ITUB20155332A1 - Folding treadmill gym machine. - Google Patents

Description

Exercise machine with folding treadmill.

The present invention relates to an exercise machine with a folding treadmill.

More specifically, the invention relates to a machine of the above type, designed and built to close automatically.

In the following, the description will be directed to a running carpet gymnastic machine, but it is very clear that it should not be considered limited to this specific use.

As is well known, there are machines for performing gymnastic exercises in gyms, sports centers or medical rehabilitation centers, equipped with a treadmill on which to walk or run.

These machines, also known as walkers, runners, treadmills or treadmills, essentially comprise a base structure and a dashboard integrated into a support structure, connected to the base structure by means of two uprights.

The dashboard includes a control panel for managing the machine functions by means of commands.

The uprights connect the plank to the base structure and include supports or handles for the upper limbs of a user during the execution of the exercise.

The basic structure comprises a support frame, a table which acts as a support base for a treadmill, on which the user walks or runs.

The basic structure also comprises two rollers coupled to the frame, one at the front and one at the rear, set in rotation by a motor, on which said belt slides, creating a closed circuit.

Currently existing treadmill exercise machines can be fixed or foldable. Generally the walkers of considerable size installed in public environments (e.g. gyms and the like) are fixed; on the other hand, those intended for domestic use are often reclosable, so as to reduce the space occupied when they are not in use.

Currently the reclosable walkers are equipped with manual closing means. Therefore, the closure of these machines according to the known art involves considerable efforts for the user.

Automatic closing systems are also known which are however very bulky and are usually external devices to be coupled to the machines to be closed. Therefore, the user is forced to move often quite heavy parts and couple them to the machine, which is often rather complex and, in the end, impractical.

In light of the above, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an exercise machine with a sliding carpet capable of closing automatically which is structurally simple and easy to use for a user.

Therefore, the specific object of the present invention is a treadmill gymnastic machine comprising a base structure, having a frame, on which a closed circuit treadmill is installed for performing gymnastic exercises, a support structure coupled in rotation to said base structure , comprising a closing and handling unit, comprising in turn a trolley, coupled in rotation to said frame of said base structure, capable of assuming a first position, corresponding to the opening position of said exercise machine, in which it is arranged substantially parallel to said base structure, and a second position, corresponding to the closing position of said exercise machine, in which said trolley is rotated with respect to said base structure, so as to lift and rotate it with respect to said support structure, arranging itself side by side to her; and actuator means, adapted to allow the movement of said carriage from said first to said second position and vice versa.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said basic structure comprises a carter for covering said frame having a front portion provided with a support surface on which said sliding carpet gymnastic machine rests when it is in said closed position, and during the passage from said open position to said closed position, said base structure and said support structure move relative to each other in such a way that the center of gravity of said exercise machine describes a locus of points, whose vertical projections they fall on said support surface or in proximity to it.

Preferably according to the invention, said actuating means comprise a nut screw coupled to said carriage, and a nut engaged with said nut screw.

Still according to the invention, said carriage comprises a first and a second support bar, arranged substantially parallel, on each of said first and second support bar being made a guide, a first and a second sliding pin, each sliding in a respective guides of said first and second support bar and a coupling and rotation bar coupled in rotation to said frame, said first and second support bar being fixed to said coupling and rotation bar, and said nut screw having a fixed end to said coupling and rotation bar, and said first and second sliding pin being fixed to said nut.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said actuator means also comprise a motor member, for the actuation of said nut screw.

Preferably according to the invention, said closing and handling unit comprises a first pair of support arms, in which each arm of said first pair of support arms has a first end coupled in rotation with said frame and a second end coupled in rotation with a respective one of said first and second sliding pins.

Still according to the invention, said closing and handling assembly comprises a second pair of support arms, in which an arm of said second pair of support arms has a first end coupled in rotation with said support structure and a second coupled end with said coupling and rotation bar, by means of a crank.

Further according to the invention, said frame comprises a pair of side members on which said sliding belt is installed and said support structure comprising a pair of uprights arranged parallel and coupled in rotation each to a respective side member of said frame.

Preferably according to the invention, each of said pair of longitudinal members has a cavity to partially or wholly respectively house each arm of said second pair of support arms during the closure of said exercise machine.

Still according to the invention, each of said side members has a respective passage slot, and each of said uprights comprising a first coupling pin, coupled in rotation with the respective side member, and a second coupling pin, slidingly coupled with a respective slot of passage of each of said longitudinal members.

Further according to the invention, said second pair of support arms has a first end coupled in rotation with a respective one of said first and second upright by means of a respective pin of said second coupling pins.

Preferably according to the invention, said exercise machine comprises two lifting wheels fixed to said frame, for lifting said base structure when said exercise machine is in operation, it comprises wheels fixed to said first and second support bars, and being supported on said two lifting wheels and said wheels during the passage from said open position to said closed position.

The present invention will now be described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a treadmill exercise machine according to the present invention, in the open position;

figure 2 shows the machine of figure 1 in which the base structure does not have the covering casing; Figure 3 shows a perspective view from below of the exercise machine according to Figure 1;

figure 4a shows the coupling of the frame of the treadmill gymnastic machine according to the present invention with a first upright;

figure 4b shows the coupling of the frame of the treadmill gymnastic machine according to the present invention with a second upright;

figure 5 shows a perspective view of part of the structure of the exercise machine of figure 1;

figure 6a shows the exercise machine according to the present invention without the covering casing in an intermediate position between that of opening and that of closing;

figure 6b shows the exercise machine according to figure 6a provided with a covering casing;

figure 7 shows a perspective view of the exercise machine according to figure 6a;

figure 8 shows a perspective view of part of the structure of the exercise machine of figure 6a;

figure 9a shows the exercise machine according to the present invention without the covering casing in the closed position;

figure 9b shows the exercise machine according to figure 9a provided with a covering casing;

figure 10 shows a perspective view of the exercise machine according to figure 9a; And

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of part of the structure of the exercise machine of Figure 9a.

In the various figures similar parts will be indicated with the same numerical references.

With reference to figures 1-5, the sliding carpet gymnastic machine 1 according to the present invention can be seen.

The exercise machine 1 essentially comprises a base structure 2 which is arranged on a floor, a support structure 3 and a closing and handling unit 4, arranged below said base structure 2, suitable for automatically closing said exercise machine 1, placing said base structure 2 and said support structure 3 superimposed and in a substantially vertical position.

Said base structure 2 comprises a frame 21, having a first 211 and a second 212 side member and, a plurality of support feet 213 and two plates 214, each integral with a respective first 211 and second 212 side member. Said base structure 2 also comprises a table (not shown in the figures) arranged in said frame 21 between said first 211 and second 212 longitudinal member and a closed-circuit sliding belt 22 on said table, set in motion by a pair of motorized rollers 23 . On said sliding carpet 22 the user can perform the gymnastic exercise.

Said base structure 2 also comprises a covering casing 24, which covers said frame 21 and has in particular the front portion 25 provided with a support surface 25 ', the function of which will be better described below. In addition, two other small wheels (not shown in the figures) may be present in proximity to said support surface 25 'on said cover 24, useful for moving the exercise machine 1 when it is closed.

Finally, said base structure 2 comprises two known lifting wheels 26, fixed to said frame 21, for lifting said base structure 2 when said exercise machine 1 is in operation and said sliding belt 22 is sliding, to unwind an exercise, simulating a climb.

Said support structure 3 comprises a first 31 and a second 32 upright arranged parallel and coupled in rotation to said frame 21 of said base structure 2, in particular on the front portion of said base structure 2.

Figures 4a and 4b, in particular, respectively show the coupling in rotation of said first 31 and second 32 upright to the respective first 211 and second 212 longitudinal member of said frame 21 of said base structure 2. In particular, said first longitudinal member 211 has, at the coupling of one end of said first upright 31, a passage slot 215, while said first upright 31 comprises a first coupling pin 311, coupled in rotation with said first longitudinal member 211, and a second coupling pin 311 ', slidingly coupled with said passage slot 215.

Similarly, said second side member 212 has, at the coupling of one end of said second upright 32, a respective passage slot 215, while said second upright 32 comprises a respective first coupling pin 321, coupled in rotation with said second side member 212, and a respective second coupling pin 321 ', slidingly coupled with the respective passage slot 215.

The reciprocal excursion of the movement of said first 31 and second 32 upright and of said first 211 and second 212 side member is delimited by said passage slots 215 obtained on said first 211 and second 212 side member. In this way, said support structure 3 and said base structure 2 can rotate reciprocally according to the arrow A, so as to overlap one another.

Between said first 31 and second 32 upright there is a control panel 34, in which generally a viewer or a touch on screen monitor and the controls for the operation of said exercise machine 1 are provided.

Two handles or handrails 33 are each coupled to a respective one of said first 31 and second 32 upright, to allow the user to lean stably on said gymnastic machine 1 during the execution of the gymnastic exercise.

Said closing and handling unit 4, arranged below said base structure 2, so as to be between said frame 21 and the floor on which said exercise machine 1 rests, comprises a trolley 41 and actuator means 42.

Said carriage 41 comprises a first 411 and a second 412 support bar, on each of which a guide is formed, respectively indicated with the first 411 'and the second 412' guide. A respective sliding pin, indicated with first 411 "and second 412" sliding pin, whose function will be better defined hereinafter, slides on each of said first 411 'and second 412' guide.

Said carriage 41 is also provided with rolling members or wheels 413, fixed to said first 411 and second 412 support bar.

Said carriage 41 also comprises a coupling and rotation bar 414, to which said first 411 and second 412 support bar are fixed. Said coupling and rotation bar 414 is coupled in rotation to said plates 214 of said frame 21 by means of brackets 415. In this way, said carriage 41 is able to rotate with respect to said frame 21 around said coupling and rotation bar 414, assuming a first position, in which it is arranged substantially parallel to said base structure 2, in which said exercise machine 1 is open, and a second position, in which said base structure 2 and said support structure 3 mutually rotate, placing themselves side by side, in which said exercise machine 1 is closed.

Said actuator means 42 comprise a nut screw 421 coupled to said carriage 41, in particular having one end fixed to said coupling and rotation bar 414, and a nut 422, engaged with said nut screw 421, to which said first 411 "and second 412 "slide pin.

Said actuator means 42 also comprise a motor member 423, for the actuation of said nut screw 421.

Said closing and handling unit 4 also comprises a first 43 and a second 44 pair of support arms. Each arm of said first pair of support arms 43 has a first end coupled in rotation with a respective first 211 or second 212 longitudinal member. said frame 21, and a second end coupled in rotation with a respective first 411 "or second 412" sliding pin.

Instead, each arm of said second pair of support arms 44 has a first end, coupled in rotation with a respective one of said first 31 and second 32 upright by means of a respective pin of said first coupling pins 311 'or 321', and a second end coupled to said coupling and rotation bar 414, by means of a crank 45.

Said first 211 and second 212 longitudinal member of said frame 21 have a cavity to partially or wholly respectively house each arm of said second pair of support arms 44 during the closure of said exercise machine 1, in order to reduce the overall dimensions of the exercise machine 1 itself.

The operation of the sliding carpet gymnastic machine 1 described above takes place as follows.

Figures 1-5 described above show said exercise machine 1 in the open position. The automatic closing of said exercise machine 1 can take place by means of a command from the control panel 34 or also by means of a remote control,

Referring now to figures 6-8, which show said exercise machine 1 in an intermediate position between the opening and closing one, when the automatic closing of said exercise machine 1 is started, said motor 423 rotates said nut screw 421 Said nut 422, engaged with said nut screw 421, slides in the direction of arrow B, parallel to said first 411 and second 412 support bar of said carriage 41, being constrained to slide along said first 411 'and second 412' guide by means of said first 411 "and second 412" sliding pin. In this way, said carriage 41 spreads out with respect to said base structure 2, gradually passing from said first opening position to said second closing position, lifting it from the floor according to arrow C, sliding on said wheels 413.

At the same time, each of said first 211 and second 212 side member rotates with respect to the respective first 31 and second 32 upright of said support structure 3. In particular, with reference to Figure 4a, said first side member 211 rotates around said first pivot pin. coupling 311, while said second coupling pin 311 'slides on said passage slot 215. The same kinematics applies to figure 4b.

Said crank 45 allows said first 43 and second 44 pair of support arms to rotate with respect to said coupling and rotation bar 414. Each arm of said second pair of support arms 44 causes the movement of the respective second coupling pin 311 ' and 321 '. Said second coupling pin 311 'and 321', being each constrained to slide on the respective passage slot 215, cause said first 31 and second 32 upright to rotate towards said base structure 2, while it is lifting, therefore moving by motion relative to one (said base structure 2) with respect to the others (said first 31 and second 32 upright).

In this way, while said base structure 2 is raised from the floor, the effect is obtained whereby the center of gravity of said exercise machine 1 tends to describe a place of points, whose vertical projections fall on said support surface 25 'or near it. Therefore, the weight of said exercise machine 1 is always balanced during the transition from said open position to said closed position.

This rotation, in order to limit any risk of overturning of said exercise machine 1, is partially compensated by the rotation of said crank 45, which by rotating each aligns itself with the respective support arm of said second pair of support arms 44.

When both said nut 422 (approaching said coupling and rotation bar 414) and said second coupling pin 311 'of said first upright 31, and the respective pin of said second upright 32, reach the end of their travel, said base structure 2 is in contact with, or in proximity to, said control panel 34, arranging itself between said handles or handrails 33, as can be seen in figures 9a-11, and each arm of said second pair of support arms 44 is arranged inside a said cavities of the respective first 211 and second 212 longitudinal member.

In this configuration, said sliding belt exercise machine 1 is closed and can be stored. Furthermore, said exercise machine 1 can also be locked, with an appropriate command, in said intermediate position (see Figures 6a-8), before said support surface 25 'of said cover 24 touches the surface of the floor. This makes the movement of the exercise machine 1 itself simple and safe by a user, by means of said lifting wheels 26 and said wheels 413 of said trolley 41.

In the closed position, the exercise machine 1 takes up little space and can be moved and stored easily.

As is evident from the above description, an advantage of the folding sliding treadmill exercise machine according to the present invention is that it can be closed automatically by simply operating a control located on said control panel 34.

Another advantage of the exercise machine according to the invention is that it can be closed in an optimal way without any risk of overturning.

A further advantage of the exercise machine according to the invention is that of allowing the movement of the exercise machine itself, reducing any effort.

The present invention has been described for illustrative, but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that variations and / or modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without thereby departing from the relative scope of protection, such as defined by the attached claims.

Claims (12)

CLAIMS 1. Sliding carpet exercise machine (1) comprising a base structure (2), having a frame (21), on which a closed-circuit sliding mat (22) is installed for performing gymnastic exercises, a support structure (3) coupled in rotation to said base structure (2), characterized in that it comprises a closing and handling unit (4), comprising a trolley (41), coupled in rotation to said frame (21) of said base structure (2), capable of assuming a first position, corresponding to the opening position of said exercise machine (1), in which it is arranged substantially parallel to said base structure (2), and a second position, corresponding to the closing position of said exercise machine (1), in which said carriage (41) is rotated with respect to said base structure (2), so as to lift it and rotate it with respect to said support structure (3), arranging itself close to it; and actuator means (42), adapted to allow the movement of said carriage (41) from said first to said second position and vice versa. Exercise machine (1) according to the preceding claim characterized by the fact that said base structure (2) comprises a covering carter (24) of said frame (21) having a front portion (25) provided with a support surface (25 ') on which said carpet gymnastic machine rests sliding (1) when it is in said closed position, e from the fact that during the passage from said open position to said closed position, said base structure (2) and said support structure (3) move relative to each other in such a way that the center of gravity of said gymnastic machine (1) describes a place of points, the vertical projections of which fall on said support surface {25 ') or in proximity to it. Exercise machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said actuator means (42) comprise a nut screw (421) coupled to said carriage (41), and a nut (422) engaged with said nut screw (421). Exercise machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by the fact that said carriage (41) comprises a first (411) and a second (412) support bar, arranged substantially parallel, on each of said first (411) and second (412) support bar a guide (411) being obtained ', 412'), a first (411 ") and a second (412") sliding pin, each sliding in a respective of said guides (411 ', 412') of said first (411) and second (412) bar support and a coupling and rotation bar (414) coupled in rotation to said frame (21), said first (411) and second (412) support bar being fixed to said coupling and rotation bar (414), by the fact that said nut screw (421) has one end fixed to said coupling and rotation bar (414), and by the fact that said first (411 ") and second (412") sliding pin are fixed to said nut (422), 5. Exercise machine (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said actuator means (42) also comprise a motor member (423), for operating said nut screw (421). 6. Exercise machine (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said closing and handling unit (4) comprises a first pair of support arms (43), in which each arm of said first pair of support arms (43) has a first end coupled in rotation with said frame (21) and a second end coupled in rotation with a respective one of said first (411 ") and second (412") sliding pin. 7. Exercise machine (1) according to any one of claims 4-6, characterized in that said closing and handling unit (4) comprises a second pair of support arms (44), in which one arm of said second pair of support arms (44) has a first end coupled in rotation with said support structure (3) and a second end coupled with said coupling and rotation bar (414), by means of a crank (45). Exercise machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that said frame (21) comprises a pair of longitudinal members (211, 212) on which said sliding belt (22) is installed and in that said support structure (3) comprises a pair of uprights (31, 32) arranged parallel and coupled in rotation each to a respective longitudinal member (211, 212) of said frame (21). Exercise machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each of said pair of longitudinal members (211, 212) has a cavity for housing partially or entirely respectively each arm of said second pair of support arms (44) during the closure of said exercise machine (1). Exercise machine (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that each of said longitudinal members (211, 212) has a respective passage slot (215), and by the fact that each of said uprights (31, 32) comprises a first coupling pin (311), coupled in rotation with the respective longitudinal member (211, 212), and a second coupling pin (311 '), slidingly coupled with a respective passage slot (215) of each of said longitudinal members (211, 212). 11. Exercise machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each arm of said second pair of support arms (44) has a first end coupled in rotation with a respective one of said first (31) and second (32) upright by means of a respective pin of said second coupling pins (311 ') or (321'). Exercise machine (1) according to any one of claims 4-11, characterized by the fact of comprising two lifting wheels (26) fixed to said frame (21), for lifting said base structure (2) when said exercise machine (1) is in operation, by comprising wheels (413) fixed to said first (411) and second (412) support bars, and in that said exercise machine (1) rests on said two lifting wheels (26) and said wheels (413) during the passage from said open position to said closed position.