U.S. patent application number 11/263572 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-08 for retractable pedometer.
Invention is credited to Michael Nally, Mark Schulz.
Application Number | 20060120503 11/263572 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35150840 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060120503 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nally; Michael ; et
al. |
June 8, 2006 |
Retractable pedometer
Abstract
A portable device, such as a pedometer or other device having a
display portion that may be separated from an attachment portion
for easier viewing. When separated, the display portion remains
connected to the attachment portion to facilitate ease of
re-attachment and for maintaining both parts of the device in an
interconnected relationship. The attachment portion is removably
connectable to a wearer. The display portion is extendably and
retractably connected to the attachment module. A spring biased
spool is provided in the attachment module to take up and release
line connecting the display module to the attachment module. The
display module has a receptacle formed on the back thereof. The
attachment module has a protrusion extending from a back thereof
for mating engagement with the receptacle when the display module
and attachment module are in a retracted position.
Inventors: |
Nally; Michael; (Ridgewood,
NJ) ; Schulz; Mark; (Hackettstown, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FELLERS SNIDER BLANKENSHIP;BAILEY & TIPPENS
THE KENNEDY BUILDING
321 SOUTH BOSTON SUITE 800
TULSA
OK
74103-3318
US
|
Family ID: |
35150840 |
Appl. No.: |
11/263572 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10606664 |
Jun 26, 2003 |
6961401 |
|
|
11263572 |
Oct 31, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
377/24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 22/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
377/024 |
International
Class: |
G01B 7/00 20060101
G01B007/00 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A method of viewing a display of a portable device: securing an
attachment module to a wearer; grasping a display module and
imparting a separating force to said display module to pull said
display module away from said attachment module; playing out a line
connecting said attachment module and said display module; viewing
a display on said display module; and taking up said played out
line upon returning said display module to a position proximate
said attachment module wherein a biasing force maintains said
display module in abutment with said attachment module when said
display module is released by said wearer.
12. (canceled)
13. The method according to claim 11 further comprising a step of
substantially preventing relative lateral motion between said
attachment module and said display module by engaging a protrusion
on one of said attachment module and said display module with a
receptacle on one of said attachment module and said display module
wherein said protrusion and said receptacle engage in a mating
relationship when said attachment module and said display module
are in a retracted configuration.
14. A portable device comprising: an attachment module for
removably connecting to a wearer; a display module defining a
window for displaying information, wherein said display module is
extendably and retractably connected to said attachment module; and
wherein said display module and said attachment module are adapted
to abut one another when said display module and said attachment
module are retractably connected.
15. A portable device comprising: an attachment module for
removably connecting to a wearer; a display module defining a
window for displaying information, wherein said display module is
extendably and retractably connected to said attachment module;
wherein said display module abuts said attachment module when said
display module is in a retracted position.
16. The device according to claim 14 wherein: one of said display
module and said attachment module define a protrusion; one of said
display module and said attachment module define a receptacle
shaped for mating engagement with said protrusion, said protrusion
and said mating receptacle for substantially preventing lateral
movement between said display module and said attachment module
when said display module and said attachment module are in a
retracted position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates generally to portable devices
attached to a wearer. More particularly, the invention relates to a
pedometer having an attachment module that is attached to a wearer
and having a display module retractably connected to the attachment
module.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] Pedometers are used to measure the distance walked or run by
a human wearer of the device. Typically, a pedometer measures
distance by detecting the up and down motion made by the wearer
during each stride. The distance traveled by the wearer of a
pedometer is the length of the user's stride multiplied by the
number of strides the wearer takes. Pedometers may employ a
weighted pendulum suspended horizontally from an axis by a spring.
The inertia of the pendulum's weight will cause the pendulum to
move in relation to the pedometer each time the wearer takes a
stride. A pedometer is most accurate when attached to the waist of
a wearer since attachment to other areas of the body may detect
movements that are not related to the stride of a wearer.
[0005] Other devices have been adapted for carrying on the waist of
a wearer, either for use during exercise, e.g., walking, running,
skating, etc, or for convenience to the wearer. Examples of such
devices include radios, CD players, MP3 players and other
devices.
[0006] Regardless of the type of device worn by the wearer, it is
sometimes desirable to manipulate the device in some way while the
device is being worn. For example, in the case of a pedometer, it
is desirable to periodically check a display that indicates the
distance covered. As another example, it may be desirable to change
stations on a radio or select a particular song on a CD or MP3
player.
[0007] A problem with all of the above devices is that a belt clip
or other attachment mechanism must be manipulated to remove the
device from a belt or waistband and then the device must be
replaced on the waistband. Some devices come with a separate belt
clip portion. Such a configuration requires a user to detach the
device from the belt clip portion and then re-insert the device
within the belt clip portion. Removing and replacing a device from
a belt or detaching and re-attaching a device in a belt clip can be
difficult to perform while exercising. Additionally, in the case of
the detachable belt clip device, a disadvantage associated with the
device is that the pieces may become separated, which may render
the device unsuitable for use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the present invention there is provided an
improvement in portable devices, such as a pedometer or other
device. The portable device of the invention has a display portion
that may be separated from an attachment portion of the device for
easier viewing. The display portion remains attached via a
retractable line to the attachment portion to facilitate ease of
re-attachment and for maintaining both parts of the device in an
interconnected relationship.
[0009] In particular, the portable device of the invention includes
an attachment module for removably connecting to a wearer and a
display module defining a window for displaying information. The
display module is extendably and retractably connected to the
attachment module. The display module has a front cabinet, a rear
cabinet, and a top cover. The top cover defines a window for
displaying information, preferably via an LCD or LED display, but
optionally via other display means. A first button is provided for
selectively illuminating a light acting on the display. A second
button is provided for selectively changing a display mode of the
device. To secure the devices together, the display module has a
receptacle formed on the back thereof. The attachment module has a
protrusion extending from a back thereof for mating engagement with
the receptacle when the display module and attachment module are in
a retracted position. The display module is connectably extendable
and retractable from the attachment module. In one example, the
display module defines a pair of line orifices for allowing a first
cable and a second cable to pass therethrough for attachment to the
display module. The other ends of the first and second cable are
attached to a spool housed in the attachment module. The spool is
biased in a winding direction by a biasing member. The spool
simultaneously retracts or plays out the first cable and the second
cable depending on how a user manipulates the display module. It is
contemplated that other means of extendably and retractably
connecting the display module and the attachment module may be
utilized if desired.
[0010] In use, the attachment member is secured to a wearer. To
view a display on the display module, the wearer may grasp the
display module and impart a separating force to the display module
to pull the display module away from the attachment module. Line
connecting the attachment module and the display module is played
out from the spool by pulling the display module away from the
attachment module. The display module may then be manipulated such
that the display is easy to view. While returning the display
module to a position proximate the attachment module, a biasing
force acting on the spool winds the line on the spool. Once the
module is returned to a location adjacent the attachment module,
the line maintains the display module in proximity to the
attachment module when the display module is released by a
wearer.
[0011] A better understanding of the present invention, its several
aspects, and its advantages will become apparent to those skilled
in the art from the following detailed description, taken in
conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein there is shown and
described the preferred embodiment of the invention, simply by way
of illustration of the best mode contemplated for carrying out the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable exercise device
in a retracted position.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable exercise device
of FIG. 1 in an extended position.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the portable
exercise device of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the display module
which forms a part of the portable exercise device shown in FIG.
1.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the attachment
module which forms a part of the portable exercise device shown in
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIGS. 6A and 6B are an exploded perspective view of the
portable exercise device of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is
important to understand that the invention is not limited in its
application to the details of the embodiments and steps described
herein. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being
practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is
for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, shown is a portable
exercise device 10. Portable exercise device 10 is made up of a
display module 12 and an attachment module 14. Display module 12 is
made up of the front cabinet 16, a rear cabinet 18 and a top cover
20. Top cover 20 defines a window 22 for displaying information to
a user. Preferably, a first button 24 is accessible through the top
cover 20. First button 24 may be used to activate a light for
illuminating information displayed through window 22. Additionally,
a second button 26 is preferably provided, which is also accessible
through top cover 20. Second button 26 may be used to change
information displayed through window 22. An LCD display 28 (FIGS.
1,3 and 6A) is located beneath the top cover 20 for displaying
information through the window 22.
[0021] Front cabinet 16 defines a plurality of holes 30 therein
(FIGS. 3 and 6B). A front keypad 32 (FIG. 6B) is positioned inside
display module 12 behind the front cabinet 16. Front keypad 32
includes a plurality of keys 34 that protrude through the holes 30
in the front cabinet 16. Rubber pads 36 are located on each side of
the display module 12. Rubber pads 36 are preferably positioned in
an interface between the front cabinet 16 and the rear cabinet
18.
[0022] A mounting plate 38 (FIGS. 3 and 6B) is preferably located
within the display module 12. An actuator assembly 40 (FIG. 6B) is
affixed to rear side of the mounting plate 38. A battery receptacle
42 (FIG. 6B) is preferably attached to the actuator assembly
40.
[0023] Rear cabinet 18 has a battery door 44 (FIG. 4) formed
therein to provide access to the battery receptacle 42. The rear
cabinet 18 further defines a recessed area 46 (FIGS. 3 and 4), a
first housing line orifice 48 and a second housing line orifice 50
(FIG. 4) therein.
[0024] Referring now primarily to FIG. 5, attachment module 14 is
made up of a spool cover 52 and a clip holder 54. Spool cover 52
defines a protrusion 56 (FIGS. 2 and 6A) having an outer surface
that engages in mating relationship with the recessed area 46 of
the rear cabinet 18. Spool cover 52 has an inner surface that
defines an axle member 58 (FIG. 5). A first channel 60 extends
radially outward from axle member 58 on an inner surface of the
spool cover 52. Spool cover 52 also defines a second channel 62
that extends radially outward from axle member 58. Spool cover 52
further defines a first attachment module line orifice 64 (FIG. 2)
that communicates with an outer end of the first channel 60 and a
second cable orifice 66 (FIGS. 2 and 6A) that communicates with an
outer end of the second channel 62.
[0025] A spring member 68 (FIGS. 3, 5 and 6A) is provided that
engages an inside surface of the clip holder 54. A spool 70 (FIGS.
3, 5 and 6A) is located in the attachment module 14 between the
spool cover 52 and the clip holder 54. Spool 70 is rotationally
mounted on axle member 58 of spool cover 52. Spool 70 is
rotationally biased in a first direction by spring member 68. A
metal washer 72 (FIG. 5) is also mounted on axle member 58 and is
located between the spool 70 and the spool cover 52.
[0026] A first cable 74 (FIGS. 2 and 5) has a first end 76 (FIG. 5)
that is secured to the spool 70. First cable 74 passes through
first channel 60 in spool cover 52 and out of first attachment
module line orifice 64. First cable 74 further passes through first
housing line orifice 48 in rear cabinet 18 for securing a second
end of first cable 74 to the rear cabinet 18.
[0027] A second cable 80 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6A) has a first end 82
(FIG. 6A) that is secured to the spool 70. Second cable 80 passes
through second channel 62 in spool cover 52 and out of second
attachment module line orifice 66. Second cable 80 further passes
through second housing line orifice 50 in rear cabinet 18 for
securing a second end of second cable 80 to rear cabinet 18.
[0028] A pair of clip mounts 86 (FIGS. 1 and 5) are provided on an
outside surface of clip holder 54. A shaft 88 is located in
receiving orifices defined by clip mounts 86. A belt clip 90 is
pivotally mounted on shaft 88. A clip spring 92 is provided for
biasing the belt clip 90 towards the clip holder 54.
[0029] An alternate embodiment of the invention may be seen in FIG.
7 wherein spool 70 is located within display module 12. A single
cable 74 connects the display module 12 to the attachment module
14. To prevent relative lateral movement of the display module 12
and the attachment module 14, the display module 12 is provided
with a protrusion 56 for mating engagement with recess 46, formed
in attachment module 14.
[0030] In use, the portable device 10 may be attached to the waist
of a user. The upper portion of belt clip 90 may be depressed by
the thumb of a wearer to separate the belt clip 90 from the clip
holder 54. A wearer's waist band or belt may then be inserted
between the belt clip 90 and the clip holder 54. The belt clip 90
may then released. The clip spring 92 biases the belt clip 90
against the clip holder 54 to secure the portable exercise device
10 to the waist of a user.
[0031] If during use a wearer desires to view information displayed
through window 22, e.g., by LCD or LED display 28, or if a wearer
desires to more easily manipulate first button 24, second button 26
or any of plurality of keys 34, then the display module 12 may be
separated from attachment module 14 so that display module 12 may
be more easily manipulated and viewed by the wearer.
[0032] To separate the display module 12 from the attachment module
14, a wearer need only grasp the display module 12 and apply a
pulling force thereto. A gripping surface on the display module 12
is provided by rubber pads 36.
[0033] The secured second end of first cable 74 and second cable 80
are maintained within the display module 12. First cable 74 and
second cable 80 extend outwardly from first housing line orifice 48
and second housing line orifice 50, respectively. Upon applying a
separating force to the display module 12, the first cable 74 and
second cable 80 are pulled through first attachment module line
orifice 64 and second attachment module line orifice 66 as spool 70
unwinds the cables 74, 80. Spool 70 unwinds the first cable 74 and
second cable 80 simultaneously. The first cable 74 is pulled
through the first channel 60 formed in the spool cover 52 of the
attachment module 14. Similarly, as the second cable 80 is unwound
from spool 70, second cable 80 passes through second channel 62,
which is formed in the spool cover 52 of the attachment module
14.
[0034] As spool 70 rotates to release first cable 74 and second
cable 80 spring plate 68 is wound to a tighter configuration,
thereby providing a biasing force to spool 70. When a separating
force ceases to be applied to the display module 12, spool 70
retracts the extended lengths of first cable 74 and second cable
80. The biasing force applied by spring plate 68 is sufficient to
secure the display module 12 to the attachment module 14 upon
release of the display module 12 by the wearer. Protrusion 56 is
preferably provided on the spool cover 52 of attachment module 14.
Protrusion 56 is sized for mating engagement with recessed area 46
formed on a rear surface of rear cabinet 18 of display module 12.
Therefore, when the display module 12 is seated against attachment
module 14 and held thereto by first cable 74 and second cable 80,
the display module 12 is substantially prevented from lateral
movement relative to attachment module 14.
[0035] Optionally, magnets may be installed in display module 12
and attachment module 14 to facilitate proper fitting of the
modules when connected. Preferably, four pairs of magnets are
arranged in or around recessed area 46 and protrusion 56 for mating
engagement when display module 12 is seated against attachment
module 14. The addition of magnets improves the "feel" for the user
when the display module 12 is parked against the attachment module
14.
[0036] The resulting portable device provides advantages of being
easily viewed by a wearer by permitting the display module to be
moved and oriented in a manner desired by the wearer. Additionally,
the benefits associated with a manipulatable display module 12 do
not result in a configuration wherein the attachment module 14 and
display module 12 may become separated from one another. Moreover,
the biasing action of spring member 68 provides sufficient force to
secure display module 12 to attachment module 14 so that the
display module 12 and attachment module 14 function as a single
unit when in a retracted condition as shown in FIG. 1. Finally, the
mating protrusion 56 and recessed area 46 prevent relative lateral
movement between the display module 12 and attachment module 14 of
the exercise device.
[0037] While the invention has been described with a certain degree
of particularity, it is understood that the invention is not
limited to the embodiment(s) set for herein for purposes of
exemplification, but is to be limited only by the scope of the
attached claim or claims, including the full range of equivalency
to which each element thereof is entitled.
* * * * *