U.S. patent application number 11/809074 was filed with the patent office on 2007-12-13 for comprehensive multi-purpose exercise equipment.
Invention is credited to Blaine Cameron.
Application Number | 20070287597 11/809074 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38822650 |
Filed Date | 2007-12-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070287597 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cameron; Blaine |
December 13, 2007 |
Comprehensive multi-purpose exercise equipment
Abstract
An objective of the present invention is to provide a
comprehensive multi-purpose exercise equipment with the ability to
access the Internet via a computer network while exercising and
engaging in meaningful work or in the alternative, customize his or
her entertainment choices during an exercise routine. Another
objective of the invention is to provide an affordable customized
multi-faceted exercise and entertainment choice for users.
Inventors: |
Cameron; Blaine;
(US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CAROL N. GREEN, ESQ.
SUITE 2750, 200 S. BISCAYNE BLVD.
MIAMI
FL
33131
US
|
Family ID: |
38822650 |
Appl. No.: |
11/809074 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60809952 |
May 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 71/0622 20130101;
A63B 2071/0658 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 22/00 20130101; A63B 24/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. A comprehensive multi-purpose exercise equipment comprising of:
(a) aerobic means for providing the ability to engage in aerobic
exercise with a support structure, pedals, pedaling mechanism and
the computer processor and display monitor; (b) an audiovisual
component with speakers coupled to a docking station for a hand
held audiovisual system capable of being used with multi-media
devices; and (c) an access means for providing access to the
Internet wherein the access means further comprise of a computer
processor, display monitor, keyboard and mouse to wirelessly
transmit information via any type of analog and/or digital
communication system such that there's connectivity to the
Internet.
2. The aerobic means of claim 1 wherein the aerobic means further
comprises of a recumbent bicycle.
3. The aerobic means of claim 1 wherein the aerobic means further
comprises of a conventional bicycle.
4. The aerobic means of claim 1 wherein the pedal mechanism further
comprises of controls to control the resistance for the pedals.
5. The audiovisual component of claim 1, wherein the hand held
audiovisual system comprises of an iPod.
6. The audiovisual component of claim 1, wherein the hand held
audiovisual system comprises of telephones with broadband or DSL
capabilities.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application is a regular Non-Provisional patent
application claiming priority to United States Provisional Patent
Application, A Comprehensive, Multi-Purpose Exercise Equipment,
Ser. No. 60/809,952 filed May 31, 2006 and the entire disclosure of
the Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/809,952 is incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to a comprehensive,
multi-purpose exercise equipment which allows the user to access
the Internet via a computer network while exercising, as well as
provides the flexibility to select the manner in which the user
wants to be entertained from a variety of different audiovisual
options.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Most people find it difficult to balance the competing
demands of work and family, while trying to maintain a healthy
lifestyle with balanced nutrition, daily exercise, rest and
relaxation. In performing the balancing act, some individuals
sacrifice working overtime or family time in order to fit exercise
into their schedule. These same individuals are often overcome with
guilt for having chosen work or family over exercise. The guilt is
further compounded when the exercise routine does not require the
user's full concentration or it engages the lower body without
fully engaging the mind and/or the upper body. Thus, there exists a
need to be able to maximize one's exercise routine by combining
exercise with work where the lower body and the larger muscle
groups of the body are fully engaged in a cardiovascular workout
while the mind and hands are free to perform productive work.
[0004] Although the holistic benefits of exercise are
unquestionable, many people fail to exercise because they find
exercising to be a chore with little or no enjoyment. Gymnasiums
("gyms") do their best to alleviate this problem by providing
magazines and television sets as entertainment tools for their
clientele while they exercise or wait for available exercise
equipment. Generally, the television sets are strategically placed
immediately adjacent to, or near the exercise equipment for
simultaneous viewing by the maximum number of people. However, in
that arrangement there are limitations to the television program
choices for each individual. Similarly, there is a restraint on an
individual's ability to listen to television programs in any other
language other than the language of the majority of viewers.
[0005] Gyms also use music to reduce the boredom factor by playing
certain genre of music via speakers throughout the gym to stimulate
the adrenaline flow while the clients are exercising. For example,
popular music choices would include pop, funk, rock, techno,
hip-hop and reggae or some other high energy music. However,
musical taste and enjoyment is a very personal affair as what
motivates one individual may simply annoy another. Thus, there is a
limitation as to an individual's choice of music while they are
exercising at the gym. In fact, most gyms do not offer their
clients a choice in the music selection that is being played
throughout the gym, but rather the clients are subjected to the
personal choice of the gym's deejay or disc jockey. Thus, there
exists a need for individuals to customize their entertainment
choices for their own listening and viewing pleasure while
exercising at the gym.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] An objective of the present invention is to provide a
comprehensive multi-purpose exercise equipment with the ability to
access the Internet via a computer network while exercising and
engaging in meaningful work or in the alternative, customize his or
her entertainment choices during an exercise routine. Another
objective of the invention is to provide an affordable customized
multi-faceted exercise and entertainment choice for users.
[0007] To accomplish the objectives of the invention, the
comprehensive multi-purpose exercise equipment utilizes aerobic
means for providing the ability to engage in aerobic exercise in
conjunction with an audiovisual component, and an access means. In
one embodiment of the present invention, the aerobic means
comprises of a recumbent bicycle which may include a horizontal
support bar for supporting a wireless mouse. In an alternate
embodiment of the invention, the aerobic means comprises of a
conventional upright bicycle, versus a recumbent bicycle. In that
embodiment of the invention, the mouse may be encompassed as part
of the electronic wireless keyboard and as such no additional
horizontal support is needed to support the wireless mouse.
[0008] The audiovisual component includes speaker(s) coupled to a
docking station for a hand held audiovisual system, for example, a
personal iPod. During the workout session, the user sits on the
comprehensive, multi-purpose exercise equipment to achieve exercise
and simultaneously the user may dock his or her iPod to download
music or view videos or slideshows while exercising. It is
understood by those skilled in art of the invention that other
multi-media devices including telephones with broadband and DSL
capabilities which allows watching TV on demand may be employed by
the invention. In an alternate embodiment, the comprehensive
multi-purpose exercise equipment has one or more speakers attached
such that musical selection or videos may be played in stereo.
[0009] The access means further comprises of a computer processor,
display monitor, keyboard and mouse to wirelessly transmit
information via any type of analog and/or digital communication
system such that there's connectivity to the Internet. By providing
computer access, the user may use the computer in whichever manner
he or she chooses, e.g. conduct research; access, read and respond
to emails; and if available, the user may engage in remote access
to their personal or business computer through a software
program.
[0010] The computer processor of the invention also monitors the
aerobic means to determine user activity as well as it controls the
degree of difficulty of the workout by varying the resistance of
the pedal mechanism. The display monitor is constantly updated with
biofeedback information that is being monitored and processed by
the computer processor informing the user of their progress,
calories expended, heart rate, and other like biofeedback
information. If the user is actively engaged on the Internet, the
user may elect to minimize the biofeedback display. In the
alternative, the user may explode the biofeedback information to
maintain a constant vigil on his or her progress during the
workout. In either event, the user may select how he or she would
like to view the biofeedback information being displayed on the
computer display monitor.
[0011] For a further and more fully detailed understanding of the
present invention, various objects and advantages thereof,
reference is made to the following detailed description and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Further objectives and advantages of the present invention
may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims
when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like
reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the
Figures.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a right side view of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention, which includes a
plurality of entertainment options.
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the access means used in the
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The present invention is now described in more detail by
reference to the exemplary drawings in detail wherein like numerals
indicate like elements throughout the various views. This is for
convenience only and is not intended to limit the application of
the present invention. In fact, after reading the following
description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant
art(s) how to implement the following invention in alternate
embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 1 shows the right side view of the comprehensive
multi-purpose exercise equipment 10 in accordance with the
invention. The comprehensive, multi-purpose exercise equipment 10
comprises of a support structure 12 for supporting a user while the
comprehensive, multi-purpose exercise equipment 10 is in use with a
pedal mechanism 15 (not shown). The support structure 12 further
comprises of a bicycle seat 14 which may take the form of a saddle
seat as shown, bucket seat (not shown) or gel form (not shown) or
any other variations on bicycle seats 14 that are presently well
known and used in the art. The bicycle seat 14 allows the user to
be seated in the recumbent position while the comprehensive,
multi-purpose exercise equipment 10 is in use.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the bicycle seat 14 is slideably mounted
to the support structure 12 by securing means 16 that is used to
secure the bicycle seat 14 to the support structure 12, and is
otherwise adjustable for varying levels of extension depending on
the user's height, weight and comfort level when seated. The
securing means 16 is further connected to the support structure 12
via a horizontal rod 18. Once the desired level of extension is
obtained, the user can secure the desired position of the bicycle
seat 14 with a metal pin 20 (not shown) that fits securely in one
of the holes 21, 21', 21'' alongside the horizontal rod 18 locking
the bicycle seat 14 in place. Depending on the type of bicycle seat
14 that is being used the present invention however, can employ
other types of securing means 16 for the bicycle seat 14 without
departing from the scope of the invention.
[0019] The pedals 19 extend perpendicularly from the support
structure 12, and allow the user to pedal and engage in aerobic
activity. The comprehensive multi-purpose exercise equipment 10 is
powered by electricity through an electric cord 13, which supplies
power to the computer processor 32 (not shown) of the invention. By
using the keyboard 36 (not shown) and display monitor 34 of the
invention, the user may select the type of programmed workout that
he or she would like to experience, e.g. cross training, fat
burning, mountain climbing, interval or hill programs or other
types of aerobic, cardiovascular or strengthening programs. In an
alternate embodiment of the invention, the user may make his or her
selection for the type of programmed workout and enter certain
information, e.g. weight, age, length of workout, through a series
of buttons with LED indicators 24 (not shown).
[0020] The resistance experienced while cycling will be a direct
result of the information entered by the user in selecting the type
of workout session that the user would like to experience. The
computer processor 32 (not shown) controls and maintains the level
of difficulty of the exercise routine by controlling the pedal
resistance via the pedal mechanism 15 (not shown) housed in the
support structure 12. As the workout progresses, the user may
adjust the level of the workout by adjusting the input parameters,
e.g. length of workout, type of workout desired, etc. The user's
caloric, pulse or heart rate information, miles traveled or any
other monitoring information that is generally being monitored
during an exercise routine is displayed on the display monitor 34
that is disposed opposite to the bicycle seat 14.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention, which includes a
plurality of entertainment options. As seen in FIG. 2, the aerobic
means 22 of the invention employs a conventional bicycle as opposed
to the recumbent bicycle as shown in FIG. 1. The comprehensive,
multi-purpose exercise equipment 10 having access means 24
connected thereto for accessing the Internet, further comprises of
a computer processor 32 (not shown), a display monitor 34, a
keyboard 36, and a wireless mouse 38 (not shown). As previously
mentioned, in this embodiment of the invention, the mouse 38 is
already incorporated into the keyboard 36 as is commonly known and
used in the art.
[0022] FIG. 2 also shows a computer display monitor 34 and keyboard
36, which allows the user to either track their exercise routine on
the display monitor 34 in a fully expanded mode or to minimize the
monitoring information concerning the exercise routine and access
the Internet to perform meaningful work. The user can enter their
individual statistics via the computer keyboard 36 which is
proximally located adjacent to the display monitor 34. The keyboard
36 is preferably positioned immediately adjacent to the handlebars
28. A sensing apparatus 41 (not shown) is located in the handlebars
44 that provides biofeedback, e.g. user's heart rate, pedal speed,
calories expended, to the computer processor such that dynamic
adjustments can be made to accommodate the type or variations in
levels of workouts that the user selects.
[0023] Referring back to FIG. 1, a horizontal support stand 17
extends perpendicularly from the support structure 12, which
provides support for a wireless computer mouse 38. This will allow
the user to access and control the wireless mouse 38 to navigate
the Internet using the computer processor 32, display monitor 34
and keyboard 36. The wireless mouse 38 will use infrared or
Bluetooth technology to connect to the computer processor 32. Once
connected to the Internet, the user may use the computer in
whichever manner they choose, e.g. conduct research; access, read
and respond to emails; and if available, they may engage in remote
access to their personal or business computer through a software
program, like Citrix using www.gotomypc.com. In an alternate
embodiment of the invention as seen in FIG. 2, the mouse 38 (not
shown) located on the keyboard 36 is similar in nature and function
as a laptop's mouse which is part of the computer keyboard 36. In
that embodiment of the invention, the horizontal support stand 17
is omitted as superfluous.
[0024] In the alternative, a user may elect to be entertained while
using the comprehensive, multi-purpose exercise equipment 10.
Referring back to FIG. 2, the user has the ability to engage the
audio means 45 which comprises of a docking station 40 for playing
multi-media audio components, e.g. an iPod or a cellular phone with
broadband DSL capabilities allowing a user to for example watch on
demand TV, listen to music or watch videos. The docking station 40
is coupled to the speakers 42, 42' (not shown) and the computer
processor 32 for transmitting audio. In an alternate embodiment of
the invention, audio can be transmitted via head phones 46 from the
docking station 40 to the user either by using a cable coupled to
the computer processor 32, as shown in FIG. 2, or by wireless
headphones 48 (not shown) using Bluetooth technology or other
similar technology to wirelessly transmit audio.
[0025] As seen in FIG. 3, the docking station 40 can accommodate a
user's iPod (not shown) or multi-media device (not shown). The user
will be able to use the multi-media device and all of its functions
during exercise when the iPod is in the docking station 40. The
docking station 40 is connected to the multi-media device headphone
jack 50 (not shown) via cable 50 (not shown) thereby allowing the
user to select the audiovisual content of their choice and transmit
the audio through detachable speakers 42, 42', which are preferably
located on either sides of the display monitor 34, or through the
wireless headphones 48. The user is therefore able to choose their
listening preference via a switch 21 (not shown) on the docking
station 17 which enables either the detachable speakers 19 and 19'
or the wireless headphones 48.
[0026] Other modifications and implementations will occur to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and the scope
of the invention as claimed. Accordingly, the invention is to be
defined not by the preceding illustrative description but instead
by the following claims.
* * * * *
References