U.S. patent application number 11/942424 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for exercise machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to TECHNOGYM S.P.A.. Invention is credited to MAURIZIO ROMAN.
Application Number | 20080119332 11/942424 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39145021 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080119332 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ROMAN; MAURIZIO |
May 22, 2008 |
EXERCISE MACHINE
Abstract
An exercise machine comprises a frame and means for performing
an exercise associated with the frame to allow a user to perform at
least a predetermined exercise; the exercise machine comprises an
interface which can be associated, by means of a relative
connection, with an audio/video storage and reproduction device
with which information and commands can be exchanged, in particular
when the exercise is being performed.
Inventors: |
ROMAN; MAURIZIO; (NOALE,
IT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PEARNE & GORDON LLP
1801 EAST 9TH STREET, SUITE 1200
CLEVELAND
OH
44114-3108
US
|
Assignee: |
TECHNOGYM S.P.A.
GAMBETTOLA (FC)
IT
|
Family ID: |
39145021 |
Appl. No.: |
11/942424 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/54 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20130101;
A63B 24/0075 20130101; A63B 22/0605 20130101; A63B 2071/0658
20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/54 |
International
Class: |
A63B 22/02 20060101
A63B022/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 21, 2006 |
IT |
BO2006A 000789 |
Claims
1) An exercise machine comprising a frame (2), means (3) for
performing an exercise associated with the frame (2) to allow a
user to perform at least a predetermined exercise, wherein it
comprises an interface (4) at the means (3) for performing an
exercise, transmission means (5) in communication with the
interface (4), there being the possibility of associating the
transmission means (5) with an audio/video storage and reproduction
device (6) having a respective control panel (8) so as to put the
audio/video reproduction device (6) in communication with the
interface (4), said interface (4) interacting with the audio/video
reproduction device (6) through the transmission means (5) to
exchange information with the audio/video reproduction device (6),
in particular when the exercise is being performed.
2) The exercise machine according to claim 1, comprising means (9)
for managing the means (3) for performing the exercise, allowing
the user to customize the exercise, the interface (4) being
integrated in the management means (9).
3) The exercise machine according to claim 1, comprising a support
(10) for the audio/video storage and reproduction device (6), the
support (10) being associated with the frame (2), preferably at the
interface (4).
4) The exercise machine according to claim 3, wherein the
communication means (5) can be associated with the audio/video
storage and reproduction device (6) at the support (10).
5) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the interface
(4) comprises a control drive (12) for remotely operating the
audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) using the
communication means (5).
6) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the interface
(4) comprises a screen (13) sensitive to pressure applied by the
user (a touch screen).
7) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the interface
(4) comprises a screen (15) for displaying multimedia content
reproduced by the audio/video storage and reproduction device
(6).
8) The exercise machine according to claim 6, wherein the screen
(15) for displaying multimedia content reproduced by the
audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) consists of a
portion (15) of the touch screen (13).
9) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the interface
(4) comprises at least one icon (18) forming at least one remote
control for the audio/video reproduction device (6).
10) The exercise machine according to claim 9, wherein the icon
(18) substantially has the same appearance as the corresponding
control present in the control panel (8).
11) The exercise machine according to claim 9, wherein the icon
(18) substantially has the same functions as the corresponding
control present in the control panel (8).
12) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
interface (4) comprises at least one display (16) for showing the
user information about audio/video storage and reproduction device
(6) operation.
13) The exercise machine according to claim 6, wherein the display
(16) consists of a portion (15) of the touch screen (13).
14) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
communication means (5) comprise a serial connection (5a).
15) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
communication means (5) comprise a USB connection (5a).
16) The exercise machine according to claim 1, wherein the
communication means (5) comprise a wireless connection.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an exercise machine and in
particular to an exercise machine which can be interfaced with
audio and/or video storage and reproduction devices.
[0002] Modern exercise machines, such as treadmills, exercise bikes
and the like, currently combine an increasing number of functions
which are secondary to requirements purely relating to use of the
muscles by the user, such as, for example, monitoring heart
activity or energy consumption.
[0003] As exercise equipment evolved, exercise machines were
developed which integrate audio reproduction devices, for example a
radio or CD player, as well as having a screen (usually LCD)
positioned in front of the user and with which the machine is
controlled (for example by operating with the touch screen
method).
[0004] While the user is exercising, the touch screen can be used
to watch television programs or for various types of multimedia
connections, such as an internet connection.
[0005] However, such reproduction devices do not allow the user to
be entertained with a vast and popular selection of preferred
tracks, both because of radio or TV equipment reception limits, and
because of the low number of tracks that can be stored in a normal
known type of CD medium.
[0006] In parallel, an increasing number of portable audio and even
video storage and reproduction devices are spreading, such as the
Apple.RTM. iPod.RTM., which can store an ever increasing volume of
information, therefore audio tracks, videos, photographs, of
particular interest for the user.
[0007] It should be noticed that often such devices are used, not
just during leisure time, but during work-outs or while performing
any exercise because they offer a vast selection of audio tracks or
videos, all of which the user likes because he has selected
them.
[0008] However, because he is exercising, the user finds it
difficult to use and manage the reproduction device.
[0009] Prior art devices, although recently being made ever smaller
and lighter, still have a mass that is not null, which must be
supported by the user, for example by hanging it on his arm, and
which is an obstacle or inconvenience during a work-out.
[0010] To contain the mass and dimensions of such reproduction
devices, the outer dimensions are gradually getting ever smaller,
with a consequent parallel reduction of the dimensions of the
relative keys or control and operating screens whose operation is
extremely laborious, in particular while exercising, for example
running or cycling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In this context, the main technical purpose of the present
invention is to propose an exercise machine which is free of the
above-mentioned disadvantages.
[0012] The present invention has for an aim to propose an exercise
machine which allows the user to be entertained during a work-out
by listening to tracks he enjoys using a personal device.
[0013] The present invention also has for an aim to propose a
machine which allows the user to be entertained during a work-out
by watching videos or film footage he enjoys.
[0014] The present invention also has for an aim to propose an
exercise machine which allows easy and convenient management of
audio and/or video storage and reproduction devices, in particular
during a work-out.
[0015] The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are
substantially achieved by an exercise machine comprising the
technical features described in claim 1 and in one or more of the
dependent claims herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention are
more apparent in the description below, with reference to a
preferred, non-limiting, embodiment of an exercise machine,
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, partly in blocks, of
an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention, in a
first operating configuration;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of a
detail of the exercise machine of FIG. 1, in a second operating
configuration;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of the
detail of FIG. 2, in a third operating configuration;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of the
detail of FIG. 2, in a fourth operating configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] With reference to the accompanying drawings and in
particular with reference to FIG. 1, the numeral 1 denotes an
exercise machine in accordance with the present invention.
[0022] The exercise machine 1 comprises a frame 2 supporting means
3 for performing an exercise of the substantially known type and
therefore not described in detail, for allowing a user, not
illustrated, to perform at least a predetermined exercise.
[0023] It should be noticed that in FIG. 1 the exercise machine 1
is illustrated as a treadmill. However, the present invention also
relates to exercise bikes or any other exercise machine 1 of the
type comprising the frame 2 and the means 3 for performing an
exercise.
[0024] The machine 1 comprises a graphical interface 4 supported by
the frame 2.
[0025] The interface 4 is also positioned at the means 3 for
performing the exercise.
[0026] The machine 1 comprises transmission means 5, in
communication with the interface 4, there being the possibility of
associating the transmission means with an audio and/or video, that
is to say, multimedia content, storage and reproduction device 6,
of the substantially known type, such as the Apple.RTM. iPod.RTM.,
so that the device 6 is put into communication with the interface
4.
[0027] The communication means 5 preferably comprise a connection
5a, of the substantially known type, for optimizing communication
between the device 6 and the interface 4 according to the methods
described in more detail below.
[0028] The connection 5a is preferably a serial connection. In
alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the connection 5a is of
the parallel type or USB or wireless.
[0029] Advantageously, the interface 4 interacts with the
audio/video reproduction device 6 through the transmission means 5
to exchange information and commands with the device 6, preferably
when the user is exercising.
[0030] The device 6 has a screen 7 for displaying film footage or
photographs or for displaying information about the music tracks
being reproduced.
[0031] Moreover, the device 6 has a control panel 8 by means of
which the device 6 is used.
[0032] In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the exercise
machine 1 comprises means 9 for managing the means 3 for performing
the exercise, allowing the user to customize the exercise, for
example to regulate the speed or angle of the treadmill belt. In
the present invention, the interface 4 is integrated in the
management means 9, of the substantially known type and therefore
not described in detail, for example a console.
[0033] In other words, in accordance with the present invention,
the interface 4 is integrated in the management means 9 to make the
machine 1 more compact.
[0034] The exercise machine 1 preferably comprises a support 10 for
the device 6.
[0035] The support 10 is associated with the frame 2, preferably
substantially at the interface 4.
[0036] Advantageously, the communication means 5 comprise a
connector 11 for connection to the device 6.
[0037] It should be noticed that it is well known that the devices
6 have a communication and power port, not illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. The connector 11 is suitable for engagement
with the respective communication port present in the audio/video
storage and reproduction device 6.
[0038] The interface 4 comprises a control device, schematically
illustrated with a block 12, for interaction with the storage and
reproduction device 6.
[0039] The control device 12 is advantageously integrated in a
computerized check and control unit, not illustrated, usually
designed to check and manage the machine 1.
[0040] More specifically, as described in more detail below, the
control device 12 can simulate operation of the device 6 control
panel 8 using the communication means 5.
[0041] In other words, the device 12 allows the audio/video storage
and reproduction device 6 to be operated from a remote position,
consisting of the interface 4.
[0042] In more detail, the control device 12 preferably consists of
a screen 13 sensitive to pressure applied by the user, commonly
known as a "touch screen".
[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in a first operating
configuration, in particular when the storage and reproduction
device 6 is connected to the machine, the interface 4 has an icon
14 for retrieving device 6 controls on the screen 13.
[0044] It should be noticed that it is well known that the term
"icon" refers to an image (usually a stylized drawing) whose aim is
to represent a program, an action or a type of file or to transmit
information in an extremely concise form.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2, in a second operating
configuration, a first portion 15 of the screen 13 is intended for
displaying multimedia content reproduced by the audio/video storage
and reproduction device 6; the portion 15 therefore forms a screen
for displaying multimedia content.
[0046] The second operating configuration is preferably an
alternative to the above-mentioned first configuration.
[0047] Advantageously, the second operating configuration can be
derived from the first by "touching" the screen 13.
[0048] Advantageously, the portion 15 also forms a display 16 for
showing the user information about audio/video storage and
reproduction device 6 operation, for example a list of tracks.
[0049] A second portion 17 of the screen 13 is intended for
displaying a second icon 18 which is part of the interface 4 and
reproduces an enlarged audio/video storage and reproduction device
6 control panel 8.
[0050] In particular, the icon 18 shows and reproduces on the
screen 13 the device 6 main controls.
[0051] In practice, the device 6 is controlled by acting on the
touch screen 13 at the icon 18.
[0052] In other words, the action on the icon 18 is translated, by
the touch screen 13, the device 12 and the communication means 5,
into a command for the audio/video storage and reproduction device
6.
[0053] The icon 18 preferably also graphically represents the
device 6 control panel 8, that is to say, the icon 18 shows and
reproduces on the screen 13 the device 6 main controls in an
identical configuration and acting on the touch screen 13 at the
icon 18 the device 6 is controlled with the individual keys
operating in the same way.
[0054] According to FIG. 3, in a third operating configuration, the
portion 15 of the screen 13 intended for video reproduction or for
displaying information as the display 16, is enlarged compared with
FIG. 2, to give the user a better view.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, in a fourth operating configuration, the
portion 17 of the screen 13 intended for the icon 18 visually and
functionally reproducing the device 6 controls is further enlarged
compared with FIG. 2, to offer controls which are easy to use even
while exercising.
[0056] In practice, the user inserts, according to the arrow F of
FIG. 1, his personal audio/video storage and reproduction device 6
in the machine 1 support 10.
[0057] It should be noticed that the earphones, not illustrated,
may preferably remain attached to the device 6 and the user remains
in audio contact with the device 6 by means of them.
[0058] Advantageously, in alternative embodiments, the audio signal
can be switched on the machine 1 console 9.
[0059] When the device 6 is inserted in the support 10, the
connector 11 is inserted in the respective port, not illustrated,
of the device 6, and by means of the serial connection 5a puts the
interface 4 in communication with the device 6.
[0060] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the icon 14 relative to the device
6 associated with the machine 1 appears on the screen 13.
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 2, acting on the icon 14, the
portions 15 and 17 are defined on the screen 13, respectively for
displaying information and videos and for controls.
[0062] More precisely, the videos reproduced by the device 6 become
visible in the portion 15 or, in the display 16 configuration,
information is made available about the audio tracks/videos stored
in the device 6.
[0063] Advantageously, the icon 18, which as already indicated
reproduces the device 6 control panel 8 and implements its
operation by means of the touch screen 13, is enlarged compared
with the panel 8, and so is easier to use.
[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 3, by acting on the screen 13, the
portion 15 is further enlarged for maximum visibility.
[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 4, by acting on the screen 13, the
portion 17 dedicated to device 6 remote controls is maximized, so
that they are easy and convenient to operate while exercising.
[0066] The exercise machine brings important advantages.
[0067] The generic user can associate his personal audio and video
storage and reproduction device with the machine, and can then
listen to or watch all of the material he likes.
[0068] The graphical interface combined with the touch screen
allows easy remote control of the device 6.
[0069] This allows exercises to be performed correctly, without any
particular impediments, the dedicated, enlarged portions of screen
allowing easy interaction with the storage and reproduction
device.
[0070] The invention described above is susceptible of industrial
application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without
thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.
Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by
technically equivalent elements.
* * * * *