularly for the workout of the abdominal muscles.

Background art

Different methods are currently known for toning up the abdominal muscles, some of which require the carrying out of free-standing exercises or with the use of loads, while others require the performance of preset movements with the aid of gymnastic apparatus of various construction and functional types.

A particular type of apparatus intended for the workout of the abdominal muscles consists of a fixed frame which supports a seat and a backrest for a user during workout.

The backrest is fitted on the frame so it swings between an initial configuration, in which it is arranged substantially vertical, and a final configuration, in which it is reclined backwards.

By resting his/her shoulders against a contrast support, the user contracts his/her abdominal muscles and arches his/her back, exercising a thrust on the backrest that tends to cause it to turn round its own hinge axis from the initial configuration to the final configuration. Such rotation is contrasted by specific resistant means generally made up of elastic elements such as springs or the like, which release a resistant force proportionate to their same deformation, or by gravity bodies located at a certain height, which oppose changes in their own potential energy.

The shape of the backrest is substantially flat, except for a minor portion obtained close to the seat, in which the backrest has a small cylindrical hump with horizontal axis and a radius of curvature of around 10÷15 cm.

Such hump is intended to represent the point of contact with the user's back, and can be mounted on the backrest in either a fixed-height or adjustable-height way.

These apparatuses of known type for the workout of the abdominal muscles do however have a number of drawbacks. For instance, the particular flat shape of the backrest does not allow the optimal and adequate performance of the workout exercise.

It should also be noticed that if the hump that comes into contact with the back of the user is fitted fixed on the backrest, then the apparatus can only be used in a practical and correct way by users of a pre-determined height, while others will find it hard to use and with the risk of performing an exercise that is imperfect in terms of workout.

It is therefore easy to understand how, in some circumstances, such apparatuses do not allow a correct backup of the bending of the spinal column and, consequently, does not allow obtaining a targeted toning up of the abdominal rectus muscles.

For this reason, the obtainable results, expressed in terms of upgrading of the abdominal tone, do not always come up to expectations and are, to say the least, uncertain.

The apparatuses which, on the other hand, have a height-adjustable hump that can be adjusted to the height of the user, are unfortunately very complicated from a structural viewpoint, which results in a considerable increase in their production cost and, therefore, in their sales cost.

Neither should it be forgotten that the apparatuses of the known type have large overall size and dimensions that only make them useable in spacious and dedicated premises such as gyms or the like.

In this respect, it must be pointed out that, at present, the need is very much felt to have compact gymnastic apparatuses of small dimensions, e.g. for home use. The previously illustrated apparatuses, furthermore, only allow working out the abdominal rectus muscles, while they are not suitable for working out the oblique abdominal muscles.

To work out this latter type of muscles, the currently most popular gym machines used in gyms contemplate the user making a side bending or torso torsion movement, or a combined movement, while a locator element is applied on his/her shoulders to which the resistant load is directly applied. These machines also have numerous drawbacks however. The application of a resistant element on the user's shoulders does in fact determine the fact that, during the movement of the user's back, the iliopsoas muscles are also involved in traction.

Unfortunately, the iliopsoas muscles compress the inter-vertebral discs and can cause unpleasant and even painful feelings for the user. Object of the invention

The main aim of this invention is to make available a gymnastic apparatus, particularly for the working out of the abdominal muscles, that can be used in a practical, easy and functional way by users of different heights and, at the same time, is simple in terms of structure and operation.

A further object of this invention is to present considerably limited dimensions and overall dimensions that make it particularly suitable also for home use. Not the least object of this invention is to allow a correct and efficient toning of both the rectus abdominal muscles and the oblique abdominal muscles. Another object of this invention is to provide a gymnastic apparatus, particularly for the workout of the abdominal muscles, that permits overcoming the mentioned drawbacks of the background art as part of a simple, rational and low cost, as well as easy and efficient-to-use solution.

The above objects are achieved by this gymnastics apparatus, particularly for the workout of the abdominal muscles, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one base frame, at least one seating surface for a user associated with said base frame and able to swing around at least a first rotation axis between a first substantially horizontal configuration and a second configuration substantially reclined backwards, at least one backrest associated with said base frame and able to swing between an initial configuration substantially moved close to said seating surface and a final configuration substantially moved away from said seating surface, resistant means placed between said base frame and said backrest and suitable for exercising an action resistant to the movement of said backrest between the initial and the final configurations in a user's torso arching exercise, said backrest having a resting surface for the user's back that has a substantially curved shape around a substantially horizontal cylindrical axis, with convexity turned towards the user's back, and which extends for the substantial totality of the length of said backrest.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of this invention will appear even more evident from the description of a preferred, but not only, embodiment of a gymnastic apparatus, particularly for the workout of the abdominal muscles, illustrated indicatively by way of non limiting example, in the attached drawings wherein: figure 1 is an axonometric view of the apparatus according to the invention; figure 2 is an exploded, schematic and partial view of a portion of the apparatus according to the invention; figure 3 is a raised side view of the apparatus according to the invention with a user during the workout of the rectus abdominal muscles; figure 4a is a section view along the IV - IV track plane of figure 3; figure 4b is a section view along the IV - IV track plane of figure 3 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; figure 5 is a raised side view of the apparatus according to the invention with a user during the workout of the oblique abdominal muscles; figure 6 is a front view of the apparatus of figure 5; figure 7 is a plan view of the apparatus of figure 5; figure 8 is a raised side view of the apparatus according to the invention with a user during the side bending of the back. Embodiments of the Invention

With special reference to such figures, a gymnastic apparatus, particularly for the workout of the abdominal muscles has been globally designated by reference number 1.

The apparatus 1 comprises a base frame 2 that supports a seating surface 3 for a user U, a backrest 4 for resting the back of the user U and auxiliary means of reference 5 for the shoulders of the user U.

The base frame 2 has a front upright 6 and a rear upright 7 associated with the two ends of a horizontal crosspiece 8 that supports the seating surface 3 and the backrest 4; in this dissertation the adjectives "front" and "rear" are used with reference to the position assumed by the user U when he/she is seated on the seating surface 3 with his/her back resting on the backrest 4. At the base of the front and rear uprights 6 and 7 are associated two corresponding balancing plinths 9 and 10; at the front plinth 9 a platform 11 is fitted for resting the feet of the user U.

In the particular embodiment of this invention shown in the illustrations, the auxiliary means of reference 5 are composed of grip means for the hands of the user U.

Such grip means consist, e.g., of a handlebar 12 associated with two bars 13 extending substantially vertically from the front upright 6. The handlebar 12 is mounted on the bars 13 by interposition of first ball hinging means 14, which connect the median portion of the handlebar 12 to the top of the bars 13 and allow the rotation in all directions.

Practically speaking, during the exercise, the user U keeps his/her arms stretched out straight gripping the handlebar 12, so as to provide a reference for his/her shoulders and allow controlled movement.

Alternative embodiments of this invention cannot however be ruled out in which the handlebar 12 is rigidly mounted integral on the bars 13. Other embodiments are furthermore possible in which the auxiliary means of reference 5 are composed of specific locator means suitable for being placed into contact against the shoulders or the chest of the user U and having restricted freedom of movement, so as to allow the same movements of the shoulders as those obtained by means of the handlebar 12 of the first ball hinging means 14 illustrated above.

Advantageously, the base frame 2 has adjustment means 15 for adjusting the distance of the front upright 6 and of the platform 11 from the backrest 4. Such adjustment means comprise a sleeve body 16 which is associated with the front upright 6 and which is engaged to measure, sliding longitudinally, around the crosspiece 8.

The adjustment means 15 also have removable lock means 17 that allow stopping the sleeve body 16 and securing it in the desired position on the crosspiece 8. Such removable lock means consist, e.g., of a tightening roller fitted below the sleeve body 16.

On the crosspiece 8 is associated a substantially horizontal plate 18, on which the seating surface 3 is supported.

Advantageously, the seating surface 3 can oscillate on the plate 18 around a first horizontal rotation axis and transversal to the crosspiece 8, which allows its movement between a first substantially horizontal configuration and a second configuration substantially reclined backwards.

In this respect, it must be pointed out that, in this dissertation, by "configuration reclined backwards" is meant a position in which the front part of the seating surface 3 is lowered and the rear part of the seating surface 3 is raised with respect to the first horizontal configuration.

The seating surface 3 is mounted on the plate 18 so it can also oscillate around a second rotation axis longitudinal to the crosspiece 8, which enables it to move between two side tilting positions.

The seating surface 3, in point of fact, is associated with the plate 18 by interposition of second ball hinging means 19 which, e.g., consist of a substantially ball-shaped body 20 associated with the plate 18 and which can be coupled with a corresponding ball seat obtained on the seating surface 3.

The second ball hinging means 19, furthermore, have limitation means 21 for limiting the rotation of the seating surface 3.

The limitation means 21 are composed of two stop elements arranged in the front part of the plate 18, symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal symmetry plane of the base frame 2.

In actual fact, the seating surface 3 continues to be able to oscillate between the first horizontal configuration and the second configuration reclined backwards.

When arranged in the first configuration however, the seating surface 3 rests against the stop elements 21 and is unable to perform other movements except that of backward rotation.

When, on the other hand, it is arranged in the second configuration, the front part of the seating surface 3 detaches from the stop elements 21 and can also be turned around the second longitudinal rotation axis, allowing this to tilt sideways to the right or to the left. Usefully, the backrest 4 is associated with the base frame 2 in an oscillating way between an initial configuration, in which it is arranged substantially close to the seating surface 3, and a final configuration in which it is reclined backwards with respect to the initial configuration and moved away from the seating surface 3.

The backrest 4, in detail, is associated with the base frame 2 by interposition of rotation means 22 rotating around an axis substantially at right angles to the crosspiece 8.

It must be pointed out that such rotation axis is arranged at the rear end of the crosspiece 8 and, during use, close to the area in which the hips of the user U are positioned.

The backrest 4 has a resting surface 23 for the back of the user U which has a substantially curved shape around a horizontal cylindrical axis 24, with the convexity turned towards the front part of the apparatus 1. Such resting surface 23 extends for the substantial totality of the length of the backrest 4.

The radius of curvature of the resting surface 23 with respect to the horizontal cylindrical axis 24 is substantially comprised between 30 cm and 60 cm, and is preferably equal to 39 cm.

Advantageously, the resting surface 23 has a curved conformation including in the transversal direction with respect to the backrest 4.

As shown in figure 4a, in fact, the transversal section of the resting surface 23 has a curved shape, with convexity turned towards the back of the user U and with radius of curvature substantially between 12 cm and 30 cm, preferably equal to 20 cm.

Alternative embodiments are however possible in which, e.g., the transversal section of the resting surface has a curved shape with a recess in median position which, during use, acts as a housing for the spinous apophysis of the spinal column of the user U (figure 4b).

Between the backrest 4 and the base frame 2, resistant means 25 are also placed in, suitable for exercising a resistant action against the oscillation of the backrest 4 between the initial configuration and the final configuration during the performance of an exercise for the working out of the abdominal muscles, which contemplates the arching of the torso of the user U sitting on the seating surface 3.

In detail, the resistant means 25 consist of a pair of traction-resistant elements, having ends associated in an articulated way respectively with the rear upright 7 and with an appendix 4a of the backrest 4 which extends below the crosspiece 8.

In the particular embodiment shown in the illustrations, the resistant elements

25 are of the helical spring type contained inside specific telescopic tubular sections; alternative embodiments cannot however be ruled out in which the resistant means 25 comprise one or more resistant compression elements, and/or of the gas spring, elastic strap type or the like.

The apparatus 1 can be used to perform different types of exercises.

To work out the rectus abdominal muscles, e.g., the user U sits on the seating surface 3, with his/her legs swung across the base frame 2, and firmly grips the handlebar 12 with his/her hands.

The arms of the user U remain stretched out straight during performance of the exercise.

Starting from an initial position with the back vertical, the user U contracts his/her abdominal muscles and arches his/her back in contrast to the resistant action opposed by the backrest 4, maintaining his/her sagittal plane coinciding with the longitudinal symmetry plane of the apparatus 1 (figure 3).

During the exercise, the seating surface 3 turns from the first horizontal configuration to the second configuration reclined backwards, making the movement and workout of the user U easier.

To work out the oblique abdominal muscles on the other hand, though the starting position of the exercise is the same as in the previous case, the user U makes an arching and contemporaneous torso torsion movement (figures from 5 to 7).

Such movement occurs in contrast to the resistant action opposed by the backrest 4, which turns backwards and puts under traction the resistant elements

25.

Thanks to the particular conformation of the resting surface 23, the back of the user U always rests on the backrest 4 at an angle suitable for performing the exercise without the back slipping and/or losing contact with the resting surface

23.

While the backrest 4 turns, the seating surface 3 follows the arching and torsion movements of the torso of the user U, moving from the first horizontal configuration to the second configuration reclined backwards and, therefore, in one of the two side tilting positions.

Furthermore, in this type of exercise too, the user U keeps his/her hands on the handlebar 12 and his/her arms substantially stretched out straight for the entire duration of the movement, providing a reference for the shoulders of the user U.

The torsion of the torso, in point of fact, determines the misalignment of the shoulders of the user U, and this causes a corresponding movement of the arms and the rotation of the handlebar 12 around the first ball hinging means 14.

In a third and last type of exercise, the user U is initially sat on the seating surface (figure 8) with his/her legs arranged on the same part of the base frame

2, with one side placed in contact with the backrest 4, the arm arranged on the part of the backrest 4 extended upwards and that arranged on the opposite side extended with the hand gripping the handlebar 12.

From this initial position, the user can work out the oblique abdominal muscles, performing a side bending movement of the torso, intended to move the backrest 4 from the initial position to the final reclined position.

Such movement is assisted by the rotation of the seating surface 3, which moves from the first horizontal configuration to the second configuration reclined backwards.

It has in point of fact being ascertained how the described invention achieves the proposed objects.

In this respect, the fact is underlined that the particular conformation of the backrest of the apparatus according to the invention makes it usable in a practical and easy way, whatever the height of the user.

The curvature of the resting surface of the backrest, in fact, extends for the entire length of same and allows being engaged by the back of users of any height. Moreover, the particular solution of providing a backrest that also has a curved section allows the user to correctly rest his/her back on the backrest also during the torso arching and torsion movement, making it possible to work out the oblique abdominal muscles.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which falling within the scope of the inventive concept.

Furthermore all the details can be replaced with others that are technically equivalent.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements without because of this moving outside the protection scope of the following claims.

Claims

1) Gymnastics apparatus, particularly for the workout of the abdominal muscles, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one base frame, at least one seating surface for a user associated with said base frame and able to swing around at least a first rotation axis between a first substantially horizontal configuration and a second configuration substantially reclined backwards, at least one backrest associated with said base frame and able to swing between an initial configuration substantially moved close to said seating surface and a final configuration substantially moved away from said seating surface, resistant means placed between said base frame and said backrest and suitable for exercising an action resistant to the movement of said backrest between the initial and the final configurations in a user's torso arching exercise, said backrest having a resting surface for the user's back that has a substantially curved shape around a substantially horizontal cylindrical axis, with convexity turned towards the user's back, and which extends for the substantial totality of the length of said backrest.

2) Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said base frame comprises at least one front upright and one rear upright associated with a substantially horizontal crosspiece that supports said seating surface.

3) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said base frame comprises at least one substantially horizontal plate associable with said crosspiece and suitable for supporting said seating surface.

4) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises auxiliary means of reference for the shoulders of the user.

5) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said auxiliary means of reference comprise grip means for the hands of the user.

6) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said grip means comprise at least one handlebar associable with said front upright. 7) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said handlebar is mounted on said front upright by interposition of first ball hinging means.

8) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said auxiliary means of reference comprise locator means suitable for being placed into contact against the shoulders or the chest of the user.

9) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the radius of curvature of said resting surface with respect to said cylindrical axis is substantially comprised between 30 cm and 60 cm.

10) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the radius of curvature of said resting surface around said cylindrical axis is substantially equal to 39 cm.

11) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the transversal section of said resting surface has a substantially curved shape, with convexity turned towards the back of the user.

12) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the radius of curvature of said transversal section of the resting surface is substantially between 12 cm and 30 cm.

13) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the radius of curvature of said transversal section of the resting surface is substantially equal to 20 cm.

14) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said first rotation axis is substantially horizontal and transversal to said crosspiece.

15) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said seating surface can oscillate around at least a second rotation axis substantially longitudinal to said crosspiece between two side tilting positions.

16) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said seating surface is associated with said crosspiece by interposition of second ball hinging means. 17) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second ball hinging means comprise at least one substantially ball-shaped body associable with at least one between said seating surface and said plate and which can be coupled with a substantially ball-shaped corresponding seat associable with the other between said seating surface and said plate.

18) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said second ball hinging means comprise limitation means for limiting the rotation of said seating surface.

19) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said limitation means comprise at least one stop element arranged in the front part of at least one between said seating surface and said plate.

20) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said limitation means comprise two of said stop elements arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal symmetry plane of said base frame.

21) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said resistant means comprise at least one traction-resistant or compression-resistant element, having ends associated with said base frame and said backrest respectively.

22) Apparatus according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said resistant element is chosen from the list comprising: helical springs, gas springs, elastic straps or the like.