Gym equipment or machine for improved mechanical neuromuscular stimulation

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present Application is a US national phase of PCT/IT2005/000759 filed on Dec. 22, 2005 (“PCT Application”), which claims priority from Italian Application No. RM2004A000640 filed on Dec. 27, 2004, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into the present Application. Any amendments made in the PCT Application during the international phase are also incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for physical exercise, to be meant in the following as both gym equipment and gym machine, for improved mechanical neuromuscular stimulation produced by means of mechanical vibrations having a preferably constant frequency, preferably applied to at least one limb of a user, that allows in a simple way the execution of normal gym exercises, equipment or the machine being highly reliable and effective. Furthermore, the apparatus for physical exercise may further provides a preliminary detection of the frequency of the periodical contractions of a muscle of the user, due to mechanical vibrations of at least one element of the apparatus, that corresponds to the best electromyographycal response for the detected muscle, and a successive stimulation thereof at the detected optimal frequency.

In the following of the description, the term “apparatus for physical exercise”, to be meant as both gym equipment and gym machine, and the terms “gym equipment” and “gym machine”, for indicating specific implementations of the apparatus for physical exercise, will be indifferently used.

It is known that when a muscle is stimulated by application of mechanical vibrations, it contracts in a reflex way very similarly to what happens when the muscle is operated by voluntary contractions, e.g. during the execution of physical works.

In particular, varying the frequency of the mechanical vibrations, it is possible to make selectively working fast or slow muscular fibres.

Recently, many gym machines for mechanical muscular stimulation have been made, which substantially comprise a board for the leg muscles, or a vibrator for the arm muscles.

Such machines are useful for exercising, since they allow to obtain results similar to those of the standard physical exercises within the gymnasium in a shorter time, for attaining a good muscular tone by few application minutes, and for physiotherapic uses aimed to the maintenance of the muscular tone or to the functional recover of the muscles, for example during or after immobilisation periods due to fractures or surgical interventions.

However, present muscular stimulation machines present some drawbacks.

The main drawback is represented by the fact that the they do not allow a stimulation of the muscles while performing gym exercises, such as for instance, running or weight-lifting.

Moreover, mechanical vibration frequency, that can be manually set, is not optimised for both the specific fibres of a determined muscle of the specific user and the whole body.

In fact, as disclosed in the International PCT Application No. WO 01/56650, the specific fibres of each muscle of any single user have a response to the micromechanical vibrations that is variable while the frequency of the applied vibration varies. In particular, it can be individuated a frequency range, which can be defined “activity range”, within which specific fibres of the particular muscle respond to the stimulations and, within said range, it can be determined an optimum mechanical vibration frequency in correspondence of which said response is the maximum one. In the case when the set frequency is different from the optimum one, the work of the interested muscle is not efficient for its toning up and, in the case when the set frequency is not included within the activity range, the muscular work is completely null. In some cases, the wrong setting of the vibration frequency could even produce harmful results.

Similar drawbacks are present in muscle electrical stimulation devices, wherein, on one hand, the execution of gym exercises is uncomfortable and impracticable, and, on the other hand, the frequency of the electrical signal applied to the specific muscle is not optimised

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a highly reliable and effective gym machine, that allows in a simple way to exert by means of mechanical vibrations at least one muscle, preferably a muscle of a limb, of a user, which have a frequency, during the execution of gym exercises by the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a machine that is capable to determine in an automatic way the optimum periodic stimulated contraction frequency at which the specific fibres of the particular interested muscle have the maximum, not only muscular, but also generally speaking biological, response.

It is still an object of the present invention to provide such a machine for the neuromuscular stimulation, capable to automatically determine the optimum frequency of the mechanical vibration to be applied to the particular interested muscle so as to stimulate periodic contractions at optimum frequency

It is specific subject matter of the present invention an apparatus for physical exercises, comprising at least one element, capable to interact with a user during the execution of a physical exercise, characterising in that it comprises vibrating means capable to produce at least one mechanical vibration of said at least one element.

Always according to the invention, said at least one mechanical vibration may occur at a frequency included within an interval ranging from a lower limit frequency, preferably equal to 20 Hz, to an upper limit frequency, preferably equal to 55 Hz.

Still according to the invention, said vibrating means may comprise at least one vibrating electric motor coupled to said at least one element.

Furthermore according to the invention, said at least one vibrating electric motor may be an eccentric mass motor.

Always according to the invention, said at least one vibrating electric motor may be capable to produce at least one vibration of amplitude ranging from 1 to 10 mm, preferably from 2 to 5 mm.

Still according to the invention, said at least one element may comprise at least one first platform to which said at least one vibrating electric motor is coupled.

Furthermore according to the invention, said at least one element may further comprise at least one handle integrally coupled to said at least one first platform.

Always according to the invention, the apparatus may further comprise at least one second platform, and vibration-damping means may be located between said at least one second platform and said at least one first platform, capable to oppose the vibration produced by said vibrating means.

Still according to the invention, said at least one element may comprise at least one rod to which said at least one vibrating electric motor is coupled.

Furthermore according to the invention, the apparatus may further comprise vibration-damping means capable to oppose the vibration produced by said vibrating means.

Always according to the invention, said vibration-damping means may comprise one or more components in natural or synthetic rubber, preferably neoprene.

Still according to the invention, at least one of said one or more components may have substantially hexagonal shape.

Furthermore according to the invention, said at least one element may comprise at least one cable, provided with at least one component capable to be clung by the user, and said vibrating means comprises at least one cam device into which said at least one cable is capable to slide.

Always according to the invention, said at least one device may be capable to be operated by an electric motor.

Still according to the invention, said at least one said at least one component, capable to be clung by the user, may comprise a handle and/or a rod.

Furthermore according to the invention, said at least one element may be capable to be connected to one or more selectable weights for adjusting its load.

Always according to the invention, the apparatus may be:a machine for running or “treadmill”, said at least one element comprising at least one mat capable to rotate around to said at least one first platform; and/ora machine for simulating steps or “step” machine, comprising a first right platform and a first left platform, capable to vertically move in a reciprocally constrained way through a pivoted lever; and/oran elliptical machine, comprising a first right platform and a first left platform, capable to move in a reciprocally constrained way by means of two respective motion transmission levers, in turn connected to at least two respective cams, preferably further comprising two rods operating as front levers, the movement of which is synchronised with that of the first right and left platforms by means of a connection to said at least two cams; and/ora machine for exercising the leg muscles or “leg press”, comprising at least one first platform, a seat, and mechanical means capable to allow said at least one first platform and the seat to reciprocally move with respect to one another, so that said mechanical means elastically opposes to their reciprocal moving apart, preferably further comprising two rods operating as side levers for supporting the user; and/ora machine for exercising the calf muscles, also called “calf machine”, comprising at least one first base platform; and/ora machine for exercising the pectoral and dorsal muscles, comprising two rods operating as pair of side right and left levers, the machine further comprising mechanical means capable to allow each one of the side right and left levers to rotate, so that said mechanical means elastically opposes to the moving of the side levers away from an angular rest position; and/ora machine for exercising the triceps or “triceps press”, comprising two rods operating as pair of side right and left levers, the machine further comprising mechanical means capable to allow each one of the side right and left levers to rotate, so that said mechanical means elastically opposes to the moving of the side levers away from an angular rest position; and/ora machine for tractions at the bar or “lat machine”, comprising an upper rod; and/ora barbell; and/ora machine for stretching legs or “leg extension”, comprising a seat and a rod operating as front lever rotatably coupled to the seat so as to be capable to rotate upwards; and/ora machine for contracting legs or “leg curl”, comprising a bench and a rod operating as front lever rotatably coupled to the bench so as to be capable to rotate upwards; and/ora machine for contracting legs in an upright position or “standing gluteus” machine; and/ora cable traction machine for exercising the muscles of the limbs, comprising at least one cable; and/ora machine for simulating rowing or “rower”, comprising at least one first platform, a seat, and mechanical means capable to allow said at least one first platform and the seat to reciprocally move with respect to one another, the machine further comprising a rod capable to pull a cable capable to elastically oppose to its pull, wherein said cable preferably slides in a cam device; and/oran exercise cycle, comprising a frame, a right pedal and a left pedal being coupled to the shaft of a rotary disc, a flywheel connected to the rotary disc by means of belt drive means opposing the rotation of the pedals, the exercise cycle further comprising at least one first platform to which the shaft of the rotary disc is coupled, tightener means interacting with said belt drive means; and/ora pommel horse, comprising two handles or pommels integrally coupled to at least one first platform.

Still according to the invention, the apparatus may further comprise interface electronic means capable to set the operation of said vibrating means.

Furthermore according to the invention, the apparatus may comprise controlling electronic means capable to control the operation of said vibrating means, said controlling electronic means being capable to be connected to one or more muscular electrical activity sensors, each applied to a corresponding user's muscle, said controlling electronic means managing and controlling said vibrating means, by processing data coming from the sensors so as to determine, within an interval ranging from a lower limit lower limit frequency to an upper limit frequency, an optimal frequency of said at least one vibration in correspondence of which the sum of the amplitudes of the signals given to the sensors by the corresponding user's muscles is maximum, said controlling electronic means setting the operation of said vibrating means so as to produce said at least one vibration at the determined optimal frequency.

Preferably according to the invention, the lower limit frequency is equal to 1 Hz, and/or the upper limit frequency is equal to 1000 Hz.

Always according to the invention, at least one of said one or more sensors may comprise medical electrodes, amplified in situ, an insulating amplifier and a signal converter outputting a digital signal that is read by said controlling electronic means.

Still according to the invention, said controlling electronic means may perform a method for determining the optimal frequency comprising the following steps:a step of applying said one or more sensors to corresponding muscles;repeating for a number N of times, preferably equal to eight, a step of acquiring data wherein said controlling electronic means activates said vibrating means so as to produce said at least one vibration at constant frequency for a time Δt, preferably ranging from 5 and 10 seconds, with progressively growing frequency, from a repetition to the following one, ranging from the lower limit frequency to the upper limit frequency, it processes, for each repetition, the average of the amplitude of the signals coming from the sensors, and it stores it into a storage unit along with the value of the corresponding vibration frequency; anda step of determining the maximum sum of the averages of the amplitude of the signals sensed by the sensors, wherein said controlling electronic means determines, among the stored ones, the sum of the averages at the same frequency having maximum value, determining the optimal frequency.

Furthermore according to the invention, the frequencies of consecutive repetitions may have a constant difference from each other.

Always according to the invention, the frequencies of consecutive repetitions may have a variable and increasing difference depending on the absolute value of the frequency of the preceding repetition.

Still according to the invention, said controlling electronic means may perform a method for determining the optimal frequency comprising the following steps:a step of applying said one or more sensors to corresponding muscles;iterating by a number M of times, preferably equal to two, loops of a number Niof repetitions, where i indicates the i-th iteration, of steps of acquiring data wherein said controlling electronic means activates said vibrating means so as to produce said at least one vibration at constant frequency for a time Δt, preferably ranging from 5 and 10 seconds, with progressively growing frequency, from a repetition to the following one, ranging from a first lower frequency and a second upper frequency, the frequencies of consecutive repetitions having a constant difference Δfifrom each other, said controlling electronic means calculating, for each repetition, the average of the amplitude of the signals coming from said one or more sensors and storing the same in a storage unit along with the value of the corresponding frequency, said controlling electronic means determining for each iteration i, the maximum sum of the averages of the amplitude of the sensed signals and determining the corresponding best frequency, at each iteration i, next to the first one, the interval between the first lower frequency and the second upper frequency comprising the best frequency determined in the preceding iteration, at each iteration i, next to the first one, the constant difference Δfibetween the frequencies of consecutive repetition being lower than the difference Δfi-1of the preceding iteration (Δfi<Δfi-1); anda step of determining the optimal frequency, at the end of the M-th iteration, in which the best frequency determined in the M-th iteration is stored as the optimal frequency.

Furthermore according to the invention, for the first iteration, the first lower frequency may coincide with the lower limit frequency and/or the second upper frequency coincides with the upper limit frequency.

Always according to the invention, at each iteration i, next to the first one, the interval between the first lower frequency and the second upper frequency may comprise the best frequency determined in the preceding iteration as intermediate frequency.

It is also specific subject matter of the present invention a device comprising vibrating means, capable to produce at least one mechanical vibration of at least one element, said element is capable to interact with a user during the execution of a physical exercise, and in that it comprises coupling mechanical means so as to be retrofit applicable to an apparatus for physical exercises.

In the Figures, same reference numbers will be used for alike elements.

With reference toFIG. 1, it may be observed that a first embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a machine1for running, also known as “treadmill” or “tapis roulant”, comprising a board around which a mat2is capable to rotate, on which a user may run. The board comprises a fixed lower platform3and an upper platform4to which a vibrating electric motor5is coupled, preferably having eccentric masses capable to produce a vibration of the upper platform4. Three or more vibration-damping elements6are further located between the two platforms3and4, which introduce a side component into the undulation of the upper platform4by opposing to the vibration produced by the motor5. Preferably, such vibration-damping elements6comprise components of substantially hexagonal shape and are made in material comprising natural or synthetic rubber, e.g. neoprene. The motor5generates vibrations at a frequency preferably ranging from 20 to 55 Hz, and of amplitude preferably ranging from 2 to 5 mm. The user could also manually set the vibration frequency and/or the amplitude of the motor5through an interface7.

Other embodiments of the machine1for running may comprise a plurality of electric motors5, capable to generate synchronous or asynchronous vibrations, or a plurality of upper platforms4, each one of which subjected to the vibrations of at least one corresponding electric motor5.

In this way, the beneficial effect, that the physical exercise performed by running onto the mat2of the machine1ofFIG. 1has on the user's leg muscles, is improved by the vibration of the mat2, due to the vibration of the underlying upper platform4, which increases the stimulation of the user's leg muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to the vibration one of the motor5.

Other embodiments of the machine may provide that the motor is driven by a controlling electronic device that adjusts the vibration frequency thereof. In particular, such controlling electronic device is capable to be connected to one or more muscular electrical activity sensors applicable to the user's muscles, capable to output a digital signal that is read by the controlling electronic device. By way of example and not bay way of limitation, such sensors may comprise medical electrodes6, amplified in situ. The controlling electronic device processes data coming from said one or more sensors so as to determine, within an interval ranging from a lower limit lower limit frequency, preferably equal to 1 Hz, to an upper limit frequency, preferably equal to 1000 Hz, the optimal frequency of vibration of the upper platform4at which the muscle of which electric activity is sensed has the maximum response to the stimulation, consequently, setting the vibration frequency of the motor5. In particular, the lower limit frequency and the upper limit frequency could be variable, depending on the specific fibres of the particular muscle to stimulate, and they may be set through the interface7.

Preferably, the method for determining the optimal frequency may comprise the following steps:a step of applying, in a conventional way, said one or more sensors to user's corresponding muscles;repeating for a number N of times, with N preferably equal to eight, a step of acquiring data wherein the controlling electronic device:activates the vibration of the motor5at constant frequency for a time Δt, with Δt preferably equal to 5 or 10 seconds, with progressively growing vibration frequency, from a repetition to the following one, ranging from the lower limit frequency to the upper limit frequency,processes, for each repetition, the average of the amplitude of the signals coming from each one of said one or more sensors and it stores it individually and/or it stores at least one function (e.g. a sum or an average, possibly weighted) of the averages coming from all the sensors, along with the value of the corresponding vibration frequency;a step of determining the maximum electric response, wherein the controlling electronic device determines, among the stored ones, the average (or said at least one function of averages) having maximum value, consequently determining the optimal vibration frequency, at which the muscles of which the electric activity is sensed have the maximum response.

Preferably, frequencies of consecutive repetitions during the data acquisition have a constant difference from each other, more preferably (for six repetitions) equal to, respectively, 22.5 Hz, 25 Hz, 27.5 Hz, 30 Hz, 32.5 Hz and 35 Hz. However, it can be also provided a variable and increasing difference depending on the absolute value of the frequency of the preceding repetition

Once determined the optimal frequency, the step of muscular stimulation may be started, during which the controlling electronic device activates vibration of the motor5at said optimal frequency for a time interval that is either predetermined or selectable by the user through the interface7.

The step of determining the optimal frequency may be possibly periodically repeated, especially in the case when the time interval of the physical exercise is long.

Alternatively, the method for determining the optimal frequency may determine such frequency by successive approximations, comprising the following steps:a step of applying, in a conventional way, said one or more sensors to user's corresponding muscles;iterating by a number M of times, with M preferably equal to two, loops of a number Niof repetitions, where i indicates the i-th iteration, of steps of acquiring data wherein the controlling electronic device activates the vibration of the motor5at a constant frequency for a time Δt, with Δt preferably equal to 10 seconds, with progressively growing vibration frequency, from a repetition to the following one, ranging from a first lower frequency and a second upper frequency, the frequencies of consecutive repetitions having a constant difference Δfifrom each other, where preferably, for the first iteration, the first lower frequency coincides with the lower limit frequency and/or the second upper frequency coincides with the upper limit frequency, the controlling electronic device calculating, for each repetition, the average of the amplitude of the signals coming from said one or more sensors and storing the same along with the value of the corresponding vibration frequency, the controlling electronic device determining for each iteration i, the average having maximum value and determining the corresponding best frequency, at each iteration i, next to the first one, the interval between the first lower frequency and the second upper frequency comprising the best frequency determined in the preceding iteration, preferably as intermediate frequency, at each iteration i, next to the first one, the constant difference Δfibetween the frequencies of consecutive repetition being lower than the difference Δfi-1of the preceding iteration (Δfi<Δfi-1); anda step of determining the optimal frequency, at the end of the M-th iteration, in which the best frequency determined in the M-th iteration is stored as the optimal frequency, at which the muscles of which the electric activity has been sensed have the maximum response.

In other words, the just described method determines the optimal frequency by searching with a progressively improved resolution the vibration frequency at which the muscles of which the electric activity has been sensed have the maximum response.

The values of the optimal frequencies corresponding to various muscles of a same user could be possibly also stored on portable storage media, such as cards or magnetic and/or optical discs, through the interface7, for being capable to be successively read by the same interface, avoiding further executions of the method for determining the optimal frequency.

The machine ofFIG. 1could provide at least one further motor, alternatively or in combination with the vibrating one, capable to generate an oscillating motion of the upper platform.

The vibrating board structure ofFIG. 1may be immediately applied to a different gym machine comprising one or more upper platforms onto which the mat slides.

With reference toFIG. 2it may be observed that a second embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a machine10for simulating steps, also known as “step” machine. It substantially comprises a right board and a left board, each one of which comprises a lower platform, respectively3and3′, and an upper platform, respectively4and4′, to which a corresponding vibrating electric motor, respectively5and5′, is coupled, capable to produce a vibration of the respective upper platform. In each board, between the lower platform and the upper one, a pair vibration-damping elements, respectively6and6′, are located, each one of which preferably comprises a component11of hexagonal shape and a cylindrical support12. As shown in greater detail inFIG. 3, lower right and left platforms3and3′ are constrained with each other through a pivoted lever13, to which they are integrally coupled through a respective bar14and14′. Moreover, the machine10comprises a pair of right guides15and a pair of left guides15′, along which the lower platforms3and3′ may slide.

The operation of the machine10is similar to that of the machine1ofFIG. 1, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the upper platforms4and4′ onto which the user's feet rest, since their vibration increases the stimulation of the user's leg muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motor5.

With reference toFIG. 4it may be observed that a third embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is an elliptical machine20, wherein the user places his/her feet onto a right board and a left board the movements of which are constrained with each other by means of two respective motion transmission levers21and21′, in turn connected to two respective cams coupled to each other and housed in a corresponding frame22. The user may further cling with his/her hands to two front levers23and23′, the movement of which is also synchronised with that of the boards by means of a connection to the cams of the frame22. Each one of the two boards comprises a lower platform (inFIG. 4only the right one3is visible), and an upper platform (inFIG. 4only the right one4is visible), to which a corresponding vibrating electric motor (inFIG. 4only the right one5is visible) is coupled, capable to produce a vibration of the respective upper platform. In each board, a pair of vibration-damping elements (inFIG. 4only the right ones6are visible) are located between the lower platform and the upper one.

Moreover, the machine20could further comprise two further vibrating electric motors (not shown), each one of which is integrally coupled to one of the two front levers23and23′, preferably in correspondence to the end held by the user, capable to produce a vibration of the respective front lever. In this case, the integral coupling between the vibrating motor, preferably with eccentric masses, and the respective front lever is sufficient to generate the vibration of the same lever, without the need for inserting vibration-damping elements which are instead preferably inserted for the boards.

The operation of the machine20is similar to that of the machine1ofFIG. 1: the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the upper platforms onto which the user's feet rest (and/or of the front levers held by the user's hands), since their vibration increases the stimulation of the user's leg muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motor.

The structure of the machines ofFIGS. 2-4may be applied to any machine provided with two boards for supporting user's feet.

With reference toFIG. 5it may be observed that a fourth embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a machine30for exercising the muscles of the legs, also called sloping “leg press”, wherein the user is sitting on a seat31, provided with rollers32sliding onto a track guide arranged on a sloping frame33, and he/she places his/her feet onto a base board orientated so as to allow the user to comfortably place his/her feet. Such board comprises a lower platform3, integrally coupled to the frame33, and an upper platform4, to which a corresponding vibrating electric motor5is coupled, capable to produce a vibration of the upper platform4. Two vibration-damping elements6are located between the lower platform3and the upper one4.

The operation of the machine30is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the upper platform4onto which the feet rest of the user, who performs the exercise by repeatedly pushing the base board with his/her legs, making the seat31slide upwards, while his/her hands hold the handles of two levers34and34′ which are integral with the seat31. The vibration of the upper platform4of the base board increases the stimulation of the user's leg muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motor5.

Alternatively, the base board could be subdivided into two right and left portions, onto each one of which a respective user's foot rests, each provided with a lower platform, a motor, and an upper platform caused to vibrate by the motor.

Optionally, two further vibrating electric motors (not shown) could be coupled also to the two levers34and34′, preferably in correspondence to the end held by the user, capable to produce a vibration of the respective lever34or34′.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 5may be applied to any similar machine, comprising one or two boards, such as for instance a “leg press”, either sloping or not, wherein the seat is integrally coupled to the frame, while the base board may slide along the frame, the user pushing with his/her legs the board, the upper platform of which vibrates so as to make it move away, the board being capable to be connected in a conventional way to one or more selectable weights for adjusting its load.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 5may be also applied to any machine provided with board for supporting feet of a user. By way of example, but not by way of limitation,FIG. 6shows a fifth embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention: a machine40for exercising calf muscles, also called “calf machine”. The machine40has a conventional frame41provided with a base board, onto which the user stands, and with two loaded levers42and42′, preferably provided in correspondence to the ends resting on the user's shoulders with proper stuffings43and43′; in particular, the loaded levers42and42′ are connected in a conventional way to one or more selectable, weights for adjusting their loads. The base board comprises a lower platform3, integrally coupled to the frame41, and an upper platform4, to which a corresponding vibrating electric motor5is coupled, capable to produce a vibration of the upper platform4. Four vibration-damping elements6are located between the lower platform3and the upper one4.

The operation of the machine40is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise, during which the user raises the load of the levers42and42′ by going on tip-toe, is improved by the vibration of the upper platform4onto which the user's feet rest. The vibration of the base board upper platform4increases the stimulation of the user's leg muscles causing by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motor5.

Still, the base board could be subdivided into two right and left portions, each provided with a motor capable to cause an upper platform to vibrate.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 6may be applied to any similar machine, e.g. a calf machine wherein the user is sitting and the load is applied onto the upper part of his/her legs, in particular shortly beyond the knee.

With reference toFIG. 7it may be observed that a sixth embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a machine50for exercising pectoral and dorsal muscles, wherein the user sits on a seat51, preferably of conventionally adjustable height, provided with a back52, integrally coupled to a frame53, and he/she places his/her feet onto a base rod54such to allow the user to comfortably place his/her feet The machine50further comprises a pair of right and left side levers,55and55′, each one of which is integrally coupled to a respective rotary disc,56and56′, provided with a vertical axis rotatably coupled to the frame53. Each one of the two side levers55and55′ is provided with a stuffed handle57and57′ on which the user exert a push with his/her arms for moving the same levers nearer, making them rotate towards the front part of the back52. A vibrating electric motor5and5′ is integrally coupled to each one of the side levers55and55′, for instance within the stuffing57or57′, capable to produce a vibration of the corresponding lever55or55′. The side levers55and55′ are loaded by means of a conventional connection, e.g. a pulley one, to one or more selectable weights58for adjusting its load. In particular, the vibration-damping elements, inFIG. 7indicated to with reference numbers6and6′, may be also not present.

The operation of the machine50is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the levers55and55′ onto which the arms rest of the user, who exercises his/her pectoral and dorsal muscles for pushing them and making them frontally rotate. The vibration of the levers55and55′ increases the stimulation of the user's pectoral and dorsal muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motors5and5′.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 7may be applied to any similar machine comprising side levers on which the user exerts a push for making them rotate around a vertical axis, e.g. machines for exercising adductor and abductor muscles, wherein the side levers are pushed by the legs of the user, who is sitting, for making them rotate, respectively, inwards and outwards with respect to the machine.

With reference toFIG. 8it may be observed that a seventh embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a machine60for exercising triceps, also called “triceps press”, wherein the user sits on a seat61, preferably of conventionally adjustable height, provided with a back62, integrally coupled to a frame63, and he/she places his/her feet on a base rod64such to allow the user to comfortably place his/her feet. The machine60further comprises a pair of right and left side levers,65and65′, integrally coupled to two respective rotary discs (only the left one66′ of which is visible in the Figure), coupled to each other by means of a single horizontal axis rotatably coupled to frame63. The user exerts a push upwards with his/her arms on the two side levers65and65′, by extending his/her arms for raising the same levers, making them rotate around the disc axis. The side levers65and65′ are integrally coupled to each other by means of a connection rod67, in back of the back62, to which a vibrating electric motor5is coupled, capable to produce a vibration of the levers65and65′. The side levers65and65′ are loaded by means of a conventional connection, e.g. a pulley one, to one or more selectable weights68for adjusting their load. In particular, the vibration-damping elements, indicated inFIG. 8with the reference number6, may be also not present.

The operation of the machine60is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the levers65and65′ through which the user exerts his/her arm triceps muscles for pushing them upwards. The vibration of the levers65and65′ increases the stimulation of the user's triceps muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motor5.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 8may be applied to any similar machine comprising side levers on which the user exerts a push (upwards, or even downwards) for making them rotate around a horizontal axis, e.g. a machine similar to that ofFIG. 8wherein the levers are not coupled to each other and wherein the rotary discs do not share the same axis, or the machines for exercising the trunk muscles (such as for instance the “chest presses”) and the machines for exercising the shoulder muscles (such as for instance the “shoulder presses”) wherein the user makes similar side levers rotate by pushing them outwards or upwards.

With reference toFIG. 9it may be observed that an eighth embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a machine70for exercising the dorsal and biceps brachii muscles, also called machine for tractions at the bar or “lat machine”, wherein the user sits on a seat71integrally coupled to a frame72, provided with an element73with two stuffings74and74′ for blocking the legs, preferably of conventionally adjustable height. The machine70further comprises an upper bar75connected, in a conventional way (e.g. a pulley one) through a cable76, to one or more selectable weights77which adjust its load. A vibrating electric motor5, embodied within a container78, is coupled to the bar75, that is clung with his/her hands by the user who pulls it downwards either in front or in back of his/her head, which motor is capable to produce a vibration of the bar75. In particular, the vibration-damping elements, indicated inFIG. 9with the reference number6, may be also not present.

The operation of the machine70is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the bar75, that increases the stimulation of the muscles, employed by the user for lowering the same bar, by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motor5. In particular, an interface electronic apparatus79is visible in the Figure, connected via wire69to the motor5, which allows the user to activate the motor and to set its operation mode.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 9may be applied to any similar machine comprising a bar or any element provided with handles (for at least one limb of the user) connected through a cable to a load, on which user exerts a traction push. By way of example, e.g. a machine similar to that ofFIG. 9wherein the handle and levers are not coupled to each other and wherein the rotary discs do not share the same axis, or the machines for exercising the trunk muscles (such as for instance the “chest presses”) and the machines for exercising the shoulder muscles (such as for instance the “shoulder presses”) wherein the user makes similar side levers rotate by pushing them outwards or upwards.

In particular, with reference toFIG. 10, it may be observed that a ninth embodiment of a gym equipment according to the invention is a barbell80, that in the Figure is shown as resting on supports81and81′ of the two vertical rods82and82′ of a bench83. The barbell80is capable to conventionally removably receive at its ends weights84in order to be suitably loaded. A vibrating electric motor5, embodied within a container85, is coupled to the barbell80, that is clung with his/her hands by the user who, getting in an upright, sitting, or lying down position, repeatedly raises it upwards, which motor is capable to produce a vibration of the barbell80. In particular, the vibration-damping elements, only one of which, indicated with the reference number6, is visible inFIG. 10, may be also not present. As for the machines of the previous Figures, the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the barbell80, that increases the stimulation of the muscles employed by the user, by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motor5. In particular, the container85could be retrofit coupled also to already existing barbells, by providing it with mechanical means of coupling to the barbells, such as for instance brackets which removably couple to these. The structure of the barbell80ofFIG. 10may be applied to dumbbells, bars, rods and to any machine comprising a barbell, one or more dumbbells, a rod or a bar loadable with weights.

With reference toFIG. 11, it may be observed that a tenth embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a machine90for exercising the leg muscles, also called “leg extension” machine, wherein the user sits on a seat91provided with a back92, integrally coupled to a frame93. The machine90further comprises a front lever94(represented in the Figure as substantially in a rest position) the upper end95of which is rotatably coupled to the seat91so as to be capable to rotate upwards. In particular, an element99, preferably of conventionally adjustable height, is coupled to the front lever94, which element is provided with a right and left stuffings96and96′, on which the user exerts a push by means of his/her feet for raising the lever94. A vibrating electric motor5, housed within a container97, is coupled to the front lever94, which motor is capable to produce a vibration of the lever94, that is preferably loaded by means of a conventional connection, e.g. a pulley one, to one or more selectable weights (not shown in Figure) for adjusting its load. In particular, the vibration-damping elements, indicated inFIG. 11with the reference number6, may be also not present.

The operation of the machine90is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the front lever94through which the user exerts the leg muscles for making it rotate upwards. The vibration of the front lever94increases the stimulation of the user's leg muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motor5.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 11may be applied to any similar machine comprising a lever that may be activated by the user's limbs, preferably the lower ones, for making it rotate around a horizontal axis; for instance a machine similar to that ofFIG. 11in which the front lever is sideway, instead of midway, coupled to the seat91and the element provided with the stuffings96and96′ is substantially a horizontal rod an end of which is coupled to the front lever (although in this case the vibration is not uniformly distributed on both the legs); or still a machine similar to that ofFIG. 11in which there are two midway front levers, which may be removably coupled so as to be capable to be moved also independently from one another; or furthermore a machine similar to that ofFIG. 11in which the user, instead of sitting, assumes an upright position.

A further example is shown inFIG. 12, wherein it may be observed an eleventh embodiment100of the gym machine according to the invention, still for exercising the leg muscles, also called machine for contracting legs or “leg curl” machine, wherein the user lies prone on a bench101, integrally coupled to a frame102. The machine100further comprises a front lever103(represented in the Figure substantially in a rest position) the upper end104of which is rotatably coupled to the bench101so as to be capable to rotate upwards. In particular, right and left stuffings105and105′, integral to each other and preferably of conventionally adjustable height, are coupled to the front lever103, on which stuffings the user exerts a push by means of the heels for raising the lever103making it rotate upwards. A vibrating electric motor5, housed within a container106, is coupled to the front lever103, which motor is capable to produce a vibration of the lever103, that is preferably loaded by means of a conventional connection, e.g. a pulley one, to one or more selectable weights (not shown in the Figure) for adjusting its load. In particular, the vibration-damping elements, indicated inFIG. 12with the reference number6, may be also not present. Also in this case, the structure of the machine ofFIG. 12may be applied to the case wherein the user, instead of lying down, assumes an upright position (e.g. in the so-called “standing gluteus” machine).

With reference toFIG. 13, it may be observed that a twelfth embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a cable traction machine110for exercising the muscles of the limbs, in particular of the arms. The machine110comprises a frame111subdivided into two sections, a right one and a left one, each one of which comprises a cable, respectively112and112′, connected to one or more selectable weights, respectively118and118′, for adjusting its load. The cable112or112′ may be pulled, through conventional elements such as pulleys, respectively113and113′, by a user clinging to respective handle, respectively114and114′, with a hand. In particular, the handle may be any one, and it may be also replaced with a rod or any element provided with handles, in order to allow the user to exercise the selected muscles. The machine further comprises a horizontal rod115, coupled to the frame111, preferably of conventionally adjustable height, provided with a cam, respectively116and116′, for each cable112and112′, that is activated by an electric motor117for creating a unbalance of positioning of the cable,112and112′, making the respective handle, respectively114and114′, vibrate. An interface electronic apparatus119, connected via cable109to the motor117, allows the user to activate the motor and to set its operation modes.

The operation of the machine110is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the handles114and114′, through which the user exercises the arm muscles for pulling the cables112and112′, since this vibration increases the stimulation of the muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that introduced by the cams116and116′.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 13may be applied to any similar machine comprising at least one loaded cable pullable by means of at least one operation element. For instance the structure is also applicable to a machine comprising a system of lower cables operatable by means of rings in which a user's foot goes. Furthermore, the machine ofFIG. 13may further be provided with a base board that may be rendered vibrating by means of a system similar to what already previously described, for instance in reference to the machine40ofFIG. 6.

Moreover, a rod similar to the one115ofFIG. 13, provided with one or more cams116operated by at least one electric motor117, could be also retrofit coupled to the frame111of already existing cable traction machines.

With reference toFIG. 14, it may be observed that a thirteenth embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is a machine120for simulating rowing, also called “rower”. The machine120comprises a frame121on which a seat122, onto which the user is sitting, is capable to slide along a guide123, and a right board124and a left board124′, onto which the user's feet rest. Each board (only the left board124′ is shown in detail in the Figure) comprises a lower platform,3′, coupled to the frame121, and an upper platform,4′, to which a corresponding vibrating electric motor,5′, is coupled, that is capable to produce a vibration of the respective upper platform,4′. In each board, four vibration-damping elements,6′, are located between the lower platform and the upper one. The machine120further comprises a rod125capable to pull a cable126, conventionally loaded by means of a flywheel housed in a suitable container127coupled to the frame121. An interface electronic apparatus128, connected to the vibrating electric motors, allows the user to activate and to set the operation mode of the same motors. The user trains pulling the rod125by exerting a push with his/her feet onto the boards124and124′.

Possibly, within the frame121, in correspondence to the aperture129from which the cable126comes out, the machine120may be provided with a cam, operated by a corresponding electric motor, for creating an unbalance of positioning of the cable126, thus making the rod125vibrate. In such case, the user could also activate and set the operation mode of the motor operating the cam by means of the interface apparatus128.

The operation of the machine120is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the boards124and124′ and, possibly, of the rod125, by interacting with which the user trains pulling the cable126, since such vibration increases the stimulation of the muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that introduced by the vibrating motors of the boards and possibly of the cam of the cable126.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 14may be applied to any similar machine, e.g. to a similar machine comprising, instead of two boards, a single board where the user's feet rest, or to a similar machine in which the frame is separated into two sections, one comprising the vibrating boards and the possible cable cam, and one comprising the seat, in order to prevent the motor vibrations from being transmitted to the seat.

With reference toFIG. 15, it may be observed that a fourteenth embodiment of the gym machine according to the invention is an exercise cycle130, that comprises a frame131to which a seat132(possibly replaced with any saddle) is coupled, onto which seat a user is sitting, and a right pedal133and a left pedal (not shown), integrally coupled to the shaft (not shown) of a rotary disc137, onto which pedals the user's feet rest for allowing him/her to pedal. In particular, the seat132may be provided with a right lever134and a left lever (not shown) that the user may grasp for clinging. A flywheel un flywheel135connected to the rotary disc137by means of a conventional driveline, preferably a belt drive138, opposes pedals rotation. The resistance of the flywheel135is preferably selectable by the user through an interface electronic apparatus136. The machine further comprises a lower platform3, coupled to the frame131, and an upper platform4to which a vibrating electric motor5is coupled, capable to produce a vibration of the upper platform4; two vibration-damping elements6are preferably located between the lower platform and the upper one. The shaft of the rotary disc137is coupled to the upper platform4, whereby the vibrations of the latter cause corresponding vibrations of the pedals, while at least one tightener element139compensates the vibrations of the disc137always keeping the drive belt tight. The user may preferably activate and set the operation mode of the motor5always by means of the interface apparatus136.

Possibly, the levers134and134′ of the seat and a handlebar151, to which the user may cling, may be also provided with corresponding vibrating electric motors capable to make respective lever or handlebar vibrate.

The operation of the machine130is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the pedals (and, possibly, of the levers of the seat and/or of the handlebar151), since such vibration increases the stimulation of the muscles employed during training by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that introduced by the motor5.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 15may be applied to any similar machine, e.g. a similar machine comprising, instead of one single upper platform, two, right and left, upper platforms onto which the right and left portions of the shaft of the rotary disc137rest.

With reference toFIG. 16, it may be observed that a fifteenth embodiment of the gym equipment according to the invention is a pommel horse140, comprising two handles or pommels141and141′. The pommel horse140comprises a frame142, covered with a stuffing143, provided with four legs144. The pommel horse140internally comprises, for each pommel141and141′, a lower platform, respectively3and3′, coupled to the142, and an upper platform, respectively4and4′, to which a corresponding vibrating electric motor, respectively5and5′, is coupled, capable to produce a vibration of the respective upper platform. A pair of vibration-damping elements, respectively6and6′, preferably of hexagonal shape, is located between each lower platform3and3′ and the respective upper platform4and4′.

The operation of the machine140is similar to that of the machines of the previous Figures, wherein the beneficial effect of the physical exercise is improved by the vibration of the pommels141and141′ which are clung by the user during the gym exercise, which vibration is caused by the corresponding upper platforms4and4′, since such vibration increases the stimulation of the user's muscles by causing periodical contractions thereof at a frequency equal to that of vibration of the motors5and5′.

The structure of the machine ofFIG. 16may be applied to any similar machine, i.e. comprising one or more handles which may be clung by the user.

Similarly to the machine1ofFIG. 1, also the machines10,20,30,40,50,60,70,90,100,110,120, and130, ofFIGS. 2-3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,13,14, and15, and the equipments80and140of FIGS.10and16may optionally comprise a corresponding controlling electronic device driving the respective vibrating motors, adjusting their vibration frequency. In particular, the machines could further determine the optimal frequency of vibration of the vibrating motors according to the method described with reference to the machine1ofFIG. 1, by means of the aid of one or more muscular electrical activity sensors.

Obviously, the vibrating means illustrated with reference to the machines10,20,30,40,50,60,70,90,100,110, and120, ofFIGS. 2-3,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,13,14, as well as the motor applied to the barbell80ofFIG. 10, may be provided with conventional mechanical means (e.g. brackets, nuts, bolts, screws, or the like) in order to be retrofit applicable to already existing conventional machines.

Obviously, for all the previously described machines, electric wiring must be suitably insulated in order to ensure the user's safety and arranged so as not to obstruct the execution of the gym exercises.

The preferred embodiments have been above described and some modifications of this invention have been suggested, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art can make other variations and changes, without so departing from the related scope of protection, as defined by the following claims.