Gymnastic machine

Abstract

A gymnastic machine is described, comprising a frame, at least one movable portion that can be grasped by a user and moved by the user with respect to the frame alternately in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first; a load assembly adapted to counteract the displacements of the movable portion in the first direction and the second direction and a motion transmission system for transmitting the movement from said movable portion to said load assembly. The load assembly comprises a first stack of weights and a second stack of weights which are coupled to said motion transmission system. The first stack of weights and the second stack of weights can alternately be moved between a lowered position and a raised position, or vice versa, in response to the displacement of the movable portion by the user, respectively, in the first direction and the second direction, or vice versa. The gymnastic machine comprises a first brake combined with the first stack of weights and a second brake combined with the second stack of weights. The brakes are configurable in two states: an active state, corresponding to the braking of the descent of the respective stack of weights, and an inactive state, in which the respective stack of weights is not braked when being lifted. The gymnastic machine allows training in both directions of displacement of the movable portion and to selectively select the intensity of the counteraction force counteracting the movement of the movable portion in the first direction and the second direction.

Description

[0001] Gymnastic machine

[0002] ***

[0003] DESCRIPTION

[0004] Field of the invention

[0005] The present invention relates to the field of gymnastic machines used in gyms or rehabilitation centres.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Various types of gymnastic machines are known that allow a user to train one or more muscle groups; generally, gymnastic machines have a support frame and a movable portion that can be grasped by the user to perform a pushing or pulling movement. As is well known, the physical effort that allows muscles to be developed and trained is the consequence of the counteraction force opposed by the gymnastic machine to the pushing or pulling movement performed by the user on the movable portion.

[0008] In some machines, the force counteracting the movement is generated by means of a load assembly consisting of weights and which is linked to the movable portion.

[0009] For example, gyms often have a gymnastic machine known as “chest press machine", which is useful for training the pectoralis major.

[0010] This machine has a frame comprising a seat for the user, a movable portion that can be moved closer and away from the seat in response to a force exerted by the user on the movable portion itself, a pair of handles that can be grasped by the user and which are positioned on the movable portion, and a load assembly, usually located behind the seat, that generates the force counteracting the movement of the movable portion. Indeed, a movement transmission system couples the movement of the movable portion to the lifting or lowering of the load assembly. As is well known, the load assembly comprises a set of weights stacked on top of each other: by means of a selector, the user selects the number of weights to be lifted, i.e. the overall mass to be lifted. In practice, when a user pushes the movable portion away from the seat with his arms, he also lifts the weights from the ground: the physical effort made by the user to push the movable portion, by lifting the weights, is what precisely allows him or her to train the pectorals. Once the user has pushed the movable portion to the position of maximum extension of the arms, the potential energy accumulated by the lifted weights moves the movable portion back closer to the seat, without the user having to exert a pulling force on purpose.

[0011] Therefore, a machine of this type allows mainly those muscle groups which are involved in the execution of the pushing movement to be trained, i.e. in only one of the two directions of movement of the movable portion. In order to also train the muscle groups involved in pulling, a user must usually use another gymnastic machine, known as “lat machine”.

[0012] It should be understood that this is a drawback as it compels the owner of the gym or rehabilitation centre to purchase both gymnastic machines that allow muscles involved in pushing to be trained and machines that allow muscles involved in pulling to be trained, with a consequent increase in costs and overall space occupied.

[0013] Furthermore, it is evident that a user interested in training both muscle groups is forced to switch gymnastic machine accordingly.

[0014] To overcome such a drawback, gymnastic machines are known that allow both the pushing and pulling muscles to be trained, that is, that provide a force counteracting the movement both during the pushing movement of the movable portion and during the subsequent pulling movement of the movable portion.

[0015] For example, in US877781 a gymnastic machine equipped with pneumatic pistons is described, which allows exercises to be performed in both directions of movement due to the counteraction force generated by the pneumatic pistons themselves, counteracting the movement.

[0016] Or JP2001046552A describes a device which enables to train in two directions of movement due to the presence of a two-spring system. Other documents describe alternative means in order to achieve the result.

[0017] US2021008404A1 and US10596408B2 describe a gymnastic machine that allows exercises to be performed with a bi-directional counteraction force due to the presence of a flywheel resistance system.

[0018] US2020069993 describes a gymnastic machine that aims to overcome the use of weights. By means of a winch 24 coupled to a motor 30, the machine exerts a first torque and a second torque.

[0019] US10994169 describes a gymnastic machine that, by exploiting Eddy currents, generates a force counteracting the movement in opposite directions of movement.

[0020] Gymnastic machines not relying on the use of weights can be expensive, difficult to be used and repaired also, in case of faults.

[0021] WO9842411A1 describes various embodiments of a gymnastic machine relying on a stack of weights in order to generate a force counteracting the movement in two opposite directions. For instance, with reference to figure 1 , two identical gymnastic machines 1a and 1 b comprising an arm 2, at which a knob 21 is present, and a load section 3 are shown. The load section 3 in turn comprises a vertical guide 31 , a system of pulleys 32 and a single stack of weights 33.

[0022] When a user does not exert any force on the arm 2, the arm is in a null position; but when the user moves the arm 2 upward or downward, sliding it along the vertical guide 31 , the stack of weights 33 are lifted, thus exerting a counteraction force during both the upward and downward movement (from page 11 , line 16 to page 12, line 26).

[0023] With reference to figure 7, an embodiment 1j is shown which makes use of a single stack of weights 33 and wherein the transmission of movement from the arms 2 to the stack of weights 33 occurs by means of a hydraulic circuit (page 26, lines 9-16).

[0024] The gymnastic machine described in WO9842411 , however, compels the user to lift the same stack of weights both when moving the movable portion in a first direction and when moving the latter in a second direction opposite the first one.

[0025] This is a drawback since it is well known that muscles involved in an effort in a first direction, for example in a push, have a different force than those involved in an effort in a second direction opposite the first one, for example in a pull; therefore, it should be understood that by using a machine built according to the teachings of WO9842411A1 , a user has to target a force counteracting the movement (and accordingly also select a stack of weights) which is intermediate between the optimal force for pushing and the optimal force for pulling, this way however the counteraction force is scarce in order to train the muscles involved in pushing and too high in order to train the muscles involved in pulling.

[0026] LIS2015246258 describes a gymnastic machine according to the preamble of claim 1. Other solutions are described in CN 1 863 578 and US 4 836 535.

[0027] Summary of the invention

[0028] Object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive, easy-to- make, convenient-to-use and easy-to-maintain gymnastic machine which, in the context of a set comprising repetitions of movements of the at least one movable portion in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first, allows, firstly, for a counteraction force counteracting the movement both in the first direction and the second direction through two separate stacks of weights and, secondly, allows the intensity to be selectively chosen of the counteraction force counteracting the movement in the first direction and the second direction.

[0029] A first aspect of the present invention therefore concerns a gymnastic machine according to claim 1 .

[0030] In particular, claim 1 is directed to a gymnastic machine that can be used by a user for physical training, i.e. for training specific muscles. The gymnastic machine according to the present invention can be used in a gym or a physical rehabilitation centre.

[0031] The gymnastic machine comprises a frame, which is preferably a supporting structure for supporting the components of the gymnastic machine and which preferably rests on a respective supporting surface, and at least one movable portion that can be grasped by a user and moved by the user with respect to the frame alternately in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first one. In practice, said at least one movable portion can be moved by a user for physical training, i.e. in order to exert specific muscles (for example to train pectorals and back muscles). The at least one movable portion can be moved alternately in the first direction and the second direction, meaning that the user can move the movable portion in the first direction, from a first position to a second position, and subsequently return to the starting position by moving the at least one movable portion in the opposite direction, i.e. in the second direction, from the second position to the first position.

[0032] A displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction and, subsequently, in the second direction is denoted in the present invention by “repetition”. Multiple repetitions performed sequentially are called “set”. Now, the gymnastic machine according to the present invention can be used for physical training as it allows a user to perform one or more sets comprising at least one repetition each.

[0033] The gymnastic machine also comprises a load assembly that is arranged to counteract the displacements of the movable portion in the first direction and the second direction. In practice, the load assembly generates counteraction forces opposing the movement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction and the second direction. Therefore, the user physically exerts (and thus trains) by both moving the at least one movable portion in the first direction and moving the at least one movable portion in the second direction.

[0034] The gymnastic machine is also provided with a movement transmission system which transmits the movement from the at least one movable portion to the load assembly. In practice, the displacements of the at least one movable portion result in corresponding displacements of the load assembly, so that the user can make a muscle effort precisely by moving the at least one movable portion in the first direction and the second direction.

[0035] The load assembly comprises two separate stacks of weights, i.e. a first stack of weights and a second stack of weights. The first stack of weights and the second stack of weights may each comprise multiple weights stacked on top of each other or may each consist of a single weight; in the first case, the overall mass of each of said first stack of weights and said second stack of weights is given by the sum of the weights that each stack of weights is composed of, whereas in the second case, the overall mass is given by the mass of the single weight that each stack of weights is composed of.

[0036] The first stack of weights and the second stack of weights are coupled to the movement transmission system such that the movements imparted to the movement transmission system by the at least one movable portion are transmitted to the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights.

[0037] The first stack of weights and the second stack of weights can be considered coupled to the movement transmission system even if, for a certain time interval of the operation of the gymnastic machine, the first stack of weights or the second stack of weights is not physically coupled, or connected, to the movement transmission system.

[0038] The first stack of weights and the second stack of weights are alternately movable between a lowered position and a raised position, or vice versa, in response to the displacement of the movable portion by the user, respectively, in said first direction and said second direction, or vice versa. In practice, as one stack of weights is lifted from the lowered position to the raised position, the other stack of weights is lowered from the raised position to the lowered position, and vice versa.

[0039] In other words, the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction results in the displacement of the first stack of weights from the lowered position to the raised position and in the concurrent displacement of the second stack of weights from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0040] In contrast, the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction results in the displacement of the second stack of weights from the lowered position to the raised position and in the concurrent displacement of the first stack of weights from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0041] Therefore, the physical effort made by the user, by pushing the at least one movable portion in the first direction, is due to the lifting of the first stack of weights, whereas the physical effort made by the user, by pushing the at least one movable portion in the second direction, is due to the lifting of the second stack of weights. In practice, the gymnastic machine allows a repetition to be performed by making a physical effort by both moving the at least one movable portion in the first direction and moving the at least one movable portion in the second direction, since the gymnastic machine allows the movement in the first direction or the second direction to be selectively coupled to the lifting of the first stack of weights or the second stack of weights, respectively.

[0042] It should be understood that the lowered position corresponds to a position with minimal or null potential energy, for example being at the supporting surface of the frame, and the raised position corresponds to a position with maximum potential energy, being raised relative to the supporting surface of the frame.

[0043] For example, the raised position corresponds to an elevation greater than or equal to 800 mm above the supporting surface of the frame; in an embodiment, the raised position corresponds to an elevation of 1 meter (1000 mm), or nearly so, above the supporting surface of the frame.

[0044] Therefore, the physical effort made by a user in order to move the at least one movable portion in the first direction or the second direction substantially corresponds to the energy required to displace the first stack of weights or the second stack of weights from the lowered position with minimal, or null, energy to the raised position with maximum potential energy.

[0045] Moreover, according to the invention, the gymnastic machine also comprises a first brake combined with the first stack of weights and a second brake combined with the second stack of weights. Both the first brake and the second brake are configurable in two states: an active state and an inactive state.

[0046] The first brake and the second brake are active while the corresponding stack of weights is lowered, that is, during the displacement from the raised position to the lowered position of the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights, respectively.

[0047] The first brake and the second brake are instead inactive while the corresponding stack of weights is lifted, that is, during the displacement from the lowered position to the raised position of the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights, respectively.

[0048] In other words, when the first brake is active the second brake is inactive and when the first brake is inactive the second brake is active.

[0049] In practice, the movement of the at least one movable portion with respect to the frame in the first direction results in the lifting of the first stack of weights and the lowering of the second stack of weights: in this circumstance, the first brake is inactive on the first stack of weights (and does not slow down the lifting thereof) and the second brake is active on the second stack of weights (and slows down the descent thereof).

[0050] Conversely, the movement of the at least one movable portion with respect to the frame in the second direction results in the lowering of the first stack of weights and the lifting of the second stack of weights: in this circumstance, the first brake is active on the first stack of weights (and slows down the descent thereof) and the second brake is inactive on the second stack of weights (and does not slow down the lifting thereof).

[0051] In the context of the present invention, the first brake and the second brake are in the inactive state in the absence of a significant (and intentional) braking action exerted by the same on the respective stack of weights; in other words, the first brake and the second brake may be considered inactive even if they exert a minimal or negligible counteraction to the movement of the respective stack of weights during the lifting thereof.

[0052] Thanks to the presence of the first brake and the second brake, the gymnastic machine allows the user to make a physical effort by both moving the at least one movable portion in the first direction and moving the at least one movable portion in the second direction; indeed, since the first brake and the second brake are active during the descent of the respective stack of weights, the concurrent lifting of the other stack of weights, i.e. the second stack of weights and the first stack of weights, solely depends on the force exerted by the user on the at least one movable portion and is not caused by the force generated by the descent of the other stack of weights.

[0053] Furthermore, unlike known solutions that rely on weights, the gymnastic machine herein described allows the intensity of the counteraction force counteracting the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction and the second direction to be selectively chosen. In other words, the gymnastic machine allows a counteraction force counteracting the movement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction to be chosen different from the one in the second direction.

[0054] This because the gymnastic machine has two separate stacks of weights: the first stack of weights determines the intensity of the counteraction force during the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction, whereas the second stack of weights determines the intensity of the counteraction force during the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction.

[0055] Therefore, by appropriately selecting the mass of the first stack of weights and the mass of the second stack of weights, it is possible to selectively choose which effort one wants to make by moving the at least one movable portion in the first direction and which effort one wants to make by moving the at least one movable portion in the direction opposite the first one.

[0056] This aspect is advantageous since it is well known that while training, the muscles involved in the movement in one direction do not have the same strength as the muscles involved in the movement in opposite direction.

[0057] For example, the muscles getting involved during a pushing movement have a greater strength than those involved in a corresponding pulling movement. For this reason, the gymnastic machine according to the present invention can be configured in such a way that the intensity of the force counteracting the movement of the at least one portion in the first direction (for example pushing) is greater than the intensity of the force counteracting the movement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction. This allows different muscles to be trained, in the same set, commensurately with their actual strength.

[0058] In practice, by using a gymnastic machine according to the present invention, there is no need to use different gymnastic machines or to perform different sets, for example, in order to train chest and back muscles since the gymnastic machine described herein allows both the muscles involved in the pushing and the muscles involved in the pulling to be trained in the same set, and by using precisely a single gymnastic machine.

[0059] It should be understood that this results in costs and space savings for the owners of gyms or rehabilitation centres and time savings for those who need to train.

[0060] The gymnastic machine allows specific muscles to be trained even if the user moves the at least one movable portion in the first direction or the second direction without reaching the limit stop; in this case, the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights are lifted to an intermediate elevation between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0061] In the context of the present invention, “brake” means any device capable of braking, or slowing down, the descent of the corresponding stack of weights.

[0062] Preferably, each of said first brake and said second brake is selected from: an oleodynamic brake, a hydraulic brake, a pneumatic brake, a disc brake, a friction brake or an electric braking system.

[0063] It should be understood that a person skilled in the art will be able to select any type of brake suitable for achieving the above-described purpose.

[0064] Preferably, said at least one movable portion is integral with the movement transmission system in such a way that the movements imparted by the user to the at least one movable portion are transmitted to the movement transmission system and, from there, to the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights.

[0065] Preferably, the frame is configured to rest at a supporting surface, either directly on the floor or on a base which in turn rests on the floor; preferably, the frame extends along a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the supporting surface, i.e. regardless of whether it can also extend lengthwise parallel to the supporting surface, the frame extends heightwise in order for the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights to be able to move from a lowered position to a raised position, and vice versa. Therefore, the at least one movable portion is mutually movable by the user:

[0066] - along an axis incident to said longitudinal axis (or along an axis incident to a plane containing the longitudinal axis), closer and away from said longitudinal axis, and vice versa, or

[0067] - along a circumferential segment having its centre on an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis and orthogonal to the supporting surface, between a first angular position and a second angular position, and vice versa;

[0068] - along a circumferential segment having its centre on an axis parallel to the supporting surface, between a first angular position and a second angular position, and vice versa.

[0069] In the first case, the at least one movable portion can be moved by the user in a direction orthogonal to said longitudinal axis (or orthogonal to a plane containing the longitudinal axis), or the at least one movable portion can be moved by the user in a direction inclined with respect to said longitudinal axis (or inclined with respect to a plane containing the longitudinal axis). In practice, the frame of the gymnastic machine can be configured according to different options known to the person skilled in the art.

[0070] Preferably, the movement transmission system comprises a closed circuit and a system of sheaves. Alternatively, the movement transmission system comprises an open circuit. In place of or in addition to the system of sheaves, the movement transmission system may comprise mechanical gears and / or mechanical and electrical transmissions.

[0071] Preferably, the movable portion is integral with the closed circuit or the open circuit in such a way that the movements imparted by the user to the at least one movable portion are transmitted to the closed circuit or the open circuit.

[0072] Preferably, the closed circuit comprises a first branch and a second branch and corresponding sheaves, or mechanical gears, or mechanical and electrical transmissions selectively coupled to the first branch and the second branch of the circuit. For example, preferably the closed circuit comprises a first sheave, or a first gear or a first mechanical transmission constrained to, or integral with, the first branch and a second sheave, or a second gear or a second mechanical transmission constrained to, or integral with, the second branch. Preferably, the first branch extends from a lowered position to a raised position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction and extends from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction; conversely, the second branch extends from a lowered position to a raised position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction and extends from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction. Preferably, the lowered position and the raised position are defined as such in relation to the supporting surface on which the frame is positioned.

[0073] In particular, the movement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction results in the downward extension of the second branch and the corresponding shortening, upwards, of the first branch.

[0074] Instead, the movement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction results in the downward extension of the first branch and the corresponding shortening, upwards, of the second branch.

[0075] Preferably, the gymnastic machine comprises a first rail and a second rail which are positioned on the frame and a first sliding block which slides on the first rail and a second sliding block which slides on the second rail. Preferably, the first rail and the second rail run parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0076] The first sliding block and the second sliding block are integral, respectively, with the first branch and the second branch of the circuit, so that the movements described above of the first branch and the second branch are transferred to the first sliding block and the second sliding block.

[0077] Therefore, the first sliding block and the second sliding block are alternately movable on the respective rail between a first, lowered position and a second, raised position, and vice versa.

[0078] In particular, the first sliding block translates from the first position to the second position in response to the displacement of the movable portion in the first direction and translates from the second position to the first position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction; correspondingly, the second sliding block translates from the first position to the second position in response to the displacement of the movable portion in the second direction and translates from the second position to the first position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction.

[0079] Therefore, the first sliding block and the second sliding block reciprocally move from the lowered position to the raised position, and vice versa.

[0080] Preferably, the gymnastic machine is provided with a control system configured to monitor the physical effort made by the user and / or configured to adjust the speed of movement of the movable portion. Preferably, the control system comprises a processing unit and:

[0081] - one or more sensor pairs positioned on said first sliding block and on the respective rail, said one or more sensor pairs being configured to detect the position of the first sliding block on the respective rail and to send a related signal to the processing unit;

[0082] - one or more sensor pairs positioned on said second sliding block and on the respective rail, said one or more sensor pairs being configured to detect the position of the second sliding block on the respective rail and to send a related signal to the processing unit.

[0083] In practice, the processing unit receives the signals generated by the sensor pairs and processes them to monitor the physical effort made by the user. For example, the gymnastic machine can be provided with a display on which the highlights of the physical exercise are shown.

[0084] The control system can also be provided with an electric motor connected to the processing unit and designed to generate a resistive force opposing the movement of the first and second carriages on their respective rails, so as to be able to adjust the speed of execution of the exercise.

[0085] Preferably, during their lifting, the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights are coupled, respectively, to the first sliding block and the second sliding block, that is, they are contacting each other.

[0086] Preferably, the first stack of weights is integral with the first sliding block and is dragged by the first sliding block from the lowered position to the raised position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction and, similarly, the second stack of weights is integral with the second sliding block and dragged by the latter from the lowered position to the raised position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction.

[0087] In contrast, during their respective descent the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights are separated, respectively, by the first sliding block and the second sliding block because the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights are braked by the first sliding block and the second sliding block during their displacement from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0088] Preferably, indeed, the first stack of weights is spaced apart from the first sliding block (i.e. , separated from the latter) and braked by the first brake during the displacement from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction, and, similarly, the second stack of weights is spaced apart from the second sliding block (i.e., separated from the latter) and braked by the second brake during the displacement from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction.

[0089] Preferably, the gymnastic machine comprises a first bracket integral with the first stack of weights and a second bracket integral with the second stack of weights at which the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights abut, respectively, on the first sliding block and the second sliding block during the respective displacement from the lowered position to the raised position.

[0090] For this purpose, preferably the first sliding block and the second sliding block each comprise a block having an upper surface at which, respectively, the first bracket and the second bracket abut during the corresponding displacement of the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights from the lowered position to the raised position.

[0091] Preferably, the first brake and the second brake each comprise a body which defines an inner chamber extending between a first end and a second end and into which a rod provided with a piston is slidably inserted; preferably, the piston can be mutually moved between the first end and the second end of the chamber and preferably the rod of the first brake is integral with the first stack of weights and the rod of the second brake is integral with the second stack of weights. Preferably, the first bracket and the second bracket are constrained, respectively, to the rod of the first brake and to the rod of the second brake. Preferably, a fluid, such as hydraulic oil or water or air, is present in the chamber of each device.

[0092] Preferably, the body of each brake has a first fluid passage hole and a second fluid passage hole: the first hole opens into the chamber at the first end and the second hole opens into the chamber at the second end.

[0093] Preferably, each brake comprises an outer conduit, that is, not passing through the chamber but extending outside the body, which connects the first hole with the second hole.

[0094] Preferably, the outer conduit has a non-return valve, i.e. a one-way valve, and a restrictor, i.e. a device limiting the flow rate in the outer conduit.

[0095] Preferably, the operation of the first brake is as follows: the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the first direction results in the lifting of the first stack of weights, the subsequent displacement of the piston of the first brake from the first end to the second end of the chamber, and in the piston pushing the fluid of the first brake into the outer conduit from the second hole to the first hole through the non-return valve. In this circumstance, the non-return valve allows the fluid to pass through, and therefore the first brake is inactive because it does not exert any significant counteraction force to the fluid flow; instead, the displacement of the at least one movable portion in the second direction results in the lowering of the first stack of weights, the displacement of the piston of the first brake from the second end to the first end of the chamber, and in the piston pushing the fluid of the first brake into the outer conduit from the first hole to the second hole through the restrictor. In this circumstance, the brake is active because the fluid experiences resistance while passing through the outer conduit.

[0096] The second brake works in the same manner as the first brake, the difference being that the second brake is inactive on the second stack of weights when the at least one movable portion is moved in the second direction and is instead active on the second stack of weights when the at least one movable portion is moved in the first direction. Indeed, preferably the non-return valve is a one-way valve and allows the fluid to pass through the outer conduit from the second hole to the first hole; on the contrary, it counteracts the fluid passing through in the direction from the first hole to the second hole.

[0097] Preferably, the restrictor allows the fluid to pass through the outer conduit from the first hole to the second hole with a limited flow rate.

[0098] In practice, when the fluid passes through the outer conduit from the first hole to the second hole, it is forced to pass through the restrictor because the non-return valve does not allow the fluid to pass through it in that direction.

[0099] Preferably, the outer conduit splits for at least one section thereof into a first branch and a second branch: the non-return valve is arranged on the first branch and the restrictor is arranged on the second branch.

[0100] The first brake and the second brake can be configured as energy dissipators, that is, the first brake is configured as a first energy dissipator and the second brake is configured as a second energy dissipator.

[0101] The first energy dissipator and the second energy dissipator are alternately configurable in two states: a charging state and a discharging state. In practice, when the first energy dissipator is in the charging state, the second energy dissipator is in the discharging state, and vice versa.

[0102] The charging state corresponds to the lifting of the respective stack of weights and the accumulation of energy in the respective potential energy dissipator, whereas the discharging state corresponds to the lowering of the respective stack of weights and the release of the previously accumulated energy as a force that counteracts, and brakes, the descent of the corresponding stack of weights.

[0103] A user moving the movable portion in the first direction results in the lifting of the first stack of weights and the lowering of the second stack of weights. In this circumstance, the first energy dissipator recharges, accumulating energy, and correspondingly, the second energy dissipator discharges, releasing energy in the form of friction to the second stack of weights, which is thus braked in its descent.

[0104] When a user moves the movable portion in the opposite direction, i.e. in the second direction, the opposite occurs: the second stack of weights is lifted and the first stack of weights is lowered. In this circumstance, the second energy dissipator recharges, accumulating energy and, correspondingly, the first energy dissipator discharges, releasing energy in the form of friction to the first stack of weights, which is thus braked in its descent.

[0105] In practice, the configuration of the energy dissipators in the charging state corresponds to the configuration of the brakes in the inactive state, whereas the configuration of the energy dissipators in the discharging state corresponds to the configuration of the brakes in the active state.

[0106] The first and second energy dissipators can also be called first potential energy dissipator and second potential energy dissipator, as the energy which is stored can be considered as potential energy.

[0107] The first and second energy dissipators can be configured as oleodynamic energy dissipators, or hydraulic energy dissipators, or pneumatic energy dissipators, disc or friction energy dissipators, or electrical energy dissipators.

[0108] The gymnastic machine may comprise a single movable portion adapted to be grasped by a user with both limbs or may comprise two distinct movable portions, each of them being adapted to be grasped by a user with a corresponding limb.

[0109] For example, the gymnastic machine may comprise a single movable portion that a user grasps with both hands or engages with both feet, or it may comprise two distinct movable portions: one intended to be grasped with one hand (or engaged with one foot) and the other one intended to be grasped with the other hand (or engaged with the other foot).

[0110] The first stack of weights may have altogether the same mass as the second stack of weights or may have a mass different from the second stack of weights. In the first case, the intensity of the force counteracting the movement of the at least one movable portion is the same in both directions, whereas in the second case, the intensity of the force counteracting the movement of the at least one movable portion is different in the first direction and the second direction.

[0111] The present invention, in a second aspect thereof, concerns an operation method of a gymnastic machine according to claim 20.

[0112] Preferably, the gymnastic machine used in this method has one or more of the characteristics described above.

[0113] Short list of the figures

[0114] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better evident by the review of the following description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of example and without limitations, with the aid of the attached drawings, wherein:

[0115] - figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a gymnastic machine according to the present invention. The gymnastic machine 1 depicted herein is in a state that can be defined as “null”. The figure also depicts a user 100 which is about to train using the gymnastic machine 1 by making alternating movements with the arms in a first direction (pushing) and in a second direction opposite the first (pulling). The gymnastic machine 1 comprises a first stack of weights 9 and a second stack of weights 10 and allows a user 100 to train both the muscles involved in pushing and those involved in pulling;

[0116] - figure 2 schematically depicts a movement transmission system 8 that can be used in the gymnastic machine shown in figure 1 . In particular, it can be seen that it comprises a closed circuit 11 and sheaves 12 and 13;

[0117] - figure 3 schematically depicts a portion of the closed circuit 11 shown in figure 2 and an oleodynamic braking system comprising a first brake 17 for the first stack of weights 9 and a second brake 18 for the second stack of weights 10;

[0118] - figure 4 depicts a detail of figure 3 and shows a non-return valve 26 and a restrictor 27 of the second brake 18;

[0119] - figure 5 depicts an isometric view of the gymnastic machine 1 shown in figure 1 at the end of the pulling movement and just before the subsequent pushing movement;

[0120] - figures 5A and 5B show a detail of figure 5 relating to the coupling between the movement transmission system and, respectively, the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10;

[0121] - figure 6 represents an isometric view of the gymnastic machine 1 shown in figure 1 at the end of the pushing movement;

[0122] - figures 6A and 6B show a detail of figure 6 relating to the coupling between the movement transmission system and, respectively, the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10;

[0123] - figure 6C is a detail of a side view of the gymnastic machine shown in figure 6.

[0124] Detailed description of the invention

[0125] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a gymnastic machine according to the present invention. The gymnastic machine is denoted in the attached figures by the reference number 1 .

[0126] The gymnastic machine 1 comprises a frame 2 integral with a base 3 at which the gymnastic machine 1 rests on a supporting surface, for example on the floor; the frame 2 extends along a longitudinal axis X perpendicular to the floor and the base 3.

[0127] Figure 1 also schematically depicts a user 100 of the gymnastic machine 1 , i.e. a person who is about to train, using precisely the gymnastic machine 1. The user 100 uses the gymnastic machine 1 in an upright position, i.e. standing parallel to the longitudinal axis X, and remaining in a front position relative to the frame 2. The user 100 preferably rests on the base 3.

[0128] The frame 2 is preferably equipped with a supporting element 4 for the chest and back of the user 100; the supporting element 4 ensures that the user 100 holds correct posture while performing the exercise. The gymnastic machine 1 comprises at least one movable portion that the user 100 grasps to train. In the preferred embodiment shown herein, the gymnastic machine 1 comprises two movable portions that can be grasped by the user 100: a first movable portion 5 that can be grasped with the right hand, and a second movable portion 6 that can be grasped with the left hand.

[0129] The first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 are defined as such because, during training, they are moved by the user 100 with respect to the frame 2, which instead remains stationary. In practice, the first movable portion 5 and the second portion 6 are moved by a user 100 to train by making a muscle effort.

[0130] In figure 1 the second movable portion 6 comprising a handle 6a is visible, at which the second movable portion 6 can be grasped by the user 100, and a rod 6b provided with a carriage 6c by means of which the second movable portion can slide with respect to the frame 2.

[0131] Although not visible in figure 1 , the first movable portion 5 also comprises a handle at which the first movable portion 5 can be grasped by the user 100. Similar to the second movable portion 6, the first movable portion 5 also comprises a rod 5b and a carriage 5c.

[0132] Thanks to the presence of the carriages 5c and 6c, the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 can be moved with respect to the frame 2 alternately in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first, therefore performing a sequence of movements defined as repetition. In the context of the present invention, a repetition corresponds indeed to the alternating displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction and the second direction.

[0133] As is well known, instead, a set is a collection of multiple repetitions performed one after each other.

[0134] By imagining a plane containing the longitudinal axis X and orthogonal to the floor, in the gymnastic machine 1 shown in figure 1 , the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 can be moved by the user 100 along respective axes orthogonal to said plane and parallel to the floor.

[0135] In practice, the movable portion 5 and the movable portion 6 are movable closer and away from the frame 2, i.e. closer to the longitudinal axis X and away from the longitudinal axis X. Therefore, considering that the user 100 remains upright in a stationary position, the movable portion 5 and the movable portion 6 are moved by the user 100 away from his own chest, with a pushing movement, and closer to his own chest, with a pulling movement.

[0136] In the embodiment shown in figure 1 , the movement in the first direction corresponds to a pushing movement and the movement in the second direction corresponds to a pulling movement.

[0137] In particular, by performing a pushing movement, the user 100 trains the pectoral muscles, whereas by performing a pulling movement, the user 100 trains the back muscles. Indeed, the gymnastic machine 1 can be used in a gym or a rehabilitation centre.

[0138] As is well known, in order for the user 100 to effectively train and increase his muscle strength, it is advisable for him to repeat multiple repetitions, one after the other, performing a set. Obviously, training is preferably the result of multiple sets repeated after an appropriate recovery time.

[0139] In particular, in figure 1 the gymnastic machine 1 is in a null state, i.e. the user has not yet started training. In the null state, the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 are proximal to the user. To begin a set, the user 100 performs a first repetition; therefore, he pushes the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction, away from his chest and closer to the longitudinal axis X. At the end of pushing, the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 are in a distal position from the user 100 (and proximal to the longitudinal axis X) and, at this point, the user 100 with a pulling movement returns the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 back to his proximal position (and distal from the longitudinal axis X), completing the first repetition. In this circumstance, the gymnastic machine 1 is in the configuration shown in figure 5 and the user can therefore begin the second repetition. The user 100 then proceeds by pushing the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 away from his or her own chest again, bringing them to a distal position, as shown in figure 6. From here, the user 100 pulls again the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 towards his or her own chest, thus completing the second repetition. The repetitions are indeed repeated until the set is completed.

[0140] Obviously, in order for the user to be able to train and by increase muscular strength, it is required for the user to face an appropriate counteraction force while moving the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6.

[0141] For this reason, the gymnastic machine 1 also comprises a load assembly identified as a whole by the reference number 7 in figure 1. In practice, the load assembly 7 counteracts the movement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in both the first direction and the second direction, allowing the user to train the pushing muscles and the pulling muscles in the same repetition or in the same set. In practice, by using the gymnastic machine 1 , the user 100 is not required to train on different machines and / or perform different training sets to train chest and back muscles, but can use a single gymnastic machine to train, in the same repetition and set, both muscle groups.

[0142] Of course, the greater the mass of the load assembly, the greater the force counteracting the movement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6.

[0143] Furthermore, the gymnastic machine 1 also comprises a movement transmission system identified as a whole by the reference number 8. The movement transmission system 8 transmits the movement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 to the load assembly 7. In practice, the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 results in the displacement of the load assembly 7 by means of the movement transmission system; ultimately, the physical effort made by the user 100 to lift the load assembly 7 is what allows the user to train.

[0144] As shown in figure 1 , the load assembly 7 comprises two distinct stacks of weights: a first stack of weights 9 and a second stack of weights 10.

[0145] The function of the two stacks of weights will be described later, we will now go through the movement transmission system 8 in more detail.

[0146] The movement transmission system 8 preferably comprises a closed circuit 11 , visible in figure 2, provided with a first branch 11a and a second branch 11 b which split the closed circuit 11 into two portions, or two halves. The first movable portion 5 is constrained to the closed circuit 11 between the first branch 11a and the second branch 11 b at one half of the closed circuit 11 ; on the contrary, the second movable portion 6 is constrained to the closed circuit 11 between the first branch 11a and the second branch 11b at the other half of the closed circuit 11.

[0147] In particular, the carriage 5c of the first movable portion 5 and the carriage 6c of the second movable portion 6 are both integral with the closed circuit 11 .

[0148] As shown in figure 2, the movement transmission system 8 also comprises sheaves 12 and 13 constrained to the closed circuit 11 , respectively at the first branch 11a and the second branch 11b.

[0149] In figure 2, the arrows 14a, 14b, 14c and 14d illustrate the movements of the movable portions and the sheaves 12 and 13 with respect to the closed circuit 11 ; in particular, the arrows 14a and 14b show the movements that the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 can perform, whereas the arrows 14c and 14d show the movements that the sheave 12 and the sheave 13 can perform.

[0150] In particular, by moving the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction, the closed circuit 11 slides in the direction leading to the lifting of the sheave 12 and the lowering of the sheave 13.

[0151] Instead, by moving the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the second direction, the closed circuit 11 slides in the direction leading to the lowering of the sheave 12 and the lifting of the sheave 13.

[0152] Therefore, the sheave 12 and the sheave 13 can be moved alternately between a respective lowered position and a respective raised position.

[0153] As will be better described below, the sheave 12 is connected to the first stack of weights 9 and the sheave 13 is connected to the second stack of weights 10.

[0154] Therefore, the movement of the sheave 12 or sheave 13 from the lowered position to the raised position results in the lifting of the first stack of weights 9 or the second stack of weights 10, respectively; instead, the movement of the sheave 12 or sheave 13 from the raised position to the lowered position results in the displacement to the lowered position of the first stack of weights 9 or the second stack of weights 10, respectively.

[0155] In practice, the lowered position corresponds to the first stack of weights 9 or the second stack of weights 10 being proximal to the floor, whereas the raised position corresponds to the first stack of weights 9 or the second stack of weights 10 being distal from the floor. In the lowered position, the potential energy of the first stack of weights 9 or the second stack of weights 10 is minimal, or zero, whereas in the raised position the potential energy of the first stack of weights 9 or the second stack of weights 10 is maximum.

[0156] In figure 1 it can be noted that the frame 2 rests on the base 3 at two supporting planes 15 and 16. As shown in this figure, when the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10 are in the lowered position, they are in abutment on the respective supporting plane 15 and 16.

[0157] In figure 1 the gymnastic machine 1 is shown in a null configuration, i.e. before the user began to perform a repetition.

[0158] When the user 100 trains with the gymnastic machine 1 , the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10 translate alternately from the lowered position to the raised position, and vice versa, according to the diagram below.

[0159] Starting from the gymnastic machine 1 in the null configuration, the user 100 pushes the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction and results in the lifting of the first stack of weights 9 from the lowered position to the raised position; subsequently, by pulling the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the second direction, the lifting of the second stack of weights 10 is observed and the concurrent displacement of the first stack of weights 9 from the raised position to the lowered position. At the end of the pulling movement, the gymnastic machine 9 is in the configuration shown in figure 5, where precisely the first stack of weights 9 is in the lowered position and the second stack of weights 10 is in the raised position.

[0160] Once this repetition is completed, the user 100 again pushes the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction, resulting in the lifting of the first stack of weights 9 and the displacement of the second stack of weights 10 from the raised position to the lowered position. At the end of this push, the first stack of weights 9 is in the raised position whereas the second stack of weights 10 is in the lowered position.

[0161] As will be better set forth below, it should be noted that in figure 6 the first stack of weights 9 is in the raised position whereas the second stack of weights 10 has not yet completed its downward travel, as a matter of fact it is slightly raised from the base 3.

[0162] It should be understood therefore that, when the gymnastic machine 1 is in use, the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10 are mutually in the lowered and the raised positions.

[0163] In particular, the first stack of weights 9 moves from the lowered position to the raised position in response to the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction, and moves from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the second direction.

[0164] In contrast, the second stack of weights 9 moves from the lowered position to the raised position in response to the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the second direction, and moves from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction.

[0165] The gymnastic machine 1 allows both the muscles involved in pushing and the muscles involved in pulling to be trained because, in both directions of movement, the user 100 selectively lifts a stack of weights. It is indeed the lifting of a corresponding stack of weights that gives rise to a counteraction force: the first stack of weights 9 generates a force counteracting the movement in the first direction and the second stack of weights 10 generates a force counteracting the movement in the second direction.

[0166] With reference to figure 3, the closed circuit 11 shown in figure 2 is partially shown and two further components of the gymnastic machine 1 are schematically shown, i.e. the first brake 17 combined with the first stack of weights 9, and the second brake 18 combined with the second stack of weights 10. The first brake 17 and the second brake 18 are also shown as a whole in figure 1 .

[0167] As it will be understood from the description given below, the task of the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 is to ensure that the user makes an effective physical effort in order to lift, respectively, the second stack of weights 10 and the first stack of weights 9.

[0168] In general terms, each first brake 17 and second brake 18 can be configured in two states: an active state and an inactive state. In practice, the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 are not always active, i.e. they do not constantly brake the corresponding first stack of weights 9 and second stack of weights 10. In particular, when the first stack of weights 9 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the first brake 17 is inactive, i.e. it does not brake the first stack of weights 9 during its lifting. In contrast, when the first stack of weights 9 moves from the raised position to the lowered position, the first brake 17 is active, i.e. it brakes the descent of the first stack of weights 9 to the lowered position.

[0169] Similarly, when the second stack of weights 10 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the second brake 18 is inactive, i.e., it does not brake the second stack of weights 19 during its lifting. However, when the second stack of weights 10 moves from the raised position to the lowered position, the second brake 18 is active, i.e., it brakes the descent of the second stack of weights 10 to the lowered position.

[0170] In practice, the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 are selective, that is, they exclusively brake the corresponding stack of weights when the latter moves from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0171] In the embodiment described herein, the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 are oleodynamic brakes, i.e. in practice they are oleodynamic cylinders.

[0172] In figure 3 the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 are schematically depicted; from the construction point of view, what is described and identified in figure 3 about one brake can also be extended to the other brake.

[0173] Each one of these two brakes comprises a body 19, preferably cylindrical, having a chamber 20 therein. The chamber 20 extends between a first end 20a and a second end 20b.

[0174] In the chamber 20, a rod 21 is slidably inserted and provided with a piston 22 that is consistently housed in the chamber 20 and capable of displacing within the chamber 20 between the first end 20a and the second end 20b, and vice versa. The rod 21 can cross the chamber from side to side and protrude out of body 19 both at the first end 20a and at the second end 20b.

[0175] The rod 21 of each brake is integral with a stack of weights; in particular, the rod 21 of the first brake 17 is integral with the first stack of weights 9 whereas the rod 21 of the second brake 18 is integral with the second stack of weights 10.

[0176] Additionally, within each chamber 20, a fluid, such as for example hydraulic oil, is present.

[0177] The body 19 has a first passage hole 23 for the fluid, positioned at the first end 20a, and a second passage hole 24 for the fluid, positioned at the second end 20b.

[0178] An outer conduit 25 connects and fluidly communicates the first hole 23 with the second hole 24 outside the chamber 20. The outer conduit 25 is further provided with a non-return valve 26 and a restrictor 27.

[0179] As shown in figures 3 and 4, for a certain segment the outer conduit 25 is split in a first branch 25a and a second branch 25b: preferably, the non-return valve 26 is positioned on the first branch 25a whereas the restrictor 27 is positioned on the second branch 25b.

[0180] The non-return valve 26 is a one-way valve that allows fluid flow through the first branch 25a exclusively from the second hole 24 to the first hole 23, and therefore prevents fluid from flowing from the first hole 23 to the second hole 24.

[0181] In contrast, the restrictor 27 allows the fluid flow between the first hole 23 and the second hole 24 but limitedly; in other words, the restrictor restricts the fluid flow as it flows from the first hole 23 to the second hole 24.

[0182] Optionally, the restrictor 27 has a valve that allows the amount of fluid passing through to be adjusted.

[0183] In view of the above, the operation of the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 can be illustrated more clearly.

[0184] When, in response to the movement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction, the first stack of weights 9 moves from the lowered position to the raised position, the rod 21 of the first brake 17 is raised and the piston 22 translates from the first end 20a to the second end 20b. In this circumstance, the fluid in the chamber 20 is forced into the outer conduit 25 through the second hole 24, flows into the first branch 25a and returns to the chamber 20 through the first hole 23.

[0185] The fluid does not experience any significant resistance along this path since the non-return valve 26 allows the fluid to flow in this direction. In practice, the first brake 17 is in the inactive state.

[0186] In contrast, when, in response to the movement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the second direction, the first stack of weights 9 moves from the raised position to the lowered position, the rod 21 of the first brake 17 is dragged downwards and the piston 22 translates from the second end 20b to the first end 20a. In this circumstance, the fluid present in the chamber 20 is forced into the outer conduit 25 through the first hole 23, flows into the second branch 25b and returns to the chamber 20 through the second hole 24.

[0187] As opposed to what set forth above, while passing through the outer conduit 25 from the first hole 23 to the second hole 24, the fluid is forced to pass through the restrictor 27 because the non-return valve 26 does not allow the fluid to flow in this direction. Therefore, the movement of the piston 22 from the second end 20b to the first end 20a is restricted because the fluid experiences resistance through the restrictor 27. In practice, the first brake 17 is in the active state. Consequently, the descent of the first stack of weights 9 downwards, i.e. from the raised position to the lowered position, is also braked.

[0188] The operation of the second brake 18 is similar to the one of first brake 17, except that the second brake 18 is active when the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 are moved by the user 100 in the first direction and is inactive when the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 are moved by the user 100 in the second direction.

[0189] In practice, the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 are alternately in the active and the inactive state: when the former is active, the latter is inactive and when the former is inactive, the latter is active.

[0190] The active and inactive states can be defined as such in relation to a concurrent movement of the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10. When the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10 are stationary, i.e. when they are stationary in the raised position or the lowered position, the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 are in a state that can be defined as charged or discharged.

[0191] For example, with reference to what is shown in figure 3, the first brake

[0192] 17 is discharged whereas the second brake 18 is charged. In practice, by moving a stack of weights from the lowered position to the raised position, i.e. with maximum potential energy, the corresponding brake switches from the discharged state to the charged state; instead, when a stack of weights descends from the raised position to the lowered position, i.e. with minimal or zero potential energy, the corresponding brake switches from the charged state to the discharged state just because it has released its energy to the stack of weights in the descending step, to brake the same.

[0193] The overall operation of the gymnastic machine 1 can be summarized by comparing figures 5, 5A, 5B with figures 6, 6A, 6b, 6C.

[0194] Figures 5, 5A, 5B show the gymnastic machine 1 at the end of a repetition, i.e. when the user 100 has pulled the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the second direction to the position distal from the longitudinal axis X and is about to start the next repetition. Indeed, the respective carriages 5c and 6c are distal from the longitudinal axis X.

[0195] Under this circumstance, the first stack of weights 9 is in the lowered position and the second stack of weights 10 is in the raised position. As a result, the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 are, respectively, in the discharged state and in the charged state (as described with reference to figure 3).

[0196] Indeed, in figure 5 it can be noted that the rods 21 protrude from the top of the respective body 19 in a different manner: the rod 21 of the second brake

[0197] 18 protrudes upwards from the body 19 further than the rod 21 of the first brake 17.

[0198] In figure 5 and mostly in the details shown in figures 5A and 5B, it can be seen that the gymnastic machine 1 is provided with two rails that extend parallel to the X axis on the frame 2: a first rail 28 positioned at the first stack of weights 9 and a second rail 29 positioned at the second stack of weights 10. Being arranged orthogonally to the floor, each rail has a lower end and an upper end.

[0199] For example, the first rail 28 has a lower end 28a and an upper end 28b and the second rail 29 has a lower end 29a and an upper end 29b.

[0200] Each rail is provided with a sliding block: there is a first sliding block 30 on the first rail 28 and there is a second sliding block 31 on the second rail 29.

[0201] The first sliding block 30 and the second sliding block 31 translate on the respective rail between the corresponding lower end and the corresponding upper end in response to the movements imparted by the user 100 to the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction or the second direction.

[0202] Indeed, the first sliding block 30 and the second sliding block 31 are connected to the movement transmission system 8; in particular, the first sliding block 30 is integral with the sheave 12 (shown in figure 2), whereas the second sliding block 31 is integral with the sheave 13 (shown in figure 2). Therefore, the movements described above in relation to the sheaves 12 and 13 are also to be applied to the respective first sliding block 30 and second sliding block 31 .

[0203] In particular, the first sliding block 30 and the second sliding block 31 translate on the respective rail alternately between the respective upper end and lower end, and vice versa.

[0204] Indeed, the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction results in the displacement of the first sliding block 30 on the first rail 28 from the lower end 28a to the upper end 28b and the concurrent displacement of the second sliding block 31 on the second rail 29 from the upper end 29b to the lower end 29a.

[0205] In contrast, the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the second direction results in the displacement of the first sliding block 30 on the first rail 28 from the upper end 28b to the lower end 28a and the concurrent displacement of the second sliding block 31 on the second rail 29 from the lower end 29a to the upper end 29b.

[0206] Both the first sliding block 30 and the second sliding block 31 have an abutment surface 32 which is arranged to mate with a bracket 33 integral with the corresponding stack of weights. Preferably, the abutment surface 32 corresponds to the upper surface of a block 34 of the first sliding block 30 or the second sliding block 31 .

[0207] The bracket 33 is integral with the corresponding stack of weights, meaning that it is preferably constrained to the corresponding rod 21 , as shown in figures 5A and 5B.

[0208] In figures 5, 5A and 5B it can be noted that both when the first stack of weights 9 is in the lowered position and when the second stack of weights 10 is in the raised position, the corresponding bracket 33 rests on the block 34 at the respective abutment surface 32 (figures 5A and 5B). This also applies when the first stack of weights 9 is in the raised position and the second stack of weights 10 is in the lowered position.

[0209] It is clear that when the first sliding block 30 or the second sliding block 31 translate upwards they also drag the first stack of weights 9 or the second stack of weights 10, respectively. As a matter of fact this is the way the movement is transferred from the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 to the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10.

[0210] Figures 6, 6A, 6B and 6C show instead the gymnastic machine 1 at the time the user 100 has completed the movement for pushing the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction. Indeed, the respective carriages 5c and 6c are proximal to the longitudinal axis X.

[0211] As set forth above, in response to the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction, the first stack of weights 9 moves upwards while the second stack of weights 10 moves downwards. Therefore, the first brake 17 is inactive whereas the second brake 18 is active. This is also evident from the rod 21 of the first brake 17 protruding further from the body 19 than the rod 21 of the second brake 18, in figure 6.

[0212] In the circumstance depicted in figure 6, the first sliding block 30 is located at the upper end 28b of the first rail 28 whereas the second sliding block 31 , although not shown in figure 6, is located at the lower end 29a of the second rail 29, as shown in figure 6C.

[0213] In figure 6A it is precisely shown that, as described above for the second stack of weights 10 in figure 5B, when the first stack of weights 9 is in the raised position, the bracket 33 rests on the block 34 at the respective abutment surface 32; as a matter of fact, the first stack of weights 9 has been dragged into the raised position in response to the displacement of the first sliding block 30 towards the upper end 28b.

[0214] However, the gymnastic machine 1 is depicted in figure 6 just before the second stack of weights 10 reaches the lowered position. Indeed, in figure 6 the second stack of weights 10 is not in abutment on the respective supporting plane 16 but is still slightly raised with respect to the latter.

[0215] Indeed, in figures 6B and 6C the bracket 33 integral with the second stack of weights 10 is shown separated from the corresponding second sliding block 31 , i.e. it is not resting on the abutment surface 32.

[0216] In practice, as mentioned above, during the displacement from the raised position to the lowered position, the second stack of weights 10 is braked by the respective second brake 18 with respect to the second sliding block 31 , i.e. the second stack of weights 10 does not move to the lowered position and remains in abutment on the second sliding block 31 (as it does during the corresponding lifting, instead).

[0217] This is due to the second brake 18 being active and counteracting the descent of the second stack of weights 10.

[0218] It should be understood that this occurs for the first stack of weights 9 correspondingly when the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 5 are moved in the second direction.

[0219] This delay in the descent of the first stack of weights 9 or the second stack of weights 10 with respect to the respective first sliding block 30 and second sliding block 31 makes it possible for the user to make an effective physical effort (and training) by moving the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in opposite directions.

[0220] In other words, since the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10 move alternately to one another, the first brake 17 and the second brake 18 ensure that the descent of the corresponding first stack of weights 9 and second stack of weights 10 does not promote the concurrent lifting of the second stack of weights 10 and the first stack of weights 9, respectively.

[0221] Furthermore, unlike what is provided in the solutions of the known art, the gymnastic machine 1 allows muscles to be trained which are involved in both pushing in the first direction and pulling in the second direction by using two distinct stacks of weights: the first stack of weights 9 causes the physical effort during the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction and the second stack of weights 10 causes the physical effort during the displacement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the second direction.

[0222] Providing two distinct stacks of weights and each of these two stacks of weights selectively counteracting the movement of the first movable portion 5 and the second movable portion 6 in the first direction or the second direction, ensures that the user can selectively decide which effort to make while pushing and pulling: the user simply has to select for each stack of weights the overall mass that best suits his athletic abilities and / or training plan.

[0223] As a matter of fact, a person is usually able, while pushing, to exert a force that is greater than the one he or she is able to exert while pulling; therefore, a user 100 who wants to train optimally by using the gymnastic machine 1 can set the intensity of the force counteracting the pushing movement regardless of the intensity of the force counteracting the pulling movement: just selecting a different overall mass for the first stack of weights 9 and the second stack of weights 10.

[0224] For example, the first stack of weights 9 can have an overall mass of 45 Kg and the second stack of weights 10 can have an overall mass of 25 Kg so that the force counteracting the movement is precisely proportional to the 45 Kg chosen for the first stack of weights, for pushing, and proportional to the 25 Kg chosen for the second stack of weights, for pulling. This way, the user 100 can train both muscle groups with a load proportional to the actual abilities of each muscle group.

[0225] The embodiment described with reference to figures 1-6 is of course one of the possible embodiments of a gymnastic machine according to the present invention. For instance, the gymnastic machine can be configured for leg training, i.e. as a leg press machine or as a leg extension machine for strengthening the quadriceps muscles via knee extension; or the gymnastic machine can be configured as a pectoral machine. For this purpose, it is enough to modify the frame, provide an appropriate seat for the user and configure one or more movable portions accordingly.

[0226] For example, in a leg machine a single movable portion can be provided that can be engaged by both lower limbs, or in the case of a pectoral machine two distinct movable portions can be provided which are able of rotating along a respective circumferential segment having its centre on an axis orthogonal to the ground.

[0227] Alternative implementations can also be provided for the movement transmission system. For example, an open circuit can be provided, instead of a closed one, or the sheaves can be replaced with mechanical gears, or mechanical and electrical transmissions.

[0228] Furthermore, the brakes can be configured in alternative ways. For example, the brakes can be hydraulic or pneumatic, rather than oleodynamic. Still, the brakes can also be disc brakes or friction brakes (such as shoes or chocks). Or they can be electric brakes in which the braking action is exerted directly on the movement transmission system by friction and / or applying on the transmission circuit a force in the direction opposite the movement of the first branch or the second branch of the movement transmission system.

[0229] Lastly, a specific system equipped with a selector can be provided, that, starting from two distinct assemblies of weights, can select the number of weights constituting the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights, so that the user can select, and possibly modify, the overall mass of the first stack of weights and the second stack of weights as he or she deems most appropriate for training.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A gymnastic machine (1 ) comprising:- a frame (2);- at least one movable portion (5, 6) that can be grasped by a user (100) and moved by the user (100) with respect to the frame (2) alternately in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first;- a load assembly (7),- a movement transmission system (8) for transmitting movement from said at least one movable portion (5, 6) to said load assembly (7), wherein said load assembly (7) comprises a first stack of weights (9) and a second stack of weights (10), which stacks are coupled to said movement transmission system (8), characterized in that said load assembly (7) is adapted to counteract the displacements of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in the first direction and the second direction, said first stack of weights (9) and said second stack of weights (10) being alternately movable between a lowered position and a raised position, or vice versa, in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) by the user (100), respectively, in said first direction and said second direction, or vice versa, and in that it comprises a first brake (17) combined with the first stack of weights (9) and a second brake (18) combined with the second stack of weights (10), wherein said first brake (17) and said second brake (18) are configurable in two states:- an active state, corresponding to the braking of the descent of the respective first stack of weights (9) or the respective second stack of weights (10), and- an inactive state, in which the respective first stack of weights (9) or the respective second stack of weights (10) is not braked when being lifted, and wherein the movement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6),with respect to the frame (2) in the first direction, results in the lifting of the first stack of weights (9) and the lowering of the second stack of weights (10), the first brake (17) being inactive on the first stack of weights (9) and the second brake (18) being active on the second stack of weights (10), wherein the movement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6), with respect to the frame (2) in the second direction, results in the lowering of the first stack of weights (9) and the lifting of the second stack of weights (10), the first brake (17) being active on the first stack of weights (9) and the second brake (18) being inactive on the second stack of weights (10).

2. Gymnastic machine (1) according to claim 1 , wherein each of said first brake (9) and said second brake (10) is selected from: an oleodynamic brake, a hydraulic brake, a pneumatic brake, a disc brake, a friction brake, or an electric braking system.

3. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said at least one movable portion (5, 6) is integral with the movement transmission system (8).

4. Gymnastic machine (1) according to any one of preceding claims 1-3, wherein the frame (2) is configured to rest at a supporting surface, wherein the frame (2) extends along a longitudinal axis (X) perpendicular to the supporting surface and wherein said at least one movable portion (5, 6) is mutually movable by the user:- along an axis incident to said longitudinal axis (X), closer and away from said longitudinal axis (X) and vice versa, or- along a circumferential segment having its centre on an axis parallel to said longitudinal axis (X) between a first angular position and a second angular position, and vice versa, or else- along a circumferential segment having its centre on an axis parallel to said supporting surface between a first angular position and a second angular position, and vice versa.

5. Gymnastic machine (1) according to any one of preceding claims 1-4,wherein the movement transmission system (8) comprises a closed circuit (11 ) and one or more of: a system of sheaves, mechanical gears, mechanical and electrical transmissions, and wherein said at least one movable portion (5, 6) is integral with said closed circuit (11 ).

6. Gymnastic machine (1) according to claim 5, wherein the movement transmission system (8) comprises a closed circuit (11 ) with a first branch (11a) and a second branch (11b) and corresponding sheaves (12, 13), or mechanical gears, or mechanical and electrical transmissions selectively coupled to the first branch (11a) and the second branch (11 b) of the closed circuit (11 ), wherein the first branch (11a) and the second branch (11 b) alternately extend between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the frame (2), and vice versa, in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction and said second direction, respectively.

7. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to claim 6, comprising a first sliding block (30) and a second sliding block (31 ) which slide on a respective rail (28, 29) provided on the frame (2), said first sliding block (30) and said second sliding block (31 ) being integral, respectively, with the first branch (11a) and the second branch (11 b) of the closed circuit (11 ), said first sliding block (30) and said second sliding block (31) being alternately movable on the respective rail (28, 29) between a first lowered position and a second raised position, and vice versa, and wherein:- the first sliding block (30) translates from the first lowered position to the second raised position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in the first direction and translates from the second raised position to the first lowered position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in the second direction, and- the second sliding block (31 ) translates from the first lowered position to the second raised position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in the second direction and translates from the second raised position to the first lowered position in response to the displacement ofthe at least one movable portion (5, 6) in the first direction.

8. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to claim 7, wherein:- the first stack of weights (9) is integral with the first sliding block (30) and is dragged by said first sliding block (30) from the lowered position to the raised position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction, and the first stack of weights (9) is separated from the first sliding block (30) and braked by the first brake (17) during its displacement from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said second direction, and- the second stack of weights (10) is integral with the second sliding block (31 ) and dragged by the latter from the lowered position to the raised position in response to the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said second direction, and the second stack of weights (10) is separated from the second sliding block (31 ) and braked by the second brake (18) during its displacement from the raised position to the lowered position in response to the displacement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction.

9. Gymnastic machine (1) according to claim 7 or claim 8, comprising a first bracket (33) integral with said first stack of weights (9) and a second bracket (33) integral with said second stack of weights (10), wherein each bracket (33) is in abutment against an abutment surface (32) of the corresponding first sliding block (30) and the second sliding block (31 ) in response to the movement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

10. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein said first bracket (33) and said second bracket (33) are separated by the corresponding abutment surface (32) of the first sliding block (30) and the second sliding block (31 ) in response to the movement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in the second direction and the movement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction, respectively, by virtue of a counteraction force exertedby the respective first brake (17) and second brake (18) on the first stack of weights (9) and the second stack of weights (10).

11. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first brake (17) and the second brake (18) each comprise a body (19) which defines an inner chamber (20) extending between a first end (20a) and a second end (20b) and into which a rod (21 ) provided with a piston (22) is slidably inserted, wherein the piston (22) can be mutually moved between said first end (20a) and said second end (20b), and wherein the rod (21 ) of the first brake (17) is integral with the first stack of weights (9) and the second brake (18) is integral with the second stack of weights (10).

12. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim 11 , wherein a fluid is present in the inner chamber (20) of each brake, wherein the body (19) has a first passage hole (23) for said fluid and a second passage hole (24) for said fluid, wherein said first hole (23) and said second hole (24) open into said inner chamber (20) at the first end (20a) and the second end (20b), respectively, and wherein said first hole (23) and said second hole (24) are connected, outside the inner chamber (20), by means of an outer conduit (25) equipped with a non-return valve (26) and a restrictor (27).

13. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim 12, wherein:- the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction results in the lifting of said first stack of weights (9), the displacement of the piston (22) of the first brake (17) from the first end (20a) to the second end (20b) and in the piston (22) pushing the fluid of the first brake (17) in the outer conduit (25) from the second hole (24) to the first hole (23) through the non-return valve (26) of the first brake (17), said first brake (17) being inactive;- the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said second direction results in the lowering of said first stack of weights (9), the displacement of the piston (22) of the first brake (17) from the second end (20b) to the first end (20a) and in the piston (22) pushing the fluid of the first brake (17) in the outer conduit (25) from the first hole (23) to the second hole (24)through the restrictor (27) of the first brake (17), said first brake (17) being active.

14. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to the preceding claim 12 or 13, wherein:- the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said second direction results in the lifting of said second stack of weights (10), the displacement of the piston (22) of the second brake (18) from the first end (20a) to the second end (20b) and in the piston (22) pushing the fluid of the second brake (18) in the outer conduit (25) from the second hole (24) to the first hole(23) through the non-return valve (26) of the second brake (18), said second brake being inactive;- the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction results in the lowering of said second stack of weights (10), the displacement of the piston (22) of the second brake (18) from the second end (10b) to the first end (20a) and in the piston (22) pushing the fluid of the second brake (18) in the outer conduit (25) from the first hole (23) to the second hole(24) through the restrictor (27) of the second brake (18), said second brake being active.

15. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to claims 12-14, wherein the nonreturn valve (26) is a one-way valve and allows said fluid to pass through said outer conduit (25) from said second hole (24) to said first hole (23) and prevents said fluid from passing through said one-way valve from said first hole (23) to said second hole (24), and / or wherein said restrictor (27) allows said fluid to pass through said outer conduit (25) from said first hole (23) to said second hole (24) with a limited flow rate.

16. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (2) comprises a single movable portion adapted to be grasped by a user with both limbs or which comprises two distinct movable portions, each of them being adapted to be grasped by a user with a corresponding limb.

17. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first stack of weights (9) and the second stack of weights (10) have altogether the same mass or different masses.

18. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a first assembly of weights and a second assembly of weights, each comprising in turn a plurality of weights which can be selectively grouped through a corresponding system comprising a selector adapted to constitute said first stack of weights (9) and said second stack of weights (10).

19. Gymnastic machine (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first brake (17) and said second brake (18) are configured, respectively, as a first energy dissipator and a second energy dissipator, wherein said first energy dissipator and said second energy dissipator are alternately configurable in two states:- a charging state, corresponding to the lifting of the respective stack of weights (9, 10) and the accumulation of energy in the respective energy dissipator, and- a discharging state, corresponding to the descent of the respective stack of weights (9, 10) and the release of the previously accumulated energy as a force counteracting the descent of the corresponding stack of weights (9, 10), and wherein:- the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction results in the lifting of said first stack of weights (9) and the lowering of said second stack of weights (10) and, correspondingly, the configuration of the first energy dissipator in the charging state and the configuration of the second energy dissipator in the discharging state, and- the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said second direction results in the lifting of said second stack of weights (9) and the lowering of said first stack of weights (10) and, correspondingly, theconfiguration of the first energy dissipator in the discharging state and the configuration of the second energy dissipator in the charging state.

20. A method of operating a gymnastic machine (1 ) comprising the steps of: a) providing a gymnastic machine (1 ) comprising:- a frame (2);- at least one movable portion (5, 6) that can be grasped by a user (100) and moved by the user (100) with respect to the frame (2) alternately in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first;- a load assembly (7),- a movement transmission system (8) from said movable portion (5, 6) to said load assembly (7), wherein said load assembly (7) comprises a first stack of weights (9) and a second stack of weights (10), which stacks are coupled to said movement transmission system (8), b) performing at least one repetition of movements by moving said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction and said second direction, characterized in that said load assembly (7) is adapted to counteract the displacements of the at least one movable portion (5, 6) in the first direction and the second direction, said first stack of weights (9) and said second stack of weights (10) being alternately movable between a lowered position and a raised position, or vice versa, in response to the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) by the user (100), respectively, in said first direction and said second direction, or vice versa, in such a way that the gymnastic machine (1) exerts:- a first counteraction force corresponding to the lifting of the first stack of weights (9) and opposing the displacement of said at least one movable portion (5, 6) in said first direction, and- a second counteraction force corresponding to the lifting of the second stack of weights (10) and opposing the displacement of said at least onemovable portion (5, 6) in said second direction, and in that said gymnastic machine (1) comprises a first brake (17) combined with the first stack of weights (9) and a second brake (18) combined with the second stack of weights (10), wherein the first brake (17) and the second brake (18) are configurable in two states:- an active state, corresponding to the braking of the descent of the respective stack of weights, and- an inactive state, in which the respective stack of weights is not braked when being lifted, wherein the movement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6), with respect to the frame (2) in the first direction, results in the lifting of the first stack of weights (9) and the lowering of the second stack of weights (10), the first brake (17) being inactive on the first stack of weights (9) and the second brake (18) being active on the second stack of weights (10), and wherein the movement of the at least one movable portion (5, 6), with respect to the frame (2) in the second direction, results in the lowering of the first stack of weights (9) and the lifting of the second stack of weights (10), the first brake (17) being active on the first stack of weights (9) and the second brake (18) being inactive on the second stack of weights (10).

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein, a first mass of the first stack of weights (9) and a first mass of the second stack of weights (10) being determined, to which a first intensity of the first counteraction force and a first intensity of the second counteraction force correspond, the first intensity of the first counteraction force and / or the first intensity of the second counteraction force being selectively modifiable by the user (100) by choosing a second mass of the first stack of weights (9), which is different from the first mass of the first stack of weights (9), and / or a second mass of the second stack of weights (10), which is different from the first mass of the second stack of weights (10), respectively, in such a way as to obtain a second intensity of the firstcounteraction force and / or a second intensity of the second counteraction force.

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