Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to the field of exercising and sports devices. In greater detail, this patent application relates to a modular ergonomic device; an isoauxotonic cross which allows to perform variable resistance exercises, at the request of each user, guaranteeing limited load at joint level and a smart training at the same time.

Prior art

Conventionally, various physical bodybuilding equipment is used in the field of exercising and sports devices. The most common ones include the so-called elastic bands. In this case, elastic bands are a training tool useful to the professional and amateur athletes for exercising muscle strength and resistance, limiting the load stress of the involved joint with respect to a common weight.

There is a very low probability of suffering a muscle injury when using elastic bands given that the contraction (auxotonic) is progressive and gradual. The auxotonic muscle contraction is a combination of isometric and isokinetic (concentric and eccentric) contraction wherein the resistance to be overcome increases progressively.

These characteristics have made elastic bands an indispensable tool in post injury rehabilitation and it is only in recent years a tool for training actual muscle strength, mobility, flexibility and resistance following the production of increasingly more resistant and safer elastic bands.

Elastic bands are useful and guarantee the possibility of:

• isolating the muscle or muscle groups selected based on the anchor point where the elastic band is positioned;

• enjoying a wide variety of resistances linked to the composition of the elastic bands; • easy transportation and use guaranteed by the low weight of the elastic band;

• an anchoring with wrist and ankle wraps, valid option for tubular elastic bands provided with a carabiner, which allow to easily and correctly perform most of the existing exercises for arms and legs;

• guaranteeing variable resistance exercises by limiting the load at the j oint level, ideal for work with the youth teams in professional and amateur clubs;

• performing variable resistance exercises (depending on the need) limiting the likelihood of muscle trauma, ideal for muscle activation, recovery and rehabilitation;

• training anywhere, both outdoors and indoors;

• performing auxotonic (isometric and isokinetic) muscle contractions.

For the effective use of such devices, there arises the need for a stable anchor point, to which the elastic bands are fixed, through which the exercises are performed: in order to ensure the optimal quality of the contractions, it is essential that the elastic band remains well anchored throughout the exercise.

Despite the search for a practical solution, supported by countless companies, which for years have been seeking a solution to this problem, it is still common to see professionals and amateurs struggling with makeshift anchoring points, often dangerous and not practical. The current tools have proved impractical and, more generally, they cannot guarantee the contraction of all muscle groups.

Speaking of patents, the field has been subject of in-depth analysis and an example in the field lies in the patent ES2699330 which discloses a dual support elastic device, for exercise benches. It consists of at least an arm, which can be installed on any bench already available on the market, which incorporates at least two rings set for eight different adjustments (heightwise) and a common harness with buckle closure, with adjustable length. This arm is coupled to the aforementioned elastic support or resistance elements and to the quick coupling device, inserted on both sides of the aforementioned elastic elements in such a way as to be coupled to the harness through the anchoring rings installed therein. The aforementioned harness comprises a common coupling double-ring and a tear-off adjustment layer, adapted to modify the width thereof and adapt it to the weight of each athlete, together with a plurality of leg braces adapted to supplement the support of each athlete.

The devices outlined so far lack a system that allows the coupling, interaction with similar devices and that keeps them up to date with the ever-changing times and technologies.

Furthermore, although a considerable amount of exercise equipment that allows to perform exercises using elastic bands has been invented, there is no isotonic machine, that can be fully assembled, which allows to train all the muscle groups using them.

Therefore, the object of the present patent application is to solve the technical problems listed above. Thanks to the modular ergonomic device, described in detail below, each user can train using elastic bands firmly anchored to an ergonomic structure and can choose the preferred joint angle, performing warm up, muscle activation, muscle recovery and muscle rehabilitation exercises.

Description of the invention

According to the present invention, an ergonomic and reversibly assemblable isoauxotonic cross which effectively solves the aforementioned problems is provided.

The modular, ergonomic isoauxotonic cross in question comprises a central bench, used to allow a smart training, by anchoring elastic bands to the entire structure, for performing warm up, muscular activation, muscle recovery and rehabilitation exercises.

As a matter of fact, the isoauxotonic cross in question allows a plurality of anchoring points on different levels, each of which comprising a tubular structure, preferably made of square and/or round metal, divided into sections, which can be mutually assembled, using joining axes and joined together by means of quick-release pins with spring ball.

A first level and a second level comprise at least five north, south, east, west and central sections, which can be mutually assembled by means of joining axes in a cross shape; the aforementioned second level is installed above the first level.

The aforementioned first level, at the north, south, east and west ends, is designed to accommodate a plurality of ladders. It is precisely the ladders that advantageously allow the anchoring of a plurality of elastic bands, at different heights, allowing to perform a variety of exercises by exerting force along the transverse and sagittal axis of the isoauxotonic cross.

Advantageously, the aforementioned second level also allows the hooking of a plurality of elastic bands and it allows to perform a plurality of exercises exerting anti-gravity force along the longitudinal axis.

The aforementioned bench, on the other hand, is rectangular-shaped, divided into three sections and comprised in a third level, installed above the second level. It comprises at least four comers, each of which is provided with a recess which allows the elastic bands to pass through when performing the exercises.

In a further version, the aforementioned third level comprises at least four reinforcement bars, closing the entire tubular structure, which make it more stable: such reinforcement bars, making the structure more stable, allow to exert greater force thereon by means of the elastic bands.

Still in a further version, the aforementioned first level comprises a plurality of hooks which allow to anchor the isoauxotonic cross to the ground.

Possibly, one of the four reinforcement bars is designed to act as a gate: it is moved outwards and having a handle, it is closed at one end; this characteristic allows each user to easily access the bench from the external.

The isoauxotonic cross can alternatively be used for:

• aid in electrostimulation allowing an isometric contraction before and during an electrical stimulus training the muscle;

• aerospace training, allowing a user to train under low or no gravity; (this use is allowed by replacing the elastic bands with cables, inside the structure, with variable resistance so as to imitate the inertial forces generated during the lifting of free weights on the Earth);

• transportation and use by professional teams when playing away from home;

• training youths in the development of the musculoskeletal system.

The structure of the cross may also be used in pre-existing benches: in this case, the first level and/or the second level (both or taken individually), are assembled to pre-existing benches as an additional piece, by means of pins, interlocking systems and/or any other coupling means. Furthermore, the bench in question is made of a plurality of laminated chrome-plating at the request of a potential user.

Still optionally, the entire tubular structure is covered with rubber, allowing to move, rest or mount each of the components on any surface without the latter being damaged by the material that the cross is made of. More generally, it is configured to be customised at the request of a potential user.

In a further technological version, installed above the ladder arranged in proximity of the south end of the cross is a screen for projecting a plurality of exercises to be performed.

Advantageously, in a further version, the screen described above is provided with a programmable electronic system, comprising an integrated microphone and Bluetooth microspeakers, which can be connected with state of the art electronic devices for detecting and recording information, communicating and storing data relating to the status of the user, the time of day or the night during which the activity is performed, recording - in real time - the commands entered by a user and playing music.

Lastly, the aforementioned electronic system is associated with an application, which can be installed on state of the art electronic devices, for remotely monitoring, managing and modifying all the functions of the system, to guarantee assisted training and a customisable training for each user.

The advantages offered by the present invention are apparent in the light of the description set forth herein and will be further clarified by the accompanying figures and the detailed description thereof.

Description of the figures

The invention will be described hereinafter in at least a preferred embodiment by way of nonlimiting example and with the aid of the attached figures, wherein:

- FIGURE 1 : shows a view of some of the components of the isoauxotonic cross device in an assembled configuration 100; it should be observed that the third level 30, comprising the bench 8 and the coupling bars 3.4, rests above the second level 20, in turn installed above the first level 10. Laterally there are ladders 6, above which the coupling bars 3.4 are mounted.

- FIGURE 2: shows an exploded view of the components of the first level 10 of the device in question, divided into at least five first north, south, east, west and central sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 which can be mutually assembled, by means of joining axes 4, in a cross-shaped form; said first level 10 being adapted to allow a positioning of a plurality of ladders 6 at the ends of said cross.

- FIGURE 3: shows a view of the assembled first level 10. It should be observed that the central section 1.5 is the joint for coupling the first north, south, east and west sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4.

- FIGURE 4: shows an exploded view of the components of the second level 20 divided into at least five second north, south, east, west and central sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 which can be mutually assembled, using joining axes 4.

- FIGURE 5: shows a view of the second level 20 assembled. It should be observed that the central section 2.5 is the joint for coupling the second north, south, east and west sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4.

- FIGURE 6: shows the device in an assembled configuration 100 and a succession of assembly steps. It should be observed that the first level 10, the second level 20 to be installed on the aforementioned first level 10 and the third level 30, consist of the bench 8 assembled with the reinforcing bars 3.4.

- FIGURE 7 : shows a three-dimensional view of the performance of any of the plurality of exercises allowed by the device in question. It should be observed that the elastic bands are hooked to the second level 20 and that the orientation of the bench 8 allows to comfortably display the screen 3.5.

- FIGURE 8: shows a three-dimensional view of the isoauxotonic cross: it should be observed that screen 3.5 is oriented toward the head of the bench 8 divided into three sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3.

- FIGURE 9: shows a three-dimensional view of the isoauxotonic cross: it should be observed that a gate 9 is obtained from one of the reinforcement bars 3.4 allowing easy access to the bench 8.

- FIGURE 10 : shows a three-dimensional view of the performance of any of the plurality of exercises allowed by the device in question. It should be observed that the elastic bands 5 are hooked to the ladders 6 allowing to perform the exercises by positioning the aforementioned elastic bands 5 at a variable and customised height.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention will now be illustrated by way of non-limiting or binding example, using the figures which illustrate some embodiments in relation to the present inventive concept.

All the technological components which, thanks to their interaction, allow to operate the isoauxotonic cross device for exercising, are shown with reference to FIG. 1. All the components thereof can be reversibly assembled so as to allow easy transportation, as shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 6. The device in question is designed to perform smart training using elastic bands 5: the latter are variably anchored to the first level 10 and to the second level 20 that the structure is made of, so as to allow to perform variable resistance exercises and limited load at the joint level on transverse, sagittal and longitudinal work planes.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the components of a first level 10 of the isoauxotonic cross in question which comprises five first sections, each of which comprising two pipes arranged in a mirrorlike fashion, joined together by means of quick-release pins with spring ball: such pins allow the anchoring of the sections through a plurality of holes present on the structure. These holes become coincident once the joining axes have been inserted into one of the sections and are therefore filled by the aforementioned quick-release pins, making the structure stable.

The north 1.1, south 1.2, east 1.3 and west 1.4 sections are hooked to a central section 1.5 by means of said pins and by means of joining axes 4, the same which allow to install a second level 20 above said first level 10. The aforementioned second level 20 comprises the components - arranged in a mirror-like fashion - of said first level 10: the second north 2.1, south 2.2, east 2.3 and west 2.4 sections are hooked to a central section 2.5.

Positioned at the four ends of the aforementioned first level 10 are a plurality of ladders 6, which can be alternatively assembled subsequently and/or fixed, designed to allow to anchor a plurality of the aforementioned elastic bands 5 to a plurality of heights.

A plurality of hooks allows to anchor the isoauxotonic cross to the ground.

Also hooked to the aforementioned second level 20 are a plurality of the aforementioned elastic bands 5 which allow to perform a plurality of exercises exerting anti-gravity force along a longitudinal axis.

A third raised level 30 is then installed above the second level 20 and it comprises a bench 8, positioned in the centre of the entire structure, which is rectangular-shaped and divided into three sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 which, just like for the rest of the structure, guarantee an easy transportation.

The corners of the bench 8, comprising at least four comers, are provided with a recess 8.1 for the elastic bands 5 to pass through when performing the exercises. The aforementioned third level 30 further comprises at least four reinforcement bars 3.4, possibly joined to form a single bar, closing the entire tubular structure, making it more stable and connecting the ladders 6.

A gate 9 which allows access to the bench 8 from the external is obtained from at least one of the reinforcement bars 3.4, as shown in FIG. 9.

In this case the reinforcement bar is designed to be moved outwards and closed inwards by a handle installed at one end.

The entire tubular structure is alternatively covered with rubber, so as to allow to move, rest or mount each of the components on any surface without the latter being damaged by the material that the cross is made of.

A screen 3.5, for projecting the exercises to be performed, the number of series, repetitions and the stretch of the elastic to be used during the workout is installed above said ladder 6 arranged in proximity of the south end of the cross in question.

The isoauxotonic cross device is provided with a programmable electronic system, incorporated inside the aforementioned screen 3.5, which can be connected with state-of-the- art electronic devices in order to detect and record information, communicate and store data relating to the status of the user, the time of day or the night when the physical exercise is performed, manage the switching on and off thereof by means of a wireless antenna and at least a hardware device installed therein.

The aforementioned system is also provided with an integrated microphone, which can still be activated by means of a remote controller, for recording - in real time - the commands entered by a user for requesting assistance, training instructions and/or any other information useful to the exercise of a user and of integrated Bluetooth audio micro-speakers, for playing music. Lastly, the aforementioned system is connected to an application, which can be installed on state-of-the-art electronic devices, for remotely monitoring and modifying all the functions of the system, to guarantee an assisted training and a customisable training for each user.

The use of the isoauxotonic cross comprises various fields, including an aerospace application allowing a user to train under low or no gravity, or as an aid in electrostimulation. In this use, the aforementioned elastic bands 5 are replaced by a plurality of cables inside the structure, with variable resistance such to imitate the inertial forces generated when lifting free weights on the Earth.

Possibly, the structures of the aforementioned first level 10 and second level 20 are assembled to pre-existing benches as an additional piece by means of pins, interlocking systems and/or any other coupling means. Such addition alternatively includes both of the aforementioned levels, only the first level components 10 or only the second level components 20.

The device in question is made of a plurality of laminated chrome-plating at the request of a user, while at the feet thereof, the ladders 6 have a cover, of the same colour as the reinforcement bars 3.4.

Lastly, it is clear that modifications, additions or variations which are obvious to a person skilled in the art may be applied to the invention described heretofore without departing from the scope of protection provided by the attached claims.