Pool Pilates Apparatus with Hinged Pedal and Adjustable Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current apparatuses for performing Pilates exercises in a pool lack guidance and stability, which can lead to incorrect execution and reduced effectiveness, especially for individuals with osteoarticular problems.

Innovation Solution

A pool-based apparatus with vertical and parallel tubular elements, a horizontal support base, and a hinged pedal, equipped with connection points for accessories like springs and elastic bands, allowing for guided exercises with adjustable resistance and support, also serving as a pool ladder for easy entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If free-body Pilates exercises are performed in water without equipment, then muscular oxygenation and stability are improved, but guidance and correctness of exercise execution deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuscular oxygenation and stabilityVSAvoidguidance and correctness of exercise execution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized water exercise apparatus as an intermediary tool between the user and the water environment. The apparatus includes a vertical support structure with a horizontal bar at water level, allowing users to perform Pilates exercises with proper guidance and correction while benefiting from water's stabilizing and oxygenating effects. The apparatus acts as a mediator that provides structural support and exercise guidance without compromising the therapeutic benefits of water-based training.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If floating equipment is used for Pilates exercises in water, then ease of operation is improved, but guidance and stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of exercise performanceVSAvoidguidance and stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the exercise support system into separate functional segments: a vertical support structure providing stable anchoring, a horizontal bar at water level for exercise guidance, and adjustable positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the vertical structure ensures stability and guidance while the horizontal bar facilitates ease of operation for exercise execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If Pilates exercises are performed on land, then guidance and correctness are improved, but joint load and accessibility for osteoarticular patients deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance and correctness of exercise executionVSAvoidjoint load on lower joints
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the hydraulic properties of water as a supportive medium for exercise performance. The water environment provides buoyancy and distributed load support, reducing the impact on lower joints while maintaining the ability to perform guided Pilates exercises. The apparatus is positioned to allow exercise execution in water, leveraging the fluid's mechanical properties to protect joints while preserving exercise guidance and correctness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Data Source

PatentEP3866939B1Apparatus for performing pilates exercises in a pool or similar places
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 DONOFRIO DIEGO
  • EP3866939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3866939B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3866939B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An apparatus (10) for performing Pilates exercises in a pool or similar places provides a structure composed of two shaped tubular elements (11), which are vertical and parallel to one another, joined by at least one horizontal support base (12) in an intermediate position; the tubular elements (11) are provided with elements (13-15) to anchor the apparatus (10) to the structure of the pool; a pedal (16) is provided in a lower position that is hinged on the two tubular elements (11) to rotate between a closed position and an open position; the tubular elements (11), the support base (12) and the pedal (16) have connection points (17-19) for removably fixing accessories for Pilates (20,22) such as springs, elastic bands and the like. The apparatus (10) enables Pilates exercises to be performed in a correct and guided manner in the pool.