Apparatus for performing gym exercises, training and rehabilitation of muscular and articular groups

Abstract

An apparatus ( 1 ) is provided to carry out gymnastic exercises, training sessions and rehabilitation of muscle groups and joint areas, the said apparatus comprising an elastic element ( 2 ) of a given length (L) arranged as a closed loop (B); two rigid handle pieces ( 3 ), tightly connected to the longitudinal elastic element and separated at a distance of one-half the length (L/2) of the elastic element, and arranged in such a way that they can be removed from such longitudinal element; and two gripping parts ( 4 ) deformable through compression, wherein each one of them is provided to wrap the respective handle piece ( 3 ) like a cover.

1 . An apparatus to carry out gymnastic exercises, training sessions and rehabilitation of muscle groups and joint areas, the said apparatus ( 1 ) comprises:
 a longitudinally elastic element ( 2 ) of a given length (L) arranged as a closed loop (B);   two rigid handle pieces ( 3 ), tightly connected to the longitudinal elastic element and separated at a distance of one-half the length (L/2) of the elastic element, and arranged in such a way that they can be removed from such longitudinal element; and   two gripping parts ( 4 ) deformable through compression, wherein each one of them is provided to wrap the respective handle piece ( 3 ) like a cover;   in which the elastic element ( 2 ) has been foreseen as a tubular cord wherein its ends ( 20 ,  21 ) have been joined together to form the loop (B) by means of a series of connection means ( 5 ) provided to be housed inside at least one of the handle pieces ( 3 ); and   in which, the connection means ( 5 ) comprise:   a core piece ( 50 ), essentially cylindrical in shape, containing at least a ring projection ( 500 ) at each one of its ends so that they can be tightly fitted by coupling them to the ends ( 21 ,  20 ) of the tubular elastic longitudinal element ( 3 ), as well as a centre ring projection ( 501 ) which is used to stop the said ends ( 21 ,  20 ); and   a generally tubular gripping part ( 51 ), comprising semi-portions ( 510 ) arranged to mutually fit together, with a series of semi-ring shaped notches ( 511 ) inside each one of the said semi-portions, where at least one of the ring projections ( 500 ) of each end of the said core piece ( 50 ) is fitted, as well as the centre ring projection ( 501 ) of the said core piece ( 50 ), when both semi-portions ( 510 ) fit together.   
     
     
         2 . (canceled) 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according  claim 1 , characterised in that each one of the handle pieces ( 3 ) is advantageously provided as a tube for the insertion of the elastic element ( 2 ), comprising a flange ( 30 ) in each one of the respective ends. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 3 , characterised in that each handle piece ( 3 ) is comprised by a tube portion ( 31 ) and a plug portion ( 32 ), each one of them with a respective flange ( 30 ) on its end, and arranged so that they may be coupled together, forming a single piece, by means of a pressure-type or threaded coupling. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according  claims 3 , characterised in that each gripping part ( 4 ) is provided with a sleeve which is tightly fitted between the flanges ( 30 ) of the respective handle piece ( 3 ). 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according  claim 1 , characterised in that the sleeve-shaped gripping part is arranged with ring projections ( 40 ) uniformly distributed over its whole length. 
     
     
         7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according  claim 1 , characterised in that the handle piece ( 3 ) is provided with an inner recess ( 33 ) where the connecting means ( 5 ) are tightly fitted. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according  claim 1 , characterised in that the elongation strain of the elastic element is preferably selected so that it can reach a value of 15, 18 or 20 Kilos. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9 , characterised in that the elastic element ( 2 ) is coated in different colours, depending on its stretch resistance.