Reconfigurable physical exercise machine

Abstract

Exercise machine (10) comprising at least one equipped panel (11) on which one or more gymnastic modules (12) are assembled, wherein the equipped panel (11) comprises a support frame (16) configured to define one or more coupling sections (17), each provided with at least one pair of assembly interfaces (24) with respect to which the gymnastic modules (12) are assembled in a stable and selectively configurable manner, and with at least one wiring channel (25) in which at least one electrical cable (28) is housed, in a predefined manner, for the gymnastic modules (12).

Description

[0001] “RECONFIGURABLE PHYSICAL EXERCISE MACHINE”

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns a reconfigurable machine for practicing physical exercise, also called a gymnastic exercise machine, of the type suitable for developing motor and functional skills, muscle strength, but also for medical rehabilitation purposes. In particular, the present invention concerns an exercise machine of the reconfigurable type, that is, one that allows to selectively and easily modify the physical exercise functions by modifying the arrangement of the corresponding gymnastic modules already present, and / or by adding modules and / or other equipment, depending on the specific operating requirements. The machine described here can be used in a home environment as well as in the commercial sector, for example in gyms, sports or medical-sports centers, medical rehabilitation centers, hospital facilities or other.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Gymnastic modules or equipment that generate a resistance to allow a user to perform complex movements relatively freely in space, imitating traditional exercises with free weights, such as dumbbells, barbells, or others, offering the possibility of performing a wide range of exercises, are known.

[0006] Gymnastic modules that use cable systems with a resistant load which, depending on their conformation or their functionality and adjustments, are suitable for performing various types of exercises, even affecting different muscle groups, are known.

[0007] In the fitness industry, but also in that of medical rehabilitation, there is an increasingly felt need to be able to set up specific training spaces, or stations, in order to combine different types of exercises so as to meet the gymnastic needs of a wide range of users, allowing to stimulate different muscle and / or joint groups according to desired personalized training or rehabilitation programs.

[0008] In this sense, multifunctional structures that allow for an initial set-up with predefined layouts of single-function gymnastic modules, in order to provide hypothetical and generic gymnastic sequences, are known.

[0009] In the current state of the art, changes to these predefined layouts are almost impossible to make autonomously, without undertaking long and expensive re- arrangement interventions, since each gymnastic module also provides other specific components, such as power supply and / or control means or suchlike, for which it is necessary to provide, on each occasion, a special wiring and functional connection.

[0010] Therefore, the trend is to adapt the training to the predefined layout of the multifunctional structure present, rather than modify the latter, depending on the user’s needs, with a possible reduction in the effectiveness of the gymnastic work carried out.

[0011] Another need of the above-mentioned product sectors is to allow users to make use of the machines effectively, essentially without overcrowding, that is, being able to adapt the exercises offered according to specific training or rehabilitation requests. Also in this case there is a substantial lack of flexibility in predefined layouts, which leads to a disruption in service, unless long and expensive intervention times or replacement of multifunctional structures are undertaken.

[0012] At the production level, known multifunctional structures, because they provide - as stated - predefined layouts on request, require dedicated factory pre-assembly, with a consequent increase in production times and costs.

[0013] Furthermore, since transport of the pre-assembled structure has to be arranged, standardized transport sizes can be exceeded, thus generating additional production costs.

[0014] There is therefore the need to perfect an exercise machine that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art.

[0015] To do this, it is necessary to resolve the technical problem of guaranteeing a correct and flexible functional use for training or rehabilitation, including the specific functional components required, limiting the sizes of the machine itself to a minimum, to the point of allowing an operator to reconfigure it autonomously within the training or rehabilitation environment.

[0016] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to provide an exercise machine that can be selectively reconfigured by the operator autonomously, allowing for a high flexibility of use in terms of both the possibility of muscle stimulation and also the number of muscle groups involved, or which can be involved, when using it.

[0017] Another purpose of the present invention is to provide an exercise machine that is simple and economical to produce, and that does not normally entail abovestandard transport costs.

[0018] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0021] In accordance with the above purposes and to resolve the technical problem described above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a reconfigurable exercise machine according to the present invention comprises at least one equipped panel on which one or more gymnastic modules are assembled, for example of the type provided with a gripping handle and cable traction means connected between the gripping handle and a winding member connected to an electronically controllable actuator.

[0022] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the equipped panel comprises a support frame, which is configured to define one or more coupling sections, advantageously one or more pairs of coupling sections disposed laterally and longitudinally, each in turn provided with at least one pair of assembly interfaces. The gymnastic modules are assembled in a stable and selectively variable or configurable manner with respect to the assembly interfaces.

[0023] In this way, it is possible to both provide one or more gymnastic modules assembled simultaneously, or alternatively, on the support frame and, therefore, on the equipped panel, and also be able to freely replace the gymnastic modules with other modules, and also provide an operating inversion, as well as leave free interfaces to which additional gymnastic modules can be coupled, at a later time. A gymnastic exercise machine is thus realized that can advantageously be reconfigured in a modular manner.

[0024] Furthermore, the equipped panel of the solution according to the present invention comprises at least one wiring channel, in which at least one electrical cable is housed in a predefined manner, be it a power supply cable, a data cable or a multifunctional cable, which is selectively coupled to a respective one of the gymnastic modules.

[0025] The solution according to the present invention guarantees a correct and flexible functional use for training or rehabilitation, including the specific gymnastic modules required, even allowing a manager or user to freely reconfigure the gymnastic modules autonomously.

[0026] The machine described here, in fact, is advantageously modular in terms of the possibility of using desired gymnastic modules in order to also define various configurations of use at will, which for example vary in terms of number and / or arrangement of the gymnastic modules.

[0027] In fact, in addition to the assembly interfaces, which allow to mechanically modify the layout of the arrangement on the panel, the wiring channel guarantees, even for an inexperienced user, the possibility of making a correct and functional connection of the specific gymnastic modules to the corresponding necessary electrical cables, which are already prepared for the electronic connection.

[0028] In this way, the exercise machine according to the present invention can be substantially reconfigured by the operator in a selective manner, allowing for a high flexibility of use both in terms of the possibility of muscle stimulation and also the number of muscle groups involved, or which can be involved, when using it.

[0029] Furthermore, since the exercise machine according to the present invention can be substantially reconfigured into different operating conditions, at a production level it is not necessary to provide for a factory pre-assembly of its components, understood as the equipped panel and gymnastic modules, since these can be shipped in disassembled condition, to the advantage of production and transport costs.

[0030] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the support frame is configured to define at least one transverse element for connection between the coupling sections, and possibly a perimeter finishing rim.

[0031] According to some advantageous embodiments, the support frame can also define attachment supports, advantageously adjustable, which allow it to be attached to a wall, in order to guarantee optimal safety and usage conditions of the reconfigurable exercise machine according to the present invention.

[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, each of the assembly interfaces comprises at least one connection surface configured to cooperate selectively with the corresponding gymnastic modules, and means for at least temporary attachment, such as for example bolts and screws, interlocking, bayonet, mortise and tenon shapes or others, configured to realize the stable and selectively variable or configurable assembly of the gymnastic modules onto the assembly interfaces.

[0033] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the wiring channel comprises at least one connection aperture for each assembly interface, configured to house at least a terminal or connection segment of the electrical cable.

[0034] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the equipped panel comprises at least one covering wall, for example having an aesthetically refined visible surface, which is configured to cover at least the coupling sections, but also the assembly interfaces that may remain unused. The covering wall can be prefinished according to the layout of the gymnastic modules provided, and even consist of modular sectors reciprocally assembled together depending on the zones of the support frame to be covered.

[0035] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the equipped panel comprises at least one display member, such as for example a monitor, a touchscreen or suchlike, able to be assembled on the support frame and configured to display desired usage information of the gymnastic modules, such as the sets to perform, the loads provided, recovery times, or any other information relating to the specific user’s training with the gymnastic modules provided.

[0036] In this sense, the equipped panel comprises at least one control and power supply unit, which is assembled on the support frame, advantageously in a condition hidden by the covering wall and to which the electrical cable(s) is / are electronically connected.

[0037] Advantageously, the control and power supply unit can comprise technologies with communication capabilities (Bluetooth and internet) which can be connected to the gymnastic modules that are installed on each occasion and to the possible display member, or to any user personal devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches or others.

[0038] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

[0040] - fig. 1 is a partly sectioned three-dimensional view of a reconfigurable exercise machine according to the present invention, in one possible setup;

[0041] - fig. 2 shows a front view of the machine of fig. 1, with some components shown in transparency;

[0042] - fig. 3 shows a section view along the line III-III of fig. 2;

[0043] - fig. 4 shows a detail of the machine of fig. 1; and

[0044] - figs, from 5 to 9 show some possible operating configurations of the machine of fig. 1.

[0045] We must clarify that the phraseology and terminology used in the present description, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also in relation as to how described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their purpose being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0046] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0047] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

[0048] With reference to fig. 1, a machine 10 according to some embodiments described here essentially comprises an equipped, or equippable, panel 11 on which one or more gymnastic modules 12 are assembled.

[0049] The gymnastic modules 12 can advantageously all be the same, or in any case all of the same type. The machine 10 is therefore modularly reconfigurable depending on the arrangement and connection of the gymnastic modules 12.

[0050] For example, each gymnastic module can include a gripping handle, a winding member connected to the gripping handle, an actuator member (for example an electric drive member) electronically controllable and connected to the winding member by means of cable traction means. Each gymnastic module can be associated with a respective power supply device (which can be included inside or can outside the containing body of the module itself).

[0051] Each gymnastic module 12 can for example be made in accordance with what is disclosed in either of the patent applications for industrial invention filed in Italy by the Applicant with n. IT 102022000015978 or n. IT 102022000015987, the contents of which are incorporated here in their entirety, as reference.

[0052] For example, in the embodiments described using the attached drawings as an example, each gymnastic module 12 is substantially structured with a containing body 13 which contains a traction cable, of a substantially known type and not shown in the drawings, and a gripping handle 14, disposed outside the containing body 13, through which a user can pull the cable in order to perform a certain muscular or rehabilitation exercise, counteracting a desired tension defined by a winding member connected to an electronically controllable actuator (not shown). In the example embodiment shown, the containing body 13 has a substantially cylindrical shape and comprises an assembly base 15, the functionalities of which will be explained below.

[0053] It is not excluded that, in other embodiments, the gymnastic modules 12 can have a conformation or functionality that differs from those shown and described briefly here by way of example, for example providing radial extractions of the cable, or adjustable joints or other.

[0054] The equipped panel 11 comprises a support frame 16 which is configured to define one or more coupling sections 17, in this specific case two pairs of coupling sections 17 disposed laterally and longitudinally to the equipped panel 11.

[0055] The coupling sections 17 are connected to each other longitudinally by means of joints 18, and laterally by means of transverse elements, or connection cross members 19, forming part of the support frame 16.

[0056] The support frame 16 also includes a perimeter finishing rim 20, which laterally closes and defines the overall lateral dimensions of the equipped panel 11.

[0057] Finally, the support frame 16 also comprises attachment supports 21, in this specific case eight, which are adjustably associated with the coupling sections 17 by means of a screw / slot coupling, generally indicated with the reference number 22. Each attachment support 21 comprises an attachment surface 23, by means of which it is rested and attached to a wall. In this way, by exploiting the fact that the attachment supports 21 are associated with the coupling sections 17 in an adjustable manner, it is possible to install the equipped panel 11 substantially “plumb”, that is, in a position relatively orthogonal to the floor, regardless of the vertical angle of the wall or its irregularities.

[0058] Each coupling section 17 has, in this specific case, a substantially tubular conformation and is conformed so as to define a pair of assembly interfaces 24 and a wiring channel 25.

[0059] Each assembly interface 24 comprises a connection surface 26, which is conformed so as to allow a stable and selectively variable, that is, interchangeable or configurable, assembly of each gymnastic module 12 by means of the assembly base 15 thereof.

[0060] Each assembly interface 24 also comprises attachment means, in this specific case screws 27, which allow to realize the interchangeable assembly of the gymnastic module 12, that is, to stably keep, least temporarily, the assembly base 15 cooperating with the connection surface 26.

[0061] In alternative embodiments, not shown, instead of the screws 27 there can be provided, for example, interlocking, bayonet, mortise and tenon shapes, or other means for temporary, or in any case selectively removable, attachment, which are configured to realize the stable and selectively variable or configurable assembly of the gymnastic modules 12 onto the assembly interfaces 24.

[0062] It is within the scope of the present invention to also provide combined configurations, in which there is a set of different temporary attachment means, for example shapes for same-shape coupling with subsequent realization by means of screws 27.

[0063] The wiring channel 25 is configured to allow the guided and ordered prearrangement of one or more electrical cables 28, be they power supply cables, data transport cables, or multifunctional cables, which are selectively coupled to a respective one of the gymnastic modules 12 so as to provide the latter with a desired electrical power supply, or establish a data exchange in order to adjust, even remotely, the operating parameters thereof, or detect the operating conditions thereof, or other.

[0064] In particular, the wiring channel 25 comprises at least one connection aperture 29, which is made through in correspondence with each assembly interface 24. Each connection aperture 29 is configured to connect the wiring channel 25 to the gymnastic module 12 positioned on the corresponding assembly interface 24, so as to house a terminal, or connection, segment 28a of the electrical cable 28. The electrical cables 28 depart from a control and power supply unit 31, which is comprised in the equipped panel 11 and is assembled on the support frame 16, advantageously with a side thereof in contact with the rim 20, so as to have its connection and power-on members outside of the panel 11 , which are indicated generically with reference number 32 and by means of which the control and power supply unit 31 can be either selectively switched on, or connected to an external electrical and / or data network.

[0065] The control and power supply unit 31 is of a substantially known type and can comprise technologies with data communication capabilities (for example Bluetooth and / or the Internet), for example so that they can be connected in the cloud to data storage systems in which to record, or from which to retrieve, specific training data, as well as communicate such data to the user’s personal devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches or others, in real time during training or rehabilitation.

[0066] The equipped panel 11 also comprises three covering walls, specifically two end walls 33 and one central wall 34, represented with a dashed line for transparency in fig. 2, having an aesthetically finished visible surface and each configured to hide both the control and power supply unit 31 and also the support frame 16 from view, in particular with regard to the assembly interfaces 24 of the coupling sections 17 that remain unused.

[0067] Each of the covering walls 33 or 34 can be pre-finished as a function of the layout of the gymnastic modules 12 provided, as a function of the zones of the support frame 16 to be covered, or of any communication, advertising or, more simply, design requirements.

[0068] In the embodiments described using fig. 1 , but not only, the equipped panel 11 comprises a display member, or monitor 35, for example touch-screen or suchlike, mounted on the cross members 19 of the support frame 16 by means of screws 36 and facing externally to the covering wall 34.

[0069] The monitor 35, among the different functions that it can have, including entertainment and advertising, is electronically connected to the control and power supply unit 31 and allows to display desired information on the use of the gymnastic modules 12, such as for example the sets to be performed, the loads provided, recovery times, or other information related to the training or rehabilitation specific to the user using the gymnastic modules 12.

[0070] In some embodiments described using the attached drawings, the equipped panel 11 also comprises an emergency button 37, disposed within the user’s reach and configured to stop the operation of the entire machine 10, if the user requires, in order to prevent any injuries.

[0071] Figs, from 5 to 9 show some of the different and possible operating configurations that an operator can make the machine 10 according to the present invention assume, through a quick and autonomous intervention.

[0072] Specifically, figs. 5, 6 and 7 show three different configurations that the operator can make the machine 10 according to the present invention assume, independently and selectively, simply by acting on the screws 27 that attach the gymnastic modules 12 to the corresponding assembly interfaces 24, or on the screws 36 of the monitor 35, and possibly replacing, in part, the covering walls 33 or 34.

[0073] As described and shown, it is clear that loosening the screws 27 and disconnecting the corresponding cables 28 is already a simplified operation in itself; however, reconnecting the gymnastic modules 12 is also equally simplified, since the cables 28 are already wired in the wiring channel 25 and easily identifiable with their terminal segments 28a through the connection apertures 29. Therefore, even a less experienced user, once the terminal segment 28a has been connected to the corresponding gymnastic module 12, will simply need to screw back the screws 27 to stably associate the gymnastic module 12 itself with the new assembly interface 24.

[0074] Figs. 8 and 9, instead, show two configurations of the machine 10 according to the present invention with which auxiliary equipment is associated.

[0075] In fig. 8, the auxiliary equipment is realized as a vertical frame 40 connected orthogonally to a platform 41. This configuration allows to use the gymnastic modules 12 in cooperation with a bench, a stool, or other postural supports for the user, possibly also monitoring the loads, or posture, of the user during the exercises in order to suggest appropriate functional corrections. Advantageously, the vertical frame 40 comprises a plurality of connection plates 42, by means of which it can be wall-mounted.

[0076] In fig. 9, the auxiliary equipment is realized as a parallelepiped frame 50 in which a differently equipped equipped panel 11 can be attached on each of its sides, so as to define a modular gymnastic area with different functionalities and / or the possibility for different users to use it on each side, for example four sides.

[0077] A machine 10 for gymnastic exercises is thus realized that is advantageously reconfigurable in a modular manner. It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the machine 10 as described heretofore, without thereby departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims. It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some examples, a person of skill in the art will be able to achieve other equivalent forms of a reconfigurable exercise machine, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0078] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the field of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Exercise machine (10) comprising at least one equipped panel (11) on which one or more gymnastic modules (12) are assembled, characterized in that said equipped panel (11) comprises a support frame (16) configured to define one or more coupling sections (17) each provided with at least one pair of assembly interfaces (24) with respect to which one or more of said gymnastic modules (12) are able to be assembled in a stable and selectively configurable manner, and with at least one wiring channel (25) in which at least one electrical cable (28) is housed, in a predefined manner, for one or more of said gymnastic modules (12).

2. Machine as in claim 1, characterized in that said support frame (16) is configured to define at least one pair of coupling sections (17) provided laterally and longitudinally, with respect to said equipped panel (1 1).

3. Machine as in claim 2, characterized in that said support frame (16) is configured to define at least two pairs of coupling sections (17) provided in longitudinal sequence to each other, with respect to said equipped panel (11).

4. Machine as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said support frame (16) is configured to define at least one transverse element (19) for connection between said coupling sections (17).

5. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that each of said assembly interfaces (24) comprises at least one connection surface (26) configured to cooperate selectively with said one or more gymnastic modules (12).

6. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said equipped panel (11) comprises means (27) for at least temporary attachment configured to realize said stable and selectively configurable assembly of said one or more gymnastic modules (12) on said assembly interfaces (24).

7. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said wiring channel (25) comprises at least one connection aperture (29) for each of said assembly interfaces (24) and configured to house at least a terminal segment (28a) of said electrical cable (28)8. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said equipped panel (11) comprises at least one covering wall (33, 34) configured to cover at least said one or more coupling sections (17).

9. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said equippedpanel (11) comprises at least one display member (35) able to be assembled on said support frame (16) and configured to display desired usage information of said one or more gymnastic modules (12).

10. Machine as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said equipped panel (11) comprises at least one control and power supply unit (31 ) assembled on said support frame (16), and to which said at least one electrical cable (28) is electronically connected.

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