EXERCISE MACHINE

Abstract

 An exercise machine (1), which comprises:
- a frame for resting on the ground (2),
- a footboard element (5) which oscillates with respect to the frame (2) about a first axis (X1) and a second axis (X2) which are mutually perpendicular,
- a handgrip element (7) which oscillates with respect to the frame (2) in an oscillating manner about a first axis (X1) and a third axis (X3) which are mutually perpendicular,
wherein the footboard element (5) and the handgrip element (7) are functionally connected to each other in order to move in a substantially synchronous manner during the respective oscillation.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise machine, preferably for installation in gyms, domestic exercise rooms and the like.

[0002] In the state of the art there are various different exercise machines, all adapted to exercise one or more muscle groups, depending on their structure.

[0003] Such machines are usually provided with a frame for resting on the ground, and with one or more arms which are variously articulated to the frame, with grips, footpads or similar interface elements so that the person who is using the machine performs a guided movement that is adapted to exercise one or more muscle groups, without risking incorrect and potentially dangerous movements.

[0004] Conventional machines include machines that are capable of exercising a single muscle group (e.g. the biceps or the triceps) and machines that are capable of exercising a plurality of muscle groups (e.g. the groups in the arms and legs, simultaneously).

[0005] The machine according to the present invention belongs to the second category described above.

[0006] Such conventional machines capable of exercising a plurality of muscle groups are not devoid of drawbacks, among which is the fact that they are usually rather complex, since they need to be capable of guiding movements of the arms and legs of the user in a synchronized fashion.

[0007] Another drawback of such conventional machines consists in that they have a relatively high space occupation.

[0008] A further drawback of such conventional machines consists in that the muscle groups exercised are substantially only those in the arms and legs.

[0009] A further drawback of such conventional machines consists in that they do not allow the user to execute natural movements and they present a hazard of excessively straining the joints.

[0010] Another drawback of the conventional machines relates specifically to exercising the stabilizing muscles of the user's torso: in such machines in fact the movement of such muscles is free (not guided), with the risk that they can result in non-ergonomic movements, muscle tearing, or over-fatigue.

[0011] The aim of the present invention consists in providing an exercise machine that solves the above technical problem, eliminates the drawbacks and overcomes the limitations of the known art, making it possible to provide a machine that is easily and practically implemented.

[0012] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to provide such a machine with relatively low encumbrance.

[0013] Another object of the invention consists in providing a machine that is intuitive and simple to use.

[0014] Another object of the invention consists in providing a machine that is capable of exercising additional muscle groups with respect to those of the arms and legs only.

[0015] Another object of the invention consists in providing a machine that is capable of making the user perform a natural movement, without inappropriately straining the joints.

[0016] Another object of the invention consists of providing a machine that is capable of offering the widest guarantees of reliability and safety in use.

[0017] Another object of the invention consists in providing a machine that is easy to implement and economically competitive when compared to the known art.

[0018] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an exercise machine that comprises:

• a frame for resting on the ground,
• a footboard element which oscillates with respect to the frame about a first axis and a second axis which are mutually perpendicular,
• a handgrip element which oscillates with respect to the frame in an oscillating manner about a first axis and a third axis which are mutually perpendicular,

wherein the footboard element and the handgrip element are functionally connected to each other in order to move in a substantially synchronous manner during the respective oscillation.

[0019] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an exercise machine, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a semi-transparent perspective view of a first embodiment of an exercise machine, according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail of the machine in the previous figure;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the machine in the previous figures;

Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the machine in the previous figures with a user, in a step of operation;

Figure 5 is a side view of the machine in the previous figures.

[0020] With reference to the figures, the exercise machine, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a frame 2 for resting on the ground to which a footboard element 5 and a handgrip element 7 are connected.

[0021] The footboard element 5 oscillates with respect to the frame 2 about a first axis X1 and a second axis X2 which are mutually perpendicular, and similarly the handgrip element 7 oscillates with respect to the frame 2 about the first axis X1 and a third axis X3 which are mutually perpendicular.

[0022] The axes X2 and X3, in use, rotate about the axis X1.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment the axis X1 lies on the central plane of symmetry of the machine 1.

[0024] The footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 are also functionally connected in order to move in a substantially synchronous manner during the respective oscillation.

[0025] Descending into more detail, in the preferred embodiment, the frame 2 comprises an upright member 3, and the connection between the frame 2 and the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 occurs by way of (through) the upright member 3.

[0026] In other equivalent embodiments (not shown), the functional connection between the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 occurs for example through the frame, by way of kinematic chains for this purpose; in one example, the kinematic chains comprise toothed belts and transmission pulleys.

[0027] Although the frame 2 can be made in various forms, according to the invention, to the advantage of the lightness and compactness of the machine 1, the frame 2 comprises a base 21 and a post element 22 that extends from the base 21.

[0028] The structure, made up of the base 21, the post element 22 and the upright member 3 connected to both, seen from the side is triangular in shape overall, as can be seen in Figure 5.

[0029] The base 21 and the post element 22 can preferably be single or double, depending on the individual case.

[0030] The upright member 3 can be fixed or can oscillate with respect to the frame 2.

[0031] In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, the upright member 3 oscillates with respect to the frame 2, to which it is coupled by way of first means for articulation 4 which comprise a rotary pair, so that the upright member 3 is free to oscillate about the first axis X1, which coincides substantially with the longitudinal extension of that upright member 3.

[0032] The means for articulation 4 are arranged at the free ends of the upright member 3 and preferably comprise a bearing.

[0033] In this preferred embodiment, the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 are coupled to the upright member 3 with respective second 6 and third 8 means for articulation, so as to be able to oscillate about respective axes X2 and X3 with respect to the upright member 3.

[0034] To this end the second 6 and third 8 means for articulation comprise a rotary pair which comprises a pin, which identifies such axes X2 and X3, which are preferably mutually parallel (and lie on the same plane) and are perpendicular to the first axis X1.

[0035] In this manner, in operation, the user places his or her feet on the footboard element 5 and grips the handgrip element 7: since the axes X2 and X3 are arranged centrally with respect to the points of support of the user on the footboard element 5 and on the handgrip element 7, it follows from this that the user can exercise his or her musculature by alternately pulling and pushing with one arm and one leg on the footboard element 5 and on the handgrip element 7.

[0036] This guided rotary motion of the elements 5 and 7 about the respective axes X2 and X3 triggers the guided rotation of the upright member 3 (and therefore ultimately of the elements 5 and 7) about the axis X1, thus exercising a plurality of muscle groups, as can also be seen in Figure 4 in which a continuous line and a dotted line show the two stroke limiting positions of the oscillation of the footboard element 5 and of the handgrip element 7 with respect to the upright member 3.

[0037] At the same time, owing to the displacement that occurs of the weight of the body, the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 rotate with respect to the frame 2; this contributes, among other things, to exercising the muscles of the user's back as well.

[0038] In more detail, it is precisely the action of the mutually connected elements 5 and 7 that triggers the oscillation with respect to the axis X1, thus involving the stabilizing muscles of the user's torso in a coordinated and synergistic manner, to the advantage of the user's exercise session.

[0039] It should be noted in fact that the central plane of symmetry (on which the axis X1 lies) corresponds, when the machine 1 is in use, to the central plane of the user (of right/left symmetry): the oscillation about the axis X1 comes about precisely because of the oscillation imposed by the elements 5 and 7, in a correct manner, in order to avoid movements that are hazardous for the user.

[0040] Analyzing further the movement of the user's body during exercise, it should be noted that the pelvis and the torso move by rotating about the axis X1, in coordination with the movement of the legs and arms, which assists involvement in moving the user's stabilizing muscles.

[0041] Preferably, the machine 1 of the invention is a machine of the "aerobic" type, i.e. capable of exercising the user by way of an aerobic movement.

[0042] The connection between the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 is preferably provided by way of at least one rigid tension member 10 which is articulated to the footboard element 5 and to the handgrip element 7, and is arranged preferably parallel to the upright member 3.

[0043] In other equivalent embodiments (not shown), the tension member is flexible, for example it comprises a cable, preferably made of steel, and transmission pulleys; in still other embodiments (not shown), the tension member comprises a chain and meshing gears or the like.

[0044] The effect of the tension member 10, irrespective of the embodiment chosen, is to couple the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 together, so as to determine a simultaneous oscillation of the two about the respective axes X2 and X3.

[0045] In order to facilitate the movement of the user and avoid movements that are incorrect or too fatiguing, the rotation of the footboard element 5 and that of the handgrip element 7 about the respective axes X2 and X3 and the rotation of the upright member 3 about the respective axis X1 are limited by a guiding device 9, which is designed at least to define a functional stroke of the footboard element 5 and of the handgrip element 7 and of the upright member 3; we will return to a preferred embodiment of the guiding device 9 below.

[0046] Descending into more detail, in the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the machine 1, the footboard element 5 comprises two footpads, which are mutually connected by a first coupling bar 51. In this case the bar 51 is coupled to the upright member 3 by way of the second means for articulation 6, which are described above and arranged centrally with respect to the foot supports, so as to ensure, in use, a load symmetry of the user's legs.

[0047] Similarly, the handgrip element 7 comprises two handgrips, which are mutually connected by a second coupling bar 71. Similarly to what id described above, in this case the second bar 71 is coupled to the upright member 3 by way of the third means for articulation 8, which are described above and arranged centrally with respect to the handgrips, so as to ensure, in use, a load symmetry of the user's arms.

[0048] Turning now to describe the preferred embodiment of the guiding device 9, this comprises a transmission arm 91 and a bar 92.

[0049] The arm 91 is coupled to the footboard element 5 and to the bar 92, which is in turn coupled to the frame 2.

[0050] Preferably the arm 91 is in the form of a plate.

[0051] As can be seen in detail in Figure 2, the point of coupling between the transmission arm 91 and the bar 92 is arranged in an eccentric position with respect to the second axis X2.

[0052] It should be noted incidentally that an equivalent result is obtained when the transmission arm 91 is coupled to the handgrip element 7.

[0053] The bar 92 is preferably a rigid bar provided with ball joints at the ends for coupling with the frame 2 and with the arm 91, so that they can move, following the movement of the arm 91 which in turn is driven by the footboard element 5.

[0054] This configuration limits the maximum travel (or stroke) in rotation of the footboard element 5, the handgrip element 7, and the upright member 3, so that the user's movement is guided.

[0055] Preferably the guiding device 9 is configured to limit the angular travel strokes of the footboard element 5 and of the handgrip element 7 and the stroke of the upright member 3 about its own axis X1. The angular limit values can be chosen according to preference.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the bar 92 is a rigid bar of fixed length, while in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the bar 92 is a rigid bar of modifiable length (for example with a telescopic configuration that can be locked in position, with two screw-engaged half-bars or the like): in fact varying the length of the bar 92 varies the travel of the movement and, ultimately, the type of exercise that the user can set.

[0057] In an embodiment that is preferred but not shown, in order to adjust the effort of the user, it is possible for the guiding device 9 to be configured to exert a braking action at least on one of the footboard element 5 and/or the handgrip element 7 and/or the upright member 3; as these are connected, the braking action is therefore carried out on all of them, basically regulating the effort expended by the user during the training.

[0058] In this embodiment the point of coupling between the bar 92 and the frame 2 can be moved with respect to the frame, for example by fixing the spherical joint at the end of the bar 92 in different positions with respect to the frame 2 by way of a radial collar or the like.

[0059] According to an optional improvement, with reference to an operating condition, the upright member 3 is inclined with respect to the horizontal, preferably inclined with respect to the horizontal at an angle "a" comprised between 40° and 60°; in this manner the machine 1 can be used in a particularly ergonomic manner by a user.

[0060] According to another optional improvement, the machine 1 also comprises a monitoring system 11, which is adapted to detect at least the repetitions of oscillating movement that the user performs while exercising. Preferably the monitoring system 11 comprises a fixed sensor 12 which is coupled to the frame 2 and a moving sensor 13 which is coupled to the upright member 3.

[0061] Optionally the monitoring system 11 is also functionally connected to the guiding device 9 and/or to a screen for displaying information about the exercise session read at least by the monitoring system 11.

[0062] Operation of the machine 1 is clear and evident from the foregoing description.

[0063] In practice it has been found that the machine 1, according to the present invention, achieves the intended aim and objects in that it is relatively simple and capable of guiding movements of the arms and legs of the user in a synchronized fashion.

[0064] Another advantage of the machine according to the invention consists in that it presents a relatively low encumbrance.

[0065] Another advantage of the machine according to the invention consists in that it simultaneously exercises a plurality of muscle groups of the user, in an ergonomic manner.

[0066] Another advantage of the machine according to the invention consists in that the movements performed by the user who is using the machine 1 are natural and do not excessively strain the joints.

[0067] The machine thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0068] Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0069] For example, in an equivalent embodiment (not shown), the upright member 3 is fixed with respect to the beams 22 and 23 and is integral with them; in this embodiment the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 are mounted on coupling sleeves which are coupled to the upright member 3 by way of rotary pair hinges, which define the first axis X1 about which the sleeves (and therefore the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7) rotate, and which coincides substantially with the axis of the upright member 3. In this embodiment, the footboard element 5 and the handgrip element 7 are also coupled to the respective members through respective rotary pair hinges that define respectively a second rotation axis X2 and a third rotation axis X3, which are perpendicular to the first axis X1 and which again preferably lie on a plane that is common to the three axes X1, X2, X3.

[0070] Also, according to another variation, not shown, as an alternative to or in combination with the guiding device 9, the first means for articulation 4, the second means for articulation 6 and the third means for articulation 8 are configured to allow a rotation at an angle less than 180°; to this end they can comprise or be provided with an angular stop element that limits the stroke of the rotary pair to a preset angle of travel.

[0071] The machine 1 can also be provided with means for damping (such as springs or pads of elastic material or the like), which are intended to dampen the footboard element and/or the handgrip element and/or the upright member 3 when they reach the stroke limit.

[0072] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements.

[0073] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102017000114085 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. An exercise machine (1), characterized in that it comprises:

- a frame for resting on the ground (2),

- a footboard element (5) which oscillates with respect to the frame (2) about a first axis (X1) and a second axis (X2) which are mutually perpendicular,

- a handgrip element (7) which oscillates with respect to the frame (2) in an oscillating manner about a first axis (X1) and a third axis (X3) which are mutually perpendicular,

wherein the footboard element (5) and the handgrip element (7) are functionally connected to each other in order to move in a substantially synchronous manner during the respective oscillation.

2. The exercise machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an upright member (3) which is connected to the frame (2) and oscillates with respect to said frame about said first axis (XI), the footboard element (5) and the handgrip element (7) being connected in an oscillating manner to the upright member (3) respectively about said second axis (X2) or said third axis (X3).

3. The exercise machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises first means for articulation (4) between the upright member (3) and the frame (2), said means for articulation (4) comprising a rotary pair which identifies said first rotation axis (XI), which substantially coincides with the axis of longitudinal extension of the upright (3).

4. The exercise machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footboard element (5) and the handgrip element (7) are coupled so as to oscillate with respect to the upright member (3) by virtue of respective second means for articulation (6) and third means for articulation (8), wherein said second means for articulation (6) and third means for articulation (8) comprise a rotary pair which identifies respectively said second axis (X2) and said third axis (X3), which are mutually parallel.

5. The exercise machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a tension member (10) which connects the footboard element (5) and the handgrip element (7).

6. The exercise machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a guiding device (9) which is configured to limit the oscillation stroke of the footboard element (5), of the handgrip element (7), and of the upright member (3).

7. The exercise machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the footboard element (5) comprises two footpads, which are mutually connected by a first coupling bar (51), and in that the handgrip element (7) comprises two handles, which are mutually connected by a second coupling bar (71), the first bar (51) and the second bar (71) being coupled so as to oscillate to the upright member (3), preferably by virtue of said respective second means for articulation (6) and said third means for articulation (8).

8. The exercise machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guiding device (9) is configured to brake the oscillation of the footboard element (5), of the handgrip element (7), and of the upright member (3).

9. The exercise machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the guiding device (9) comprises a transmission arm (91) which is coupled both to said footboard element (5), in an eccentric position with respect to said second axis (X2), and to a preferably rigid bar (92), which in turn is coupled to the frame (2).

10. The exercise machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the active condition the upright member (3) is inclined by an angle comprised between 40° and 60° with respect to the horizontal.

Drawing