WO2006094925A1

WO2006094925A1 - Device for gymnastic exercises

Info

Publication number: WO2006094925A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/060391
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marcello Del Fabro
Original assignee: Del Fabro, Gianandrea
Priority date: 2005-03-04
Filing date: 2006-03-02
Publication date: 2006-09-14

Abstract

Device for gymnastic exercises comprising a bench (10) including at least two frames (12, 13) and connection means (22, 24, 30, 31) which connect the frames (12, 13) to each other. The connection means (22, 24, 30, 31) can be configured in at least a first condition in which the frames (12, 13) are solid with each other so as to define a single supporting plane (15, 16) able to be moved from a horizontal position to an inclined position and vice versa, in order to perform the function of a gravity bench, and a second condition in which the frames (12, 13) are pivoted to each other along a substantially horizontal axis (X) and can be moved from a first co-planar position to a second position in which they form a desired angle of less than 180°.

Description

"DEVICE FOR GYMNASTIC EXERCISES" * * * * *

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a device for gymnastic exercises for muscular training. To be more exact, the device according to the invention comprises a bench including at least two frames defining a supporting surface for the user disposed in a supine or prone position, and a connection device which connects the frames with each other in variable manner. The device according to the invention also comprises an oscillating arm, connected to one end of the bench, and associated with contrasting means defining a resistance, advantageously adjustable, to the force exerted by the user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A bench for gymnastic exercises is known, comprising two frames solid with each other, defining a plane support on which the user can lie down and which can be directed with respect to a horizontal pivoting axis. The bench, also called gravity bench, because it can selectively be disposed in a vertical or subvertical position, allows the user to effect a series of gymnastic exercises, for example to train the abdominal muscles.

A second type of bench is also known, having two frames defining a seat-type support, pivoted to a horizontal axis with respect to which the support can be directed. According to the type of exercise and the user's requirements, the support can be oriented so as to obtain an optimum position in which it is clamped. Known benches in general have the disadvantage that the ideal working position must be defined before the user lies down or stretches out to do the gymnastic exercises; this position is often not the optimum one for the specific user, since it is chosen a priori according to the judgment of an assistant, or according to pre-defined tables.

Another disadvantage of known benches is that they do not generally provide different operating conditions in which they allow to perform gymnastic activities which are very different from each other in order to train different muscles .

It is known for example to provide specific equipment, associated with the bench, which is used by the user, in a sitting, supine or prone position, in order to train determinate muscles or groups of muscles, for example those of the legs or arms.

However, known equipment and devices have the disadvantage that they are specifically dedicated to the training only of determinate muscles or groups of muscles; therefore, the user is obliged to change equipment on each occasion, and/or to equip himself/herself with a plurality of different specific equipment and devices, with obvious problems of cost and space, in order to train a substantial part of his/her muscles.

One purpose of the present invention is to achieve a device for gymnastic exercises which allows a wide range of totally personalizable adjustments and of conditions of use, allowing the user to perform a greater quantity and variety of gymnastic exercises with respect to known benches .

Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve a device for gymnastic exercises in which the support can be orientated comfortably, simply and in a personalized manner, even when the user is already on it and without the intervention of a second person.

Another purpose of the present invention is to achieve a device for gymnastic exercises which allows, in a comfortable and simple manner, to adjust the reciprocal angular position of the frames that define the supporting surface of the bench, in order to select different operating conditions of the bench. A further purpose of the invention is to achieve a device for gymnastic exercises which allows a wide range of conditions of use, allowing the user to perform a greater quantity and variety of gymnastic exercises with respect to known solutions, stressing a very high number of different muscles, by means of a simple and rapid reconfiguration of the device.

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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

In accordance with the above purposes, a device for gymnastic exercises according to the present invention comprises a bench including at least two frames and connection means able to connect the frames to each other, said connection means being able to be configured in at least a first and a second condition.

In the first condition, assumed for example at the beginning of the exercise, so that the user can easily lie down, the frames are solid with each other and define substantially a single supporting plane able to be moved, pivoting on a substantially horizontal axis, from a substantially horizontal position to a position inclined as desired, as far as almost vertical, in order to perform the function of a gravity bench.

In this condition, after having suitably clamped his/her feet to one end of the bench, the user can perform exercises to train the trunk muscles, for example the abdominal or dorsal muscles.

In the second condition of the connection means, the frames are pivoted to each other and are free to rotate one with respect to the other, for example with respect to a substantially horizontal pivoting axis, at least from a first position, substantially reciprocally co-planar, to a second position in which they form a desired angle, adjustable as desired, of less than 180°.

In the second condition, the user can perform exercises to train the muscles of the lumbo-sacral zone, the vertebral column, the adductors, etc.

In this way, the bench according to the invention allows a wide range of adjustments and conditions of use, allowing the user to perform various gymnastic exercises of different types, something which cannot be obtained with known benches, unless recourse is made to two or more of them.

The movement of at least one of the frames is achieved by movement means, for example comprising at least a fluid- dynamic actuator, or at least an electric actuator, able to be actuated by means located in correspondence with at least one of the frames in a position that the user can reach even when he/she is lying down, supine or prone, on the supporting plane.

In this way, the bench allows to adjust the position of orientation of the supporting plane in a comfortable and simple manner, even when the user is lying thereon and without the intervention of a second person. To be more exact, the user can modify the position of the bench both in terms of inclination with respect to the horizontal, and also in terms of bending of one frame with respect to the other, until his/her personal sensation leads him/her to stop the adjustment in the positions reached, for example according to a condition of acquired well-being or desired tension of the muscles to be stressed.

According to a preferential form of embodiment of the present invention, the device also comprises at least an oscillating arm, advantageously connected to one end of the bench.

The oscillating arm has a first end able to be associated with contrasting means and a second end able to be associated with gripping means able to be put in cooperation with one or more of the user ' s limbs in order to perform the gymnastic exercises.

The contrasting means comprises, for example, at least a hydraulic jack advantageously having a contrasting force that can be adjusted at least according to the type and difficulty of the exercise and the abilities and needs of the user. The gripping elements comprise, for example, rollers, handles, ropes or other.

The device also comprises at least a supporting element with which at least the contrasting means and said at least one oscillating arm are associated. The supporting element also comprises attachment means able to be associated for example with the end of the bench.

In a preferential embodiment, the attachment means comprises first attachment means that defines, in cooperation with second attachment means, one or more conditions of use of said at least one oscillating arm, and hence of the gripping elements with respect to, for example, the bench.

Each different condition of use of the oscillating arm corresponds to one or more different exercises that can be performed by the user lying or sitting on the bench.

To be more exact, said attachment means defines a first condition in which the contrasting means and said at least one oscillating arm lie on a substantially vertical plane, so that the oscillating arm is rotatable on said substantially vertical plane.

In a first sub-condition, the contrasting means is facing the bench so that the force that the user has to apply to the oscillating arm against the resistance exerted by the contrasting means is directed upwards .

In this sub-condition, the user, either lying or sitting, can anchor himself/herself with the feet to the gripping elements in order to train, for example, the leg muscles, or, in a supine position, he/she can grasp the gripping elements with the hands in order to train for example the arm muscles.

In a second sub-condition, the contrasting means is facing the bench so that the force to be applied to the oscillating arm against the resistance exerted by the contrasting means is directed downwards.

In this sub-condition, the user, in a lying position, can exert for example the muscles of the whole body, thrusting against the gripping elements with the feet, by means of stretching.

Said attachment means also defines a second condition in which the contrasting means and said at least one oscillating arm lie on a substantially horizontal plane, so that the oscillating arm is rotatable on said substantially horizontal plane.

In a third sub-condition, the contrasting means is facing the bench so that the force is substantially parallel to a first side of said structure, whereas in a fourth sub- condition the contrasting means is facing, with respect to the bench, in such a manner that said force is substantially parallel to a second side, opposite the first. In each of these two last sub-conditions, the user can train for example his/her pectoral muscles, or the thigh muscles, by pulling towards him/her the gripping elements associated with the oscillating arm.

In this way the device according to the present invention allows to perform a plurality of training exercises according to the condition or sub-condition defined by the attachment means.

According to an advantageous solution of the invention, the association of the first and second attachment means defines at least a further intermediate condition of use between said first and said second condition.

According to another advantageous solution, the device also comprises connection means able to connect the contrasting means to said at least one oscillating arm, which is pivoted to the connection means.

In another variant, the connection means defines at least two different clamping positions for said at least one oscillating arm, thus allowing to further extend the conditions and sub-conditions of use of the device, which allows to perform other types of gymnastic exercises, for example by mounting the arm facing downwards or upwards .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferential form of embodiment, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - fig. 1 is a lateral view of a bench used in the device according to the present invention; - fig. 2 is a plane view of a detail of fig. 1;

- fig. 3 is a view from III of fig. 2;

- figs. 4 to 7 show schematically the bench in fig. 1 in various positions of use; - fig. 8 is a schematic lateral view of a device for gymnastic exercises according to the present invention comprising an oscillating arm mounted on a bench and in a first condition of use;

- fig. 9 is an enlarged lateral view of the oscillating arm in fig. 8;

- fig. 10 is a lateral view of the oscillating arm in fig.

9 during use;

- fig. 11 is a lateral view of the oscillating arm in fig.

9 in a second condition of use; - fig. 12 is a schematic lateral view of the oscillating arm and the bench in fig. 8 in a second condition of use;

- fig. 13 is a schematic lateral view of the oscillating arm and the bench in fig. 8 in a third condition of use;

- fig. 14 is a schematic lateral view of the oscillating arm and the bench in fig. 8 in a fourth condition of use;

- fig. 15 is a schematic lateral view of the oscillating arm and the bench in fig. 8 in a fifth condition of use;

- fig. 16 is a schematic lateral view of the oscillating arm and the bench in fig. 8 in a sixth condition of use; - fig. 17 is a schematic plane view of the oscillating arm and bench in fig. 16;

- fig. 18 is a schematic lateral view of the oscillating arm and the bench in fig. 8 in a seventh condition of use;

- fig. 19 is a schematic lateral view of the oscillating arm and the bench in fig. 8 in an eighth condition of use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERENTIAL FORMS OF

EMBODIMENT

With reference to fig. 1, a bench according to the present invention for gymnastic exercises comprises a supporting structure 11 and two frames, respectively first 12 and second 13 on each of which a respective supporting plane 15, 16 is attached for the user, advantageously equipped with one or more padded cushions.

The structure 11 comprises two supports, respectively first and second 18 and 19, made for example of steel bars, each one having at one end supporting feet 21 able to be disposed on the floor. The supporting feet 21 can also be associated with wheels, advantageously equipped with brakes selectively able to be de-activated so as to allow the bench 10 to be moved. The first support 18 is attached, in correspondence with its second end, to the body of the second support 19, for example by welding.

The second support 19 comprises, attached to the second end, a cylindrical rod 22 which during use is substantially horizontal and disposed transversely to the bench 10.

Two plates 24, of which only one is shown in fig. 2, are solid with the cylindrical rod 22, and have a circular sector shape and are disposed parallel to each other and facing the part of the first frame 12. On each plate 24 three reference seatings are made, respectively first 25 (fig. 2), second 26 and third 27 (fig. 3) which in use are disposed so as to have their longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis "X" of the cylindrical rod 22.

Each frame 12, 13 has a perimeter structure, advantageously tubular, made for example of steel and having a substantially rectangular shape, from which two arms branch off, respectively first 30 and second 31, parallel to the outer sides of the frames 12, 13.

Each arm 30, 31 has a respective hole 33, 34 into which, during use, the terminal part of the cylindrical rod 22 is inserted, with respect to which the two arms 30, 31 and consequently the two frames 12, 13 are free to rotate.

The bench 10 (fig. 1) also comprises a fluid-dynamic actuator, which in this case is a jack 20. Instead of the fluid-dynamic actuator an electric actuator can be used.

The jack 20, at one first end, is mechanically connected to the body of the first support 18 and at the second end to the first frame 12, for example by means of an articulation, not shown here.

Moreover, the jack 20 is pneumatically connected to a charge lever 41 which, when driven, drives the jack 20 to rotate the first frame 12 upwards, and a discharge lever

42, or brake, which when driven releases the jack 20 to rotate the first frame 12 downwards.

The charge lever 41 and the discharge lever 42 are disposed under the first supporting plane 15 in a position easily and comfortably reached by the user's hand, even when the latter is lying down, either supine or prone.

The first arm 30 (figs. 2 and 3) comprises two clamping seatings, respectively first 35 and second 36, and the second arm 31 comprises two clamping seatings respectively third 37 and fourth 38.

The first and the second clamping seatings 35, 36, the third and the fourth clamping seatings 37, 38 and the reference seatings 25-27 of the plate 24 are made so as to be disposed on three respective circumferences parallel to each other and having a center on the cylindrical rod 22 and the same diameter.

In this way, by rotating the first frame 12 and/or the second frame 13 with respect to the cylindrical rod 22, the first clamping seating 35 can be aligned with the third 37, and simultaneously the second 36 with the fourth 38. Moreover, the fourth clamping seating 38 can be aligned with one of the reference seatings 25-27 of the plate 24. In the aligned condition, a pin 40 can be inserted into the above seatings, so as to keep the first and the second frame 12, 13 clamped together, or at least the second frame 13 clamped to the cylindrical rod 22 in the corresponding aligned condition. The functioning of the bench 10 is described as follows, particularly with reference to figs. 4 to 7.

When the first clamping seating 35 of the first frame 12 is aligned with the third seating 37 of the second frame 13, and they are clamped together by means of the pin 40, this defines a first condition of the bench 10 (fig. 4). In this condition, the two frames 12, 13 are solid with each other, with the supporting planes 15, 16 co-planar, and are free to rotate with respect to the cylindrical rod 22. The user, lying on the supporting planes 15, 16, supine (fig. 4a) or prone (fig. 4b), drives the charge lever 41 of the jack 20, consequently making the two frames 12, 13 rotate, and with them the supporting planes 15, 16, until the optimum position is reached for him/her for the exercises to be done (fig. 4c). The characteristic of the bench 10 according to the present invention is that there are no pre-set positions, and so the user acts on the charge lever 41 until a condition of well-being is acquired, or a condition of desired exertion with regard to the exercises to be done.

When the exercises are finished, the user can drive the discharge lever 42 in order to return the frames 12, 13 and hence the supporting planes 15, 16 to the starting position, or again drive the charge lever 41 in order to farther incline vertically the supporting plane 15, 16.

In this condition, the user uses the bench 10 as a gravity bench, with the possibility of varying the inclination of the supporting planes 15, 16 with respect to the floor, while remaining lying down.

When the fourth clamping seating 38 of the second frame 13 is aligned with the third reference seating 27 of the plate 24, and they are clamped together by means of the pin 40, a second condition is defined (fig. 5), in which the first frame 12 is free to rotate with respect to the cylindrical rod 22 and the second frame 13 is clamped and, in this case, has an inclination of about 45° with respect to the floor. This inclination is defined by the position of the third reference seating 27. In this condition, as in the other conditions described hereafter, by acting on the jack 20 the user can incline the first frame 12 upwards, keeping the second frame 13 with a fixed inclination so that the reciprocal position of the frames 12, 13 forms a V shape, whose angle is modified by the user until the position is ideal for him/her.

This condition allows to perform other gymnastic exercises with respect to the condition of the gravity bench, such as for example stretching, particularly the back muscles, and requires the use of an extension frame 44 equipped with a head rest 46 and able to be associated with the second frame 13.

When the fourth clamping seating 38 of the second frame 13 is aligned with the second reference seating 26 of the plate 24, and they are clamped together by means of the pin 40, a third condition is defined (fig. 6), in which the first frame 12 is free to rotate with respect to the cylindrical rod 22 and the second frame 13 is clamped and, in this case, has an inclination of about 20-30° with respect to the floor. In this case too, the inclination depends on the position of the third reference seating 27.

The third condition is ideal for performing, with the assistance of a suitable tool 45 equipped with weights hanging at one end of the second frame 13, training exercises for the muscles of the lower limbs, for the knees, the ankles, etc.

When the fourth clamping seating 38 of the second frame 13 is aligned with the second clamping seating 36 of the first frame 12 and with the first reference seating 25 of the plate 24 and they are clamped together by means of the pin 40, a fourth condition of the bench 10 is defined (fig. 7), in which the frames 12, 13 are solid with each other and clamped in a substantially horizontal position. This fourth condition of the fixed bench allows to perform exercises on both the front and rear muscles of the limbs, for example using the tool 45, starting from a supine horizontal position (fig. 7a) or prone (fig. 7b).

The fourth condition also allows to store the bench 10, since the two frames 12, 13 are solid with the structure 11, and also to use the bench as a normal seat.

According to a variant solution, the bench 10 comprises two actuators, one associated with the first frame 12 and the other with the second frame 13, which allows a reciprocal rotation, and independent of each other, of the two frames 12, 13 with respect to the axis of oscillation consisting of the cylindrical rod 22.

According to another variant, the plate 24 is associated with the first frame 12, so that when the second frame 13 is clamped to the plate 24 and the first frame 12 rotates, the second frame 13 also rotates.

With reference to fig. 8, an oscillating arm 50 for gymnastic exercises is associated with the bench 10, to be more exact with an end of the second frame 13. It is obvious that the oscillating arm 50 could also be associated with the end of the first frame 12, or there could be two oscillating arms 50, each associated with a different end of the bench 10.

The oscillating arm 50 (fig. 9) comprises a hydraulic jack 52, a support 53, a pivoting element 55 and an oscillating element 56, all lying substantially on the same plane. In the case shown here, at one end of the oscillating element at least a roller 58 is fixed, in a known manner. There may be two or more rollers 58 present, adjacent to each other.

The support 53 is provided with a bracket 59 able to be associated with an attachment element 60, made for example of metal, attached to the second frame 13 of the bench 10 and defining a suitable seating 61 inside which said bracket 59 is able to be inserted and clamped by means of a screw 62 or a pin. The seating 61 has a square section, so as to allow the bracket 59 to be inserted, which has shape and size mating with those of the seating 61, in four different positions rotated in pairs by 90°.

It comes within the field of the invention that the seating 61 has a circular section, or polygonal with five or more sides.

The pivoting element 55 is provided with two metal plates attached parallel to each other, and is pivoted to a first end of the support 53 and to a second end of the hydraulic jack 52. The second end of the support 53 is pivoted to the second end of the hydraulic jack 52.

A first end of the oscillating element 56 is pivoted in turn to the pivoting element 55, which is also provided with two through holes, respectively first 64 and second

65, into one of which a pin 66 or screw is inserted, cooperating with the oscillating element 56 in order to clamp the latter to the pivoting element 55. The through holes 64, 65 in this case are disposed angled to each other by about 120°. It is obvious that any different suitable value comes within the field of the invention.

Fig. 9 shows a first position of the oscillating element 56 with respect to the pivoting element 55, in which the pin 66 is inserted in the first through hole 64, while fig. 11 shows a second position of the oscillating element 56 with respect to the pivoting element 55, in which the pin 66 is inserted into the second through hole 65.

At rest, the oscillating element 56 defines, with respect to the hydraulic jack 52, an angle which in the first position is about 30°, advantageously less than 90°, whereas in the second position it is about 150°, advantageously comprised between 90° and 180°.

Fig. 10 shows the oscillating arm 50 during use: by thrusting the rollers 58 away from the second frame 13 and upwards with a force F, the oscillating element 56, constrained to the pivoting element 55 by means of the pin

66, makes the element 55 rotate with respect to its pivoting point. In this way the cylinder of the hydraulic jack 52 is removed, opposing a contrasting force Fc, advantageously determined in advance by means of a regulation ring-nut 68.

The functioning of the oscillating arm 50 is described with reference to the attached drawings.

Fig. 8 shows a first condition of use, in which the oscillating element 56 is clamped in the first position with respect to the pivoting element 55, the bracket 59 is inserted into the seating 61, so that the hydraulic jack 52 and the oscillating element 56 lie on a substantially vertical plane .

The hydraulic jack 52 is facing downwards, so that the force F to be applied to the oscillating element 56 in order to remove the cylinder of the hydraulic jack 52 is directed upwards.

The first and the second frame 12, 13 are also oriented with respect to each other by an angle of about 120°, and the second frame 13 is inclined with respect to the floor by about 30°.

This first condition of use is particularly suitable for training the front muscles of the legs.

Fig. 12 shows a second condition of use, in which the oscillating element 56 is clamped in the second position with respect to the pivoting element 55, the force F is directed upwards, and the two frames 12, 13 are disposed horizontal and co-planar. This second condition is ideal for training the rear muscles of the legs, with the user in a prone position. Fig. 13 shows a third condition of use, in which the second frame 13 is inclined with respect to the first 12, which is in a horizontal position, and the user lies in a supine position, so as to grasp the rollers 58 with his/her hands . In this third condition, the user can train the arm muscles.

Fig. 14 shows a fourth condition of use, in which the oscillating element 56 is clamped in the first position with respect to the pivoting element 55, the oscillating arm 50 is rotated by 180° in the seating 61 with respect to the condition shown in figs. 12 and 13, so that the hydraulic jack 52 and the oscillating element 56 lie on a substantially vertical plane.

The hydraulic jack 52 is facing upwards, so that the force F to be applied to the oscillating element 56 in order to remove the cylinder of the hydraulic jack 52 is directed downwards . In this case, it is appropriate that the first and second frame 12, 13 are also oriented with respect to each other by an angle of about 130°, with the second frame 13 inclined with respect to the floor by about 30°.

In this fourth condition, the user can train the leg muscles and perform stretching of the whole body while keeping the upper part of the trunk resting on the first frame 12, stretching and thrusting with the legs and the feet on the rollers 58, lifting the lower part of the trunk, the pelvis and the legs. Fig. 15 shows a fifth condition of use, in which the configuration remains substantially the same as the second condition, but the rollers 58 are eliminated, and replaced by a hook 70 to which a rope 72 is attached. A footrest 71 is also used, clamped in correspondence with the first support 18.

In this fifth condition, the user puts himself/herself above the footrest 71 in an erect position and grasps the rope with one or two hands, pulling it towards him/her. This exercise is useful for training the muscles of the hands, arms, shoulders and back.

Figs. 16 and 17 show a sixth condition of use, in which the oscillating element 56 is clamped in the second position with respect to the pivoting element 55, the oscillating arm 50 is rotated by 90° with respect to the conditions previously described, so that the hydraulic jack 52 and the oscillating element 56 are horizontal, and the force F to be applied to the oscillating element 56 in order to remove the cylinder of the hydraulic jack 52 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bench 10. The first and the second frame 12, 13 are in this case kept advantageously horizontal.

In the sixth condition, the oscillating arm 50 comprises two extension elements, respectively first 73 and second 74, in which the first 73 is substantially vertical and is clamped to the oscillating element 56 and the second 74 is horizontal, is clamped to the first element 73 and carries a roller 58. The two extension elements 73, 74 are used to bring the gripping point closer to the user, who is sitting on the second frame 13. In this condition, the user can train the arm and chest muscles.

According to a variant to the sixth condition, the second extension element 74 is clamped so that the roller 58 is disposed in correspondence with the user's leg, allowing to train the thigh muscles.

Fig. 18 shows a seventh condition of use, in which the configuration of the various elements remains substantially that of the fourth condition.

In the seventh condition, the user can position himself/herself frontally and sideways with respect to the bench 10 and can grasp the roller 58 with one or two hands, pulling it towards him/her. This exercise is useful for training the arm muscles.

Fig. 19 shows an eighth condition of use, in which the configuration remains substantially that of the third condition. In the eighth condition, the user can position himself/herself laterally to the bench 10 and can grasp the roller 58 with one or two hands, pulling it towards him/her. This exercise is useful for training the muscles of the arms, the chest and the legs.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the device for gymnastic exercises as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention. For example, instead of consisting of a hydraulic jack with adjustable resistance, as described above, the contrasting means could consist of elastic systems of any type whatsoever, or weights or ballasts, or other suitable contrasting system with variable resistance. Moreover, the number of reference seatings 25-27 of the plate 24 can be other than three, and advantageously greater, so as to define a corresponding number of positions of orientation of the second frame 13.

Claims

1. Device for gymnastic exercises comprising a bench (10) including at least two frames (12, 13) and connection means (22, 24, 30, 31) able to connect said frames (12, 13) to each other, characterized in that said connection means (22, 24, 30, 31) can be configured in at least a first condition in which said frames (12, 13) are solid with each other so as to define substantially a single supporting plane (15, 16) able to be moved from a substantially horizontal position to an inclined position and vice versa, in order to perform the function of a gravity bench, and a second condition in which said frames (12, 13) are pivoted to each other along a substantially horizontal axis and can be moved from a first substantially co-planar position to a second position in which they form a desired angle of less than 180°.

2. Device as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises movement means (20, 41, 42) able to move at least one of said frames (12, 13).

3. Device as in claim 2, characterized in that said movement means is able to be actuated by means (41, 42) located in correspondence with at least one of said frames (12, 13) in a position reachable by the user even when he/she is lying on the bench (10), either supine or prone.

4. Device as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said movement means comprises at least a fluid-dynamic actuator (20).

5. Device as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said movement means comprises at least an electric actuator.

6. Device as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said connection means comprises at least a substantially horizontal rod (22) to which said frames (12, 13) are pivoted and with respect to which they are free to rotate .

7. Device as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said connection means comprises arm elements (30, 31) associated with said frames (12, 13) and having a plurality of seatings (35-38) able to cooperate with each other and with mating clamping means (40) in order to define at least said first and second condition.

8. Device as in claim 7, characterized in that said connection means comprises at least a plate (24) on which a plurality of reference seatings (25-27) are made, each of which is able to cooperate with at least another seating of said plurality of seatings (35-38) and with clamping means (40), in order to define a plurality of positions in said second condition.

9. Device as in claims 6 and 8, characterized in that said plate (24) has a circular sector shape and is solid with said rod (22) .

10. Device as in claims 6 and 8, characterized in that it is solid with one of said frames (12, 13).

11. Device as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least an extension frame (44) able to be selectively associated with one of said frames (12, 13) in order to make available to the user a greater supporting surface at least for training the back muscles.

12. Device as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises at least an oscillating arm (50) able to be selectively associated with one end of one of said frames (12, 13) in order to allow to perform exercises to train the rear and front muscles of the lower and upper limbs.

13. Device as in claim 12, characterized in that said oscillating arm (50) includes at least an oscillating element (56) having a first end able to be associated with gripping elements (58) able to be put in cooperation with one or more limbs of the user in order to perform said gymnastic exercises, there also being present at least a supporting element (53) on which at least said contrasting means (52) and said at least one oscillating element (56) are mounted, said supporting element (53) also comprising attachment means (59, 60) able to be associated with one end of one or the other of said frames (12, 13) in order to define at least a first and a second condition of use, wherein the force exerted by the user on said at least an oscillating element (56) with respect to said contrasting means (52) has a respective different direction in the first condition with respect to the second condition.

14. Device as in claim 13, characterized in that, in said first condition, said at least one oscillating element (56) is rotatable on a substantially vertical plane, and in said second condition, said at least one oscillating element (56) is rotatable on a substantially horizontal plane.

15. Device as in claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, in said first condition, at least said contrasting means (52) and said at least one oscillating element (56) lie on a substantially vertical plane.

16. Device as in claim 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that, in said second condition, at least said contrasting means

(52) and said at least one oscillating element (56) lie on a substantially horizontal plane.

17. Device as in any claim from 13 to 16, characterized in that said attachment means comprises first and second attachment means (59, 60) able to be associated in variable manner so as to define a plurality of intermediate conditions with respect to said first and said second condition.

18. Device as in any claim from 13 to 17, characterized in that, in said first condition, said attachment means (60,

59) define at least a first sub-condition, wherein said contrasting means (52) is facing towards said frames (12, 13) so that the force (F) that the user has to apply to the oscillating element (56) in order to contrast the resistance exerted by said contrasting means (52) is directed upwards.

19. Device as in claim 18, characterized in that, in said first condition, said attachment means (59, 60) also define at least a second sub-condition, wherein said contrasting means (52) is facing towards said frames (12, 13) so that said force (F) is directed downwards.

20. Device as in claims 17, 18 or 19, characterized in that, in said second condition, said attachment means (59,

60) define at least a third sub-condition, wherein said contrasting means (52) is facing towards said frames (12, 13) so that said force (F) is substantially parallel to a first side of said frames (12, 13).

21. Device as in claim 20, characterized in that, in said second condition, said attachment means (59, 60) define at least a fourth sub-condition, wherein said contrasting means (52) is facing towards said frames (12, 13) so that said force (F) is substantially parallel to a second side of said frames (12, 13), opposite said first side.

22. Device as in any claim from 13 to 21, characterized in that it also comprises connection means (55) able to connect said at least one oscillating element (56) to said contrasting means (52), said at least one oscillating element (56) being pivoted to said connection means (55).

23. Device as in claim 22, characterized in that said connection means (55) defines at least two different clamping positions (64, 65) for said at least one oscillating element (56).

24. Device as in claim 23, characterized in that said connection means (55) is pivoted to a first end of said supporting element (53) and said contrasting means (52) is pivoted to a second end of said supporting element (53).

25. Device as in any claim from 13 to 24 , characterized in that said contrasting means comprises at least a hydraulic jack (52).

26. Device as in any claim from 13 to 25, characterized in that said attachment means comprises at least a bracket (59) and at least an attachment element (60) associated with one or the other of said frames (12, 13) and defining a seating (61) having shape and size mating with those of said bracket (59), said bracket (59) being able to be inserted into said seating (61).

27. Device as in claim 26, characterized in that it also comprises a clamping element (62) able to be selectively associated with said attachment element (60) and able to cooperate with said bracket (59) in order to clamp the latter to said seating (61).

28. Device as in claim 26 or 27, characterized in that said seating (61) has a circular section.

29. Device as in claim 26 or 27, characterized in that said seating (61) has a polygonal section.