Patent Description:
Equipments for doing these exercises are already present on the market, prevalently disseminated as independent gym machines that use, as the main form of overload, a set of weights made up of several plates (necessary for selecting the load) moved by a cable that runs along a system of pulleys, in order to assure the constancy of the load curve and tension throughout the exercise. There also exist independent stations with a disk load system which are less effective than those with a pulley system.

The main drawback of these apparatus is tied to their considerable bulk and weight, the reason why they cannot be easily moved, used or put away in limited spaces without being disassembled.

In order to provide a response to this drawback, solutions have recently been developed which provide for the installation of an accessory designed to reproduce leg extension and leg curl exercises on a rack (which represents one of the most widely disseminated items of equipment in any space where weight training is provided for), and which also feature a bar able to rotate about a fulcrum.

However, all these items of equipment have defects and limitations from a biomechanical, ergonomic and use standpoint. In particular, not being able to exploit the pulley system, they rely on a system of loading disks by using a sleeve, mounted laterally along the bar, and often located very close to the rotation fulcrum.

These aspects result in a lower perception of the desired load and the presence of dead points during the exercise, in which the load is not perceived. Consequently, the training of the muscle group is less effective, as the constancy of the load curve is not guaranteed.

Moreover, all the solutions presently proposed do not offer the possibility of selecting the starting point of the exercise: in fact, the bar capable of rotating always starts off from a rest position orthogonal to the ground. This makes the apparatus dangerous and awkward to use, particularly if one decides to use it to do exercises such as the lying leg curl. In this exercise, the user is lying face down and manoeuvres the apparatus with their legs without having any visual perception of it. Since in this exercise the bar should have a starting point approximately parallel to the ground, the result is that the user will have extreme difficulty in doing the exercise correctly.

Furthermore, the known solutions are often oversized in terms of length, thus obliging the user to rely on a whole variety of sitting positions should they decide to use the apparatus while sitting (e.g. to do leg extensions). Document <CIT> discloses a multi-party, multi-purpose and collapsible fitness machine comprising an upper body workout unit, a leg curl/extension workout unit, a leg press workout unit and a cardiovascular workout unit with all the units being structured and combined to work cooperatively to enable three or more users to simultaneously exercise and strengthen various muscles of their bodies.

In this context, the technical task at the basis of the present invention is to propose a leg exercise apparatus installable on an upright, for example of a rack, and an exercise station comprising said apparatus, which overcome the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to propose a leg exercise apparatus installable on an upright, for example of a rack, which has reduced overall dimensions and is easy to install and transport.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a leg exercise apparatus installable on an upright, for example of a rack, which is capable of assuring a high working effectiveness in the performance of the exercise, while at the same time assuring reduced overall dimensions and easy transportability.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a leg exercise apparatus installable on an upright, for example of a rack, and an exercise station comprising said apparatus, which are versatile, i.e. which can be used under different conditions.

The stated technical task and specified objects are substantially achieved by a leg exercise apparatus according to claim <NUM> and an exercise station according to claim <NUM>.

In accordance with one embodiment, the support means is configured so that the rod is maintained at the first distance from the arm during the rotation of the arm relative to the hinge axis.

In accordance with one embodiment, the support means comprises a plate extending between a first end mounted on the arm on the opposite side relative to the first roller and a second free end. The rod is fixed to the plate.

In accordance with one embodiment, the plate has a profile that is tapered from the first end towards the second end.

In accordance with one embodiment, the plate has a substantially triangular shape.

In accordance with one embodiment, the fixing system comprises a means for limiting the rotation of the arm. The limiting means comprises a plurality of openings arranged in proximity to the hinge axis and at least one limiter element removably inserted in one of the openings.

In accordance with one embodiment, the first roller and the rod extend away from the arm respectively along a second direction and a third direction opposite to each other, parallel but not coincident.

In accordance with one embodiment, the arm has a plurality of first transverse through holes. The plate has at least two second holes coupled to two corresponding first holes of the arm by means of an equal number of locking elements.

In accordance with one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a second support roller mounted on the fixing system on the same side of the arm as the first roller.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate, and thus non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a leg exercise apparatus installable on an upright, for example of a rack, and an exercise station comprising tale apparatus, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:.

With reference to the figures, the number <NUM> denotes a leg exercise apparatus installable on an upright, for example of a rack.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a fixing system <NUM> for fixing to a support, for example an upright <NUM> of a rack <NUM>.

Said apparatus is conceived, in fact, as an accessory to be installed on an upright of a rack; however, it is possible to use it, with the appropriate modifications, if necessary, also in other contexts that provide for the presence of a column-like support element. The choice of a rack is due to the fact that it represents one of the items of equipment most widely present in any space that provides for weight training.

The fixing system <NUM> comprises a first and a second plate <NUM>, <NUM> parallel to each other, and positioned at a predetermined distance from each other so as to define an intermediate volume, and a third plate <NUM> positioned transversely to the first and second plates <NUM>, <NUM>, within the intermediate volume comprised between them. In this manner, the third plate <NUM> divides each of the two first plates <NUM>, <NUM> into a front part and a rear part. The internal volume between the first and second plates <NUM>, <NUM> is consequently divided into a front volume (comprised between the front portions of the first and second plates <NUM>, <NUM>) and a rear volume (comprised between the rear portions of the first and second plates <NUM>, <NUM>). In other words, the third plate <NUM> acts as a dividing wall between the two volumes, front and rear.

In this manner, a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM> of the fixing system <NUM> are defined. The front portion <NUM> is defined by the front portions of the first and second plates <NUM>, <NUM> and by the third plate <NUM>. The rear portion <NUM> is defined by the rear portions of the first and second plates <NUM>, <NUM> and by the third plate <NUM>.

The rear portion <NUM> serves as a portion for fixing to the upright <NUM>. The rear portion <NUM> is preferably C shaped, with sharp edges for partially embracing the upright <NUM>. In particular, the fixing system <NUM> comprises at least one pin <NUM> originating from the third plate <NUM> and extending away from the latter through the rear volume. The pin <NUM> is inserted into one of the holes of the upright <NUM> and the third plate <NUM> goes to abut against the upright <NUM>.

In this manner, the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM> are positioned next to the upright <NUM> on opposite sides.

Preferably, the pin <NUM> is threaded at the free end and, once inserted into the hole of the upright <NUM>, it is locked in place by means of a mechanical coupling with a threaded ring 8a.

Preferably, the fixing system <NUM> comprises two pins <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises an arm <NUM> extending along a first direction A between a first end 9a and a second end 9b. The first end 9a is hinged to the fixing system <NUM> so as to be rotatable relative to a hinge axis X.

In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the first end 9a is hinged to the front portion <NUM> of the fixing system <NUM>. In particular, the first end 9a is embraced in the front volume by the first plate <NUM> on one side and by the second plate <NUM> on the opposite side.

Preferably, the hinge axis X is orthogonal to the planes defined respectively by the first plate <NUM> and the second plate <NUM>.

Preferably, the arm <NUM> is tubular. Preferably, the arm <NUM> has a square cross section.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a first push roller <NUM> mounted on one side of the arm <NUM>. The first roller <NUM> extends along a second direction B away from the arm <NUM>. Preferably, the second direction B is substantially parallel to the hinge axis X.

Preferably, the first roller <NUM> is padded.

The apparatus <NUM> comprises a rod <NUM> for supporting weights. The rod has an elongated extent according to a third direction C. Preferably, the third direction C is substantially parallel to the hinge axis X.

Innovatively, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a support means <NUM> for supporting the rod <NUM> at a first distance from the arm <NUM>. The support means <NUM> is mounted on the arm <NUM>. The rod <NUM> in turn is fixed to the support means and extends away therefrom along the third direction C.

The support means <NUM> is configured so that the rod <NUM> is at the first distance from the arm <NUM> constantly for the entire duration of the exercise (i.e. irrespective of the angle of rotation of the arm <NUM> relative to the hinge axis X).

The support means <NUM> is configured so that the rod <NUM> is offset relative to the first direction A of extension of the arm <NUM>. In other words, the third direction C does not intersect the first direction A.

In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the support means <NUM> comprises a fourth plate (here referred to as fourth plate to distinguish it from those of the fixing system <NUM>) extending between a first end 12a mounted on the arm <NUM>, on the opposite side relative to the first roller <NUM>, and a second free end 12b. The rod <NUM> is fixed to the fourth plate <NUM> at the first distance from the arm <NUM>. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the rod <NUM> is fixed at the second (free) end 12b. In this manner, the rod <NUM> is offset relative to the arm <NUM>.

Preferably, the fourth plate <NUM> is tapered towards the second end 12b. In the preferred embodiment, the fourth plate <NUM> has a substantially triangular shape. In particular, it has the shape of a right triangle (with rounded vertices) in which the base lies at the first end 12a and the opposite vertex at the second end 12b. The peculiar geometry of the fourth plate <NUM> enables an optimal distribution of loads, while at the same time assuring the smallest overall dimensions possible.

Preferably, the fourth plate <NUM> extends on a plane transversal to the hinge axis X. Preferably, the hinge axis X is orthogonal to said plane. Preferably, said plane is parallel to the first direction A of extension of the arm <NUM>.

Considering a condition in which the arm <NUM> is in a vertical position relative to a floor or rest surface of the apparatus, the first direction A is likewise vertical, while the second direction B and the third direction C are substantially horizontal.

In this condition, the fourth plate <NUM> lies in a plane orthogonal to a plane defined by the first direction A and by the second direction B.

Preferably, the second direction B and the third direction C are opposite to each other, parallel but not coincident.

In the preferred embodiment, the arm <NUM> has a plurality of first transverse through holes <NUM>. The first holes <NUM> are distributed along the first direction A. The first holes <NUM> extend through from one side to the opposite one of the arm <NUM>. In particular, the first holes <NUM> extend along directions substantially parallel to the hinge axis X.

The first end 12a of the fourth plate <NUM> has at least two second through holes <NUM>, which are placed over two corresponding first holes <NUM> in order to determine the height at which to position the fourth plate <NUM> and consequently the rod <NUM>. The coupling is then completed by means of two locking elements, one per hole.

In the same manner, the first roller <NUM> comprises a pin <NUM> that is inserted into one of the first holes <NUM>. Preferably, the pin <NUM> of the first roller <NUM> is threaded at the free end and, once inserted into the corresponding first hole <NUM> of the arm <NUM>, it is locked in place by means of a mechanical coupling with a threaded ring.

If the first hole <NUM> for the first roller <NUM> corresponds to one of the two first holes <NUM> for the fourth plate <NUM>, the pin <NUM> of the first roller <NUM> also serves as a locking element for the fourth plate <NUM>.

Preferably, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a second support roller <NUM> mounted on the fixing system <NUM>. Therefore, while the exercise is being carried out, the second roller <NUM> remains stationary relative to the support (for example the upright <NUM> of the rack <NUM>), unlike the first roller <NUM>, which, being solidly joined to the arm <NUM>, can move with the latter. In particular, the second roller <NUM> is mounted on the fixing system <NUM> so as to be on the same side of the arm <NUM> as the first roller <NUM>.

The second roller <NUM> is removably mounted on the fixing system <NUM>. In fact, it can be removed in order to do exercises such as the lying leg curl.

The apparatus <NUM> proposed here makes it possible to do different leg training exercises (leg extension and leg curl). These exercises require different postures of a user: for example, a leg extension exercise is done with the user sitting, and the user pushes forward the first roller <NUM> in proximity to the ankle joint, whereas a lying leg curl requires that the user is lying face down and pulls the first roller <NUM> towards them with their legs. For these reasons, the apparatus <NUM> can be configured in at least a first configuration and a second configuration.

In the first configuration, illustrated in <FIG>, the rod <NUM> is in a forward position relative to the arm <NUM>. Here the term "forward" means that the rod <NUM> is on the opposite side of the arm <NUM> relative to where a user is positioned to do the exercise. This configuration is used to do leg extension or standing leg curl exercises.

In the second configuration, illustrated in <FIG>, the rod <NUM> is in a rearward position relative to the arm <NUM>. Here the term "rearward" means that the rod <NUM> is on the same side of the arm <NUM> as where a user is positioned to do the exercise. This configuration is used to do lying leg curl exercises.

Preferably, the fixing system <NUM> comprises a means for limiting the rotation of the arm <NUM>. The limiting means comprises a plurality of openings <NUM> and at least one limiter element <NUM> removably inserted in one of the openings <NUM>.

In the preferred embodiment, the openings <NUM> are obtained in at least one of the two plates <NUM>, <NUM> about the hinge point, i.e. the X axis. Preferably, the rotation limiter element <NUM> is a pin.

The openings <NUM> are preferably obtained at precise angles (for example, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, -<NUM>°) relative to a pre-established initial reference.

The subject matter of the present invention also relates to an exercise station <NUM>, which will be described below.

The exercise station <NUM> comprises a rack <NUM> comprising at least one upright <NUM>.

The exercise station <NUM> comprises an apparatus <NUM> according to what has been described above. The apparatus <NUM> is mounted on the upright <NUM> by means of the fixing system <NUM>.

Preferably, the exercise station <NUM> comprises a gym bench <NUM> positioned at the side of the upright <NUM> of the rack <NUM> and behind the first push roller <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM>.

The features of the leg exercise apparatus installable on an upright, for example of a rack, and of the exercise station comprising said apparatus, according to the present invention, appear clear from the description, as do the advantages thereof.

In particular, the offsetting of the support rod for weights relative to the rotating arm, thanks to the support means, makes it possible always to have an eccentricity of the load relative to the longitudinal axis of the arm. In this manner, the load curve remains constant, with no dead points (i.e. zones in which the weight is unloaded), while the exercise is being carried out, from the start to the end.

Furthermore, the triangular shape of the plate of the support means allows the best possible distribution of the load, by combining lightness and efficiency.

Moreover, the removable mounting of the support means on the arm allows for easy disassembly and versatility in obtaining different configurations.

Claim 1:
A leg exercise apparatus (<NUM>) installable on an upright (<NUM>), for example of a rack (<NUM>), said apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a fixing system (<NUM>), installable on the upright (<NUM>);
an arm (<NUM>) longitudinally extending along a first direction (A) and hinged to the fixing
system (<NUM>) so as to be rotatable relative to a hinge axis (X);
a first push roller (<NUM>) mounted on one side of the arm (<NUM>);
a support rod (<NUM>) for weights;
characterised in that it comprises a support means (<NUM>) for supporting the support rod (<NUM>) to have a longitudinal axis (C) at a first distance from the longitudinal axis of the arm (<NUM>), said support means (<NUM>) being mounted on the arm (<NUM>).