THE FIELD OF THE ART

This invention refers to the technical field of training devices and equipment and, more specifically, it proposes a training device through which the simultaneous training of legs and anns of the trainee user is achieved, such training of arms and legs providing a full and maximum strengthening of the torso, so that, due to the achieved results, the device is characterized as a holistic training device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The technology of training devices and equipment, as well as training methodologies of the prior art through use of devices and equipment or even without the use of such equipment have up to today aimed at exercising particular muscle groups and, in order to achieve a holistic workout, several successive different training programs need to be performed and use of different devices and equipment is required. By way of example, different workout packages often selected by the majority of trainees relate to the exercising of arms or legs or abdominal muscles, etc.

In order to address the aforementioned unilateralism that characterizes many popular workout programs, and given the fact that there is not much free time available in the modem way of life, workout programs are developed through which the simultaneous exercise of the entire body is achieved to a certain degree. Such an exercise that aims at training the entire body is that of a horizontal movement of a trainee with the torso thereof parallel to the ground and the propulsive action of the sequential extension and contraction of left and right limbs (arms and legs), such sequential alternate extension and contraction of right and left limbs including a freely performed required bending of knees and elbows of the left and right limbs (arms and legs) thereby resulting at a forward or reverse movement of the trainee, which simulates the movement of reptiles of alligators and lizards, such movement achieving the holistic exercising of the body, and in particular, to a large extent, of the torso and of all muscle groups extending therein. In order for this exercise to be effective the torso must be maintained at a horizontal position with a slight rotation towards the side of the contracted limbs, that is, in a position that is substantially parallel to the exercising floor whereupon are being placed the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet with a scope of alternately producing simultaneous contraction of right limbs and extension of left limbs and vice versa thereby generating the propulsive movement. Such required relative parallelism is extremely difficult to be achieved, particularly by beginner trainees, who have the tendency to bend their torso as they move forwardly or rearwardly, such bending resulting at an ineffective exercising and may potentially lead to injury due to overloading of certain muscle groups. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the abovementioned exercise is also dependent on its execution in a mode that satisfies the condition of the simultaneous contraction and extension of the limbs of the trainee being performed within an equivalent period of time with an equivalent stroke of each hand and each leg thereof and this is something extremely difficult to be achieved by freely exercising trainees just by themselves and without a device that might provide an assistance in this respect. On the other hand, more advanced users, who have the capacity to perform correctly the particular exercise thereby deriving maximum expected benefits, still require an adequately amble space for moving forwardly or rearwardly, and it is obvious that such a space is not always available in an average gym or house.

The object of the present invention is to propose a device, which can address and resolve the aforementioned problems in the execution of the particular holistic training exercise through which all muscles of the human body are exercised, since they are all being used, and which results in a remarkable increase of endurance and strength, wherein the proposed device occupies a limited space that corresponds to the anticipated maximum height and breadth of the trainee user, each individual trainee user being assisted to take an appropriate face down position thereupon, according to his own body type, wherein hand palms and foot soles of the trainee are inserted within handgrips and foot holds respectively provided on both sides of the device with a frontal portion of the soles comprising the metatarsal bones being nested within a frontal portion of the foot hold, whereby a propulsive force is being exerted effecting a forward or rearward movement of the trainee during sequential cycles of a first step of synchronized contraction of left limbs and extension of right limbs followed by a second step of reverse synchronized contraction of right limbs and extension of left limbs of the trainee user of the device, such synchronized contraction and extension of the trainee’s limbs being effected within an equivalent fixed timing and with equivalent strokes thereby ensuring the correctness of execution and smoothness of the exercise and eliminating the possibility of injuries that may be caused due to incorrect, unstable timing and inappropriate positioning of the body during execution of the aforementioned exercise without the device of the invention.

A further object of the invention is to propose the device with setting options so that it can be adjusted to step-by-step upgradeable levels of difficulty, wherein such setting options may include the change in inclination of the device whereupon the trainee user performs the exercise, the adjustment of the handgrips and of the foot holds, etc.

A further object of the invention is to provide the present device with a braking mechanism that can be activated by the trainee user and with a monitor whereupon data relating to the exrcising can be displayed while the exercise is being performed, the proposed monitor providing the option to the trainee users to access the data with a scope of modifying and adapting the exercise to personal preferences.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall be made clear in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the proposed holistic training device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be fully apparent to those skilled in the art through reference to the accompanying drawings in which illustrative preferred embodiments of the holistic training device of the present invention are being shown.

Fig. 1 shows the proposed holistic training device with the trainee user thereupon at a first position of contraction of his right and extension of his left limbs.

Fig. 2 shows the proposed holistic training device with the trainee user thereupon at a second position of contraction of his left limbs and extension of his right limbs. Figs. 3a and 3b present in perspective two pictures of the bottom side of the frame of the holistic training device of the invention.

Fig. 4a illustrates in perspective a detail of a frontal supporting base of the frame shown in Figs. 3a and 3b, a plate extension of the frame for the attachment of the supporting base and a pin adapted to provide connection of the base to the plate extension.

Fig. 4b illustrates a detail of the frontal right side of the frame wherein a triangularly configured supporting base has been comiected.

Figs. 5a and 5b illustrate respectively a supporting base at the rear side of the frame and a rod of a lift mechanism adapted to provide a capacity of modifying the inclination of the frame.

Figs. 5c and 5d illustrate respectively in a perspective and in a side view a pair of beams of the rear side of the frame onto which are mounted the supporting base of the frame and the rod of the lift mechanism respectively that are illustrated in Figs. 5a and 5b.

Fig. 6 illustrates in a perspective sketch the lower side of the frame with pairs of pulleys and springs attached onto the upper and bottom side thereof and with pairs of springs attached on either side of the intermediate beam of the frame.

Fig. 6a illustrates in perspective a detail of the upper left side of the frame with a spring attached at the interior and an underlying pulley at the bottom surface of this side.

Fig. 6b illustrates in perspective a detail of an embodiment of the spring being illustrated in Fig. 6.

Figure 6c illustrates in perspective a detail of an embodiment of the pulley illustrated in Fig. 6 at the upper right end of the frame with a strap section wrapped around it.

Fig. 7 illustrates a planar top view of the frame provided with a pair of angularly configured rails for each limb (arm and leg) of the trainee user of the holistic training device of the invention.

Fig. 7a illustrates in perspective a standard pair of the rails employed at the right side and a standard pair of the rails employed at the left side, such rails being illustrated in Fig. 7. Fig. 8a illustrates a covering mat of the frame and Fig. 8b illustrates the relevant adjustable pillow and monitor, whilst Fig. 8c illustrates a peripheral lateral covering member of the frame.

Fig. 9 illustrates in perspective a platform adapted to receive a handgrip or a foot hold member of the trainee user and intended to slide along a pair of rails indicatively illustrated in Figures 7, 7a.

Fig. 9a illustrates an indicative embodiment of a handgrip member and Figs. 9b and 9c illustrate indicative embodiments of a foot hold member.

Fig. 10a illustrates in perspective the bottom side of the platform that is depicted in Fig. 9, such platform being adapted to receive a handgrip or a foot hold of the trainee user and Fig. 10b illustrates in perspective the bottom side of the platform whilst it is being connected to an underlying strap.

Figs. 1 la and 1 lb show two types of the wheels which are attached at the interior of the side walls of each platform to provide sliding thereof onto a pair of rails.

Fig. 1 lc shows the rail indicatively illustrated in Figs. 7, 7a, that is of a rail adapted to receive the platform of an arm of the trainee user and of the wheels mounted therein to allow sliding thereupon of the platform.

Fig. l id shows the rail indicatively illustrated in Figs. 7, 7a, that is of a rail adapted to receive the platform of an arm of the trainee user and of the wheels mounted therein to allow sliding thereupon of the platform including an underlying wheel that supports it. Fig. l ie illustrates a pair of rails, indicatively of the right side of the frame including the side walls of a platform moving thereupon when activated by a handgrip of the trainee user, wherein the side walls of the platform are provided with wheels adapted to provide sliding and support thereof with a portion of a strap being depicted including a protruding member thereof adapted to provide connection of the strap to the platform.

Fig. 12 illustrates an arrangement of straps extending from the upper to the lower side of the frame and passing through pulleys of a transversely extending pair of axles of the arrangement of synchronized movement of the straps. Fig. 12a illustrates a detail of the synchronized winding and unwinding of straps around the pulleys mounted onto the pair of axles shown in Fig. 12, on one hand of the first pair of straps activated by the right limbs (arm and leg) of the trainee user and on the other hand of the second pair of straps activated by the left limbs (arm and leg) of the trainee user .

Fig. 13 illustrates in perspective an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the handgrip of the present invention.

Fig. 13a illustrates a rear view of a shaft member of the handgrip item shown in Fig. 13 that is provided with a ball bearing allowing free rotation of the body of the handgrip around this shaft.

Fig. 13b illustrates a sectional view of the assembled handgrip item of Fig. 13.

Fig. 14 illustrates in perspective an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the foot hold item of the present invention.

Fig. 14a illustrates in perspective the footwear of a trainee user which is adapted to be inserted within the foot hold item illustrated in Fig. 14.

Fig. 15 illustrates a perspective view of the frame of the proposed holistic training device with a braking arrangement installed at the center of the intermediate transversely extending beam of the frame, such braking arrangement having the capacity to exert a braking pressure onto a disc that is securely fixed at the center of an upper axle of the arrangement of synchronized movement of the straps.

Fig. 15a illustrates a side view and Fig. 15b illustrates a perspective view of the braking arrangement of Fig. 15 being applied onto the disc mounted at the upper axle of the arrangement of synchronized movement of the straps.

Fig. 16 illustrates a side view of the holistic training device of the invention.

Figs. 17a and 17c illustrate the proposed holistic training device respectively in a first position of contraction of the right limbs and extension of the left limbs of the trainee user and in a second position of contraction of the left limbs and extension of right limbs thereof, whilst Fig. 17b illustrates a position of the proposed device in between the positions of Figs. 17a and 17c. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the accompanying drawings we will describe indicative preferred embodiments of the invention.

The holistic training device of the invention is assembled onto frame 10 that is depicted in Figures 3a and 3b. Frame 10 has a rectangular form with a pair of shorter parallel beams 1, 2 which are located respectively proximally to the head and proximally to the feet of the trainee user and a pair of longer parallel beams 3, 4 that are respectively located along the right and the left side of the torso of the trainee user. An additional beam 5 extends transversely, parallel to the aforementioned shorter parallel beams 1, 2 of frame 10. Plate extensions 31 and 41 are provided downwardly the longer parallel beams 3, 4 at both sides of the above transversely extending beam 5, wherein each of the aforementioned plate extensions 31 and 41 is provided with a pair of holes 31a, 31b and 41a, 41b respectively. There is an additional pair of plate extensions 32 and 42 with a hole 32a and 42a respectively provided downwardly at the ends of the beam 1 of frame 10. There is a pair of parallel beams 51, 52 that connect the aforementioned beam 5 and beam 2 of frame 10, wherein beams 51 , 52 extend parallel to the aforementioned longer parallel beams 3, 4 of frame 10, one end of these beams 51, 52 proximally to the beam 5 being provided with through holes 51a, 52a respectively aligned and facing each other and the other end of these beams 51, 52 proximally to the beam 2 being provided with also respectively aligned and facing each other through holes 51b, 52b.

The proposed holistic training device includes an arrangement of elements for the intended exercise during which the trainee stabilizes the palms of his hands onto the handgrips and the soles of his feet within the foot holds, such handgrips and foot holds being provided along the right and along the left side of the device. Thereafter the trainee may initiate execution of the training operation proposed in the present invention, such training operation comprising sequential cycles of a first step of synchronized contraction of left limbs and extension of right limbs followed by a second step of reverse synchronized contraction of right limbs and extension of left limbs. The aforementioned proposed arrangement of elements adapted to be used in the intended exercise further comprises:

A pair of freely rotatable axles 53, 54 illustrated in Fig. 15 and in Figs. 12, 12a, wherein these axles 53, 54 have their ends inserted within the holes 31a, 41a and 31b, 41b of the abovementioned plate extensions 31, 41 respectively.

Pulleys 56a, 57a and 56b, 57b fixedly mounted close to the ends on both sides of axle 53 and axle 54 respectively (Fig. 12, 12a) and pulleys 16a, 17a and 16b, 17b close to the ends on both sides of beam 1 and of beam 2 of frame 10 respectively (Fig. 6).

A pair of straps 36a, 36b as illustrated in Figs. 12, 12a, such straps 36a, 36b extending close to and parallel to the elongate beam 3 at one side of the device and a pair of straps 37a, 37b also illustrated in Figs. 12, 12a, such straps 37a, 37b extending close to and parallel to the elongate beam 4 of frame 10 at the other side of the device, wherein straps 36a, 37a are shown being located between beam 1 and beam 5 and straps 36b, 37b are shown being located between beam 2 and beam 5, with each of the straps 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b being provided with a protruding member 40, which, as illustrated in

Figure 10b, is fixedly connected to a platform 60 that is described hereinbelow, such connection resulting in the strap following the movement of the platform.

A pair of rails 33, 34 extending parallel to and close to the beam 3 and another pair of rails 43, 44 extending parallel to and close to the beam 4 of frame 10, wherein the rails 33, 34 and 43, 44 are illustrated in Figs. 7 and 7a. Each rail of the abovementioned pairs of rails 33, 34 and 43, 44 has an angular configuration with a horizontally extending portion adapted to receive a platform 60 sliding thereupon and a vertically extending portion underlying and perpendicular to the horizontally extending portion, An illustrative sketch of the rails 33, 34 whereupon slide such platforms 60 through movement of the corresponding handgrip items of the trainee user of the device are depicted in Figs. 1 1c, l id and 1 le.

A platform 60 for each of the straps 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b, which, as illustrated in Fig. 9, comprises a flat surface 61 with an underlying centrally located box structure 62 and underlying parallel side walls 63, 64 on either side thereof, wherein the platform 60 is configured to have a width that covers the distance between the two rails 33, 34 or 43, 44 and is appropriately sitted onto them as illustrated in Fig. l ie. Each of the parallel side walls 63, 64 of a platform 60 is provided with a pair of longitudinally spaced wheels 65 fixedly mounted thereupon and with a wheel 66 that is provided intermedially between these wheels 65, such arrangement of wheels being illustrated in Fig. 10a, whilst Figs. 11a and 1 lb provide a perspective view of wheel 65 and wheel 66 respectively. The pair of wheels 65 of parallel side walls 63, 64 is adapted to support and allow sliding of a platform 60 onto the horizontally extending portion of the rails 33 and 34 of the pair of rails 33, 34 (as illustrated in Figs. 11c- 1 le) or onto the rails 43 and 44 of the pair of rails 43, 44. The wheel 66 that is provided intermedially between the pair of wheels 65 is adapted to abut a bottom surface of the horizontally extending portion of the rails 33 and 34 of the pair of rails 33, 34 or of the rails 43 and 44 of the pair of rails 43, 44 thereby supporting the platform and averting an upward or downward displacement thereof. As shown in Fig. 10b, the protruding member 40 of each of the straps 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b is connected to the underlying centrally located box structure 62 of the platform 60 with a screw 45, such connection resulting in the strap following the movement of the platform. An array of holes 67 is provided onto the upper flat surface 61 in the region of the centrally located box structure 62 of the platform 60, such array of holes 67 being adapted for the reception of driving shafts 77 of the handgrips 35a, 45a and of driving shafts 87 of the foot holds 35b, 45b of the trainee user, wherein a specific hole 67 is appropriately selected to match the height of each particular user of the device.

In accordance to one embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9a illustrates a handgrip item 35a, 45a that comprises a shaft 76 which is suitable for the secure grip in the palm of the average user and, furthermore, Figs. 9b and 9c illustrate a foot hold 35b, 45b, which comprises a structure 86 adapted to firmly nest a frontal foot sole portion including metatarsal bones of an average user in a position that will avert undesirable sliding thereof. As mentioned hereinabove, the handgrip 35a, 45a extends to a shaft 77 and the foot hold 35b, 45b extends to a shaft 87, these shafts 77, 87 being of the same caliber with the holes 67 of platform 60 illustrated in Fig. 9 so that they may fit within a selected hole of the array of holes 67 and secure therein the handgrips and the foot holds. A hole of the array of holes 67 is appropriately selected so as to correspond to the physique and in particular to the height of each user intending to use the device thereby allowing a handy performance of the exercise of sequential contraction and extension of left and right limbs of the user of the device. The fact that the handgrips 35a, 45a and the foot holds 35b, 45b are detachable and they may be inserted or withdrawn from the holes 67, as described hereinabove, provides the possibility to the trainee user to select, if he so wishes, the use of only one of the two handgrips 35a, 45a or only one of the two foot holds 35b, 45b, so that only three of his four limbs indergo training with the holistic training device. It is therefore noted that if one of the two handgrips 35 a, 45 a or one of the two foot holds 35b, 45b is withdrawn, the trainee user can concentrate training to those parts of his body that undergo training with the holistic training device. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handgrips 35a, 45a are oriented with the cylindrical shaft 76 extending vertically along the direction of movement of platforms 60. This particular orientation of the handgrips 35a, 45a helps to achieve the extreme extension of the arms of the trainee user during operation of the holistic training operation.

At an advanced level of execution of the exercise, it is possible to use the handgrips illustrated in Figs. 13, 13a, 13b and/or the foot holds illustrated in Figs. 14, 14a respectively. In this embodiment the handgrip 35a, 45a includes a shaft 76a which is attached to a freely rotating shaft 77a, the attachment being effected with a pin 78 that passes through a hole 78a provided with a ball bearing 79 that fits within a hole 78b that is located centrally along the shaft 76a. Respectively, the foot holds 35b, 45b that are illustrated in Figs. 14, 14a comprise an open inclined surface 86a instead of the delimited space 86 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 9b-9c, wherein a protruding member with a hole 88b being employed to connect the sole portion of the trainee through a connecting pin 88 that has previously passed through a ball bearings 89 mounted at a frontal portion 89a of the footwear of the trainee as illustrated in Fig. 14a. This embodiment of the foot holds 35b, 45b provides a freedom of movement around the ball bearing 89 during operation of the device of the invention. It is hereby evident that exercising levels of increased difficulty may be achieved through selection of the handgrips and foot holds depicted in Figs. 13, 13a, 13b and Figs. 14, 14a respectively. An experienced advanced user may therefore use handgrips and/or foot holds of these embodiments with a scope of achieving the workout and strengthening of the muscles and tendons of the hand palm and the foot sole in particular.

As illustrated in Fig. 6, frame 10 is provided with the aforementioned pairs of pulleys 16a, 17a and 16b, 17b at the interior of the upper side of beam 1 and of the bottom side of beam 2 respectively. A pair of springs 14a, 15a and 14d, 15d are also provided at the interior of the upper side of beam 1 and at the interior of the bottom side of beam 2 respectively. An additional pair of springs 14b, 15b facing towards beam 1 is located at the interior of the intermediate transversely extending beam 5 and another pair of springs 14c, 15c facing towards beam 2 is located at the interior of the same transversely extending beam 5. Illustrative embodiments of the aforementioned springs and pulleys are respectively depicted in Figs. 6b and 6c, while Fig. 6a depicts a detail of the upper left (as viewed from bottom to top) side of frame 10 with the spring 15a being attached to the interior of beam 1 of frame 10 and with an underlying pulley 17a being mounted at the bottom of the same beam 1.

Each of the aforementioned platforms 60 is arranged so that the centrally located box structure 62 thereof extends parallel to the underlying strap 36a or 36b of the right side and 37a or 37b of the left side and so that such centrally located box structure 62 follows the movement of platform 60, that is activated by the trainee who moves the aforementioned items of handgrips 35a, 45a and of foot holds 35b, 45b, thereby executing a stroke being delimited by ends encountered by the centrally located box structure 62 as it bumps against the springs 14a, 14b and 15 a, 15b respectively provided onto frame 10 for the platforms 60 moved by the handgrips 35a, 45a respectively and against the springs 14c, 14d and 15c, 15d respectively provided onto frame 10 for the platforms 60 moved by the foot holds 35b, 45b respectively. It is herein noted that the bumping against the aforementioned springs provides the capacity of absorption of vibrations and provides a thrust that assists to reverse the movement of the platforms 60 towards the opposite direction.

It is noted that, during an abovementioned first step of the exercise, as the arms and legs of one side of the user reach the ends of an extension stroke, as happens with the right side of the user in Fig. 2, at the same time, the arms and legs of the other side of the user reach the ends of a contraction stroke, whereby all four platforms 60 bump simultaneously against the springs 15a and 15d of one side and against the springs 14b, 14c of the other side of the trainee user. Respectively, during an abovementioned second step of the exercise, as the arms and legs of the side of the trainee that had previously performed an extrension now perform a contraction stroke, and the arms and legs of the side of the trainee that had previously performed a contraction now perform an extrension stroke. During execution of this second step of the exercise, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the four platforms 60 bump simultaneously against the springs 15b and 15c of the right side and the springs 14a, 14d of the left side. Moreover, it is noted that frame 10 has such a length and width so that the arms and legs of one side of even a very tall trainee user also having an extended shoulder width can cover the entire stroke of a frill extension and, at the same time, the arms and legs of the other side of such a trainee user can cover the entire stroke of a full contraction during operation of the exercise with the holistic training device of the invention.

In order to ensure the intended synchronization in the movement of the straps 36a, 36b of the right side and of the straps 37a, 37b of the left side of frame 10, their adjustment to the respective pulleys 56a, 56b and 57a, 57b takes place as follows:

On the right side of frame 10, connection of one end of the strap 36a to the lower side of the pulley 56a and of the other end of the same strap to the lower side of the pulley 56b and connection of one end of the strap 36b to the upper side of the pulley 56a and of the other end of the same strap to the upper side of the pulley 56b. Respectively, at the left side of frame 10, the connections are reversed, that is, the connection of one end of the strap 37a is made to the upper side of the pulley 57a and of the other end of the same strap is made to the upper side of the pulley 57b, while the connection of one end of the strap 37b is made to the lower side of the pulley 57a and of the other end of the same strap is made to the lower side of the pulley 57b.

The aforementioned connections of the ends of straps 36a, 36b and of the ends of straps 37a, 37b with the pulleys 56a, 56b and 57a, 57b respectively, as well as the fact that the pulleys 56a, 57a and 56b, 57b are fixedly mounted close to the ends of axle 53 and close to the ends of axle 54 respectively leads to the achievement of the intended synchronization in the movement of the straps 36a, 36b of the right side and of the straps 37a, 37b of the left side of frame 10. It must be noted that“synchronization” aims to mean the fully synchronized movement of the straps 36a, 36b and of the straps 37a, 37b that is manifested in the device of the invention wherein the movement of any single one of the four straps is necessarily followed by an equivalent movement of each and every one of the other three straps thereby providing a fully synchronized movement of all straps. This result is achieved through the appropriate aforementioned connection of each of the four straps onto the four pulleys 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b, wherein the movement of each of the four pulleys 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b is fully synchronized and followed by the movement of the other three pulleys. Moreover, this results in the movement of each of the platforms 60 which is connected to one of the straps 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b to be fully synchronized and followed by the movement of the other three platforms 60 that are connected to the other three straps. A characteristic feature of the connectivity of the straps 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b to the pulleys 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b in the device of the present invention is the fact that each of the straps is connected to a pair of pulleys, that is, one end of each strap is connected to a first pulley and the other end of the same strap is connected to a second pulley underlying the first pulley and having the same diameter with the first pulley. Through this connectivity, the synchronized movement and execution of equivalent strokes of all platforms in the device of the present invention, as well as of the straps underlying the platforms and related to the movement of the arms and legs of the trainee user of the device is achieved. Due to the fact that the pulleys are fixedly mounted onto the parallel axles 53, 54, the movement of straps at one side of the device is equivalently transferred at the other side and due to the aforementioned reverse connection of the ends of the straps to the pulleys at the two sides of the parallel axles 53, 54, the movement effected at one side if the device is reversed at the other side thereof, i.e. in every execution cycle of the exercise that constitutes a training operation with the device of the invention, an operational effect of extension of arms and legs at one side of the device is combined with an operational effect of contraction of arms and legs at the other side thereof, whereby a simultaneous eventual operational effect of extension of arms and legs at one side and contraction of arms and legs at the other side of the device is achieved in each operational cycle of the device of the invention.

Thanks to the achievement of the aforementioned synchronization, the trainee user thus achieves sequential cycles of a first step of synchronized contraction of left limbs and extension of right limbs followed by a second step of reverse fully synchronized contraction of right limbs and extension of left limbs thereof.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the four straps 36a, 36b, 37a, 37b have the same length and the four pulleys 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b have the same caliber. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, beam 5 is located at the center of frame 10 medially between beam 1 and beam 2 thereof and axle 53 is located directly above axle 54 also at the center of frame 10.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, frame 10 can rest on a flat floor through the protruding plate extensions 31 and 41 being respectively provided along the longer parallel beams 3, 4 at the sides of the abovementioned transversely extending beam 5 and through the additional pair of plate extensions 32 and 42 provided respectively at the sides of beam 1, wherein this is achieved provided that the protruding plate extensions 31, 41 and 32, 42 are of equal length so that frame 10 can rest at a horizontal position.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, frame 10 has an additional arrangement of supporting means that enable it to rest on a flat floor, which include on the one hand a pair of frontal supporting bases 6 that are connected at the ends on either side of beam 1 and on the other hand a rear supporting base 7, which is connected to the pair of beams 51 , 52 and extends rearwardly in the direction of beam 2.

As illustrated in Figs. 4a and 4b, the frontal side of frame 10 adapted to receive the overlying head of the trainee user comprises supporting bases 6 that are connected to the abovementioned plate extensions 32 and 42 provided at the right and left end of frontal beam 1. The supporting base 6 has the form of a right triangle with a first side 6a resting on the floor, a second side 6b perpendicular to the first side 6a extending vertically upwardly to a certain height of connection to frame 10 and a third side 6c that is the hypotenuse of the right triangle. A hole 6d is provided at one apex of the right triangle formed by the frontal supporting base 6, that is, at the apex wherein coverge the two sides 6b and 6c. When the frontal supporting base 6 approaches plate extension 32 at the right frontal end of frame 10, the hole 6d of the supporting base 6 and the hole 32a of plate extension 32 are arranged so as to be coaxially aligned, and then a pin 6’ which is illustrated in Fig. 4a is provided to pass through coaxially aligned holes 6d and 32a and fixedly connect the frontal supporting base 6 to frame 10, as illustrated in the assembled view of Fig. 4b. An additional pin 6' is provided at the other left side of frame 10 to be used for the connection of an identical supporting base 6 to the plate extension 42 provided with a centrally oriented hole 42a that again is arranged in coaxial alignment with hole 6d of the supporting base 6. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention a ball bearing is provided within each of the aforementioned holes 32a, 42a of the plate extensions 32, 42, such ball bearing allowing the necessary movement for changing of the inclination of frame 10, such inclination changing being activated by the lifting mechanism described hereinbelow.

As illustrated in Fig. 5a, frame 10 rests at the rear side proximally to the area of the legs of the trainee user through the attachment of supporting base 7 in between the pair of beams 51 , 52. The supporting base 7 comprises a pair of legs 7a, 7b which are connected to the ends of a downwardly extending transverse arm 7c and end at rubber pads 7a', 7b' adapted to abut on the floor. As illustrated in Fig. 5c, the transverse arm 7c is inserted and operates with the capacity to rotate freely within a pair of aligned opposite holes 51a, 52a close to the beam 5 and is connected to a shaft 7d that ends at a transversely extending shaft 7e.

According to a preferred embodiment, the device of the invention is equipped with a lift mechanism 8 which is illustrated in Fig. 5b and which comprises an elongate rod portion 8a which is connected to the arm 7c of the supporting base 7, the elongate rod portion 8a extending at a hydraulic cylinder 8b that is provided with axially telescopically deployed end portions 8c, 8d, a transversely extending shaft 8e being provided after the telescopically deployed end portion 8d, wherein this shaft 8e is inserted and operates with the capacity to rotate freely within the aforementioned pair of aligned opposite holes 51b, 52b close to beam 2 of frame 10. The trainee user has the option to select an upward inclination of frame 10 through a command that is entered and displayed on the monitor and through which the aforementioned telescopically deployed end portions 8c, 8d extend and increase the length of the lift mechanism 8 thereby providing the desired gradient of frame 10 and an exercise level of increased difficulty. With a reverse command of the trainee user, the telescopically deployed end portions 8c, 8d are contracted and frame 10 returns to a horizontal position or the frame 10 can even be set to a downward gradient.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device includes a braking arrangement 70 illustrated in Figs. 15, 15a and 15b, which is installed with an angularly configured supporting plate with a first side 71 resting onto the center of the transverse beam 5 and a second side 72 that is perpendicularly oriented to the first side 71 and extends upwardly, parallel to the arrangement of axles 53, 54. A disk 75 is installed at the center of axle 53 and an arcuate pad member 73 is provided along a portion of the circumference thereof, whilst a piston member 74 is mounted onto the abovementioned side 72 of the angularly configured supporting plate 71-72 and extends inwardly so as to abut the circumference of the disk 75 and apply pressure onto the pad member 73 and through the latter onto the axle 53 when the trainee user chooses to activate said braking arrangement 70. As illustrated in Fig. 8a, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a covering mat 9 is placed onto frame 10. The covering mat 9 is provided with grooves 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d being opened in the longitudinal direction of the longer sides of frame 10, As shown in Fig. 16, the handgrips and foot holds of the trainee user protrude through these aforementioned grooves 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d during operation of the device. A pillow member 12 is shown in Fig. 8b, such pillow 12 being placed on the top of covering mat 9 when required for a more comfortable contact of the trainee user. A monitor 13 is further provided through which the trainee user can select different modes of operation of the device. By way of example, it is possible to change the inclination of frame 10, and moreover, to monitor the progress of the exercise, for example the number of sequential contractions/extensions of the limbs, the time being spent in exercising. The monitor may also provide a display of dynamically changing parameters relating to the physical condition of the trainee user, such as blood pressure and body pulses thereof. Fig. 8c finally illustrates a peripheral side cover 11 that is adapted to cover the perimeter of the frame 10 of the device of the invention. The arrangement of the covering mat 9, pillow 12, perimetrical side cover 1 1 and monitor 13 is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 that show the successive movements of contraction of the right and left limbs respectively, as well as in Figs. 17a and 17c that show, without the trainee user, the respective positions of the handgrips and foot holds of the trainee user, for the phases of the exercise that are illustrated in Figs. 17a and 17c. Figure 17b illustrates a further phase of the exercise that takes place intermediately between these extreme positions illustrated in Figs. 17a and 17c.

In order to execute the exercises, the trainee user lies face down and after customizing the handgrip and the foot hold items to his needs, he places his hands (his palms in particular) onto the aforementioned handgrip items and his feet (the frontal portion of the soles of the feet incorporating the metatarsal bones in particular) within the aforementioned foot hold items and subsequently raises his body so that his contact with the device is limited only to the contact of the palms onto the handgrips and of the frontal portion of the soles of the feet incorporating the metatarsal bones within the foot holds, whereby the exercising can start with sequential steps of contraction of left limbs and simultaneous extension of right limbs, immediately followed by the reverse step of contraction of right limbs and simultaneous extension of left limbs. During the extreme sequential extension and contraction of right and left limbs (anus and legs), the required bending of knees and elbows of left and right limbs (arms and legs) is performed freely, as, apart from the aforementioned elements of the palm of the hand and of the sole of the foot that are respectively connected to the handgrips and foot holds, the arms and legs of the trainee user are completely free and do not come into contact with any part of the device during the training operation.

In the course of execution of the exercise the trainee user has the aforementioned option to monitor or even change the parameters of the exercise on the screen. The proposed exercise simulates the movement of an alligator, crocodile and lizards in general. It is noted that the trainee user, also following training instructions, can select different sets of exercises, depending on the case, which are not necessarily consistent with the proposed adjustment to their personal height of the handgrips and foot holds on both sides of the device. Thus, they can for example adjust one side of the handgrips and foot holds to their personal height, e.g. in order to follow a stroke of a length of 180 cm and select a smaller height and stroke, e.g. a stroke of a length of 160 cm, at the other side, so that in every cycle of the exercise, through the sequential contraction/extension of the limbs on the left and the right side, one side exercises intensively while the other side remains relatively relaxed. Subsequently they can reverse the settings adjusting the side performing a stroke of 180 cm to a stroke of 160 cm and the side performing a stroke of 160 cm to a stroke of 180 cm. Furthermore, the trainee user can select a very intensive workout of one or both sides of the device and subsequently of the body thereof, through selecting strokes that exceed his personal height.