RESISTANCE UNIT AND A TRAINER EQUIPPED WITH IT

Abstract

The present invention relates to a resistance unit and a trainer equipped therewith. The resistance unit consists of a body (1), a power-driven resistance unit (2), a pulley (3), and a cable (4). The power-driven resistance unit (2) is attached to the body (1). The pulley (3) is attached to a drive shaft (23) of the power-driven resistance unit (2). The pulley (3) rotates together with the drive shaft (23). The power-driven resistance unit (2) imparts rotational resistance to the pulley (3). The cable (4) is attached to and wound around the drum (3). The trainer comprises at least one trainer frame (6). The resistance unit is detachably attached to the trainer frame (6).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a) AREA OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a resistance unit and a trainer equipped therewith. The resistance unit alone can be used for fitness purposes and can be mounted on any trainer. b) DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Generally, a trainer is equipped with a resistance unit to generate rotational resistance during training, allowing the user to select different resistance levels for training according to the various training modes.

[0003] As described in the utility model patent TW M633954 U from Taiwan dated November 11, 2022, a rowing machine comprises a base frame, a paddle unit, a first rotating shaft, a paddle attachment, a resistance unit, a pull rod, a second rotating shaft, and a pull rod attachment. When a first actuating force is applied to the paddle unit, a drive wheel for driving the paddle in one direction and the first rotating shaft are driven to rotate in a first direction. When the first actuating force is released, the drive wheel for driving the paddle in one direction runs freely on the first rotating shaft in a second direction. When a second actuating force is applied to the pull rod unit, the pull rod attachment is driven to rotate in the first direction.When the second actuation force decreases, a second restoring force drives a one-way wheel on the pull rod, which rotates freely on the second drive shaft in the second direction. In this way, the rowing machine can be operated in various training modes via the paddle and pull rod units.

[0004] In the aforementioned patent, the resistance unit is mounted on the base frame and cannot be freely assembled and disassembled. Furthermore, the resistance unit is not compatible with other rowing machines with different specifications or with other trainers.

[0005] A multifunctional recumbent trainer is described, comprising a base frame, a first transmission unit, a first retraction unit, a resistance unit, a first guide element, and a first movable seat. By changing the relative position between the first movable seat and the first guide element, the position of the first sliding aid of the first movable seat on the base frame can be altered. The multifunctional recumbent trainer allows the user to apply force to either side of the base frame to select different types of training modes.

[0006] In the aforementioned patent, the resistance unit is mounted on the base frame and cannot be easily removed and moved. Furthermore, the resistance unit is not compatible with other rowing machines of different specifications or other types of trainers, making it less than ideal for use.

[0007] German patent application DE 20 2020 005 886 U1 discloses a fitness pulley device in which a motor serves as the force-generating device. German patent application EP 3 182 575 B1 relates to a weight loading system for fitness equipment, comprising a support for mounting on an exercise machine, a pull rope, a motor, a motor drive module, and a motor control unit. German patent application DE 44 04 261 A1 discloses a pull-tension device for an exercise machine in which the weight stack is simulated by a DC motor. The devices shown therein are each motor-driven resistance units for fixed mounting on a fitness training machine. German patent application DE 20 2020 106 146 U1 describes the construction and control of a magnetic resistance unit for fixed mounting on a fitness training machine.

[0008] Documents WO 2023 / 139 409 A1, DE 60 2005 003 729 T2 and DE 20 2007 009 543 U1 each disclose a strength training device for performing strength exercises with a pull rope, which has a platform for placement on a surface and a resistance device, wherein the platform has a flat top on which a user of the strength station can stand, sit or lie. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the aforementioned disadvantages, namely that the resistance unit of the trainer cannot be mounted and dismounted at will according to the prior art and is not compatible with different types of trainers, the main objective of the present invention is to create a resistance unit and a trainer equipped with it.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a resistance unit with the features of claim 1 is provided. The resistance unit consists of a body, a power-driven resistance unit, a pulley, and a cable. The power-driven resistance unit is attached to the body. The pulley is attached to a drive shaft of the power-driven resistance unit. The pulley rotates together with the drive shaft. The power-driven resistance unit imparts rotational resistance to the pulley. The cable is attached to and wound around the pulley. The cable has a free end.

[0011] Preferably, the power-driven resistance unit is a motor or an electromagnetic brake.

[0012] Preferably, the resistance unit also includes a control unit. The control unit communicates with the force-driven resistance unit to control the rotational resistance output by the force-driven resistance unit.

[0013] The body is a closed box. The power-driven resistance unit and the pulley are located inside this closed box. The cable passes through an opening in the closed box. The free end of the cable is outside the closed box.

[0014] The enclosed box has a pedal section that the user can step on with their feet.

[0015] Preferably, a sliding aid is attached to the opening. The cable is guided through the sliding aid. The sliding aid is a sleeve or a pulley.

[0016] The enclosed box consists of a housing and a base. The opening is located on a surface of the housing.

[0017] Preferably, the power-driven resistance unit is electrically connected to a mains connection and a mains switch. The mains connection and the mains switch are located on the housing. The mains connection is configured to connect a power supply to provide current for operating the power-driven resistance unit. The mains switch is configured to turn the power-driven resistance unit on and off.

[0018] Preferably, a force-driven element is detachably attached to the free end of the cable to maintain rotational resistance. The force-applying element is configured to exert a tensile force to overcome the rotational resistance.

[0019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a trainer is equipped with the aforementioned resistance unit. The trainer comprises at least one trainer frame. The resistance unit is detachably attached to the trainer frame.

[0020] Based on the above-mentioned technical features, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The resistance unit has the advantage of being small and lightweight, taking up little space and being easy to transport. In particular, the resistance unit can be used alone for fitness purposes in small spaces. 2. The resistance unit can be attached to at least one trainer frame in a removable manner. The resistance unit can be mounted on several fitness trainers, including rowing machines and other trainers. 3. Disassembly of the resistance unit is simple and easy. The resistance unit can be removed, moved, and mounted on any other trainer. 4. The modular design of the resistance unit is particularly suitable for mass production in factories and facilitates subsequent maintenance or replacement work. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the present invention, mounted on a rowing machine; Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic view of the second embodiment of the present invention in use, mounted on the rowing machine; Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the present invention, mounted on a training device; Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the third embodiment of the present invention in use, mounted on the training device; Fig. Figure 9 shows a partial sectional view of the present embodiment, in which the sliding aid element is a sleeve; and Fig. Figure 10 shows a partial sectional view of the present embodiment, wherein the sliding aid element is a pulley. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION EXAMPLES

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings as examples.

[0022] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows that the first embodiment of the present invention is a resistance unit consisting of a body 1, a power-driven resistance unit 2, a roller 3, a cable 4 and a control unit 5.

[0023] The body 1 is a closed box consisting of a housing 11 and a base 12. The surface of the top of the housing 11 has an opening 13. The top of the housing 11 has a recess in the form of a pedal part 14 into which the user can step with their foot. The base 12 has at least one through-hole 15 for a fastening element, which is guided through the through-hole 15 for screw fastening. The fastening element is a screw 16. The fastening element can be a magnet for a magnetic connection or a locking block for a snap connection, which is one of the possible embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] The power-driven resistance unit 2 is fixedly mounted to the housing 1. The power-driven resistance unit 2 is a motor or an electromagnetic brake. The power-driven resistance unit 2 is located in the enclosed housing. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the power-driven resistance unit 2 is electrically connected to a mains connection 21 and a mains switch 22. The mains connection 21 and the mains switch 22 are both provided on one side of the housing 11. The mains connection 21 is configured for connecting a power supply to provide current for operating the power-driven resistance unit 2. The mains switch 22 is configured to switch the power-driven resistance unit 2 on and off. The power-driven resistance unit 2 includes a drive shaft 23 for transmitting the force.

[0025] Roller 3 is attached to the drive shaft 23 of the power-driven resistance unit 2. Roller 3 is located inside the enclosed housing. Roller 3 rotates together with the drive shaft 23. The power-driven resistance unit 2 generates rotational resistance for roller 3.

[0026] Cable 4 is attached to and wound around roller 3. Cable 4 has a free end 41. Cable 4 passes through the opening 13 of the closed box. The free end 41 is located outside the closed box and is connected to a force transmission element 42. The force transmission element 42 can be in the form of a grip ring, a handle, or a grip band. The force transmission element 42 is detachably attached to the free end 41 to maintain rotational resistance. The force transmission element 42 is configured to exert a tensile force to overcome the rotational resistance.

[0027] The control unit 5 communicates with the power-driven resistance unit 2 to control the rotational resistance output by the power-driven resistance unit 2. The control unit 5 is a mobile phone or a control panel, which automatically controls the magnitude of the rotational resistance output by the power-driven resistance unit 2. The control panel (not shown) can be attached to the surface of the body 1.

[0028] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 4 shows that the magnitude of the rotational resistance output by the power-driven resistance unit 2 is preset during operation via the control unit 5. The user steps with their feet onto the pedal parts 14 of the tops of the housings 11 of both bodies 1. Alternatively, the user A steps with their foot onto the pedal part 14 of the top of the housing 11 of a single body 1. This can be done with two bodies 1 simultaneously or with only one body 1. Then the user A holds onto the force-exercise element 42 at the free end 41 of the cable 4 with one of their hands. The force-exercise element 42 is in the shape of a hand ring. The weight of the user A prevents the two bodies 1 from shifting.Both hands of user A alternately pull the power application element 42 upwards and downwards, thereby applying a pulling force to overcome the rotational resistance output by the drive shaft 23 of the power-driven resistance unit 2 for fitness training.

[0029] The Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 5 shows that the second embodiment of the present invention is a trainer with the resistance unit of the first embodiment. The resistance unit is detachably attached to at least one trainer frame 6 by a screw, magnetic, or snap connection. The trainer frame 6 is a rowing machine. The resistance unit is screwed to the trainer frame 6, with the screw 16 passing through the through-hole 15 of the base 12 so that the user can perform rowing exercises. The magnitude of the rotational resistance delivered by the power-driven resistance unit 2 can be preset via the control unit 5. Fig. Figure 6 shows that user A places both feet on the pedals 61 of the rowing machine. The user then holds the power transmission element 42 at the free end 41 of the cable 4 with both hands.

[0030] The force application element 42 has the shape of a handle. Both hands of the user A pull the force application element 42 back and forth, thereby exerting a pulling force to overcome the rotational resistance output by the drive shaft 23 of the power-driven resistance unit 2 for fitness training.

[0031] The Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 7 shows that the third embodiment of the present invention is a trainer with the resistance unit of the first embodiment. The resistance unit is detachably attached to at least one trainer frame 7 by a screw, magnetic, or snap connection. The trainer frame 7 is a fitness trainer. The resistance unit is screwed to the trainer frame 7, with the screw 16 passing through the through-hole 15 of the base 12 so that the user can perform the training. The magnitude of the rotational resistance delivered by the power-driven resistance unit 2 can be preset via the control unit 5. Fig. Figure 8 shows that the user A can sit or lie on a cushion 71 of the trainer frame 7 during use. The user A then holds onto the power-exercise element 42 at the free end 41 of the cable 4 with both hands. The power-exercise element 42 is shaped like a hand ring. Both hands of the user A alternately pull the power-exercise element 42 up and down, thereby exerting a pulling force to overcome the rotational resistance for fitness training output by the drive shaft 23 of the power-driven resistance unit 2.

[0032] The Fig. Figure 9 shows that in the above embodiments of the present invention, a sliding aid element is attached to the inner wall of the opening 13 of the housing 11 via a thread. The sliding aid element can be a sleeve 8. The sleeve 8 is designed such that the frictional resistance when pulling the cable 4 out of the opening 13 is minimized in order to avoid damage or breakage of the cable 4.

[0033] The Fig. Figure 10 shows that in the above embodiments of the present invention, a sliding aid element is attached to the inner wall of the opening 13 of the housing 11 via a thread. The sliding aid element can be a pulley 9. The pulley 9 is designed such that the frictional resistance when pulling the cable out of the opening 13 is minimized in order to avoid damage or breakage of the cable 4.

[0034] The resistance unit of the present invention has the advantage of being small and lightweight, requiring less space and being easy to transport. In particular, it can be used independently for fitness training. Furthermore, the resistance unit can be detachably attached to at least one trainer frame. The resistance unit can be mounted on several fitness machines, including rowing machines and other trainers. Mounting and dismounting the resistance unit is simple. The resistance unit can be attached to and removed from any trainer. The modular design of the resistance unit is particularly suitable for mass production in factories and facilitates subsequent maintenance or replacement work.

[0035] Despite the detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention for illustrative purposes, further modifications and improvements can be made without altering the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is to be limited only by the attached claims.

Claims

[1] Resistance unit comprising a body (1); a force-driven resistance unit (2) that is attached to the body (1); a roller (3) which is attached to a drive shaft (23) of the power-driven resistance unit (2), the roller (3) is rotated together with the drive shaft (23), the power-driven resistance unit (2) imparts a rotational resistance to the roller (3); a cable (4) which is attached to and wound around the reel (3), the cable having a free end (41); wherein the body (1) is a closed box consisting of a housing (11) and a base (12), wherein a top of the housing (11) has a recess in the form of a pedal part (14) into which the user can step with his foot, wherein the top of the housing (11) outside the pedal part (14) further has an opening (13) for passing the cable (4), wherein the base (12) has at least one through-hole (15) for a fastening element for detachable attachment to at least one trainer frame (6, 7), wherein the power-driven resistance unit (2) and the roller (3) are arranged in the closed box, the cable (4) passes through the opening (13) of the closed box and the free end (41) of the cable (4) is located outside the closed box. [2] Resistance unit according to claim 1, wherein the power-driven resistance unit (2) is either a motor or an electromagnetic brake. [3] Resistance unit according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit (5), wherein the control unit (5) is in signal communication with the power-driven resistance unit (2) in order to control the rotational resistance output by the power-driven resistance unit (2). [4] Resistance unit according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element is a screw (16), a magnet or a snap-in block to detachably attach the resistance unit to at least one trainer frame (6,7) by means of a screw, magnet or snap connection. [5] Resistance unit according to claim 1, wherein a sliding aid element is attached to the opening (13), the cable (4) passes through the sliding aid element and the sliding aid element is either a sleeve (8) or a pulley (9). [6] Resistance unit according to claim 1, wherein the power-driven resistance unit (2) is electrically connected to a mains connection (21) and a mains switch (22), the mains connection (21) and the mains switch (22) being exposed on the housing (11), the mains connection (21) being configured for the connection of a power supply to provide current for the operation of the power-driven resistance unit (2) and the mains switch (22) being configured to switch the power-driven resistance unit (2) on and off. [7] Resistance unit according to claim 1, wherein a force application element (42) is detachably attached to the free end (41) of the cable (4) to maintain the rotational resistance, and the force application element (42) is configured to exert a tensile force to overcome the rotational resistance. [8] Trainer equipped with the resistance unit according to one of claims 1 to 7, comprising at least one trainer frame (6, 7), wherein the resistance unit (2) is detachably mounted on the trainer frame (6, 7).

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