U.S. patent application number 12/826941 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-05 for apparatus for counting repetitions of an exercise device.
Invention is credited to Mrako A. Fenster.
Application Number | 20120004076 12/826941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45400126 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120004076 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fenster; Mrako A. |
January 5, 2012 |
Apparatus for Counting Repetitions of an Exercise Device
Abstract
An apparatus for counting repetitions of an exercise device
including a frame with at least one guide member, a movable
component guided to travel along a path by the at least one guide
member, the path having a start position, a first position, and a
second position, first and second proximity sensors attached to the
frame, the first proximity sensor transmitting a first signal when
the movable component is located near the first position, and the
second proximity sensor transmitting a second signal when the
movable component is located near the second position, an
electronic counter set up to receive the first and second signals
so that the electronic counter can count the number of repetitions
of travel of the movable component along the path, a memory storage
device for storing the repetition count, and a display device able
to display the rep count.
Inventors: |
Fenster; Mrako A.; (Madison,
WI) |
Family ID: |
45400126 |
Appl. No.: |
12/826941 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2220/801 20130101;
A63B 21/0628 20151001; A63B 2220/62 20130101; A63B 2220/17
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/8 |
International
Class: |
A63B 71/00 20060101
A63B071/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for counting repetitions of an exercise device,
comprising: a frame comprising at least one guide member; a movable
component configured to be moved in response to a mechanical
stimulus generated during repetition movement, the movable
component configured to travel along a path having a start
position, a first position, and a second position, wherein the
movable component of the exercise device is guided along the path
by the at least one guide member, and wherein the movable component
is located at the start position before the mechanical stimulus is
generated, and the movable component returns to the start position
after the mechanical stimulus has ceased to be generated; first and
second proximity sensors coupled to the frame, the first proximity
sensor operably coupled to the movable component to transmit a
first signal when the movable component is proximate the first
position, and the second proximity sensor operably coupled to the
movable component to transmit a second signal when the movable
component is proximate the second position; an electronic counter
having a memory storage device for storing a rep count representing
the number of repetitions of the movable component moving along the
path, the electronic counter configured to receive the first and
second signals, wherein the electronic counter is configured such
that receipt of the second signal causes the electronic counter to
increment the rep count by one when the second signal is preceded
by receipt of the first signal; and a display device in
communication with the electronic counter, the display device
configured to display the rep count.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic counter is
configured such that receipt of the first signal does not increment
the rep count.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic counter is
configured such that receipt of the second signal alone does not
increment the rep count.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic counter is
configured to increase the rep count by one when the movable
component is moved along the path past the first position and
proximate the second position.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic counter is
configured to increase the rep count by one when the movable
component is moved along the path past the first position and
proximate the second position, and wherein the electronic counter
is configured to prevent any further increase of the rep count
until the movable component is moved back along the path to a
position in proximity with the first position.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the location of the first
proximity sensor defines the first position and the location of the
second proximity sensor defines the second position, the second
position located above the first position.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display
device.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display device,
wherein the timer is configured to start measuring accrued time
when at least one of the first signal and the second signal is
received by the electronic counter, and wherein the timer is
configured to start measuring rest time if the first signal is not
received by the electronic counter within a preset period of time,
and wherein the display device is configured to display at least
one of the accrued time and the rest time.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the timer is configured to
enter a shut-down mode if the rest time reaches a preset target
value, wherein the rep count, the accrued time and the rest time
are reset to zero when the timer enters the shut-down mode.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display device,
wherein the timer is configured to start measuring accrued time
when at least one of the first signal and the second signal is
received by the electronic counter, and wherein the timer is
configured to stop measuring accrued time, reset the accrued time
to zero, and start measuring rest time if the first signal is not
received by the electronic counter within a preset period of time,
and wherein the display device is configured to display at least
one of the accrued time and the rest time.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the electronic counter adds
the rep count of the electronic counter to a total number of
repetitions, and wherein the electronic counter stores in the
memory storage device the total number of repetitions of the
exercise device.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display device,
wherein the timer is configured to start measuring accrued time
when at least one of the first signal and the second signal is
received by the electronic counter, and wherein the electronic
counter adds the accrued time to a total accrued time, and wherein
the electronic counter stores in the memory storage device the
total accrued time of the exercise device.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display device,
wherein the timer is configured to start measuring accrued time
when at least one of the first signal and the second signal is
received by the electronic counter, and wherein the electronic
counter adds the accrued time to a total accrued time, and wherein
the electronic counter adds the rep count of the electronic counter
to a total number of repetitions, and wherein the electronic
counter stores in the memory storage device the total number of
repetitions of the exercise device and the total accrued time of
the exercise device, and wherein the display device is configured
to display at least one of the total accrued time of the exercise
device and the total number of repetitions of the exercise
device.
14. An apparatus for counting repetitions of an exercise device,
comprising: a frame comprising at least one guide member; a movable
component configured to be moved in response to a mechanical
stimulus generated during repetition movement, the movable
component configured to travel along a path having a start
position, a first position, and a second position, wherein the
movable component of the exercise device is guided along the path
by the at least one guide member, and wherein the movable component
is located at the start position before the mechanical stimulus is
generated, and the movable component returns to the start position
after the mechanical stimulus has ceased to be generated; first and
second proximity sensors coupled to the frame, the first proximity
sensor operably coupled to the movable component to transmit a
first signal when the movable component is proximate the first
position, and the second proximity sensor operably coupled to the
movable component to transmit a second signal when the movable
component is proximate the second position; a start position
proximity sensor coupled to the frame, the start position proximity
sensor operably coupled to the movable component to transmit a
third signal when the movable component is proximate the start
position; an electronic counter having a memory storage device for
storing a rep count representing the number of repetitions of the
movable component moving along the path, the electronic counter
configured to receive the first, second, and third signals, wherein
the electronic counter is configured such that receipt of the
second signal causes the electronic counter to increment the rep
count by one when the second signal is preceded by receipt of the
first signal; and a display device in communication with the
electronic counter, the display device configured to display the
rep count.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the electronic counter is
configured to increase the rep count by one when the movable
component is moved along the path past the first position and
proximate the second position, and wherein the electronic counter
is configured to prevent any further increase of the rep count
until the movable component is moved back along the path to a
position in proximity with the first position.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display
device.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display device,
wherein the timer is configured to start measuring accrued time
when at least one of the first signal, the second signal, and the
third signal is received by the electronic counter, and wherein the
timer is configured to start measuring rest time if the third
signal is received by the electronic counter for a preset period of
time, and wherein the display device is configured to display at
least one of the accrued time and the rest time.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the timer is configured to
enter a shut-down mode if the rest time reaches a preset target
value, wherein the rep count, the accrued time and the rest time
are reset to zero when the timer enters the shut-down mode.
19. The apparatus of claim 14, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display device,
wherein the timer is configured to start measuring accrued time
when at least one of the first signal, the second signal, and the
third signal is received by the electronic counter, and wherein the
timer is configured to stop measuring accrued time, reset the
accrued time to zero, and start measuring rest time if the third
signal is received by the electronic counter for a preset period of
time, and wherein the display device is configured to display at
least one of the accrued time and the rest time.
20. The apparatus of claim 14, and further comprising a timer in
communication with the electronic counter and the display device,
wherein the timer is configured to start measuring accrued time
when at least one of the first signal, the second signal, and the
third signal is received by the electronic counter, and wherein the
electronic counter adds the accrued time to a total accrued time,
and wherein the electronic counter adds the rep count of the
electronic counter to a total number of repetitions, and wherein
the electronic counter stores in the memory storage device the
total number of repetitions of the exercise device and the total
accrued time of the exercise device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for
counting repetitions of an exercise device and, more specifically,
to a rep counter apparatus for counting repetitions of a strength
exercise device.
[0003] 2. Background
[0004] Stationary exercise apparatus have been popular for several
decades. While physical labor or sports are two ways that people
can exercise their bodies, people increasingly turn to stationary
exercise apparatus when they want to lose weight or tone
muscles.
[0005] Stationary exercise apparatus are often categorized into one
of two groups: cardiovascular exercise equipment and strength
equipment. Cardiovascular exercise equipment (sometimes called
cardio exercise devices or aerobic exercise equipment) generally
include machines or apparatus configured so that an operator can
elevate his/her heart rate by exercising continuously over a
relatively prolonged period of time. Stationary cardio exercise
equipment generally includes exercise devices such as treadmills,
stationary exercise bicycles, elliptical trainers, rowers,
steppers, and so forth.
[0006] Strength equipment, by contrast, generally includes machines
or apparatus configured to provide an operator with brief,
relatively intense resistance over a relatively short period of
time. Performing an exercise session on strength equipment
typically involves performing multiple repetitions of a repetitive
exercise, where the each repetition of the exercise (or rep)
typically involves moving a movable object a relatively short
distance against a relatively intense force over a relatively short
period of time. Strength equipment generally includes exercise
devices such as elastomeric resistance devices, free weights, and
selectorized strength equipment (exercise equipment utilizing the
weight of a stack of weight plates as resistance to the exercise,
where the operator may select the number of weight plates to be
lifted by the operator to adjust the resistance of the exercise).
Examples of strength equipment are bicep arm curl machines, chest
press machines, and leg press machines.
[0007] An important component for exercise devices is the ability
to accurately monitor the operator's progress through a given
workout program, which may include exercises on both cardio and
strength equipment. The amount of exercise performed can generally
be correlated to the amount of work done by the operator.
[0008] Many cardio exercise devices implement some form of
electronic monitoring apparatus that measures or records such
information as the duration the operator has been exercising on the
device, the resistance setting of the exercise device, and the
number of rotations of a crank arm or a flywheel. These devices
then often calculate information such as the resistance level,
speed, distance traveled, time elapsed, and calories burned during
the exercise, and provide the information to the operator in the
form of an electronic display.
[0009] Strength exercise equipment, by contrast, has not
traditionally utilized electronic monitoring apparatus. If
utilized, strength equipment would require a different type of
monitoring device, since strength exercise equipment does not
typically rely on continuously rotating parts. Additionally, the
amount of work an operator undertakes is more directly tied to
resistance level, distance traveled by a movable component during
each repetition, and number of repetitions, rather than being tied
to time or speed. Based on resistance level, distance traveled, and
number of repetitions, the amount of work performed, or calories
burned, can be calculated. For many strength equipment operators,
however, a calculation of calories burned may not be the most
desirable feedback. The amount of weight being lifted, and the
number of completed repetitions (or reps), is the often the most
valuable information to the operator.
[0010] An operator often has a target for the number of reps he/she
would like to perform at a certain weight level, and the operator
often only counts the "good" reps, which are repetitions where the
operator performs the exercise through the full range of motion for
that particular exercise. If the operator cannot perform the
exercise through the full range of motion for a particular
exercise, the operator may choose not to count the rep, because it
was an incomplete rep.
[0011] An operator using strength equipment therefore is most
interested in tracking the number of "good" reps performed for each
exercise. It is important for a monitoring device coupled to
strength equipment to avoid inaccurately detecting multiple
repetitions when a single repetition has been conducted.
Alternatively, it is important for a monitoring device coupled to
strength equipment to count all "good" repetitions that have been
performed. Since accurate measurements of this sort of data can be
important to a workout program, it is important for the monitoring
device coupled to strength equipment to accurately count the number
of "good" reps performed by the operator, while not counting the
repetitions which are incomplete reps.
[0012] Accordingly, there is still a need for a rep counter
apparatus that can accurately measure and display the number of
good repetitions an operator performs on a piece of strength
exercise equipment, while avoiding counting the incomplete
repetitions that would not be considered "good" reps by the
operator. Furthermore, there is still a need for a rep counter
apparatus that can record the total accumulated number of
repetitions and the total accumulated number of hours of usage for
a piece of strength equipment.
SUMMARY
[0013] The present invention discloses an apparatus for counting
the repetitions of various types of strength exercise machines. The
apparatus for counting repetitions of an exercise device includes a
frame with one or more guide members and a movable component that
is moved along a path when an operator applies a force to the
exercise device. The movable component is guided along the path by
the one or more guide members. The path has a start position, a
first position, and a second position. The movable component is
located at the start position before the operator applies a force
to the exercise device, the movable component leaves the start
position to move along the path when the operator applies the force
to the exercise device, and the movable component returns to the
start position after the operator ceases to apply the force to the
exercise device.
[0014] The apparatus for counting repetitions, or rep counter
apparatus, includes at least first and second proximity sensors,
where the first proximity sensor detects the presence of the
movable component when the movable component is located near the
first position along the path, and the second proximity sensor
detects the presence of the movable component when the movable
component is located near the second position along the path. The
first proximity sensor transmits a first signal when the first
proximity sensor detects the presence of the movable component, and
the second proximity sensor transmits a second signal when the
second proximity sensor detects the presence of the movable
component.
[0015] The apparatus for counting repetitions includes an
electronic counter, a memory storage device, and a display device,
where the memory storage device stores a rep count representing the
number of repetitions of the movable component moving along the
path, and the display device displays the rep count. The electronic
counter receives the first and second signals, and when the
electronic counter receives the first signal followed by the second
signal, the electronic counter takes the current rep count from the
memory storage device, increments the rep count by one, and returns
the new rep count to the memory storage device and to the display
device. The memory storage device may store additional information,
such as the total number of repetitions that have ever been
performed on the exercise apparatus.
[0016] The apparatus for counting repetitions may be designed to
count only good repetitions (or good reps). For strength equipment,
a good rep could be defined as an exercise involving a movable
component moving through a minimum acceptable distance, or a
minimum acceptable range of motion. A good rep would occur, for
instance, when a movable component on the exercise apparatus
travels at least the distance along a path between a first position
and a second position, assuming the first position and the second
position were chosen appropriately for a particular exercise on the
exercise apparatus. The distance between the first position and the
second position set a minimum acceptable distance for the exercise
apparatus. Assuming the appropriate locations were chosen for the
first position and the second position, the travel of a movable
component moving along a path between the first and second
positions by the movable component would constitute a good rep, and
the minimum acceptable distance would have been travelled by the
movable component.
[0017] If the movable component moves along a path and reaches the
first position, but does not travel far enough along the path to
reach the second position, then the minimum acceptable distance has
not been travelled by the movable component, and this is an
incomplete rep which should not be counted by the rep counter
apparatus. Similarly, once the movable component is positioned near
the second position, if the movable component does not move back
along the path to return to the first position, then no matter how
many times the movable component crosses over the position of the
second position, the minimum acceptable distance has not been
travelled by the movable component, and this is also an incomplete
rep which should not be counted by the rep counter apparatus.
[0018] For most strength exercise equipment, there is a resistance
system set up to act upon a movable component, so that the
resistance system resists travel of the movable component in a
first direction. Often, the resistance system assists the travel of
the movable component in a second direction opposite to the first
direction. For example, a strength exercise device that uses
weights as the resistance system applies a load in one direction,
because gravity pulls downward on the weights. For strength
exercise equipment that use weights for the resistance system, when
the movable component moves in a direction that lifts the weights
against the force of gravity, the resistance system resists the
travel of the movable component in the first direction. Conversely,
when the movable component moves in a direction that lowers the
weights so that the force of gravity is assisting in the lowering
of the weights, the resistance system assists the travel of the
movable component in the second direction. For strength exercise
equipment utilizing this type of resistance system, it is important
that the apparatus for counting repetitions be designed to count
only those reps where the movable component is moving in the first
direction, where a resistance system is resisting the travel of the
movable component. That is, the apparatus for counting repetitions
can be designed so that the apparatus for counting repetitions only
counts those repetitions where the movable component first reaches
the first position, and then continues along the path to the reach
the second position.
[0019] In one embodiment, the second position is located above the
first position, and the first position is located above the start
position. In this embodiment, as the movable component moves along
the path away from the start position, it moves toward the first
position, and if the movable component continues along in the same
direction, it reaches the first position and continues on toward
the second position. The location of the first proximity sensor
defines the first position and the location of the second proximity
sensor defines the second position.
[0020] In another embodiment, the apparatus for counting
repetitions includes a timer. The timer can be used to measure
accrued time (the amount of time accrued since the start of the
exercise session) when the electronic counter receives a signal
from one of a plurality of proximity sensors. The timer can also be
used to measure rest time when the electronic counter has received
no signal within a preset period of time. Either the accrued time
and/or the rest time can be displayed on the display device.
[0021] This summary is not meant to be exhaustive. The features and
advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent
from the following description, accompanying drawings and appended
claims. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of
illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing
from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description
is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope
of the present invention is best defined by the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus
including a rep counter apparatus constructed according to the
principles of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram outlining the operation of the rep
counter of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a detail view of a portion of the rep counter
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a front view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1
with a movable component located at a start position.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a front view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1
with the movable component located between the start position and a
first position.
[0027] FIG. 6 is a front view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1
with the movable component located at the first position.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1
with the movable component located at a second position.
[0029] FIG. 8 is a front view of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1
with the movable component located above the second position.
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view the rep counter of FIG. 1.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION
[0031] The present invention relates to an apparatus for counting
repetitions of an exercise device such as a strength exercise
device. In particular, the apparatus for counting repetitions, or
rep counter apparatus, is designed to be installed into a weight
tower of a strength exercise apparatus.
[0032] A weight tower for strength exercise apparatus is often
configured as a modular device, where a single weight tower design
is intended to be used with any one of a plurality of different
strength exercise apparatus. The weight tower provides resistance
to the exercise apparatus, regardless of the type of exercise
apparatus to which it is joined. An operator of a strength exercise
apparatus may adjust the amount of resistance provided by the
weight tower, and then may exercise against the resistive load
provided by the weight tower. For instance, a weight tower may be
combined with a leg press exercise device to provide a resistance
load to a foot plate on the leg press exercise device, allowing an
operator to exercise the legs. The same weight tower may instead be
combined with a chest press exercise device to provide a resistance
load to a handlebar on the chest press exercise device, allowing an
operator to exercise the upper body. A rep counter apparatus
installed into a weight tower of a strength exercise apparatus may
provide feedback to the operator of the exercise apparatus,
regardless of which type of strength exercise device is joined to
the weight tower.
[0033] The apparatus for counting repetitions, or rep counter
apparatus, is designed to count good reps and to not count
incomplete reps. Furthermore, the rep counter apparatus may include
a memory storage device and a timer, allowing the rep counter
apparatus to store information in memory such as the rep count
during an exercise session, the accrued time of usage during an
exercise session, the total number of repetitions of the exercise
device, and the total accrued time of usage of the exercise device.
Additionally, the rep counter apparatus may include a display
device, allowing the rep counter apparatus to display information
such as the rep count during an exercise session, the accrued time
of usage during an exercise session, the rest time during an
exercise session during which a movable component is not sensed to
be moving, the total number of repetitions of the exercise device,
and the total accrued time of usage of the exercise device.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a weight tower 100 for a strength
exercise apparatus, including a frame 110, a number of guide
members 120, and a movable component 130 guided along a path by at
least one of the guide members 120. Weight plates 115 are supported
by the frame 110, with a selector mechanism 118 for selecting the
number of weight plates 115 to be lifted with the movable component
130 during exercise. A sensor track 140 is shown with a first
proximity sensor 144, and a second proximity sensor 146. In
addition, a start position proximity sensor 142 is shown in
alignment with the movable component 130 when the movable component
130 is in its lowest, start position. A display device 170 is shown
for displaying information such as number of reps completed or the
accrued time of usage of the exercise apparatus during the exercise
session.
[0035] Not shown in FIG. 1, but shown in FIG. 9, is an electronic
counter 160, with a battery 164 for supplying electrical energy to
the electronic counter 160. Furthermore, the electronic counter 160
includes a memory storage device 165, a timer 168, and a display
device 170, which are in communication with each other. While the
battery 164, the memory storage device 165, the timer 168, and the
display device 170 are shown attached to the electronic counter
160, it would be obvious to one skilled in the art that these could
each be separate components. As long as these components have the
ability to communicate with each other, the individual components
would not need to be located in the same area as the electronic
counter 160.
[0036] Also shown in FIG. 9 is a magnetic reed switch 162, which
may be used to instruct the electronic counter 160 to switch
between modes, such as an operator mode, where the display device
170 displays time and rep count information specific to an exercise
session, and a usage mode, where the display device 170 displays
total accrued time of use and total rep count for the exercise
apparatus.
[0037] Referring again to FIG. 1, the movable component 130 is
configured to be moved in response to a mechanical stimulus
generated during repetition movement, for instance during an
exercise session that requires lifting of a selected number of
weight plates 115 along a path from a start position to a raised
position. During the exercise session, the movable component 130
may be guided by the at least one guide member 120 along a path
that has a start position, a first position, and a second position.
In the embodiment shown, the first position is above the start
position, and the second position is above the first position.
Eventually, at the completion of the exercise session, the
mechanical stimulus ceases to be applied, and the selected weight
plates 115 and the movable component 130 are returned to the start
position.
[0038] The sensor track 140 is mounted to the frame 110 and
provides a convenient method for quickly mounting the first
proximity sensor 144, the second proximity sensor 146, the start
position proximity sensor 142, and any other desired sensors to
locations along the frame 110. The first proximity sensor 144 is
positioned on the sensor track 140 at a first position, and the
second proximity sensor 146 is positioned on the sensor track 140
at a second position. As the movable component 130 travels along
the path, the various proximity sensors detect the presence of the
movable component 130 as the movable component 130 moves past each
respective proximity sensor, and the respective proximity sensor
sends out a signal to the electronic counter 160 when the
respective proximity sensor detects the presence of the movable
component 130. The electronic counter 160 receives the incoming
signals from the proximity sensors.
[0039] The memory storage device 165 stores information including a
rep count. The rep count is a measure of the number of times the
movable component 130 triggers the second proximity sensor 146 to
send a second signal to the electronic counter 160, after the
electronic counter 160 has first received a first signal from the
first proximity sensor 144. In other words, the electronic counter
160 is configured to increment the rep count by one when the
electronic counter 160 receives a signal first from the first
proximity sensor 144 and then from the second proximity sensor 146.
The electronic counter 160 will only increment the rep count when
the electronic counter 160 receives the second signal from the
second proximity sensor 146 immediately after receiving the first
signal from the first proximity sensor 144. The electronic counter
160 is configured not to increment the rep count upon receiving a
signal from the first proximity sensor 144. It is only the signal
from the second proximity sensor 146 which will cause the
electronic counter 160 to increment the rep count. But the
electronic counter 160 will also not increment the rep count upon
receiving a signal from the second proximity sensor 146 if that
signal was not immediately preceded by a first signal from the
first proximity sensor 144.
[0040] The first proximity sensor 144 sends a first signal to the
electronic counter 160 which primes the electronic counter 160. The
electronic counter 160 does not increment the rep count upon
receiving this first signal, but the first signal from the first
proximity sensor 144 does ready the electronic counter 160 to await
a second signal from the second proximity sensor 146. If the
electronic counter 160 does receive a second signal from the second
proximity sensor 146 while the electronic counter 160 is primed by
the first signal from the first proximity sensor 144, then the
electronic counter 160 increments the rep count by one and the
electronic counter 160 removes itself from the primed state. When
the electronic counter 160 is not in the primed state, the
electronic counter 160 will not increment the rep count, even if
the electronic counter 160 receives a second signal from the second
proximity sensor 146. A first signal from the first proximity
sensor 144 is required to enter the electronic counter 160 into the
primed state again.
[0041] It can be seen that the electronic counter 160 will only
increment the rep count by one when the first proximity sensor 144
sends its first signal to prime the electronic counter 160, and
then the second proximity sensor 146 sends its second signal to the
electronic counter 160 while the electronic counter 160 is still in
the primed state. Once the electronic counter 160 receives the
second signal from the second proximity sensor 146, the electronic
counter 160 is removed from the primed state. Therefore, the second
proximity sensor 146 can send the second signal to the electronic
counter 160 multiple times in a row, but the electronic counter 160
will only increment the rep count if the electronic counter 160 is
in the primed state, which only happens when the electronic counter
160 receives a first signal from the first proximity sensor
144.
[0042] The embodiment as described prevents the electronic counter
160 from registering multiple rep counts even if the electronic
counter 160 receives multiple signals from the second proximity
sensor 146, as would occur when the movable component 130 travels
only small distances around the position of the second proximity
sensor 146. To count a rep, the movable component must move through
the first position (where the first proximity sensor 144 is
located) up to the second position (where the second proximity
sensor 146 is located). To count any additional reps, the movable
component must first move back along the path to the position of
the first proximity sensor 144 to prime the electronic counter 160
again before the electronic counter 160 will allow a second signal
from the second proximity sensor 146 to increase the rep count. In
this way, the locations of the first proximity sensor 144 and the
second proximity sensor 146 force the movable component 130 to
travel through a minimum acceptable distance before allowing the
electronic counter 160 to increment the rep count.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a flow chart diagram showing the operation of a
rep counter apparatus of the present invention. The electronic
counter 160 portion of the rep counter apparatus starts out in a
shut down mode. Once the movable component 130 is moved and one of
a plurality of proximity sensors detects the motion of the movable
component 130, the signal from the proximity sensor triggers the
electronic counter 160 to exit the shut down mode, and to activate
a timer 168 to start measuring accrued time of operation. If the
first proximity sensor 144 is triggered, the electronic counter 160
is primed to await a second signal from the second proximity sensor
146. If the second proximity sensor 146 is then triggered, the
electronic counter 160 then adds one rep to the rep count, the
electronic counter 160 is no longer primed to respond to a signal
from the second proximity sensor 146, and a display device 170
displays the current rep count and the accrued time. The process
then looks for the first signal from the first proximity sensor 144
to prime the electronic counter 160 again, and the process starts
over.
[0044] The rep counter apparatus may also be set up to display rest
time. In this mode, the display device 170 would cease to display
the accrued time of usage, and after a preset period of time of
inactivity, for example 5 seconds of time during which the
electronic counter 160 does not receive a signal from either the
first proximity sensor 144 or the second proximity sensor 146, the
display device 170 would start to display rest time.
[0045] In one embodiment, the rep counter apparatus could utilize a
third proximity sensor, called the start proximity sensor 142,
positioned at a start position along the path. In this embodiment,
the movable component 130 would be brought back to its start
position, causing the start proximity sensor 142 to send a start
position signal to the electronic counter 130. After the electronic
counter 130 had received the start position signal for a preset
period of time, for example 5 seconds, the electronic counter 130
would assume that the operator was taking a rest break, and the
display device would cease to display the accrued time, and would
start to display the rest time (the period of time since the
movable component 130 had been positioned at the start
position).
[0046] In another embodiment, there would be no need for a third
proximity sensor. With only a first proximity sensor 144 and a
second proximity sensor 146, a similar rest time could be
calculated. In this embodiment, the movable component 130 would be
brought back to its start position, or any other position that did
not cause the first proximity sensor 144 or the second proximity
sensor 146 to send a signal to the electronic counter 160. After
the electronic counter 130 had waited for a preset period of time
without any signals from either the first proximity sensor 144 or
the second proximity sensor 146, for example 5 seconds, the
electronic counter 130 would assume that the operator was taking a
rest break, and the display device would cease to display the
accrued time, and would start to display the rest time (the period
of time since the movable component 130 had ceased to receive any
signals from either the first proximity sensor 144 or the second
proximity sensor 146).
[0047] Regardless of how rest time is calculated, the rep counter
apparatus could continue to show rest time on the display device
for a preset target value of rest time, for example, two minutes.
If a first signal from the first proximity sensor 144 or a second
signal from a second proximity sensor 146 was received by the
electronic counter 160 before the preset target value of rest time
was reached, the electronic counter 160 would switch back to
accrued time, and the display device would cease to display the
rest time and would start to display accrued time. If, however, the
rest time reached the preset target value of rest time, for
example, two minutes, without the electronic counter 160 receiving
a first signal from the first proximity sensor 144 or a second
signal from a second proximity sensor 146, then the rep count would
be added to the total reps stored in the memory storage device 165,
the timer 168 would clear the rest time and the accrued time, the
electronic counter 160 would assume that the operator was done with
his or her exercise session, the electronic counter 160 would start
over from 0 reps (to prepare for a new exercise session), and the
electronic counter would enter shut down mode.
[0048] Shut down mode is a useful mode because it minimizes power
usage by the rep counter apparatus. In addition, it resets the
values of rep count, the accrued time, and the rest time to 0. This
is convenient to allow multiple operators to use the same piece of
strength exercise equipment. An operator using an exercise
apparatus does not typically want to know any information about the
exercise session of a different operator. By clearing the rep
count, the accrued time, and the rest time upon entering shut down
mode, the electronic counter 160 displays to an operator only
information relevant to that operator.
[0049] However, unlike an operator, an owner of a piece of strength
exercise equipment may want to have more information available to
them. The owner of the exercise apparatus may not want all of this
usage information deleted after an exercise session, but may want
to keep some of this usage information in the memory storage device
165. It is beneficial to an owner to be able to review exercise
machine usage data.
[0050] For owners of strength equipment, it is beneficial to know
the total usage of each piece of strength equipment in the
possession of the owner. Total usage can be measured by the number
of hours of use of a piece of strength equipment, and/or the total
accumulated number of repetitions acquired on the strength
equipment. Ideally, both the total numbers of hours of use, and the
total accumulated number of repetitions would be recorded, to allow
an owner to make informed decisions about the exercise
equipment.
[0051] If an owner can know the total usage for each piece of
strength equipment in his/her possession, the owner can make better
decisions. For example, the owner can use the total usage
information to schedule preventative maintenance on equipment that
has a high total usage. The owner can determine if a certain piece
of exercise equipment is highly used, and potentially purchase more
of the same type of exercise equipment, or, conversely, can
determine that a certain piece of exercise equipment is
underutilized, and make decisions based on this information. The
owner can look at usage data over time, and determine trends.
Therefore, it is important for a monitoring device coupled to
strength equipment to have the ability to record the total number
accumulated number of repetitions acquired on the strength
equipment, as well as the total number of hours of accumulated
usage.
[0052] The memory storage device 165 in the present invention
stores a total accrued time of usage, as well as a total number of
reps performed on the weight tower 100 of the exercise apparatus.
The present invention is configured so that this information can be
retrieved from the memory storage device 165 and displayed on the
display device 170 by entering a usage mode, not typically
accessible by the operator of the exercise apparatus.
[0053] In one embodiment, the usage mode could be entered by
holding a magnet up to the magnetic reed switch 162 (see FIG. 9) on
the electronic counter 160 to instruct the electronic counter to
enter usage mode, allowing the display device 170 to display total
accrued time of usage and/or total number of reps performed on the
weight tower 100. By removing the magnet, the electronic counter
160 would leave usage mode, allowing the display device 170 to
display information relevant to a particular exercise session. This
feature provides exercise session information to the operator, and
total usage information for the weight tower 100 of the exercise
apparatus to the owner of the exercise apparatus.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 3, a close up view of the sensor track
140, the start position sensor 142, the first proximity sensor 144,
and the second proximity sensor 146 is shown. The position of the
first proximity sensor 144 may be adjusted to set the first
position along the path, and the position of the second proximity
sensor 146 may be adjusted to set the second position along the
path. Different exercise machines, such as leg press machines, or
arm curl strength machines, require different travel distances for
the movable component 130, because each exercise is different,
requiring a different range of motion for the exercise. The sensor
track 140 allows for quick and easy repositioning of the plurality
of proximity sensors so that a single style of weight tower 100 may
be configured for use with many different exercise apparatus. While
any one weight tower 100 might only be used with a single exercise
apparatus, the modular nature of the weight tower 100 allows a
first weight tower 100 to be joined to a first exercise apparatus,
and a second identical weight tower 100 to be joined to a
different, second exercise apparatus.
[0055] The movable component 130 is shown in proximity to the start
position sensor 142, but as the movable component 130 is guided by
the guide member 120 up and down the path, the movable component
130 may move away from the start position sensor 142, and may move
near the first proximity sensor 144, the second proximity sensor
146, or away from all of the proximity sensors. The guide member
120 will always constrain the movable component 130 to travel along
the path, and the proximity sensors and the sensor track 140 are
located along the same path.
[0056] FIGS. 4-8 illustrate the weight tower 100 of the strength
exercise apparatus with the movable component 130 in various
locations. For simplicity, the weight plates 115 are shown to
remain stationary, but the selector 118 may be repositioned to
select any number of the weight plates 115, or all of the weight
plates 115, or none of the weight plates 115. The weight plates 115
that are selected or engaged by the selector 118 would travel with
the movable component 130 up and down along the path.
[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates the weight tower 100 of a strength
exercise apparatus when the movable component 130 is positioned in
the start position. The movable component 130 is shown in proximity
to the start position sensor 142. With the movable component 130 in
this position, the start position sensor 142 would send a start
position signal to the electronic counter 160. Neither the first
proximity sensor 144 nor the second proximity sensor 146 would send
a signal to the electronic counter 160 because the movable
component 130 is not in proximity to either of these proximity
sensors.
[0058] FIG. 5 illustrates the weight tower 100 of a strength
exercise apparatus when the movable component 130 is positioned
between the start position and the first position. The movable
component 130 is shown near the first proximity sensor 144, but not
near enough for the first proximity sensor 144 to send a first
signal to the electronic counter 160. With the movable component
130 in this position, none of the proximity sensors, including the
start position sensor 142, the first proximity sensor 144, and the
second proximity sensor 146 would send a signal to the electronic
counter 160 because the movable component 130 is not in proximity
to any of these proximity sensors.
[0059] FIG. 6 illustrates the weight tower 100 of a strength
exercise apparatus when the movable component 130 is positioned at
the first position. The movable component 130 is shown in proximity
to the first proximity sensor 144. With the movable component 130
in this position, the first proximity sensor 144 would send a first
signal to the electronic counter 160. This first signal would prime
the electronic counter 160 to await a second signal from the second
proximity sensor 146, but would not cause the electronic counter
160 to increment the rep count. Neither the start position sensor
142 nor the second proximity sensor 146 would send a signal to the
electronic counter 160 because the movable component 130 is not in
proximity to either of these proximity sensors.
[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates the weight tower 100 of a strength
exercise apparatus when the movable component 130 is positioned at
the second position. The movable component 130 is shown in
proximity to the second proximity sensor 146. With the movable
component 130 in this position, the second proximity sensor 146
would send a second signal to the electronic counter 160. Assuming
the electronic counter 160 was in a primed state from receiving an
earlier first signal from the first proximity sensor 144, the
second signal from the second proximity sensor 146 would cause the
electronic counter 160 to increment the rep count, and it would
cause the electronic counter 160 to no longer be primed to receive
additional signals from the second proximity sensor 146. Any
additional signals from the second proximity sensor 146 would be
ignored by the electronic counter 160 and would not cause the
electronic counter 160 to increment the rep count until the
electronic counter 160 is once again primed by a signal from the
first proximity sensor 144. Neither the start position sensor 142
nor the first proximity sensor 144 would send a signal to the
electronic counter 160 because the movable component 130 is not in
proximity to either of these proximity sensors.
[0061] FIG. 8 illustrates the weight tower 100 of a strength
exercise apparatus when the movable component 130 is positioned
above the second position. The movable component 130 is free to
travel along the path beyond the second position, but the movable
component 130 must reverse direction along the path and return to
the first position or below (see FIGS. 5 and 6) before the
electronic counter 160 will be primed to receive additional signals
from the second proximity sensor 146. In other words, the
electronic counter 160 will not increment the rep count again
unless the movable component first moves downward to the first
position or below (see FIGS. 5 and 6) and then moves upward again
to reach the second position (see FIG. 7). In this way, the movable
component 130 is required to cycle back and forth over a minimum
acceptable distance (the distance between the positions of the
first proximity sensor 144 and the second proximity sensor 146) for
the electronic counter 160 to continue to increment the rep count
for each good rep. If the movable component 130 does not cycle back
and forth between the first position and the second position, the
rep is an incomplete rep, and the electronic counter 160 will not
increment the rep count.
[0062] FIG. 9 illustrates the electronic counter 160. The
electronic counter 160 in this embodiment includes a magnetic reed
switch 162, a battery 164, a memory storage device 165, a timer
168, and a display device 170.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the display device 170 is designed to
display a two-digit number representing the rep count, and a
three-digit number representing the time, either accrued time or
rest time. However, the display could be set up very differently to
display the same information in a different format, or to display
additional information. The display illustrated in FIG. 9 is
presented for illustrative purposes only, and is not meant to limit
the invention in any way.
[0064] Accordingly, the foregoing figures and description provide a
number of ways in which an apparatus for counting repetitions of an
exercise device could be configured. The present invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit
or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *