EXERCISE MACHINE, PARTICULARLY FOR PILATES EXERCISES, AND ADJUSTMENT METHOD

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an exercise machine, particularly for Pilates exercises, and adjustment method.

More in detail, at least some embodiments concern a machine equipped with a mechanism or system designed and manufactured, in particular to allow a comfortable adjustment of a supporting bar for performing gymnastic exercises, but which can be used for any gymnastic machine in which it is necessary to carry out various types of adjustments, in total safety and in a comfortable way, without the user having to handle mechanical parts potentially under tension, such as springs and elastic bands.

In the following, the description will be directed to the adjustment of a support bar for a machine for performing Pilates exercises, but it is clear that it should not be considered limited to this specific use.

BACKGROUND

Machines or apparatuses for performing exercises, in particular Pilates exercises, also known as “reformers”, generally comprise a support frame, equipped with feet or supports for positioning on the floor, and a padded carriage or mobile plate or trolley, on which the user can sit or rest parts of their body (for example, the knees or the back) to perform exercises. The aforementioned type of gymnastic exercise machines also comprise guides fixed to the support frame, on which the mobile plate can slide, and an adjustable support bar, also commonly called foot bar or handlebar. Said support bar is adjustable with respect to the frame both longitudinally and in inclination.

The support bar typically has an inverted U-shape. The free ends of the support bar are coupled to the frame.

The support bar also has a straight portion, which is arranged above the support frame. The support bar must be fixed in position with respect to the support frame. In this way, the user performing the exercise can perform exercises by leaning on it. The support bar is adjustable both in angular position (inclination with respect to the support frame) and longitudinally with respect to the frame, to adapt to the different needs of users and various types of exercises.

The support bar adjustment systems currently in use have some critical issues and problems.

In particular, the mechanisms for angular adjustment often use pin systems with slots arranged on a circular or semi-circular plate, or rack and pinion systems, both generally equipped with springs to maintain the position of a locking pin. These systems can be dangerous for the user, who has to handle mechanical components that may be subjected to tension by the springs.

Furthermore, current adjustment systems are impractical from an ergonomic point of view. The user is in fact forced to move from the exercise position and get up, positioning themselves to the side of the frame, to make adjustments to the support bar, thus interrupting the training session.

In the sector, therefore, there is a felt need for a gymnastic exercise machine for Pilates and the like, which overcomes the technical problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

In light of the above, it is, therefore, a scope of at least some embodiments to provide an exercise machine, in particular for Pilates exercises, equipped with an adjustment system, which allows for a safe and practical adjustment in the positioning of the support bar with respect to the frame.

Another aim is to allow the user to adjust the position of the support bar without having to move from the exercise position.

It is also a scope of at least some embodiments to offer an adjustment system that allows for an angular adjustment of the support bar, increasing the versatility of the exercise machine.

It is also an aim to propose an adjustment system that allows for a longitudinal adjustment of the support bar.

Another aim is to provide an adjustment mechanism that does not require the movement of metal parts subjected to tension by springs, elastic bands or belts, thus improving safety for the user.

It is also an aim to propose an adjustment system that allows the support bar to assume discrete and defined angular and longitudinal positions.

It is therefore a specific object of at least some embodiments to provide a gymnastic exercise machine, particularly for Pilates and similar exercises, comprising: a frame, predominantly extending along a longitudinal direction; and a support bar, for a user's support during gymnastic exercises, wherein said support bar has a first end and a second end, wherein said gymnastic exercise machine is characterized in that it comprises an adjustment device, coupled to said first end of said support bar and to said frame, and in that said adjustment device is configured to allow the adjustment of the position of said support bar relative to said frame, when said support bar is translated in a transverse direction orthogonal to said longitudinal direction of said frame.

Always according to at least some embodiments, said first end of said support bar is coupled to said adjustment device so as to assume: a longitudinal locking position, in which said first end is coupled to said frame ; and a longitudinal unlocking position, in which said support bar is translatable rotatable relative to said frame along said longitudinal development direction around a rotational axis aligned with said transverse direction.

Still according to at least some embodiments, said adjustment device comprises: a body, coupled to said frame; and a locking plate, fixed to said first end of said support bar.

Advantageously according to at least some embodiments, said frame may comprise a first and a second spar, arranged parallel to each other, and said adjustment device may be slidably coupled to said first spar so as to be selectively lockable along said longitudinal member.

Further according to at least some embodiments, said adjustment device may comprise at least one locking stud, and said machine may comprise a first rack arranged along said first longitudinal member, wherein said at least one locking stud is arranged to engage and disengage with said first rack.

Advantageously according to at least some embodiments, said first longitudinal member to which said adjustment device is slidably coupled may have a first longitudinal guide cavity, and said adjustment device may comprise: a support plate, on which said at least one sliding wheel is arranged, configured to slide within said first longitudinal guide cavity; a counter-plate, coupled to said support plate by coupling means; and elastic means interposed between said support plate and said counter-plate of said adjustment device, designed to maintain said support plate and counter-plate spaced apart; wherein said counter-plate can assume: a longitudinal locking position, wherein said at least one locking stud is configured to engage with said first rack; and a longitudinal unlocking position, wherein said elastic means are compressed when said counter-plate is translated in a longitudinal disengagement direction (DL), so that said at least one locking stud is disengaged from said first rack, allowing said at least one sliding wheel to slide within said first longitudinal guide cavity.

Further according to at least some embodiments, said first rack may comprise a plurality of pairs of seats, and said adjustment device may comprise two locking studs arranged on said counter-plate, wherein said locking studs are engageable with a pair of seats of said rack.

Always according to at least some embodiments, said elastic means may comprise a leaf spring.

Still according to at least some embodiments, said machine may comprise a counter-adjustment device, arranged between said second end of said support bar and said frame, wherein said counter-adjustment device comprises: a body, coupled to said frame; and a stop plate, rotatable relative to said body and fixed to said second end of said support bar.

Further according to at least some embodiments, said counter-adjustment device comprises at least one locking stud, and said machine may comprise a second rack arranged along said second longitudinal member, wherein said at least one locking stud is arranged to engage and disengage with said second rack.

Advantageously according to at least some embodiments, said second rail to which said counter-adjustment device may be slidably coupled has a first longitudinal guide cavity, and said counter-adjustment device may comprise: a support plate on which said at least one sliding wheel is arranged, configured to slide within said first longitudinal guide cavity; and a counter-plate, coupled to said body of said counter-adjustment device by coupling means; wherein said counter-plate can assume: a locking position, wherein said at least one locking stud is configured to engage with said second rack; and an unlocking position, wherein said counter-plate is translated in a longitudinal disengagement direction, so that said at least one locking stud is disengaged from said second rack, allowing said at least one sliding wheel to slide within said first longitudinal guide cavity.

Preferably according to at least some embodiments, said first rack comprises a plurality of pairs of seats, and said counter-adjustment device may comprise two locking studs arranged on said counter-plate, wherein said locking studs are engageable with a pair of seats of said rack.

It is further object of at least some embodiments to provide a method for adjusting a gymnastic exercise machine as defined above, comprising the steps of: unlocking said support bar; adjusting the position of said support bar; and locking said support bar.

Said unlocking step may comprise the following sub-steps: sliding axially said support bar in said longitudinal disengagement direction (DL); and causing said first end of said support bar to assume the longitudinal unlocking position; said position adjustment step comprises the sub-step of sliding said support bar; and said locking step comprises the following sub-steps: releasing said support bar, so as to slide it axially in a direction opposite to said longitudinal disengagement direction; causing said first end of said support bar to assume the longitudinal locking position.

Said unlocking step may comprise the sub-step of disengaging said at least one locking stud from said first rack, and said locking step may comprise the sub-step of engaging said at least one locking stud with said first rack, so that said support bar assumes a position relative to the frame different from that in which it was during said unlocking step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exercise machine;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a support bar of the exercise machine according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a portion of the exercise machine according to FIG. 1 in an angular locking configuration of the support bar position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a portion of the exercise machine according to FIG. 1 in an angular unlocking configuration for the angular adjustment of the support bar;

FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of the adjustment devices of the exercise machine of FIG. 1 in the angular locking configuration of the support bar;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the adjustment devices of the exercise machine of FIG. 1 in an angular unlocking configuration, to allow the angular adjustment of the support bar;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the adjustment devices of the machine of FIG. 1 in a longitudinal unlocking configuration for the adjustment of the longitudinal position of the support bar;

FIG. 8 shows a partially sectional side view of the adjustment devices of the machine of FIG. 1 in a longitudinal unlocking configuration for the adjustment of the longitudinal position of the support bar;

FIG. 9 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of the machine of FIG. 1, in which in particular the adjustment device for exercises is exploded;

FIG. 10 illustrates a partial exploded perspective view of the machine, in which in particular the counter-adjustment device for exercises is exploded;

FIG. 11 shows a top view of a portion of an exercise machine according to FIG. 1, in which the relative position of the support bar with respect to the side members of a support frame is observed;

FIG. 12 illustrates a partially sectional side view of the exercise machine of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 illustrates a partially sectional perspective view of the exercise machine of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 illustrates the adjustment bar, in which the adjustment devices are in section, in a locked configuration;

FIG. 15 illustrates a detail in side section of FIG. 14 of one of an adjustment device;

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-section of FIG. 14 of an adjustment device;

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-section of FIG. 14 of a counter-adjustment device;

FIG. 18 illustrates the adjustment bar, in which the adjustment devices are in section and in a sliding configuration of the support bar;

FIG. 19 illustrates a detail in section of FIG. 18 of an adjustment device;

FIG. 20 illustrates a detail in section of FIG. 18 of a counter-adjustment device;

FIG. 21 illustrates a flowchart of a method for adjusting a support bar;

FIG. 22 shows a flowchart of the sub-steps for the angular adjustment of the support bar;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of the exercise machine in a starting position of the support bar;

FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of the exercise machine, in which the support bar is unlocked for angular adjustment;

FIG. 25 shows a flowchart of the sub-steps for the longitudinal adjustment of the support bar;

FIG. 26 illustrates a perspective view of the exercise machine, in which the support bar is unlocked for longitudinal adjustment; and

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the exercise machine, in which the support bar is adjusted longitudinally.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the various figures, similar parts will be indicated with the same reference numerals.

At least some embodiments relate to a gymnastic exercise machine 1, in particular for Pilates exercises and the like.

With reference to FIG. 1, the gymnastic exercise machine 1 comprises a frame 2, which constitutes its supporting structure.

The frame 2 comprises a first side member 21 and a second side member 22, arranged parallel to each other. On the side members 21 and 22 are arranged guides 6, the operation of which will be better described below.

The frame 2 also comprises feet or support supports 23, arranged substantially at the ends of the side members 21 and 22, to support the entire gymnastic exercise machine 1.

The frame 2 also comprises a head portion 24 and a foot portion 25. In correspondence with the head portion 24 are fixed supports 26 provided with hooks 27, for the coupling of elastic bands or ropes for exercises (not shown in the figures).

As can be seen, the frame 2 has a mainly longitudinal development in the direction of the Y-axis of the Cartesian triplet XYZ shown in the figure.

The gymnastic exercise machine 1 also comprises a support surface 7, movable with respect to the frame 2. The support surface 7 is intended to allow the user to rest parts of the body on it, such as the buttocks, back or legs, to perform the various gymnastic exercises.

The support surface 7 is coupled to additional guides 6, arranged along the side members 21 and 22, so as to slide along them according to the double-headed arrow S shown in the figure.

The support surface 7 also has a portion 71, for the arrangement and support of the head of the user performing the gymnastic exercises. The support surface 7 also has reliefs 72 for supporting or holding in position the shoulders of the user performing the gymnastic exercises. The support surface 7 is suitable for performing Pilates exercises.

The gymnastic exercise machine 1 also comprises a support bar 3, intended to act as a support for the user during the execution of the exercises. The support bar 3 has a first end 31 and a second end 32, and is characterized by a linear or straight portion 33, which is arranged above the frame 2.

The first end 31 and the second end 32 of the support bar 3 are arranged facing and adjacent on opposite sides of the frame 2. This structure allows a variety of exercises and adjustments to adapt to the user's needs during the practice of Pilates or similar exercises.

With reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, it can be seen that the gymnastic exercise machine 1 comprises an adjustment device 4, arranged between the first end 31 of the support bar 3 and the frame 2. The adjustment device 4 is configured to allow the adjustment (or more adjustments) of the position of the support bar 3 with respect to the frame 2.

The adjustment device 4 comprises two adjustment members 41, 42 and return means 43, which exert a return force between the adjustment members 41, 42. Said adjustment members 41, 42 comprise a body 41, which can be coupled to the frame 2, and a locking plate 42. The first end 31 of the support bar 3 is selectively coupled in rotation to the body 41.

In particular, the adjustment device 4 in the embodiment shown in the figures comprises a locking plate 42, fixed to said first end 31 of the support bar 3, in this case in particular by means of anchoring screws.

In other embodiments, the support bar 3 and the locking plate 42 can be made in one piece.

The body 41 has the shape of a bush, in which the first end 31 is inserted and is free to rotate.

Furthermore, in other embodiments, the body 41 and the first end 31 of the support bar 3 can have a rotation coupling portion, such as a splined profile, with the possibility of uncoupling by means of transverse translation (i.e. in the direction of the X-axis of the indicated Cartesian coordinate system).

The first end 31 of the support bar 3 and the frame 2 are therefore rotatably coupled, preferably around an axis R1.

In other embodiments, the locking plate 42 can be coupled to the frame 2 and the body 41 can be coupled to the first end 31 of the support bar 3.

A plurality of positioning seats 421 are obtained on the locking plate 42. The positioning seats 421 are arranged in a circular manner or on a circumference or a portion of a circumference. In particular, the positioning seats 421 are arranged substantially in correspondence with the perimeter of the locking plate 42.

The locking plate 42, as mentioned, is rotatable around the body 41 with respect to an rotation axis R1, as shown in the figures.

On the body 41 is arranged a fixing pin 411, positioned eccentrically.

In the embodiment under examination, the fixing pin 411 is one, but in other embodiments more fixing pins 411 can be provided, possibly to give greater stability to the locking of the support bar 3.

Said fixing pin 411 is fixed to the body 41.

In other embodiments, instead of the fixing pin 411, reliefs or shape couplings can be provided between the body 41 and the locking plate 42.

Following the rotation of the end 31 of the support bar 3 around the rotation axis R1, the fixing pin 411 can be arranged alternately in one of the positioning seats 421.

In this way, the support bar 3, by means of the body 41, can assume an engagement position, or angular locking position, in which the fixing pin 411 is engaged or inserted in one of the positioning seats 421 of the locking plate 42, and a disengagement position, or angular unlocking position, in which the locking plate 42 is moved away from the body 41, moved in an angular disengagement direction DA. In this case, the fixing pin 411 is disengaged from the respective positioning seat 421. The locking plate 42 can, therefore, rotate around said axis of rotation R1 precisely due to the rotation of the first end 31, until the support bar again assumes an engagement position, or angular locking position, in which the fixing pin 411 of the body 41 is arranged in correspondence with a different positioning seat 421.

The adjustment device 4 comprises return elements 43, arranged so as to hold the locking plate 42 in the engagement position (fixing pin 411 inserted in the positioning seat 421) with respect to the body 41.

The return means 43 exert a return force in the direction of the axis of rotation R1 (or R2).

The return elements comprise a return spring 43.

In other embodiments, other types of return elements can be provided, such as flexible rubber elements.

The adjustment device 4 also comprises a support plate 44, a counter-plate 46, arranged adjacent or partially facing said support plate 44, and coupling means 47, interposed between the support plate 44 and the counter-plate 46.

Between the support plate 44 and the counter-plate 46, elastic means 48 are arranged. In particular, in the present embodiment the elastic means comprise a leaf spring 48 (see in particular FIGS. 2 and 7). The leaf spring 48 is placed under tension, so as to keep the support plate 44 and the counter-plate 46 spaced apart.

In some embodiments, the coupling means 47, where provided, can be guides, elastic pads or members axially slidingly coupled. The coupling means 47 have the function of maintaining the reciprocal position of the support plate 44 and the counter-plate 46 in the different operating positions, i.e., when the leaf spring 48 is compressed or not.

In other embodiments, the elastic means 48 can comprise rubber elements and the like, suitable for exerting an elastic force, preferably linear, between the support plate 44 and the counter-plate 46, when these are brought closer.

The counter-plate 46 comprises two locking studs 461, arranged adjacent, which have the function of fixing the longitudinal position of the adjustment device 4 with respect to the side member 21. In other embodiments the locking studs 461 can be of a different number.

In the adjustment device 4, the locking studs 461 are integral with the face of the counter-plate 46 facing the support plate 44. The adjustment device 4 also comprises sliding wheels 45, suitable for allowing the sliding of the adjustment device 4.

In particular, the adjustment device 4 comprises one or more first sliding wheels 451 and one or more second sliding wheels 452, arranged orthogonally with respect to said first sliding wheels 451, the operation of which will be better explained below. In other embodiments, the number and arrangement of said sliding wheels 45 can be different, according to the opportunity and stability needs.

With reference to the cited figures, the gymnastic exercise machine 1 can also comprise a counter-adjustment device 5, arranged between the second end 32 of the support bar 3 and the frame 2. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the counter-adjustment device 5 is arranged facing the adjustment device 4 and the frame 2 is interposed between them.

The adjustment device 4 and the counter-adjustment device 5 are therefore coupled respectively to the first 31 and the second 32 ends of the adjustment bar 3.

In some embodiments, the gymnastic exercise machine 1 can also comprise only the adjustment device 4, without the counter-adjustment device 5.

The counter-adjustment device 5 comprises a body 51 coupled to the frame 2 and a stop plate 52, rotatable with respect to the body 51 around a rotation axis R2. The stop plate 52, as mentioned, is fixed to the second end 32 of the support bar 3.

In the embodiment shown in the figure, the rotation axis R1 of the adjustment device 4, and the rotation axis R2 of the counter-adjustment device 5 are aligned, allowing a coordinated adjustment of the support bar 3, as described below.

The counter-adjustment device 5 comprises a support plate 54 and a counter-plate 56, arranged partially facing each other, between which coupling means 57 are arranged. Said coupling means 57 of the counter-adjustment device 5 are analogous to the coupling means 47 of said adjustment device 4.

The counter-plate 56 comprises two locking pins 561, arranged adjacent to each other, which have the function of fixing the longitudinal position of the counter-adjustment device 5 with respect to the second side member 22. In other embodiments, the locking pins 561 can be of a different number.

The locking pins 561 of the counter-adjustment device 5 are arranged oriented in the same direction as the locking studs 461 of the adjustment device 5.

Furthermore, still with reference to the cited figures, and in particular to FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments, the first side member 21 of the frame 2 has a first longitudinal guide cavity 211.

The first longitudinal guide cavity 211 also comprises pairs of grooves 212 and 213, arranged two by two facing each other and obtained on the walls that define it.

With reference to FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13, the first sliding wheels 451 and the second sliding wheels 452 are intended to slide in the first longitudinal guide cavity 211.

In particular, said sliding wheels 45 are insertable into the grooves 212 and 213, so as to make more stable the sliding of the adjustment device 4 along the side member 21.

A first rack 214 is arranged along the first side member 21. The first rack 214 comprises a plurality of holes or seats 215, preferably arranged in pairs, intended to house the locking studs 461.

The adjustment device 4 is slidably coupled to the first side member 21, so as to be able to slide with respect to it and be able to lock in position.

In particular, the sliding wheels 45 are slidably arranged in the first longitudinal guide cavity 211. The wheels 45 are fixed to the support plate 44.

With reference to FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, and 20, the locking and unlocking mode of the adjustment device 4 and the counter-adjustment device 5 is observed.

In particular, for the adjustment device 4, the counter-plate 46 can assume two positions:

• • a longitudinal locking position, in which the locking studs 461 are engaged or inserted each with a respective seat 215 of the first rack 214; and
  • a longitudinal unlocking position, in which the leaf spring 48 is compressed, so that the counter-plate 46 is brought closer to the support plate 44. When the counter-plate 46 is translated in a longitudinal disengagement direction indicated by the arrow DL, the locking studs 461 disengage from the seats 215 of the rack 214, allowing the sliding of the sliding wheels 45 in the first longitudinal guide cavity 211.

With reference to the same figures cited above, the second side member 22 also has a second longitudinal guide cavity 221.

The second longitudinal guide cavity 221 of the second side member 22 also comprises grooves 222 and 223, obtained on the walls that define it.

Furthermore, also in this case, a second rack 224 is provided, analogous to the first rack 214. The second rack {circumflex over ( )}4 is arranged along the second side member 22.

The second rack 224 also has a plurality of holes or seats 225, preferably arranged in pairs, intended to house the pair of locking pins 561.

The counter-adjustment device 5 is slidably coupled to the second side member 22, in a manner analogous to the adjustment device 5.

The counter-adjustment device 5 also comprises sliding wheels 55, and in particular one or more first sliding wheels 551 and one or more second sliding wheels 552, arranged orthogonally with respect to the first sliding wheels 551, the operation of which will be better explained below.

Also for the counter-adjustment device 5, in other embodiments the number and arrangement of said sliding wheels 55 can be different.

The sliding wheels 551 and 552 are insertable into the grooves 222 and 223, so as to make more stable the sliding of the counter-adjustment device 5 along the side member 22.

The counter-plate 56 is coupled to the body 51 of the counter-adjustment device 5.

The coupling means 57 are, as mentioned, interposed between the support plate 54 and the counter-plate 56, and are suitable for keeping the support plate 54 and the counter-plate 56 spaced apart.

The counter-plate 56 of the counter-adjustment device 5 can assume:

• • the longitudinal locking position, in which the pair of locking pins 561 is engaged and inserted in a pair of seats 225 of the second rack 224; and
  • the longitudinal unlocking position, in which the locking pins 561 are disinserted and disengaged from a pair of seats 225 of the second rack 224.

Thanks to the coordinated operation of the adjustment device 4 and the counter-adjustment device 5, the support bar 3 can slide along the side members 21 and 22 of the frame 2, as well as rotate around the devices 4 and 5 themselves, i.e. around the respective rotation axes R1 and R2, which, as mentioned, can be incident.

With reference to the cited figures, the adjustment of the position of the support bar 3 can take place in two directions: an angular direction, when the support bar 3 is brought into the angular unlocking position, i.e., when it is moved by the user in the direction according to the arrow with direction DA, overcoming the resistance of the return spring 43; and a longitudinal direction, when the support bar 3 is brought into the longitudinal unlocking position, i.e. when it is moved by the user in the direction according to the arrow with direction DL, in this case overcoming the resistance to compression of the leaf spring 48 of said adjustment device 4.

To perform the angular adjustment, as mentioned, the support bar 3 is translated in the direction DA, so that the locking plate 42 of the adjustment device 4 is disengaged from the body 41, and the stop plate 52 of the counter-adjustment device 5 is spaced from the body 51, allowing the rotation of the support bar 3.

For the longitudinal adjustment, as mentioned, the support bar 3 is translated in the direction DL, so that the locking studs 461 of the counter-plate 46 of the locking device 4, and the locking pins 561 of the counter-plate 56 of the counter-locking device 5 are disengaged from the respective racks 214 and 224, allowing the sliding of the support bar 3 along the side members 21, 22.

It is observed that in the described embodiments, the structure and operation of the adjustment device 4 and/or the counter-adjustment device 5 allows the alternative adjustment in sliding or angular of the support bar 3. In other words, the user can alternatively adjust:

• • the positioning angle of the support bar 3 with respect to the frame 2 (by translating the support bar 3 in the angular disengagement direction DA in a first direction, which in the embodiment shown is parallel to the axis of rotation R);
  • or can adjust in sliding the position of the support bar 3 always with respect to the frame 2 (by translating the support bar 3 in the longitudinal disengagement direction DL, in the same direction as the angular disengagement DA but in a second direction opposite to said first direction).

The adjustment system according to at least some embodiments allows adapting the position of the support bar 3 to the user's needs, offering a variety of configurations for performing the exercises.

Based on the above, in general terms, the first end 31 of the support bar 3 is coupled to the adjustment device 4, so as to assume: an angular locking position, in which the first end 31 is fixed with respect to rotation to the frame 2; and an angular unlocking position, in which the support bar 3 is rotatable with respect to the frame 2, around a rotation axis R1, R2 aligned with said transverse direction X of the Cartesian frame of reference.

Furthermore, the first end 31 of said support bar 3 is coupled with said adjustment device 4, also to assume: a longitudinal locking position, in which the first end 31 is coupled to the frame 2; and a longitudinal unlocking position, in which the support bar 3 is slidable with respect to said frame 2, along said longitudinal direction Y.

The operation of the gymnastic exercise machine 1 according to at least some embodiments, and in particular the adjustment of the support bar 3, is as follows.

With reference to FIGS. 21, 22, and 25, a method 100 of adjusting the support bar 3 of the gymnastic exercise machine 1 is illustrated.

The adjustment method 100 comprises three main steps:

• • an unlocking step 110 of the support bar 3;
  • a position adjustment step 120 of the support bar 3; and
  • a locking step 130 of the support bar 3.

With reference also to FIGS. 23 and 24, the unlocking step 110 comprises two sub-steps:

• • a sub-step 111, in which the support bar 3 is made to slide laterally or transversely (direction X) or direction identified as orthogonal to that of longitudinal development of the machine (direction Y) in an angular disengagement direction DA;
  • a sub-step 112, which provides for the disengagement of the locking plate 42, so that the fixing pin 411 disengages from one of the positioning seats 421 in which it is inserted, overcoming the resistance of the return spring 43. In this way, the locking plate 42 is disengaged from the body 41 (which is fixed to the frame 2) and is free to rotate with respect to it around the axis R1. At the same time, the stop plate 52 also rotates with respect to the body 51 around the axis of rotation R2.

The position adjustment step 120 comprises the sub-step 121 of rotating the support bar 3, tilting it with respect to the frame 2, in the position desired by the user (see FIG. 23).

The locking step 130 comprises two sub-steps:

• • a sub-step 131, in which the user releases the support bar 3, so as to make it slide transversely in the direction opposite to the angular disengagement direction DA (see FIG. 24);
  • a sub-step 132, in which the body 41 engages again with the locking plate 42 of the adjustment device 4. In particular, the fixing pin 411 is inserted into a positioning seat 421, causing the locking plate 42 to assume a different angular position with respect to the body 41, and with respect to the one, in which it was in the unlocking step 110.

With reference to FIG. 25, as well as to FIGS. 26 and 27, the method 100 can also comprise further steps for the longitudinal adjustment of the support bar 3. In particular, the adjustment method comprises:

• • a sub-step 113 to make always sliding the support bar 3 transversely in a longitudinal disengagement direction DL (see also FIG. 26). As can be seen, the direction DL is always in the direction of the X-axis, but in the opposite direction to the arrow DA direction, with which the unlocking of the support bar 3 for angular adjustment or inclination with respect to the frame 2 is carried out);
  • a sub-step 114, in which the locking studs 461 of the adjustment device 4 disengage from the first rack 214, while the locking pins 561 of the counter-adjustment device 5 disengage from the second rack 224;
  • a sub-step 122, in which the support bar 3 is made to slide longitudinally by the user (see FIG. 26), i.e. in the Y direction, considering the Cartesian coordinate system of the figures;
  • a sub-step 133 of releasing the support bar 3, so as to make it slide transversely in the direction opposite to the longitudinal disengagement direction DL;
  • a sub-step 134, in which the locking studs 461 and the locking pins 561, respectively of said locking device 4 and of said counter-locking device 5, engage with the respective racks 221 and 222, so that the support bar 3 assumes a position with respect to the frame 2 different from the one in which it was in the unlocking step 110.

As can be seen, the adjustment method 100 allows a safe adjustment of the position of the support bar 3, both in an angular and longitudinal sense, adapting the configuration of the gymnastic exercise machine 1 to the user's needs.

The described embodiment provides that the adjustment device 4 and the counter-adjustment device 5 allow both angular and longitudinal adjustment of the support bar 3 with respect to the frame 2.

In a further embodiment, the adjustment device 4 and the counter-adjustment device 5 can only allow the angular adjustment of the support bar 3.

In another embodiment, the adjustment device 4 and the counter-adjustment device 5 can only allow the longitudinal adjustment of the support bar 3.

In a further embodiment, the gymnastic exercise machine 1 can comprise only one adjustment device 4, arranged at one of the ends of the support bar 3. Consequently, it is possible to provide that only one of the side members has a longitudinal guide cavity.

The embodiment described in the figures comprises an adjustment device 4 arranged on the first end 31 of the support bar 3 and a counter-adjustment device 5 arranged on the second end 32 of the adjustment bar 3.

However, in other embodiments, it is possible to provide both an adjustment device 4 arranged on the first end 31 of the support bar 3, and a further adjustment device 4 arranged on the second end 32 of the support bar 3.

Advantages

An advantage of at least some embodiments is to provide a system or adjustment mechanism for the support bar that allows both angular and longitudinal adjustment, offering greater flexibility in adapting the machine to the specific needs of the user during the execution of the exercises.

Another advantage of at least some embodiments is to allow a precise and safe adjustment of the position of the support bar, thanks to the locking and unlocking mechanism that uses fixing pins and positioning seats, ensuring stability during the use of the machine.

It is also an advantage of at least some embodiments to offer a simple and intuitive adjustment method, which the user can easily perform without having to interrupt the exercise session or change position on the machine.

An advantage of at least some embodiments is to use mechanical components such as wheels, racks and elastic means, which allow a controlled movement during adjustment.

Another advantage of at least some embodiments is to provide a compact and integrated structure, with the ends of the support bar arranged on opposite sides of the frame, optimizing space and facilitating the use of the machine in domestic environments or in gyms with limited space.

Examples have been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to some preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and/or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.