Adapters and methods for using them for weightlifting exercises

Abstract

This invention relates to an adapter device for use with a weightlifting exercise bench and a method of performing weightlifting exercises using the adapter device. The adapter device includes: - a first side arm and a second side arm, which are laterally spaced apart from each other and arranged side-by-side on the exterior of corresponding side edges of the exercise bench; - a main support platform, wherein the side arms and the platform define a support surface for the body of the subject, the support surface being generally "U" or "C" shaped and integrally adapted to the exercise bench in terms of height and width; and - raised legs of the support surface, the raised legs being configured to support the side arms and the platform in an elevated position relative to the walking plane and generally side-by-side with the bench surface, wherein, in use, the support surface receives the side portion of the subject's torso at the side arms and the subject's lower limbs at the platform.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to assisting athletes of both disabled and able-bodied levels in their athletic activities at the amateur or competitive level. In particular, this invention relates to adapters for use in conjunction with reclining and leaning exercise benches to physically exercise the upper limbs and trunk, with particular reference to upper limb stretching using barbells, handles, cables, or elastic bands. Background Technology

[0002] One of the most practiced sports at both amateur and competitive levels over the past few decades has been weightlifting in a supine position on a bench. Specifically, the position for weightlifting requires the subject's torso to be supported on the bench in a supine position, while the lower limbs are folded laterally onto the bench itself, so that the feet rest on the walking plane and can support the body during exercise, ensuring stability and power during execution.

[0003] This program is even performed by athletes with disabilities and has been recognized as a Paralympic specialty by the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI). It is particularly suitable for individuals with lower limb paralysis, such as those with partial or complete paralysis or those who have undergone unilateral, bilateral, transtibial, or transfemoral amputations. In these cases, the standard posture of laterally supporting the lower limbs is either impractical or fails to provide adequate and safe support during exercise. Therefore, a special bench has been developed that is larger and longer than those typically available in gyms, allowing support not only for the torso but also for the entire pelvis and lower limbs in a supine position. As a complement to traditional execution, able-bodied athletes can also perform exercises on this special bench or in a fully supine position, resulting in different stimuli and muscle activation to ensure improved performance.

[0004] However, because specialized benches are not standard equipment and are reserved for athletes with specific goals, they are often very expensive and therefore not very common. This situation prevents most para-athletes from training in public gyms. Para-athletes must therefore find ways to utilize specialized structures that are not very common in their home countries and internationally (especially in developing countries, where the cost of support is even more exorbitant), or they must use makeshift and improvised supports that are insufficient for their purpose, exposing them to a higher risk of injury and compromising stability and safety during exercise.

[0005] US4535985 describes a multi-functional exercise device for weightlifting, which can be used to perform different postures corresponding to the exerciser relative to the device itself and is thus identified as "". Dynamic glute workout "", Dynamic leg exercises "and" Hack Squat exercise "exercise".

[0006] The machine described in this document includes a frame defined by a crossbeam and an upright section, on which a weight support is applied, sliding along two laterally opposite inclined guides. The device also includes a retractable stool, which, in addition to a head support, includes a retractable central section and two side sections for supporting the exerciser's back.

[0007] US4535985 does not describe an adapter for an exercise bench having two side sections and a central platform that defines a single support surface in a "U" or "C" shape. Furthermore, the head support surface in US4535985 is not suitable as a resting place for receiving the lower limbs.

[0008] Furthermore, the device in US4535985 is not constructed as an adapter, but rather as a stand-alone apparatus for lower limb exercises. When used in a supine position on a resting surface, the apparatus supports only the torso to enable lower limb-related exercises through lifting on plates restricted to sliding tracks on which a load is positioned. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, the technical problem proposed and solved by the present invention is to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above in the known art.

[0010] Such a problem is solved by the adapter device according to this application.

[0011] The present invention provides an adapter device suitable for use with ordinary flat-lying weightlifting benches and weightlifting benches with reclining configurations. The adapter device enlarges and lengthens the resting surface of the adapter device that can be used to support the exerciser's body, especially the resting surface that supports the torso, pelvis and lower limbs at the level, thereby ensuring effective execution in a completely safe manner.

[0012] Specifically, the adapter of the present invention is configured to be arranged side-by-side with an extension of an exercise bench, particularly in both width and length, which has an upper support surface of a generally rectangular plane. This is achieved by means of longitudinal and transverse auxiliary support surfaces that, as a whole, define a "U"-shaped profile at least partially circumscribed on three sides of a "standard" bench. In practice, these auxiliary surfaces are arranged laterally on the longer and shorter sides of the bench, the shorter sides being further away from the exercise load applied by means of a barbell, handles, elastic bands, or cables provided during exercise, i.e., the shorter sides are located at the lower limbs.

[0013] The adapter device of the present invention is suitable for simple implementation and low cost, enabling all disabled athletes to train in all gyms that offer weight training or fitness activities by avoiding any type of obstacle and ensuring the safety of the athlete.

[0014] For any injury involving the lower limbs or pelvis, the proposed adapter allows for training in a comfortable and safe manner.

[0015] This adapter is particularly suitable for use in both amateur and competitive settings by ensuring that people with disabilities can exercise and maintain their fitness from a health and daily independence perspective, while simultaneously promoting inclusion and cohesion. At the Paralympic Games, this adapter enables the widespread use of benches in Paralympic sports.

[0016] Other advantages, features, and modes of use of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments shown by way of example without limitation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Please refer to the diagram in the attached figure, where:

[0018] Figure 1 A front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the adapter device according to the invention, shown in conjunction with a weightlifting bench, is presented.

[0019] Figure 2 This demonstrates the process of use by athletes. Figure 1 A front-view perspective view of the adapter device;

[0020] Figure 3 A top plan view showing a variant of a preferred embodiment of the adapter device of the present invention is shown;

[0021] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Each shows a side view of a preferred embodiment of the adapter device of the present invention in a corresponding operational configuration;

[0022] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Each showed Figure 4A and Figure 4B The side view of the adapter device in the corresponding configuration with minimum encumbrance;

[0023] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Another preferred embodiment of the adapter device is shown by respectively illustrating a side perspective view and a front perspective view of the adapter device according to the invention;

[0024] Figure 6C This is involved by showing a bottom-view stereoscopic diagram. Figure 6A Variations of the implementation of the adapter device;

[0025] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Each showed Figure 6A A perspective view of the adapter device during the folding process and a perspective view of the device in a configuration suitable for transportation and storage with minimal burden.

[0026] Figure 8A It shows Figure 6A A perspective view of a variant of the implementation of the adapter device, wherein, for clarity, the upper covering element, i.e. the element that defines the floor for the exerciser's body, has been removed;

[0027] Figure 8B It shows Figure 6A A variant of the implementation of the adapter device is shown in a bottom plan view of a configuration in which the support legs of the adapter device itself are folded under the base plate.

[0028] Figure 9 It shows Figure 6A A bottom plan view of a variant of the carrier frame of the adapter device, wherein the supporting legs are omitted for clarity.

[0029] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 Magnified details;

[0030] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Each showed Figure 6A A perspective view of a variant of the implementation of the adapter's support leg, in the stage of preparing to lock at a selected height, and a perspective view of it in the locked configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Various embodiments and variations of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Similar components are indicated by the same reference numerals in different accompanying drawings.

[0033] In the following detailed description, further implementations and variations relative to the implementations and variations already addressed in the same description will be limited to describing the differences relative to the already described content.

[0034] Furthermore, the different implementation methods and variations described below can be used in combination.

[0035] * *

[0036] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adapter device is generally indicated by 1.

[0037] The adapter device 1 is configured for use in conjunction with a weightlifting exercise bench, designated P. Specifically, as is known in the art, this bench has a support surface S configured to receive a portion of the body of the exerciser in a supine, typically lying, position, such as… Figure 2 As illustrated in the example, the supporting surface S typically has a planar rectangular outline. Therefore, for a stool P, two mutually orthogonal directions can be defined, which define the position of the object using the stool itself. These two directions are the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T, where the longitudinal direction L corresponds to the height of the reclining object and the longer side of the stool, and the transverse direction T corresponds to the width of the object's body and the shorter side of the stool itself.

[0038] In the supine position, the object lifts a barbell M with a weight at one end, as is known in the art.

[0039] The adapter device 1 includes a main body 2 and a lifting device 3, which is used to hold the main body itself in a raised position relative to the walking plane.

[0040] The main body 2 is formed by first and second side arms 21 and 22, respectively, which extend primarily along the longitudinal direction L and are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction. The first side arms 21 and the second side arms 22 are configured to be arranged side-by-side outside the respective longitudinal side edge or longer side of the exercise bench during use. Preferably, the first side arms 21 and the second side arms 22 extend to a portion of the length of the exercise bench. Such first and second side arms 21 and 22 define the longitudinal attachments of the main platform 20 of the main body 2 itself. The main body 2 extends primarily along the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T, and is configured to be arranged side-by-side with the transverse edge of the end of the exercise bench or with the shorter side of the exercise bench during use.

[0041] The first side arm 21 and the second side arm 22 extend from the main platform 20 with corresponding outer longitudinal portions, which are aligned or substantially aligned longitudinally with the corresponding outer longitudinal edges of the main platform 20. In this way, the stool P is inserted longitudinally between the first side arm 21 and the second side arm 22 and abuts against the inner transverse edge of the main platform 20.

[0042] The main body 2, and particularly the first side arm 21, the second side arm 22, and the main platform 20, define a support surface 200 for the object's body. Due to the overall arrangement of the first side arm 21, the second side arm 22, and the main platform 20, this support surface 200 is generally U-shaped or C-shaped. Specifically, in Figure 1 In this context, the portion of the surface defined by the main platform 20 is designated as 210, and the portions defined by the first side arm 21 and the second side arm 22 are designated as 201 and 202, respectively.

[0043] In use, the support surface 200 serves as a resting part, receiving the side portion of the object's torso at the first side arm 21 and the second side arm 22, and receiving the object's lower limbs at the main platform 20 for overall extension of the lower limbs, such as... Figure 2 exemplified in .

[0044] Advantageously, the main body 2 is realized by two layers of material placed vertically side by side, which are in particular: an ergonomic layer 221 that interacts with the body of the object, which is made in particular of sponge with a leather coating, foam rubber, neoprene or other natural or synthetic materials; and a structural layer 222, which is made in particular of wood or metal, such as steel.

[0045] In variations of the implementation, an additional coating made of a non-slip material (such as eco-leather) may be used to prevent damage to the padding during use and to limit external features.

[0046] Typically, the first and second side arms, along with the upper portion of the main platform, define the support base, or resting base, for the exerciser's body.

[0047] The first side arm 21, the second side arm 22, and the main platform 20 can be implemented integrally or embedded in each other, or joined together as described herein, to allow the adapter device to be folded.

[0048] As described above, the lifting device 3 holds the support surface 200 at a vertical distance relative to the walking plane, i.e., the support surface 200 is raised, and the lifting device 3 holds the support surface 200 substantially parallel to the stool surface S in the vertical direction, i.e., the support surface 200 and the stool surface S are substantially at the same level. In this example, the lifting device 3 includes four support legs or uprights, respectively labeled 31 to 34. Uprights 31 and 32 are arranged to be spaced apart laterally and aligned longitudinally, each located below the corresponding first side arm 21 and second side arm 22. Uprights 33 and 34 are arranged to be spaced apart longitudinally from the corresponding uprights 31 and 32 and spaced apart laterally from each other, and located below the main platform 20.

[0049] The lifting device 3 can also be made of metal, especially steel.

[0050] Variations of the implementation may provide a different number of upright sections, for example, five or six.

[0051] In this embodiment, the adapter device 1 even includes a transport device, which is, for example, a gripping device, such as handles 51 and 52. In the example shown, handles 51 and 52 are arranged to be aligned at the longitudinal edge of the main platform 20.

[0052] Preferably, the adapter device 1 includes means for stabilizing the body of the object, particularly one or more straps 4 configured to wrap around the pelvis and / or lower limbs. Advantageously, the straps 4 can slide in a longitudinal groove obtained below the body 2, the longitudinal groove in Figure 3 The slots are exemplified as pairs, each associated with a corresponding first side arm 21 and second side arm 22, and are designated as 41 and 42 herein.

[0053] Reference Figure 4A and Figure 4BBased on a variant of the preferred embodiment, the body 2 has an adjustable longitudinal extension, particularly an adjustable longitudinal extension at the level of the main platform 20. The adjustable longitudinal extension has an attachment 220, which can be selectively withdrawn in the longitudinal direction by means of a pin and shape guide system, which is known per se and is schematically shown in the above figures.

[0054] Still refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B Based on a variant of the preferred embodiment, the lifting device 3 has an adjustable height, particularly an adjustable height by means of a telescopic structure.

[0055] According to a variant of the preferred embodiment, the adapter device 1 can be folded at the level of the main body 2 and / or at the level of the lifting device 3.

[0056] In particular, it also refers to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The upright portions 31 to 34 can each be rotatably connected to the main body 2 to present a folded configuration below the main body 2 or a configuration with minimal burden, wherein the upright portions extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] Furthermore, the main body 2 may be foldable at the connection between the first side arm 21 and the second side arm 22 and the main platform 20. This connection is shown schematically and by way of example only in the accompanying drawings, and its implementation is within the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0058] In this way, the adapter device 1 can be presented in one or more configurations with minimal burden, for example, for storage or transportation, such as... Figure 5A and Figure 5B As illustrated in the view.

[0059] Variations of the implementation may provide a system for anchoring the adapter between two parts when the adapter is closed, so as to prevent the adapter from opening during transport with minimal load.

[0060] For example only, in a specific embodiment, the adapter device 1 may have a total longitudinal length of about 125 cm, which can be extended to about 135 cm.

[0061] The main platform 20 can have a total width of approximately 63.5cm.

[0062] The main body 2 can have a thickness of approximately 6 cm, of which, for example, the ergonomic layer 221 is approximately 2 cm and the structural layer 222 is approximately 4 cm.

[0063] The first side arm 21 and the second side arm 22 may have a lateral width of approximately 16 cm.

[0064] The height of the support surface 200 from the ground can be approximately 40cm, and this height can be raised to approximately 50cm.

[0065] * *

[0066] Now refer to Figures 6A to 11B Further embodiments of the adapter device according to the invention will be described. The description will primarily relate to variations or combinations thereof with respect to the content described above.

[0067] First refer to Figures 6A to 6C The adapter device of the present preferred embodiment of the invention is generally indicated by 6.

[0068] The adapter device 6 is configured for use in conjunction with the exercise bench, similar to the adapter device already disclosed.

[0069] The adapter device 6 includes a main body 7 and a lifting device 8, which is used to hold the main body itself at a predetermined height relative to the walking plane.

[0070] The main body 7 is formed by first and second side arms 71 and 72, respectively, which extend primarily along the longitudinal direction L and are spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction. As already described, the first and second side arms 71 and 72 are configured to be arranged side-by-side on the exterior of the respective longitudinal side edge or longer side of the exercise bench during use. These first and second side arms 71 and 72 define the longitudinal attachments of the main platform 70 of the main body 7 itself. Still as already described, the main body 7 extends primarily along the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T, and is configured to be arranged side-by-side with the end transverse edge of the exercise bench or with the shorter side of the exercise bench during use.

[0071] The main body 7, and particularly the first side arm 71, the second side arm 72, and the main platform 70, define a support surface 700 for the object's body. Due to the overall arrangement of the first side arm 71, the second side arm 72, and the main platform 70, this support surface 700 is generally U-shaped or C-shaped. Specifically, in... Figure 6A In this context, the portion of the surface defined by the main platform 70 is designated 710, and the portions defined by the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 are designated 701 and 702, respectively.

[0072] In use, the support surface 700 serves as a resting part to receive the side portion of the object's torso at the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72, and to receive the object's lower limbs at the main platform 70 for overall extension of the lower limbs, as already illustrated.

[0073] Therefore, surface 700 is part of a support base or resting base for the athlete's body, defined by the first side arm 71, the second side arm 72, and the main platform 70.

[0074] The implementation of the main body 7 has been described with reference to the foregoing embodiments. The main body 7 includes two layers indicated by 721 and 722 in this document, thereby realizing a support base for the body of an athlete.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main body 7 also includes a support frame, preferably made of metal, which is placed below the base plate and marked 720. The support frame 720 substantially defines the polygonal shape of the main body 7 of the adapter device 6, and advantageously, the support frame 720 is implemented by means of multiple bars, beams, tubes, or metal profiles, as in... Figure 6C and Figure 8A It is more visible in the middle.

[0076] Specifically, based on the example embodiment shown in the figures, the support frame 720 comprises three structures implemented using welded tubing made of aluminum. In the illustrated embodiment, these three structures can be distinguished, as shown below.

[0077] The first structure 726, which has a larger size, is intended to connect with the portion of the aforementioned support base plate corresponding to the main platform 70. In addition to the circumferential tubular element that limits the load on the first structure 726, the first structure 726 is also provided with two additional longitudinal reinforcing elements or reinforcement elements located in the central portion, indicated by 7261 and 7262. Advantageously, these reinforcing elements or reinforcement elements are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central plane of the adapter device 6.

[0078] The other two lateral structures, which are usually identical and are respectively marked 727 and 728, are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central plane and each corresponds to a portion of the base plate defined by the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72.

[0079] In this embodiment, the main body 7 also includes a central arm or pad 73, which is positioned between the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 and close to the main platform 70. The central pad 73 has the same structure as the other elements 70, 71, and 72 of the main body illustrated above, but without the support frame 720 placed below the main body 7. The central pad 73 may have its own support frame or small support frame 730, which is preferably also made of metal.

[0080] In use, the central pad 73 is connected to the end of the stool near the waist area, and the central pad 73 can define a portion 703 of the support surface.

[0081] In this example, the lifting device 8 includes five support legs or uprights, respectively marked 81 to 85, each of which is rotatably constrained to the support frame 720 according to a lateral axis of rotation and specifically parallel to the shorter side of the adapter device 6, i.e., parallel to the shorter side of the stool used with the adapter device 6. The arrangement of the support legs 81-84 is similar to that described with reference to the foregoing embodiments. The adapter device 6 also includes a support leg 85 as described, which is arranged at the main platform 70 in a longitudinally recessed position relative to the circumferential portion of the main platform, and is laterally centered. The support leg 85 can be constrained to two reinforcing elements 7261, 7262 arranged in the central portion of the first structure 726.

[0082] Then the three supporting legs 83, 84 and 85 are constrained to the first structure 726 of the load-bearing frame 720.

[0083] The two support legs 81 and 82 are each constrained to the corresponding lateral structures 727 and 728 of the load-bearing frame 720.

[0084] Additional connecting devices, such as those in the form of a seat or a hole, may be provided on each of the first structure 726, the lateral structures 727 and 728, for repositioning the support legs in the event of specific assembly requirements, such as those related to the configuration of the exercise bench.

[0085] The proposed configuration for the lifting device 8 provides great stability to the structure of the adapter device 6 as a whole.

[0086] like Figure 11A and Figure 11BAs shown in more detail, taking support leg 84 as an example, each support leg 81-85 can be implemented by means of a pair of elongated elements that are generally C-shaped and interconnected. The first element 811, having a "C"-shaped profile, has two symmetrical elongated slots or guides 812, a pair of upper coaxial holes 813, and a series of partitions 814 formed by creating a recess, the series of partitions 814 having a circular or shaped profile and extending to the edge of the component. The second element 821 has a smaller size than the first element 811 so that it can be fitted inside the first element 811, particularly when the support leg must be folded under the support frame 720.

[0087] A stirrup-shaped third element 831 is also provided, which is connected to the support frame 720. This third element 831 is associated with the first element 811 at one end of the first element 811, and is placed side-by-side with the support frame itself during use. The third element 831 is also provided with two coaxial holes 833 for inserting a pin, which engages with the coaxial holes 813 of the first element 811. This configuration achieves the aforementioned rotational connection, thereby allowing each support leg to fold under the support frame 720 for storage or transport, as will be described below.

[0088] Each support leg 81-85 has a variable, adaptable configuration. Specifically, a side groove 812 allows a pin 815 to slide within it, thereby establishing a telescopic connection between the first element 811 and the second element 821. This pin 815 engages with a pair of holes obtained on the second element 821. In this way, the support leg can be extended / reduced. Conversely, a recess obtained on the first element 811 engages with a high pin 816, thus becoming integral with the second element 821. In this way, the first element 811 and the second element 821 of the support leg can be locked in place at the desired extension. The recess is created to ensure discrete positioning, for example, within a range of 10 mm. This allows the user to adjust the height of the adapter 6 relative to the height of the stool during use.

[0089] For the purpose of achieving the desired height / length adjustability, variations of the implementation may provide a connection of different shapes between the first element 811 and the second element 821.

[0090] like Figure 8BAs shown, advantageously, the structure of the carrier frame 720 with discrete elements and their relative dimensions and configurations, as well as the relative dimensions and configurations of each support leg 81-85, allow the support legs themselves to be folded under the carrier frame 720 and received within the overall thickness of the carrier frame 720 without protruding on the lower side. In other words, the folded support legs are accommodated in the remaining partitions between the elements constituting the carrier frame 720 by being positioned directly side-by-side on the base plate defined by the main platform 70 and the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72.

[0091] This approach achieves effective optimization of the workload.

[0092] In order to maintain the folded configuration considered herein by placing the support legs side by side with the components 70-72, a retaining device, such as a retaining device of the magnetic connection type, may be provided.

[0093] Even in the example of this embodiment, the adapter device 6 includes a transport device, such as a transport device in the form of a gripping device, which is, in particular, a handle 9, which advantageously has an ergonomic shape. In the example shown, the handle 9 is arranged on the outer lateral edge of the main platform 70, and for example in Figure 6B and Figures 7A to 7B As can be seen in the text.

[0094] According to variations of the preferred embodiments already mentioned, the adapter device 6 is foldable to facilitate transport or placement with minimal burden, such as... Figure 7A and Figure 7B As illustrated in the example. Specifically, the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 are rotatably connected to the main platform 70 at their respective lateral edges according to a rotation axis parallel to the lateral direction itself, and the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 are placed side by side with the main platform 70. Specifically, as shown in the example. Figure 8B , Figure 9 and Figure 10 More clearly, the lateral structures 727 and 728 are connected to the first structure 726 by means of a hinge 90. This hinge 90 may be implemented by means of a single transverse pin 91, which engages with a corresponding slot or seat of the first structure 726 and the lateral structures 727 and 728. Even the central pad 73 is rotatably connected to the same hinge 90 by a similar connection of the pin 91 in a corresponding slot or seat.

[0095] As from Figure 10As can be better understood, the rotary connection between each lateral structure 727 and 728 and pin 91 is to allow translation of each lateral structure in the lateral direction, i.e., translation along pin 91 itself. Preferably, this sliding connection even provides the insertion of an elastic contrasting element for each lateral structure 727, 728, in particular the insertion of a pair of compression springs, one of which is indicated, for example, by 92, is inserted into the pin itself and engages with the corresponding flange of the lateral structure, and another of the pair of compression springs is indicated, for example, by 93.

[0096] In a variant of the preferred embodiment, a knob mechanism 95 or similar adjustment element is also provided at each lateral structure 727, 728 to determine the selective lateral approach of the lateral structures 727, 728 toward the central pad 73, and thus to determine the selective lateral approach of the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 toward the central pad 73, i.e., allowing adjustment of the relative lateral position of the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 relative to the main platform 70. In this way, the distance between the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 can be adapted to the width of the exercise bench that is placed between the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 during use.

[0097] In the example of the illustrated embodiment, the knob 96 is screwed onto a threaded pin 97 passing through the interior of the lateral structures 727, 728 and constrained to the small support frame 730. Since the small support frame 730 cannot translate freely along the axis of the hinge 90, it acts as a reaction element when the knob 96 is screwed on by pushing the lateral structures 727 and 728 against the side of the stool.

[0098] When the adapter device 6 is in the folded position, the spring 92 holds the first side arm 71 and the second side arm 72 in a spaced-apart position and aligns the longitudinal edge with the longitudinal edge of the main platform 70.

[0099] exist Figure 7B Even in the folding configuration shown, a retaining device, such as a retaining device of the magnetic connection type, can be provided between the main platform 70 and the first side arm 71, the second side arm 72 and the central pad 73.

[0100] * *

[0101] The invention has been described so far with reference to preferred embodiments. This means that other embodiments belonging to the same inventive core may exist, as defined by the claims in the appended report.

Claims

1. An adapter for use with a weightlifting exercise bench (P), the bench having a bench surface (S) configured to support a portion of the body of a person in a supine position, the bench surface (S) defining a longitudinal direction (L) corresponding to the height of the person and a transverse direction (T) corresponding to the width of the person's body, the adapter comprising: - A first side arm and a second side arm, the first side arm and the second side arm being spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction and configured to be arranged side by side on the outside of the respective longitudinal edges of the exercise bench; -Main platform, The first side arm, the second side arm, and the main platform define a support surface (200) for the body of the object, the support surface (200) being approximately "U" or "C" shaped. - The lifting device (3) of the supporting surface (200) is configured to support the first side arm and the second side arm and the main platform in a raised position relative to the walking plane and placed approximately side by side with the stool surface. The support surface (200) is configured as a resting part to receive the side portions of the torso of the object at the first side arm portion and the second side arm portion, and to receive the lower limbs of the object at the main platform.

2. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein, The support surface (200) is configured as a resting part to receive the entire length of the lower limb of the object at the main platform.

3. The adapter device according to claim 1, wherein, The supporting surface (200) is generally continuous.

4. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The main platform has an adjustable longitudinal extension.

5. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The main platform has an accessory (220) that can be selectively extracted in the longitudinal direction.

6. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The lifting device (3) includes multiple supporting legs or upright parts (31, 32, 33, 34).

7. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The lifting device (3) includes four, five or six supporting legs or upright parts.

8. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The lifting device (3) includes multiple support legs or upright sections (31, 32, 33, 34), each support leg or upright section being foldable under the main platform, and / or each support leg or upright section being foldable under the first side arm and the second side arm.

9. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The lifting device (3) has an adjustable height.

10. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The lifting device (3) has a telescopic structure.

11. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The adapter includes devices for stabilizing the body of the object.

12. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The adapter device includes one or more straps configured to wrap around the pelvis and / or lower limbs.

13. The adapter device according to claim 12, wherein, The belt is slidably associated with the main body (2) of the adapter itself.

14. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The adapter device includes a transport device for transporting the adapter device itself.

15. The adapter device according to claim 14, wherein, The transport device is in the form of a gripping device.

16. The adapter device according to claim 14, wherein, The transport device is one or more handles (51, 52).

17. The adapter device according to claim 14, wherein, The transport device is located on the main platform.

18. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first side arm, the second side arm, and the main platform define the body (2) of the adapter device, which is foldable to present one or more configurations with minimal burden for transport and storage.

19. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first side arm and / or the second side arm and / or the main platform include a load-bearing frame (720).

20. The adapter device according to claim 19, wherein, The load-bearing frame (720) is made of metal.

21. The adapter device according to claim 19, wherein the load-bearing frame (720) is formed by a plurality of beams or crossbeams.

22. The adapter device according to claim 19, wherein, Each of the first and second side arms is hinged to the main platform by means of a connecting part that rotates about a transverse axis.

23. The adapter device according to claim 19, wherein, Each of the first and second side arms slides laterally relative to the main platform to fit the size of the exercise bench that is positioned between the first and second side arms during use.

24. The adapter device according to claim 23, wherein, The adapter includes a locking mechanism for adjusting and locking the lateral position of each of the first and second side arms relative to the main platform.

25. The adapter device according to claim 24, wherein, The locking mechanism can be actuated by means of a knob.

26. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first side arm and / or the second side arm and / or the main platform comprise pairs of layers placed side by side in a vertical direction.

27. The adapter device according to claim 26, wherein, The paired layers are: a structural layer (222); and an ergonomic layer (221) that interacts with the body of the object.

28. The adapter device according to claim 27, wherein, The structural layer (222) is made of wood or metal.

29. The adapter device according to claim 27, wherein, The ergonomic layer (221) is made of natural or synthetic materials.

30. The adapter device according to claim 27, wherein, The ergonomic layer (221) is made of sponge and leather; or the ergonomic layer (221) is made of sponge and synthetic materials.

31. The adapter device according to claim 27, wherein, The ergonomic layer (221) is made of foam rubber or neoprene rubber.

32. The adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The adapter device includes a retaining device for holding the adapter device itself in a configuration with minimal load.

33. The adapter device according to claim 32, wherein, The retaining device is a magnetically connected type device.

34. A method for performing weightlifting exercises with the arm using an adapter device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein, The subject lies supine on the exercise bench (P) with the first side arm, the second side arm, and the lower limbs positioned on the main platform.

Images