U.S. patent application number 10/819116 was filed with the patent office on 2005-01-06 for exercise device, method of fabricating exercise device, and method and system for interaction with an exercise device.
Invention is credited to Conley, William Patrick, Friedman, Mark B., Hauser, Stephen G., Mills, Alden Morris, Thomason, Rodger Dale.
Application Number | 20050003931 10/819116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33555622 |
Filed Date | 2005-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050003931 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mills, Alden Morris ; et
al. |
January 6, 2005 |
Exercise device, method of fabricating exercise device, and method
and system for interaction with an exercise device
Abstract
An exercise device, method of making the device and a method and
system for interaction with an exercise device, in which removable,
variable weight may be provided in a housing of the device. Two
rotatable handles may be provided in the housing, permitting
various hand orientations during exercise. The removable weight may
be provided near the center of the exercise device, with the
handles substantially outboard the weight. Weight may thus be
efficiently added or removed in a central area of the housing
between the handles.
Inventors: |
Mills, Alden Morris; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Friedman, Mark B.; (Simi Valley,
CA) ; Hauser, Stephen G.; (Tarzana, CA) ;
Conley, William Patrick; (Santa Monica, CA) ;
Thomason, Rodger Dale; (Santa Monica, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 8910
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
33555622 |
Appl. No.: |
10/819116 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60483633 |
Jul 1, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/5 ;
482/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0601 20130101;
A63B 21/00065 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/0724
20130101; A63B 21/0728 20130101; A63B 21/4017 20151001; A63B 21/075
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/005 ;
482/092 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/005 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An exercise device, comprising: an upper housing, a lower
housing, and a pair of rotatable handle assemblies between the
upper and lower housings, the lower housing including a cavity for
receiving a removable weight.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the cavity is centrally located
in the lower housing so that the removable weight is provided near
the center of the exercise device, so that each handle assembly of
the pair is outboard either side of the weight.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a tray adapted to
hold the removable weight, the tray adapted for insertion into the
cavity of the lower housing.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a weight selector,
wherein weight is added or removed within the cavity in the lower
housing by placing the exercise device over the tray so that the
tray is inserted into the cavity and adjusting the position of the
weight selector.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the weight selector includes: a
selector knob provided on the device and adapted to be actuated by
a user of the device, an inner selector tube, and an outer selector
tube, wherein the selector knob is engaged to the inner selector
tube to form a subassembly that is rigidly connected to outer tube
assembly, and wherein the outer selector tube includes a plurality
a teeth for engaging the removable weight.
6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a tray adapted to
hold the removable weight, the tray adapted for insertion into the
cavity of the lower housing, wherein the removable weight is
embodied as one or more vertically stacked weight plates in the
tray.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein one of the vertically stacked
weight plates is permanently fixed in the tray.
8. The device of claim 6, wherein each weight plate has one or more
teeth for engaging the teeth on the outer selector tube, based on a
rotational position of the outer selector tube.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein the rotational position of the
outer selector tube is based on a weight selection position of the
selector knob, and the user actuates the selector knob on the
device to a desired weight to align teeth of the outer selector
tube so as to engage teeth of one or more given weight plates in
the tray to achieve the desired weight and remove the desired
weight from the tray.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein, if a given weight plate is
engaged by the weight selector, all weight plates above the given
weight plate are also engaged by the weight selector.
11. The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more
resistance/sound elements for providing aural and resistance
feedback to a user actuating the rotating handle assemblies.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein each rotating handle assembly
includes teeth on an outer periphery thereof the resistance/element
has a flexible configuration and is in proximate relationship to
the teeth of a given handle assembly for engaging the teeth as the
handle assembly is being turned, providing an audible sound and a
resistance to the rotational movement.
13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a selector switch
adjustable by the user to change the sound and resistance, via
positioning of the resistance/sound element to a range of positions
between a maximum sound and resistance position and a minimum sound
and resistance position.
14. An exercise device, comprising: an upper housing; a lower
housing, the lower housing provided with a central cavity for
insertion of one or more removable weights, each of the upper and
lower housings further including a frame and a pair of outer
openings, one opening at either side of the central cavity; a pair
of rotating handle assemblies provided in corresponding outer
openings; and a weight selection assembly for selecting a desired
amount of weight for insertion in the central cavity.
15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a tray configured
for holding weights and adapted so as to be engaged by the weight
selection assembly within an opening provided at an underside of
the lower housing.
16. The device of claim 15, wherein one or more of the upper
housing, lower housing, rotating handle assemblies, weight
selection assembly and tray are formed by an injection molding
process from a high impact plastic.
17. A method of fabricating an exercise device, comprising: forming
an upper housing; forming a lower housing, each of the upper and
lower housing composed of a frame provided with a central opening
and an outer opening on either side of the central opening, the
lower housing further including a cavity; forming a weight
selection assembly adapted to select a removable weight; forming a
pair of handle assemblies; inserting each handle assembly in a
corresponding outer opening of the lower housing so as to be
supported by the lower housing frame; inserting the weight
selection assembly through the central opening in the upper
housing; and attaching the upper housing to the lower housing so
that at least a portion of the weight selection assembly extends in
the cavity of the lower housing.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: forming a tray
configured for holding one or more removable weights and of a
dimension so as to fit within the cavity of the lower housing for
engagement of the one or more removable weights therein by the
weight selection assembly.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein at least one of the steps of
forming the upper housing, lower housing, weight selection
assembly, pair of handle assemblies and tray includes performing a
process selected from the group comprising an injection molding
process, a vacuum forming process and a metal casting process.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of forming the weight
selection assembly includes: forming an inner selector tube,
forming a selector knob, inserting the selector knob into the inner
selector tube to form a subassembly, forming the outer selector
tube, and inserting the subassembly into outer selector tube.
21. A method of determining a fitness score for a workout by a user
manipulating an exercise device, comprising: receiving one or more
detected parameters related to spatial movement of the exercise
device; and determining a fitness score related to quality of the
workout by the user, based on the received parameter data.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the receiving step includes
receiving the detected parameters over one of a wired link and a
wireless link.
23. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying the
fitness score for the user.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the detected parameters include
at least one of a rate of lift parameter of the exercise device
during movement by the user, a range of motion parameter of the
exercise device during movement by the user, a number of
repetitions parameter of the exercise device by the user for a
specified workout routine, and a jitter parameter related to pitch
and yaw of the exercise during movement by the user.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the determining step includes
determining the fitness score as a function of at least one of an
age, gender and fitness condition of the user.
26. The method of claim 21, further comprising: displaying the
fitness score and a comparison of the user's fitness score to
fitness scores of other users.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein fitness scores of other users
are obtained via one of an intranet and the internet.
28. An arrangement for tracking movement of a hand-held,
free-weight exercise device to determine quality of a workout,
comprising: a plurality of sensors for detecting one or more
parameters related to spatial movement of the device by the user
during a workout, a transceiver, and a processor, the transceiver
transmitting the detected parameter data to the processor, the
processor determining a quality of the workout by the user based on
the received parameter data.
29. The arrangement of claim 28, wherein the plurality of sensors
are embodied as at least one of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a
pressure sensor and an optical sensor, or combinations thereof.
30. The arrangement of claim 28, wherein the plurality of sensors
detect at least one of a rate of lift parameter of the exercise
device during movement by the user, a range of motion parameter of
the exercise device during movement by the user, a number of
repetitions parameter of the exercise device by the user for a
specified workout routine, and a jitter parameter related to pitch
and yaw of the exercise during movement by the user.
31. A gaming device containing an arrangement as described in claim
28, the arrangement interacting with existing gaming software to
translate movement of the gaming device into moves within an
existing game being implemented by the gaming software.
32. A system for tracking a physical workout of a hand-held,
free-weight exercise device by a user, comprising: a plurality of
sensors connected to the device for detecting one or more
parameters related to spatial movement of the device by the user
during the workout; a first transceiver attached to the device for
transmitting the detected parameters over a wireless link; a second
transceiver for receiving the detected parameter data over the link
and forwarding the parameter data to a processor, the processor
evaluating the received parameter data to output performance data
indicating quality of the workout to the user.
32. The system of claim 31, further comprising: a memory for
storing the performance data; and an interface for receiving input
to the processor and for enabling display of the performance data
to the user.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein the interface is a graphical
user interface.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the graphical user interface is
adapted to enable, via an animated display, a proper form of a
selected exercise to help instruct the user.
35. The system of claim 33, wherein the graphical user interface is
adapted to graphically mimic, on a display, a particular exercise
being performed by the user in at least one of real time and
playback, to indicate whether the exercise is performed properly,
and to score the individual exercise.
36. The system of claim 33, wherein the graphical user interface
communicates with the user over one of an internet or intranet.
37. An exercise device, comprising: a housing, and a pair of
rotatable handle assemblies, each rotating handle assembly of the
pair arranged on either side of the housing, the housing adapted to
hold a removable weight therein so that the removable weight is
centrally located in the device.
38. The device of claim 37, further comprising: a tray adapted to
hold the removable weight, the tray adapted for insertion into a
cavity at an underside of the housing, wherein the removable weight
is embodied as one or more vertically stacked weight plates in the
tray, and a weight selector, wherein weight is added or removed
within the cavity by placing the exercise device over the tray so
that the tray is inserted into the cavity and adjusting the
position of the weight selector to engage one or more of the
vertically stacked weights in the tray.
39. The device of claim 37, further comprising: a weight selector
include a laterally moving selector knob and a selector tube,
wherein weight is added or removed by laterally moving the selector
knob and selector tube to engage one or more vertically stacked
weights.
40. The device of claim 37, further comprising: a central cavity
within the housing, the central cavity containing a plurality of
weights sleeves, each weight sleeve adapted to house a removable
weight.
Description
DOMESTIC PRIORITY STATEMENT
[0001] This application claims domestic priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.120 to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/483,633 to
Mills et al., filed Jul. 1, 2003 in the United States Patent &
Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in
its entirety by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to an exercise
device, a method of fabricating the device, and a method and system
for interaction with an exercise device.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Today, dumbbells may be generally recognized as the most
efficient of strength training devices. They allow extreme
flexibility in patterns of movement and allow the athlete to
perform a real world training regimen unlike, for example, bungee
cord exercises. Therapists prefer dumbbells because dumbbells may
reflect everyday movements and the flexibility of a dumbbell may
allow the patient to train around joint and muscle trauma. People
that train with dumbbells may enjoy productive gains not available
with other training modalities because dumbbells generally require
balance and involve synergistic muscle groups to contract during
the lift. The necessity to balance the dumbbells and coordinate
movement of each hand may stress the muscular and nervous system
unlike any machine exercise. With machines, a portion of the
athlete's musculature can actually relax due to the absence of
fully balanced coordination, i.e. one side can push harder than the
other.
[0006] There are two basic forms of dumbbells: fixed or
"pro-style", and adjustable dumbbells. Fixed dumbbells are
individually compact, but are typically sold in sets which
typically may be stored on a rack that is bulky and cumbersome.
Adjustable dumbbells have historically incorporated plates and
locking collars secured to the ends of an extended handle.
[0007] Adjustable dumbbells may be the most space and cost
efficient exercise equipment. However, adjustable dumbbells may
have some drawbacks. One drawback may be the time it takes to
change or adjust both dumbbells. Removing and replacing the locking
collars and plates may be time consuming, and can be a potential
safety hazard if the collars are not securely tightened. Some
exercises such as bench presses, inclines and shoulder work
typically begin and end with the dumbbells resting on the knees of
the user. However, this may be unwieldy and painful if the ends of
the dumbbells are not relatively flat.
[0008] Various adjustable dumbbells have been developed heretofore.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,017 to Jaeger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,198 to
Hettick and U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,144 to Towley, III et al. are
representative of the prior art in this regard. Each of these
patents, however, addresses only certain aspects of an adjustable
dumbbell, such as releasability, interlocking of the weights, etc.
Moreover, the exercise devices in each of these references may
involve a relatively cumbersome operation to add and/or subtract
weight and/or may be somewhat bulky and cumbersome to store.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be
directed to an exercise device. The exercise device may include a
housing and a pair of rotatable handle assemblies. Each rotating
handle assembly of the pair may be arranged on either side of the
housing. The housing may be adapted to hold a removable weight
therein so that the removable weight is centrally located in the
exercise device.
[0010] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be
directed to an exercise device. The exercise device may include an
upper housing and a lower housing. The lower housing may include a
central cavity for insertion of one or more removable weights. Each
of the upper and lower housings may further include a frame and a
pair of outer openings, one opening at either side of the central
cavity. The device may include a pair of rotating handle assemblies
provided in corresponding outer openings, and a weight selection
assembly for selecting a desired amount of weight for insertion in
the central cavity.
[0011] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be
directed to a method of fabricating an exercise device. In the
method, an upper housing and a lower housing may be formed. Each of
the upper and lower housings may be composed of a frame provided
with a central opening and an outer opening on either side of the
central opening. The lower housing may further include a cavity. A
weight selection assembly may be formed and may be adapted to
select a removable weight. A pair of handle assemblies may be
formed, and each handle assembly may be inserted in a corresponding
outer opening of the lower housing so as to be supported by the
lower housing frame. The weight selection assembly may be inserted
through the central opening in the upper housing, and the upper
housing may be attached to the lower housing so that at least a
portion of the weight selection assembly extends in the cavity of
the lower housing.
[0012] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be
directed to a method of determining a fitness score for a workout
by a user manipulating an exercise device. In the method, one or
more detected parameters related to spatial movement of the
exercise device may be received. Based on the received parameter
data, a fitness score related to a quality of the workout by the
user may be determined.
[0013] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be
directed to an arrangement for tracking movement of a hand-held,
free-weight exercise device to determine quality of a workout. The
arrangement may include a plurality of sensors for detecting one or
more parameters related to spatial movement of the device by the
user during a workout, a transceiver and a processor. The
transceiver may transmit the detected parameter data to the
processor, and the processor may determine a quality of a workout
by the user based on the received parameter data.
[0014] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be
directed to a system for tracking a physical workout of a
hand-held, free-weight exercise device by a user. The system may
include a plurality of sensors connected to the device for
detecting one or more parameters related to spatial movement of the
device by the user during the workout. The system may include a
first transceiver attached to the device for transmitting the
detected parameters over a link (such as a wireless link), and a
second transceiver for receiving the detected parameter data over
the link and forwarding the parameter data to a processor. The
processor may evaluate the received parameter data to output
performance data indicating quality of the workout to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become
more fully understood from the detailed description given herein
below and the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are
represented by like reference numerals, which are given by way of
illustration only and thus do not limit the exemplary embodiments
of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exercise device in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 2A is an extended plan view of FIG. 1 illustrating a
removable tray in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2B is an underside view of FIG. 1 illustrating a cavity
of the lower housing of the exercise device, in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of an exercise device in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a more detailed exploded view of a weight
selection assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view illustrating the selector
assembly relative to a stack of weights and the removable tray in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the weight plates 300 to
illustrate a method of weight selection in more detail, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an exemplary configuration for
a weight plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the removable tray in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of the upper housing to
illustrate the selector knob in more detail.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a rotating handle assembly in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0027] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of FIG. 10 to illustrate the
construction of the rotating handle assembly.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged top view of the handle
assembly and lower housing.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a partial exploded view illustrating a
resistance/sound element in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of
manufacturing the exercise device in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a method and system
for interaction with an exercise device in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0032] FIG. 16 is a partial cut-away view of an exercise device in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 17 is a top view of an exercise device in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0034] In general, the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention introduce an exercise device for providing variable
weight in a housing of the device. Two rotating handles may be
provided in the housing, permitting various hand orientations
during exercise. Unlike most dumbbell-type free-weight devices, the
removable weight may be provided near the center of the exercise
device, with the handles substantially outboard the removable
weight. Weight may be efficiently added or removed by placing the
exercise device over a separate holding tray and changing the
position of a weight selector element on the device. Unused weights
may be suitably stored in this holding tray. As will be seen in
more detail below, additional features may be incorporated into the
rotating handles, including elements that may selectively add sound
and/or resistance when the handles are actuated.
[0035] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exercise device in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention and FIGS. 2A and 2B
are an extended plan view and underside view of FIG. 1 illustrating
a removable tray and a cavity of the lower housing in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Referring to FIG. 1,
the exercise device 1 may include an upper housing 10 and a lower
housing 20. Rotating handle assemblies 40 may be provided within
openings 15 provided in the upper housing 10 and lower housing
20.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 2A, a tray 30 is shown in relation to the
upper housing 10 and lower housing 20. Referring to FIG. 2B, lower
housing 20 may be provided within a cavity at an underside
(indicated generally by arrow 25), allowing tray 30 and its
contents to dock or be inserted within the exercise device 1 for
tray storage or weight change via a weight selector assembly
100.
[0037] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the exercise device 1 in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Tray 30
may be docked inside lower housing 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the
method by which handle assemblies 40 may be mounted between upper
housing 10 and lower housing 20 is visible.
[0038] Additionally in FIG. 3, a weight selection assembly 100 is
shown in exploded view. The weight selection assembly 100 may
include at least a selector knob 101, an inner selector tube 110,
and an outer selector tube 120. Selector knob 101 may be provided
on the outside of upper housing 10, and extend through a central
opening 106a in upper housing 10, as shown in FIG. 3. Selector knob
101 engages inner selector tube 110 to form a rotatable subassembly
101-110, for example. Inner selector tube 110 passes through the
support plate 115. The support plate 115 may be rigidly fixed to
upper housing 10 for providing support for the subassembly 101-110,
while allowing the subassembly 101-110 to rotate.
[0039] A friction washer 113 (which may be composed of a suitable
metal, rubber or plastic) may be interposed between inner selector
tube 110 and support plate 115, providing a durable wear surface.
Below support plate 115, the subassembly 101-110 may be rigidly
connected to the outer selector tube 120, which may extend into a
lower central opening 106b in lower housing 20. Opening 106b
provides weight selector assembly 100 access into cavity 25. Thus,
rotational input to selector knob 100 may be transmitted through
the subassembly 101-110 to outer selector tube 120, while the
weight selection assembly 100 (outer selector tube 120, inner
selector tube 110 and selector knob 101) is supported by upper
housing 10 through support plate 105.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a more detailed exploded view of the weight
selection assembly 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. Selector knob 101 engages inner selector
tube 110 through a protrusion 102. Protrusion 102 may be sized to
provide a slip fit into receptacle 112 of the inner selector tube
110. This slip fit allows an up-and-down sliding movement of the
selector knob 101 while transmitting a turning couple to inner
selector tube 110. A spring element 104 may be provided between
knob 101 and inner selector tube 110, biasing knob 101 upward. Thus
the spring element 104 may provide a detent function, locking knob
101 in position, unless the user of the exercise device 1 presses
down on knob 101 to change the weight selection. Spring element 104
may be embodied as a plurality of plastic leaf spring elements on
the underside of the knob 101. Alternatively, spring element 104
may be composed of foam or elastomer materials having a suitable
anti-friction layer on a surface thereof, for example.
[0041] Inner selector tube 110 may be inserted into outer selector
tube 120 during initial assembly of the exercise device 1.
Fasteners (not shown) may be introduced into holes 111 and 121 to
secure the inner selector tube 110 to the outer selector tube 120.
The fasteners may be embodied as rivets or screws, although other
fasteners may be used, such as snaps between the inner and outer
tube, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, and/or posts that provide an
interference fit in holes 111 or 121, for example.
[0042] The outer selector tube 120 may include a plurality of
protrusions or teeth 122, arranged on an outer surface of the outer
selector tube 120, as shown in FIG. 4. In general, weight selection
may be accomplished by the teeth 122 engaging weight plates
arranged in tray 30. This will be described in more detail
below.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view illustrating the weight
selector assembly 100 positioned relative to a stack of weights 300
and the removable tray 30 in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment,
tray 30 may be designed to hold up to eight (8) weight plates
310-380, although the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention are not limited to tray 30 holding eight weights, device
1 and tray 30 may be adapted to hold greater or fewer than eight
weight plates. The bottom weight plate 380 may be permanently fixed
to tray 30. Alternatively, the bottom portion of tray 30 may be
formed so as to have an equivalent weight to the removable weight
plates 310-370 that may be added or removed from tray 30. Tray 30
may also be configured to add substantial additional weight to the
system for heavy-weight exercises. In other words, tray 30 could be
in a substantially larger configuration than shown in FIG. 4 to
incorporate a significant mass.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 5, weight plates 370, 360, 350, 340, 330,
320 and 310 may be stacked on top of weight plate 380. Each weight
plate may include one or more protrusions or teeth (only teeth 312
and 382 are shown for reasons of clarity) and may be selected by
changing the rotational position of outer selector tube 120. For
example, if teeth 122 are positioned to engage weight tooth 312 of
plate 310, weight plate 310 will be selected and held by outer
selector tube 120. Similarly, if outer selector tube 120 is rotated
so that teeth 122 are in engagement with weight tooth 382, weight
plate 380 will be selected and held by outer selector tube 120.
[0045] In an aspect, if a given weight plate is selected by the
user, all weight plates above the selected weight plate will also
be selected. Thus, if weight plate 380 is selected, each of weight
plates 310-380 will be held by outer selector tube 120. If weight
plate 310 is selected, only that individual weight will be removed
from tray 30 and retained by outer selector tube 120, as there are
no weight plates above it. This allows the total weight selected to
vary from a given minimum to a given maximum weight in tray 30.
[0046] As discussed above, weight plate 380 may be permanently
attached to tray 30. Thus selection of weight plate 380 corresponds
to the maximum weight setting on device 1. Accordingly, tray 30
with all weight plates 310-380 will be retained by outer selector
tube 120. This allows use of tray 30 to provide additional weight,
and may also provide a clean configuration for storage of exercise
device 1.
[0047] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the weight plates 300 to
illustrate a method of weight selection in more detail, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Some of the weights in FIG. 6 have been removed for clarity. Outer
selector tube 120 is positioned above weight plates 310, 330, 350,
and 370. FIG. 6 illustrates how weight teeth 312, 332, 352, and 372
may be arranged, so that teeth 122 on the outer selector tube 120
engages only one of the respective weights. Changing the rotational
position of outer selector tube 120 thus changes the engagement
sequence, resulting in a different weight selection.
[0048] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating an exemplary configuration for
a weight plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. Weight plate 370 is shown as an example, although FIG. 7
is equally applicable to weight plates 310-360. The weight plate
370 may include weight spacer elements 390 attached to the bottom
as shown in FIG. 7. Spacer elements 390 may provide additional
weight, and also provide adequate spacing for each weight plate to
properly engage teeth 122 of the outer selector tube 120. The
spacer elements 390 may be composed of a material similar to the
material of weight plate 370, for example, if the spacer elements
390 are designed to add weight. Alternatively spacer elements 390
may be made of lightweight plastic or rubber materials to provide a
spacing function and/or an optional noise dampening function, while
adding insignificant weight to weight plate 370.
[0049] Unlike weight plates 310-370, weight plate 380 may be
permanently attached to tray 30 and does not include spacer
elements 390. In this exemplary embodiment, tray 30 weighs
approximately the same as the weight of a given spacer element 390.
Thus, the weight of weight plate 380-(minus) tray 30 weighs
approximately the same as weight plate 370-spacer element 390.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the tray 30 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows
an example of how weight plate 380 may be attached to tray 30, it
being understood that weight plate 380 could also form the bottom
of tray 30. In this example, weight plate 380 may be attached to
tray 30 with a fastener 31. Fastener 31 may be embodied as one or
more snap hook elements. The snap hook elements 31 may be plastic
and may be integrally molded into tray 30, if the tray 30 is made
of plastic.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged view of the upper housing 10 to
illustrate the selector knob 101 in more detail. A label 103 may be
provided around the rotational periphery of the selector knob 101
on upper housing 10. The label 103 may include indicia to indicate
the selected weight. In FIG. 9, the position and orientation of
selector knob 101 corresponds with an indicator on label 103, here
shown as numbers, although other indicia could be used, such as
percentages or a "Euro-style" fuel gauge graphic that wraps around
the knob 101, somewhat like a ramp, for example.
[0052] The increments and indicia on label 103 may depend upon the
chosen weight range for a particular embodiment of the present
invention. In the example of FIG. 9, the weight ranges from 4 lb.
to 20 lb. in nine (9) equal increments. The nine increments
correspond to a position for each of the eight weights in this
exemplary embodiment, and an additional selector position for no
weight selected. The position for no weight selected leaves only
the weight of the exercise device 1 without weights 310-380 and
tray 30.
[0053] The weight of the assembly tray 30 minus the weight 380
weighs the same as any of the other weight plates 310-370 with
corresponding spacer elements 390. The weight of the tray 30
replaces the weight of the spacer elements 390, so in this example,
the tray 30 weighs 1 lb. Accordingly, in this example, the exercise
device 1 weighs approximately 4 lb.
[0054] Each additional selected weight plate 310-370 adds 2 lb.
Thus, the maximum weight possible in this example is seven 2 lb
weights, plus the eighth weight plate 380 and tray 30, which weighs
two pounds, for a total of 20 lb. As discussed above, the weight
increments, maximum and minimum weights are merely exemplary, the
exercise device 1 and tray 30 could be adapted to hold different
ranges of weights, depending on the desired size of the exercise
device 1 and desired accompanying weight. An exemplary range of
weight may be between about at least 2 pounds to at least 100
pounds of weight, although conceivably the exercise device 1 could
be adapted to hold even greater amounts of weight.
[0055] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a rotating handle assembly 40, and
FIG. 11 is an exploded view to illustrate the construction of the
rotating handle assembly 40. Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the
handle assembly 40 may include ring halves 410, a rigid tube 420
and a handle 430. Handle 430 may be a soft handle or a malleable
material such as foam, flexible rubber or soft plastic, for example
and may be provided over rigid tube 420 as shown in FIG. 10, for
example. The tube 420, and handle 430 collectively form a
subassembly 420-430. Subassembly 420-430 may be placed between ring
halves 410, for example.
[0056] The handle assembly 40 may be mounted between upper housing
10 and lower housing 20 in a manner that allows handle assembly 40
to rotate independently. Thus, it may be possible for a user of the
exercise device 1 to change hand orientation while exercising with
the exercise device 1. This may provide unique advantages for
training desired muscle groups by performing particular
exercises.
[0057] FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged top view of the handle
assembly 40 and lower housing 20, and FIG. 13 is a partial exploded
view illustrating a resistance/sound element in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The exercise device
1 may also include an element or device to create sound and
resistance while the user actuates handle assemblies 40. Sound and
resistance mat be generated by interaction between a
resistance/sound element 50 and a selector switch 60.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 12, the resistance/sound element 50 may be
mounted in lower housing 20, in proximate relationship to teeth 411
of rotating handle assembly 40. To vary the position of the
selector switch 60, the user may reach up inside the cavity 25 of
lower housing 20 when no weight is selected. Alternatively,
selector switch 60 may be provided on an outer surface of the upper
housing 10 or lower housing 20 in the vicinity of the rotating
handle assemblies 40. Thus, the user may vary the sound and
resistance created while actuating handle assembly 40.
[0059] In this example, the selector switch 60 may have a range of
motion between two extreme positions. A first extreme position of
selector switch 60 may result in maximum sound and resistance,
while at a second extreme position, resistance/sound element 50 is
not contacting teeth 411, so there is minimum sound and
resistance.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 13, resistance/sound element 50 may be
flexible and may include teeth 51 positioned to contact teeth 411
of rotating handle assembly 40. Resistance sound element 50 may
include mounting lugs 52 which may engage corresponding mounting
bosses (not shown for reasons of clarity) on lower housing 20 and
upper housing 10 to mount sound resistance element 50 to lower
housing 20. Selector switch 60 may further include a ramp 61 and a
tab 62. When the selector switch 60 is moved to a given position,
ramp 61 comes in contact with resistance/sound element 50, biasing
the teeth 51 towards teeth 411 of handle assembly 40. The resultant
contact creates sound and resistance while handle assembly 40 is
actuated by the user. The user may change the position of selector
switch 60 by moving tab 62 on the switch body.
[0061] A selector switch 60 and sound resistance element 50 may be
provided for each of the two rotating handle assemblies 40 of the
exercise device 1. Thus, it may be possible to independently select
sound and resistance for one or both of the handle assemblies
40.
[0062] Manufacturing Methods
[0063] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of
manufacturing the exercise device in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, there is
shown an exemplary manufacturing process for fabricating the
exercise device 1. It should be understood that the following
functions may be performed in a variety of different functional
orders to fabricate the complete exercise device 1.
[0064] In the method, the upper housing 10 may be formed (1410) and
the lower housing 20 may be formed (1420) by a suitable fabrication
process, described in further detail below. Each of the upper
housing 10 and lower housing 20 may be composed of a frame provided
with a central opening and a pair of outer openings, one opening at
either side of the central opening. The central opening may be
openings 106a and 106b of FIG. 3, and the outer openings may be
openings 15 shown in FIG. 1, for example. Further, the lower
housing 20 may be formed so as to have a centrally located cavity,
which may be cavity 25 of FIG. 1, for example.
[0065] Weight selection assembly 100 may then be formed (1430) by a
suitable fabrication process described in further detail below,
although this may be formed independent from the upper and lower
housing 10 and 20. To form the weight selection assembly 100, the
inner selector tube 110 and selector knob 101 may be formed, and
the selector knob 101 inserted into the inner selector tube 110 to
form the subassembly 101-110. The outer selector tube 120 may be
formed, with the subassembly 101-110 inserted into outer selector
tube to provide a contiguous weight selection assembly 100.
Friction washer 113 and support plate may be provided between the
subassembly 101-110 and outer selection tube 120 (see FIG. 3) for
support.
[0066] The rotating handle assemblies 40 may be formed (1440) by a
suitable fabrication process described in further detail below,
although rotating handle assemblies 40 may also be formed
independent from the forming of the upper and lower housing 10 and
20 and weight selection assembly 100. Each handle assembly 40 may
be inserted (1450) into a corresponding opening 15 of the lower
housing 20 (as shown in FIG. 3) so as to be supported by the lower
housing 20 frame.
[0067] The weight selection assembly 100 may be inserted (1460)
through the central opening 106a in the upper housing 10, and the
upper housing 10 with weight selection assembly 100 may be attached
(function 1470) to the lower housing 20 so that a portion of the
weight selection assembly (e.g., outer selector assembly 120 with
teeth 122) extends into the cavity 25 of the lower housing 20.
Suitable fasteners may be provided to fixedly secure the upper and
lower housings 10 and 20 together, such as rivets, screws,
adhesives, etc. Accordingly, fabrication of the exercise device 1
is completed.
[0068] Separately, tray 30 may be formed by a suitable fabrication
process, described in further detail below. Tray 30 may be formed
in a configuration for holding weight plates 310-380 and the
dimension adapted so as to comfortably fit within the cavity 25 of
the lower housing 20 for engagement of one or more weight plates
310-380 therein by weight selection assembly 100.
[0069] In general, individual components of the exercise device 1
described herein may be fabricated primarily from lightweight
materials such as moldable plastic. Upper housing 10 and lower
housing 20 may be formed by an injection molding process from a
high impact plastic, such as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS).
ABS is an easily machined, tough, low cost rigid thermoplastic
material with high impact strength, and may be a desirable material
for turning, drilling, milling, sawing, die-cutting, shearing, etc.
However, ABS is merely one exemplary material, equivalent materials
may include various thermoplastic and thermoset materials that have
characteristics similar to ABS. For example, talc-filled
polypropylene, high strength polycarbonates such as GE Lexan, or
blended plastics may be used instead of or in addition to ABS.
[0070] An exemplary injection molding system for forming molded
plastic articles may be the Roboshot injection molding machine from
Milacron-Fanuc. The Roboshot is one of many known injection molding
machines for forming plastic injection molds. Other plastic molding
processes such as vacuum forming may be used, but these alternative
processes may not provide the structural advantages and cost
advantages of injection molding. Alternatively, the upper housing
10 and lower housing 20 may be formed using a metal casting process
such as sand casting, die casting, or investment casting, for
example.
[0071] The weight selection assembly 100 may also be molded of
plastic. Selector knob 101 and inner selector tube 110 may be
formed by an injection molding process from a high impact plastic
such as ABS. Selector knob 101 and inner selector tube 110 may be
formed from virtually any plastic or metal material, since they are
not critically loaded. The decision of material may be based on
factors such as cost and/or appearance considerations.
[0072] Outer selector tube 120 may require a more durable material
as it requires additional strength. Due to the loads on teeth 122,
outer selector tube 120 may be molded of a more durable material
than ABS, such as glass-filled nylon. However, the composition of
outer selector tube 120 is not limited to glass-filled nylon, any
material having similar fracture toughness characteristics to
glass-filled nylon may be suitable equivalents Such materials may
be characterized as being able to absorb energy without cracking,
or materials which do not shatter under substantially sharp impact
loads, for example. Metal castings may be used to form outer
selector tube 120, as well as machined metal construction. Other
high performance molded and composite materials may also be
adequate for outer selector tube 120, but may not offer cost
advantages as compared to glass-filled nylon, for example.
[0073] Support plate 115 may be fabricated from high performance
molded or sheet plastic, a suitable light, yet strong metal such as
a high-strength, low alloy steel, aluminum, etc., and/or a
composite synthetic material such as a carbon fiber/epoxy material,
for example. Alternatively, support plate 115 may be incorporated
into molded upper housing 10. Friction washer 113 may also be
formed from a wide variety of metals and plastics. The function of
friction washer 113 is to provide desirable wear surface
characteristics at a relatively low cost.
[0074] Removable weight tray 30 may be formed from injection molded
ABS. However, tray 30 may be molded or machined from a number of
different plastic or composite materials, or may be cast from a
number of different metals. Cost and weight may play a
consideration in choosing the desired process and material for
forming tray 30.
[0075] The weight plates 300 may be stamped from hot-rolled steel,
for example. Alternatively, weight plates 300 may be cut from
cold-rolled steel, stamped from a stainless steel alloy, formed of
cast metals or machined metals, etc. Further, the weight plates may
be formed by a process using heavy filler materials such as
concrete or soft lead in a molded or formed outer housing. It is
also within the skill of the art to employ other known methods of
assembling stamped metal pieces to create the weight plates. A
basic requirement is that the weight plates 300 be formed of a
strong enough material that the teeth 312-382 are sufficiently
durable and at a reasonably accurate enough location on the
associated weight plate to successfully engage teeth 122 of the
outer selector tube 120.
[0076] As discussed above, the spacer elements 390 may be composed
of a suitable incompressible metal material used to form the weight
plates 300, such as hot-rolled steel, titanium, aluminum, etc.
However, spacer elements 390 could be formed of a plastic and/or
hard rubber compound. The rubber may provide acceptable noise
damping characteristics if only a spacing function is desired for
spacer elements 390. Metal may be desirable because it adds weight.
The spacer elements 390 may be spot-welded or punched and welded to
each of the weight plates 310-370. Rivets, screws, adhesives and
other known fasteners within the skill of the art may be used in
place of spot welding.
[0077] The rotating handle assemblies 40 may be composed of a rigid
aluminum tube 420 encased by a soft handle 430 that may be embodied
as a foam rubber grip 430, for example. Grip 430 may either be
extruded or molded into a desired shape. The ring halves 410 may be
formed by an injection molding process of ABS plastic, for example,
although a number of alternative methods may be employed to form
handle assemblies 40.
[0078] For example, the entire assembly could be cast or molded as
a single piece of plastic or metal. Alternatively, tube 420 can be
formed of any desired material that has sufficient strength to
perform under the anticipated loads. Further, the handle assemblies
40 may change based upon the empty weight requirements of the
cavity 25. In this example, the empty weight of overall exercise
device 1 should be approximately 4 lb. Handle assemblies 40 provide
a convenient location to tailor the final empty weight of the
exercise device 1 without tray 30 and associated weigh plates
300.
[0079] Depending on the design, the empty exercise device may be
lightened or weighted based on the materials chosen for the
components of the handle assemblies. For example, tube 420 may be a
thin-walled aluminum for tube 420. If, by a different choice of
material for upper housing 10 and lower housing 20, for example,
weight needed to be added to reach 4 lbs empty, tubes 420 could be
composed of hollow or solid steel. Filling tube 420 with lead or
concrete might significantly alter the weight of the handle
assembly 40. Likewise, casting the entire handle assembly 40 from a
metal or metal-filled plastic may also increase the weight.
[0080] The construction of soft handle 430 may vary based upon
factors such as comfort and durability requirements. The shape of
soft handle 430 can be molded for maximum comfort or extruded to
lower cost, as an example. Similarly, tube 420 could be formed in a
contoured shape, eliminating the need for soft handle 430. If the
entire handle assembly 40 was molded or formed as an integral part
and the central handle region was contoured, the soft handle 430
could be eliminated.
[0081] There may be a number of ways to provide sound and
resistance for rotating handle assemblies 40. This sound and
resistance may be selectable. The sound and resistance element 50
and selector switch 60 in the exemplary embodiment represent a
simple contact friction system. However, in addition to friction of
flexible elements or springs, the resistance may be generated by
fluid viscosity, magnetic induction, or electromagnetism, for
example. Sound may be generated by contact friction, air movement,
vibration of taut string elements, or may be generated via an
electrical/electronic source or device. If additional resistance is
required, elastomer friction blocks (not shown) may be added to the
existing design.
[0082] Method and System for Interacting with an Exercise
Device
[0083] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a method and system
for interaction with an exercise device in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. In particular, there is
described a method and system 1500 for tracking a physical workout
by a user manipulating an exercise device.
[0084] Although motion tracking systems for weight machines with
mechanically constrained movements have been developed, due to the
inherent difficulties of tracking devices with free ranges of
motion, no known capability is believed to exist for free weight
exercise devices. Accordingly, the following method may be adapted
for an exercise device such as described above. However, the
following method may be implemented in exercise devices other than
the device 1 described above, such as conventional free weights,
individual weight stations such as weight machines of a
NAUTILUS.RTM. system, exercise bikes, treadmills, step machines
such as STAIRMASTER.RTM. machines, etc.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 15, in the method, one or more devices at
the exercise device may detect one or more parameters related to
spatial movement of the exercise device by a user (shown generally
as user 1510, as indicated by the dotted lines extending from the
user 1510 to the exercise device). In an aspect, the detecting
function may be performed by one or more suitable sensors 1520
physically located on the exercise device. In an alternative
aspect, the detecting function may be performed by one or more
suitable sensors 1520 located externally (not shown) from the
exercise device. The parameters may be embodied as one or more of a
rate of lift parameter of the exercise device during movement by
the user, a range of motion parameter of the exercise device during
movement by the user, a number of repetitions parameter of the
exercise device by the user for a specified workout routine, and/or
a jitter parameter related to pitch and yaw (e.g., translational
movement) of the exercise during movement by the user.
[0086] The sensors 1520 may be embodied as at least one of an
accelerometer, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor,
an infrared sensor and an optical sensor, or combinations thereof
that detect one or more of the parameters and output a signal (such
as an analog signal) that may be converted (i.e., by a suitable A/D
converter 1525) into digital data. The digital data may be
processed in an intelligent electronic device 1530 provided on the
exercise device.
[0087] For example, in an embodiment in which the detected
parameter data is communicated as an analog signal by the sensor(s)
1520, the signal may be converted to digital data by A/D converter
1525 and processed in a microcontroller 1530 (intelligent
electronic device) operatively connected to an output of the A/D
converter 1525. The microcontroller 1530 may process the digital
data into a suitable form, such as an RF signal containing a data
packet, that is transmitted from an antenna 1545 of a transceiver
1540 that is operatively connected to the microcontroller 1530,
similar to how packetized voice or data traffic is wirelessly
transmitted over an air interface from a cellular phone to a base
station transceiver servicing the cellular phone, for example.
[0088] For example, if the sensor 1520, via the intelligent
microelectronic device 1530, is operatively connected to a
miniature RF transceiver 1540 on the exercise device, the detected
parameter data may be packetized in the transceiver 1540 and
transmitted as part of one or more packets of data wirelessly over
a air link 1547 to an antenna 1550 of a remote receiver. The remote
receiver may serve as a second transceiver 1555 at a remote
location (such as a transceiver that is operatively connected to
downstream processing circuitry of a processing station (as shown
in FIG. 15). The processing station, which may be located within a
gymnasium or workout club receives the detected parameter data over
the link 1547 via antenna 1550 of transceiver 1555 and forwards the
detected parameter data to downstream processing circuitry.
[0089] The various sensors, microelectronics and transceiver
circuitry may be powered from a suitable power source such as
rechargeable secondary battery. Rechargeable secondary batteries
for powering portable electronic devices are well known, evidenced
by the battery packs used to power low-voltage electronic devices
such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA's) and
laptop computers. Accordingly, suitable battery pack candidates may
be battery packs consisting of one or more cells having a
nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH), nickel cadmium (NiCd) or lithium ion
(Li+) cell chemistry with associated electrolyte.
[0090] The processing station may be embodied in hardware and/or
software as a digital microprocessor 1560 within a suitable
personal computer that includes a wireless hub and associated
transceiver components and circuitry. However, instead of a digital
microprocessor, an analog processor, digital signal processor
and/or one or more application specific integrated circuits
controlled by a suitable microcontroller or microprocessor may be
provided in the processing station, for example. Power may be
provided by a suitable AC power source or embedded battery pack as
described above.
[0091] Users 1510 may communicate with microprocessor 1560 over a
suitable encrypted medium such as an encrypted 128-bit secure
socket layer (SSL) connection 1578, although the present invention
is not limited to this encrypted communication medium. If the
processing station is embodied as a server, user 1510 may connect
to the server over the internet or from any one of a personal
computer, laptop, PDA, etc., using a suitable network interface
1585 such as a web-based internet browser. Further, processing
station may be accessible to internal users 1510 via a suitable
local area network connection 1580, so that internal users 1510
have access over an intranet for example. Graphical information may
be communicated over the 128-bit SSL connection 1578 or LAN 1580,
to be displayed on a suitable display device 1587 or 1589 of the
user 1510.
[0092] The processing station may include a data bus 1576. Bus 1576
may be implemented with conventional bus architectures such as a
peripheral components interconnect (PCI) bus that is standard in
many computer architectures. Alternative bus architectures such as
VMEBUS, NUBUS, address data bus, RAMbus, DDR (double data rate)
bus, etc. may be utilized to implement bus 1576.
[0093] Microprocessor 1560 represents a central nexus from which
all real time and non-real functions in the processing station are
performed, such as graphical-user interface (GUI) and browser
functions, directing security functions, directing calculations for
display and review by the user. Accordingly, microprocessor 1650
may include a GUI 1570 which may be embodied in software as a
browser. Browsers are software devices which present an interface
to, and interact with, users 1510 of the system 1500. The browser
is responsible for formatting and displaying user-interface
components (e.g., hypertext, window, etc.) and pictures.
[0094] Browsers are typically controlled and commanded by the
standard hypertext, mark-up language (that's HTML). Additionally,
or in the alternative, any decisions in control flow of the GUI
1570 that require more detailed user interaction may be implemented
using JavaScript. Both of these languages may be customized or
adapted for the specific details of a given application server 200
implementation, and images may be displayed in the browser using
well known JPG, GIF, TIFF and other standardized compression
schemes, other non-standardized languages and compression schemes
may be used for the GUI 230, such as XML, "home-brew" languages or
other known non-standardized languages and schemes.
[0095] Microprocessor 1560 may invoke cryptographic hardware or
software to establish a firewall to protect the processing station
from outside security breaches. The cryptographic hardware or
software secures all personal information of registered users
1510.
[0096] The digital microprocessor 1560 of the processing station
may evaluate the received parameter data. The evaluation may
include determining a fitness score that takes into account at
least one of the age, gender and health/fitness condition of the
user 1510. Additional input to the fitness score may include the
aforementioned parameters related to spatial movement of the
exercise device by the user 1510.
[0097] The processing station may include memory 1565 (such as
various types of RAM, ROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage,
etc.) for storing or recording the performance data. The processing
station may receive inputs from an input device (keypad, mouse,
touch screen, etc.) at the user 1510, via interfaces 1580, 1585,
bus 1576 and GUI 1570 for enabling display of the performance data
via GUI 1570 to the user 1510.
[0098] In an aspect, the GUI 1570 may be adapted to enable, via an
animated display 1575 at the processing station, a graphic display
of a proper form of a selected exercise to help instruct the user
1510. For example, the GUI 1570 may be adapted to graphically
mimic, on display 1575 (or displays 1587 and 1589), a particular
exercise being performed by the user 1510 in at least one of a real
time mode and a playback mode, so as to indicate whether the
exercise is performed properly, and/or to display a fitness score
for the individual exercise. Further, GUI 1570 may enable the user
1510 to locally or remotely download a given workout plan, or a
review of the user's workout history, via at least one of an
intranet and the Internet, as discussed above.
[0099] Based on the evaluation, the processing station may output
performance data related to the workout. In an aspect, the
performance data may be related to at least one of a quality
measure and quantity measure of the workout. For example, the
processing station may output, on display 1575, a single fitness
score for the user related to quality of the workout that is based
on the evaluation. Alternative, after a series of workouts, a
single fitness score may be generated to evaluate the overall
workout session.
[0100] The fitness score may be displayed locally on a display 1575
at the processing station. Alternatively, the fitness score or
other data may be processed in microprocessor 1560 into a suitable
form for transmission from the antenna 1550 of transceiver 1155
over an airlink 1590 to a remote location at the user 1510. For
example, if the user has an electronic device configured with
appropriate transceiver circuitry (wireless PDA, cell phone,
wireless PC, etc), the transmitted data may be converted into a
suitable digital video image for display at display units 1587,
1589.
[0101] In another aspect, the performance data may be displayed in
substantially real time (except for minor transmission losses over
the air link due to interference or path signal loss) for a
specified workout routine. The displayed performance data may
include, but is not limited to, graphical data representing a rate
of lift of the exercise device during movement by the user, a range
of motion of the exercise device during movement by the user and a
number of repetitions of the exercise device by the user.
[0102] In a further exemplary embodiment, a gaming device with
interface (not shown) may be provided for translating physical
movements by a user manipulating an exercise device to gaming
software of the gaming device displaying an active game. For
example, sensory devices 1520 on an exercise device in
communication with a suitable software program or algorithm and
transceiver circuitry may be adapted to convert spatial movements
of the exercise device by the user to ape movements within a
displayed game operatively controlled by the gaming device.
[0103] Accordingly, the method and system of tracking a physical
workout by a user manipulating an exercise device such as a free
weight device may offer several benefits. Instantaneous feedback of
exercise metrics for range of motion, rate of lift, and number of
repetitions may allow a user to adjust their form to obtain maximum
muscle workout and reduce potential incidence of injury. Remote
hands-free recording of exercise performance provides the user,
trainer, or therapist the capability to evaluate the quality of a
workout at the end of a session and progress over time.
Near-instant feedback and the interactive gaming capabilities may
provide an element of mental stimulation to an otherwise boring and
tedious experience.
[0104] Further, a single fitness score may be output for the user
for comparison to other people, thus allowing for friendly
competition or just general comparison. This may add a new element
to fitness training that can make training more rewarding and
enjoyable. Users may also receive a single fitness score
representing a consolidation of their entire workout, making it
easy to remember and record. Providing a single fitness score may
also facilitate the user tracking their own progress.
[0105] FIG. 16 is a partial cut-away view of an exercise device in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 16 is somewhat similar to FIG. 1, in that the
device 1' includes rotating handle assemblies 40' an upper housing
10' and a lower housing 20' and a central cavity for receiving a
plurality of plates 300'. Upper housing 10' may have a raised door
13, which may be embodied as a frosted or clear plastic panel, for
example. The user may view a suitable indicator such as label 103
(not shown) depicting how much weight is in the device 1'. The
raised door 13 may be held by spring force which may be overcome by
the user pressing down against door 13 to overcome spring pressure,
similar to how one might open a cassette housing of a cassette
recorder or hand held VHS recorder, for example to open the door
13.
[0106] Device 1' may include a weight selector assembly which may
comprise a selector knob 101' and a selector tube 120'. Selector
tube 120' may include a plurality of vertically arranged teeth 122'
thereon for engaging teeth 122' within corresponding slots 312' of
weight plates 300'. The weight selector assembly may slide
laterally to align teeth 122' with corresponding slots 312' of
given weight plates 300' to engage the desired amount of weight
plates 300' that have been selected based on the lateral movement
of the weight selector assembly by a user of the device 1'. There
may be provided calibrations on one or more of the weight plates
300' that tells the user where to align the selector knob 101'.
This may be seen through the clear door 13, for example, and may be
in equal weight increments, for example.
[0107] Accordingly, to pick-up weight, the selector tube 120' may
extend through the slots 312' as the weight loads from the bottom
of device 1' through lower housing 20' and is received into a
cavity somewhat similar to as shown in FIG. 1, however, the weights
are selected by lateral movement of the weight selector mechanism
to lockingly engage teeth 122' with slots 312', as shown in FIG.
16. Once the desired weight is selected, door 13 may be closed. The
closing action of the door 13 may pull the selected weight plates
300' up slightly in a compressive engagement to limit movement of
the weight plates 300' therein. Door 13 also provides a locking
mechanism for device 1'.
[0108] Weight plates 300' may be configured in several
configurations, one of which may be known as a `clamshell`
arrangement. Widthwise, the width of the weight plates 300' may
increase from bottom to top, so as to provide individual weight
plates 300' of equal weight which, when engaged by teeth 122' and
secured in device 1', may maintain the center of gravity of device
1' generally in the middle of the device 1', not top heavy or
bottom heavy, regardless of which weight plates 300' are
selected.
[0109] Although not shown for reasons of clarity, the individual
weight plates 300' may be of different thicknesses and dimensions
so as to provide an equal weight for each weight plate 300'. The
weight plates 300' may be configured so that they are stackable in
a general vertical orientation, as shown in FIG. 16. Further, each
slot 312' may include teeth (not shown). The teeth may be arranged
along different locations in slots 312' of different weight plates
300', so that teeth 122' may engage corresponding teeth of a given
weight plate 300' based on the position of selector knob 101'.
[0110] Each weight plate 300' may have one or more openings (not
shown for reasons of clarity) other than central opening 312'.
Openings may be different for different weight plates 300',
depending on the vertical position of a given weight plate 300' in
the stack shown in FIG. 16, for example. Each weight plate 300' may
further have a different stamping to accommodate weight plates 300'
having equal overall weight, for example.
[0111] Referring again to FIG. 16, selector knob 101' may traverses
laterally along a guide plate 156 based on actuation by the user.
Optionally, guide plate 156 may include a plurality of spaced
detents or indicators that may represented a selected weight by the
user. The selector knob may include a tab (not shown) that engages
a given detent to maintain selector knob 101' at the selected
position on guide plate 156. Depending on the weight selected, the
teeth 122' of selector tube 120' may thus be aligned within slots
312' of the weight plates 300' so as to engage corresponding teeth
of one or more weight plates 300', for example.
[0112] In general, individual components of the exercise device 1'
described herein may be fabricated primarily from moldable
lightweight materials such as ABS. The weight plates 300' may be
stamped from hot-rolled steel, cut from cold-rolled steel, stamped
from a stainless steel alloy, formed of cast metals or machined
metals, or formed by a process using heavy filler materials such as
concrete or soft lead in a molded or formed outer housing. A basic
requirement is that the weights 300' be formed of a strong enough
material that the teeth are sufficiently durable and at a
reasonably accurate enough location on the associated weight plate
300' to successfully engage teeth 122' of the 'selector tube 120'.
The rotating handle assemblies 40 may be composed of material and
formed as described in the previous exemplary embodiment, for
example.
[0113] Accordingly, the teeth of a given weight plate 300' placed
at different points in each opening 312' enables the teeth 122' of
the selector tube 120' to engage a given weight plate 300' based on
the lateral movement of the selector knob 101' and sector tube 120'
during the weight selection process. A weight plate 300'
orientation of a given plate 300' may be such that each weight
plate 300' weighs the same and maintains the center of gravity of
the device 1' when secured within the device 1' by the closing
action of the door 13. Door 13, provides a locking mechanism using
spring force to secure the individual weight plates 300' within the
device 1', substantially eliminating the potential for vibration
within the device 1'.
[0114] FIG. 17 is a top view of an exercise device in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 17, an exercise device 1" may include a housing
10" having a central cavity 25" containing a plurality of weight
sleeves 36 and a pair of outboard rotating handle assemblies 40".
Additionally, device 1" may include additional handles 44 that may
be part of housing 10". Materials and processes for forming the
components of device 1" may be as similar to those materials and
processes as described above for the previous exemplary
embodiments.
[0115] The weight sleeves 36 may each contain a removable weight
300" (not shown). For example, the weight sleeves 36 of cavity 25"
may be configured to store weight between about 5-55 pounds,
although this is merely an exemplary range of weight. Device 1" may
further include one or more self-locking spring loaded-mechanisms
(not shown for clarity) to secure the weights 300" in sleeves
36.
[0116] The rotating handles 40" may freely rotate to provide wrist
supination (outward rotation) at a desired given angle. The handle
assembles 40" may include a rotatable outer bezel 48 thereon that
is calibrated to include a number of handle positions, here shown
in terms of degrees from vertical. Positions of the handles may be
selectable to exercise a specific muscle group (bicep, tricep, back
chest etc, depending on the hand orientation of the user on the
device 1". The user may thus select a free spinning or locked
position of supination or pronation (inward rotation) of the
wrist.
[0117] Device 1" may thus be a combination of a barbell, dumbbell,
and medicine ball. Unlike traditional barbells and dumbbells,
weights may be attached centrally, as opposed to the ends. Slots
(not shown) with locking mechanisms may be provided in the center
of the device 1" for sleeves 36 of weights 300" to be installed.
Based on the amount of weight installed, the device 1"'s weight
load may span a wide range of weight, in upwards of a hundred
pounds or more, for example.
[0118] Device 1" may have several alternative configurations, not
illustrated herein for reasons of brevity. In an aspect, the device
1" may include a horizontal handle attached at either end with two
shorter handles. The shorter horizontal handles may attach to two
vertical handles, which in turn may connect to the lower housing
20" of the device 1". Inward of the vertical handles may be
medicine ball equivalent sized grips that encapsulate either end of
the weight slots. The weight slots may receive the sleeves 36 of
weight. Further, the vertical handles may be extended on the bottom
of device 1" to support exactly the same horizontal handle
configuration as found on the top of the device 1". Accordingly,
device 1" of FIG. 17 may include up to six horizontal handles, two
short and one long handle on either side of device 1".
[0119] In another aspect, device 1" may include two removable,
rotating handle assembly modules 40" that may be operatively
attached to either end of the device 1". The handle modules may
provide handholds that can be set to rotate freely
clockwise/counter-clockwise, or which may be locked at any angle to
work a desired muscle group. The handle modules may be adjustable
inward and outward to allow a user to adjust the width of their
hand holds as needed. The weight slots, horizontal handles and
medicine ball grips may be similar to as described above.
[0120] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention being
thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in
many ways. For example, the exercise device 1, 1', 1" may include a
housing configured differently than as upper housing 10 and a lower
housing 20, such as one piece, multiple piece (>2) or modular
connective construction (fixed housing with removable and/or
reconfigurable connective modular housing portions), for example.
Additionally, a cavity 25 or opening may be provided on the device
1 in places other than centrally located within lower housing 20,
as is evident to those having ordinary skill in the art.
[0121] Handle assemblies 40 may be configured to provide
directional movement other than rotational (lateral, transverse,
etc.) within openings 15, for example. Further, one of ordinary
skill in the art may adapt rotating handle assemblies 40 to include
other structural elements in lieu of teeth to engage
resistance/sound element 50, for example. As described above,
resistance/sound element 50 and selector switch 60 illustrate one
exemplary embodiment, other configurations for providing sound and
resistance are evident within the ordinary skill of the art.
[0122] Moreover, tray 30 may be configured in one or more
alternative yet equivalent structural forms or shapes for holding
and/or storing weight plates 300 than the exemplary configuration
of FIG. 2B, for example. With regard to weight plates 300, although
shown in a generally square or plainer configuration, it is evident
to the ordinary skilled artisan to make and/or form the weights in
other shapes, dimensions and orientations. Further, other
mechanisms proving the equivalent function of engaging weight
selector assembly 100 may be provided on the weight plates 300, in
lieu of or in conjunction with the exemplary weight plate teeth
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example.
[0123] As is evident within the ordinary skill of the art, multiple
alternative configurations providing an equivalent function may be
substituted for and//or may accompany, the weight selection
assembly 100 described herein. For example, there may be provided
various alternative structures for selecting weight other than the
exemplary selector knob 101, and inner and outer selector tubes 110
and 120 may be replaced by several alternative structures, as would
be evident to one having ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively,
a single selector tube may be utilized in any of devices 1, 1', 1"
instead of inner and outer selector tubes 110 and 120.
[0124] With regard to FIG. 15, parameters other than, or in
addition to, rate of lift, range of motion and number of
repetitions by the user of an exercise device may be tracked and
displayed on a suitable display device. Moreover, the exemplary
fitness score may take into account other parameters and
characteristics other than, or in addition to one or more of age,
gender and/or health/fitness of the user 1510. Further, it is
within the skill of the art to configure alternative sensory
devices or equivalent structure that provide a like output signal
based on a detected parameter, other than or in addition to the
aforementioned accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors,
proximity sensors, infrared sensors and/or optical sensors.
[0125] Such variations are not to be regarded as departure from the
spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention. All such modifications as would be obvious to one
skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of
the following claims.
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