U.S. patent application number 12/700962 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-05 for fitness equipment with power generation.
Invention is credited to Derek J. Czarnecki.
Application Number | 20100197460 12/700962 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42398182 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100197460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Czarnecki; Derek J. |
August 5, 2010 |
FITNESS EQUIPMENT WITH POWER GENERATION
Abstract
The invention relates to the field of fitness equipment;
particularly, to fitness equipment that, when operated by a user,
generates an amount of electricity for storage and/or immediate
use, either by the fitness equipment or by other devices that
utilize electricity.
Inventors: |
Czarnecki; Derek J.;
(Beverly Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS WRIGHT TREMAINE LLP/Los Angeles
865 FIGUEROA STREET, SUITE 2400
LOS ANGELES
CA
90017-2566
US
|
Family ID: |
42398182 |
Appl. No.: |
12/700962 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61150221 |
Feb 5, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/70 20130101;
A63B 21/0055 20151001; A63B 2225/107 20130101; A63B 22/02 20130101;
A63F 13/816 20140902; A63B 71/0619 20130101; A63B 21/0053 20130101;
A63B 2071/0644 20130101; A63B 2225/20 20130101; A63B 22/0605
20130101; G06F 19/3481 20130101; H02J 7/1415 20130101; A63F 13/245
20140902; H02N 2/00 20130101; A63B 2071/0638 20130101; A63B 2220/76
20130101; A63B 22/0056 20130101; A63B 24/0087 20130101; A63B
21/0054 20151001; A63B 22/0664 20130101; A63B 2225/50 20130101;
A63B 24/0062 20130101; A63B 2071/0625 20130101; A63B 2022/0658
20130101; A63B 24/0084 20130101; H02J 7/00 20130101; A63B 2024/0096
20130101; A63B 2220/806 20130101; A63B 2230/43 20130101; A63F 13/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/2 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. An article of fitness equipment, comprising: an element
configured to be actuated through an expenditure of energy by a
user; and a generator to convert to an electric current at least a
portion of the energy expended by the user in actuating the article
of fitness equipment.
2. The article of claim 1, further comprising a battery to store
energy converted by the generator.
3. The article of claim 2, further comprising a rectifier in
electric communication between the generator and the battery.
4. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is selected from the
group consisting of a stationary bicycle, a stepper, a treadmill,
an elliptical machine and a weight machine.
5. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is a stationary
bicycle and the element is the pedals of the stationary
bicycle.
6. The article of claim 1, configured to transmit and/or receive
data through at least one communications network.
7. The article of claim 6, wherein the transmission and/or
reception of data is performed through wiring, wirelessly or a
combination thereof.
8. The article of claim 2, further comprising an electrical
apparatus at least partially powered by the electricity stored in
the battery.
9. The article of claim 1, further comprising a monitor to display
information.
10. The article of claim 1, configured to communicate with a game
console and/or a video camera.
11. The article of claim 1, configured to provide energy converted
by the generator to an external battery.
12. In combination, at least two articles of fitness equipment,
each comprising: an element configured to be actuated through an
expenditure of energy by a user; and a generator to convert to an
electric current at least a portion of the energy expended by the
user in actuating the article of fitness equipment.
13. The combination of claim 12, wherein each article of fitness
equipment further comprises a battery to store energy converted by
the generator.
14. The combination of claim 12, wherein each article of fitness
equipment further comprises a rectifier in electric communication
between the generator and the battery.
15. The combination of claim 12, wherein each article of fitness
equipment is independently selected from the group consisting of a
stationary bicycle, a stepper, a treadmill, an elliptical machine
and a weight machine.
16. The combination of claim 12, wherein each article of fitness
equipment is a stationary bicycle and the element is the pedals of
the stationary bicycle.
17. The combination of claim 12, wherein each article of fitness
equipment is configured to transmit and/or receive data through at
least one communications network.
18. The combination of claim 12, wherein each article of fitness
equipment is configured to communicate with a game console and/or a
video camera.
19. The combination of claim 12, wherein each article of fitness
equipment is configured to provide energy converted by the
generator to an external battery.
20. A system, comprising: at least two articles of fitness
equipment, each comprising: an element configured to be actuated
through an expenditure of energy by a user, and a generator to
convert to an electric current at least a portion of the energy
expended by the user in actuating the article of fitness equipment;
means for storage and/or transmission of the energy converted by
the generator in each of the at least one article of fitness
equipment; and at least one display to depict information about the
operation of the at least two articles of fitness equipment and/or
about the operation of at least one article of fitness equipment in
a location other than the room.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein each of the at least two
articles of fitness equipment are a stationary bicycle and the
element is the pedals of the stationary bicycle.
22. The system of claim 20, configured for the users of the at
least two articles of fitness equipment to compete in a game with
the at least two articles of fitness equipment.
23. A method of storing energy, comprising: operating an article of
fitness equipment, comprising: an element configured to be actuated
through an expenditure of energy by a user, and a generator to
convert to an electric current at least a portion of the energy
expended by the user in actuating the article of fitness equipment;
and storing energy converted by the generator in a battery.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the article of fitness
equipment further comprises a rectifier in electric communication
between the generator and the battery.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein the article of fitness
equipment is selected from the group consisting of a stationary
bicycle, a stepper, a treadmill, an elliptical machine and a weight
machine.
26. The method of claim 23, wherein the article of fitness
equipment is a stationary bicycle and the element is the pedals of
the stationary bicycle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/150,221, filed Feb. 5, 2009, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to the field of fitness equipment;
particularly, to fitness equipment that, when operated by a user,
generates an amount of electricity for storage and/or immediate
use, either by the fitness equipment or by other devices that
utilize electricity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each individual publication or patent application
was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference. The following description includes information that may
be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an
admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any
publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0004] In these environmentally conscious times, people are
demanding that cars, factories and businesses be friendly to the
environment. Increased emphasis on conserving energy, reclaiming
unused sources of energy, and identifying new and environmentally
friendly forms of energy are top priorities for nearly all
businesses and society in general.
[0005] Recent advancements in this technology include the advent of
regenerative brake systems, which are mechanisms that reduce
vehicle speed by converting some of a vehicle's kinetic energy into
another useful form of energy. The captured energy is then stored
for future use or fed back into a power system for use by the
vehicle. Various automobile manufacturers are developing kinetic
energy recovery systems, commonly referred to as KERS. The concept
of transferring a vehicle's kinetic energy using flywheel energy
storage was postulated by physicist Richard Feynman in the middle
of the twentieth century, and is exemplified in complex, high-end
systems such as the Zytek, Flybird, Torotrak, and Xtrac used in the
pinnacle of motorsports, Formula 1. Simpler and easily-manufactured
derivatives, such as the Cambridge Passenger/Commercial Vehicle
Kinetic Energy Recovery System (CPC-KERS), are direct byproducts of
this shift in the industry, and underscore the desire in the market
for energy conservation and reclamation.
[0006] Fitness equipment takes a variety of forms. Some equipment
is used primarily for cardiovascular exercise and fitness,
including, but not limited to, stationary bicycles, treadmills,
steppers and elliptical machines. Other equipment is used for
strength training, including, but not limited to, a wide array of
weight machines configured for a user to exercise and strengthen
different muscles, muscle groups and combinations thereof, through
the repetitive lifting of weights. A common feature of all such
equipment is that a user is meant to expend at least a portion of
the energy required to effectuate a movement of the operative
elements in the equipment, such as the weights in a weight machine
or the pedals on a stationary bicycle. Expending this energy
creates a physiological benefit of one form or another for the
user, but is not otherwise harnessed or reclaimed in a manner that
enables that energy to be used for other purposes.
[0007] It would be advantageous to provide for systems and methods
that enable one to harness or reclaim energy that is expended by a
user in operating an item of fitness equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures,
where like numerals represent similar items. It is intended that
the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered
illustrative rather than restrictive.
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a group of users using a group of stationary
bicycles in a fitness classroom environment, the bicycles each
configured to capture energy expended by the users, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. In various
embodiments, the users depicted in such fashion may be engaged in a
competition with one another and/or with users of similar equipment
in remote locations.
[0010] FIG. 2 depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured
to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle including an
electrical apparatus that is at least partially powered by the user
through expenditure of energy in operating the bicycle, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured
to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle including a
monitor displaying the amount of energy being generated by the user
through operation of the bicycle, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 depicts a user with a stationary bicycle, the bicycle
including a monitor displaying an amount of gaseous contents
removed from the local atmosphere (in this case, CO.sub.2) by the
user through operation of the bicycle, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured
to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle in electronic
communication with at least one communications network, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users, the bicycles in
electronic communication with at least one communications network,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users, the bicycles in
electronic communication with at least one communications network
and a game console, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users, the bicycles in
electronic communication with at least one communications network,
a game console and a video camera, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users, the bicycles in
electronic communication with a communications network, a video
camera and at least one electrical apparatus powered, at least in
part, by the stationary bicycles, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 10 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an
integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in
electronic communication with various electrical apparatuses (i.e.,
a fan and a device worn around one's torso to stimulate tissue for
weight loss purposes) powered, at least in part, by the stationary
bicycles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 11 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an
integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in
electronic communication with a monitor, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an
integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in
electronic communication with a monitor that displays an amount of
gaseous contents removed from the local atmosphere (in this case,
CO.sub.2) by each of the users through operation of their
respective bicycles, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 13 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an
integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in
electronic communication with a monitor and at least one
communications network, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 14 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an
integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in
electronic communication with a monitor that displays data about
the users' operation of the respective bicycles and at least one
communications network, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle
configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an
integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in
electronic communication with a monitor that displays data about
the users' operation of the respective bicycles and in wireless
communication with at least one communications network and a video
camera, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 16 depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured
to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle in wireless
electronic communication with a communications network, a video
camera and at least one electrical apparatus, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 17 depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured
to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle in electronic
communication with each of several communications networks, each
configured to communicate and/or manage certain types of data, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 18 depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured
to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle including an
integrated game console, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each individual publication or patent application
was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference. The following description includes information that may
be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an
admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art
or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any
publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0028] One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and
materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which
could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the
present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials
described.
[0029] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
[0030] "Generator" as used herein is a device that converts
mechanical energy to electrical energy, for instance, but not
limited to, using electromagnetic induction.
[0031] "Rectifier" as used herein is a device that converts
alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), a process known as
rectification.
[0032] The present invention relates to capturing kinetic energy
that is generated through the operation of fitness equipment, and
transforming and/or storing that captured energy for ultimate use
in a device configured to be powered by electricity. In one
embodiment, the device powered by the electricity is the fitness
equipment itself or peripheral devices integrated with it. In
alternate embodiments, the device(s) powered by the electricity can
be any device(s) to which the captured energy can be transmitted or
otherwise brought (e.g., through use of a battery that is charged
by operation of the fitness equipment, and then later used in
connection with a device powered by electricity, irrespective of
whether the device ever has direct electrical contact with the
fitness equipment).
[0033] As illustrated in the drawings, such as in FIG. 2, in one
embodiment, the invention includes a stationary exercise bicycle
12, in which the pedals are in mechanical communication with a
generator 20 that harnesses the kinetic energy produced by a user
of the bicycle when the user actuates the pedals of the bicycle 12.
This energy may then be transmitted to a rectifier 22 that converts
the energy into a form suitable for storage in a battery 26. Energy
stored in the battery 26 can then be used to supply electricity to
any number of devices. In an embodiment, the battery 26 is
integrated into the bicycle 12, while in alternate embodiments it
is removable such that it can be transported and used elsewhere for
any application that may be desirable, and while in still further
alternate embodiments it is only in communication with the bicycle
12 through wiring and thus not integrated into the bicycle 12.
[0034] As will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art,
in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the
aforementioned exercise bicycle can be replaced with any number of
items of fitness equipment that can be similarly used or adapted to
function in accordance with the concepts of energy capture,
conversion and/or storage of the present invention. For instance,
various types of cardiovascular exercise and fitness equipment,
such as treadmills, steppers and elliptical machines, may be used,
as can strength training equipment, such as weight machines
configured for a user to perform repetitive lifting or other
movement of weights. References throughout to exercise bicycle 12
and the various components, systems and methods implemented with
it, should thus be construed to more broadly capture any other
forms of exercise or fitness equipment with which the present
invention may find application.
[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, the stationary bicycle 12
is in electronic communication with an apparatus 24 that is powered
at least in part by energy harnessed as described above from the
user of the bicycle 12. As illustratively depicted in FIG. 2, and
by way of non-limiting example, the apparatus 24 may be a radio or
MP3 player.
[0036] In an embodiment of the invention, the stationary bicycle 12
is in electronic communication with a monitor 28 that may be
powered at least in part by energy harnessed as described above
from the user of the bicycle 12. By way of non-limiting examples,
the monitor 28 may display information 30 about the amount of
energy generated by the user and/or captured by the battery 26
through the user's operation of the bicycle 12 (FIG. 3),
information 32 about an amount of local atmospheric gases, such as
CO.sub.2, removed from the local environment through the user's
respiratory system while operating the bicycle 12 (FIG. 4), or
information 42 about the distance that would have been traveled by
a user in operating the bicycle 12 had the bicycle 12 not been a
stationary device (FIG. 14).
[0037] As illustratively depicted in FIG. 5, in an embodiment of
the invention, the stationary bicycle 12 is in electronic
communication 36 with at least one communications network 34,
thereby enabling the sharing of data and information. As one of
skill in the art will readily appreciate, a wide range of data and
information can be transmitted through such an arrangement to
accomplish a variety of tasks. By way of non-limiting example, this
may include an ability to store information about a particular user
of the bicycle 12 or to access an account the user has with the
facility in which the bicycle 12 is located; a capacity to monitor
and disseminate information about the amount of energy harnessed
and/or expended through the battery 26; or a mechanism to notify a
remote system or person of the failure of a component of the
bicycle 12. It may be used internally, within a gymnasium or other
facility in which the bicycle 12 is located, or may enable external
communications through the Internet or the like. Numerous other
applications can be effectuated by exercise of routine practices
and use of readily available technologies.
[0038] As illustratively depicted in FIG. 6, in an embodiment of
the invention, multiple stationary bicycles 12 can be in electronic
communication 36 with one another and/or with at least one
communications network 34, thereby enabling the sharing of data and
information. As illustratively depicted in FIG. 7, in an embodiment
of the invention, a system of multiple bicycles 12 may also be in
electronic communication with a game console 38, enabling the use
of any of a variety of games with the bicycles 12; for instance,
but in no way limited to, games that provide for competition among
users of the bicycles 12. Moreover, through the at least one
communications network 34, games can be played with players in
remote locations, such as via the Internet. Alternatively, a game
console 38 can be integrated into the bicycle 12 (FIG. 18). As
illustratively depicted in FIG. 8, in an embodiment of the
invention, a video camera may be included in the system to capture
still and/or moving images of the users of the bicycles 12, either
for use in connection with a game or for any other desirable
purpose. As illustratively depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, in an
embodiment of the invention, any number of different apparatuses 24
powered at least in part by energy harnessed as described above
from users of the bicycles 12 may also be used in the system.
Additional variations on the particular elements utilized in
accordance with alternate embodiments of the invention are
illustratively depicted in FIGS. 11-16.
[0039] FIG. 17 illustratively depicts alternate applications of the
communications networks 34 described above, such as to store or
communicate data relevant to the user of the bicycle, to arrange
group exercise activities with other bicycle users, or to arrange
for competitions among bicycle users whether using the same bicycle
at different times or competing with a group of bicycles.
[0040] FIG. 1 illustratively depicts an embodiment of the
invention, in which a group of bicycles 12 are situated in a
classroom setting 10, where they can be used together or
individually for any number of purposes. For instance, individual
users may use the bicycles 12 without any relationship to other
users or users may compete or otherwise interact with other users,
either in the depicted classroom setting 10 or with users in remote
locations through the networking or game applications described
above. The classroom setting may include a variety of features to
improve the experience of the users or to facilitate the
competitive games and other applications described herein. For
instance, the classroom setting 10 may include a wall or other
display 18 with information about users utilizing similar bicycles
12 in other locations; it may include a wall or other display 14
with information about the energy being generated and/or stored by
each group of users in the depicted classroom 10 as well as remote
classrooms or classes held at other times in the depicted classroom
10; and it may include individual information depicted to
facilitate competition about the energy being generated and/or
stored by each individual user in the classroom setting 10. Those
of skill in the art will readily appreciate that any number of
different items may be depicted in a similar manner to enhance the
experience of using the inventive bicycles 12, whether for
competitive purposes, for purposes of improving one's sense of
facilitating energy reclamation, for entertainment purposes, or the
like.
[0041] Various embodiments of the invention are described above in
the Detailed Description. While these descriptions directly
describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled
in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the
specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such
modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this
description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless
specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventor that the
words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the
ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the
applicable art(s).
[0042] The foregoing description of various embodiments of the
invention known to the applicant at this time of filing the
application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of
illustration and description. The present description is not
intended to be exhaustive nor limit the invention to the precise
form disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible
in the light of the above teachings. The embodiments described
serve to explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the
invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as
are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, it is
intended that the invention not be limited to the particular
embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention.
[0043] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and
modifications may be made without departing from this invention and
its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to
encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as
are within the true spirit and scope of this invention.
Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely
defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those
within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially
in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are
generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including"
should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term
"having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term
"includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited
to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art
that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim,
and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.
For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended
claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one"
and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use
of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a"
or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced
claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation,
even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or
more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an"
(e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at
least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of
definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition,
even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that
such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least
the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations,"
without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations).
[0044] Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the
appended claims.
* * * * *