Gymnastic machine

Abstract

The gymnastic machine (1), comprises: one basic frame (2) for resting on the ground; one work assembly (3) associated with the basic frame (2) and adapted to allow the performance of a gymnastic exercise, comprising: at least one tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) defining at least one gripping portion (5) which can be grasped by a user; and loading means (6) kinematically connected to the tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d); one safety assembly (7, 8) associated with at least the loading means (6) and comprising: - stopping means (7) which can be activated / deactivated to prevent / allow the movement of the loading means (6); and - control means (8) of the stopping means (7) which are movable with respect to the basic frame (2) and associable with the tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) in a removable manner, wherein the control means (8) are manually operable by the user to selectively activate / deactivate the stopping means (7).

Description

[0001] GYMNASTIC MACHINE

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a gymnastic machine.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] A variety of types of gymnastic machines are known in the gym equipment industry.

[0006] These machines, different from each other in terms of the muscle groups they go to affect and the type of stimulation they allow to give them, share the fact that they have a basic frame and a work assembly with which a user can perform a gymnastic exercise and by means of which he / she can select the load for the intensity of the exercise itself.

[0007] Among the various types of machines, a special one is quite common known as a “smith machine” or “multipower machine”, wherein the work assembly comprises a guided barbell that can be used to simulate the typical movement of many free-weight exercises such as, e.g., the squat, bench press, front shoulder press and others.

[0008] In particular, the fact that the barbell of such machines is guided means that the user does not have to keep it balanced while performing the exercise and can, therefore, focus exclusively on lifting the weight.

[0009] For this reason, using these machines is easier than performing the corresponding exercises with free weights and, therefore, adapted to both amateurs and experienced athletes.

[0010] While having the aforementioned advantages, these machines of known type suffer from some drawbacks.

[0011] They do not, in fact, ensure that the user performs the exercise correctly and, in particular, do not ensure that the user maintains the correct posture while performing the exercise itself.

[0012] This is due to the fact that during the performance of the exercise, especially in the phase of higher intensity, the user tends to take on incorrect and non-physiological positions that not only compromise the proper success of the exercise, but may even be detrimental to health, leading to overloading to the detriment of the skeletal system and / or joints and / or tendon system.

[0013] It follows, therefore, that such gymnastic machines, if not used properly, may be inadequate for proper muscle training and may even cause pathologies affecting the skeletal system, muscle groups other than those being trained, and the tendon system. Still, these machines of known type are not very user-friendly as they often require the presence of an assistant (known, in the jargon, as a “spotter”) ready to intervene if needed, especially during the performance of high-intensity exercises.

[0014] This aspect can be particularly dangerous in cases where the work assembly places its weight on the user who, if unable to perform the lifting thereof, may experience unwanted stresses that can lead to injury or other illnesses.

[0015] Last but not least, these machines prove to be rather limited in their use as they can only be used to perform exercises implying the use of the barbell, thus excluding all those that, for reasons dictated by the movement to be performed and / or by the type of grip, require the use of specific tools of a different shape.

[0016] Description of the Invention

[0017] The main aim of the present invention is to devise a gymnastic machine that facilitates the proper performance of the gymnastic exercise for which it is intended and, at the same time, facilitates the management of the phases of maximum effort during the performance of the exercises.

[0018] Within this aim, one object of the present invention is to devise a gymnastic machine that, during the performance of an exercise allows its immediate discontinuation, averting, in this case, the user’s assumption of an incorrect posture or the aggravation of an injury that may already be in progress.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to ensure the user’s safety even during exercises characterized by high execution load and without the need for a second user. Yet another object of the present invention is to devise a machine which is more versatile than known machines, that is, one that allows the performance of many different exercises whether or not they require the same piece of equipment.

[0020] Not the least object of the present invention is to devise a gymnastic machine distinguished by low cost and small overall dimensions.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to devise a gymnastic machine which allows the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art to be overcome within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and effective to use as well as affordable solution.

[0022] The above objects are achieved by this gymnastic machine having the characteristics of claim 1.

[0023] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a gymnastic machine, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the attached tables of drawings in which: Figures 1 to 3 are overall axonometric views of the machine according to the invention; Figures 4 and 5 are detailed views of two different configurations of the control member according to the invention;

[0025] Figures 6 and 7 are detailed views of two different configurations of a first embodiment of the stopping means;

[0026] Figures 8 and 9 are detailed views of the same configurations in Figures 6 and 7 with respect to a second embodiment of the stopping means.

[0027] Embodiments of the Invention

[0028] With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a gymnastic machine.

[0029] The gymnastic machine 1 comprises, first of all: at least one basic frame 2 for resting on the ground; and at least one work assembly 3 associated with the basic frame 2 and adapted to allow the performance of a gymnastic exercise.

[0030] Specifically, the work assembly 3 comprises: at least one tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d defining at least one gripping portion 5 which can be grasped by a user; and loading means 6 kinematically connected to the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0031] More particularly, the loading means 6 are vertically movable along one direction of work L.

[0032] Again, the loading means 6 comprise one or more supporting elements 6a on which the loading elements 6b of predefined weight are positionable in a removable manner in order to adjust the workload of the exercise.

[0033] In combination with or instead of the supporting elements 6a and of the loading elements 6b, the loading means 6 may comprise one or more weight packs of known type, not shown in the figures, kinematically attached to the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and movable along the direction of work L during the performance of the gymnastic exercise.

[0034] According to the invention, the machine 1 comprises at least one safety assembly 7, 8 which is associated with at least the loading means 6 and comprising: stopping means 7 which can be activated / deactivated to prevent / allow the movement of the loading means 6; and control means 8 of the stopping means 7 which are movable with respect to the basic frame 2 and associable with the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in a removable manner.

[0035] Specifically, the control means 8 are manually operable by the user to selectively activate / deactivate the stopping means 7.

[0036] This is particularly useful if the user has achieved the condition of maximum effort and is unable to lift the loading means 6 further; in this circumstance, in fact, all the user has to do is to activate the stopping means 7 by means of the control means 8 and stop, by so doing, the movement of the loading means 6 to finish the performance of the gymnastic exercise smoothly and safely.

[0037] By not requiring, therefore, the presence of an assistant ready to intervene when needed, the machine 1 is significantly more advantageous for the user to use than known machines.

[0038] Going into detail, as illustrated in the figures, the control means 8 comprise: at least one user-grippable control member 9, which is associable with the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in a removable manner and movable between a compression configuration and a release configuration; and actuating means 10 located between the control member 9 and the stopping means 7 and configured to activate / deactivate the latter as a result of the control member 9 switching from the compression / release configuration to the release / compression configuration or vice versa.

[0039] Specifically, the actuating means 10 are configured to activate the stopping means 7 when switching the control member 9 from the compression configuration to the release configuration and to deactivate the stopping means 7 when switching the control member 9 from the release configuration to the compression configuration.

[0040] Conveniently, the actuating means 10 comprise at least one flexible element 10 connected to the control member 9 and to the stopping means 7.

[0041] In this regard, the flexible element 10 is adapted to apply on the stopping means 7 a pulling force when the control member 9 is in the compression configuration and to release the pulling force when the control member 9 is in the release configuration, the application and the release of the pulling force causing the stopping means 7 to be deactivated and activated, respectively.

[0042] In practice, in the compression configuration, the control member 9 pulls the flexible element 10 to itself and the latter consequently exerts a pulling force on the stopping means 7 that causes them to be deactivated.

[0043] Similarly, in the release configuration, the tension on the flexible element 10 is lost and, with it, the aforementioned pulling force operating on the stopping means 7, resulting in the activation of the latter. Usefully, the flexible element 10 has an elongated conformation.

[0044] Specifically, one end of the flexible element 10 is connected to the control member 9 and the opposite end of the flexible element 10 is connected to the stopping means 7. As visible in the figures, the flexible element 10 is of the type of a flexible cable.

[0045] As for the control member 9, on the other hand, it comprises: at least a first portion 9a associable with the gripping portion 5 in a removable manner; and at least a second portion 9b movable with respect to the first portion 9a between the compression configuration, wherein it is moved closer to the first portion 9a, and the release configuration, wherein it is moved away from the first portion 9a with respect to the compression configuration.

[0046] Preferably, the control member 9 is of the type of a lever handle.

[0047] In this sense, the second portion 9b corresponds to the lever.

[0048] According to one possible embodiment, not shown in the figures, the control member 9 can be fastened onto the gripping portion 5.

[0049] In this case, the first portion 9a can be provided with special fastening means that allow the removable fastening thereof on the gripping portion 5.

[0050] In combination with or as an alternative to this solution, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the gripping portion 5 defines at least one containment cavity 11 adapted to house the first portion 9a within itself.

[0051] In this way, the user can couple the control member 9 to the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d by fitting the first portion 9a within the containment cavity 11.

[0052] It is emphasized that, in doing so, the user can hold the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to perform the gymnastic exercise and, in doing so, press the second portion 9b close to the first portion 9a, so as to place the control member 9 in a compression configuration and deactivate the stopping means 7.

[0053] In other words, once the first portion 9a has been fitted into the gripping portion 5, the user can take advantage of the grasping of the latter to arrange the control member 9 in a compression configuration and freely perform the gymnastic exercise.

[0054] It is, therefore, easy to appreciate how the use of the control member 9 and, in particular, the movement thereof between the release configuration and the compression configuration is completely easy for the user, who can then concentrate on just performing the gymnastic exercise without having to actively worry about arranging the control member 9 in the compression configuration. At the time of need, it is sufficient for the user to release the second portion 9b and thus bring the control member 9 to the release configuration to activate the stopping means 7 and finish the performance of the gymnastic exercise in an absolutely safe and intuitive manner.

[0055] By allowing the gymnastic exercise to be interrupted when necessary and without the need for any intervention by assistants, the machine 1 allows the user to train with considerable profit and, therefore, to achieve more results than using known machines. In other words, this same expedient allows the user to perform the gymnastic exercise more safely while preventing the user from exerting additional effort, possibly altering his or her posture or aggravating an injury already in progress, when he or she is in the condition of maximum effort and is unable to finish the exercise.

[0056] It is worth noting that this technical expedient is particularly advantageous in case of sudden pain on the part of the user, such as due to an incipient muscle tear.

[0057] In fact, in this circumstance, the user can immediately stop the performance of the gymnastic exercise through the control member 9 and is not, therefore, forced to complete the stroke of the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and to procure, in doing so, even more serious injuries.

[0058] Usefully, the control member 9 is associable with the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d in a plurality of predefined positions.

[0059] For this purpose, the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d is provided with a special clamping system, e.g., of the rack type, arranged within the containment cavity 11 and adapted to engage with a corresponding clamping element, e.g., also of the rack type, associated with the control member 9.

[0060] In this way, the user can arrange the control member 9 in the containment cavity 11 in the position considered most comfortable and easiest to reach, thus simplifying the grasping and, consequently, the use of the control member itself while operating the machine 1.

[0061] Going into the details of the stopping means 7, they comprise at least one engagement element 12, associated with the flexible element 10, and at least one abutment body 13. Specifically, the abutment body 13 has a plurality of abutment surfaces 13a arranged in succession with each other, the engagement element 12 being adapted to operate in conjunction with the abutment body 13.

[0062] In the present case, the engagement element 12 is movable between a disengagement position (Figure 6), wherein it is disengaged from the abutment body 13, and an engagement position (Figure 7), wherein it operates in conjunction with one of the abutment surfaces 13 a.

[0063] Specifically, the abutment body 13 defines a harpoonism with the engagement element 12.

[0064] In this regard, in a first embodiment of the stopping means 7, shown in Figures 6 and 7, the abutment body 13 has an elongated conformation.

[0065] In this sense, the abutment surfaces 13a are arranged in succession longitudinally to the abutment body 13.

[0066] In particular, the abutment body 13 is arranged vertically, that is, parallel to the direction of work L.

[0067] Specifically, the abutment body 13 preferably consists of at least one rack in this first embodiment, the abutment surfaces 13a corresponding to the teeth of the rack.

[0068] Alternatively, in a second embodiment of the stopping means 7 shown in Figures 8 and 9, the abutment body 13 consists of at least one gear wheel, e.g., bevel -toothed, the abutment surfaces 13a corresponding to the teeth of the gear wheel.

[0069] In this case, in particular, a pulley 17 can be provided which is keyed onto a shaft 18 supported in rotation by the basic frame 2 and kinematically connected to the loading means 6.

[0070] The pulley 17 is therefore rotatable around a relevant axis by the movement of the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and causes, due to its rotation, the consequent rotation of the abutment body 13 around the same axis.

[0071] In all cases, the large number of abutment surfaces 13a with which the abutment body 13 is provided means that the vertical stroke that the engagement element 12 must make to reach an abutment surface 13a is very small and that, therefore, the movement of the loading means 6 can be stopped substantially immediately regardless of the position of tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d along the direction of work L.

[0072] As anticipated, the engagement element 12 is connected to the flexible element 10; in particular, the latter arranges the engagement element 12 in the disengagement position when the control member 9 is in the compression configuration.

[0073] Similarly, the flexible element 10 arranges the engagement element 12 in the engagement position when the control member 9 is in the release position.

[0074] In other words, the compression of the control member 9 (i.e., the second portion 9b moving close to the first portion 9a) results in the disengagement of the engagement element 12 from the abutment body 13 and, therefore, the deactivation of the stopping means 7 (Figure 6 and 8).

[0075] Similarly, the release of the control member 9 (i.e., the second portion 9b moving away from the first portion 9a) causes the engagement of the engagement element 12 on one of the abutment surfaces 13a and the consequent activation of the stopping means 7 (Figure 7 and 9).

[0076] In order for the latter operation to occur effectively, the stopping means 7 comprise at least one pushing element 14 associated with the engagement element 12 and configured to counteract the displacement of the latter from the engagement position to the release position.

[0077] In the present case, the pushing element 14 consists of at least one presser adapted to exert on the engagement element 12 a certain preload force adapted to arrange it in the engagement position.

[0078] That being said, however, the pushing elements 14 of a different type than that described and, e.g., of the type of one or more compression springs cannot be ruled out.

[0079] In all cases, it is important to explain that the abutment surfaces 13a and the engagement element 12 are shaped in such a way as to counteract the displacement of the latter from the engagement position to the release position.

[0080] This is in order to prevent the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d from displacing towards the user due to the weight of the loading means 6 in the event that the user him / herself having compressed the control member 9 without, however, having actually grasped the gripping portion 5.

[0081] In this way, the engagement element 12 reaches the release position only as a result of the compression of the control member 9 and of the simultaneous displacement of the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d by the user.

[0082] Advantageously, the safety assembly 7, 8 comprises clamping means 19 associated with the control member 9 and adapted to clamp the latter in the compression configuration, thus preventing the return thereof to the release configuration.

[0083] Preferably, the clamping means 19 are of the manual type, that is, selectively activated by the user as needed.

[0084] Specifically, as visible in Figure 4 and Figure 5, the clamping means 19 comprise: at least a first clamping hole 19a cut on a fixed element 20 of the control member 9; at least a second clamping hole 19b cut on the second portion 9b; and at least one clamping element fitted, in use, within the first clamping hole 19a and the second clamping hole 19b.

[0085] Specifically, the second clamping hole 19b is aligned / misaligned to / from the first clamping hole 19a in the compression / release configuration.

[0086] In other words, the position of the clamping holes 19a, 19b is such that it causes them to overlap when the second portion 9b is moved close to the first portion 9a in the compression configuration and to cause them to misalign when the second portion 9b is moved away from the first portion 9a in the release configuration.

[0087] As visible in Figure 5, the fixed element 20 is of the type of a fixed plate element with respect to the first portion 9a.

[0088] As for the clamping element, not shown in the figures, it is preferably of the type of a pin or of a functionally similar component that is fittable into the clamping holes 19a, 19b.

[0089] The insertion of the clamping element into the clamping holes 19a, 19b counteracts, therefore, the movement of the second portion 9b away from the first portion 9a and, therefore, to keep the control member 9 in the compression configuration.

[0090] With this in mind, it is easy to appreciate how the fact of providing clamping means 19 is particularly convenient for the performance of gymnastic exercises in which the stopping means 7 can remain constantly deactivated, e.g., those in which the weight of the loading means 6 does not burden the user (e.g., in exercises such as the pulley, lat machine and so on).

[0091] In fact, in this case, it is possible to use the clamping means 19, that is by aligning the clamping holes 19a, 19b and fitting the clamping element through them, in order to perform the above gymnastic exercises in a totally smooth and intuitive manner.

[0092] In this way, it is, therefore, possible to perform such exercises without having to operate directly on the control member 9, keeping it manually in a compression configuration so that the stopping means 7 remain deactivated.

[0093] In this regard, a special seat, not shown in the figures, can be provided on the basic frame 2 wherein to store the control member 9 once it has been clamped in the compression configuration.

[0094] Similarly, in order to be able to perform gymnastic exercises in which the intervention on the stopping means 7 is convenient, it is sufficient to pull the control member 9 out of its respective seat, disengage the clamping element from the clamping holes 19a, 19b, and restore, by doing so, the mobility of the control member itself between the compression configuration and the release configuration. Conveniently, the basic frame 2 comprises at least one bearing structure 2b and at least one guiding carriage 2c associated with the bearing structure 2b in a shiftable manner, wherein the basic tool 4a, 4b is connectable to the guiding carriage 2c and wherein the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d are connectable to the guiding carriage 2c. In this way, a wide variety of exercises can be performed safely by connecting the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d to the guiding carriage.

[0095] Preferably, the basic frame 2 also comprises a footplate 2a on the ground associated with the bearing structure 2b and the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d are connectable to at least one of the footplate 2a and the bearing structure 2b.

[0096] In this regard, the machine 1 comprises a holding body 15 (Figure 2) adapted to hold the weight of the user and connectable, in use, to the footplate 2a.

[0097] Specifically, the holding body 15 is connectable to the footplate 2a in a plurality of predefined positions, so that the user can adjust the position thereof according to the type of exercise to be performed and / or his or her physical characteristics.

[0098] Preferably, the holding body 15 comprises at least one bench, illustrated as an example in Figure 1.

[0099] The use of the holding body 15 is particularly convenient in combination with the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to be able to perform gymnastic exercises in sitting and lying positions, which benefits the versatility of the machine 1.

[0100] It is specified, in this regard, that the machine 1 can also be provided with one or more work accessories, e.g., of the type of pulleys or the like, which can be fixed in predefined positions on the footplate 2a in a similar way to what has been described for the holding body 15.

[0101] Again, the basic frame 2 comprises at least one guiding carriage 2c associated with the bearing structure 2b in a shiftable manner.

[0102] In particular, the guiding carriage 2c slides along the direction of work L locked together with the loading means 6.

[0103] In this regard, the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is connectable locked together with the guiding carriage 2c, that is, so as to move together with the latter and to the loading means 6 along the direction of work L.

[0104] Specifically, the guiding carriage 2c is kinematically connected to the loading means 6. In this sense, the weight of the loading means 6 is transferred to the guiding carriage 2c and, consequently, to the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d connected thereto.

[0105] Conveniently, as visible in Figures 1 to 3, the work assembly 3 comprises a plurality of tools 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d connectable to the basic frame 2 in an interchangeable manner to each other, of which: one or more basic tools 4a, 4b only provided with the gripping portion 5 (Figures 1 and 2); and / or one or more auxiliary tools 4c, 4d provided with at least one resting portion 16a, 16b intended to contact, in use, the user’s body (Figures 1 and 3).

[0106] The fact of providing for a plurality of tools 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d which are different from each other allows the user to perform many different gymnastic exercises, further increasing the versatility of the machine 1 compared to known machines.

[0107] Specifically, the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d are connectable to the guiding carriage 2c, while the basic tools 4a, 4b are connectable to the footplate 2a and / or to the guiding carriage 2c.

[0108] In more detail, the work assembly 3 comprises a first basic tool 4a (shown in Figure 1) connectable to the footplate 2a.

[0109] Specifically, as visible in the above figure, the first basic tool 4a substantially consists of a pair of handles connectable to the footplate 2a.

[0110] Each handle has a respective containment cavity 11, therefore the user can indifferently place the first portion 9a inside either handle.

[0111] As will be explained shortly, the first basic tool 4a can be used in combination with one or more of the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d to perform gymnastic exercises.

[0112] Similarly to what has been said for the holding body 15, the first basic tool 4a is connectable to the footplate 2a in a plurality of predefined positions.

[0113] In this way, the user can adjust the position of the handles depending on, e.g., his or her physical characteristics and / or the type of stimulus he or she intends to impart to the muscles during the performance of the gymnastic exercise.

[0114] Conveniently, the work assembly 3 comprises a second basic tool 4b (shown in Figure 2) connectable to the guiding carriage 2c.

[0115] Such second basic tool 4b can be used, e.g., in combination with the holding body 15 for the performance of bench press stretches.

[0116] In this case, it is sufficient for the user to lie down on the holding body 15 and grasp the second basic tool 4b in order to perform this gymnastic exercise.

[0117] As to the auxiliary tools 4c, 4d, the work assembly 3 comprises a first auxiliary tool 4c (shown in Figure 3) provided with a first resting portion 16a intended to contact, in use, the user’s shoulders. Specifically, the first auxiliary tool 4c is employable by the user to perform the squat exercise or others related thereto wherein the weight of the loading means 6 burdens the user’s shoulders.

[0118] Again, the work assembly 3 comprises a second auxiliary tool 4d (shown in Figure 1) provided with a second resting portion 16b intended to contact, in use, the user’s back or torso.

[0119] In this case, the second auxiliary tool 4d is employable by the user to perform many different exercises comprising, e.g., the exercise known as “hip thrust”.

[0120] In this case, specifically, the second resting portion 16b is placed resting on the user’s abdominal region, and the user can perform the exercise, e.g. by sitting on the footplate 2a and placing his or her back against the holding body 15.

[0121] In this regard, it is possible to use the second auxiliary tool 4d on its own and perform, e.g., the aforementioned exercise or, as anticipated, to use the first basic tool 4a in combination therewith for the performance of still other exercises (see Figure 1). Specifically, the first basic tool 4a and the second auxiliary tool 4d can be used together for performing ballast push-ups.

[0122] In fact, in this case, all the user has to do is to lie down facing the footplate 2a, grasp the handles of the first basic tool 4a and arrange the second resting portion 16b resting on his or her back (the latter acting, therefore, as a ballast on the user) in order to perform this exercise.

[0123] The operation of this invention is as follows.

[0124] The user first chooses which tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d to use and connects it, depending on the type of exercise to be performed, to either the guiding carriage 2c or the footplate 2a.

[0125] At this point, the user selects the workload by adding or removing the loading elements 6b from the supporting elements 6a and / or selecting the reference weight on the weight pack.

[0126] The user then proceeds by inserting the control member 9 inside the containment cavity 11 and getting ready to start the exercise.

[0127] In doing so, the user grasps the gripping portion 5 of the tool 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d and, as a consequence of this action, brings the control member 9 into a compression configuration, thus moving the second portion 9b close to the first portion 9a.

[0128] In this way, the flexible element 10 is pulled towards the control member 9, exerting a pulling force on the engagement element 12 that brings it to the disengagement position with respect to the abutment body 13. By doing so, free sliding of the guiding carriage 2c along the direction of work L is allowed and the user can perform the gymnastic exercise.

[0129] In other words, the user can carry out the exercise in total freedom and move, therefore, the loading means 6 in both ways of the direction of work L as long as he / she keeps the control member 9 pressed.

[0130] At the moment when the user reaches the condition of maximum effort and is unable to lift beyond the loading means 6, he or she will release the control member 9, thus causing the second portion 9b to move away from the first portion 9a and the consequent release of the pulling force operating on the flexible element 10.

[0131] As a result of this action, the engagement element 12 is pushed by the pushing element 14 to the engagement position, operating in conjunction with the first abutment surface 13a available on the abutment body 13 to stop the descent of the guiding carriage 2c. The weight of the loading means 6 thus burdens the stopping means 7 and no longer the user, who can finish the exercise safely and without having to take on, in the condition of maximum effort, dangerous non-physiological positions to complete the same.

[0132] It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

[0133] In particular, the fact is emphasized that the special expedient of providing a safety assembly associated with the loading means makes it possible to ensure the safety of the user even during exercises characterized by high compressive load and without the need for the presence of a second user.

[0134] In this way, the machine according to the invention allows the user to perform the gymnastic exercise correctly and, at the same time, maintain the most suitable posture for the exercise itself.

[0135] The use of the machine according to the invention allows, therefore, to train with even high loads one or more muscle groups in a safe manner, without, that is, the attainment of the condition of maximum effort requiring the user to take on dangerous non- physiological positions to complete the performance of the gymnastic exercise.

Claims

CLAIMS1) Gymnastic machine (1), comprising: at least one basic frame (2) for resting on the ground; at least one work assembly (3) associated with said basic frame (2) and adapted to allow the performance of a gymnastic exercise, comprising: at least one tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) defining at least one gripping portion (5) which can be grasped by a user; and loading means (6) kinematically connected to said tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d); characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one safety assembly (7, 8) associated with at least said loading means (6) and comprising: stopping means (7) which can be activated / deactivated to prevent / allow the movement of said loading means (6); and control means (8) of said stopping means (7) which are movable with respect to said basic frame (2) and associable with said tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) in a removable manner, wherein said control means (8) are manually operable by the user to selectively activate / deactivate said stopping means (7).2) Machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said control means(8) comprise: at least one user-grippable control member (9), which is associable with said tool (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) in a removable manner and movable between a compression configuration and a release configuration; and actuating means (10) located between said control member (9) and said stopping means (7) and configured to activate / deactivate the latter as a result of said control member (9) switching from said compression / release configuration to said release / compression configuration or vice versa.3) Machine (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said actuating means (10) are configured to activate / deactivate said stopping means (7) when switching said control member (9) from said compression / release configuration to said release / compression configuration.4) Machine (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by the fact that said actuating means (10) comprise at least one flexible element (10) connected to said control member(9) and to said stopping means (7), wherein said flexible element (10) is adapted to apply on said stopping means (7) a pulling force when said control member (9) is in said compression configuration and to release said pulling force when said control member(9) is in said release configuration, the application and the release of said pulling force causing said stopping means (7) to be deactivated and activated, respectively.5) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said control member (9) comprises: at least a first portion (9a) associable with said gripping portion (5) in a removable manner; and at least a second portion (9b) movable with respect to said first portion (9a) between the compression configuration, wherein it is moved closer to said first portion (9a), and the release configuration, wherein it is moved away from said first portion (9a) with respect to the compression configuration.6) Machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that said gripping portion (5) defines at least one containment cavity (11) adapted to house said first portion (9a) within itself.7) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that: said stopping means (7) comprise at least one engagement element (12) associated with said flexible element (10) and at least one abutment body (13) having a plurality of abutment surfaces (13a) arranged in succession with each other, wherein said engagement element (12) is adapted to operate in conjunction with said abutment body (13); and by the fact that said engagement element (12) is movable between an engagement position, wherein it operates in conjunction with one of said abutment surfaces (13a), and a disengagement position, wherein it is disengaged from said abutment body (13), said flexible element (10) arranging said engagement element (12) in the disengagement / engagement position when said control member (9) is in the compres si on / rel ease configurati on .8) Machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized by the fact that said stopping means (7) comprise at least one pushing element (14) associated with said engagement element (12) and configured to counteract the displacement of the latter from the engagement position to the release position.9) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said work assembly (3) comprises a plurality of said tools (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) which are connectable interchangeably to said basic frame (2), of which: one or more basic tools (4a, 4b) only provided with said gripping portion (5); and / orone or more auxiliary tools (4c, 4d) provided with at least one resting portion (16a, 16b) intended to contact, in use, the user’s body.10) Machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized by the fact that said work assembly (3) comprises a first auxiliary tool (4c) provided with a first resting portion (16a) intended to contact, in use, the user’s shoulders and a second auxiliary tool (4d) provided with a second resting portion (16b) intended to contact, in use, the user’s back or torso.11) Machine (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by the fact that: said basic frame (2) comprises at least one bearing structure (2b) and at least one guiding carriage (2c) associated with said bearing structure (2b) in a shiftable manner; and by the fact that said basic tool (4a, 4b) is connectable to said guiding carriage (2c); and that said auxiliary tools (4c, 4d) are connectable to said guiding carriage (2c).12) Machine (1) according to claim 11, characterized by the fact: said basic frame (2) comprises at least one footplate (2a) associated with said bearing structure (2b) and by the fact that said auxiliary tool (4c, 4d) is connectable to said footplate (2a) and / or to said guiding carriage (2c).13) Machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized by the fact that said work assembly (3) comprises a first basic tool (4a) connectable to said footplate (2a) and a second basic tool (4b) connectable to said guiding carriage (2c).14) Machine (1) according to claim 13, characterized by the fact that said first basic tool (4a) is connectable to said footplate (2a) in a plurality of predefined positions.15) Machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said safety assembly (7, 8) comprises clamping means (19) associated with said control member (9) and adapted to clamp the latter in said compression configuration, preventing the return thereof to said release configuration.16) Machine (1) according to claim 15, characterized by the fact that said clamping means (19) comprise: at least a first clamping hole (19a) cut on a fixed element (20) of said control member (9); at least a second clamping hole (19b) cut on said second portion (9b), said second clamping hole (19b) being aligned / misaligned with said first clamping hole (19a) in said compression / release configuration; at least one clamping element fitted, in use, within said first clamping hole (19a) and said second clamping hole (19b).

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