GB2031742A - Exercising device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device includes two inter-communicating bellows 2, 3 in a closed air circuit 4, 5, with sufficient air for one of the bellows to be inflated at a time, and support surfaces 7 for the feet of the user, so that a user can depress the bellows 2, 3 alternatingly with movements similar to pedalling. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Gymanastic device for activating the circulation of blood The present invention relates to a gymnastic apparatus for stimulating blood circulation, which is very simple and efficient in construction.

At the present time, apparatuses are known, which are derived from the bicycle and which, by means of controlled static pedalling, make it possible for the user of the apparatus to perform gymnastic exercise intended to prevent the formation of varices, thrombosis and other cardio-vascular disturbances.

This type of apparatus cannot be used by people of advanced age or of considerable weight, who lack the strength to lift themselves on to the apparatus and to keep themselves in balance on the precarious saddle.

Another point which arises to be considered is that the users of these apparatuses easily become tired of using them by virtue of a lack of willpower, and they find the exercises boring and lacking in interest, so that they give up using the apparatus, so that two things happen: the first is a deterioration in health due to lack of exericse; and the second is incurring exercise economic expenditure without profit, since the cost of such apparatus is considerable.

These disadvantages have been overcome by using the apparatus according to the present invention, which can be easily used by persons of any age and condition whatever, and which makes it possible for the exercise to be performed at the same time as another easy activity such as reading or watching television.

The gymnastic apparatus in question essentially comprises two bellows which are in intercommunication with each other in a closed circuit and which are mounted on a suitable support, with sufficient air for inflating one of the bellows, and which are provided with a base for supporting the feet of the user, who will press alternatively on the bellows, with movements similar to pedalling.

Preferably, the apparatus will be provided with a valve which has an adjustable flow rate and which is diposed at a suitable point in the communication between the two bellows and by means of which the effort required for alternatively emptying the bellows is adjusted.

Moreover, the device is provided with a valve with an inflation opening, which makes it possible for air to be introduced into and removed from the bellows, as desired.

Advantageously, the surface for supporting the feet of the user will be of a suitable configuration for perfectly fitting the feet thereon, with means for securing the foot in order to prevent it from involuntarily coming away from the foot-support means.

The assembly of the components of the apparatus will be mounted on a support which can be easily carried and with suitable means for establishing its position of use at the desired location.

In order better to appreciate all the matter described in the present specification, the specification is accompanied by drawings which show, solely by way of example, a practical embodiment of the subject of the invention.

In the drawings, each of Figs. 1 and 2 correspond to perspective views of the apparatus in the two working positions thereof.

The described apparatus comprises, as shown in the drawings, a frame 1 with a base for resting on a preferably horizontal surface, which frame can be easily transported and on which are mounted two bellows 2 and 3 which are in communication with each other for example by means of conduits 4 and 5.

Interposed on the conduit 5 is a valve 6 which is of adjustable flow rate and which can be easily actuated and which is advantageously provided with a graduated scale, whereby the flow of air from one bellows to the other can be controlled.

Disposed on both the bellows 2 and 3 are platforms or pedal members 7 with the impression 8 of the feet, in order to facilitate fitting the feet thereon, the platforms 7 being provided with belts or straps 9 which are adjustably by means of buckles 10, in order to secure the feet in position.

The apparatus is completed by a valve 11 which communicates with one of the bellows, with means for voluntarily inflating and deflating the bellows.

The assembly of the two bellows 2 and 3 and the pipes 4 and 5 forms a closed pneumatic circulatory system which is filled with an amount of air sufficient to occupy a bellows. By pressing the bellows alternatively with the feet, air is caused to flow from one bellows to the other, it being necessary to produce a force with the legs, similar to pedalling, which can be perfectly controlled and regulated by the valve 6.

Indeed, by constricting to a greater or lesser degree the passage in the valve 6, the air will flow from one bellows to the other, with the user of the apparatus applying a greater or lesser effort.

The apparatus can be easily transported to any position, and the user can use the apparatus while suitably seated in a conventional chair, and can carry on with amusement activities such as reading, watching television and the like, without ceasing to do the exercises.

With the apparatus, it is found that the patient does not come to be bored and thus continues to do the exercises.

As stated above, by being able to use any seat, the user can conveniently make use of the apparatus, irrespective of his age and weight.

The materials used in the construction of the various components which form the apparatus, the forms and dimensions thereof, and all the additional features which may occur will always be independent of the subject of the invention and in this respect do not affect the essential spirit thereof.

Claims (6)

1. Gymnastic device for activating the circulation of blood, including two intercommunicating bellows in a closed air circuit, mounted in a support, with sufficient air in the circuit for one of the bellows to be inflated at a time, and provided with support surfaces for the feet of a user, so that a user can depress the bellows alternatingly with movements similar to pedalling.

2. Gymnastic device according to claim 1, provided with an adjustable thread valve, placed in a suitable point in the communication between the bellows, whose operation enables the effort necessary to depress the bellows to be graduated.

3. Gymnastic device according to claim 1 or claim 2, including a valve for inflating and deflating the bellows.

4. Gymnastic device according to claim 1, in which each foot support surface has a shape suitable for a foot and means for attachment of a foot thereto.

5. Gymnastic device according to claim 1, in which the support includes a frame in which the bellows and the intercommunicating passages are located, which frame can be easily transported and has means for placing it in a work position.

6. Gymnastic device for activating circulation of blood substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.