Fitness equipment

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fitness apparatus (1) comprising: a base frame (2) intended to be placed on the ground; a working assembly (3) associated with the base frame (2) and adapted to allow fitness exercises to be performed, the working assembly comprising at least one tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) defining at least one gripping portion (5) that can be gripped by a user, and loading means (6) kinematically connected to the tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d); a safety assembly (7, 8) associated at least with the loading device (6) and comprising a stop device (7) that can be activated / deactivated to prevent / allow the movement of the loading device (6) and a control device (8) of the stop device (7) that can be moved relative to the base frame (2) and that can be associated in a removable manner with a tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), wherein the control means (8) can be manually operated by a user in order to selectively activate / deactivate the stop means (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fitness device. Background Art

[0002] In the fitness equipment industry, many types of fitness machines are known.

[0003] These machines differ in the muscle groups they affect and the type of stimulation they can give, but they all have a basic framework and working components through which he / she can perform fitness exercises and through which he / she can choose the load required for the intensity of the exercise.

[0004] Among the various types of machines, there is a special type of machine that is very common, which is called the "Smith machine" or "multi-trainer". The working component includes a barbell with guides, which can be used to simulate many typical free weight training movements, such as squats, bench presses, front shoulder presses, etc.

[0005] In particular, the barbells of this type of equipment are on rails, which means that users do not need to keep it balanced while performing the exercise, so they can focus entirely on lifting the weight.

[0006] For this reason, these machines are easier to perform than corresponding exercises using free weights and are therefore suitable for both amateurs and experienced athletes.

[0007] Despite the advantages mentioned above, these known types of devices also have some disadvantages.

[0008] In fact, they do not ensure that the user performs the exercise correctly, and in particular do not ensure that the user maintains the correct posture when performing the exercise.

[0009] This is because during exercise, especially during high-intensity phases, users tend to adopt incorrect and unphysiological postures, which not only affect the effectiveness of the exercise but can also be detrimental to health, leading to excessive loads on the skeletal system and / or the joints and / or tendon system.

[0010] Therefore, if this fitness equipment is used improperly, it may not be able to effectively train the correct muscles and may even cause pathological problems affecting the skeletal system, non-target muscle groups and tendon system.

[0011] Furthermore, these known types of machines are not very user-friendly since they usually require the presence of an assistant (called a "spotter" in the jargon) ready to intervene when necessary, especially during high-intensity exercises.

[0012] This aspect can be particularly dangerous in situations where the weight of the working component bears down on the user, who, if unable to lift the weight of the working component, may be exposed to unnecessary stress, leading to injury or other illness.

[0013] Last but not least, these machines prove to be rather limited in use, since they can only be used to perform exercises that require the use of a barbell, thus excluding all those exercises that require the use of a specific shape of tool due to the movements to be performed and / or the type of grip. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The main object of the present invention is to design an exercise machine that facilitates the correct performance of its intended exercise and at the same time facilitates the management of the maximum exertion phase during exercise.

[0015] Within this aim, an object of the present invention is to design a fitness machine that allows the exercise to be stopped immediately while it is being performed, thus avoiding in this case the user to adopt incorrect postures or to aggravate any injuries that may have already occurred.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to ensure the safety of the user even during the performance of high-load exercises, without the need for assistance from a second user.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to design an apparatus that is more versatile than existing apparatus, i.e., an apparatus that allows a variety of different exercises to be performed, whether or not these exercises require the use of the same piece of equipment.

[0018] An equally important object of the present invention is to design a fitness machine with low cost and small overall size.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to devise a fitness device that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy-to-use and economical solution.

[0020] The above-mentioned object is achieved by a fitness device having the features according to claim 1 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of a fitness machine, which is illustrated by way of illustrative and non-limiting example in the accompanying table of figures, in which:

[0022] Figures 1 to 3 is an overall axonometric view of the apparatus according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 and Figure 5 are detailed views of two different configurations of a control member according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 and Figure 7 are detailed views of two different configurations of the first embodiment of the stop device;

[0025] Figure 8 and Figure 9 The second embodiment of the stopper Figure 6 and Figure 7 Detailed view of the same configuration in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] With particular reference to the drawings, reference numeral 1 designates as a whole an exercise machine.

[0027] The fitness equipment 1 first includes:

[0028] - at least one basic frame 2, which is intended to be placed on the ground; and

[0029] - At least one working assembly 3 associated with the basic frame 2 and suitable for allowing fitness exercises to be performed.

[0030] Specifically, working component 3 includes:

[0031] at least one tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d defining at least one gripping portion 5 that can be grasped by a user; and

[0032] - A loading device 6 which is kinematically connected to the tools 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0033] More specifically, the loading device 6 is movable vertically along a working direction L.

[0034] Likewise, the loading device 6 comprises one or more supporting elements 6a on which loading elements 6b of predefined weight are removably placed in order to adjust the workload of the exercise.

[0035] In combination with the support element 6a and the loading element 6b or instead of them, the loading device 6 can include one or more weight packs of known type (not shown in the figures) which are kinematically attached to the tools 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and can be moved in the working direction L during fitness exercises.

[0036] According to the invention, the device 1 comprises at least one safety assembly 7, 8 associated at least with the loading device 6 and comprising:

[0037] - a stop device 7 which can be activated / deactivated in order to prevent / allow the movement of the loading device 6 ; and

[0038] - a control device 8 of the stop device 7 , which is movable relative to the basic frame 2 and can be associated in a removable manner with the tool 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , 4 d .

[0039] Specifically, the control device 8 is manually operable by a user to selectively activate / deactivate the immobilizing device 7 .

[0040] This is particularly useful when the user has reached maximum exertion and cannot lift the loading device 6 any further; in fact, in this case, the user only needs to activate the stopping device 7 via the control device 8 and thus stop the movement of the loading device 6 to complete the fitness exercise smoothly and safely.

[0041] The device 1 is therefore significantly more advantageous for the user than known devices, since no assistant needs to be on hand to intervene when necessary.

[0042] Specifically, as shown in the figure, the control device 8 includes:

[0043] - at least one user-gripable control member 9, which can be removably associated with the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and can be moved between a compressed configuration and a released configuration; and - an actuating device 10, which is located between the control member 9 and the stop device 7 and is configured to activate / deactivate the stop device when the control member 9 switches from a compressed / release configuration to a released / compressed configuration, and vice versa.

[0044] In particular, the actuating device 10 is configured to activate the stopping device 7 when the control member 9 switches from the compressed configuration to the released configuration, and to deactivate the stopping device 7 when the control member 9 switches from the released configuration to the compressed configuration.

[0045] Conveniently, the actuating means 10 comprise at least one flexible element 10 connected to the control member 9 and to the stop means 7 .

[0046] In this respect, the flexible element 10 is adapted to apply a tensile force to the stop device 7 when the control member 9 is in the compressed configuration and to release the tensile force when the control member 9 is in the released configuration, the application and release of the tensile force causing the stop device 7 to be deactivated and activated respectively.

[0047] In fact, in the compressed configuration, the control member 9 pulls the flexible element 10 towards itself, and the flexible element therefore exerts a tensile force on the stop means 7 , causing them to be deactivated.

[0048] Similarly, in the released configuration, the tension on the flexible element 10 disappears, and with it the aforementioned pulling force acting on the arresting means 7, resulting in their activation.

[0049] Usefully, the flexible element 10 has an elongated shape.

[0050] Specifically, one end of the flexible element 10 is connected to the control member 9 , and the other end of the flexible element 10 is connected to the stopping device 7 .

[0051] As shown, the flexible element 10 is of the flexible cable type.

[0052] On the other hand, the control member 9 comprises:

[0053] at least one first portion 9a capable of being associated in a removable manner with the grip portion 5; and

[0054] - at least one second part 9b, which is capable of moving relative to the first part 9a between a compressed configuration and a released configuration, in which the compressed configuration at least one second part moves close to the first part 9a, and in the released configuration at least one second part moves away from the first part 9a relative to the compressed configuration.

[0055] Preferably, the control member 9 is of the lever handle type.

[0056] In this sense, the second portion 9b corresponds to a lever.

[0057] According to a possible embodiment not shown in the figures, the control member 9 can be fixed to the grip portion 5 .

[0058] In this case, the first portion 9 a may be provided with special fastening means allowing the first portion to be removably fastened to the grip portion 5 .

[0059] Used in conjunction with or as an alternative to this solution, such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the grip portion 5 defines at least one receiving cavity 11 adapted to receive the first portion 9a therein.

[0060] In this way, the user can couple the control member 9 to the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d by fitting the first portion 9a into the receiving cavity 11 .

[0061] It is emphasized that in doing so, the user can hold the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and perform fitness exercises while pressing the second portion 9b close to the first portion 9a, thereby placing the control member 9 in the compressed configuration and deactivating the stop means 7.

[0062] In other words, once the first portion 9a has been installed in the grip portion 5, the user can, by gripping the grip portion, arrange the control member 9 in the compressed configuration and freely perform fitness exercises.

[0063] It is therefore easy to understand that the use of the control member 9, and in particular its movement between the released configuration and the compressed configuration, is completely easy for the user, who can then focus solely on performing his or her fitness exercises without having to actively worry about arranging the control member 9 in the compressed configuration.

[0064] When required, the user only has to release the second portion 9b and therefore bring the control member 9 into the released configuration, in order to activate the stop device 7 and complete the fitness exercise in an absolutely safe and intuitive manner.

[0065] By allowing the fitness exercise to be interrupted when necessary and without any intervention by an assistant, the apparatus 1 enables the user to obtain significant training benefits and thus achieve better training results than with known apparatuses.

[0066] In other words, the same approach enables a user to perform fitness exercises more safely while preventing the user from reaching a maximum exertion state and being unable to complete the exercise by exerting additional force, which could alter his or her form or worsen an existing injury.

[0067] It is worth noting that this technical approach is particularly beneficial in situations where the user suddenly experiences pain (e.g. due to an incipient muscle tear).

[0068] In fact, in this case, the user can immediately stop the fitness exercise by means of the control member 9 and thus not be forced to complete the stroke of the tools 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, thus avoiding causing more serious injuries.

[0069] Usefully, the control member 9 can be associated with the tools 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in a plurality of predefined positions.

[0070] For this purpose, the tools 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are provided with a special clamping system, for example a rack type clamping system, which is arranged in the accommodating cavity 11 and is suitable for engaging with a corresponding clamping element (for example also of the rack type) which is associated with the control member 9.

[0071] In this way, the user can arrange the control member 9 in the position he finds most comfortable and accessible within the housing cavity 11 , thereby simplifying the grip of the control member itself and thus making it more convenient to use when operating the device 1 .

[0072] In particular, the stop device 7 comprises at least one engagement element 12 associated with the flexible element 10 and at least one abutment body 13 .

[0073] In particular, the abutment body 13 has a plurality of abutment surfaces 13 a arranged one after another, and the engagement element 12 is adapted to cooperate with the abutment body 13 .

[0074] In the present case, the engagement element 12 is capable of disengaging in the disengaged position ( Figure 6 , at which point it is disengaged from the abutment body 13) and the engagement position ( Figure 7 , which in this case cooperates with one of the abutment surfaces 13a).

[0075] In particular, the abutment body 13 and the engagement element 12 define a harpoon-like structure.

[0076] In this regard, Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the first embodiment of the stop device 7 shown, the abutment body 13 has an elongated shape.

[0077] In this sense, the abutment surfaces 13 a are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction of the abutment body 13 .

[0078] In particular, the abutment body 13 is arranged vertically, ie parallel to the working direction L. As shown in FIG.

[0079] In particular, in this first embodiment, the abutment body 13 is preferably composed of at least one rack, the abutment surfaces 13 a corresponding to the teeth of the rack.

[0080] Alternatively, in Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the second embodiment of the stop device 7 shown, the abutment body 13 consists of at least one gear wheel (for example a helical gear wheel), the abutment surface 13 a corresponding to the teeth of the gear wheel.

[0081] In this case, in particular, a pulley 17 can be provided which is keyed to a shaft 18 which is rotatably supported by the base frame 2 and which is kinematically connected to the loading device 6 .

[0082] Thus, when the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is moved, the pulley 17 can rotate about the relative axis and, due to its rotation, causes the abutment body 13 to rotate along with it about the same axis.

[0083] In all cases, the abutment body 13 is provided with a large number of abutment surfaces 13 a, which means that the vertical travel required for the engaging element 12 to reach the abutment surfaces 13 a is very small and, therefore, the movement of the loading device 6 can be stopped essentially immediately, whatever the position of the tools 4 a, 4 b, 4 c, 4 d in the working direction L.

[0084] As previously mentioned, the engagement element 12 is connected to the flexible element 10; in particular, the flexible element arranges the engagement element 12 in the disengaged position when the control member 9 is in the compressed configuration.

[0085] Similarly, when the control member 9 is in the released position, the flexible element 10 arranges the engagement element 12 in the engaged position.

[0086] In other words, compression of the control member 9 (ie movement of the second portion 9b closer to the first portion 9a) causes the engagement element 12 to disengage from the abutment body 13 and thus deactivates the stop device 7 ( Figure 6 and Figure 8 ).

[0087] Similarly, release of the control member 9 (ie movement of the second portion 9b away from the first portion 9a) causes the engagement element 12 to engage one of the abutment surfaces 13a, thereby activating the stop means 7 ( Figure 7 and Figure 9 ).

[0088] In order to enable the latter operation to take place effectively, the stop device 7 comprises at least one pushing element 14 associated with the engagement element 12 and configured to resist the displacement of the engagement element from the engagement position to the release position.

[0089] In the present case, the pushing element 14 consists of at least one pressure piece which is suitable for exerting a certain prestressing force on the engaging element 12 , which prestressing force is suitable for arranging the engaging element in the engaging position.

[0090] However, it should be noted that the use of push elements 14 of a different type than those described above cannot be excluded, for example push elements of the compression spring type or types.

[0091] In all cases, it is important to state that the abutment surface 13a and the shape of the engagement element 12 are designed to resist displacement of the engagement element from the engaged position to the released position.

[0092] This is to prevent the tools 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , 4 d from being displaced towards the user due to the weight of the loading device 6 if the user has compressed the control member 9 himself but does not actually grip the grip 5 .

[0093] In this way, the engagement element 12 will only reach the release position if the control member 9 is compressed and the user simultaneously moves the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0094] Advantageously, the safety assembly 7 , 8 comprises clamping means 19 associated with the control member 9 and suitable for clamping the control member in the compressed configuration, thereby preventing it from returning to the released configuration.

[0095] Preferably, the clamping device 19 is of manual type, ie selectively activated by a user as required.

[0096] Specifically, if Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the clamping device 19 includes:

[0097] at least one first clamping hole 19 a formed in the fixing element 20 of the control member 9 ;

[0098] at least one second clamping hole 19b formed in the second portion 9b; and

[0099] - at least one clamping element which, in use, is mounted in the first clamping hole 19a and the second clamping hole 19b.

[0100] Specifically, in the compressed / released configuration, the second clamping hole 19b is aligned / misaligned with the first clamping hole 19a.

[0101] In other words, the clamping holes 19a, 19b are positioned so that when the second part 9b moves closer to the first part 9a in the compressed configuration, the clamping holes overlap; and when the second part 9b moves away from the first part 9a in the released configuration, the clamping holes do not align.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, the fixing element 20 is of the type of fixing plate element relative to the first portion 9a.

[0103] As for the clamping element (not shown in the figures), it is preferably of the type of a pin or a functionally similar component which can be adapted into the clamping holes 19a, 19b.

[0104] Inserting the clamping elements into the clamping holes 19a, 19b makes it possible to resist movement of the second portion 9b away from the first portion 9a and thus maintain the control member 9 in the compressed configuration.

[0105] With this in mind, it is easy to understand that providing the clamping device 19 is particularly convenient for performing fitness exercises in which the stop device 7 can be kept in a continuously deactivated state, such as those exercises in which the weight of the loading device 6 does not burden the user (such as pulleys, tensioners, etc.).

[0106] In fact, in this case, the clamping device 19 can be used, namely by aligning the clamping holes 19a, 19b and passing the clamping element through them, so as to perform the above-mentioned fitness exercises in a completely smooth and intuitive manner.

[0107] In this way, therefore, it is possible to carry out such an exercise without having to operate directly on the control member 9 in order to manually hold it in the compressed configuration so that the stop means 7 remain deactivated.

[0108] In this respect, a special seat, not shown in the figures, can be provided on the basic frame 2 , in which the control member 9 is stored once it has been clamped in the compressed configuration.

[0109] Similarly, in order to be able to carry out fitness exercises that facilitate intervention on the stop device 7, it is sufficient to pull the control member 9 out of its corresponding base, disengaging the clamping elements from the clamping holes 19a, 19b and, in doing so, restoring the mobility of the control member itself between the compressed configuration and the released configuration.

[0110] Advantageously, the basic frame 2 comprises at least one supporting structure 2b and at least one guide carriage 2c movably associated with the supporting structure 2b, wherein the basic tools 4a, 4b can be connected to the guide carriage 2c, and wherein the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d can be connected to the guide carriage 2c. In this way, by connecting the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d to the guide carriages, a wide variety of exercises can be safely performed.

[0111] Preferably, the basic frame 2 further comprises a step 2a placed on the ground in association with the support structure 2b, and the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d are connectable to at least one of the step 2a and the support structure 2b.

[0112] In this respect, the device 1 comprises a support body 15 ( Figure 2 ), which is adapted to support the weight of the user and can be connected to the pedal 2a when in use.

[0113] In particular, the support 15 is connectable to the pedal 2a in a plurality of predefined positions so that the user can adjust its position according to the type of exercise to be performed and / or his or her physical characteristics.

[0114] Preferably, the support 15 comprises at least one bench, such as Figure 1 Shown as an example.

[0115] The use of the support 15 in combination with the tools 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is particularly convenient for fitness exercises that can be performed in both sitting and lying positions, which helps to improve the versatility of the device 1.

[0116] In this respect it should be noted that the apparatus 1 may also be provided with one or more working accessories, such as pulleys or similar types of accessories, which may be fixed at predefined positions on the pedal 2a in a similar manner to the support 15 .

[0117] Likewise, the basic frame 2 comprises at least one guide carriage 2c associated in a movably manner with the supporting structure 2b.

[0118] In particular, the guide carriage 2 c and the loading device 6 are locked together and slide along the working direction L.

[0119] In this respect, the tools 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , 4 d can be locked in connection with the guide carriage 2 c and thus moved together with the guide carriage in the working direction L to the loading device 6 .

[0120] In particular, the guide carriage 2 c is kinematically connected to the loading device 6 .

[0121] In this sense, the weight of the loading device 6 is transferred to the guide carriage 2c and thus to the tools 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d connected thereto.

[0122] Conveniently, as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the working assembly 3 includes a plurality of tools 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d that can be connected to the basic frame 2 in an interchangeable manner, the plurality of tools including:

[0123] - one or more basic tools 4a, 4b ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), the one or more basic tools are provided with only a gripping portion 5; and / or

[0124] - one or more auxiliary tools 4c, 4d ( Figure 1 and Figure 3 ), the one or more auxiliary tools are provided with at least one rest portion 16a, 16b intended to come into contact with the user's body when in use.

[0125] Providing a plurality of tools 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d that are different from one another enables the user to perform many different fitness exercises, further increasing the versatility of the apparatus 1 compared to known apparatuses.

[0126] In particular, the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d can be connected to the guide carriage 2c, whereas the basic tools 4a, 4b can be connected to the pedal 2a and / or the guide carriage 2c.

[0127] In more detail, the working assembly 3 comprises a first basic tool 4a (such as Figure 1 shown).

[0128] Specifically, as shown in the figures, the first basic tool 4a basically includes a pair of handles that can be connected to the pedal 2a.

[0129] Each handle has its own receiving cavity 11 , so the user can place the first part 9a inside any handle at will.

[0130] As will be explained later, the first basic tool 4a may be used in combination with one or more of the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d to perform fitness exercises.

[0131] Similar to the support 15 described above, the first basic tool 4a can be connected to the pedal 2a in a plurality of predefined positions.

[0132] In this way, the user can adjust the position of the handles according to, for example, his or her physical characteristics and / or the type of stimulation desired to be applied to the muscles during a fitness workout.

[0133] Conveniently, the working assembly 3 comprises a second basic tool 4b (eg Figure 2 shown).

[0134] Such a second basic tool 4b can be used, for example, in combination with a support body 15 to perform a bench press stretch.

[0135] In this case, the user only needs to lie on the support body 15 and hold the second basic tool 4b to perform this fitness exercise.

[0136] As for the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d, the working assembly 3 includes a first auxiliary tool 4c (such as Figure 3 ), the first auxiliary tool is provided with a first resting portion 16a intended to be in contact with the user's shoulder when in use.

[0137] Specifically, the user may use the first auxiliary tool 4c to perform squat exercises or other related exercises, in which the weight of the loading device 6 is pressed on the user's shoulders.

[0138] Likewise, the working assembly 3 includes a second auxiliary tool 4d (eg Figure 1 ), the second auxiliary tool is provided with a second resting portion 16b intended to come into contact with the back or torso of a user when in use.

[0139] In this case, the user can use the second assistive tool 4d to perform a variety of different exercises, such as an exercise called "hip thrusts."

[0140] Specifically, in this case, the second rest portion 16 b rests on the user's abdominal area, and the user can perform exercises, for example, sitting on the step 2 a and resting his or her back on the support body 15 .

[0141] In this regard, the second auxiliary tool 4d can be used alone to perform exercises such as those described above, or, as desired, in combination with the first basic tool 4a to perform other exercises (see Figure 1 ).

[0142] Specifically, the first basic tool 4a and the second auxiliary tool 4d can be used together to perform weighted push-ups.

[0143] In fact, in this case, the user can perform this exercise simply by lying down facing the pedal 2a, gripping the handle of the first elementary tool 4a and resting the second rest portion 16b against his or her back (thus acting as a counterweight on the user).

[0144] The operation of the present invention is as follows.

[0145] The user first selects which tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to use and, depending on the type of exercise to be performed, connects it to the guide carriage 2c or to the pedal 2a.

[0146] At this point, the user selects the workload by adding or removing loading elements 6b from the support elements 6a and / or selecting a reference weight on the weight pack.

[0147] The user then inserts the control member 9 into the interior of the accommodation cavity 11 and is ready to start exercising.

[0148] In this way, the user grips the gripping portion 5 of the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and, due to this action, places the control member 9 in the compressed configuration, thereby moving the second portion 9b closer to the first portion 9a.

[0149] In this way, the flexible element 10 is pulled towards the control member 9 , thereby exerting a tensile force on the engagement element 12 , bringing it into a disengaged position relative to the abutment body 13 .

[0150] By doing so, the guide carriage 2c is allowed to slide freely in the working direction L, and the user can perform fitness exercises.

[0151] In other words, as long as the user continues to press the control member 9 , he can perform the exercise with complete freedom and thus move the loading device 6 in both directions of the working direction L.

[0152] When the user reaches maximum force and can no longer lift the loading device 6 , the user releases the control member 9 , thereby moving the second portion 9 b away from the first portion 9 a and thereby releasing the tension on the flexible element 10 .

[0153] Due to this action, the engaging member 12 is pushed by the pushing member 14 to the engaging position, cooperating with the first abutment surface 13a on the abutment body 13 to prevent the guide carriage 2c from descending.

[0154] The weight of the loading device 6 is therefore applied to the stopping device 7 and is no longer borne by the user, and the user can safely complete the exercise without having to adopt a dangerous non-physiological posture to complete the exercise under maximum force.

[0155] It has in fact been determined that the invention described achieves the intended objectives.

[0156] It is particularly emphasized that the particular method of providing a safety assembly associated with the loading device makes it possible to ensure the safety of the user even during exercises characterized by high compressive loads and without requiring the presence of a second user.

[0157] In this way, the apparatus according to the present invention allows the user to correctly perform fitness exercises while maintaining a posture that is most suitable for the exercise itself.

[0158] The use of the apparatus according to the invention thus allows even high-load training of one or more muscle groups in a safe manner, without requiring the user to enter dangerous, non-physiological positions to achieve a state of maximal exertion in order to complete the fitness exercise.

Claims

1. A fitness device (1), comprising: - at least one basic frame (2) for placement on the ground; - at least one working assembly (3) associated with the basic frame (2) and adapted to allow fitness exercises to be performed, said at least one working assembly comprising: - at least one tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) defining at least one gripping portion (5) that can be grasped by a user; and - a loading device (6) kinematically connected to the tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d); Characterized in that the fitness device comprises at least one safety component (7, 8), which is associated at least with the loading device (6) and comprises: - a stop device (7) which can be activated / deactivated to prevent / allow the movement of the loading device (6); and - a control device (8) of the stop device (7), the control device being movable relative to the basic frame (2) and being removably associated with the tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d), wherein the control device (8) is manually operable by the user to selectively activate / deactivate the stop device (7).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The control device (8) comprises: at least one user-graspable control member (9) removably associable with said tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and movable between a compressed configuration and a released configuration; and - an actuating device (10) located between the control member (9) and the stop device (7) and configured to activate / deactivate the stop device when the control member (9) switches from the compression / release configuration to the release / compression configuration, and vice versa.

3. The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The actuating device (10) is configured to activate / deactivate the stop device (7) when switching the control member (9) from the compression / release configuration to the release / compression configuration.

4. The device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that The actuating device (10) comprises at least one flexible element (10) connected to the control member (9) and the stop device (7), wherein the flexible element (10) is adapted to apply a tensile force to the stop device (7) when the control member (9) is in the compressed configuration, and to release the tensile force when the control member (9) is in the released configuration, the application and release of the tensile force causing the stop device (7) to be deactivated and activated, respectively.

5. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control member (9) comprises: - at least one first portion (9a) capable of being removably associated with the grip portion (5); and - at least one second part (9b), which is capable of moving relative to the first part (9a) between the compressed configuration and the released configuration, in which the at least one second part moves closer to the first part (9a) in the compressed configuration and in the released configuration, the at least one second part moves away from the first part (9a) relative to the compressed configuration.

6. The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The gripping portion (5) defines at least one accommodating cavity (11) adapted to accommodate the first portion (9a).

7. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that: - the stop device (7) comprises at least one engagement element (12) associated with the flexible element (10) and at least one abutment body (13), the at least one abutment body having a plurality of abutment surfaces (13a) arranged one after the other, wherein the engagement element (12) is suitable for cooperating with the abutment body (13); and - the engagement element (12) is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, in which the engagement element cooperates with one of the abutment surfaces (13a), and in which the engagement element disengages from the abutment body (13), and in which the flexible element (10) arranges the engagement element (12) in the disengaged / engaged position when the control member (9) is in the compressed / released configuration.

8. The device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The stop device (7) comprises at least one pushing element (14) associated with the engagement element (12) and configured to resist displacement of the engagement element from the engagement position to the release position.

9. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The working assembly (3) comprises a plurality of tools (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) interchangeably connected to the basic frame (2), the tools comprising: - one or more basic tools (4a, 4b) provided with said gripping portion (5) only; and / or - one or more auxiliary tools (4c, 4d) provided with at least one rest portion (16a, 16b) intended to come into contact with the user's body when in use.

10. The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The working assembly (3) comprises: a first auxiliary tool (4c) provided with a first resting portion (16a) intended to come into contact with the shoulder of the user when in use; and a second auxiliary tool (4d) provided with a second resting portion (16b) intended to come into contact with the back or torso of the user when in use.

11. The device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that: - the basic frame (2) comprises at least one supporting structure (2b) and at least one guide carriage (2c) associated in a movably manner with the supporting structure (2b); and - the basic tool (4a, 4b) is connectable to the guide carriage (2c); and - the auxiliary tool (4c, 4d) is connectable to the guide carriage (2c).

12. The device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that: - the basic frame (2) comprises at least one pedal (2a) associated with the supporting structure (2b), and the auxiliary tool (4c, 4d) can be connected to the pedal (2a) and / or the guide carriage (2c).

13. The device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that The working assembly (3) comprises a first basic tool (4a) connectable to the pedal (2a) and a second basic tool (4b) connectable to the guide carriage (2c).

14. The device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The first basic tool (4a) is connectable to the pedal (2a) in a plurality of predefined positions.

15. Device (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that The safety assembly (7, 8) comprises clamping means (19) associated with the control member (9) and adapted to clamp the control member in the compressed configuration, thereby preventing the control member from returning to the released configuration.

16. The device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The clamping device (19) comprises: - at least one first clamping hole (19a), which is provided on the fixing element (20) of the control member (9); at least one second clamping hole (19b) provided in the second portion (9b), the second clamping hole (19b) being aligned / unaligned with the first clamping hole (19a) in the compressed / released configuration; - at least one clamping element, which, in use, is mounted in the first clamping hole (19a) and the second clamping hole (19b).

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