Patent Description:
A conventional exercise machine such as the one disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. <CIT> includes a frame assembly, a user support assembly connected to the frame assembly, two bungee cord units mounted on the frame assembly, and two cable units respectively connected to the two bungee cord units. When the conventional exercise machine is used, a user sits on the user support assembly and pulls the cable units which pulls the bungee cord units, and elastic deformation of the bungee cords provides resistance for the user to train against.

However, the bungee cords in the conventional exercise machine are wrapped over a pulley and the contact between the bungee cords and the pulley generates friction that greatly reduces the service life of the bungee cords. Additionally, the user will have a comparatively more limited range of movement when performing exercises on the conventional exercise machine since the length of travel for the bungee cords and the cables are fixed.

Moreover, the conventional exercise machine has complicated cable connections underneath a seat unit of the user support assembly, this design complicates procedures for detaching the seat unit from the conventional exercise machine.

Therefore, an object of the disclosure is to provide a fitness exercise apparatus that can alleviate at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art.

According to the disclosure, the fitness exercise apparatus includes a main frame, a seat unit, a first elastic unit, two second elastic units, a transmission unit, and an operating unit. The main frame includes a base seat and a support unit that is connected to the base seat. The seat unit is mounted detachably on the base seat. The first elastic unit is mounted on the main frame and includes a plurality of first elastic members. The two second elastic units are mounted on the main frame, and each of the second elastic units includes a plurality of second elastic members. The transmission unit includes a first fixed pulley set, a second fixed pulley set, a main movable pulley set, two third fixed pulley sets, two side movable pulley sets, a first cable, a second cable, and two third cables. The first fixed pulley set, the second fixed pulley set, and the two third fixed pulley sets are mounted on the support unit. The two side movable pulley sets are connected respectively to the second elastic units. The first cable wraps around the first fixed pulley set and the main movable pulley set. The second cable wraps around the second fixed pulley set and the main movable pulley set, and is connected to the first elastic unit. Each of the two third cables wraps around a respective one of the third fixed pulley sets and a respective on of the side movable pulley sets. The operating unit includes at least one operating member that is connected to one of the first, second and two third cables. Pulling of the first cable drives the main movable pulley set to move upwardly, thereby resulting in, via the second cable, deformation of the first elastic unit against an elastic force of the first elastic unit. Pulling of each of the third cables drives the respective one of the side movable pulley sets to move upwardly, thereby resulting in deformation of the respective one of the second elastic units against an elastic force of the second elastic unit.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description of the embodiment(s) with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that various features may not be drawn to scale.

It should be noted herein that for clarity of description, spatially relative terms such as "top," "bottom," "upper," "lower," "on," "above," "over," "downwardly," "upwardly" and the like may be used throughout the disclosure while making reference to the features as illustrated in the drawings. The features may be oriented differently (e.g., rotated <NUM> degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an embodiment of the fitness exercise apparatus according to the disclosure includes a main frame <NUM>, a seat unit <NUM>, a first elastic unit <NUM>, two second elastic units <NUM>, a transmission unit <NUM>, an operating unit <NUM>, two weight units <NUM>, and two resistance units <NUM>.

The main frame <NUM> includes a base seat <NUM>, a support unit <NUM> that is connected to the base seat <NUM>, a first hanger-board <NUM> that corresponds in position with the support unit <NUM>, two second hanger-boards <NUM> that are mounted to the base seat <NUM>, and two third hanger-boards <NUM> mounted to the support unit <NUM>.

The base seat <NUM> includes two spaced-apart legs <NUM>, a plurality of connecting rods <NUM> that are connected between the legs <NUM>, and two retaining members <NUM>. Each of the legs <NUM> of the base seat <NUM> has a base segment <NUM> and an inclined segment <NUM> that is transverse to the base segment <NUM>, that has an inner end <NUM> connected to the base segment <NUM>, and an outer end <NUM> opposite to the inner end <NUM>. A distance between the inclined segments <NUM> of the legs <NUM> gradually increases from the inner ends <NUM> of the inclined segments <NUM> towards the outer ends <NUM> of the inclined segments <NUM>. The retaining members <NUM> are half-round gutter shaped, are respectively connected fixedly to the base segments <NUM> of the legs <NUM>, and are respectively proximate to the inclined segments <NUM> of that legs <NUM>. The second hanger-boards <NUM> are mounted on one of the connecting rods <NUM>.

The support unit <NUM> of the main frame <NUM> includes a rear support member <NUM>, a front support member <NUM>, a hanging member <NUM>, two lower mounting rods <NUM>, an upper mounting rod <NUM>, a support handle <NUM>, two horizontal rods <NUM>, and two guide rods <NUM>. The rear support member <NUM> is inverted L-shaped and mounted to one of the connecting rods <NUM>. The front support member <NUM> is connected between the rear support member <NUM> and another one of the connecting rods <NUM> of the base seat <NUM>, and is also inverted L-shaped. The hanging member <NUM> is mounted on top of the rear support member <NUM>. The two lower mounting rods <NUM> are connected respectively to opposite lateral sides of the rear support member <NUM>. The upper mounting rod <NUM> is mounted on the hanging member <NUM>. The support handle <NUM> is mounted to the rear support member <NUM>. The two horizontal rods <NUM> are connected respectively to the opposite lateral sides of the rear support member <NUM>. Each of the two guide rods <NUM> has one end that is connected to the base seat <NUM>, and an opposite end that is connected to a respective one of the horizontal rods <NUM>. The two third hanger-boards <NUM> of the main frame <NUM> are mounted respectively to the opposite lateral sides of the rear support member <NUM>.

The seat unit <NUM> is mounted detachably on the base seat <NUM>, and includes an inner leg member <NUM>, an outer leg member <NUM>, a guide rail <NUM>, a seat member <NUM>, two foot rests <NUM>, and a latch unit <NUM>. The inner leg member <NUM> is coupled removably to the retaining members <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> is connected between the inner leg member <NUM> and the outer leg member <NUM>. The seat member <NUM> is mounted on the guide rail <NUM>, the foot rests <NUM> are secured to the inner leg member <NUM>, and the latch unit <NUM> is mounted to the seat member <NUM>. The inner leg member <NUM> includes a stationary tube <NUM>, an inner leg rod <NUM>, and an adjusting component <NUM>. The stationary tube <NUM> is connected transversely to the guide rail <NUM>. The inner leg rod <NUM> is inverted T-shaped, and has two arms coupled removably and respectively to the retaining members <NUM> of the base seat <NUM>. Moreover, the inner leg rod <NUM> is connected telescopically to the stationary tube <NUM> and is formed with a plurality of adjusting holes <NUM>. The adjusting component <NUM> is inserted transversely into the stationary tube <NUM> and engages a selected one of the adjusting holes <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the seat member <NUM> is capable of sliding relative to the guide rail <NUM> or capable of being securely affixed to the guide rail <NUM> via the latch unit <NUM>. More specifically, the guide rail <NUM> has a plurality of securing holes <NUM> arranged lengthwise. The latch unit <NUM> has a latch pin <NUM>, an outer sleeve <NUM> that is sleeved over the latch pin <NUM> and that has a groove <NUM>, and a spring <NUM> that is sleeved on the latch pin <NUM> and that is disposed between the latch pin <NUM> and the outer sleeve <NUM>. The latch pin <NUM> has a latch end <NUM> that can engage a selected one of the securing holes <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM> to securely fix the seat member <NUM> to the guide rail <NUM>. The latch unit <NUM> further has a pull knob <NUM> opposite to the latch end <NUM> of the latch pin <NUM>. The spring <NUM> biases the latch end <NUM> of the latch pin <NUM> against the guide rail <NUM>, so that the latch pin <NUM> can remain securely engaged to the selected one of the securing holes <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM> when the latch end <NUM> of the latch pin <NUM> engages that securing hole <NUM>. The pull knob <NUM> is connected fixedly to the latch pin <NUM>, and has an index portion <NUM> that is registered with the groove <NUM> of the latch pin <NUM>. When the seat member <NUM> is securely fixed to the guide rail <NUM> via the latch unit <NUM>, and the index portion <NUM> of the pull knob <NUM> engages the groove <NUM> of the latch pin <NUM>. The pull knob <NUM> can then be pulled to disengage the index portion <NUM> from the groove <NUM>, and the pulling back of the pull knob <NUM> disengages the latch end <NUM> of the latch pin <NUM> from the securing hole <NUM> of the guide rail <NUM>. At this moment, the pull knob <NUM> can be rotated <NUM> degrees so that the latch end <NUM> remains disengaged from the securing hole <NUM> by preventing the index portion <NUM> from engaging the groove <NUM> of the latch pin <NUM>, thereby facilitating sliding movement of the seat member <NUM> relative to the guide rail <NUM>.

The first elastic unit <NUM> is mounted on the main frame <NUM> and includes a plurality of first elastic members <NUM>. Each of the first elastic members <NUM> has an end hooked on the first hanger board <NUM>, and an opposite end connected to the transmission unit <NUM>.

The two second elastic units <NUM> are mounted on the main frame <NUM>. Each of the second elastic units <NUM> is connected between a respective one of the second hanger-boards <NUM> and a respective one of the transmission units <NUM>, and includes a plurality of second elastic members <NUM> (bungees). For each of the second elastic units <NUM>, each of the second elastic members <NUM> has an end that is hooked on the respective one of the second hanger boards <NUM>, and an opposite end that is connected removably to the respective one of the transmission units <NUM>. When a second elastic member <NUM> is not in use it may be stored away by having the opposite end hooked on a respective one of the third hanger boards <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the transmission unit <NUM> includes a first fixed pulley set <NUM>, a second fixed pulley set <NUM>, a main movable pulley set <NUM>, two third fixed pulley sets <NUM>, two side movable pulley sets <NUM>, a first cable <NUM>, a second cable <NUM>, and two third cables <NUM>. The first fixed pulley set <NUM> and the second fixed pulley set <NUM> are mounted on the support unit <NUM>. The two third pulley sets <NUM> are also mounted on the support unit <NUM>. The two side movable pulley sets <NUM> are connected respectively to the second elastic units <NUM>. The first cable <NUM> wraps around the first fixed pullet set <NUM> and the main movable pulley set <NUM>. The second cable <NUM> wraps around the second fixed pulley set <NUM> and the main movable pulley set <NUM>, and is connected to the first elastic unit <NUM>. The two third cables <NUM> each wrap around a respective one of the third fixed pulley sets <NUM> and a respective one of the side movable pulley sets <NUM>.

The first fixed pulley set <NUM> includes a plurality of first fixed pulleys <NUM> that are mounted to the rear support member <NUM>, the front support member <NUM>, and the hanging member <NUM>. The second fixed pulley set <NUM> includes a plurality of second fixed pulleys <NUM> that are mounted respectively to the rear support member <NUM> and the base seat <NUM>. The main movable pulley set <NUM> includes a main block <NUM>, and a main movable pulley <NUM> fixed on the main block <NUM>. The first cable <NUM> wraps around the main movable pulley <NUM>, and the second cable <NUM> is connected to the main block <NUM>. The third fixed pulley set <NUM> includes a plurality of third fixed pulleys <NUM> mounted on the upper mounting rod <NUM> and the lower mounting rods <NUM>. Each of the side movable pulley sets <NUM> of the transmission unit <NUM> includes a side block <NUM> and a side movable pulley <NUM> that is fixed on the side block <NUM>. For each of the second elastic units <NUM>, all the second elastic members <NUM> are connected detachably to the side block <NUM> of the respective one of the side movable pulley sets <NUM>.

The operating unit <NUM> includes at least one operating member that is connected to one of the first, second and two third cables <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the operating unit <NUM> includes a plurality of operating members that are configured as two hand grips <NUM>, a long handlebar <NUM> or a short handlebar <NUM>. In practical terms, the two hand grips <NUM> may be respectively detachably connected to opposite first and second ends of the third cables <NUM>. In this embodiment, the long handlebar <NUM> is detachably connected to a first end of the first cable <NUM>, and the short handlebar <NUM> is detachably connected to a second end of the first cable <NUM>. It should be noted that the operating members are not limited to the above examples, and they may be any device the user may use to operate the fitness exercise apparatus, for example, ankle straps, lat pulldown attachment, triceps rope, rotating bar, V-shaped bar etc..

The offset weight units <NUM> each include a shaft <NUM> that is secured to the base segment <NUM> of a respective one of the two space-apart legs <NUM> of the base seat <NUM>, and a plurality of weight plates <NUM> that are sleeved removably on the shaft <NUM>.

Each of the resistance units <NUM> includes a fourth fixed pulley set <NUM> that is mounted on the main frame <NUM>, a weight block <NUM> that is mounted on the main frame <NUM> by being sleeved on a corresponding guide rod <NUM>, and a connecting cable <NUM>. For each resistance unit <NUM>, the fourth fixed pulley set <NUM> includes two fourth fixed pulleys <NUM> mounted respectively on a respective one of the horizontal rods <NUM> and the base seat <NUM>, and the connecting cable <NUM> wraps around the fourth fixed pulleys <NUM> and is interconnecting the side block <NUM> of a respective one of the side movable pulley sets <NUM> and the weight block <NUM>. Specifically, the connecting cable <NUM> has one end connected to the side block <NUM> of the respective one of the side movable pulley sets <NUM>, and an opposite end connected detachably to the weight block <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when a user wishes to begin using the fitness exercise apparatus the inner leg member <NUM> is first coupled to the retaining members <NUM>, and the seat member <NUM> may be selected, according to the type of training the user wishes to perform, to either slide against or be securely affixed to the guide rail <NUM> via the latch unit <NUM> in this embodiment. The number of the first and second elastic members <NUM>, <NUM> may be selected according to the type of training the user wishes to conduct. The surplus first and second elastic members <NUM>, <NUM> that are not in use may be stored. Surplus first elastic members <NUM> may be stored by having one end connected to the first hanger-board <NUM> and the other end connected to a nearest third hanger-board <NUM>. Surplus second elastic members <NUM> may be stored by having one end connected to the respective second hanger-board <NUM> and the other end connected to a nearest third hanger-board <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, when the seat member <NUM> is securely affixed relative to the guide rail <NUM> and the user is seated on the seat member <NUM>, the user may pull the long handlebar <NUM> downwards, and the pulling of the first cable <NUM> drives the main movable pulley set <NUM> to move upwardly, thereby resulting in, via the second cable <NUM>, deformation of the first elastic unit <NUM> against an elastic force of the first elastic unit <NUM>. The above setup allows the user to perform a wide grip lat pulldown exercise as shown in <FIG>, where the user is shown seated facing the fitness exercise apparatus. The same setup also allows the user to perform a wide grip rear pulldown exercise (not shown in the Figures) by sitting in a reverse position with their back facing the fitness exercise apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, the user is shown performing a chest pull exercise on the fitness exercise apparatus. In this case, referring further to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fitness exercise apparatus is set up by connecting the two hand grips <NUM> respectively to the first ends of the third cables <NUM>. The second ends of the third cables <NUM> are fixed at this time, so that when the user pulls the two hand grips <NUM>, the pulling of each of the third cables <NUM> drives the respective one of the side movable pulley sets <NUM> to move upwardly, thereby resulting in movement of the weight block <NUM> of the respective one of the resistance units <NUM>. In the meantime, the pulling of each of the third cables <NUM> results in deformation of the respective one of the second elastic units <NUM> against an elastic force of the second elastic unit <NUM>. It should be noted, that a seated straight arm pulldown exercise may be performed from the same setup of the fitness exercise apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, a seated cable row exercise may be performed on the fitness exercise apparatus. In this case, the fitness exercise apparatus is set up by operating the latch unit <NUM> so that the seat member <NUM> is capable of sliding relative to the guide rail <NUM>. The user is seated on the seat member <NUM> and has both feet planted on the foot rests <NUM>. In this exercise, the user pulls the short handle bar <NUM> while seated on the seat member <NUM> and sliding relative to the guide rail <NUM>. The first end of the first cable <NUM> is fixed to prevent movement, so that resistance against the user's pull from the first elastic member <NUM> can be transferred via the first cable <NUM>. The seated cable row exercise allows the user to effectively train the latissimus dorsi muscles and the trapezius muscles.

Referring to <FIG>, the seat unit <NUM> may be detached from the main frame <NUM> to allow the user to perform a triceps push down exercise. In this case, the user is standing and uses the long handlebar <NUM> to pull down against the resistance of the resistance unit <NUM>. The setup is similar to the wide grip lat pulldown exercise shown in <FIG> and further details are omitted for the sake of brevity.

Referring to <FIG>, where the user is shown performing a standing low pulley bicep curl. In this case, the seat unit <NUM> is detached from the main frame <NUM> and the user stands in the middle of the spaced-apart legs <NUM> of the base seat <NUM>. The two hand grips <NUM> are respectively connected to the second ends of the two third cables <NUM>, with the first ends of the third cables <NUM> being fixed. The user exerts a pulling motion that pulls the two third cables <NUM>. The pulling of each of the third cables <NUM> will drive the side movable pulley sets <NUM> to move upwardly, thereby resulting in deformation of the second elastic units <NUM> against an elastic force of the second elastic units <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, where the user is shown performing an alternating straight arm pulldown exercise. For this exercise the fitness exercise apparatus is set up by detaching the seat unit <NUM> from the main frame <NUM>, and then respectively connecting the two hand grips <NUM> to the first ends of the two third cables <NUM>, with the second ends of the third cables <NUM> being fixed. The user performs a pulling motion with the two hand grips <NUM> thereby pulling the two third cables <NUM>. The pulling of each of the third cables <NUM> drives the respective one of the side movable pulley sets <NUM> to move upwardly, thereby resulting in deformation of the respective one of the second elastic units <NUM> against an elastic force of the second elastic units <NUM>. Additionally, it should be noted that a standing straight arm pulldown exercise may be performed from the same setup of the fitness exercise apparatus.

Referring to <FIG>, in this setup the user is standing with their back facing the fitness exercise apparatus and performing a reverse low pulley standing bicep curl exercise. The two hand grips <NUM> are respectively connected to the second ends of the third cables <NUM> with the first ends of the third cables <NUM> being fixed.

Referring to <FIG>, the user is shown performing a cross body bicep curl exercise. The user stands sideways relative to the main frame <NUM> of the fitness exercise apparatus and performs a pulling motion using only a single hand grip <NUM> that is connected to the second end of one of the third cables <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the user is shown performing a standing high and low cable crossover exercise, where the user pulls the two hand grips <NUM> from a higher angle and a lower angle, to crossover at chest height. For this exercise one of the two hand grips <NUM> is connected to the first end of one of the third cables <NUM>, and the other one of the two hand grips <NUM> is connected to the second end of the other one of the third cables <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the user is shown performing an alternating leg drop exercise. For this exercise, the fitness exercise apparatus is setup the same as for the chest pull exercise, and the user uses the hand grips <NUM> as foot straps.

The fitness exercise apparatus according to the present disclosure has the following advantages:.

Referring to <FIG>, a conventional rowing machine display and sensor <NUM> is installed on the seat unit <NUM>, a phone holder <NUM> is installed on the support unit <NUM>, and sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are installed respectively on the long handlebar <NUM> and the short handlebar <NUM>. These instruments allow the fitness exercise apparatus to display various exercise data such as laps/repetitions, speed, calorie expenditure, and heart rate so that the user may monitor their training progress and analyze their progress quantitatively. This may increase user motivation and incentivize the user to accomplish their fitness goals. The user may monitor their calorie expenditure and their heart rate from the conventional rowing machine display and sensor <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the user is shown performing a cable glute kickback exercise where the support handle <NUM> may be used for support and the operating member may be an ankle strap.

In summary of the above, the fitness exercise apparatus according to the disclosure has the functions of both cardio and strength training exercise machines. The structure is simple, and the manufacture process may be streamlined. The fitness exercise apparatus allows users to quickly reach their strength training as well as cardio fitness goals.

Claim 1:
A fitness exercise apparatus including:
a main frame (<NUM>) including a base seat (<NUM>) and a support unit (<NUM>) that is connected to said base seat (<NUM>); and
a seat unit (<NUM>) mounted detachably on said base seat (<NUM>);
characterized in that said fitness exercise apparatus further includes:
a first elastic unit (<NUM>) mounted on said main frame (<NUM>) and including a plurality of first elastic members (<NUM>);
two second elastic units (<NUM>) mounted on said main frame (<NUM>), each of said second elastic units (<NUM>) including a plurality of second elastic members (<NUM>);
a transmission unit (<NUM>) including
a first fixed pulley set (<NUM>) that is mounted on said support unit (<NUM>),
a second fixed pulley set (<NUM>) that is mounted on said support unit (<NUM>),
a main movable pulley set (<NUM>),
two third fixed pulley sets (<NUM>) that are mounted on said support unit (<NUM>),
two side movable pulley sets (<NUM>) that are connected respectively to said second elastic units (<NUM>),
a first cable (<NUM>) that wraps around said first fixed pulley set (<NUM>) and said main movable pulley set (<NUM>),
a second cable (<NUM>) that wraps around said second fixed pulley set (<NUM>) and said main movable pulley set (<NUM>), and that is connected to said first elastic unit (<NUM>), and
two third cables (<NUM>), each wrapping around a respective one of said third fixed pulley sets (<NUM>) and a respective one of said side movable pulley sets (<NUM>); and
an operating unit (<NUM>) including at least one operating member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) that is connected to one of said first, second and cables (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein pulling of said first cable (<NUM>) drives said main movable pulley set (<NUM>) to move upwardly, thereby resulting in, via said second cable (<NUM>), deformation of said first elastic unit (<NUM>) against an elastic force of said first elastic unit (<NUM>); and
wherein pulling of each of said third cables (<NUM>) drives the respective one of said side movable pulley sets (<NUM>) to move upwardly, thereby resulting in deformation of the respective one of said second elastic units (<NUM>) against an elastic force of said second elastic unit (<NUM>).