MULTIFUNCTIONAL EXERCISE MACHINE

FIELD

[0001]In its most general aspect, the present invention relates to a multifunctional exercise machine for performing different types of exercises using a single machine.

[0002]More specifically, the invention relates to an exercise machine of the said type, designed and manufactured in particular to perform exercises to selectively train mainly the biceps, triceps, abdominals, pectorals, shoulder and back muscle groups, and quadriceps, but which can also be used for other muscle groups.

[0003]Hereinafter, the description will focus on a multifunctional exercise machine mainly used in the home or in confined spaces where it is not possible to install several machines, each dedicated to training a single muscle group, but it is clear that it should not be considered limited to this specific use.

BACKGROUND

[0004]It is well known that exercise machines currently used in the home or in sports centres or rehabilitation health care facilities are designed so that a user can perform a specific exercise for a specific muscle group.

[0005]When the user wishes to train a further muscle group, a different exercise machine must be used.

[0006]It is thus clear that the known exercise machines have the drawback that they allow a user to train specific muscle groups by employing a single machine at a time.

SUMMARY

[0007]In view of the above, it is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a single exercise machine for performing gymnastic exercises and training for different muscle groups.

[0008]It is also an object of the invention to provide an exercise machine in which it is possible to select workouts which provide for setting different exercise sequences.

[0009]The advantages and features of the multifunctional machine according to the present invention will become clearer from the description of two embodiments thereof, made hereinafter with reference to the appended drawings given by way of indicative and non-limiting example.

[0010]It is an object of the present invention to provide a multifunctional exercise machine comprising a supporting frame, a load group and a plurality of operating groups for performing at least one respective gymnastic exercise, a gear shifting mechanism arranged to selectively couple said load group to any one of said plurality of operating groups.

[0011]Further according to the invention, said machine may comprise a logic control unit configured to selectively activate a specific operating group based on a selection of a training program or exercise by a user, said gear shifting mechanism being arranged to automatically couple said load group to said specific operating group upon receiving an electronic command by the logic control unit.

[0012]Preferably according to the invention, said logic control unit is configured to operate the load group so as to generate a resistance for the exercise to be performed, said resistance being determined based on the selections of the training program and/or the selection by the user.

[0013]Still according to the invention, said logic control unit is configured to operate the load group at the beginning of an exercise to be performed in order to bring an actuator of the specific operating group to an exercise starting position.

[0014]Also according to the invention, each operating group has a plurality of different exercise starting positions depending on the different exercise to be performed.

[0015]Further according to the invention, said logic control unit is able to communicate with an interface on the machine and/or a remote device and/or a cloud unit in order to receive data related to a training program or a single exercise selected by the user.

[0016]Preferably according to the invention, each of said operating groups comprises at least one actuator intended to be operated by the user, said actuator being a pull cable and/or a pair of levers.

[0017]Still according to the invention, said machine may comprise, in said plurality of operating groups, at least one of the following: a first operating group comprising a first pair of levers for performing training exercises for biceps and/or triceps and/or abdominals; a second group comprising a second pair of levers for performing training exercises for pectoral muscles and/or rowing exercises; a third group comprising a third pair of levers for performing training exercises for shoulder/back; a fourth group comprising a pull cable for performing training exercises for legs and/or low-cable functional training.

[0018]Further according to the invention, said machine may further comprise a seat, and comprising, in said plurality of operating groups, at least one first operating group comprising a first pair of levers for performing training exercises for biceps and/or triceps and/or abdominal; wherein said levers of the first pair of levers are elbow-shaped, with concavity facing toward the front direction of the seat.

[0019]Further according to the invention, the levers of said first pair of levers comprise at their free end thereof a supporting plate, which is substantially orthogonal to the end section of the lever, and at least partially projecting in the rear direction relative to the latter; a pull handle being associated with said supporting plate on the lever side.

[0020]Preferably according to the invention, said machine may further comprise an interface for the user, said interface comprising a supporting flap and, on one of the faces of said blade, a screen for visually communicating information to the user and/or for inputting commands by the latter, wherein said blade is rotatably mounted, according to a substantially horizontal axis, relative to a portion which is integral with the exercise machine, so as to be able to rotate between a first configuration, in which said flap is raised and the screen is turned towards a first working position of the user, and a second configuration, in which said blade is lowered and the screen is turned towards a second working position of the user, overturned with respect to the first configuration.

[0021]Still according to the invention, said machine may further comprise a seat comprising in turn a seat base which is stationary relative to a frame of the machine and a backrest which is movable in translation relative to the latter due to the action of one or more actuators.

[0022]Also according to the invention, said gear shifting mechanism is a desmodromic gear shifting mechanism.

[0023]Further according to the invention, said gear shifting mechanism comprises a secondary shaft arranged to selectively shift a plurality of selection rings arranged to selectively couple and uncouple a plurality of outputs to an input kinematically connected to the load group.

[0024]Preferably according to the invention, said secondary shaft is connected to the selection rings by means of cams.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 represents in perspective view a multifunctional exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 2 represents in perspective view the exercise machine according to the first embodiment from a different observation point;

[0027]FIG. 3 represents a front view of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment;

[0028]FIG. 4 represents a side view of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment;

[0029]FIG. 5 represents a perspective view of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment, with the omission of the internal components and accessories and with the levers of a first operating group in an end-stroke operating position;

[0030]FIG. 6 represents a perspective view of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment, with the omission of the internal components and accessories and with the levers of a second operating group in an end-stroke operating position;

[0031]FIG. 7 represents a perspective view of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment, with the omission of the internal components and accessories and with the levers of a third operating group in an end-stroke operating position;

[0032]FIG. 8 represents a perspective view of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment, with the omission of the internal components and accessories and with the load arm of a fourth operating group in an end-stroke operating position;

[0033]FIG. 9 represents a perspective view of a lever group of the first operating group of the machine according to the first embodiment illustrated individually;

[0034]FIG. 10 represents a front view of the lever group of FIG. 9;

[0035]FIG. 11 represents a side view of the lever group of FIG. 9;

[0036]FIG. 12 represents a perspective view of an assembly comprising a load group, a gear shifting mechanism and a portion of the fourth operating group of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment;

[0037]FIG. 13 represents a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 12 from a different observation point;

[0038]FIG. 14 represents a front view of the portion of the fourth operating group illustrated in FIG. 12;

[0039]FIG. 14A represents detail A of FIG. 14 in a detailed manner;

[0040]FIG. 15 represents a perspective view of the portion of the fourth operating group illustrated in FIG. 12;

[0041]FIG. 15A represents detail B of FIG. 15 in a detailed manner;

[0042]FIG. 16 represents a perspective view of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment;

[0043]FIG. 17 represents a perspective view of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment from a different observation point;

[0044]FIG. 18 represents an exploded perspective view of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment;

[0045]FIG. 19 represents a top view of the gear shifting mechanism of the first embodiment of the exercise machine in an idler configuration;

[0046]FIG. 20 represents a front view of the gear shifting mechanism of the first embodiment of the exercise machine in an idler configuration;

[0047]FIG. 21 represents a top view, sectioned along plane A-A of FIG. 20, of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment;

[0048]FIG. 22 represents a sectional top view of the gear shifting mechanism of the first embodiment of the exercise machine in a first operational configuration;

[0049]FIG. 23 represents a sectional top view of the gear shifting mechanism of the first embodiment of the exercise machine in a second operational configuration;

[0050]FIG. 24 represents a sectional top view of the gear shifting mechanism of the first configuration embodiment of the exercise machine in a third operational configuration;

[0051]FIG. 25 represents a sectional top view of the gear shifting mechanism of the first embodiment of the exercise machine in a fourth operational configuration;

[0052]FIG. 26 represents a side view of a seat of the exercise machine according to the first embodiment with the backrest in a rear end-stroke position;

[0053]FIG. 27 represents a perspective view of the seat of the first embodiment of the exercise machine with the backrest in a rear end-stroke position;

[0054]FIG. 28 represents a side view of the seat of the first embodiment of the exercise machine with the backrest in a front end-stroke position;

[0055]FIG. 29 represents a perspective view of the seat of the first embodiment of the exercise machine with the backrest in a front end-stroke position;

[0056]FIG. 30 represents in perspective view a multifunctional exercise machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0057]FIG. 31 represents in perspective view the exercise machine according to the second embodiment from a different observation point;

[0058]FIG. 32 represents a front view of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment;

[0059]FIG. 33 represents a side view of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment;

[0060]FIG. 34 represents a front view of the interface of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment in a first operational configuration;

[0061]FIG. 35 represents a side view of the interface of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment in the first operational configuration;

[0062]FIG. 36 represents a front view of the interface of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment in a second operational configuration;

[0063]FIG. 37 represents a side view of the interface of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment in the second operational configuration;

[0064]FIG. 38 represents a perspective view of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment, with the omission of part of the frame and with the levers of a first operating group in an end-stroke operating position;

[0065]FIG. 39 represents a perspective view of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment, with the omission of part of the frame and with the levers of a second operating group in an end-stroke operating position;

[0066]FIG. 40 represents a perspective view of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment, with the omission of part of the frame and with the levers of a third operating group in an end-stroke operating position;

[0067]FIG. 41 represents a perspective view of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment, with the load arm of a fourth operating group in an end-stroke operating position.

[0068]FIG. 42 represents a perspective view of an assembly comprising a load group and a gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to a second embodiment;

[0069]FIG. 43 represents a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 42 from a different observation point;

[0070]FIG. 44 represents a perspective view of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to a second embodiment;

[0071]FIG. 45 represents a perspective view of the gear shifting mechanism of FIG. 44 from a different observation point;

[0072]FIG. 46 represents a perspective view of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine, with the containment box omitted, according to a second embodiment;

[0073]FIG. 47 represents a perspective view of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of FIG. 46 according to a different observation point;

[0074]FIG. 48 represents a side view, with omission of the containment box, of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment in a first operational configuration;

[0075]FIG. 48a represents a front view of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the previous sectional figure according to broken plane A-A;

[0076]FIG. 49 represents a side view, with the omission of the containment box, of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment in a second operational configuration;

[0077]FIG. 49a represents a front view of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the previous sectional figure according to broken plane B-B;

[0078]FIG. 50 represents a side view, with the omission of the containment box, of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment in a third operational configuration;

[0079]FIG. 50a represents a front view of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the previous sectional figure according to broken plane C-C;

[0080]FIG. 51 represents a side view, with the omission of the containment box, of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment in a fourth operational configuration;

[0081]FIG. 51a represents a front view of the inside of the gear shifting mechanism of the previous sectional figure according to broken plane D-D;

[0082]FIG. 52 represents a front view of the partially sectioned gear shifting mechanism;

[0083]FIG. 53 represents a top section of the gear shifting mechanism at the resetting of the secondary shaft;

[0084]FIG. 54 represents a perspective view of a seat of the exercise machine according to the second embodiment;

[0085]FIG. 55 represents a side view of the seat of the second embodiment of the exercise machine;

[0086]FIG. 56 represents a control architecture of the exercise machine;

[0087]FIGS. 57a-57b represent a biceps training exercise performed on the multifunctional machine according to the second embodiment;

[0088]FIGS. 58a-58b represent a triceps training exercise performed on the multifunctional machine according to the second embodiment;

[0089]FIGS. 59a-59b represent an abdominal training exercise performed on the multifunctional machine according to the second embodiment;

[0090]FIGS. 60a-60b represent a pectoral training exercise performed on the multifunctional machine according to the second embodiment;

[0091]FIGS. 61a-61b represent a rowing exercise performed on the multifunctional machine according to the second embodiment;

[0092]FIGS. 62a-62b represent a shoulder muscles training exercise performed on the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment;

[0093]FIGS. 63a-63b represent a back muscles training exercise performed on the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment;

[0094]FIGS. 64a-64b represent a “leg extension” type training exercise performed on the multifunctional machine according to the second embodiment;

[0095]FIGS. 65a-65b represent the use of the multifunctional machine according to the second embodiment for low-cable exercises.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0096]With reference to appended FIGS. 1-4, a multifunctional exercise machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is generically referred to as M.

[0097]The positional references used in the text, comprising indications such as front or rear, in front of or behind, lower or upper, bottom or top, sideways, or similar expressions, are always referred to the illustrative configuration represented in the above figures, and should in no case be assigned a limiting value.

[0098]With reference to FIG. 1, we further identify a reference Cartesian tern comprising a longitudinal direction x, corresponding to the postero-anterior development of the exercise machine M; a transversal direction y, corresponding to the lateral development; and a vertical direction z, corresponding to the development in elevation.

[0099]It should be noted that the orientation of the longitudinal direction x in the above Cartesian tern is hereinafter conventionally considered to be the postero-anterior orientation of the machine, even though, as described herein below, the use of the machine provides for the alternative positioning of the user in at least two opposite directions.

[0100]The multifunctional exercise machine M essentially comprises a supporting frame 1, a load group 2, a gear shifting mechanism 3, and a plurality of operating groups 4, 5, 6, 7 arranged for the execution of distinct groups of gymnastic exercises by an operator.

[0101]In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the exercise machine M still comprises a seat 8 and an interface 9 for the user.

[0102]As it can be seen in FIGS. 1-8, the supporting frame 1, which supports the various groups and elements comprising the exercise machine M, comprises a base 1′ arranged to rest on a flat supporting surface, a rear portion 1″ housing the load group 2, the gear shifting mechanism 3, a load side portion of the operating groups 4, 5, 6, 7 and a front portion 1′″ supporting the seat 8 and the interface 9.

[0103]In particular, the seat 8 comprises a fixed structure 80, a seat base 81 and a preferably movable backrest 82. The fixed structure 80, which is substantially L-shaped, supports seat base 81 and backrest 82, in a manner that will be better described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 26-28. The fixed structure 80 connects to the rest of the supporting frame 1 at the two opposite ends of the L, as discussed herein below, integrating with the structure thereof.

[0104]The exercise machine M preferably comprises a casing, a representation of which is omitted in the appended figures, intended in particular to cover the volume defined by the rear portion 1″ of the frame 1 and/or the area below the seat 8.

[0105]The base 1′ of the frame 1 comprises a pair of lower side members 10 and at least two support cross members 11. The lower side members 10 develop parallel along the longitudinal direction x, and are connected along the transversal direction y by the support cross members 11.

[0106]The base 1′ of the frame 1 still comprises a first support 12, a second support 13, and a fourth support 15, the function of which is explained herein below with reference to the operating groups 4, 5, 6, 7.

[0107]Between the first support 12 and the second support 13, which follow in the longitudinal direction x from rear to front, a support turret of the chain tensioners 12′ is always fixed to the base 1′ distinctly visible in FIG. 4. The second support 13 follows the fourth support 15 in the front direction.

[0108]As shown in FIG. 8, the rear portion of the frame 1″ comprises two upper side members 16 and, preferably, one or more braces 17.

[0109]The upper side members 16 develop parallel substantially in continuity with the lower side members 10, at the rear end of which they connect.

[0110]In the preferred embodiment described herein, the upper side members 16 have an inverted L shape, presenting an ascending straight section rising vertically from the lower side members 10 and a horizontal straight section extending in a front direction from the upper end of the former.

[0111]At the end of the horizontal straight section the side members are fixed to an upper end of the fixed structure 80 of the seat 8.

[0112]The braces 17, which preferably take up the form of horizontal bars, connect the upper side members 16 to each other and perform the main function of stiffening the structure, as well as being able to define a support for accessory parts of the exercise machine M, not necessarily identified in the present description.

[0113]The rear portion of the frame 1″ also comprises a third support 14, whose function will be described hereinafter, preferably supported by the upper side members 16, at a short distance from the upper end of their ascending straight section.

[0114]As shown in FIG. 8, the rear portion of the frame 1″ may then comprise a horizontal bracket 17′, still supported by the ascending section of the upper side members 16, with the main function of supporting the load group 2.

[0115]As shown in FIG. 6, the supporting frame 1 still comprises two L-shaped angular elements 18, which connect the lower side members 10 to the upper side members 16. The horizontal sections of said L-shaped angular elements 18 support a supporting plane 20 which in turn supports both the load group 2 and the gear shifting mechanism 3.

[0116]Finally, the front portion 1′″ of the supporting frame 1 comprises an upright 19, which is vertically elevated in a front position relative to the exercise machine M, in a position median to the transversal extension of the device.

[0117]The front portion 1′″ further comprises an oblique fitting 19′ connecting the base of the upright 19 to one of the aforementioned support cross members 11 arranged in a front position relative to the base 1′.

[0118]The upright 19 is fixed at the top to a front end of the fixed structure 80 of the seat 8.

[0119]In the embodiment described herein, the interface 9 comprises a screen 90 of the touch-screen type; it is, of course, possible to replace said element with another functionally similar according to the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

[0120]The interface 9 also comprises a connection structure for connecting said screen 90 to the rest of the exercise machine M, comprising a fixed portion integral with the supporting frame 1 and a pivoting arm 92.

[0121]The pivoting arm 92 supports the screen 90 and is hinged to the fixed portion relative to a vertical axis k, so that the screen 90 may be rotated in at least two configurations, the first one facing the seat 8 and the second one facing towards the opposite direction. Preferably, the pivoting arm 92 has a substantial horizontal extension, so that the transition from one to the other of the above-mentioned configurations results in a translation of the screen 90 along the longitudinal translation x. In particular, the distance between seat 8 and screen 90 is greater in the first configuration than in the second configuration. In this way, the screen is placed at a correct reading distance both in the first configuration, which corresponds to a use with the sitting user, and in the second configuration, which corresponds to a use with the user facing the machine M.

[0122]The fixed portion of the connection structure of the interface 9 preferably comprises a crossbar 91, on which the pivoting arm 92 hinges, and a supporting arm 93. The supporting arm 93 supports the crossbar 91 and connects at the bottom to the supporting frame 1. In the embodiment described, the supporting arm 93 is fixed to the fixed structure 80 of the seat 8, but a direct fixing to the front portion 1′″ of the frame 1 is also possible.

[0123]In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the supporting arm 93 is lateral relative to the machine M, i.e. offset from the centre plane of the machine M itself, so as to allow the insertion of the user's legs from the opposite side.

[0124]The crossbar 91 preferably integrates a handle or grip portion 94 for the user. In the present embodiment, said gripping portion 94 takes up the form of a front flange to a storage shelf 95 of the crossbar 91.

[0125]As also visible in FIGS. 1-4, the load group 2 is kinematically connected to the gear shifting mechanism 3. Said gear shifting mechanism 3 is in turn kinematically connected to the various operating groups 4, 5, 6, 7, and is able—as more fully described herein below—to selectively couple the load to either of said operating groups 4, 5, 6, 7.

[0126]Operating groups 4, 5, 6, 7 preferably comprise: a first group 4 for biceps/triceps training; a second group 5 for pectoral muscles training; a third group 6 for shoulder/back training; a fourth group 7 for cable training.

[0127]The first operating group 4 is preferably able to reproduce the functionality of an exercise machine for biceps and/or triceps and/or abdominal training—for instance “abdominal crunch machine”.

[0128]The first operating group 4 comprises a first pair of levers 40, a first shaft 41, a first gear 42, a first transmission 43, and a first pinion 44.

[0129]The first shaft 41, rotatable according to a first rotation axis a1 developing in a transversal direction y, is supported by the previously introduced first support 12.

[0130]The levers of the first pair of levers 40, which develop parallel to each other at the two sides of the exercise machine M, are fixedly constrained to the two opposite ends of the first shaft 41.

[0131]The first pair of levers 40 is therefore rotatably constrained to the first rotation axis a1, which is indicatively arranged below and at the back relative to the seat base 81.

[0132]The levers of the first pair of levers 40 are movable between at least two positions: a rest position, visible in appended FIGS. 1-4, in which they are placed substantially aligned with the backrest 82, in a rear and substantially distant position relative thereto; and a front end-stroke position, visible in appended FIG. 5, in which the levers 40 are tilted at the front, so that their upper end is substantially at the plane of the seat base 81 or below thereto.

[0133]The levers of the first pair of levers 40 preferably comprise handles 40′ for the user arranged at their free upper end.

[0134]The first shaft 41 is also fixedly constrained to the first gear 42, preferably in an intermediate position relative to the two levers 40.

[0135]Said first gear 42 is connected through the transmission 43, which is preferably a chain drive, but may also be a belt drive or still of another type, to the first pinion 44, shown in FIG. 17, located above said first gear 42.

[0136]It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the first chain drive 43 is kept in tension by at least one chain tensioner fixed at the back support turret of the chain tensioners 12′ previously introduced.

[0137]The first pinion 44 is an output of the gear shifting mechanism 3 described herein below.

[0138]The first operating group 4 also comprises a first locking system 45 distinctly visible in FIGS. 9-11. Said first locking system 45 allows selectively operating a mechanical lock that blocks the rotation/movement of the first pair of levers 40 when it is in the previously defined rest position.

[0139]The first locking system 45 essentially comprises an actuator 45′, arranged to insert and retract a pin 45″ into an eccentric slot 45′″ made on an arm 46 integral with the first shaft 41.

[0140]Preferably, the arm 46 is coupled at an intermediate portion of the shaft, adjacent to the first gear 42.

[0141]Preferably, the actuator 45′ is a linear actuator and the pin 45″ moves in and outside the slot 45′″ along the transversal direction y, i.e. parallel to the first rotation axis a1.

[0142]Preferably, the actuator 45′ is an electric actuator directly controlled by a control unit—not illustrated in the appended figures—of the exercise machine M.

[0143]The actuator 45′ is integral to the supporting frame 1, in particular it is mounted on a supporting rod integral to the base 1′ of the supporting frame 1 previously described.

[0144]The second operating group 5 will be now described, which is preferably able to reproduce the functionality of an exercise machine for training pectoral muscles—for instance a “chest press” and/or “pectoral machine”—and/or a rowing machine.

[0145]Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 17, the second operating group 5 comprises a second pair of levers 50, a second shaft 51, a second gear 52, a second transmission 53, and a second pinion 54.

[0146]The second shaft 51, rotatable according to a second rotation axis a2 that develops in a transversal direction y, is supported by the second support 13 previously introduced.

[0147]The levers of the first pair of levers 50, which develop parallel to each other at the two sides of the exercise machine M, are fixedly constrained to the two opposite ends of the second shaft 51.

[0148]The second pair of levers 50 is therefore rotatably constrained to the second rotation axis a2, which is indicatively arranged below the seat base 81, substantially aligned relative to the backrest 82.

[0149]The levers of the second pair of levers 50 are movable between at least two positions: a rest position, visible in appended FIGS. 1-4, in which they are substantially aligned to and at the backrest 82; and a front end-stroke position, visible in appended FIG. 6, in which the levers 50 are tilted at the front, so that their upper end is in a position that is more advanced relative to the front edge of the seat base 81.

[0150]It is noted that the trajectories of the levers of the first and second pairs of levers 40, 50 are developed on planes lateral to the exercise machine M but distant from each other; in other words, the levers of one pair are placed at a different side distance from the levers of the other pair.

[0151]In the embodiment illustrated in the appended drawings, in particular, the levers of the first pair of levers 40 are placed in the innermost position. Therefore, in their excursion towards the front end-stroke position, the first levers 40 cross over with the second levers 50, inserting between the latter.

[0152]The levers of the second pair of levers 50, in a similar manner to those of the first pair of levers 40, preferably comprise handles 50′ for the user at their free upper end.

[0153]To the second shaft 51 the second gear 52 is fixedly constrained, preferably in a position intermediate relative to the two levers 50.

[0154]Said second gear 52 is connected by means of the second transmission 53, which is preferably a chain drive but may be a belt drive or still of another type, to the second pinion 54 located at the back above said second gear 52.

[0155]It can be seen in FIG. 4 that the chain drive 53 is kept in tension by at least one chain tensioner fixed at the front of the support turret of the chain tensioner 12′ previously introduced.

[0156]The pinion 54 is an output of the gear shifting mechanism 3 described herein below.

[0157]The second operating group 5 also comprises a second locking system 55 substantially similar in structure and function to the first locking system previously described. Indeed, said second locking system 55 allows selectively operating a mechanical block that blocks the rotation of the second pair of levers 50 when it is in the previously defined rest position.

[0158]The second locking system 55 essentially comprises an actuator 55′, arranged to insert and retract a pin into an eccentric slot made on an arm 56 integral with the second shaft 51.

[0159]Preferably, said arm 56 is coupled at an intermediate portion of the shaft, adjacent to the second gear 52.

[0160]Preferably, the actuator 55′ is a linear actuator and the pin moves in and out of the slot along the transversal direction y, i.e. parallel to the second rotation axis a2.

[0161]Preferably, the actuator 55′ is an electric actuator directly controlled by a control unit—not illustrated in the appended figures—of the exercise machine M.

[0162]The actuator 55′ is integral to the supporting frame 1, in particular it is mounted on a support rod integral to the base 1′ of the previously described supporting frame 1.

[0163]The third operating group 6 will be now described, which is preferably able to reproduce the functionality of an exercise machine for training shoulder and back muscle groups—for instance “shoulder press”, “vertical traction” or “pull-down”.

[0164]Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 7 and 17, the third operating group 6 comprises a third pair of levers 60, a third shaft 61, a third gear 62, a third transmission 63, and a third pinion 64.

[0165]The third shaft 61, rotatable according to a third rotation axis a3 developing in the transversal direction y, is supported by the previously introduced third support 14.

[0166]The levers of the first pair of levers 60, which develop parallel to each other on both sides of the exercise machine M, are fixedly constrained to the two opposite ends of the third shaft 61.

[0167]The third pair of levers 60 is therefore rotatably constrained to the third rotation axis a3, which is arranged in a spaced position behind the backrest 82, approximately at the height of the upper edge portion of said backrest 82.

[0168]The levers of the third pair of levers 60 are movable between at least two positions: a rest position, visible in appended FIGS. 1-4, in which they are tilted in an anterosuperior direction and therefore overhang the backrest 82 with their free ends placed at the top and at the bottom relative to the upper edge thereof; and a lower end-stroke position, visible in appended FIG. 7, in which the levers 60 are tilted still at the front and downwards, so that their upper end is in a more advanced position but substantially at or below the height of the backrest 82.

[0169]It can be noticed that the trajectories of the levers of the second and third pairs of levers 50, 60 develop on planes lateral to the exercise machine M but distant from each other; in other words, the levers of one pair are placed at a different side distance from the levers of the other pair.

[0170]In the embodiment illustrated in the appended drawings, in particular, the levers of the third pair of levers 60 are placed in the innermost position. Therefore, in their excursion towards the lower end-stroke position, the third levers 60 intersect with the second levers 50, inserting between the latter.

[0171]It is noted that the centre distance between the levers of the third pair of levers 60 can advantageously be chosen equal to the centre distance between the levers of the first pair of levers 40. In other words, the levers of the first pair of levers 40 and those of the third pair of levers 60 can move in the same side planes, since the trajectories of these two pairs do not interfere with each other.

[0172]The levers of the third pair of levers 60, similarly to those of the first and second pairs of levers 40, 50 preferably comprise handles 60′ for the user at their free upper end.

[0173]The third shaft 61 is fixedly constrained to the third gear 62, preferably in a position intermediate relative to the two levers 60.

[0174]Said third gear 62 is connected by means of the third transmission 63, which is preferably a chain drive but may be a belt drive or still of another type, to the third pinion 64 located below said third gear 62.

[0175]It is noted in FIG. 4 that the chain drive 63 is kept in tension by at least one chain tensioner fixed on a support associated with one of the previously introduced upper side members 16.

[0176]The third pinion 64 is an output of the gear shifting mechanism 3 described herein below.

[0177]The third operating group 6 also comprises a third locking system 65 substantially similar in structure and function to the first and to the second locking system previously described. Said third locking system 65 indeed allows selectively operating a mechanical block that blocks the rotation of the third pair of levers 60 when it is in the previously defined rest position.

[0178]The third locking system 65 essentially comprises an actuator, arranged to insert and retract a pin into a slot made on an arm 66 integral to the third shaft 61.

[0179]Preferably, said arm 66 is coupled at an intermediate portion of the shaft, adjacent to the second gear 62.

[0180]Preferably, the actuator is a linear actuator and the pin moves in and out of the slot along the transversal direction y, i.e. parallel to the third rotation axis a3.

[0181]Preferably, the actuator is an electric actuator directly controlled by a control unit—not illustrated in the appended figures—of the exercise machine M.

[0182]The third operating group 6 still comprises elastic means 67, shown in FIG. 7, provided for commanding/controlling the third pair of levers 60 in the rest position, facilitating its movement.

[0183]The elastic means 67 perform a linear action and are hinged at one end to an eccentric arm of the third shaft 61, at the opposite end to one of the braces 17 arranged at a lower level relative to the third rotation axis a3.

[0184]In the embodiment described herein, the elastic means 67 are embodied in a gas spring.

[0185]The fourth operating group 7 will be now described, which is preferably able to reproduce the functionality of a traditional exercise machine for training quadriceps—for instance of the “leg extension” type—and/or of any exercise machine employing a low-cable—for instance “lat pulley”.

[0186]Referring to FIGS. 4, 12, 13 and 14, the fourth operating groups 7 comprise a pull cable 70, a drum 79, a fourth shaft 71, a fourth shaft 72, a fourth transmission 73, and a fourth gear 74.

[0187]The pull cable 70 wraps around the drum 79, which is located at a rear portion of the machine M and at a substantially raised level relative to the ground.

[0188]The fourth operating group 7 comprises guiding means for guiding the pull cable 70 exiting the drum 79, which orient it up to a low exit 70′ located at the front of the exercise machine M and visible in FIG. 7. The guiding means preferably comprise a lower transmission 70″″, which may take up the form of a pulley, which routes the pull cable coming from the drum 79 in a longitudinal direction x towards the low exit 70′.

[0189]In the preferred embodiment described herein, the low exit 70′ opens frontally to the previously introduced oblique fitting 19′, said oblique fitting 19′ comprising further transmission pulleys therein to raise the level of said low exit 70′ relative to that of the previous path of the pull cable 70.

[0190]The free end of the pull cable 70 carries a hooking terminal 70″ of a per se known type, for instance of the snap-hook type, for coupling handles or other accessories of different shape, selectable based on the exercise to be performed, to the end of the cable.

[0191]As shown in FIG. 8, the fourth operating group 7 also comprises a load arm 78 pivoted to the supporting frame 1 along a fourth transversal rotation axis a4, arranged close to the front edge of the seat base 81. The load arm 78, comprising two side padded rollers 78′, is of a traditionally known type as a thrust element in “leg extension” type machines. A user sitting on the seat 8 is therefore able to insert his/her shins underneath said padded rollers 78′ to exert a lifting thrust on the load arm 78.

[0192]At rest, the load arm 78 is placed close to the front upright 19 of the supporting frame 1. The pull cable 70, exiting the oblique fitting 19′, passes through a hole placed at the lower end of the load arm 78 defining said low exit 70′.

[0193]The lower end of the load arm 78 may be integral to the supporting frame 1, by means of a pin passing through respective locking slots 78″ or an equivalent locking system. When the system is in the locked position, the pull cable 70 may traditionally be used as a grip for the user. When the system is in the unlocked position, the load arm 78 is free to move dragging the end of the pull cable 70 associated with the resisting load.

[0194]As shown in FIG. 4, in order to allow the correct execution of certain exercises with the pull cable 70, the fourth operating group 7 still comprises a retractable footplate 77, provided with a front support 77′ for the user's feet coupled to two telescopic rods 77″.

[0195]The retractable footplate 77 is movable between a retracted position, in which the telescopic rods 77″ are retracted into the supporting frame 1 and the front support 77′ is abutted against the exercise machine M, and an extracted position, in which the front support 77′ is in a front position relative to the low exit 70′.

[0196]Preferably, in the retracted position the two telescopic rods 77″ are housed in the extension of the lower side members 10.

[0197]The retractable footplate 77 comprises a locking system, for instance a releasable ratchet, to hold the device in the extracted position. The release of the latch that locks the ratchet occurs, in a preferred embodiment, upon lifting the front support 77′.

[0198]The retractable footplate 77 may also comprise elastic return means in the retracted position, made up, for instance, by springs.

[0199]Referring to FIG. 14, the drum 79 and the fourth pinion 72 are both integral with the fourth shaft 71, which is connected by means of the fourth transmission 73 to the fourth gear 74.

[0200]The fourth gear 74 is an output of the gear shifting mechanism 3 described below.

[0201]The fourth transmission 73 is arranged to multiply the angular speed of the driving wheel. Preferably, there is a gain ratio between 4 and 10, ideally equal to 6.

[0202]In the embodiments described herein, the fourth transmission 73 is a two-stage gear transmission. It thus comprises, in addition to the fourth pinion 72 and the fourth gear 74, an intermediate pinion 73′ and an intermediate gear 73″ integral to a same shaft.

[0203]The use of the aforementioned gear transmission is made possible by the contiguity between the drum 79 and the gear shifting mechanism 3; in particular, in the present embodiment the drum 79 is placed directly above the gear shifting mechanism 3.

[0204]In the context of the present invention, it is of course possible to use a different transmission or a gear transmission with a different number of stages, at most even a single stage.

[0205]The fourth operating group 7 still comprises a fourth locking system 75. Said fourth locking system 75 allows selectively operating a mechanical block that inhibits the rotation of the drum 79, and consequently the movement of the pull cable 70 outside a substantially retracted rest position.

[0206]The fourth locking system 75 comprises an actuator arranged to insert and retract a pin into an eccentric slot formed on one of the gear wheels of the fourth transmission 73. In particular, in the embodiment described, the slot is formed on the previously defined intermediate gear 73″.

[0207]Preferably, the actuator is a linear actuator and the pin moves into and out of the slot along the transversal direction y, i.e. parallel to the rotation axis of the drum 79.

[0208]Preferably, the actuator is an electric actuator directly controlled by a control unit—not illustrated in the appended figures—of the exercise machine M.

[0209]For the correct operation of the fourth locking system 75, it is necessary for the drum, once the user's action on the pull cable 70 has ceased, to return to a predetermined rest position for which the eccentric slot is aligned with the pin of the actuator. To ensure that this condition is met, despite deformations suffered by the pull cable 70 over time, the fourth operating group 7 comprises a resetting mechanism 76 visible in FIGS. 14a and 15a and described herein below.

[0210]The resetting mechanism 76 comprises a slider 76′, constrained by means of a thread to one of the drive shafts, and a mechanical stop 76″ integral to the supporting frame 1 which blocks the translation of said slider 76′ along the drive shaft beyond a certain threshold.

[0211]The threaded coupling causes a translation of the slider 76′ with the rotation of the drum 79: said translation is however limited by the mechanical constraint constituted by the stop 76″, which thus allows defining a predetermined angular end-stroke position for the whole system.

[0212]In the illustrated embodiment, the slider 76′ is associated with threaded coupling to the previously identified fourth shaft 71. In particular, the slider 76′ is in this case associated with a threaded portion 71′ of the end of said shaft 71; it is noted on the other hand that the threaded portion 71′ could also be intermediate relative to the extension of the shaft.

[0213]The slider 76′ is constrained to slide along a guide 76′″ parallel to the axis of the shaft 71. In the example, the slider 76′ is a prismatic block, in particular rectangular, which is associated astride a guide also prismatic, in particular rectangular. The mechanical stop 76″ here consists of a shoulder formed on the guide 76″.

[0214]It is noted that the aforementioned operating groups 4, 5, 6, 7, may be fewer or more, and may provide for functions other than those indicated above by way of non-limiting example.

[0215]The load group 2, particularly visible in FIGS. 12 and 13, will be now described, which comprises an electric motor 21 arranged to define the resistant load in all exercises performed with the multifunctional exercise machine M.

[0216]The load group 2 further comprises, downstream of the electric motor 21, at least one torque meter 23 and one motor pinion 24.

[0217]It is noted that the torque meter 23 may also be absent or replaced by another load measuring system.

[0218]The torque meter 23 allows, in a known manner, feedback controlling the electric motor 21 by simulating a constant or variable resistant load, so as to simulate different types of resistance such as gravitational, viscous, elastic resistance, etc.

[0219]A reduction gear 22 is preferably interposed between the electric motor 21 and the torque meter 23.

[0220]The electric motor 21 and the reduction gear 22 are mounted in a substantially vertical configuration above the previously defined support plane 20, with the electric motor 21 in an upper position. Conversely, the motor pinion 24 with the torque meter 23 are mounted on a shaft developing along the transversal direction y.

[0221]The load group 2 is kinematically connected to the gear shifting mechanism 3, which allows the load determined by the electric motor 21 to be selectively coupled to the several operating groups 4, 5, 6, 7.

[0222]The gear shifting mechanism 3, generically illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, is a gear shifting mechanism of the desmodromic type, and can take up an idle configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 19-21, as well as four operating configurations in which the motor pinion 24 is alternately coupled: in a first configuration, visible in FIG. 22, to the first pinion 44, to drive the first operating group 4; in a second configuration, visible in FIG. 23, to the second pinion 54, to drive the second operating group 5; in a third configuration, visible in FIG. 24, to the third pinion 64, to drive the third operating group 6; in a fourth configuration, visible in FIG. 25, to the fourth gear 74, to drive the fourth operating group 7.

[0223]The gear shifting mechanism 3 comprises a primary shaft 32, kinematically connected to load group 2.

[0224]The primary shaft 32 preferably develops along an axis parallel to that of the motor pinion 24.

[0225]In the embodiment described herein, the primary shaft 32 supports a drive gear 33 integral thereto, which takes motion from the motor pinion 24 via a primary transmission 25, preferably a chain or belt drive.

[0226]It is of course possible to provide that the primary shaft 32 is kinematically connected in another way to the load group 2.

[0227]The gear shifting mechanism 3 still comprises at least one fixed gear wheel, preferably a first fixed gear wheel 34′ and a second fixed gear wheel 34″. The fixed gear wheels 34′, 34″ are fixedly constrained to the primary shaft 32 and rotate together with it.

[0228]A number of idle sleeves equal to the number of operating groups of the exercise machine M are still provided.

[0229]In the embodiment illustrated, there are thus provided a first sleeve 44′, a second sleeve 54′, a third sleeve 64′, and a fourth sleeve 74′.

[0230]The idle sleeves 44′, 54′, 64′, 74′ are mounted above the primary shaft 32 and are rotationally idle but axially fixed relative thereto.

[0231]The idle sleeves 44′, 54′, 64′, 74′ comprise a gear wheel kinematically connected with a respective operator group 4, 5, 6, 7: thus the first sleeve 44′ comprises the first pinion 44; the second sleeve 54′ comprises the second pinion 54; the third sleeve 64′ comprises the third pinion 64; the fourth sleeve 74′ comprises the fourth gear 74.

[0232]Along the primary shaft 32, each fixed gear wheel 34′, 34″ is flanked on either side by two idle sleeves 44′, 54′, 64′, 74′. Specifically, the first fixed gear wheel 34′ is flanked by the first and second sleeves 44′, 54′ and the second fixed gear wheel 34′ is flanked by the third and fourth sleeves 64′, 74′.

[0233]Now, each idle sleeve 44′, 54′, 64′, 74′ comprises an engagement portion 35, which constitutes the end flanking the respective fixed gear wheel 34′, 34″. The engagement portion 35 is characterised by a toothing identical to that of the adjacent fixed gear wheel 34′, 34″.

[0234]The gear shifting mechanism 3 still comprises at least one selection ring. In the embodiment described herein, a first selection ring 36′ and a second selection ring 36″ are provided.

[0235]The selection rings 36′, 36″ comprise an internal toothing compatible with that of the fixed gear wheels 34′, 34″ and engagement portions 35, and are slidably placed above said elements. The selection rings 36′, 36″ have an axial extension equal to or less than that of the fixed gear wheels 34′, 34″, so that, in a neutral position, they are only above a respective fixed gear wheel 34′, 34″ without affecting the engagement portions 35 of the adjacent idler sleeves 44′, 54′, 64′, 74′. When a selection rings 36′, 36″ is axially displaced with respect to the neutral position, it partially overlaps one of the engagement portions 35, while remaining engaged with its fixed gear wheel 34′, 34″. Thus, a kinematic coupling is obtained between the fixed gear wheel 34′, 34″ and the idle sleeve 44′, 54′, 64′, 74′, with the latter thus being coupled to the motor.

[0236]It is noted that the toothing of the engagement portions 35 and/or the selection rings 36′, 36″ have straight teeth preferably forming a cusp at the engagement end, so as to facilitate the meshing when the selection rings 36′, 36″ slide.

[0237]The gear shifting mechanism 3 still comprises a secondary shaft 30 and at least one fork 31′, 31″, in the illustrated case a first fork 31′ and a second fork 31″.

[0238]The secondary shaft 30 performs the function of a selection drum of the gears engaged by the selection rings 36′, 36″ sliding on the primary shaft 32.

[0239]In order to perform its function, the secondary shaft 30 develops parallel to the primary shaft 32, in the embodiment illustrated herein in a rear position relative thereto.

[0240]The secondary shaft 30 is set in rotation by an auxiliary motor 37 not visible in the appended figures. In the embodiment illustrated, the auxiliary motor 37 is arranged below the secondary shaft 30, which it is connected to by a gear 37.

[0241]The first fork 31′ and the second fork 31″ are mounted axially sliding along the secondary shaft 30 and idle relative thereto.

[0242]The secondary shaft 30 comprises at least one cam 30′, 30″, in the embodiment illustrated herein a first cam 30′ and a second cam 30″. Said cams 30′, 30″ uniquely determine the axial sliding of the forks 31′, 31″.

[0243]The forks 31′, 32″ are integral, at least for axial sliding, with respect to the previously defined selection rings 36′, 36″. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment the first fork 31′ is coupled to the first selection rings 36′, the second fork 31″ is coupled to the second selection rings 36″.

[0244]The rotation of the secondary shaft 30, controlled by the auxiliary motor 37, defines the progressive axial displacement of the forks 31′, 32″ by means of the cams 30′, 30″, dragging the selection rings 36′, 36″. The different configurations achieved by the selection rings 36′, 36″ lead to the selective meshing of the different idle sleeves 44′, 54′, 64′, 74′.

[0245]A first position of the secondary shaft 30 keeps the two forks 31′, 32″ with their respective selection rings 36′, 36″ in an intermediate position. Here the selection rings 36′, 36″ are entirely superimposed on the fixed gear wheels 34′, 34″, no gear is engaged and the gear shifting mechanism 3 is therefore in the neutral configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 19-21.

[0246]In a second position of the secondary shaft 30, only the first fork 31′ is shifted relative to the intermediate position, so as to partially overlap the first selection rings 36′ with the engagement portion 35 of the first idle sleeve 44′. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism is in the first operating configuration of FIG. 22 with the first operating group 4 coupled to the load group 2.

[0247]In a third position of the secondary shaft 30, only the first fork 31′ is shifted relative to the intermediate position, so as to partially overlap the first selection ring 36′ with the engagement portion 35 of the second idle sleeve 54′. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism is in the second operating configuration of FIG. 23 with the second operating group 5 coupled to the load group 2.

[0248]In a fourth position of the secondary shaft 30, the first fork 31′ is returned to the intermediate position, whereas the second fork 31′ is shifted relative to the intermediate position, so as to partially overlap the second selection ring 36′ with the engagement portion 35 of the third idle sleeve 64′. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism is in the third operating configuration of FIG. 24 with the third operating group 6 coupled to the load group 2.

[0249]In a fifth position of the secondary shaft 30, the first fork 31′ is always in the intermediate position, whereas the second fork 31′ is shifted relative to the intermediate position, so as to partially overlap the second selection ring 36′ with the engagement portion 35 of the fourth idle sleeve 74′. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism is in the fourth operating configuration of FIG. 25 with the fourth operating group 7 coupled to the load group 2.

[0250]The configuration of the cams 30′, 30″ and forks 31′, 32″ in the preferred embodiment illustrated in the appended figures is described in detail herein below.

[0251]The cams 30′, 30′ take up the form of grooves made on the secondary shaft, whereas the forks 31′, 32″ comprise a respective follower 38′ inserted into said grooves and sliding within said grooves. Preferably, the forks 31′, 32″ comprise an attachment bushing 38 coaxial to the secondary shaft. A screw, the tip of which forms the follower 38′, is screwed into a through-hole made on said bushing 38. The screw may be replaced with any functionally similar element, for instance with a grub screw or a pin partially inserted into the groove of the cam 30′, 30″.

[0252]In the preferred embodiment, each fork 30′, 30″ still comprises two tines embracing the respective selection rings 36′, 36″. The selection ring 36′, 36″ may comprise an outer peripheral indentation to accommodate the tines of the respective fork 30′, 30″, thus defining the coupling between the elements.

[0253]Preferably, the bushing 38 is connected to a C-shaped portion 38″ defining the two previously mentioned tines. The C-shaped portion 38″ may be a separate piece with respect to the bushing 38, and in this case may have a stem that is fixed by screws to a side flange of the respective bushing 38.

[0254]It is still noted that the entire gear shifting mechanism 3 is preferably mounted on the previously defined support plane 20, in a position that may be front relative to the load group 2.

[0255]Hereinafter the seat 8, individually visible in FIGS. 26-29, will be described in detail.

[0256]As previously mentioned, the seat 8 comprises a fixed structure 80, a seat base 81, and a backrest 82.

[0257]In particular, the seat 8 comprises a fixed structure 80, preferably a movable structure. The fixed structure 80, substantially L-shaped, supports the seat base 81 and the backrest 82.

[0258]The fixed structure 80 defines a supporting frame, in particular a rod frame, comprising a lower portion 80′ horizontal below the seat base 81 and a rear portion 80″ arranged behind the backrest 82. It is noted that the lower portion 80′, parallel to the seat base 81, is horizontal; the rear portion 80′, parallel to the backrest 82, may instead have a moderate inclination backwards relative to a vertical plane. Preferably, said inclination is between 0 and 25°.

[0259]In the preferred embodiment described herein, the lower portion 80′ takes up the form of an intermediate horizontal bar, which connects to the upper end of the upright 19 of the supporting frame 1. More specifically, the upright 19 is fixed by screws to a front flange 83′ of said horizontal bar. The rear portion 80″ preferably takes up the form of a framework defined by side members joined by end cross members, and connects to the end of the upper side members 16 of the supporting frame 1. In particular, the upper side members 16 are fixed by screws to an upper flange 83″ defined by the upper cross member of said framework.

[0260]Preferably, the seat base 81 is stably fixed to the fixed structure 80.

[0261]Preferably, the backrest 82 is movable relative to the fixed structure 80, and in particular can shift along the longitudinal direction x.

[0262]The seat has guiding means 88 of the backrest 82 along the longitudinal direction x.

[0263]In particular, said guiding means 88 take up the form of elongated slots 88′ fixed at the back to the backrest 82, within which respective guiding pins 88″ integral to the rear portion 80″ of the fixed structure 80 slide.

[0264]In the preferred embodiment described herein, the elongated slots 88′ are four, arranged in pairs at two different levels of the backrest 82, and the guide pins 88″ are integral to the side members of the rear portion 80″ of the fixed structure 80.

[0265]To obtain the displacement of the backrest 82, the seat 8 comprises a kinematic mechanism 84 controlled by an actuator 85.

[0266]Preferably, the actuator 85 is a linear actuator, and the kinematic mechanism 84 comprises at least: one first lower connecting rod 86′; one second lower connecting rod 86″; one first upper connecting rod 87′; and one second upper connecting rod 87″. The first lower connecting rod 86′ is hinged at one end to the fixed structure 80 and at the other end to a floating lower axis 86′″; the second lower connecting rod 86″ is hinged at one end to the floating lower axis 86′″ and at the other end to the backrest 82. The first upper connecting rod 87′ is hinged at one end to the fixed structure 80 and at the other end to a floating upper axis 87′″; the second lower connecting rod 86″ is hinged at one end to the floating lower axis 86′″ and at the other end to the backrest 82.

[0267]The linear actuator 85 is interposed between the lower axis 86′″ and the upper axis 87′″: its displacement therefore causes a rotation of the connecting rods 86′, 86″, 87′, 87″ and a consequent displacement of the backrest 82.

[0268]In particular, in a rear end-stroke position illustrated in FIGS. 26-27, the linear actuator 85 defines a close position between the lower axis 86′″ and the upper axis 87′″, whereby the first and second connecting rods 86′, 86″, 87′, 87″ are maintained in a close position defining a position of greater proximity between the backrest 82 and the rear portion 80″ of the fixed structure 80.

[0269]In a front end-stroke position illustrated in FIGS. 28-29, the linear actuator 85 defines a spaced-apart position between the lower axis 86′″ and the upper axis 87′″, whereby the first and second connecting rods 86′, 86″, 87′, 87″ are maintained in a spread position defining a position of greater distance between the backrest 82 and the rear portion 80″ of the fixed structure 80.

[0270]Now describing in detail the structure of the kinematic mechanism 84 in the context of the preferred embodiment described herein, it is first noted that the first and second connecting rods 86, 87′ are pairs of side connecting rods relative to the respective lower 86′″ and upper 87′″ axes.

[0271]The pair of first lower connecting rods 86′ and the pair of first upper connecting rods 87′ are preferably hinged on the side members of the fixed structure 80 at a lower and higher levels, respectively. The pair of second lower connecting rods 86′ and the pair of second upper connecting rods 87′ are preferably hinged at the back of the backrest 82 at a lower and higher levels, respectively. Conversely, the linear actuator 85 is arranged in an intermediate position relative to the lower axis 86′″ and the upper axis 87′″ which it connects.

[0272]In the preferred embodiment described herein, both the seat base 81 and the backrest 82 are padded.

[0273]The seat base 81 may have a front thickening 89′ at the back of the user's knee joint.

[0274]The seat base 81 may still comprise, in its non-thickened portion, transversely differentiated padding to provide greater comfort to the user. In particular, the padding may be more yielding laterally than an intermediate portion.

[0275]The backrest 82 may have a lumbar thickening 89″ and an upper thickening 89″ for support of the user's head.

[0276]With reference to appended FIGS. 30-33, a multifunctional exercise machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention is generically indicated with reference M′.

[0277]As for the previous embodiment, the positional references used in the text, comprising indications such as front or rear, in front of or behind, lower or upper, up or down, sideways, or similar locutions, are always referred to the illustrative configuration represented in the aforementioned figures, and they should in no case be assigned a limiting value.

[0278]With reference to FIG. 30, a reference Cartesian tern is also identified comprising a longitudinal direction x, corresponding to the postero-anterior development of the exercise machine M′; a transversal direction y, corresponding to the lateral development; and a vertical direction z, corresponding to the development in elevation.

[0279]Even in this case, the identification of the postero-anterior development x does not exclude an opposite positioning of the user in certain use configurations.

[0280]The multifunctional exercise machine M′ essentially comprises a supporting frame 101, a load group 102, a gear shifting mechanism 103 and a plurality of operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107 arranged for performing distinct groups of gymnastic exercises by an operator.

[0281]In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the exercise machine M′ still comprises a seat 108 and an interface 109 for the user.

[0282]As visible in FIGS. 30-33, the supporting frame 101, which supports the different groups and elements that make up the exercise machine M′, comprises: a base 101′ arranged to rest on a plane support surface; a main portion 101″ supporting the load group 102, the gear shifting mechanism 103, a load side portion of the operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107 and a part of the seat 108; and a front portion 101′″ supporting the rest of the seat 108 and the interface 109.

[0283]In particular, the seat 108 comprises a seat base 181 and a backrest 182, preferably movable. Seat base 181 and backrest 182 are described in more detail in FIGS. 54 and 55. The seat base 181 is coupled at the front to the front portion 101′″ of the frame 101 and at the back to the main portion 101″ of the frame 101. Conversely, the backrest 182 is coupled, preferably in a sliding manner, just to the main portion 101″ of the frame 101.

[0284]Also this second embodiment of the exercise machine M′ preferably comprises a casing, whose representation is omitted in the appended figures, intended in particular to cover the volume defined by the main portion 101′ of the frame 101 and/or the area below the seat 108.

[0285]The base 101′ of the frame 101 comprises a pair of side members 110 connecting a front cross member 111 to a supporting plate 113, identified in FIG. 33. The side members 110 develop parallel along the longitudinal direction x, and are connected along the transversal direction y by the front cross member 111. At the back, two supporting feet 112 extend from the supporting plate 113, which spread in an oblique direction backwards relative to the transversal direction y, so as to maximise the support base of the exercise machine M′.

[0286]At the top the supporting plate 113 is associated with a sheet metal folded to define a ventilation box 114, preferably provided with ventilation slots, within which the control electronics may be housed.

[0287]As shown in FIG. 31, the main portion of the frame 101″ comprises two side plates 115 rising from the supporting plate 113. The side plates 115 are connected by a plurality of cross members 116, parallel to the transversal direction y, to define a box-like body extending at the back to the backrest 182 of the seat 108.

[0288]At the bottom the side plates 115 have a plinth having a width equal to that of the supporting plate, and then develop into a slimmer parallelepiped body tilted at the back substantially parallel to the backrest 182.

[0289]The tilted rear edges of the lower plinths of the two side plates 115 are connected by a closing panel 117, on which electrical connections of the exercise machine M′ are arranged.

[0290]Lastly, the front portion 101′″ of the supporting frame 101 comprises a upright 119, identified in FIG. 33, which is vertically elevated in a front position relative to the exercise machine M′, in a position median to the transversal extension of the device.

[0291]The front portion 101′″ also comprises a transmission box 118 connecting the base of the upright 119 to the aforementioned front cross member 111 of the base 101′.

[0292]The upright 119 is fixed at the top to a front end of the seat base 181, and defines along with it a lower recess where the load group 102 is housed. A transversal profile 183 with a substantially triangular cross-section, clearly visible in FIG. 33, is also integrally coupled to the apex of the upright 119 and is in continuity with the seat base 181, so as to define the front edge thereof.

[0293]In the embodiment described herein, the interface 109, singularly visible in appended FIGS. 34-37, comprises a screen 190 of the touch-screen type; it is, of course, possible to replace this element with another one functionally analogous by following the knowledge of the person skilled in the art.

[0294]The interface 109 also comprises a structure connecting said screen 190 to the rest of the exercise machine M′, in particular a tubular C-shaped structure. Said tubular C-shaped structure comprises a horizontal lower bar 191 and upper bar 193, oriented parallel to the transversal direction y, connected to each other by a side arm 192. The lower bar 191 is integrally fixed within the transversal profile 183 described above, whereas the upper bar 193 extends in front of the backrest 182, so as to face a user leaning against it.

[0295]The screen 190 is mounted on the surface of a parallelepiped-shaped flap 194 in the embodiment illustrated. The flap 194 is rotatably associated, relative to a horizontal axis k, with the upper bar 193. The horizontal axis k corresponds to the axis of the upper bar 193. The screen 190 is preferably able to fully rotate, with a rotation angle of 360°, about the horizontal axis k, and may be fixed in at least two positions described below.

[0296]The flap 194 can thus be rotated in at least two different configurations.

[0297]In a first configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35, the flap 194 is oriented upwards relative to the upper bar 193 and the screen 190 faces towards the backrest 182. This first configuration allows the screen 190 to be used in exercises in which the user is sitting on the seat.

[0298]In a second configuration, illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 37, the flap 194 is oriented downwards relative to the upper bar 193 and the screen 190 faces opposite the backrest 182. This second configuration allows the screen 190 to be used in exercises in which the user works in front of the machine facing the backrest 182.

[0299]The screen 190 is configured to adapt the display to the configuration assumed, reversing the display when the flap is brought from the first to the second configuration or vice versa. A sensor, such as an accelerometer, is provided to detect the screen configuration and adapt the display accordingly.

[0300]In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the side arm 192 is lateral to the machine M′, i.e. spaced apart from the centreline plane of the machine M′ itself, so as to allow the user's legs to be inserted from the opposite side.

[0301]The upper bar 193 preferably integrates a handle or gripping portion 195 for the user. In the present embodiment, said gripping portion 195 takes up the form of the rounded portion of the flap 194 opposite the screen 190, and is grippable by the operator particularly in the second configuration with the flap 194 lowered.

[0302]It is noted that the interface 109 described with reference to the second embodiment of the machine M′ can be implemented on the first embodiment of the machine M, just as the interface 9 previously described can be used on the variant now detailed.

[0303]The load group 102 is kinematically connected to the gear shifting mechanism 103. Said gear shifting mechanism 103 is in turn kinematically connected to the various operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, and is able—as described more in detail herein below—to selectively couple the load to one or the other of said operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107.

[0304]The operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107 preferably comprise: a first group 104 for biceps/triceps/abdominal training; a second group 105 for pectoral muscles/back training (also rowing); a third group 106 for shoulder/back training; a fourth group 107 for leg training and, alternatively, for functional training (with cable).

[0305]The first operating group 104 is preferably able to reproduce the functionality of an exercise machine for biceps and/or triceps training and/or abdominal training—for instance “abdominal crunch machine”.

[0306]The first operating group 104 comprise a first pair of levers 140, a first user-side shaft 141, a first yielding rod 142, a first return connecting rod 143 and a first driving rod 144.

[0307]The first shaft 141, rotatable according to a first rotation axis a1 extending in a transversal direction y, is supported by two revolute pairs integral with the side plates 115 of the supporting frame 101.

[0308]The levers of the first pair of levers 140, which develop parallel to each other at the two sides of the exercise machine M′ are fixedly constrained to the two opposite ends of the first shaft 141.

[0309]The first pair of levers 140 is therefore rotatably constrained to the first rotation axis a1, which is indicatively arranged below and at the back relative to the backrest 182.

[0310]The levers of the first pair of levers 140 have an elbow configuration, developing into a first shaft-side segment 141a and a second handle-side segment 141b. The first segment 141a and the second segment 141b have substantially equal lengths and are angled relative to each other by about 90°. The second segment 141a is oriented at the front relative to the point of connection with the second segment 141b. Beyond the second segment 141b, the lever 140 further develops into a short handle section 141c, tilted upwards relative to the second segment 141b by an angle comprised between 15° and 45°.

[0311]The handle section 141c connects with a supporting plate 141d, substantially orthogonal to said handle section 141c and projecting in the rear direction relative thereto. A pull handle 141e is associated with the projecting portion of the supporting plate 141d on the same face relative to the handle section 141c.

[0312]The supporting plate 141d and the pull handle 141e allow the user to operate on the levers of the first pair of levers 140 in both push and pull.

[0313]Indeed, the levers of the first pair of levers 140 are movable between at least two positions: a rest position, visible in appended FIGS. 30-32, in which the elbow of the lever is placed at the back of the seat base 181, whereas the handle is immediately below the seat base itself and substantially aligned with the backrest 182; and a front end-stroke position, visible in appended FIG. 38, in which the levers 140 are tilted at the front, so that their upper end is above the plane of the seat base 181 and at the front of the backrest 182.

[0314]The first yielding rod 142 is also fixedly constrained to the first user-side shaft 141, preferably in an intermediate position between the revolute pairs or inside the main portion 101″ of the frame 101.

[0315]As particularly visible in FIG. 39, the first yielding rod 142 is coupled with a revolute torque to the first return connecting rod 143, which is in turn coupled with a revolute torque to the first driving rod 144 integral with a first drive shaft 145, visible in FIGS. 44-45, rotatable relative to the frame 101.

[0316]The first yielding rod 142, the first return connecting rod 143 and the first driving rod 144 therefore define an articulated quadrilateral for transmitting motion between said first driving shaft 145 and the first user-side shaft 141.

[0317]The second operating group 105 will be now described, which is preferably able to reproduce the functionality of an exercise machine for training pectoral muscles—for instance “chest press” and/or “pectoral machine”—and/or of a rowing machine.

[0318]The second operating group 105 comprises a second pair of levers 150, a second user-side shaft 151, a second yielding rod 152, a second return connecting rod 153 and a second driving rod 154.

[0319]The second shaft 151, rotatable according to a second rotation axis a2 developing in a transversal direction y, is supported by two revolute pairs integral with the side plates 115 of the supporting frame 101.

[0320]The levers of the first pair of levers 150, which develop parallel to each other at the two sides of the exercise machine M′, are fixedly constrained to the two opposite ends of the second shaft 151.

[0321]The second pair of levers 150 is therefore rotatably constrained to the second rotation axis a2, which is indicatively arranged below the seat base 181, substantially aligned relative to the backrest 182.

[0322]The levers of the second pair of levers 150 are movable between at least two positions: a rest position, visible in appended FIGS. 30-32, in which they are placed substantially aligned with and at the backrest 182; and a front end-stroke position, visible in appended FIG. 39, in which the levers 150 are tilted at the front, so that their upper end is in a more advanced position than the front edge of the seat base 181.

[0323]It is noted that the trajectories of the levers of the first and second pairs of levers 140, 150 develop on planes lateral to the exercise machine M but spaced apart from each other; in other words, the levers of one pair are placed at a different lateral distance from the levers of the other pair.

[0324]In the embodiment illustrated in the appended drawings, in particular, the levers of the first pair of levers 140 are placed in the innermost position. Therefore, in their excursion towards the front end-stroke position, the first levers 410 cross with the second levers 150, inserting themselves between the latter.

[0325]The levers of the second pair of levers 150 preferably comprise handles 150′ for the user at their free upper end.

[0326]The second yielding rod 152 is also fixedly constrained to the second user-side shaft 151, preferably in an intermediate position between the revolute pairs or inside the main portion 101″ of the frame 101.

[0327]As particularly visible in FIG. 38, the second yielding rod 152 is coupled with a revolute torque to the second return connecting rod 153, which is in turn coupled with a revolute torque to the second driving rod 154 integral with a second drive shaft 155, visible in FIGS. 44-45, rotatable relative to the frame 101.

[0328]The second yielding rod 152, the second return connecting rod 153 and the second driving rod 154 therefore define an articulated quadrilateral, in particular with a crossed configuration, for transmitting motion between said second drive shaft 155 and the second user-side shaft 151.

[0329]The third operating group 106 will be now described, which is preferably able to reproduce the functionality of an exercise machine for training shoulder and back muscle groups—for instance “shoulder press”, “vertical traction” or “pull-down””.

[0330]The third operating group 106 comprises a third pair of levers 160, a third user-side shaft 161, a third yielding rod 162, a third return connecting rod 163 and a third driving rod 164.

[0331]The third shaft 161, rotatable according to a third rotation axis a3 extending in a transversal direction y, is supported by two revolute pairs integral with the side plates 115 of the supporting frame 101.

[0332]The levers of the third pair of levers 160, which develop parallel to each other at the two sides of the exercise machine M′, are fixedly constrained to the two opposite ends of the third shaft 161.

[0333]The third pair of levers 160 is therefore rotatably constrained to the third rotation axis a3, which is arranged in a spaced-apart position behind the backrest 182, approximately at the level of the upper edge portion of said backrest 182.

[0334]The levers of the third pair of levers 160 are movable between at least two positions: a rest position, visible in appended FIGS. 30-32, in which they are tilted in an antero-superior direction and therefore are above the backrest 182 with their free ends placed at the top and in front of the upper edge thereof; and a lower end-stroke position, visible in appended FIG. 40, in which the levers 160 are tilted still at the top and downwards, so that their upper end is in a more advanced position but substantially at the height of the backrest 182 or below it.

[0335]It is noted that the trajectories of the levers of the second and third pairs of levers 150, 160 develop on planes lateral to the exercise machine M′ but are spaced-apart from each other; in other words, the levers of one pair are placed at a different lateral distance from the levers of the other pair.

[0336]In the embodiment illustrated in the appended drawings, in particular, the levers of the third pair of levers 160 are placed in a more inward position. Therefore, in their excursion towards the lower end-stroke position, the third levers 160 cross with the second levers 150, inserting themselves between the latter.

[0337]The levers of the third pair of levers 160, similarly to those of the second pair of levers 150, preferably comprise user-side handles 160′ at their free upper end.

[0338]The second user-side shaft 151 is also fixedly constrained to the second yielding rod 152, preferably in an intermediate position between the revolute pairs, i.e. inside the main portion 101″ of the frame 101.

[0339]As particularly visible in FIG. 40, the third yielding rod 162 is coupled with revolute torque to the third return connecting rod 163, which is in turn coupled with revolute torque to the third driving rod 164 integral with a third driving shaft 165, visible in FIGS. 44-45, rotatable relative to the frame 101.

[0340]The third yielding rod 162, the third return connecting rod 163 and the third driving rod 164 thus define an articulated quadrilateral, in particular with a crossed configuration, for transmitting motion between said third drive shaft 165 and the third user-side shaft 161.

[0341]The third operating group 106 may possibly comprise elastic means, not shown in the appended figures, arranged to command/control the movement of the levers. Such elastic means may be similar to those described with reference to the first embodiment.

[0342]The fourth operating group 107 will be now described, which is preferably able to reproduce the functionality of a traditional exercise machine for training quadriceps—for instance of the “leg extension” type—and/or of any exercise machine employing a low-cable—for instance “lat pulley”.

[0343]The fourth operating group 107 comprises a pull cable 170 and a drum 179, the latter being visible in the figure.

[0344]The pull cable 170 wraps around the drum 179, which is placed in a rear portion of the machine M′ and at a substantially raised level relative to the ground.

[0345]The fourth operating group 107 comprises means for guiding the pull cable 170 exiting the drum 179, which direct it to a low exit 170′ placed in front of the exercise machine M′ and visible in FIG. 40. The guiding means preferably comprise a series of transmissions 171, which may take up the form of pulleys and route the pull cable coming from the drum 179 in a longitudinal direction x close to the ground.

[0346]In the preferred embodiment described herein, the low exit 170′ opens frontally to the previously introduced transmission box 118, said transmission box 118 comprising therein further transmission pulleys to raise the level of said low exit 170′ relative to that of the previous route of the pull cable 170.

[0347]The free end of the pull cable 170 carries a coupling terminal of a per se known type, for instance of the snap-hook type, for coupling handles or other accessories of different conformation, selectable based on the exercise to be performed, to the end of the cable.

[0348]As shown in FIG. 41, the fourth operating group 107 also comprises a load arm 178 pivoted to the supporting frame 101 along a fourth transversal rotation axis a4, arranged close to the front edge of the seat base 181. The load arm 178, comprising two side padded rollers 178′, is of a type traditionally known as a thrust element in the machines of the leg extension type machines. A user sitting on the seat 108 is therefore able to insert his/her shins below said padded rollers 178′ to exert a lifting thrust on the load arm 178.

[0349]Frontally relative to the padded rollers 178′ a transversal foot support 178′, configured so that the user maintains the correct posture while performing the various exercises on the seat, is also associated with the load arm.

[0350]At rest, the load arm 178 is placed close to the front upright 119 of the supporting frame 101. The pull cable 170, exiting the transmission box 118, passes through a hole arranged at the lower end of the load arm 178 defining the aforementioned low exit 170′.

[0351]The lower end of the load arm 178 may be integral with the supporting frame 101, by means of a pin passing through respective locking slots or an equivalent locking system, possibly automatic and controlled by the control unit. When the system is in the locked position, the pull cable 170 can traditionally be used as a grip for the user. When the system is in the unlocked position, the load arm 178 is free to move dragging the end of the pull cable 170 associated with the resisting load. The end of the cable is constrained with an end-stroke, in the cable, which allows locking at the low exit 170′.

[0352]As in the previous embodiment, the fourth operating group 107 may still comprise a removable footplate not illustrated in the figures relating to the second embodiment.

[0353]The drum 79 is integral with the fourth drive shaft 175, which, as it will become apparent hereinafter in this description, is one of the exits of the gear shifting mechanism 103.

[0354]It should be noted that the aforementioned operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, may be fewer or more in number, and may provide functionalities other than those shown above by way of non-limiting example.

[0355]The load group 102, particularly visible in FIGS. 42 and 23, will be now described, which comprises an electric motor 121 arranged to define the resistant load in all of the exercises performed with the multifunctional exercise machine M′.

[0356]The load group 102 further comprises, downstream of the electric motor 121, at least one torque meter 123 and a pinion motor 124.

[0357]It is noted that the torque meter 123 may also be absent or replaced with another load measuring system.

[0358]The torque meter 123 allows, in a known manner, feedback controlling the electric motor 121 by simulating a constant or variable resistance load, so as to simulate different types of resistance such as gravitational, viscous, elastic resistance, etc.

[0359]A reduction gear 122 is preferably interposed between the electric motor 121 and the torque meter 123.

[0360]The electric motor 121 and the reduction gear 122 are mounted in a substantially horizontal configuration above a support bracket 120 integral with the lower plinth of the main portion 101″ of the frame 101. Said support bracket 120 supports said entire load group below the seat base 181, with the electric motor 121 in a front position and the reduction gear 122 in a rear position. The motor pinion 124 with the torque meter 123 are mounted on a shaft developing along the transversal direction y and connecting them to the reduction gear 122.

[0361]The load group 102 is kinematically connected to the gear shifting mechanism 103, which allows the load determined by the electric motor 121 to be selectively coupled to the different operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107.

[0362]The gear shifting mechanism 103, generically illustrated in FIGS. 44-45, is a gear shifting mechanism of the desmodromic type, and comprises an inlet made of a primary shaft 132 and four outlets made of the first drive shaft 145, the second drive shaft 155, the third drive shaft 165, and the fourth drive shaft 175. As previously described, said drive shafts 145, 155, 165, 175 are coupled to the four operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, respectively.

[0363]The gear shifting mechanism 103 comprises a closed box 139 which only the free ends of the primary shaft 132 and of the four drive shafts 145, 155, 165, 175 come out of. These free ends have grooves for coupling to the further transmission elements. The free ends of the primary shaft 132, the first drive shaft 145, and the fourth drive shaft 165 come out of one side of the box 139, the free ends of the second drive shaft 155 and the third drive shaft come out of the opposite side.

[0364]The gear shifting mechanism 103 comprises a primary shaft 132, kinematically connected to the load group 102.

[0365]The primary shaft 132 preferably develops along an axis parallel to that of the motor pinion 124.

[0366]In the embodiment described herein, the primary shaft 132 supports a drive gear 133 integral therewith, particularly visible in FIG. 43, which takes motion from the motor pinion 124 via a primary transmission 125, preferably a chain or belt drive.

[0367]It is of course possible to provide that the primary shaft 132 is kinematically connected in another way to the load group 102.

[0368]The four drive shafts 145, 155, 165, 175 also develop, like the primary shaft 132, along an axis parallel to the transversal direction y, and are selectively engageable to the primary shaft 132 via a plurality of transmission members 134, 134′, 134″, 135, 135′, 135″, in this case gear wheels.

[0369]Said gear wheels are divided into driving gear wheels 134, 135, coupled to the primary shaft 132, and driven gear wheels 134′, 134″, 135′, 135″, coupled to one or more drive shafts 145, 155, 165, 175.

[0370]In the present case, the gear shifting mechanism comprises a first driven gear wheel 134 and a second driven gear wheel 135; a first driven gear wheel 134′, a second driven gear wheel 134″, a third driven gear wheel 135′″, and two intermediate driven gear wheels 135′, 135″.

[0371]The gear shifting mechanism 103 also comprises a plurality of selection rings, in the present case a first selection ring 136a, a second selection ring 136b, a third selection ring 136c, and a fourth selection ring 136d.

[0372]The primary shaft 132 is selectively coupled to each of the drive shafts 145, 155, 165, 175 by means of at least one pair of drive and driven gear wheels. For each pair of driving and driven gear wheels, at least one is loosely coupled to a respective shaft, being selectively made integral therewith by a respective selection ring 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d, as it will become clearer from the specific examples detailed herein below. The other gear wheel of the pair, on the other hand, will preferably be fixed, i.e. always integral with the shaft.

[0373]The gear wheels selectively couplable to a shaft have at least one side engagement toothing corresponding to a toothing made on the shaft itself. The corresponding selection ring has an internal toothing that is sliding along the shaft axis on the two flanking toothing. Thus, when the selection ring is positioned astride both toothing, it keeps the shaft and the gear wheel integral to each other; when it is positioned entirely on the toothing positioned on the shaft, the gear wheel remains idle relative to the shaft.

[0374]In other words, the selection rings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d comprise an internal toothing compatible with that of the side engagement toothing of the idle gear wheels, and are placed slidingly above the shafts. In a neutral position, they are only above the toothed portion of the shaft supporting them. When a selection ring 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d is axially shifted from the neutral position, it partially overlaps the lateral engagement toothing of the idle gear wheel, while remaining engaged with the toothed portion of the shaft. A kinematic coupling is thus made between the idle toothed gear and the shaft itself.

[0375]As described for the first embodiment, the engagement toothing may have straight teeth forming a cusp at the engagement end, so as to facilitate the meshing when the selection rings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d slide.

[0376]The first drive shaft 145 and the third drive shaft 165 are substantially coaxial and develop above the primary shaft 132 in two opposite directions; the second drive shaft 155 is arranged below the primary shaft 132 and the fourth drive shaft 175 is still arranged below the second drive shaft 155.

[0377]The primary shaft 132, supported by two bearings, supports the first fixed drive gear 134 and the second idle drive gear 135. In this case, the first drive gear 134 is a pinion and the second drive gear 135 is a gear. The fourth selection ring 136d slides along the primary shaft 132 to selectively block the relative rotation of the second drive wheel 135 relative to the shaft itself.

[0378]The first drive shaft 145 and the third drive shaft 165 are idle relative to each other and support, in an intermediate position between the two shafts, the first driven gear wheel 134′, which is engaged with the first drive gear wheel 134 of the underlying primary shaft 132. Said first driven gear wheel 134′ is preferably a gear, so that the coupling of the first drive gear wheel 134 with the first driven gear wheel 134′ defines a reduction. The first driven gear wheel 134′ has two side engagement toothing on the two opposite sides. The first selection ring 136a is sliding on the first drive shaft 145 and is able to make it integral with the first driven gear wheel 134′. The third selection ring 136c is sliding on the third drive shaft 146 and is able to make it integral with the first driven gear wheel 134′.

[0379]The second drive shaft 155 carries the second driven gear wheel 134″, which is engaged with the first drive gear wheel 134 of the overlying primary shaft 132. Said second driven gear wheel 134″ is preferably a gear, so that the coupling of the first drive gear wheel 134 with the second driven gear wheel 134″ defines a reduction. The second selection rings 136b is sliding on the second drive shaft 155 and is able to engage on a side engagement toothing of the second driven gear wheel 134″ to make it selectively integral with the second drive shaft 155.

[0380]The second drive shaft 155 also supports the two intermediate driven gear wheels 135′, 135″, which are an intermediate pinion 135′ meshed with the second drive gear wheel 135 and an intermediate gear 135″ meshed with the third driven gear wheel 135′″ of the underlying fourth drive shaft 175, respectively. The pinion and intermediate gear 135′, 135″ are rotationally integral with each other but are mounted idle relative to the second drive shaft 155, and are uniquely useful for defining the transmission of motion from the primary shaft 132 to the fourth drive shaft 175.

[0381]The fourth drive shaft 175 only supports the third fixed driven gear 135″. The two gears defined by second drive gear wheel 135 and intermediate pinion 135′ and by intermediate gear 135″ and third drive gear 135′″ form a two-stage transmission which multiplies the speed of the fourth drive shaft 175 relative to the primary shaft 132.

[0382]The gear shifting mechanism 3 still comprises a secondary shaft 130 and at least one fork 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d, in the illustrated case a first fork 131a, a second fork 131b, a third fork 131c, and a fourth fork 131d, associated with the first, second, third, and fourth selection rings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d, respectively.

[0383]The secondary shaft 130 acts as a selection drum for the gears meshed by the selection rings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d sliding on the primary shaft 132 and on the first three drive shafts 145, 155, 165.

[0384]The secondary shaft 130 develops orthogonally to the primary shaft 132, in the embodiment illustrated herein in a rear position relative thereto and in a slightly tilted direction with respect to the vertical.

[0385]The secondary shaft 130 is set in rotation by an auxiliary motor visible in FIGS. 42-43. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary motor 137 is arranged above the secondary shaft 130, which it is connected to by means of a connection joint.

[0386]The four forks 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d are mounted axially sliding on as many sliding pins 131′ parallel to the primary shaft 132 and the drive shafts 145, 155, 165, 175 and positioned behind them. The sliding pins 131′ are fixed at their ends to the opposite walls of the box 139.

[0387]The secondary shaft 130 comprises at least one plurality of cams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, in the embodiment illustrated herein a first cam 130a, a second cam 130b, a third cam 130c, and a fourth cam 130d. Said cams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d uniquely determine the axial sliding of the corresponding forks 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d along the sliding pins 131′.

[0388]In this case, the cams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are made of rings comprising a track surrounding the secondary shaft 130. A follower 138′ integral with the fork 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d guided by the respective cam is inserted into the track. The tracks are mainly circular, with the exception of an eccentric portion defining the offset of the respective forks 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d with respect to the neutral position.

[0389]The forks 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d are integral, at least in the axial sliding, with respect to the previously defined selection rings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the first fork 131a is coupled to the first selection ring 136a, the second fork 131b is coupled to the second selection ring 136b, the third fork 131c is coupled to the third selection ring 136c, the fourth fork 131d is coupled to the fourth selection ring 136d.

[0390]The rotation of the secondary shaft 130, controlled by the auxiliary motor 137, defines the progressive axial displacement of the forks 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d by means of the cams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d, dragging the selection rings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d. The different configurations achieved by the selection rings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d lead to the selective transmission of motion to the different drive shafts 145, 155, 165, 175.

[0391]In a first position of the secondary shaft 130 only the first fork 131a is shifted relative to a rest position so as to partially overlap the first selection ring 136a to the side engagement toothing of the first driven gear wheel 134′. The first driven gear wheel 134′ is thus made integral with the first drive shaft 145. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism is in the first operating configuration of FIG. 48a with the first operating group 104 coupled to the load group 102 via the gear defined by the first drive gear wheel 134 with the first driven gear wheel 134′.

[0392]In a second position of the secondary shaft 130 only the second fork 131b is shifted relative to a rest position, so as to partially overlap the second selection ring 136b with the side engagement toothing of the second driven gear wheel 134′. The second driven gear wheel 134″ is thus made integral with the second drive shaft 155. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism is in the second operating configuration of FIG. 49a with the second operating group 105 coupled to the load group 102 via the gear defined by the first drive gear wheel 134 with the second driven gear wheel 134″.

[0393]In a third position of the secondary shaft 130 only the third fork 131c is shifted relative to a rest position, so as to partially overlap the third selection ring 136c to the side engagement toothing of the first driven gear wheel 134′. The first driven gear wheel 134′ is thus made integral with the third drive shaft 165. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism is in the third operating configuration of FIG. 50a with the third operating group 106 coupled to the load group 102 via the gear defined by the first drive gear wheel 134 with the first driven gear wheel 134′.

[0394]In a fourth position of the secondary shaft 130 only the fourth fork 131d is shifted relative to a rest position, so as to partially overlap the fourth selection ring 136d to the side engagement toothing of the second drive gear wheel 135. The second drive gear wheel 135 is thus made integral with the primary shaft 132. In this case, the gear shifting mechanism is in the fourth operating configuration of FIG. 51a with the fourth operating group 107 coupled to the load group 102 via the two-stage transmission defined by the second drive gear wheel 135, the intermediate driven gear wheels 135′, 135″ and the third driven gear wheel 135′″.

[0395]The configuration of the forks 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d in the second embodiment illustrated in the appended figures is described in detail herein below.

[0396]The forks 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d comprise an attachment bushing 138 coaxial to the sliding pin 131′ and sliding along the latter. At the back of said bushing 138 a short arm supporting the follower 138′ extends, which is made of a pin orthogonal to the sliding pin 131′ and which inserts into the track of the respective cam 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d.

[0397]Each fork 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d still comprises a stem departing from the bushing 138. Stem, bushing 138 and arm of the follower 138′ develop along three axes orthogonal to each other. The stem ends in two tines 138″ which embrace respective selection rings 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d. The selection ring 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d may comprise an outer peripheral indentation to receive the tines 138″ of the respective fork 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d, thus defining the coupling between the elements.

[0398]It is noted that the entire gear shifting mechanism 103 is preferably mounted inside the previously defined box 139, in a position that may be rear relative to the load group 102.

[0399]The secondary shaft 130 still comprises, at its opposite end relative to the auxiliary motor 137, an eccentric follower 130′ engaged with a resetting device 130″ to ensure correct angular positioning of the shaft.

[0400]The resetting device 130″, visible in detail in FIG. 53, comprises a pin transversal relative to the secondary shaft 130, and which is pushed into contact with the secondary shaft 130 by a spring or another elastic means not visible in the figure.

[0401]In an idle position of the gear shifting mechanism 103, in which the secondary shaft 130 is positioned in such a way that all of the cams 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d are in a neutral position, i.e. they do not determine the meshing of the axes, the end of the pin of the resetting device 130′″ is inserted into the aforesaid eccentric follower 130′, i.e. a slot made on the shaft provided with a follower shoulder which, upon insertion of the pin, prevents the rotation in only one of the rotation directions, clockwise in the example in the figure.

[0402]In other words, the pin engaged in the slot acts as a latch preventing the shaft from rotating in a single direction; however, this block is applied in a specific angular position of the shaft, which corresponds precisely to the neutral position.

[0403]The resetting device 130″ is useful to recover any angular error of the shaft, allowing absolute calibration of the encoder that adjusts the rotation of the auxiliary motor 137. This calibration can be carried out, for instance, at each new start-up of the exercise machine M′. The resetting occurs by setting in rotation the secondary shaft 130 in a clockwise direction until the lock is reached; to then engage the gears, the shaft will instead be rotated in the opposite direction.

[0404]Of course, the eccentric follower 130′ can be shaped oppositely, so as to achieve the resetting in a counterclockwise direction and engaging the gears in a clockwise direction.

[0405]The electric motor 121, on the other hand, can be easily recalibrated, even in this case preferably at each new start-up, by moving all levers to their end-stroke position.

[0406]The seat 108, individually visible in FIGS. 54-55, is described in detail herein below.

[0407]As previously mentioned, the seat 108 comprises a seat base 181 and a backrest 182 separated from each other.

[0408]The seat base 181 is supported by two longitudinal supports 180′, associated with screws to the main portion 101″ and the front portion 101′″ of the frame 101.

[0409]The backrest 182 is instead supported by an tilted plate 180″.

[0410]Preferably, the seat base 181 is thus stably fixed to the frame 101.

[0411]Preferably, the backrest 182 is movable relative to the frame 101, and in particular can shift along the longitudinal direction x.

[0412]The seat has guiding means 184 of the backrest 82 along the longitudinal direction x.

[0413]In particular, said guiding means 184 take up the form of rectilinear guides 184a, which extend at the back of the backrest. The rectilinear guides 184a are associated with respective counter guides 184b integral with the frame 101, so as to define a guided sliding of the backrest according to the longitudinal direction x.

[0414]The rectilinear guides 184a are preferably four in number, as are the respective counter guides 184b.

[0415]The rectilinear guides 182 are preferably made of elongated profiles provided with rectilinear slots in which respective pins of the counter guides 183 slide.

[0416]An actuator 185, preferably a rectilinear actuator, also acts on the backrest 182 allowing to move the backrest 182 itself relative to the main portion 101″ of the frame 101.

[0417]As previously mentioned, the backrest 182 has a moderate backward inclination relative to a vertical plane. Preferably, said inclination is comprised between 0 and 25°.

[0418]In the preferred embodiment described herein, both the seat base 181 and the backrest 182 are padded.

[0419]The seat base 181 may have a front thickening 189′ at the rear of the user's knee joint.

[0420]The seat base 181 may still comprise, in its non-thickened portion, transversely differentiated padding to provide greater comfort to the user. In particular, the padding may be more laterally yielding than an intermediate portion.

[0421]The backrest 182 may have a lumbar thickening 189″ and an upper thickening 189′″ for support of the user's head.

[0422]The exercise machine M, M′, in both first and second embodiments, comprises a logic control unit U for controlling the operation of the machine M, M′ itself.

[0423]Said logic control unit U comprises or is connected to a communication module B.

[0424]Said communication module B is able to send and receive data from remote devices D, such as smartphones, tablets and the like and/or from a cloud unit C.

[0425]In operation, when a user intends to perform exercises by means of the machine M, M′, he/she first accesses the machine M, M′ and selects the exercise he/she intends to perform, either on a remote device D or directly on the interface 9, 109, in particular on the screen 90, 190.

[0426]The exercises selected via remote device D are preferably stored on said cloud unit C, or may be stored locally on said remote device D or in the memory of the exercise machine M, M′ itself.

[0427]In addition, the user may also have at his/her disposal a training program prescribed by a trainer, which may be obtained by accessing his/her personal platform via credentials.

[0428]The training programme comprises one or more exercises to be performed by a same operating group or by one or more operating groups, which can be used in succession.

[0429]The single exercise comprises one or more repetitions to be performed on the same operating group.

[0430]Each repetition starts at an exercise starting position of the actuator of the specific operating group and ends at an exercise end position of the same actuator.

[0431]Each exercise is associated with an identification code and a related algorithm able to actuate the specific operating groups, by means of which it is possible to perform the exercise.

[0432]The logic control unit U receives the information from the remote device D or from the interface 9, 109, or from the cloud unit C, identifies the type of exercise selected by the user, by means of the identification code, and proceeds bringing the gear shifting mechanism 3, 103 into one of the four operating configurations, so as to couple the motor pinion 24, 124 to an operating group of the plurality of operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, necessary for the execution of the exercise selected by the user. The exercise load may be selected by the user or may be pre-set, depending on the exercise to be performed and/or the level of the user.

[0433]The training program preferably comprises a recovery time interval, which can be displayed for instance by a timer on the remote device D or directly on the interface 9, 109, between an exercise and another.

[0434]Said logic control unit U is configured to receive command data to be imparted to the various groups of the plurality of operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, such as gear position 3, 103, to activate the correct operating group for the execution of a given exercise, the setting of the initial configuration of the machine M, M′ for the execution of a given exercise, the resistance/load, and the like. Said command data may be stored on cloud C or in a local memory in the machine M, M′ or on the device D.

[0435]Generally, the levers and cable of the plurality of operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107 are in the rest position.

[0436]When the motor pinion 24, 124 is coupled to a specific operating group, the respective levers or cable move to the exercise starting position for the selected exercise.

[0437]The user can then perform the selected exercise to completion, determined either by the number of repetitions or by the preset time. At the end of the execution, the motor pinion 24, 124 locks the levers of the operating groups and returns them to the rest position.

[0438]The gear shifting mechanism 103 decouples the motor pinion 24, 124 from the operating group, without necessarily switching to the neutral configuration.

[0439]The user may decide to select a further exercise or terminate the training.

[0440]It is possible to perform the exercises by means of the plurality of operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, without adhering to a predetermined sequence; or the control unit U may control the activation of the various operating groups 104, 105, 106, 107, by operating the gear shifting mechanism 103 alternately in one of the operating configurations, following a predetermined training program.

[0441]Herein below, the specific exercises that can be performed with the multifunctional machine M, M′ are described. The exercises are illustrated with specific reference to FIGS. 57a to 65b relating to the second embodiment, but similar exercises are performed by the same operating groups of the machine according to the first embodiment.

[0442]In FIGS. 57a to 58b and FIGS. 60a to 65b, the upper limbs are shown in different positions from each other and the lower limbs in different positions from each other, but it should be understood that both upper limbs perform the same movement, as both lower limbs also perform the same movement.

[0443]In appended FIGS. 57a to 57b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the first operating group 104 is engaged and used for biceps training. In this case, the logic control unit U brings the first pair of levers 140 to an exercise starting position that is slightly rotated from the rest position. From here, the user pulls the levers to bring them to the upper end-stroke position.

[0444]In appended FIGS. 58a to 58b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the first operating group 104 is engaged and used for triceps training. In this case, the logic control unit U brings the first pair of levers 140 to a higher exercise starting position than before, which may correspond to the aforementioned upper end-stroke position. From here, the user pushes on the levers to bring them to the lowered position.

[0445]In appended FIGS. 59a to 59b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the first operating group 104 is engaged and used for abdominal muscle training. In this case, the logic control unit U brings the first pair of levers 140 into a raised exercise starting position. From here, the user leans on the levers, contracting the abdominal muscles until the levers are brought to a lowered position.

[0446]In appended FIGS. 60a to 60b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the second operating group 105 is engaged and used for pectoral training. In this case, the logic control unit U brings the second pair of levers 150 to an exercise starting position that is slightly advanced relative to the rest position. From here, the user pulls the levers to bring them to the front end-stroke position.

[0447]In appended FIGS. 61a to 61b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the second operating group 105 are engaged and used for rowing training. In this case, the logic control unit U moves the second pair of levers 150 to a more advanced exercise starting position than before, which may correspond to the aforementioned front end-stroke position. From here, the user pushes on the levers to bring them to a rearward position.

[0448]In appended FIGS. 62a to 62b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the third operating group 106 is engaged and used for shoulder training according to a configuration of the “shoulder press” type. In this case, the logic control unit U brings the third pair of levers 160 to a substantially lowered exercise starting position, which may correspond to the aforementioned lower end-stroke position. From here, the user pushes on the levers to bring them upwards.

[0449]In appended FIGS. 63a to 63b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the third operating group 106 is engaged and used for back training according to a configuration of the “pulldown” type. In this case, the logic control unit U brings the third pair of levers 160 to a slightly lowered exercise starting position. From here, the user pulls the levers to the lower end-stroke position.

[0450]In appended FIGS. 64a to 64b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the fourth operating group 107 is engaged and used for leg training according to a configuration of the “leg extension” type. In this case, the load arm 178 is decoupled from the upright 119, either by action of the user or automatically by the logic control unit U. The logic control unit U brings the cable into an exercise starting position. The user presses on the padded rollers 178′ by rotating the load arm 178 upwards and pulling the cable 170 associated therewith.

[0451]In appended FIGS. 65a to 65b, the multifunctional machine M′ is illustrated when the fourth operating group 107 is engaged and used for a traditional low-cable workout. In this case, the load arm 178 remains locked relative to the upright 119, either by action of the user or automatically by the logic control unit U. The logic control unit U brings the cable to an exercise starting position. The user pulls the cable 170 in a certain direction depending on the type of exercise to be performed, for instance by using a handle or anklet or other accessory attached to the free end of the cable.

[0452]It is noted that the various components or operating groups described with reference to the first embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment, and vice versa.

[0453]The machine just described may also undergo other variations and modifications, all of which being within the reach of the person skilled in the art and, as such, fall within the scope of protection of the present invention as defined by the following claims.