Flexible sporting apparatus description

Abstract

A flexible sporting apparatus includes an elongated and flexible body (2), which can be gripped, connected to the body of a person or connected to another identical or different apparatus, wherein the body (2) includes at least one flexible connection element (10, 11, 12) extending between a first end (3) and a second end (4) of the body (2), at least for a part of its length, a plurality of masses (20, 21, 22), distributed between the first end (3) and the second end (4) of the body (2), joined integrally to the at least one connection element (10, 11, 12) so that their position, in the direction of the length of the body, is maintained substantially unchanged when the apparatus is moved or bent; and optionally a containment element (30) that surrounds the at least on connection element (10, 11, 12) and the masses (20, 21, 22).

Claims

1. A flexible sporting apparatus comprising: an elongated and flexible body that is able to be bent in a ring or in a U, said elongated and flexible body being grippable and connectable to another identical flexible sporting apparatus, wherein a first end and a second end of said elongated and flexible body can be free, joined to each other or connectable to another identical flexible sporting apparatus, said elongated and flexible body comprising: a plurality of masses, distributed between the first end and the second end of the elongated and flexible body so that their position, in a direction of a length of the elongated and flexible body, is maintained substantially unchanged when the apparatus is moved or bent; at least one connection element secured integrally to said masses; and a containment element that surrounds said masses and said at least one connection element, wherein the elongated and flexible body has a section of constant shape and dimension between the first end and the second end, and wherein the first end or the second end of the elongated and flexible body, or both, are provided with at least one connection means for connecting to each other, to another flexible apparatus, or to an interconnection element.

2. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of said at least one connection element maintained grouped in a bundle by said containment element.

3. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said at least on connection element comprise one or more of the following elements: a wire, a rope, a cable, a tape.

4. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a material of the solid and deformable matrix is chosen from a gel, a silicone, an expanded polymer, a natural or synthetic rubber.

5. A modular apparatus comprising at least two flexible apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least two flexible apparatus are joined in sequence to form a linear element.

6. The modular apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least the interconnection element is interposed between at least two ends of the at least two flexible apparatus.

7. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one connection element is flexible and extends between said first end and said second end at least for a part of the length of the elongated and flexible body, the position of said masses, in the direction of the length of the elongated and flexible body, being maintained substantially unchanged when the apparatus is moved or bent by said at least one connection element.

8. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a weight per unit of a constant length between the first end and the second end of the elongated and flexible body or variable in a predetermined manner.

9. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said masses have the same shape or dimension or weight, or are different from one another.

10. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one connection element comprises a solid and deformable matrix in which the masses are dispersed.

11. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising, on an outer surface, zones indicated with marks or different colors.

12. The modular apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one connection means and said interconnection element are made of a rigid or elastic material.

13. A modular apparatus comprising at least two flexible apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least two flexible apparatus are closed to form an annular element, each elongated and flexible body of the at least two flexible apparatus being linked to one another or being joined by interconnection elements.

14. A flexible sporting apparatus comprising: an elongated and flexible body that is able to be bent in a ring or in a U, said elongated and flexible body being grippable and connectable to another identical flexible sporting apparatus, wherein a first end and a second end of said elongated and flexible body can be free, joined to each other or connectable to another identical flexible sporting apparatus, said elongated and flexible body comprising: a plurality of masses, distributed between the first end and the second end of the elongated and flexible body so that their position, in a direction of a length of the elongated and flexible body, is maintained substantially unchanged when the apparatus is moved or bent; at least one connection element secured integrally to said masses; and a containment element that surrounds said masses and said at least one connection element, wherein the elongated and flexible body has a section of constant shape and dimension between the first end and the second end, and wherein the flexible sporting apparatus further comprises a flexible reinforcing element that extends between said first end and said second end of the elongated and flexible body.

15. A modular apparatus comprising at least two flexible apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least two flexible apparatus are closed to form an annular element, each elongated and flexible body of the at least two flexible apparatus being linked to one another or being joined by interconnection elements.

16. A flexible sporting apparatus comprising: an elongated and flexible body that is able to be bent in a ring or in a U, said elongated and flexible body being grippable and connectable to another identical flexible sporting apparatus, wherein a first end and a second end of said elongated and flexible body can be free, joined to each other or connectable to another identical flexible sporting apparatus, said elongated and flexible body comprising: a plurality of masses, distributed between the first end and the second end of the elongated and flexible body so that their position, in a direction of a length of the elongated and flexible body, is maintained substantially unchanged when the apparatus is moved or bent; at least one connection element secured integrally to said masses; and a containment element that surrounds said masses and said at least one connection element, wherein the elongated and flexible body has a section of constant shape and dimension between the first end and the second end, and wherein said masses are joined to one another to form a plurality of linked elements that extends between the ends of the elongated and flexible body, said linked elements being joined to one another at least at their ends by said at least one connection element.

17. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said masses are ring or hook shaped, so as to be connected consecutively to one another in a stable or releasable manner.

18. The flexible sporting apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said linked elements comprise a chain.

19. A modular apparatus comprising at least two flexible apparatus, wherein each flexible sporting apparatus comprises: an elongated and flexible body that is able to be bent in a ring or in a U, said elongated and flexible body being grippable and connectable to another identical flexible sporting apparatus, wherein a first end and a second end of said elongated and flexible body can be free, joined to each other or connectable to another identical flexible sporting apparatus, said elongated and flexible body comprising: a plurality of masses, distributed between the first end and the second end of the elongated and flexible body so that their position, in a direction of a length of the elongated and flexible body, is maintained substantially unchanged when the apparatus is moved or bent; at least one connection element secured integrally to said masses; and a containment element that surrounds said masses and said at least one connection element, wherein the elongated and flexible body has a section of constant shape and dimension between the first end and the second end, wherein the at least two flexible apparatus are joined in sequence to form a linear element, and wherein the at least two flexible apparatus are closed to form an annular element, each elongated and flexible body of the at least two flexible apparatus being linked to one another or being joined by interconnection elements.

20. The modular apparatus according to claim 19, wherein said at least two flexible apparatus are equal in weight and in shape or different in weight and/or shape.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features and details of the invention will be better understood from the description below, provided by way of non-limiting example, and from the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a diagram of a perspective view of the flexible apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2a is a cross sectional schematic diagram of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIGS. 2b to 2f are the same number of cross sectional schematic diagrams of a portion of the apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 3a is a cross sectional schematic diagram of the apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIGS. 3b to 3f are the same number of longitudinal sectional schematic diagrams of a portion of the apparatus according to further embodiments of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 4a is a cross sectional schematic diagram of the apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIGS. 4b to 4f are the same number of longitudinal sectional schematic diagrams of a portion of the apparatus according to further embodiments of the present invention;

(9) FIG. 5a is a cross sectional schematic diagram of the apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

(10) FIGS. 5b to 5f are the same number of longitudinal sectional schematic diagrams of a portion of the apparatus according to further embodiments of the present invention;

(11) FIG. 6a is a cross sectional schematic diagram of the apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIGS. 6b to 6e are the same number of longitudinal sectional schematic diagrams of a portion of the apparatus according to further embodiments of the present invention;

(13) FIGS. 7a to 7d are the same number of front schematic diagrams of the apparatus according to further embodiments of the present invention;

(14) FIGS. 8a to 8f are the same number of front schematic diagrams of the apparatus according to further embodiments of the present invention;

(15) FIGS. 9a to 9g are the same number of front schematic diagrams of a modular apparatus according to some embodiments of the present invention;

(16) FIGS. 10a to 10d are schematic front views of the modular apparatus according to further embodiments of the present invention;

(17) FIGS. 11a to 11d are schematic front views of the modular apparatus according to other embodiments of the present invention;

(18) FIGS. 12a and 12b are schematic front views of the modular apparatus according to other embodiments of the present invention;

(19) FIG. 13 is a cross sectional schematic diagram of the flexible apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(20) With reference to FIG. 1, this illustrates the flexible sporting apparatus 1, which comprises an elongated and flexible body 2. Within the scope of the present invention, the term elongated means that the body has one dimension, for example the length, much greater than the others, for example the height and the width. Instead, the term flexible means the capacity of the body to flex with respect to an extended position in which it is substantially rectilinear. According to the invention, the body 2 is sufficiently flexible to be able to be bent in a ring or in a U. Preferably, in this latter case, the two arms of the U can be brought into contact with each other substantially for the whole length.

(21) This bending capacity, as already mentioned, allows the apparatus to be used to perform a wide variety of exercises that usually require the use of several different known apparatus. The body 2 can in fact be gripped with one or with both hands, in any point between a first end 3 and a second end 4, these latter included.

(22) The body 2 can also be worn by the person, also without the aid of further fastening means such as belts, harnesses or the like. In fact, due to the fact that it deforms easily, the body 2 can for example be wrapped around a part of the body of the person.

(23) The weight and the dimensions of the body 2 can vary as a function of the user's needs. The person performing the exercise will choose the apparatus with a weight and with dimensions compatible with his/her physical capacities and with the movements required by the exercise.

(24) Typically, the body 2 has a weight comprised between 0.5 kg and 5 kg, although higher or lower weight values than those indicated are possible.

(25) Preferably, the body 2 has a section of constant shape and dimension between the first end 3 and the second end 4.

(26) This allows the body 2 to be gripped comfortably in any point between the aforesaid ends 3, 4.

(27) For this purpose, the maximum dimension of the section of the body 2 is preferably less than 60 mm and more preferably less than 40 mm. Typically, the minimum dimension of said section is at least 10 mm.

(28) According to a preferred embodiment, the shape of the section of the body 2 is substantially circular. This shape guarantees a substantially constant bending strength of the body regardless of the position of the body with respect to the plane of bending.

(29) The diameter of the section is typically comprised between 15 mm and 40 mm and more preferably between 20 mm and 30 mm.

(30) However, the section can also have other shapes, for example it can be oval or flattened or have the shape of any polygon. Such shape of the section can give the body 2 a different bending strength with respect to different planes of bending.

(31) The length of the body 2 is preferably comprised between 200 mm and 1500 mm and more preferably between 500 mm and 800 mm.

(32) With reference to FIGS. 2a-2f, these illustrate the flexible apparatus 1 according to some embodiments.

(33) The body 2 of the apparatus comprises a plurality of flexible connection elements 10 that extend in the direction of the length of the apparatus. Each connection element 10 carries a plurality of masses 20. The masses 20 are secured to the connection element 10 in a stable manner. In practice, the masses 20 cannot slide on said connection element.

(34) The connection elements 10 and the masses 20 are grouped in a compact bundle, preferably retained by a containment element 30. In the example illustrated, the containment element 30 is a flexible tubular sheath. Preferably, the connection elements 10 have the same length as the body 2. The respective ends of these connection elements 10 can therefore be joined to one another, at the ends 3, 4 of the body 2.

(35) According to a preferred variant, the connection elements 10 comprise wires, cables or ropes. They can be made of plastic material, for example nylon, or metal, or of natural or synthetic fibres. Preferably, the connection elements 10 are made of a limitedly extensible material, typically not elastic. In this way, it is guaranteed that each mass 20 remains in a given position with respect to the ends 3, 4 of the body 2, even when the apparatus is moved, pulled bent, etc. In practice, the connection element 10 prevents a mass 20 from moving toward one end of the body 2, or moving away from the other, during use of the apparatus. For example, this prevents the masses 20 from being able to accumulate in a given zone of the body 2 following given movements imparted to the apparatus, or through gravity, centrifugal force or other inertial forces. Therefore, the apparatus has a definite and stable distribution of the masses 20.

(36) In the examples of FIGS. 2a-2f, said masses 20 comprise substantially spherical elements, for example balls. However, as already mentioned, the masses can have any other shape compatible with the capacity to bend of the body 2. The material of the masses 20 is preferably a metal, such as lead, steel or other heavy metals. However, inexpensive materials that are easy to work, such as lead, are preferable. Said masses 20 can have the same or a different shape and dimension.

(37) According to a preferred variant, the containment element 30 is made of a plastic material. Other suitable materials are, for example, rubber, polyurethane foams, silicone, natural materials such as cotton fibres or acrylic materials. The containment element 30 allows the body 2 to bend freely maintaining the connection elements 10 and the related masses 20 grouped.

(38) FIGS. 2b to 2f illustrate some non-limiting examples of arrangement of the masses 20 on the connection elements 10. In FIG. 2b the masses 20 have a substantially constant and equal distance on all the connection elements 10. The masses 20 have a different dimension from one another, thus being able to define, if made of the same material, sections of the body 2 that are heavier than others.

(39) In the examples of FIGS. 2c, 2d the same result is obtained by spacing the masses 20 closer or farther apart on the connection element in some lengths of the body 2.

(40) In the example of FIGS. 2e and 2f, in a given section of the body 2, the connection elements 10 carry a different number of masses 20. This configuration allows the creation of sections with a weight per unit of length that increases or decreases gradually.

(41) According to a further variant of the invention, not illustrated in the figures, the connection element can also carry filling elements. Said filling material is preferably made of a material considerably lighter than the material of the masses, in general almost negligible. Said filling elements can be attached to lengths of the connection elements 10 without the masses 20. The function of these elements is to fill sections of the body 2 in which the masses 20 are absent or are much fewer with respect to others, in order to give the body 2 a section of substantially constant dimension between the ends 3, 4. Said filling elements can, for example, be made of a plastic material, preferably expanded, or natural fibres such as cotton or kapok.

(42) As illustrated in FIG. 2a, the body 2 can also comprise an external covering element 40. The function of this covering element is to protect the containment element 30 from wear and dirt.

(43) The function of the covering element 40 is also to limit friction between the surfaces of the apparatus and parts of the body of a person, making use more comfortable.

(44) To this end, the covering element 40 is preferably made of acrylic materials or nylon fibres.

(45) More in general, this covering element 40, just as the containment element 30 when provided as outermost layer, is made of a material that can be washed or in any case sanitized in a practical and rapid manner, for example using suitable liquid products.

(46) FIGS. 3a-3f illustrate the apparatus 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

(47) The apparatus, in this further variant, comprises a flexible and elongated reinforcing element 50, which extends between the ends 3, 4 of the body 2. This reinforcing element has the main task of supporting the tensile stresses to which the apparatus is subjected.

(48) This variant is preferable when the body has a high weight and, in particular, when the apparatus is used in a modular configuration, as illustrated better below.

(49) The reinforcing element 50 can comprise, for example, a rope, a cable, a chain or the like. Preferably, said reinforcing element is arranged at the centre of the section of the body 2 and is surrounded by the connection elements 10.

(50) The arrangement of the masses 20 and of the connection elements 10 can be the same as described with reference to the examples of FIGS. 2a-2f.

(51) FIGS. 4a to 4f illustrate other examples of the apparatus 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

(52) With respect to the previous variant, in this variant the masses 21 are attached integrally also to the reinforcing element 50. In practice, said reinforcing element 50 also acts as connection element.

(53) The masses 21 attached to the reinforcing element 50, generally thicker with respect to the connection elements 10, can have the shape of perforated discs or cylinders.

(54) FIGS. 5a to 5f illustrate other examples of the apparatus 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention.

(55) In this variant the body 2 comprises only one connection element 11 to which the masses 21, 22 are attached integrally. Preferably, according to this variant, the connection element 11 has a tensile strength comparable to that of a reinforcing element.

(56) The masses 21, 22 can be discs or cylinders, as shown in FIGS. 5b, 5d-5f, or balls as illustrated in FIG. 5c.

(57) Also in this case, the arrangement of the masses 21, 22 on the connection element 11 is chosen as a function of needs. The masses 21 can be attached at a constant distance, as in the examples of FIGS. 5b and 5e, or at a different distance. The masses 21, 22 can also be positioned only in some sections of the body 2, as in the examples of FIGS. 5c and 5f.

(58) In this variant the containment element 30 might not be present. Optionally, the masses 21, 22 and the connection element 11 can be covered by the covering element 40.

(59) Another variant of the apparatus 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 6a-6e. In this variant, the connection element comprises a solid and deformable matrix 12 in which the masses 20 are dispersed. The material of the matrix 12 can be a gel, an expanded polymer material, a silicone, rubber or equivalent materials.

(60) More in general, the matrix 12 can comprise any solid material whose deformation can take place with a substantially negligible effort with respect to the effort required to overcome the weight force of the apparatus. At the same time, the structure of the matrix 12 must be sufficiently stable to maintain the masses 20 suspended in a given position of the body 2. The aforesaid masses can have a regular and uniform distribution in the direction of the length of the body 2, as in the example of FIG. 6d, or random as in FIG. 6e.

(61) FIG. 13 illustrates another variant of the flexible apparatus according to the invention. In this variant the masses 20 comprise elements connected to one another to form a plurality of linked elements 200. Said masses are for example annular elements, hook-shaped or with any other shape that allows their connection also in the absence of other constraining means. According to a preferred example of embodiment, the masses 20 are the links of a chain 200.

(62) According to the invention, the apparatus comprises at least one pair of connection elements 100 arranged at the ends 3, 4 of the body 2.

(63) Said connection elements 100 retain the ends of the linked elements 200. In the example illustrated, the connection element 100 comprises a body made of plastic material, and more preferably polymer, in which the end lengths of the linked elements 200 are embedded.

(64) Alternatively, the connection element 100 can comprise an elastic ring, a clamp or equivalent means.

(65) In the case in which the length of the body 2 makes this necessary, further connection elements 100, not illustrated, can be arranged in intermediate points of the body 2 around the linked elements 200.

(66) According to a preferred variant, one of the linked elements 200 can have one or both ends that extend beyond the ends of the body 2 to allow connection of the apparatus 1 to other apparatus, as will be described in more detail below.

(67) According to another aspect of the invention, the outer surface of the body 2 can have marks or differently coloured portions, as illustrated in FIGS. 7a-7f.

(68) For example, with reference to FIGS. 7a and 7b, the outer surface of the body 2 has sections 5 of different colour. In the example given, the coloured sections 5 correspond to respective lengths of the body 2 that have a different weight. Optionally, besides colour, the surface of the body 2 can also bear an indication of the weight value of each section.

(69) Therefore, the person using the apparatus can decide in which point to grip the body 2 to perform the exercise. In fact, different gripping points cause different reactions on the limb or limbs involved in the exercise, reactions linked mainly to the different inertias of the masses of the various sections involved that can be unbalanced.

(70) According to another variant, illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 7c and 7d, the surface of the body 2 has marks within gripping zones 6, coloured parts, or both, to highlight the gripping zones 6. Each gripping zone 6 corresponds to a holding point in which the apparatus is balanced, for example when gripped in one hand, or is unbalanced towards one of the ends.

(71) More in general, the outer surface of the apparatus can bear letters, numbers or other marks useful for identifying and immediately recognizing different gripping zones of the apparatus so as to be able to perform exercises correctly according to the instructions provided by a trainer or by a manual.

(72) Said marks or colours can be indicated directly on the covering element 40 or on the containment element 30, where provided as outermost layer, or attached over these latter in another way.

(73) Advantageously, according to an aspect of the invention, the body 2 is provided at least with one connection means at least at one end 3, 4. Preferably, both said ends 3 and 4 of the body 2 are provided with the aforesaid connection means.

(74) This connection means allows the flexible apparatus, to be joined, directly or indirectly, to other flexible apparatus to form a modular apparatus.

(75) FIGS. 8a-8f illustrate some possible embodiments of the connection means.

(76) In the example in FIG. 8a, the connection means 8 comprises an eyelet. Said eyelet is preferably secured on a projecting end flap of the containment element 30 or of the covering element 40.

(77) In the example in FIG. 8b the connection means 8 comprises a male or female threaded element.

(78) In the example in FIG. 8c the connection means 8 comprises a snap fastener or interlocking automatic closing part.

(79) In the example in FIG. 8d the connection means 8 comprises an articulated joint part.

(80) In the aforesaid examples of FIGS. 8b-8d, the connection means 8 positioned at the respective ends 3, 4 are couplable to one another to form an annular element or to join various bodies 2 in a linear sequence, as illustrated below.

(81) In the example of FIG. 8e the connection means 8 comprises a loop.

(82) In the example of FIG. 8f the connection means 8 comprises a ring element, typically flexible and optionally elastic. Said ring element can be tied to another identical element on the opposite ends of the body 2 or to another ring element of another body 2.

(83) According to another variant, said connection means can comprise a length of the reinforcing element 50 (not illustrated in the figure) or of a linked element 200 (FIG. 13) that extends beyond each of the ends 3, 4 of the body 2.

(84) FIGS. 9a-9c illustrate some examples of a modular apparatus 100 according to the invention, comprising several flexible apparatus 1 joined in sequence to form a linear element.

(85) In the aforesaid figures, connection between the bodies 2 of the various apparatus is produced respectively by means of the articulated joint, the snap fastener or ring elements tied to one another.

(86) In the examples of FIGS. 9d-9g the modular apparatus 100 comprises several apparatus 1 connected to one another with the aid of interconnection means 60.

(87) Said interconnection means 60 can for example comprise snap hooks, elastic tapes, elastic rings, cables, ropes or the like.

(88) The task of the aforesaid interconnection means 60 is to give the modular apparatus the possibility of movement, between one apparatus 1 and another, substantially equivalent, or optionally greater, with respect to the movement of the body 2. Elastic interconnection elements introduce a further degree of freedom to the apparatus, allowing it to stretch or retract while performing the exercises.

(89) In the example of FIG. 9e the connection means 8 is an eyelet and the interconnection element 60 is a snap hook.

(90) In the example of FIG. 9f the connection means 8 is an eyelet and the interconnection element 60 is an elastic tape.

(91) In the example of FIG. 9g the connection means 8 is an eyelet and the interconnection element 60 is an elastic ring.

(92) In the example of FIG. 9d the connection means 8 is a loop and the interconnection element 60 is a snap hook.

(93) According to the invention, the modular apparatus 100 can comprise several apparatus 1 connected to one another in a non-linear manner, for example linked.

(94) In the example of FIG. 10a, the apparatus 100 comprises several apparatus 1 whose bodies 2 are closed at the ends to form an annular element. Each body is linked with at least another to form a simple chain. In the example shown, the connection means 8 is an articulated joint but can also be obtained with a snap fastener or with a threaded joint.

(95) In the examples of FIGS. 10b, 10c, the bodies 2 of the apparatus 1, closed in the shape of a ring, are joined to one another by interconnection means 61. According to an example, said interconnection means 61 comprise flexible rings, preferably elastic. The dimension of the rings can vary as a function of the weight and of the dimension of the modular apparatus to be obtained.

(96) Also in this case, the elasticity of the interconnection elements 61 allows the various flexible apparatus 1 to move in space with a greater freedom, introducing motor interferences to the exercise.

(97) In the examples indicated above, the modular apparatus 100 can be composed of a number of apparatus 1 chosen by the person as a function of the type of exercise and of the total weight required.

(98) FIG. 10d illustrates a further example of the modular apparatus 100 in which the bodies 2 of the various apparatus 1 have the ends 3, 4 joined stably, for example stitched, welded, glued or made integral in any other known way. Also in this variant, the various bodies 2 are linked to one another to form a simple chain.

(99) Clearly, for all the variants that provide for the use of the bodies 2 in the form of annular elements, these latter can also be connected to one another according to other more or less complex geometries to form a variety of different modular apparatus.

(100) In the examples of FIGS. 11a-11d, other examples of connection of several apparatus 1 are illustrated.

(101) In FIG. 11a two apparatus 1 are secured to a pair of Y-shaped interconnection elements 62 to form a closed annular element. The interconnection element 62 is in turn connectable to another interconnection element 62 to form a sort of unlinked linear chain as shown in FIG. 11b.

(102) In FIG. 11b the ends 3, 4, of the body 2 are secured to the arms of the Y-shaped interconnection element 62 to form an annular element. Said element can be connected to other similar elements through the interconnection element 62, as in the example of FIG. 11c, or linked as shown in FIG. 11d.

(103) In these variants, the interconnection element 62 is preferably of rigid type. Alternatively, the interconnection element can be made of an elastic material.

(104) In FIGS. 12a, 12b, the modular apparatus comprises modular apparatus 100 provided with the aforesaid elastic interconnection element 63, according to two examples of embodiment. In FIG. 12b the modular apparatus 100 comprises closed annular elements joined to linear flexible apparatus 1.

(105) The modular apparatus 100, according to any embodiment from those illustrated, can comprise flexible apparatus 1 the same or different in weight and in shape.

(106) This is particularly useful when the modular apparatus is used as progressive mass, linear or non-linear in shape, in place of conventional chains.

(107) In fact, it is possible to put together the various elements, linear or ring-shaped, with a given sequence of different weights that can adapt to the type of exercise performed. For example, it is possible to generate an exponential increase in weight that increases gradually as the apparatus is lifted from the surface on which it rests. To do this, it is sufficient to connect several flexible apparatus 1, each with weight increasing with respect to the previous one, and to lift the apparatus starting from the lightest element.

(108) By lifting the modular apparatus from the heaviest side of the flexible apparatus it is instead possible to obtain an increase of the load that has an asymptotic trend, i.e. which increases less than proportionally with respect to the movement performed.

(109) Other combinations are in any case possible by connecting flexible apparatus 1 of the same or different weight according to further patterns.

(110) Moreover, unlike conventional chains, in the apparatus according to the present invention as the metal parts are spaced from one another, they do not collide, or collide only to a limited extent, that is, in relation to the embodiment. Therefore, in the apparatus according to the present invention as the impacts between metal parts are absent or limited, or produce a muffled sound, its movement is more silent with respect to metal chains, offering considerable and evident advantages to those using the apparatus.

(111) The flexible apparatus 1, just as the modular apparatus 100, is also safety to use with respect to known apparatus such as barbells, dumbbells, discs, kettlebells and the like. In fact, these apparatus according to the invention have no rigid, hard or sharp parts, can be manipulated freely close to the body of the person using them or to other persons nearby. Therefore, these apparatus are suitable for use both by able and trained persons and by beginners, children, the elderly or persons with limited physical capacities.

(112) The invention has been described purely for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, according to some preferred embodiments. Therefore, a person skilled in the art can make modifications or variations, all of which are considered as falling within the scope of protection of the present invention.