ADJUSTABLE INTERFACE FOR AN EXERCISE MACHINE AND EXERCISE MACHINE COMPRISING THE ADJUSTABLE INTERFACE

Description

FIELD

The present invention relates, in its most general aspect, to an adjustable interface for an exercise machine.

The present invention also relates to an exercise machine comprising an adjustable interface.

More in detail, the invention relates to an adjustable interface comprising a screen that is rotatably movable from a first position to a second position, overturned with respect to the first position.

Hereinafter, the description will refer to an adjustable interface arranged on an exercise machine and to an exercise machine comprising the adjustable interface, on which it is possible to perform multiple exercises using the interface in different positions, correctly displaying the training parameters or images while performing the exercises, but it is evident that the same should not be considered as limited to this specific use.

BACKGROUND

It is known that the exercise machines currently used at home or in sports centres or in rehabilitation health care facilities are manufactured so that the user can perform a specific exercise for a particular muscle group, displaying the training parameters or images on a screen or display located in a particular position.

Exercise machines comprising interfaces, in particular screens, that are movable between one or more positions, are also known.

However, these interfaces have specific shapes, orientations and dimensions that are not well suited to any ergonomic configuration. These shapes are partly dictated by functional constraints, such as the need to be able to read the information displayed in the different configurations, which becomes uncomfortable, for example, if the screen is overturned.

Another drawback of the interfaces of the prior art is that they are impractical when they are used to perform exercises on board the machine. In fact, they occupy the user's visual space without providing, given the screen relative fragility, supporting points that are necessary to correctly perform certain workouts.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is therefore to provide an adjustable interface that at least partially solves the drawbacks of the prior art, and that is at the same time robust and simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise machine comprising an adjustable interface.

The advantages and features of the adjustable interface and of the exercise machine according to the present invention will be more apparent from the description of exemplary embodiments thereof, made herebelow with reference to the attached drawings given by way of indicative and non-limiting examples.

An object of the present invention is an interface for an exercise machine, comprising at least one fixed portion that is integral with the exercise machine, a support and, on a face of said support, a screen for visually communicating information to the user and/or for inputting commands by the latter; wherein said support is rotatably mounted, along a substantially horizontal rotational axis, with respect to said fixed portion, so as to be able to rotate between a first configuration, in which the support is raised and the screen is turned towards a first exercise position of the user, and a second configuration, in which the support is lowered and the screen is turned towards a second exercise position of the user, overturned with respect to the first configuration.

Furthermore according to the invention, said screen is configured to adjust the display to the adopted configuration, overturning the display when the support is brought from the first to the second configuration or vice versa.

Preferably according to the invention, said machine further comprises at least one sensor to detect the screen configuration and thereby adjust the display.

Still according to the invention, said at least one sensor comprises an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope and/or a position sensor and/or a proximity or contact sensor arranged to detect when reaching one or more end stops of the support with respect to the fixed portion.

Yet according to the invention, said support is hinged to the fixed portion along at least one of the peripheral edges thereof.

Furthermore according to the invention, said peripheral edge is hinged to the fixed portion, so as to rotate around said rotational axis.

Preferably according to the invention, said peripheral edge defines a grip handle, in said second configuration.

Still according to the invention, an external profile of said grip handle is at least partially rounded.

Yet according to the invention, at least one external profile of said grip handle is made of a different material and/or it has a different surface finishing compared to the rest of the support.

Furthermore according to the invention, said support has a substantially planar shape.

Preferably according to the invention, said fixed portion comprises a bar whose axis coincides with said rotational axis, said support being rotatably mounted on said bar, said bar being associated with at least one connecting arm arranged to be coupled to a supporting frame of the machine.

Still according to the invention, said support is rotatably movable between said first configuration and said second configuration.

Yet according to the invention, said interface may comprise a groove whose opposite ends define the first end stop and the second end stop and a pin configured to slide in said groove, said groove being obtained on said bar and said pin being integral with said support, or vice versa.

A further object of the present invention is an exercise machine, preferably of the type comprising a resistance, a user support, at least one operating group to perform at least one gymnastic exercise and at least one interface according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a first configuration the screen is raised, and it is turned towards said user support of the machine and in a second configuration, the screen is lowered, and it is turned in an opposite direction with respect to said user support of the machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first exercise machine comprising an adjustable interface according to the present invention, in a first raised configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a second exercise machine comprising the adjustable interface according to the present invention, in a first raised configuration;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a second exercise machine comprising the adjustable interface according to the present invention, in a second lowered configuration;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a third exercise machine comprising the adjustable interface according to the present invention, in a first raised configuration;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a third exercise machine comprising the adjustable interface according to the present invention, in a second lowered configuration;

FIG. 6 shows a front view of the adjustable interface according to the invention, in a first raised configuration;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the adjustable interface according to the invention, in a first raised configuration;

FIG. 8 shows a front view of the adjustable interface according to the invention, in a second lowered configuration;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the adjustable interface according to the invention, in a second lowered configuration;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the adjustable interface according to the invention, in a first raised configuration;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the interface of FIG. 10, the screen supporting component being omitted to allow the hinge system to be seen;

FIG. 12 shows a section along a median plane that is diametrical to the hinge bar of the view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a section along a transverse plane passing through a groove defining the end stops of the view of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 shows the section of FIG. 12 with the addition of the screen supporting component, which is also cutaway;

FIG. 15 shows a section of the interface according to a diametrical plane differently oriented with respect to that of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 shows a control architecture of the exercise machines of FIGS. 1-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The adjustable interface 1; 1′; 1″ according to the present invention can be installed on any exercise machine M; M′; M″.

Said adjustable interface 1; 1′; 1″ is generally arranged to display the data or images or commands that can be selected by the user, in at least two operating configurations.

Preferably, the exercise machine M; M′; M″ can be of the strength machine type with a resistance with a weight stack or with another type of load group, for example a motor and/or a brake.

The adjustable interface 1; 1′; 1″ can be installed on a portion of the supporting frame 100; 100′; 100″ of an exercise machine M; M′; M″.

In particular, as better detailed below, said adjustable interface 1; 1′; 1″ comprises a fixed portion 2; 2′; 2″ that is integral with the exercise machine M; M′; M″, and a support 4 that is rotatable with respect to said fixed portion 2; 2′; 2″.

The fixed portion 2; 2′; 2″ comprises in particular a bar 3 and a connecting arm 6; 6′; 6″.

The support 4 is rotatably mounted with respect to the bar 3, hinged along a substantially horizontal rotational axis k that coincides with the axis of the bar 3. Substantially horizontal axis means an axis oriented in a direction that has a horizontal predominant component.

The connecting arm 6; 6′; 6″ connects said bar 3 to the supporting frame 100; 100′; 100″ of the exercise machine M; M′; M″.

With reference to the attached FIGS. 1-5, three different exercise machines equipped with an adjustable interface 1; 1′; 1″ according to the present invention are generally indicated with M; M′; M″.

The positional references used in the text, comprising indications such as front or rear, in front of or behind, lower or upper, below or above, laterally, or similar expressions, always refer to the illustrative configuration shown in the above figures, and in no case a limiting value should be assigned thereto.

With reference to the above figures, a reference Cartesian triad is further identified, comprising a longitudinal direction x, corresponding to the posteroanterior development of exercise machines M; M′; M″; a transverse direction y, corresponding to the lateral development; and a vertical direction z, corresponding to the elevation development.

It should be noted that the orientation of the longitudinal direction x in the above Cartesian triad is hereinafter conventionally considered as the posteroanterior orientation of the machines, although, as described below, the use of the machines provides for the user's alternative positioning in at least two opposite directions.

The description of a multifunction exercise machine M comprising several operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, shown in particular in FIG. 1, follows.

The multifunction exercise machine M essentially comprises a supporting frame 101, a load group 102, a gearbox 103 and a plurality of operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107 arranged for an operator to perform distinct groups of gymnastic exercises.

The exercise machine M still comprises a user support 108 and the adjustable interface 1 according to the present invention.

The supporting frame 101 supports the several groups and elements composing the exercise machine M, and in particular the user support 108 arranged to accommodate the user.

Preferably, the exercise machine M also comprises a casing, whose representation is omitted in the attached figures.

The load group 102 is kinematically connected to the gearbox 103. Said gearbox 103 is in turn kinematically connected to the several operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, and it is capable of selectively coupling the load to the one or to the other of said operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107.

The operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107 preferably comprise: a first group 104 for training biceps/triceps/abdominals; a second group 105 for training the pectoral muscles/back (also rowing machine); a third group 106 for training the shoulders/back; a fourth group 107 for training the legs and, alternatively, for functional training (with cable).

In the specific embodiment illustrated with reference to the multifunction exercise machine M and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6-9, the interface 1 comprises a connecting arm 6 with a C-shaped tubular structure.

Said C-shaped tubular structure comprises, in addition to the above bar 3, a second lower bar 61, that is also horizontal, being both oriented parallel to the transverse direction y and connected to each other by an oblique side bar 62. The second bar 61 is integrally fixed to a frame profile located below a seat of the user support 108, while the upper bar 3 extends in front of a backrest of the user support 108 so as to face a user leaning against it.

Further details about the shape and operation of the interface 1 can be found below in the present description.

The description of an exercise machine M′ with motor resistance, comprising a single operating group 104′, shown in particular in FIGS. 2 and 3, follows.

The exercise machine M′ with motor resistance essentially comprises a supporting frame 101′, a load group that is not visible because it is hidden by a casing, and an operating group 104′, comprising two levers for an operator to exercise pectoral muscles.

The exercise machine M′ still comprises a user support 108′ and the adjustable interface 1 according to the present invention.

The supporting frame 101′, partially covered by a casing, supports the several groups and elements composing the exercise machine M′, and in particular the user support 108′ arranged to accommodate the user.

The load group, that may consist of a motor or a brake, is kinematically connected to the operating group 104.

In the specific embodiment, the interface 1′ comprises a connecting arm 6′ with a three-section tubular structure.

The first upper section consists of the hinge bar 3 of the support 4, it connects to a second section consisting of a second bar 63 that is also horizontal or slightly inclined downwards, a third section consisting of a third vertical bar 64 is then following.

The connecting arm 6′ connects to a side portion of the casing and it extends in a cantilever manner in front of the user support 108′ that accommodates the user.

The description of an exercise machine M″ with weight stack, comprising a single operating group 104′″, shown in particular in FIGS. 4 and 5, follows.

The exercise machine M″ with weight stack essentially comprises a supporting frame 101″, a load group 102″, and an operating group 104″, comprising two levers for an operator to exercise pectoral muscles.

The exercise machine M″ still comprises a user support 108′″ and the adjustable interface 1″ according to the present invention.

The supporting frame 101″ supports the several groups and elements composing the exercise machine M′, and in particular the user support 108″ arranged to accommodate the user.

The load group 102″, that consists here of a weight stack, is kinematically connected to the operating group 104.

In the specific embodiment, the interface 1″ comprises a connecting arm 6″ defined by a connecting bracket 65.

The connecting bracket 65, which has a planar section, has a curved intermediate section and it connects to a side portion of the frame. The connecting bracket 65 supports at one of the ends thereof the bar 3 on which the support 4 is hinged, that extends in a cantilever manner in front of the user support 108″ that accommodates the user.

The detailed description of the adjustable interface 1; 1′; 1″, and particularly of those features of the adjustable interface shared by the above-detailed three embodiments, follows.

As previously mentioned, the adjustable interface 1; 1′; 1″ comprises a rotatable support 4, along a substantially horizontal rotational axis k, with respect to a bar 3.

The support 4 comprises a screen 10, preferably of the touchscreen type, for visually communicating information to the user and/or for inputting commands by the latter.

Preferably, the support 4 has a planar shape or it is configured as a paddle, so that the screen 10 is formed on one of the opposite faces of said support 4 or paddle.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the support may further have a substantially parallelepiped shape with peripheral edges, in particular a hinge edge 40, an opposite edge 41, an external side edge 42 and an internal side edge 43.

The hinged edge 40 has a thickening that allows the bar 3 to be housed therein, around which the support 4 is hinged.

The support 4 is thus able to rotate between a first and a second configuration, preferably arranged at approximately 180° with respect to each other.

In a first configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 10, the support 4 is oriented above with respect to the bar 3, i.e. the hinge edge 40 is turned downwards and the opposite edge 41 is turned upwards.

In this configuration the screen does not necessarily lie on a vertical plane, but it may be slightly inclined backwards or forwards, preferably at an angle of less than 30°.

In the first configuration the screen is turned towards the backrest of the user support 8; 8′; 8″ of the exercise machine M; M′; M″. This first configuration thus allows the screen 10 to be used in exercises in which the user is seated on the user support, in a first exercise position of the user.

In a second configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, 8 and 6, the support 4 is oriented below with respect to the bar 3 and the screen 10 is turned opposite to the above backrest. Here, the hinge edge 40 is turned upwards and the opposite edge 41 is turned downwards.

This second configuration allows the screen 10 to be used in exercises in which the user performs the exercises facing the machine turned towards the user support 8; 8′; 8″ in a second exercise position of the user.

In this configuration, the exercises that the user can perform are bodyweight exercises or exercises using accessories such as weights, elastic bands, dumbbells, ankle weights and the like.

In this second configuration, the hinge edge 40 defines a handle or grip portion 5 for the user.

Preferably, said grip portion 5 is characterised by an at least partially rounded shape of the external profile of the hinge edge 40, and it can be gripped by the operator particularly in the second configuration with the support 4 being lowered.

Advantageously, the external profile of the grip portion 5 can be made of a different material compared to the rest of the support 4, for example a polymer or natural material with special anti-slip and/or sweat-absorbing features. Said different material can be co-moulded with the rest of the support 4 or define a coating of the support 4.

The external profile of the grip portion 5 may advantageously have a different surface finishing compared to that of the rest of the support 4, for example it may be knurled to improve the user's grip.

With specific reference to FIGS. 11-15, the shape of the hinge between the bar 3 and the support 4 is now described in detail.

The interface 1; 1′; 1″ comprises in particular a sleeve 7 that is integral with the rest of the support 4. The sleeve 7 is inserted into the support 4 and can be coupled thereto for example by means of screws.

The sleeve 7, that is coaxial to the bar 3, is rotatably associated above the latter by interposing two side bushings 71, 72.

The sleeve is positioned in particular above a section of the bar 3 that is limited at a first end by a shoulder 33, at the opposite end by a coaxial stop 34.

A peripheral groove 30 subtending a circumferential angle that is less than the round angle, being roughly equal to approximately 180°, is obtained on the external surface of the bar 3. Said groove 30 defines at the ends thereof a first end stop 31 and a second end stop 32. A pin 70 that is integral with the sleeve 7 is arranged to slide into said groove 30, alternately abutting against the first end stop 31 or against the second end stop 32 when the support 4 is in the first configuration or in the second configuration, respectively.

Preferably, said pin 70 is represented by a threaded dowel or by the stem of a screw inserted from the outside into the sleeve 7.

Advantageously, mechanical or electromechanical blocks may be adopted, that can act for example at the end stops 31, 32, to keep the interface 1; 1′; 1″ stable in the first configuration and in the second configuration.

With reference to FIG. 16, the exercise machines M, M′, M″ comprise a logic control unit U for controlling the operation of the machine M itself.

Said logic control unit U comprises or is connected to a communication module B.

Said communication module B is capable of sending and receiving data from remote devices D, such as smartphones, tablets and the like, and/or from a cloud unit C. Furthermore, and above all, said communication module B sends and receives data to/from the interface 1; 1′; 1″.

Among many other functions, the logic control unit has the function of detecting whether the interface 1; 1′; 1″ is in the first or in the second configuration and of adjusting the display on the screen 10 to said configuration.

In particular, the display must be overturned whenever the support or paddle is brought from the first to the second configuration or vice versa.

One or more sensors S, for example an accelerometer, an inclinometer, a gyroscope or a combination thereof, may be provided to acquire and send to the logic control unit U a signal that allows the latter to detect the configuration of the screen 10 and thereby adjust the display.

Obviously, sensors of a different type may be used, for example motion, proximity or contact sensors arranged for example to detect when reaching the first or the second end stop position 31, 32.

The just-described interface and machines are susceptible to other variants and modifications, all within the reach of the person skilled in the art and, as such, falling within the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the following claims.