GYMNASTIC EQUIPMENT

Abstract

Gymnastic equipment includes a first element, which is fixed or movable, adapted to interact exclusively with a first portion of the user's body, a second element, which is fixed or movable, adapted to interact exclusively with a second portion of the user's body, the first portion and the second portion being arranged on opposite sides with respect to the sagittal plane of the user's body. The equipment further includes a first vibration generator associated to the first element, a second vibration generator associated to said second element, and a control unit to which the first vibration generator and the second vibration generator are operatively connected. The control unit of the gymnastic equipment includes an independent actuator of the first vibration generator and of the second vibration generator adapted for actuating the first and second vibration generators in respective first and second time periods alternating with each other in sequence and not overlapping.

Claims

1. Gymnastic equipment, comprising a first element, which is fixed or movable, adapted to interact exclusively with a first portion of the user's body, a second element, which is fixed or movable, adapted to interact exclusively with a second portion of the user's body, said first portion and said second portion being arranged on opposite sides with respect to the sagittal plane of the user's body, first vibration generating means associated to said first element, second vibration generating means associated to said second element, and a control unit to which said first vibration generating means and said second vibration generating means are operatively connected, wherein said control unit comprises independent actuation means of said first vibration generating means and of said second vibration generating means adapted for actuating said first means and said second means in respective first and second time periods alternating with each other in sequence and not overlapping.

2. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein between said first time period and said second time period respective intermediate time intervals are foreseen, having value zero or greater than zero.

3. The equipment according to claim 2, wherein said independent actuation means comprise a first local unit and a second local unit adapted to control the actuation of said first vibration generating means and of said second vibration generating means, respectively, which units are operatively slaved to a supervision unit.

4. The equipment according to claim 3, wherein said first local unit and said second local unit comprise respective first adjusting means of the duration of the first time period wherein said first vibration generating means are operative, and second adjusting means of the second time period wherein said second vibration generating means are operative.

5. The equipment according to claim 3, wherein said first local unit and said second local unit comprise respective first selecting means of the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibration produced by said first generating means, and second selecting means of the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibration produced by said second generating means.

6. The equipment according to claim 3, wherein said supervision unit comprises means for varying said intermediate time intervals.

7. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein said first element and said second element comprise respective independent plates, not mechanically connected to each other, on which the user puts the one and the other foot.

8. The equipment according to claim 7, wherein said first element and said second element are fixed and comprise respective plates on which the user puts both feet while substantially standing.

9. The equipment according to claim 1, comprising at least a support frame, wherein said first element and said second element are movable and comprise respective first resistant means and second resistant means.

10. The equipment according to claim 9, wherein said first resistant means and said second resistant means comprise a first weight stack and a second weight stack, respectively, or a single weight stack, which stacks are slidably associated to said frame, and further a first rope-sheave or chain-pulley system and a second rope-sheave or chain-pulley system, or a single rope-sheave or chain-pulley system, by which said first weight stack and said second weight stack, or said single weight stack, can be raised by the user.

11. The equipment according to claim 10, wherein said first vibration generating means and said second vibration generating means are connected to said first weight stack and to said second weight stack, respectively.

12. The equipment according to claim 10, wherein said first vibration generating means and said second vibration generating means are respectively provided along said first rope-sheave, or chain-pulley system, and along said second rope-sheave, or chain-pulley system.

13. The equipment according to claim 11, wherein said first vibration generating means and said second vibration generating means are associated to respective movable arms movable rods or to other movable components of the equipment.

14. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein said intermediate time intervals respectively comprised between said first time period and said second time period, and then between said second time period and the next first time period, can be of the same duration, or of different duration.

15. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein said first time period and said second time period have values of less than 3 seconds.

16. The equipment according to claim 1, wherein said first time period and said second time period both have a value roughly equal to 3 seconds, or exactly equal to 3 seconds.

17. The equipment according to claim 2, wherein said intermediate time intervals have values of less than 2 seconds.

18. The equipment according to claim 2, wherein said intermediate time intervals have a value roughly equal to 2 seconds, or exactly equal to 2 seconds.

19. The equipment according to claim 4, wherein said first local unit and said second local unit comprise respective first selecting means of the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibration produced by said first generating means, and second selecting means of the frequency and/or the amplitude of the vibration produced by said second generating means.

20. The equipment according to claim 4, wherein said supervision unit comprises means for varying said intermediate time intervals.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] These and further advantages will become clearer to those skilled in the art from the following description and from the attached drawings, given as a non-limiting example, in which:

[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a gymnastic equipment according to the invention;

[0064] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the equipment, with some parts removed for the sake of clarity;

[0065] FIG. 3 is a functional diagram of the equipment according to the invention;

[0066] FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the vibrations generated by the equipment according to the invention in a generic physical exercise time period, and applied respectively to a first portion and to a second portion of the user's body;

[0067] FIG. 4A is a graph illustrating the vibrations generated by the equipment according to the invention in a generic physical exercise time period, and applied respectively to a first portion and to a second portion of the user's body, according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0068] FIG. 4B is a graph illustrating the vibrations generated by the equipment according to the invention in a generic physical exercise time period, and applied respectively to a first portion and to a second portion of the user's body, according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

[0069] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the gymnastic equipment according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0070] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view, with some parts removed for the sake of greater clarity, of the gymnastic equipment of FIG. 5;

[0071] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the gymnastic equipment according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

[0072] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the gymnastic equipment according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0073] FIG. 9 is another perspective view, from a different angle, of the equipment of FIG. 8;

[0074] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the gymnastic equipment according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0075] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the gymnastic equipment of FIG. 10;

[0076] FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the gymnastic equipment according to yet another embodiment of the invention;

[0077] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of the gymnastic equipment of FIG. 12;

[0078] FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of a user using a gymnastic equipment according to the current state of the art with two limbs subjected to simultaneous vibration;

[0079] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of a user using a gymnastic equipment according to the present invention, with dispersion before amplification due to resonance;

[0080] FIG. 16 is a graph illustrating the vibrations generated by the equipment according to the invention in a generic physical exercise time period, and applied respectively to a first portion and to a second portion of the user's body, according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0081] FIG. 17 is a graph illustrating the vibrations generated by the equipment according to the invention in a generic physical exercise time period, and applied respectively to a first portion and to a second portion of the user's body, according to yet another embodiment of the invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0082] With reference to FIG. 1, a gymnastic equipment according to the present invention is wholly indicated with 1.

[0083] The gymnastic equipment according to the invention, as made clearer hereinafter, can, without distinction, be of the so-called isometric type, in which the muscle exercise takes place without actual movement of the limbs or of parts or elements of the equipment connected to them, or for example of the isoinertial type (with weights or flywheels), and/or auxotonic type (with elastic, or with resistances however generated, in which the muscle exercise takes place through the movement of the limbs or other parts of the body), or even with guided movements or with free movements (for example with cables connected to weights or resistances).

[0084] The gymnastic equipment 1 comprises a first element 2.

[0085] The first element 2 can be fixed or movable.

[0086] The first element 2 is adapted for interacting with a first portion 3 of the user's body 5.

[0087] As will become clearer hereinafter, the aforementioned first portion 3 can be any portion, without any limitation.

[0088] The gymnastic equipment 1 also comprises a second element 6.

[0089] The second element 6 can be fixed or movable.

[0090] The second element 6 is adapted to interact with a second portion 7 of the user's body 5.

[0091] The second portion 7 of the body can also be any portion, without any limitation.

[0092] The first portion 3 and the second portion 7 of the user's body are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the sagittal plane SP of the user's body 5.

[0093] In other words, the first portion 3 and the second portion 7 respectively belong to the first hemisoma 4 and to the second hemisoma 8 of the user's body 5 (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0094] The equipment 1 also comprises first vibration generating means 9.

[0095] The first vibration generating means 9 are associated with the first element 2, according to the ways made clearer hereinafter.

[0096] The equipment 1 further comprises second vibration generating means 10.

[0097] The second vibration generating means 10 are associated with the second element 6, according to the ways made clearer hereinafter.

[0098] The gymnastic equipment 1 comprises a control unit 11.

[0099] The control unit 11 is operatively connected to the first vibration generating means 9 and to the second vibration generating means 10.

[0100] According to an aspect of the present invention, the control unit 11 comprises independent actuation means 12 of the first vibration generating means 9 and of the second vibration generating means 10.

[0101] The aforementioned independent actuation means 12 are adapted for actuating the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 in respective first and second time periods T1,T2 alternating with each other in sequence and not overlapping.

[0102] As will become clearer hereinafter, thanks to this solution the transmission of the vibrations generated by the equipment 1 always and only takes place at only one of the portions 3,7 of the user's body 5.

[0103] In other words, the equipment 1, at every moment of exercise, can transmit vibrations, with various modes of amplitude and frequency, directly at only one of the portions 3,7 of the user's body 5, whereas the other portion 3,7 is not subjected to direct transmission of the vibrations themselves, also in the case in which it is possibly in contact with the respective first or second element 2,6 of the equipment 1 itself.

[0104] In this way, the portion 3,7 not involved in the direct transmission of vibrations contributes to the quick and effective damping thereof, preventing them from reaching areas in which they are unwanted or in which they could be potentially harmful, such as the spinal column and the head of the user 5 (sensitive central structures), if added to vibrations transmitted on the other portion 3,7.

[0105] At the same time, however, the vibrations transmitted to the first or second portion 3,7 of the user's body 5, on the other hand, are fully effective for the muscle-skeletal structures involved, also because being able to avoid the discomfort and the risks connected to bilateral mode of administration, with the present monolateral mode it is possible to apply much greater powers, in an innocuous but more effective manner.

[0106] The transmission of vibrations to just one of the portions 3,7 of the user's body 5 is also much more focused in the treatment of the muscle-skeletal structures involved, with less dispersion of energy also thanks to the fact that the user 5 can better concentrate on the exercise of a single portion 3,7 of the body rather than both, helping the natural nervous control system of the two hemisomas, which are normally activated according to the neurological principle of contralateral interneuron inhibition (Hanna-Boutros et al. J Neurophysiol. 2014).

[0107] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the gymnastic equipment 1, as an example, consists of a vibrating platform.

[0108] In this embodiment, therefore, the first element 2 and the second element 6 of the equipment 1 are fixed, and comprise respective support plates arranged substantially horizontally.

[0109] The support plates of the first element 2 and of the second element 6 are independent and separate from one another, in other words there is no mechanical connection between the support plate of the first element 2 and that of the second element 6.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 1, therefore, the first portion 3 and the second portion 7 of the user's body 5, in this case, consist respectively of the first foot and the second foot thereof.

[0111] In detail, the equipment 1 comprises a support frame 13, with which the first element 2 and the second element 6 are associated so as to be able to be vertically mobile.

[0112] The equipment 1 also comprises a support portion 14 associated with the frame 13, which the user 5 can grip to stay balanced during exercise.

[0113] More specifically, the support frame 13 for example has a substantially box-like configuration, and houses the first and the second vibration generating means 9,10, as well as the control unit 11, inside it.

[0114] The configuration of the support frame 13 illustrated in FIG. 1, as well as the arrangement of the components of the equipment 1 inside it, is merely a non-limiting example.

[0115] According to another aspect of the invention, the independent actuation means 12 comprise a first local management unit 15 of the first vibration generating means 9.

[0116] Moreover, the independent actuation means 12 comprise a second local management unit 16 of the second vibration generating means 10.

[0117] The first local unit 15 and the second local unit 16 are operatively slaved to a single supervision unit 17.

[0118] The supervision unit 17 is in turn operatively connected to an interface 18, through which the user 5 can set and/or control the operating parameters of the equipment 1.

[0119] The interface 18 can, for example, be associated with the support portion 14, or with other parts of the equipment 1.

[0120] According to yet another aspect of the invention, the first local unit 15 comprises respective first adjusting means 19 of the first time period T1 of the vibration produced by the first generation means 9 during exercise.

[0121] Moreover, the second local unit 16 comprises respective second adjusting means 20 of the second time period T2 of the vibration produced by the second generation means 10.

[0122] This means that the first local unit 15 and the second local unit 16 are capable of autonomously managing, respectively, the duration of the first time period T1 in which the first vibration generating means 9 act, and of the second time period T2 in which the second vibration generating means 10 act; according to predetermined exercise programs, for example set by the user 5 or by the trainer, physiotherapist, or other trained person.

[0123] As stated, in an embodiment of the invention the first time period T1 and the second time period T2 never overlap.

[0124] To better understand, please refer to FIG. 4, in which the vibrations V1 generated respectively by the first generation means 9, and the vibrations V2 generated by the second generation means 10 are schematically represented, as a function of time.

[0125] As can be observed, in a generic exercise time period, the first generation means 9 and the second generation means 10 act alternately, and in succession after one another, without any overlapping.

[0126] Between the first time period T1, in which the first generation means 9 act, and the second time period T2, in which the second vibration means 10 act, two intermediate time intervals T3,T3a are respectively provided, in which neither of the means 9,10 acts.

[0127] This mode, which ensures the complete dissipation of the vibration energy transmitted to a portion 3,7 before the start of the transmission of new vibration energy to the other portion 3,7, is certainly preferable in cases in which it is intended to entirely eliminate both the discomfort and the risks connected to the negative effects of vibrations on the structures (muscle-skeletal or organs) arranged in the sagittal plane of symmetry (sensitive central structures).

[0128] The advantages illustrated above will become clearer from the schematic representations of FIGS. 14,15.

[0129] FIG. 14 schematically shows a user 5 that uses a conventional gymnastic equipment M, i.e. according to the current state of the art (in particular a vibrating platform).

[0130] As can be seen, the equipment M, which generates a bilateral vibration V1,V2, transmits direct vibrations A to both portions 3,7 of the user's body 5, in this case the lower limbs.

[0131] The direct vibrations A propagate along the limbs and add together at the spinal column, and from here quickly reach the cranial area, and/or other sensitive central structures (in an amplified manner).

[0132] FIG. 15, on the other hand, schematically shows a user 5 using a gymnastic equipment 1 according to the present invention.

[0133] In this case, at a certain moment (or in a certain operating time period of the equipment) only one of the first and second element 2,6 of the equipment 1 generates vibrations V1,V2, and thus transmits direct vibrations A to one of the portions 3,7 of the user's body separated by the sagittal plane SP.

[0134] As can be seen, as a consequence of this, only a minimal part of the direct vibrations A reaches the cranial area (or possibly other particularly sensitive areas of the body): indeed, a substantial fraction A of the direct vibrations A, during the intermediate time period T3,T3a, propagates through other parts of the body, and is consequently absorbed, becoming substantially innocuous.

[0135] It should be noted that the use of vibrations on a single limb, but prolonged over time (for example for a few minutes), would still have amplification and resonance effects such as to certainly cause uncomfortable and harmful consequences on the rest of the body.

[0136] According to another aspect of the invention, the control unit 11and in particular the supervision unit 17 comprises means 21 for varying the intermediate time intervals T3,T3a that occur between the first and second time periods T1,T2.

[0137] Such intermediate time intervals T3,T3a can be set to any values specifically calculated and compatible with the type of exercise performed.

[0138] The intermediate time intervals T3,T3a respectively comprised between the first time period T1 and the second time period T2, and then between the second time period T2 and the next time period T1, can be of the same duration, or of different duration.

[0139] For example, a different duration of the aforementioned intermediate time intervals T3,T3a can be foreseen in the case in which it is intended to obtain greater dispersion of the vibrations along a certain portion 3,7 of the body with respect to another.

[0140] This can be advantageous in the case in which the two portions 3,7 of the body that undergo the transmission of vibrations must be treated differently from one another, for different reasons.

[0141] According to an aspect of the present invention, each intermediate time interval T3,T3a has a value of less than 2 seconds.

[0142] In an embodiment of the invention, each intermediate time interval T3,T3a has a value roughly equal to 2 seconds.

[0143] In an embodiment of the invention, each intermediate time interval T3,T3a has a value exactly equal to 2 seconds.

[0144] They are time periods suitable for allowing the dispersion of the vibrations V1,V2 generated by the equipment through the user's body 5.

[0145] The first time period T1 and the second time period T2 can have identical values, or they can be assigned different values if, for whatever reason, the user 5 wishes to exert one portion 3,7 of the body more than the other, or in any case differently from the other.

[0146] According to an aspect of the invention, the first time period T1 and the second time period T2 have respective values of less than 3 seconds.

[0147] In an embodiment of the invention, the first time period T1 and the second time period T2 both have a value roughly equal to 3 seconds.

[0148] In an embodiment of the invention, the first time period T1 and the second time period T2 both have a value exactly equal to 3 seconds.

[0149] The first local unit 15 and the second local unit 16 also comprise respective first selecting means 22 of the frequency of the vibration produced by said first generation means 9, and second selecting means 23 of the frequency of the vibration produced by said second generation means 10.

[0150] The first local unit 15 and the second local unit 16 also comprise respective first selecting means 24 of the amplitude of the vibration produced by said first generation means 9, and second selecting means 25 of the amplitude of the vibration produced by said second generation means 10.

[0151] Thus, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 can operate at identical frequencies and amplitudes, or even at different frequencies and/or amplitudes in the case in which the specific training/exercise devised for the user requires it, without any limitation.

[0152] The control unit 11 comprisesor is associated withelectrical power supply means 26 and/or other known components, necessary for the correct operation of the gymnastic equipment 1 and not described in detail.

[0153] The first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 can be of the mechanical type, for example eccentric.

[0154] Or, in a totally equivalent manner, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 can be of the electromagnetically actuated type.

[0155] The choice of one or other type of actuation, or of yet another type that may be known and available on the market, is linked exclusively to the satisfaction of specific application requirements and/or to obtaining certain behaviours of the equipment 1 during its operation, and does not constitute any limitation to the purposes and effects of the present invention.

[0156] FIGS. 15 and 16 are graphs that illustrate, totally schematically and for the purposes of better understanding, the vibrations V1,V2 generated by the equipment 1 according to the invention in a generic physical exercise time period, and applied respectively to a first portion and to a second portion of the user's body, in an embodiment of the invention in which the generation of vibrations V1,V2 takes place through electromagnetic means.

[0157] In particular, FIG. 16 refers to the case in which the intermediate time intervals T3,T3a have zero value.

[0158] Unlike what happens with mechanical actuation systems, in this case the vibrations V1,V2 are generated with quite sudden appearance.

[0159] The operation of the equipment 1 according to the invention, in light of what is described, is totally intuitive.

[0160] The user 5 positions the first portion 3 and the second portion 7 of the bodyi.e., in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, the first foot and the second footrespectively on the first element 2 and on the second element 6 of the equipment 1.

[0161] After having set the operating parameters through the interface 18, the user 5 starts the equipment 1.

[0162] As shown schematically in FIG. 4, the independent actuation means 12 of the control unit 11 manage the operation of the first generation means 9 and of the second generation means 10 so that they autonomously generate vibrations, of desired amplitude and frequency, respectively in first time periods T1 and second time periods T2 more or less regularly, or totally irregularly, alternating, spaced by intermediate time intervals T3,T3a of predetermined duration, in any case so as to never overlap.

[0163] The operation described, as stated, makes it possible to transmit, at every moment of exercise, the vibrations generated by the equipment 1 only to a portion 3,7 of the user's body 5, thus leaving the other free so that it contributes to damping the vibrations to prevent them from being transmitted, particularly, to the spinal column and to the head.

[0164] The operating parameters of the first and second vibration generating means 9,10 are independently adjustable with wide freedom, to satisfy specific operating requirements, for example to stress the first portion 3 and the second portion 7 of the user's body 5 differently.

[0165] The equipment 1 according to the invention can also be set in an operating condition in which only the first vibration generating means 9 or only the second vibration generating means 10 are operative, whereas the others are deactivated, so as to stress exclusively one portion 3,7 of the user's body 5.

[0166] This operating condition can be particularly recommended, for example, for rehabilitation therapy.

[0167] As stated, however, the time periods in which the vibrations V1,V2 are generated must be short, at most of the order of a few seconds, separated by intermediate stopping periods.

[0168] According to another embodiment of the invention, and with reference in this case to FIG. 4A, between the first time period T1, in which the first generation means 9 act, and the second time period T2, in which the second generation means 10 act, there is zero intermediate time interval T3.

[0169] In other words, at the same moment at which the vibration produced by the first generation means 9 stops, the vibration produced by the second generation means 10 starts.

[0170] Therefore, there is no overlapping between the first time period T1 and the second time period T2.

[0171] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, and with reference to FIG. 4B, between the first time period T1, in which the first generation means 9 act, and the second time period T2, in which the second generation means 10 act, there is a negative intermediate time interval T3.

[0172] In other words, the first time period T1, in which the first generation means 9 act, and the second time period T2, in which the second generation means 10 act, partially overlap in time: T3 thus represents the overlapping time period between the first time period T1 and the second time period T2.

[0173] Preferably, but not exclusively, T3 is less than T1/2 and/or than T2/2.

[0174] Even more preferably, T3 is less both than T1/2 and than T2/2.

[0175] This means that, during the administration of the vibrations by the equipment 1, further time periods are identified, indicated with T4 in FIG. 4B, during which only the first generation means 9 or the second generation means 10 are active, or during which there is no operative overlapping between the first generation means 9 and the second generation means 10.

[0176] This relationship mode between the two time periods (partial overlapping) can be used, for example, preferably when it is not necessary to completely cancel out the effect on one hemisoma and in fact it is wished to have partial adding centrally of the vibration energy, if not unwanted and not risky, to enhance the effect on the structures arranged at the sagittal plane of symmetry.

[0177] Another embodiment of the gymnastic equipment 1 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5,6.

[0178] In this embodiment, the gymnastic equipment 1 consists of a so-called leg press, i.e. a equipment through which the user carries out extension exercises of the legs.

[0179] The equipment comprises a support frame 13 comprising a base at which there is a seat 27 for the user, and an upper portion defining inclined guides 28, with which a carriage 29 is associated.

[0180] The carriage 29 is normally mobile along the inclined guides 28 to allow the extension of the user's legs, but in some particular embodiments of the present invention the carriage 29 could be blocked with respect to the inclined guides 28, so as to allow the user to carry out isometric exercises.

[0181] The carriage 29 can be associated with weights, not illustrated, so as to obtain the desired resistant action to the extension of the user's legs.

[0182] According to the invention, the carriage 29 comprises a first element 2 and a second element 6, adapted to interact respectively with a first portion 3 and a second portion 7 of the user's body, i.e. in particular his/her feet.

[0183] The first element 2 and the second element 6 are provided side-by-side on a suitable surface 29a of the carriage 29, a surface 29a that substantially faces the seat 27.

[0184] The first element 2 and the second element 6 are associated with the carriage 29 so as to be able to be mobile with respect to it, for example in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the surface 29a.

[0185] As illustrated in particular in FIG. 6, the first element 2 and the second element 6 are respectively associated with first vibration generating means 9 and with second vibration generating means 10.

[0186] The first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 are, for example, housed inside a suitable space 29b provided in the carriage 29, just like the control unit 11 of the equipment 1.

[0187] The interface 18 can be positioned in an area easy for the user to access, for example along inclined guides 28.

[0188] The operation of the gymnastic equipment 1 according to the present embodiment is totally analogous to that described for the previous embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, or even 4A,4B, with particular reference to the mode of production of the vibrations through the first and second generation means 9,10.

[0189] In this case, however, the user carries out a leg press against a resistant load, or against a blocked surface, i.e. isometrically.

[0190] During the leg press exercise, the first generation means 9 and the second generation means 10 produce alternate vibrations of predetermined duration that are transmitted directly to the first portion 3 and to the second portion 7 of the user's body 5, during respective first and second time periods T1,T2 that never overlap, and which are possibly separated by predetermined intermediate time intervals T3,T3a.

[0191] It should be specified that, in another embodiment of the equipment 1 according to the invention not illustrated in the figures, the carriage 29 could be sliding on non-inclined guides, but that instead are horizontal.

[0192] Another embodiment of the gymnastic equipment 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0193] In this embodiment, the gymnastic equipment 1 is of the so-called adjustable pulley type, i.e. a equipment for exercising the upper and/or lower limbs through lifting of weights with rope-sheave systems, according to free and independent trajectories for the first portion 3 and the second portion 7 of the user's body 5.

[0194] In-greater detail, the equipment 1 comprises a support frame 13 with which a first element 2 and a second element 6 are associated.

[0195] The first element 2 and the second element 6 are mobile and comprise respective first resistant means 30 and second resistant means 31.

[0196] As stated, the first resistant means 30 and second resistant means 31 respectively comprise a first weight stack 30a and a second weight stack 31a, slidably associated with the frame 13.

[0197] The first resistant means 30 and the second resistant means 31 also respectively comprise a first rope-sheave system 30b and a second rope-sheave system 31b, through which the first weight stack 30a and the second weight stack 31a can be raised by the user 5.

[0198] The first rope-sheave system 30b and the second rope-sheave system 31b can be adjusted, independently from one another, so as to take the respective first and second grips 32,33 to the desired height to carry out various kinds of exercises.

[0199] According to an aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 of the gymnastic equipment 1 are respectively connected to the first weight stack 30a and to the second weight stack 31a.

[0200] For example, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 can be connected to the upper weights of each of the packs 30a,31a.

[0201] In this embodiment, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 can preferably be of the mechanical type, for example eccentric.

[0202] During exercise, and thus during the lifting of the weight stacks 30a,31a with the upper or lower limbs, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 operate according to the methods already described for the previous embodiments.

[0203] The user can thus carry out weight lifting exercises, according to free trajectories, subjecting distinct portions 3,7 of the body, for example the upper or lower limbs, to alternate vibrations.

[0204] According to an alternative operating mode, the user can exercise by subjecting only one of the portions 3,7 of the body to vibrations, for example in the case of rehabilitation therapy.

[0205] Yet another embodiment of the gymnastic equipment 1 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 8,9.

[0206] In this embodiment, the gymnastic equipment 1 is of the type suitable for exercising the upper limbs, in particular the biceps muscle groups.

[0207] This is an equipment in which the movements of the upper limbs take place according to guided trajectories, and not free like in the case of the previous embodiment.

[0208] The equipment 1 comprises a support frame 13 and a seat 27.

[0209] The equipment 1 comprises a first element 2 and a second element 6, respectively suitable for interacting with a first portion 3 and with a second portion 7 of the body 5 of the user, in particular in this case the two arms of the user.

[0210] In greater detail, the first element 2 and the second element 6 respectively comprise a first arm 34 and a second arm 35 that are able to rotate, independently from one another, about predetermined centres of rotation.

[0211] At the ends of the first arm 34 and the second arm 35 there are, respectively, a first grip 32 and a second grip 33.

[0212] Like in the previous embodiment of the invention, the first element 2 and the second element 6 are thus mobile and comprise respective first resistant means 30 and second resistant means 31.

[0213] The first resistant means 30 and second resistant means 31 respectively comprise a first weight stack 30a and a second weight stack 31a, slidably associated with the frame 13.

[0214] The first resistant means 30 and the second resistant means 31 also respectively comprise a first rope-sheave system 30b and a second rope-sheave system 31b (or chain-pulley system), through which the first weight stack 30a and the second weight stack 31a can be raised by the user 5.

[0215] Also in this embodiment of the invention, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 are respectively connected to the first weight stack 30a and to the second weight stack 31a.

[0216] The operation of the equipment 1 is absolutely analogous to that described for the previous embodiments, in terms of management of the production of vibrations by the first generation means 9 and the second generation means 10.

[0217] According to an alternative operating mode, the user can exercise by subjecting only one of the portions 3,7 of the body to vibrations, for example in the case of rehabilitation therapy.

[0218] Another embodiment of the gymnastic equipment 1 according to the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10,11.

[0219] In this embodiment, the gymnastic equipment 1 is of the so-called chest press type, through which the user can carry out exercises for the pectoral muscle groups according to free trajectories.

[0220] The equipment 1 illustrated comprises a support frame 13, and a seat 27.

[0221] The first and second element 2,6 of the equipment 1 respectively comprise first and second resistant means 30,31 comprising a single weight stack 36, and a single rope-sheave system 37, to the ends of which 37a,37b a first and a second grip 32,33 are connected.

[0222] The simultaneous traction exerted on the first and on the second grip 32,33 thus determines the lifting of the single weight stack 36.

[0223] According to an aspect of the present embodiment of the invention, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 are respectively provided along the single rope-sheave system 37.

[0224] In greater detail, the first vibration generating means and the second vibration generating means 10 are associated, in this case, respectively with the first grip 32 and with the second grip 33.

[0225] The first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 could however be associated with the rope-sheave system 37 in other positions thereof.

[0226] In this embodiment of the invention, the user can carry out exercises according to free trajectories, but with the vibrations generated at points very close to those for gripping, to avoid dispersion effects along the rope-sheave system 37.

[0227] The operation of the equipment 1 is analogous to that described for the previous embodiments.

[0228] Another embodiment of the gymnastic equipment 1 according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 12,13.

[0229] In this embodiment, the equipment 1 is of the so-called rear deltoid type, through which the user can carry out exercises for the deltoid muscle groups.

[0230] Also in this case, it is a equipment in which the movements of the upper limbs take place according to guided trajectories.

[0231] The equipment 1 comprises a support frame 13 and a seat 27.

[0232] The first and the second element 2,6 respectively comprise a first rod 38 and a second rod 39 able to rotate about predetermined articulation axes.

[0233] The first rod 38 and the second rod 39 respectively comprise a first grip 32 and a second grip 33 for the user.

[0234] The first and second resistant means 30,31 comprise a single weight stack 36 and a single rope-sheave system 37, having the ends respectively associated with the first rod 38 and with the second rod 39.

[0235] According to an aspect of the present embodiment of the invention, the first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 are directly coupled, respectively, with the first rod 38 and with the second rod 39, thus advantageously in positions very close to those for gripping, so as to minimise the dispersions and improve the transmission of vibrations to the portions of the body involved.

[0236] The first vibration generating means 9 and the second vibration generating means 10 are housed inside respective box-shaped housings fixedly connected, respectively, to the first rod 38 and to the second rod 39.

[0237] The operation of the equipment 1 according to the present embodiment is analogous to that described for the previous embodiments.

[0238] It has thus been seen how the invention achieves the proposed purposes.

[0239] The present invention has been described according to preferred embodiments, but equivalent variants can be devised without departing from the scope of protection offered by the following claims.