WO2016103119A1 - Tub comprising a gymnastic implement and ultrasound emitters - Google Patents

Tub comprising a gymnastic implement and ultrasound emitters Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016103119A1
WO2016103119A1 PCT/IB2015/059682 IB2015059682W WO2016103119A1 WO 2016103119 A1 WO2016103119 A1 WO 2016103119A1 IB 2015059682 W IB2015059682 W IB 2015059682W WO 2016103119 A1 WO2016103119 A1 WO 2016103119A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tub
station
operating station
gymnastic
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2015/059682
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Leo Zaccherini
Original Assignee
Leo Zaccherini
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Leo Zaccherini filed Critical Leo Zaccherini
Publication of WO2016103119A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016103119A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
    • A61H33/6089—Specific construction features for further massaging means, i.e. not for the nozzles
    • A61H33/6094—Extending through the wall of the bathing device
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
    • A61H23/0245—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with ultrasonic transducers, e.g. piezoelectric
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5007—Control means thereof computer controlled
    • A61H2201/501—Control means thereof computer controlled connected to external computer devices or networks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5023—Interfaces to the user
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5076—Frequency sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5082—Temperature sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/50—Control means thereof
    • A61H2201/5058—Sensors or detectors
    • A61H2201/5092—Optical sensor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2207/00—Anti-cellulite devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
    • A61H33/6005—Special constructive structural details of the bathtub, e.g. of the walls or supporting structure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
    • A61N2007/0004—Applications of ultrasound therapy
    • A61N2007/0008—Destruction of fat cells
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
    • A61N2007/0078—Ultrasound therapy with multiple treatment transducers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
    • A61N2007/0086—Beam steering
    • A61N2007/0095—Beam steering by modifying an excitation signal
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
    • A63B2024/0093—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/0048—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis
    • A63B22/0056—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/0076—Rowing machines for conditioning the cardio-vascular system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with movable endless bands, e.g. treadmills
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0605—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B22/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements
    • A63B22/06—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement
    • A63B22/0664—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for conditioning the cardio-vascular system, for training agility or co-ordination of movements with support elements performing a rotating cycling movement, i.e. a closed path movement performing an elliptic movement
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2208/00—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player
    • A63B2208/03—Characteristics or parameters related to the user or player the user being in water
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2213/00—Exercising combined with therapy
    • A63B2213/008—Exercising combined with therapy combined with ultrasound therapy
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/64—Frequency, e.g. of vibration oscillation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/70—Measuring or simulating ambient conditions, e.g. weather, terrain or surface conditions
    • A63B2220/72—Temperature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/802—Ultra-sound sensors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/806—Video cameras
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2220/00—Measuring of physical parameters relating to sporting activity
    • A63B2220/80—Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
    • A63B2220/807—Photo cameras
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
    • A63B2225/10—Multi-station exercising machines
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B24/00—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances
    • A63B24/0087—Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tub.
  • the present invention especially relates to a tub, which can be used to perform cellulite treatments.
  • the present invention relates to a tub, which can be used to perform cellulite treatments enhanced by gymnastic exercises.
  • Cellulite is an inflammatory alteration of the subcutaneous tissue, associated with particularly unpleasant "bumpy" appearance.
  • This alteration particularly affects people living in more economically developed countries, where the high standard of living entails high- calorie and high-fat diet.
  • this alteration consists of fluid- and lipid- retention at subcutaneous level; it is caused by poor lymph- and blood- circulation, resulting in the inflammation of the subcutaneous structure.
  • lymph transports lipids and is pushed into the lymph vessels by the mechanical stresses on the walls thereof exerted by arterial pulsation, muscle contractions and respiration, sedentary people are obviously particularly at risk to develop cellulite.
  • Solutions have been developed in the fitness field too; they are based on the use of specific machines suitable to facilitate subcutaneous fat dissolution, that is then released into blood circulation.
  • the French company LPG has developed the LipomassageTM technique and a line of corresponding machines allowing the dissolution of subcutaneous fat by means of massages given with the help of local mechanical vibrations.
  • This solution is practical and comfortable for the user; however, it is not particularly effective as the fat removed thanks to the massages tends to be deposited again in the body areas that are mostly likely to be affected by cellulite, such as thighs, buttocks and legs.
  • a hydro-massage device is combined with a gymnastic machine for cardio training.
  • the combination of these devices allows definitely to eliminate the fat removed thanks to the massage by means of a training exercise.
  • This solution is non-invasive and is pleasant for the user, especially during cold months.
  • the massage technique is not particularly effective in water; namely, it requires particularly long application times, but the users want to limit the duration thereof, as they shall reconcile their objectives of slimming and training with their professional and personal commitments.
  • Manual ultrasound generators have been used to quicken the fat dissolution step; however, they shall be used by trained and qualified operator, and require the use of a gel in order to transmit, to the area to be treated, the mechanical oscillations associated with the ultrasound beam.
  • the problem consists in the following: it is not possible for the user to perform a gymnastic exercise under the supervision of an operator who shall keep the ultrasound emitting handpiece into contact with the user's body area to be treated and, at the same time, shall keep this area always covered with gel, without hindering the user .
  • the prior art devices do not solve the problem of dissolving subcutaneous fat and eliminating it in a satisfactory manner; thus, this problem represents an interesting challenge for the applicant, aiming at providing an apparatus that is improved with respect to the known devices, is economical, safe and effective for the indicated purpose.
  • the present invention relates to a tub.
  • the present invention especially relates to a tub, which can be used to perform cellulite treatments.
  • the present invention relates to a tub, which can be used to perform cellulite treatments enhanced by gymnastic exercises.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a tub, which can be used to perform gymnastic exercises in a controlled environment, and which allows to solve the prior art drawbacks mentioned above, particularly as regards the effectiveness of subcutaneous fat dissolution, and which is therefore suitable to satisfy a plurality of requirements that to date have still not been addressed, and therefore suitable to represent a new and original source of economic interest .
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise station provided with a tub and an exercise unit to perform gymnastic exercises in a controlled environment.
  • an exercise station is provided, whose main characteristics will be described in at least one of the appended claims.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a tub according to the present invention
  • figure 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an exercise station according to the present invention.
  • figure 4 shows a second preferred embodiment of figure 3
  • figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of figure 1, in enlarged scale and with some parts removed for the sake of clarity;
  • figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of figure 5.
  • figure 7 is a variant of figure 6.
  • number 1 indicates, as a whole, a tub, which is suitable, in use, to contain a liquid L, of known type and therefore not illustrated, preferably comprising water.
  • the tub 1 has a cavity 5 open at the top, delimited by a peripheral surface 3 extending from the bottom 2 with a side surface 4, preferably continuously.
  • the cavity 5 delimits a respective volume V, representing the maximum space that the liquid L, and therefore the water, can occupy in use.
  • the cavity 5 delimits an operating station Z provided inside this cavity 5 to house a gymnastic implement 20.
  • Supply members 30 are associated with the peripheral surface 3, in order to interact with the operating station Z.
  • the supply members 30 comprise at least an ultrasound emitter 32 carried by the peripheral surface 3 to produce a mechanical wave front directed towards the operating station Z, and therefore towards the user using the gymnastic implement 20.
  • the emitters 32 are carried by the side surface 4, in order to produce a side wave front directed towards the operating station Z, and by the bottom 2, in order to produce one further wave front hitting the operating station Z from the bottom.
  • each emitter 32 comprises a piezoelectric element 320 housed, in a form-fitting manner, in a seat 322 provided inside a container 324 equipped with a lid 326.
  • Each container 324 is stably coupled to the side surface 4 or, indifferently, to the bottom 2; moreover, a support 328 may be associated with each emitter 32 allowing to direct at will the liquid L with respect to the operating station Z.
  • ultrasounds may be produced by powering the piezoelectric element 320 by means of an electric cable 321.
  • the piezoelectric element 320 is deformed proportionally to the applied potential difference value. Therefore, the piezoelectric element, when subject to an alternating current field, produces vibrations that, in turn, produce pressure waves as a result of the alternating strain (expansion and compression) .
  • a programmable control device 15 is associated with the tub 1 and is electronically connected to the ultrasound emitters 32 to adjust characteristic parameters associated with the ultrasounds emitted towards the operating station Z.
  • the control device 15 is able, in use, to adjust intensity and frequency of the ultrasounds emitted by each emitter 32.
  • the control device 15 is provided with detection members 16 able to recognize the image of the user's using the operating station Z; moreover, the control device 15 is suitable, in use, to adjust the ultrasound emission modes according to at least one anthropometric feature of a user detected by the detection members 16 or according to at least one kinematic features of the physical activity performed by the user on the gymnastic implement 20. Therefore, the wave front emitted by the emitters 32 may result from modulating at will the operating parameters of the emitters 32 according to the features the wave front (resulting from the combination of side wave front and wave front coming from the bottom of the operating station Z) shall have in terms of intensity, frequency and wave emission instant. In this way, it is possible to have specific wave front profiles, i.e. wave fronts that, if necessary, can achieve, contemporaneously or at given intervals, user's body parts that are at different distance from the walls of the tub 1.
  • Each tub 1 is provided with architectonical elements
  • the access elements 12 for accessing each cavity 5, provided with at least one access member 14, for accessing a cavity 5 from the top, constituting by a ladder 14' (as shown in figure 1) or by a stair 14" (as shown in figure 2) .
  • the access elements 12 comprise at least one fluid-tight door 13 provided in the side surface 4, that can carry, in turn, emitters 32 to maximize the "density" of the wave front globally hitting the operating station Z.
  • the tub 1 may have a plurality of distinct cavities 5, so as to be able to house, in use, a plurality of distinct gymnastic implements and, therefore, one or more users contemporaneously. Namely, if there are two cavities 5, there will be two gymnastic implements housed inside the tub 1 and two operating stations Z.
  • the operating station Z comprises a slimming station 100 that the users can use to perform gymnastic exercises in an environment subject to mechanical waves produced by ultrasounds emitted by emitters 320.
  • the programmable control device 15 is designed to adjust the ultrasound emission of the emitters 32 according to the type and/or the conformation of a given gymnastic machine 20; and to adjust characteristic parameters associated with the ultrasounds emitted towards the slimming station 100 according to at least one kinematic and/or dynamic feature of the physical activity performed by a user of a given gymnastic machine 20.
  • the control device 15 is connected to at least one temperature sensor 17 for the temperature of the liquid L, that can be carried by a gymnastic machine 20 housed inside the cavity 5 or, indifferently, by a side wall of the tub 1. Also the gymnastic machine 1 may carry at least one emitter 32.
  • the gymnastic machine 20 that can be housed inside the cavities 5 there are: treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, steppers, rowing machines, machines for arm training.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
  • Separation By Low-Temperature Treatments (AREA)
  • Liquid Crystal (AREA)

Abstract

Tub (1) having at least one cavity (5) delimited by a peripheral surface (3) and suitable, in use, to contain a liquid (L); an operating station (Z) being provided inside said cavity (5) to house a gymnastic implement (20); a supply device (30) associated with the peripheral surface (3) comprises at least one ultrasound emitter (32) suitable to produce a mechanical wave front directed towards the operating station (Z). A programmable control device (15) is associated with said emitters (32), which can be used to adjust characteristic parameters associated with the ultrasounds emitted towards the operating station (Z).The control device (15) may be provided with detection means (16) to recognize an image, and is suitable, in use, to adjust the operation of said emitters (32) according to at least one anthropometric feature of a respective user or according to at least one kinematic feature of the physical activity performed by said user.

Description

TUB COMPRISING A GYMNASTIC IMPLEMENT AND ULTRASOUND EMITTERS
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a tub. The present invention especially relates to a tub, which can be used to perform cellulite treatments. In more detail, the present invention relates to a tub, which can be used to perform cellulite treatments enhanced by gymnastic exercises.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Cellulite is an inflammatory alteration of the subcutaneous tissue, associated with particularly unpleasant "bumpy" appearance. This alteration particularly affects people living in more economically developed countries, where the high standard of living entails high- calorie and high-fat diet. Specifically, this alteration consists of fluid- and lipid- retention at subcutaneous level; it is caused by poor lymph- and blood- circulation, resulting in the inflammation of the subcutaneous structure. As lymph transports lipids, and is pushed into the lymph vessels by the mechanical stresses on the walls thereof exerted by arterial pulsation, muscle contractions and respiration, sedentary people are obviously particularly at risk to develop cellulite.
As it is well known, for a lot of women cellulite is a psych-physical stress; for this reason, for the last 50 years numerous attempts have been done to develop solutions to treat this alteration and, above all, to remove the antiaesthetic effects thereof, that are not definite, for example, with reference to the cosmetic field, numerous creams have been developed to help subcutaneous circulation and remove local fat; however, these creams not only are very expensive, but also have limited effectiveness.
Solutions have been developed in the fitness field too; they are based on the use of specific machines suitable to facilitate subcutaneous fat dissolution, that is then released into blood circulation. For example, the French company LPG has developed the Lipomassage™ technique and a line of corresponding machines allowing the dissolution of subcutaneous fat by means of massages given with the help of local mechanical vibrations. This solution is practical and comfortable for the user; however, it is not particularly effective as the fat removed thanks to the massages tends to be deposited again in the body areas that are mostly likely to be affected by cellulite, such as thighs, buttocks and legs.
The Applicant has also invented and provided a device, described in the Italian utility model application No. RA2013U000013, whose content is embodied in the present description for the sake of practicality and completeness of information on the prior art. According to the teachings of the above-mentioned document, a hydro-massage device is combined with a gymnastic machine for cardio training. The combination of these devices allows definitely to eliminate the fat removed thanks to the massage by means of a training exercise. This solution is non-invasive and is pleasant for the user, especially during cold months. However, the massage technique is not particularly effective in water; namely, it requires particularly long application times, but the users want to limit the duration thereof, as they shall reconcile their objectives of slimming and training with their professional and personal commitments. Manual ultrasound generators have been used to quicken the fat dissolution step; however, they shall be used by trained and qualified operator, and require the use of a gel in order to transmit, to the area to be treated, the mechanical oscillations associated with the ultrasound beam. The problem consists in the following: it is not possible for the user to perform a gymnastic exercise under the supervision of an operator who shall keep the ultrasound emitting handpiece into contact with the user's body area to be treated and, at the same time, shall keep this area always covered with gel, without hindering the user .
In view of the above description, the prior art devices do not solve the problem of dissolving subcutaneous fat and eliminating it in a satisfactory manner; thus, this problem represents an interesting challenge for the applicant, aiming at providing an apparatus that is improved with respect to the known devices, is economical, safe and effective for the indicated purpose.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a tub. The present invention especially relates to a tub, which can be used to perform cellulite treatments. In more detail, the present invention relates to a tub, which can be used to perform cellulite treatments enhanced by gymnastic exercises.
An object of the present invention is to provide a tub, which can be used to perform gymnastic exercises in a controlled environment, and which allows to solve the prior art drawbacks mentioned above, particularly as regards the effectiveness of subcutaneous fat dissolution, and which is therefore suitable to satisfy a plurality of requirements that to date have still not been addressed, and therefore suitable to represent a new and original source of economic interest .
According to the present invention a tub is provided, whose main characteristics will be described in at least one of the appended claims.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercise station provided with a tub and an exercise unit to perform gymnastic exercises in a controlled environment.
According to the present invention an exercise station is provided, whose main characteristics will be described in at least one of the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Further characteristics and advantages of the tub and the exercise station according to the present invention will be more apparent from the description below, set forth with reference to the attached drawings, that illustrate some non-limiting examples of embodiment, where identical or corresponding parts are identified by the same reference numbers. In particular:
- figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a tub according to the present invention;
figure 2 shows a second preferred embodiment of figure 1 ;
- figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of an exercise station according to the present invention;
figure 4 shows a second preferred embodiment of figure 3;
- figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a detail of figure 1, in enlarged scale and with some parts removed for the sake of clarity;
- figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of figure 5; and
- figure 7 is a variant of figure 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In figure 1, number 1 indicates, as a whole, a tub, which is suitable, in use, to contain a liquid L, of known type and therefore not illustrated, preferably comprising water. The tub 1 has a cavity 5 open at the top, delimited by a peripheral surface 3 extending from the bottom 2 with a side surface 4, preferably continuously. The cavity 5 delimits a respective volume V, representing the maximum space that the liquid L, and therefore the water, can occupy in use.
The cavity 5 delimits an operating station Z provided inside this cavity 5 to house a gymnastic implement 20. Supply members 30 are associated with the peripheral surface 3, in order to interact with the operating station Z. The supply members 30 comprise at least an ultrasound emitter 32 carried by the peripheral surface 3 to produce a mechanical wave front directed towards the operating station Z, and therefore towards the user using the gymnastic implement 20.
Specifically, the emitters 32 are carried by the side surface 4, in order to produce a side wave front directed towards the operating station Z, and by the bottom 2, in order to produce one further wave front hitting the operating station Z from the bottom.
With particular reference to figures 5 and 6, each emitter 32 comprises a piezoelectric element 320 housed, in a form-fitting manner, in a seat 322 provided inside a container 324 equipped with a lid 326. Each container 324 is stably coupled to the side surface 4 or, indifferently, to the bottom 2; moreover, a support 328 may be associated with each emitter 32 allowing to direct at will the liquid L with respect to the operating station Z. In use, ultrasounds may be produced by powering the piezoelectric element 320 by means of an electric cable 321. As it is well known, the piezoelectric element 320 is deformed proportionally to the applied potential difference value. Therefore, the piezoelectric element, when subject to an alternating current field, produces vibrations that, in turn, produce pressure waves as a result of the alternating strain (expansion and compression) .
According to figure 1, a programmable control device 15 is associated with the tub 1 and is electronically connected to the ultrasound emitters 32 to adjust characteristic parameters associated with the ultrasounds emitted towards the operating station Z. In particular, the control device 15 is able, in use, to adjust intensity and frequency of the ultrasounds emitted by each emitter 32.
The control device 15 is provided with detection members 16 able to recognize the image of the user's using the operating station Z; moreover, the control device 15 is suitable, in use, to adjust the ultrasound emission modes according to at least one anthropometric feature of a user detected by the detection members 16 or according to at least one kinematic features of the physical activity performed by the user on the gymnastic implement 20. Therefore, the wave front emitted by the emitters 32 may result from modulating at will the operating parameters of the emitters 32 according to the features the wave front (resulting from the combination of side wave front and wave front coming from the bottom of the operating station Z) shall have in terms of intensity, frequency and wave emission instant. In this way, it is possible to have specific wave front profiles, i.e. wave fronts that, if necessary, can achieve, contemporaneously or at given intervals, user's body parts that are at different distance from the walls of the tub 1.
Each tub 1 is provided with architectonical elements
12 for accessing each cavity 5, provided with at least one access member 14, for accessing a cavity 5 from the top, constituting by a ladder 14' (as shown in figure 1) or by a stair 14" (as shown in figure 2) . The access elements 12 comprise at least one fluid-tight door 13 provided in the side surface 4, that can carry, in turn, emitters 32 to maximize the "density" of the wave front globally hitting the operating station Z.
With reference to figure 4, the tub 1 may have a plurality of distinct cavities 5, so as to be able to house, in use, a plurality of distinct gymnastic implements and, therefore, one or more users contemporaneously. Namely, if there are two cavities 5, there will be two gymnastic implements housed inside the tub 1 and two operating stations Z.
In view of the above description, the operating station Z comprises a slimming station 100 that the users can use to perform gymnastic exercises in an environment subject to mechanical waves produced by ultrasounds emitted by emitters 320.
In particular, the programmable control device 15 is designed to adjust the ultrasound emission of the emitters 32 according to the type and/or the conformation of a given gymnastic machine 20; and to adjust characteristic parameters associated with the ultrasounds emitted towards the slimming station 100 according to at least one kinematic and/or dynamic feature of the physical activity performed by a user of a given gymnastic machine 20.
The control device 15 is connected to at least one temperature sensor 17 for the temperature of the liquid L, that can be carried by a gymnastic machine 20 housed inside the cavity 5 or, indifferently, by a side wall of the tub 1. Also the gymnastic machine 1 may carry at least one emitter 32.
Among the gymnastic machine 20 that can be housed inside the cavities 5 there are: treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, steppers, rowing machines, machines for arm training.

Claims

1. Tub (1) having at least one respective cavity (5) delimited by a peripheral surface (3) and suitable, in use, to contain a liquid (L) ; an operating station (Z) being provided inside said cavity (5) to house a gymnastic implement (20); supply means (30) being associated with said peripheral surface (3); characterized in that said supply means (30) comprise at least one ultrasound emitter (32) suitable to produce a mechanical wave front directed towards said operating station (Z) .
2. Tub according to claim 1, characterized in that said peripheral surface (3) comprises a bottom (2) and a side surface (4); said emitters (32) being carried by said side surface (4) in order to produce a side wave front directed towards said operating station (Z) .
3. Tub according to claim 2, characterized in that said emitters (32) are carried by said bottom (2) in order to produce a wave front directed from the bottom upwards in said operating station (Z) .
4. Tub according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said at least one emitter (32) is designed to direct the supply direction of said liquid (L) at will with respect to said operating station (Z) .
5. Tub according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that a programmable control device (15) is associated with said emitters (32), which can be used to adjust characteristic parameters associated with the ultrasounds emitted towards the operating station (Z) .
6. Tub according to claim 5, characterized in that said control device (15) is suitable, in use, to adjust intensity and frequency of the ultrasounds emitted by said at least one emitter (32) .
7. Tub according to any one of claims 5-6, characterized in that said control device (15) is provided with detection means (16) to recognize an image, and is suitable, in use, to adjust the operation of said emitters (32) according to at least one anthropometric feature of a respective user or according to at least one kinematic feature of the physical activity performed by said user.
8. Tub according to any one of the previous claims, characterized by comprising access means (12) to access each said cavity (5), that are provided with at least one access member (14, 14 ',14") to access one said cavity (5) from the top.
9. Tub according to claim 8, characterized in that said access means (12) comprise at least one fluid-tight door (13) provided in said side surface (3) .
10. Tub according to claim 9, characterized in that said supply means (30) comprise said emitters (32) carried by said at least one door (13) .
11. Tub according to any one of the previous claims, characterized by having a plurality of said cavities (5), so as to be suitable, in use, to house a plurality of distinct gymnastic implements.
12. Tub according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that each emitter (32) comprises a piezoelectric element (320) housed, in a form-fitting manner, in a seat (322) provided inside a container (324) equipped with a lid (326) coupled to said peripheral surface (3) . Each emitter (32) may be associated with a support (328) allowing to direct at will the supply direction of the respective wave front with respect to the operating station (Z) .
13. Slimming station (100) comprising a tub (1) having at least one cavity (5) delimited by a peripheral surface (3) and suitable, in use, to contain a liquid (L) ; an operating station (Z) being provided inside said cavity (5) to house a gymnastic implement (20); supply means (30) being associated with said peripheral surface, in order to interact with said operating station (Z); characterized in that said tub (1) is according to any one of the previous claims .
14. Station according to claim 13, characterized by comprising a programmable control device (15), which can be used to adjust characteristic parameters associated with the ultrasounds emitted towards the operating station (Z) according to at least one kinematic and/or dynamic feature of the physical activity performed by a user of said given gymnastic machine (20) .
15. Station according to any one of claims 13-14, characterized in that said control device (15) is designed to adjust the ultrasound emission according to the type and/or the conformation of said given gymnastic machine (20) .
16. Station according to any one of claims 13-15, characterized in that said control device (15) is connected to at least one temperature sensor (17) for the temperature of said liquid (L) , carried by said given gymnastic machine (20) .
17. Station according to any one of claims 13-16, characterized in that said supply means (30) comprise at least one emitter (32) carried by said given gymnastic machine (20) .
18. Station according to any one of claims 13-17, characterized in that said tub 81) has at least two distinct said cavities (5) and each said cavity (5) houses a respective said given gymnastic machine (20) .
19. Station according to any one of claims 13-18, characterized in that each said gymnastic machine (20) alternatively comprises a treadmill, a stationary bike, an elliptical machine, a stepper, a rowing machine, a machine for arm training.
20. Station according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that said gymnastic machine (20) is stably coupled to said tub (1) .
21. Tub (1) as described and illustrated with reference to the attached figures.
22. Exercise station (100) as described and illustrated with reference to the attached figures.
PCT/IB2015/059682 2014-12-23 2015-12-16 Tub comprising a gymnastic implement and ultrasound emitters WO2016103119A1 (en)

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5702353A (en) * 1995-04-14 1997-12-30 Teuco Guzzini S.R.L. Hydromassage bathtub with wide-beam ultrasound emission devices
EP0935957A2 (en) * 1993-11-04 1999-08-18 TEUCO GUZZINI S.p.A. Improved hydromassage bath
JPH11276542A (en) * 1998-03-31 1999-10-12 N Tec Kk Bath room system of various purposes
US20070184947A1 (en) * 2006-01-10 2007-08-09 Hruska Jr Ronald J Physical therapy system
KR100952508B1 (en) * 2009-09-09 2010-04-14 한국생산기술연구원 Underwater ultrasonic treadmill
US20110066083A1 (en) * 2004-10-28 2011-03-17 Tosaya Carol A Ultrasonic apparatus and method for treating obesity or fat-deposits or for delivering cosmetic or other bodily therapy
ITRA20130013U1 (en) 2013-04-22 2014-10-23 Leo Zaccherini BATH

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0935957A2 (en) * 1993-11-04 1999-08-18 TEUCO GUZZINI S.p.A. Improved hydromassage bath
US5702353A (en) * 1995-04-14 1997-12-30 Teuco Guzzini S.R.L. Hydromassage bathtub with wide-beam ultrasound emission devices
JPH11276542A (en) * 1998-03-31 1999-10-12 N Tec Kk Bath room system of various purposes
US20110066083A1 (en) * 2004-10-28 2011-03-17 Tosaya Carol A Ultrasonic apparatus and method for treating obesity or fat-deposits or for delivering cosmetic or other bodily therapy
US20070184947A1 (en) * 2006-01-10 2007-08-09 Hruska Jr Ronald J Physical therapy system
KR100952508B1 (en) * 2009-09-09 2010-04-14 한국생산기술연구원 Underwater ultrasonic treadmill
ITRA20130013U1 (en) 2013-04-22 2014-10-23 Leo Zaccherini BATH

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