Rack for holding fitness equipment

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a frame for supporting fitness equipment with two side frames arranged parallel to each other and a back frame connecting the side frames.

[0002] To set up a fitness room, especially a private home gym, in addition to the appropriate fitness equipment, such as barbells and weight plates, horizontal bars, ropes, cable pulleys, etc., a rack is usually required. This rack serves as the basic structure for performing various fitness exercises and also serves to hold, i.e., attach or store, the fitness equipment and any accessories. Such a rack is also referred to as a "power rack" in professional circles. The terms "rack" and "power rack" are therefore used synonymously below.

[0003] Often, commercially available power packs cannot be integrated into a normal living environment, but require a dedicated room. This is due to the space required to set up the power pack and perform the exercises, as well as its visual design. Thus, a power pack is perceived as a nuisance in most living spaces. Even in rooms ideal for this purpose, such as basements, the space required makes it difficult or even impossible. in In urban areas with limited space, the use of a power pack is recommended.

[0004] Various racks ("power racks") of the type mentioned above are known from the prior art. For example, US 7,374,516 B2 discloses a rack with two side frames and a back frame, in a fitness device in It is mounted in the form of a barbell guide and is movable. The well-known power pack requires a lot of space.

[0005] WO 2014 / 128570 A2 also describes a rack that can be folded up when not in use. The disadvantage of this power rack is the high effort required for assembly and disassembly.

[0006] The document US2007 / 270292 discloses a frame for holding fitness equipment.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a generic frame that can be operated with little effort and can be integrated into a living space.

[0008] To achieve the stated object, a frame is designed according to the features of independent patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] According to the invention, the two side frames are extendable beyond the front of the frame.

[0010] The inventive design of the frame thus achieves the stated object by being convertible from a "resting state" to a "training state" and vice versa. In the resting state, it forms a space delimited by the back frame and the two side frames with a comparatively small footprint, which can be enlarged to a size appropriate for training in order to perform fitness exercises in the training state by simply extending the side frames beyond the front of the frame. The solution thus consists in a minimizable power pack that can be enlarged for training by extending the side frames. In the resting state, however, it can be integrated into the living space to save space. The space available inside the minimized power pack can be used for storing fitness equipment, e.g.Weights, barbells and a weight bench can be used, so that no complex assembly and disassembly process is necessary and no separate space has to be provided for storing the fitness equipment.

[0011] The side frames can, for example, be designed in multiple parts and feature a sliding system that allows them to be pulled out – similar to a drawer. Alternatively, the side frames can also have a telescopic guide, whose interlocking components can be pulled apart to expand or pushed into each other to achieve a resting position. Furthermore, the movement for extending or retracting the side frames can be achieved manually or by means of an electric drive, e.g., a linear motor.

[0012] According to the invention, the two side frames are connected to each other at their upper side by a ceiling part.

[0013] In this way, additional stiffening of the frame can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0014] Specifically, it is provided that the ceiling part is designed in two parts, with a first part being firmly connected to the side frames and a second part being foldably connected to the first part at the front of the frame in such a way that, when the side frames are extended and unfolded, it rests on the side frames.

[0015] This design allows for space-saving integration of the ceiling section into the frame, while also ensuring easy handling, as setting up the Power Pack's training mode requires only unfolding the ceiling section and pulling out the side frames. Resting on the surface in the extended position also provides the necessary stabilization of the frame.

[0016] In this context, it is intended that the second part of the ceiling section has guide rails on both sides in which the side frames are guided when pulled out and in the extended state.

[0017] This provides additional stability, making handling the frame even easier when setting up the training setup. This largely prevents accidental incorrect joining of the top section and side frame.

[0018] Furthermore, the ceiling section can be provided with cross braces. In addition to providing the necessary stiffening of the frame, such cross braces can also be used for performing fitness exercises. For this purpose, the cross braces can be designed, for example, as pull-up bars and / or monkey bars.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment of the frame according to the invention provides that the back frame and / or at least one of the side frames has fastening devices for mounting fitness equipment and / or storage means.

[0020] This allows the rack to be used as a storage space for fitness equipment and / or accessories. This is particularly advantageous when the Power Pack is not in use, allowing for virtually invisible storage of the fitness equipment and / or accessories, as no additional storage space is required. Mounting options include holes and slots into which the mounting hardware for fitness equipment and / or accessories can be inserted and secured, for example, using screws. Clamping elements and / or hooks can also be provided as fastening devices. This allows the rack to be incan be adapted in a variety of ways to store any fitness equipment and / or accessories.

[0021] In order to ensure particularly good integration of the frame according to the invention in In order to ensure a living environment, it can also be provided that the back frame and / or the side frames are covered on the outside.

[0022] In this way, the frame can take the form of a cabinet, in a residential environment is usually more accepted.

[0023] The outer cladding of the frame can also be provided with additional elements, e.g. shelves and / or fastenings for home electronics or TV, in order to enable multiple use of the frame according to this embodiment.

[0024] Specifically, the frame can also be provided with at least one pivoting door at its front. This allows the frame and any contents to be completely concealed when not in use. To establish the training mode, the at least one door, which can preferably be a hinged or folding door, is opened as wide as possible. The side frames are then pulled out from the front.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the frame according to the invention, it can be provided that the back frame is mirrored on its surface facing the front of the frame.

[0026] This allows for self-monitoring of the exercises during training. Furthermore, optional interior lighting on the frame can provide adequate illumination of the training area even when there is no or insufficient room lighting.

[0027] Finally, to ensure uninterrupted training even when the frame is used outdoors in adverse weather or glaring sunlight, a roller shutter-like cover can be provided that extends from the top of the frame to provide weather protection. This essentially creates a kind of extendable roof for the frame. When retracted, the roller shutter cover also protects the frame from the elements.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. These exemplary embodiments serve only to illustrate individual embodiments of the invention. Elements of the exemplary embodiments can be combined with one another in any way within the scope of the invention.

[0029] To this end, Figure 1 a first embodiment of a power rack; Figure 2 a second embodiment of a power rack; Figures 3 and 4Principle diagrams to explain a transition from a resting state of a power pack to a training state; and Figure 5 a schematic representation of a power pack with cladding for outdoor installation.

[0030] Identical or corresponding elements are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a rack 10 for holding fitness equipment and performing fitness exercises ("power rack"). The embodiment of the Figure 1represents a basic version of the frame 10. The frame 10 has two side frames 11a, 11b, which are connected to each other by a back frame 12. The side frames 11a, 11b and the back frame 12 can be made of stainless steel, for example, and can be connected to each other in a torsionally rigid manner by screw, plug, or welded connections. For further stabilization, a ceiling part 13 can be provided, with which the two side frames are connected at their upper sides. The ceiling part 13 can be formed, for example, by cross braces 13a, which, in addition to their stabilizing function, can also be used for performing fitness exercises such as hanging and / or pull-ups. Optionally, the stability of the frame 10 can be increased by a - in Figure 1 not shown - base can be further increased.

[0032] The frame 10 of the Figure 1is shown in solid lines in its resting state. The side frames 11a, 11b can be transferred from this resting state by pulling them out beyond the front of the frame 10 into a training state, which Figure 1 is indicated by dashed lines. The extension of the side frames 11a, 11b can be done manually. Alternatively, a motorized drive can be provided, for example, in the form of a linear drive or a chain drive.

[0033] The power rack forms the basic building block of a fitness center, especially a home gym, which can be integrated into a typical living environment and requires minimal space when not in use. A modular product and service landscape can be designed around such a minimizable power rack, allowing users to gradually add new training equipment and gradually acquire new training functions.

[0034] For this purpose, the frame 10 includes fastening devices with which holding devices (hooks, bars, etc.) for training equipment and accessories can be attached to the frame. The frame 10 can, for example, be used to accommodate dumbbell racks ("J-hooks" or "spotter bars"). Furthermore, holding devices for additional exercises, such as "Landmine Row" or "Battle Pope," can be included—either optionally for retrofitting or already included at the factory. To enable online training with a personal trainer, cameras can be mounted at various points on the frame 10 to remotely assess and control the movement sequences of a training person.

[0035] The power rack can also be optionally equipped with cable pulleys on the left and right, either ex works or retrofitted, for additional training exercises. These cable pulleys are, for example, each built into a bracket that can be attached to the outside of the two extendable side frames 11a, 11b. Alternatively or additionally, training devices for barbell training can also be provided. To create training space for barbell training when cable pulleys are installed at the same time, the attached brackets with the built-in cable pulleys can be folded away (forward or backward). A barbell guide, similar to that found on a Smith machine (multi-press), can also be mounted at the front end of the side frames 11a, 11b. This option can also be pre-installed ex works or can be retrofitted.The Smith machine module comes with a plate that can be mounted on the barbell, allowing it to be used as a leg press. For cardio exercises, a rowing carriage can also be included, which can be used, for example, to row using the cable pulley mentioned above. This rowing carriage, like the other accessories, can be stored (e.g., folded) in the power rack when it is in its idle state.

[0036] Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a power pack. Figure 2 The frame 10 shown initially comprises the same components as the frame 10 shown in Figure 1 shown embodiment, so that it comprises a back frame 12 and two extendable side frames 11a, 11b. In order to be able to integrate the power rack even better into a living space, the frame 10 in the embodiment of the Figure 2a panel 20 (indicated by hatching). This can be, for example, a wooden or plastic paneling of the side, back, and / or ceiling surfaces of the frame 10, which has a design on the outside of the frame 10 adapted to the living space, for example, a color and / or grain matching other furniture. Doors 21, e.g., folding or folding doors, can also be provided on the front of the frame 10. These doors 21 can be closed in the idle state (with the side frames 11a, 11b pushed in), so that the frame 10 takes on the external appearance of a cupboard, which, as it were, offers a storage space for training equipment and accessories that is not visible from the outside. To establish the training state, the doors 21 - as in Figure 2The opening, indicated by arrows, allows the side frames 11a, 11b to be pulled forward. This also exposes any struts on the ceiling section 13, allowing them to be used for exercises. The front panel, in the form of one or two doors, can also serve various additional functions, such as a TV stand, bookshelf, or projection surface for a projector. The outer side walls of the panel can also be used as shelves.

[0037] The inside of the back frame 12 can also be partially or completely equipped with a mirror 22, which allows the user to self-monitor their training exercises. With a back panel, the frame 10 can also be used as a type of room divider.

[0038] In order to protect the floor in the living environment, a foldable sports floor can be provided inside the frame 10.

[0039] The frame 10 can contain an internal storage system for weights, bars, weight bench and other accessories, so that the complete fitness center can be stored like in a closet.

[0040] Figures 3 and 4 show schematically the transition from the resting state to the training state of the frame 10. A special feature of the Figures 3 and 4 The frame 10 shown is a two-part ceiling part 13, which can be folded out to create the training condition. As Figure 3can be removed, the cover part 13 has a first part 23a, which is mounted on the side frames 11a, 11b and the back frame 12. For example, the first part 23a can be screwed or welded to the frame of the frame 10. A second part 23b is foldably connected to the first part 23a. The connection can be created, for example, by one or more hinges. In the rest state, the second part 23b is folded down. To establish the training state, it is folded as indicated by the arrow in Figure 3 indicated folded upwards until it forms a level with the first part 23a.

[0041] Afterwards, the side frames 11a and 11b are assembled as already described Figures 1 and 2 explained manually or motor-operated extended beyond the front of the frame 10 (see arrow in Figure 4To support the extension movement and provide additional stabilization, guide rails can be provided on the underside of the second part 23b of the ceiling part 13, in which the side frames 11a, 11b are guided. After the side frames 11a, 11b have been fully extended, the second part 23b rests on the side frames 11a, 11b.

[0042] To restore the standby mode, the steps described are carried out in reverse order, ie, the side frames 11a, 11b are pushed in towards the back frame 12 and the second part 23b of the top part 13 is folded in. If the power rack is installed as in Figure 2 shown, care must be taken when assembling the doors to ensure that the second part 23b to be folded in has sufficient freedom of movement.

[0043] Figure 5finally shows an outdoor variant of the frame 10 in a side view. In this variant, the frame 10 is set up outside a living space, e.g. in the garden of a residential building. In order to protect the frame 10 from the weather and atmospheric influences on the one hand, and to be able to carry out training even in adverse weather conditions (rain, snowfall, strong sunlight) on the other, a roller shutter-like covering 50 is provided which is guided in a holding device 51 in such a way that it protects the frame from external influences in its resting state and, on the other hand, forms a protective roof in an extended state so that a training person can carry out exercises unhindered. The weatherproof covering formed in this way can thus be opened to form a training room depending on the weather conditions. The mechanism of the roller shutter-like covering 50 is similar to that of a roller shutter box.However, in frame 10, the roller shutter does not serve as a front panel, but as described, as an extendable roof. When closed, the roller shutter on the rear of the power pack is lowered. The front panel consists, for example, of doors that can be opened to the side like a cupboard. When open, the doors represent the left and right outer walls of a mini training hall; the roller shutter roof then rests on these side walls, creating a training room that is open to the front and contains the power rack. Pull-out elements can be built into the doors, which can be pulled out to the front like sliding doors and then folded in to the side. This creates an enclosed training room. To enable training even in the cold season, heating, e.g. with infrared radiators, can be provided.

Claims

1. A rack (10) for accommodating fitness equipment, comprising two lateral frames (11a, 11b) arranged parallel to one another, and a rear frame (12) connecting the lateral frames (11a, 11b) to one another; wherein the two lateral frames (11a, 11b) can be extended beyond the front side of the rack (10), the two lateral frames (11a, 11b) are connected to one another at their upper side by a top part (13), the top part (13) is designed in two pieces, wherein a first piece (23a) is firmly connected to the lateral frames (11a, 11b), and a second piece (23b) is connected to the first piece (23a) at the front of the rack (10) by means of a hinge in such a manner that it rests on the lateral frames (11a, 11b) in an unfolded state when the lateral frames (11a, 11b) are extended and characterized in that the second piece (23b) of the top part (13) has guide rails on both sides, in which the lateral frames (11a, 11b) are guided when pulled out and in the extended state.

2. The rack (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the top part (13) has cross braces (13a).

3. The rack (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the rear frame (12) and / or at least one of the lateral frames (11a, 11b) has fastening devices for mounting fitness equipment and / or storage means.

4. The rack (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear frame (12) and / or the lateral frames (11a, 11b) are covered on the outside.

5. The rack (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rack (10) has at least one pivoting door (20, 21) on its front side.

6. The rack (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rear frame (12) is mirrored on its surface, facing the front of the rack (10).

7. The rack (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a roller shutter-like covering (50) is provided, which can be pulled out from the top of the rack (10) to protect it from the weather.