U.S. patent application number 13/444346 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-04 for exercise device control ring.
The applicant listed for this patent is Darren C. Ashby, Scott R. Watterson. Invention is credited to Darren C. Ashby, Scott R. Watterson.
Application Number | 20130172152 13/444346 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48695269 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130172152 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Watterson; Scott R. ; et
al. |
July 4, 2013 |
Exercise Device Control Ring
Abstract
A control ring that usable in adjusting one or more operating
parameters of an exercise device includes a body, user input
mechanisms, and a transmitter. The control ring is wearable on a
finder of an exerciser. The body of the control ring has an
interior surface and an exterior surface. The user input mechanisms
are associated with the body and may be selectively activated by
the exerciser. Upon activation of the user input mechanisms, the
transmitter communicates a control command to an exercise device in
order to adjust the operating parameters of the exercise
device.
Inventors: |
Watterson; Scott R.; (Logan,
UT) ; Ashby; Darren C.; (Richmond, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Watterson; Scott R.
Ashby; Darren C. |
Logan
Richmond |
UT
UT |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48695269 |
Appl. No.: |
13/444346 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61583158 |
Jan 4, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 24/0087 20130101;
A63B 2225/09 20130101; A63B 2024/0093 20130101; A63B 2225/50
20130101; G08C 19/00 20130101; A63B 22/0242 20130101; A63B 2071/065
20130101; A63B 22/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/4 |
International
Class: |
A63B 24/00 20060101
A63B024/00 |
Claims
1. A control ring that is usable in adjusting one or more operating
parameters of an exercise device, the control ring comprising: a
body that has an interior surface and an exterior surface and which
is wearable on a finger of an exerciser; one or more user input
mechanisms associated with the body, wherein the one or more user
input mechanisms may be selectively activated; a transmitter
associated with the one or more user input mechanisms, wherein the
transmitter communicates a control command to the exercise device
upon activation of the one or more user input mechanisms to adjust
the one or more operating parameters of the exercise device.
2. The control ring of claim 1, further comprising one or more
straps connected to the body, wherein the one or more straps
selectively secure the body on a finger of an exerciser.
3. The control ring of claim 2, wherein the one or more straps
comprise a first strap connected to a first end of the body and a
second strap connected to a second end of the body, wherein the
first strap and the second strap may be selectively connected to
one another to selectively secure the body on a finger of an
exerciser.
4. The control ring of claim 3, wherein the first strap and the
second strap may be selectively connected to one another with at
least one of a hook and loop fastener, a clip, and a buckle.
5. The control ring of claim 2, wherein the one or more straps
comprise a strap connected between a first end and a second end of
the body, such that the strap and the body cooperate to define an
aperture through the control ring.
6. The control ring of claim 5, wherein the strap is formed of a
stretchable material.
7. The control ring of claim 1, wherein the body is generally
shaped as a ring and comprises an aperture for receiving the finger
of the exerciser at least partially therethrough, the aperture
having a diameter that generally corresponds to a diameter of the
finger of the exerciser
8. The control ring of claim 1, wherein the interior surface is
generally arcuately shaped to generally correspond to the shape of
an exerciser's finger, and wherein the one or more user input
mechanisms are disposed on the exterior surface of the body.
9. The control ring of claim 1, wherein the one or more user input
mechanisms comprise a speed increase button and a speed decrease
button, wherein: upon activation of the speed increase button, the
transmitter communicates a control command to the exercise device
to increase the speed of a movable element of the exercise device,
and upon activation of the speed decrease button, the transmitter
communicates a control command to the exercise device to decrease
the speed of a movable element of the exercise device.
10. The control ring of claim 1, wherein the transmitter
communicates with the exercise device via a wireless
connection.
11. The control ring of claim 1, wherein the control ring may be
selectively paired with only one exercise device at any given
time.
12. The control ring of claim 1, wherein the transmitter
communicates with the exercise device only when the control ring is
within a predetermined range of the exercise device.
13. The control ring of claim 12, wherein the predefined range
comprises: a first zone, wherein the transmitter communicates
control commands to the exercise device upon activation of the one
or more user input mechanisms when the control ring is within the
first zone; and a second zone, wherein the transmitter communicates
only an emergency stop control command to the exercise device when
the control ring is within the second zone.
14. The control ring of claim 1, further comprising a processor
associated with the one or more user input mechanisms and the
transmitter, wherein the processor generates the control command
upon activation of the one or more user input mechanisms.
15. The control ring of claim 1, wherein the one or more user input
mechanisms comprise an emergency stop button, wherein, upon
activation of the emergency stop button, the transmitter
communicates a control command to the exercise device to stop the
movement of a movable element of the exercise device.
16. An exercise system, comprising: an exercise device, comprising:
a movable element that is movable during the performance of
exercise, the movable element having one or more adjustable
operating parameters; a receiver that receives control commands
related to the one or more adjustable operating parameters; and an
actuator that adjusts the one or more adjustable operating
parameters in response to the control commands received by the
receiver; and a control ring that is wearable on a finger of an
exerciser, the control ring comprising: one or more selectively
activatable user input mechanisms; and a transmitter associated
with the one or more user input mechanisms, wherein the transmitter
communicates control commands to the exercise device upon
activation of the one or more user input mechanisms to adjust cause
the one or more operating parameters of the movable element.
17. The exercise system of claim 16, wherein the transmitter of the
control ring is a wireless transmitter.
18. The exercise system of claim 16, wherein the one or more
adjustable operating parameters comprise a speed of the movable
element.
19. The exercise system of claim 16, wherein the exercise device
and the control ring may be selectively paired, and wherein the
exercise device is responsive to control commands only from a
control ring with which the exercise device is paired.
20. A method for adjusting one or more operating parameters of an
exercise device, the method comprising: running an exercise program
on an exercise device, wherein the exercise program controls the
one or more operating parameters of the exercise device, and
wherein the exercise program is initiated via a user input
mechanism on the exercise device; receiving user input at a control
ring worn by an exerciser on the exercise device, wherein the user
input relates to a desired adjustment to be made to the one or more
operating parameters; transmitting a control command from the
control ring to the exercise device, wherein the control command is
representative of the user input received at the control ring; and
adjusting the one or more operating parameters of the exercise
device in response to the control command.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/583,158, filed on Jan. 4,
2012, and entitled EXERCISE DEVICE CONTROL RING, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to systems, methods, and
devices for exercise. More particularly, the disclosure relates to
a ring worn by an exerciser and which the exerciser can use to
control the operating parameters of an exercise device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Exercise devices are being used at an ever increasing rate.
Individuals use exercise devices to improve their health and
fitness level. Many exercise devices are used when an individual's
schedule or inclement weather prohibits the individual from
exercising outdoors. Additionally, some exercise devices, such as
treadmills, are used to train for competitions. For instance,
distance runners often use treadmills to train for upcoming races.
Such training allows the individual to conveniently monitor various
aspects of their performance (e.g., pace, cadence, speed, distance,
time, etc.) during their training session since many treadmills
track and display such information. Additionally, treadmills with
adjustably inclining treadbases can also simulate the terrain the
user will experience during the upcoming race. As a result,
individuals do not have to train at the actual location of an
upcoming race to be familiar with the race course.
[0004] While treadmills can be useful in exercising and training
for a race, some individuals find it difficult to manipulate the
treadmill controls, and thereby adjust the operating parameters of
the treadmill, while exercising on the treadmill. The difficulty in
manipulating the treadmill controls often increases as individuals
increase their speed from walking to jogging to running Not only
can it become more difficult to manipulate the treadmill controls
as an individual's speed increases, but reaching to manipulate the
treadmill controls can also have a negative impact on the
individual's exercise performance. For instance, it may be
difficult for an individual to maintain his/her pace and/or form
when reaching to manipulate the treadmill controls.
[0005] Various exercise devices have been developed that allow for
the adjustment of a treadmill's operating parameters without
requiring an individual to manipulate controls on the treadmill
console. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,910,070 discloses a
hand-held controller for remotely controlling an exercise device
such as a treadmill. The hand-held controller includes buttons and
a transceiver that communicates with the treadmill to adjust the
operating parameters of the treadmill. Similarly, U.S. Patent
Publication No. 2007/0004562 discloses a remote control for
wirelessly communicating with a treadmill to control the treadmill.
Other exercise devices that allow for the adjustment of operating
parameters without manipulation of console controls are disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,418, U.S. Pat. No. 4,708,337, U.S. Pat. No.
5,314,391, U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,532, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,924, and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,009.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one example embodiment of the disclosure, a control ring
is usable in adjusting one or more operating parameters of an
exercise device. The control ring includes a body that has an
interior surface and an exterior surface and which is wearable on a
finger of an exerciser. The control ring also includes one or more
user input mechanisms associated with the body. The one or more
user input mechanisms may be selectively activated. Further, the
control ring includes a transmitter associated with the one or more
user input mechanisms. The transmitter communicates a control
command to the exercise device upon activation of the one or more
user input mechanisms to adjust the one or more operating
parameters of the exercise device.
[0007] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a control ring includes one or more straps
connected to a body, wherein the one or more straps selectively
secure the body on a finger of an exerciser.
[0008] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more straps include a first strap
connected to a first end of the body and a second strap connected
to a second end of the body.
[0009] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the first strap and the second strap may be
selectively connected to one another to selectively secure the body
on a finger of an exerciser.
[0010] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the first strap and the second strap may be
selectively connected to one another with at least one of a hook
and loop fastener, a clip, and a buckle.
[0011] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more straps comprise a strap connected
between a first end and a second end of the body, such that the
strap and the body cooperate to define an aperture through the
control ring.
[0012] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the strap is formed of a stretchable material.
[0013] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the body is generally shaped as a ring and
comprises an aperture for receiving the finger of the exerciser at
least partially therethrough, the aperture having a diameter that
generally corresponds to a diameter of the finger of the
exerciser.
[0014] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the interior surface of the control ring is
generally arcuately shaped to generally correspond to the shape of
an exerciser's finger.
[0015] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more user input mechanisms are disposed
on the exterior surface of the body.
[0016] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the one or more user input mechanisms comprise a
speed increase button and a speed decrease button.
[0017] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, upon activation of the speed increase button, the
transmitter communicates a control command to the exercise device
that causes the exercise device to increase the speed of a movable
element of the exercise device
[0018] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, upon activation of the speed decrease button, the
transmitter communicates a control command to the exercise device
that causes the exercise device to decrease the speed of a movable
element of the exercise device.
[0019] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the transmitter communicates with the exercise
device via a wireless connection.
[0020] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the control ring may be selectively paired with
only one exercise device at any given time.
[0021] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a control ring transmitter communicates with an
exercise device only when the control ring is within a
predetermined range of the exercise device.
[0022] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, the predetermined range includes a first zone and a
second zone.
[0023] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a control ring transmitter communicates control
commands to an exercise device upon activation of one or more user
input mechanisms when the control ring is within the first
zone.
[0024] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a control ring transmitter communicates only an
emergency stop control command to an exercise device when the
control ring is within the second zone.
[0025] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a control ring includes a processor associated with
one or more user input mechanisms and a transmitter.
[0026] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a control ring processor generates control command
upon activation of one or more user input mechanisms.
[0027] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a size of a control ring body is adjustable to
accommodate fingers of different sizes.
[0028] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, one or more user input mechanisms of a control ring
include an emergency stop button, activation of which causes a
control ring transmitter to communicate a control command to an
exercise device that causes the exercise device to stop the
movement of a movable element of the exercise device.
[0029] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an exercise system includes an exercise device and
a control ring.
[0030] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an exercise device includes a movable element that
is movable during the performance of exercise, the movable element
having one or more adjustable operating parameters.
[0031] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an exercise device includes a receiver that
receives control commands related to one or more adjustable
operating parameters of a movable element.
[0032] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an exercise device includes an actuator that causes
one or more adjustable operating parameters to be adjusted in
response to control commands received by a receiver.
[0033] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a control ring includes one or more selectively
activatable user input mechanisms.
[0034] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a control ring includes a transmitter associated
with one or more user input mechanisms, wherein the transmitter
communicates control commands to an exercise device upon activation
of the one or more user input mechanisms to cause one or more
operating parameters of a movable element to be adjusted.
[0035] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a transmitter of a control ring is a wireless
transmitter.
[0036] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, one or more adjustable operating parameters of an
exercise device include a speed of the movable element.
[0037] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, an exercise device and a control ring may be
selectively paired such that the exercise device is responsive to
control commands from only a control ring with which it is
paired.
[0038] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a method for adjusting one or more operating
parameters of an exercise device includes running an exercise
program on an exercise device, wherein the exercise program
controls the one or more operating parameters of the exercise
device, and wherein the exercise program is initiated via a user
input mechanism on the exercise device.
[0039] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a method for adjusting one or more operating
parameters of an exercise device includes receiving user input at a
control ring worn by an exerciser on an exercise device, wherein
the user input relates to a desired adjustment to be made to one or
more operating parameters of the exercise device.
[0040] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a method for adjusting one or more operating
parameters of an exercise device includes transmitting a control
command from a control ring to an exercise device, wherein the
control command is representative of a user input received at the
control ring.
[0041] In another aspect that may be combined with any of the
aspects herein, a method for adjusting one or more operating
parameters of an exercise device includes adjusting one or more
operating parameters of an exercise device in response to a control
command.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise system according to one
example embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exercise system of FIG. 1 with
an exerciser exercising therewith.
[0044] FIG. 3 is schematic diagram of the exercise system of FIG.
1.
[0045] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a process for
controlling an exercise device using a control ring.
[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates different spatial zones which affect the
functionality of the exercise system of FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a spatial zone which affects the
functionality of the exercise system of FIG. 1.
[0048] FIG. 7 illustrates an exercise control ring according to one
example embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 8 illustrate an exercise control ring according to
another example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] The present disclosure is directed to systems, methods, and
devices for exercise. Depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a representation
of one illustrative exercise system 100, which may incorporate the
novel features of the present invention, including various novel
devices, functionalities, hardware and software modules, and the
like. As shown, exercise system 100 includes an exercise device 102
and a control ring 104. In FIG. 2, an exerciser is shown exercising
on exercise device 102 while wearing control ring 104 on a
finger.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, exercise device 102 is
depicted as a treadmill and includes a console or control panel 106
having user input mechanisms 107 that may be used to control
various aspects of exercise device 102. Control panel 106 is
illustrated as being supported on a generally upright support
structure 108. Upright support structure 108, in this illustrated
embodiment, includes two side members 110, 112 connected to a base
frame 114. Side members 110, 112 and base frame 114 may have
various configurations and may be fabricated from various materials
so long as they are capable of supporting control panel 106.
[0052] A treadbase 116 is connected to support structure 108 and
typically includes front and rear pulleys 118, 120 with a
continuous belt 122 extending between and around front and rear
pulleys 118, 120, respectively. Treadbase 116, front and rear
pulleys 118, 120, and continuous belt 122 may be considered,
individually or collectively, as movable elements that are movable
during the performance of an exercise. A deck 124 typically
supports the upper run of belt 122 and an exercising individual
positioned upon belt 122.
[0053] As is common with electric treadmills, at least one of front
pulley 118 and rear pulley 120 may be mechanically connected to an
actuator, such as an electric belt drive motor 126. In the
illustrated embodiment, belt drive motor 126 turns front or rear
pulley 118, 120 in order to rotate belt 122. Belt drive motor 126
is electrically connected to a controller 128 that controls the
operation of belt drive motor 126, and thus the speed of belt 122,
in response to various inputs. The speed of belt 122 is one example
of an adjustable operating parameter of exercise device 100.
[0054] Controller 128 can be incorporated within treadbase 116,
control panel 106, or another portion of exercise device 100.
Controller 128 may take the form of a computer, a processor, a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, state machine or other similar
device that includes circuitry for controlling the operation of one
or more features on exercise device 100, including the operating
parameter(s) of the movable element(s). As will be discussed in
greater detail below, controller 128 may also perform other
functions, such as receiving and implementing control commands
received from control ring 104.
[0055] In addition to the ability to control and vary the speed of
belt 122, exercise device 100 may also permit variations in the
degree of incline of treadbase 116 relative to base frame 114, the
floor, or other support surface upon which exercise device 100
rests. For instance, treadbase 116 can be oriented in a neutral
position, an inclined position, or a declined position. In the
neutral position, treadbase 116 may be generally parallel to the
support surface, as shown in FIG. 2. In the inclined position, the
front portion of treadbase 116 (e.g., the end of treadbase 116
adjacent to support structure 114) is vertically higher than the
rear portion of treadbase 116 to enable an exerciser to simulate
walking or running up a hill. Similarly, in a declined position the
front portion of treadbase 116 is vertically lower than the rear
portion of treadbase 116 to enable an exerciser to simulate walking
or running down a hill.
[0056] The inclining and declining capabilities of treadbase 116
provide exercise device 100 with additional operating parameters
that may be adjusted to vary the intensity of exercises performed
on exercise device 100. The inclination and declination of
treadbase 116 can be accomplished through the use of one or more
actuators, such as an inclination mechanism. One example
inclination mechanism includes an extension mechanism 130 connected
between support structure 108 and treadbase 116. Extension
mechanism 130 can include an incline motor 132 that may be
controllable by controller 128 to cause an extension member 134 of
extension mechanism 130 to extend or retract in order to move
treadbase 116 between the declines, neutral, and inclined
positions.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 1, control ring 104 includes a body 136
that has an interior surface 138 and an exterior surface 140.
Interior surface 138, and optionally all of body 136, is generally
arcuate in shape. Interior surface 138 may be sized and shaped such
that control ring 104 can be worn on a finger of an exerciser, as
shown in FIG. 2. That is, interior surface 138 may be curved or
otherwise shaped to generally correspond to the shape of an
exerciser's finger.
[0058] Control ring 104 includes straps 142a, 142b that may be used
to selectively secure body 136 on an exerciser's finger. A fastener
or fastening means may be used to secure straps 142a, 142b
together. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment, straps 142a,
142b include a hook and loop fastener such as VELCRO.RTM.. More
specifically, strap 142a includes a loop fabric on one side and
strap 142b includes a hook fabric on one side, such that straps
142a, 142b can be secured together to hold body 136 on an
exerciser's finger. In other embodiments, straps 142a, 142b may be
secured together using clips, buckles, and the like. Straps 142a,
142b and the fasteners/fastening means may cooperate to make the
size of control ring 104 adjustable so that control ring 104 can be
worn on fingers of different sizes.
[0059] Control ring 104 also includes user input mechanisms 144,
146. In the illustrated embodiment, user input mechanisms 144, 146
are disposed on or extend from exterior surface 140 of body 136. As
discussed in greater detail below, user input mechanisms 144, 146
may be selectively activated by an exerciser in order to adjust the
operating parameters of exercise device 102. For instance, user
input mechanism 144 may be a speed increase button and user input
mechanism 146 may be a speed decrease button. Upon activation of
user input mechanism 144, control ring 104 may communicate a
control command to exercise device 102 that results in an increase
in the speed of one or more of the movable elements of exercise
device 102. Similarly, upon activation of user input mechanism 146,
control ring 104 may communicate a control command to exercise
device 102 that results in a decrease in the speed of one or more
of the movable elements of exercise device 102.
[0060] With continued attention to FIGS. 1 and 2, attention is now
directed to FIG. 3, which illustrates a block diagram of system
100. As shown in FIG. 3, control ring 104 includes a processor 148
that is in communication with user input mechanisms 144, 146. Upon
activation of user input mechanisms 144, 146, processor 148
generates control commands that correspond or relate to the user
inputs received by user input mechanisms 144, 146. For example,
upon activation of user input mechanism 144, processor 148 may
generate a control command that will result in the speed of belt
122, or another movable element of exercise device 102, being
increased. Likewise, upon activation of user input mechanism 146,
processor 148 may generate a control command that will result in
the speed of belt 122, or another movable element of exercise
device 102, being decreased.
[0061] In addition to user input mechanisms 144, 146 that may be
used to control the speed of a movable element of exercise device
102, control ring 104 may optionally include one or more other user
input mechanisms for controlling other operating parameters of
exercise device 102 (e.g., incline, resistance) or aspects of an
exercise session (e.g., duration, distance). In FIG. 3, for
example, control ring 104 is illustrated with an optional emergency
stop button 150. Upon activation of emergency stop button 150,
processor 148 may generate a control command that will result in
exercise device 102 stopping the movement of a movable element,
such as belt 122. Emergency stop button 150 may be used when an
exerciser falls or become overly fatigued.
[0062] Processor 148 may communicate the generated control commands
to a transmitter 152 that is part of control ring 104. Transmitter
152 may communicate the control commands to exercise device 102 via
a wireless connection between control ring 104 and exercise device
102. The wireless connection between control ring 104 and exercise
device 102 may be any type of wireless connection, including
Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity
(Wi-Fi), and the like. Accordingly, transmitter 152 may be a
Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity
(Wi-Fi), or other type of wireless transmitter.
[0063] As shown in FIG. 3, exercise device 102 includes a receiver
154 that may receive the control commands communicated from control
ring 104. Similar to transmitter 152, receiver 154 may be a
Bluetooth, infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), wireless fidelity
(Wi-Fi), or other type of wireless receiver that is able to
wirelessly communicate with transmitter 152.
[0064] Upon receipt of the control commands, receiver 154 may
optionally communicate the control commands to controller 128 of
exercise device 102. Controller 128 may process the received
control commands and then generate and communicate new control
commands to actuator 126. Alternatively, controller 128 may, with
or without processing the received control commands, communicate
the received control commands to actuator 126. In other
embodiments, receiver 154 may, upon receipt of the control
commands, communicate the received control commands directly to
actuator 126. Regardless of whether actuator 126 receives the
control commands directly from control ring 104 or via controller
128, in response thereto, actuator 126 may adjust the operating
parameters of belt 122 or another movable element of exercise
device 102.
[0065] Attention is now directed to FIG. 4, which illustrates a
flow diagram of an exemplary method 160 that may be implemented to
adjust one or more operating parameters of exercise device 102.
Method 160 may optionally begin with step 162 in which an exercise
program is run on an exercise device, such as exercise device 102.
The exercise program may include one or more control commands that
adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device. For
instance, the exercise program may periodically adjust the
resistance, incline, or speed of the exercise device and/or the
movable elements of the exercise device to vary the intensity of
the exerciser's workout or to simulate a real world course.
Alternatively, the exercise program may simply be the initial
exercise device settings selected by the exerciser. The running of
the exercise program may be initiated via one or more of the user
input mechanisms 107 on the exercise device.
[0066] Method 160 may also include (at step 164) receiving one or
more user inputs at a control ring (e.g., 104) worn by an exerciser
that is exercising on the exercise device. The user inputs received
at the control ring may relate to one or more desired adjustments
to be made to the operating parameters of the exercise device. For
instance, the user inputs may relate to a desired increase or
decrease in the speed, resistance, or incline of the exercise
device.
[0067] In step 166, control commands may be generated in response
to the user inputs received at the control ring. The control
command may be representative of the user input received at the
control ring, and thus representative of the desired adjustments to
be made to the operating parameters of the exercise device.
[0068] After generation, the control commands are communicated from
the control ring to the exercise device, as indicated in step 168.
As noted elsewhere herein, the control commands may be communicated
from the control ring to the exercise device via a wireless
connection therebetween. In step 170, the control commands are
received by the exercise device.
[0069] After the exercise device has received the control commands,
the exercise device may optionally process the control commands in
step 172. Finally, the one or more actuators of the exercise device
may adjust the operating parameters of the exercise device in
response to the user inputs received at the control ring and in
order to reflect the desired changes in the operating
parameters.
[0070] Attention is now directed to FIG. 5. Exercise system 100 may
include one or more control or safety features. For instance,
exercise device 102 and control ring 104 may be paired with one
another in such a manner that exercise device 102 only responds to
control commands received from control ring 104 and not from other
control rings.
[0071] The pairing between exercise device 102 and control ring 104
may be accomplished in a variety of ways. For instance, exercise
device 102 may be designed to respond to control commands from only
control ring 104. Similarly, control ring 104 may be designed to
communicate with only exercise device 102. This dedicated pairing
between exercise device 102 and control ring 104 may be
accomplished by encrypting the control commands from control ring
104.
[0072] Alternatively, exercise device 102 and control ring 104 may
be selectively paired with one another. For instance, a virtual
handshake may be created between exercise device 102 and control
ring 104. When exercise device 102 and control ring 104 are
selectively paired via a virtual handshake, exercise device 102 may
be designed to ignore or otherwise not respond to control commands
from other control rings. When exercise device 102 and control ring
104 are not paired with one another, exercise device 102 may be
paired with and respond to control commands from another control
ring. Similarly, when exercise device 102 and control ring 104 are
not paired with one another, control ring 104 may be paired with
and communicate control commands to another exercise device.
[0073] In still other embodiments, the pairing between exercise
device 102 and control ring 104 may be created based on their
proximity to one another. For instance, transmitter 152 of control
ring 104 may have a limited communication range. Likewise, exercise
device 102 may be designed to communicate only with other devices
that are within a predetermined range. As a result, control ring
104 may communicate with exercise device 102 and exercise device
102 may respond to control ring 104 when control ring 104 is within
a predetermined range of exercise device 102.
[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, an example of predetermined range is
shown encompassed by dashed line 180. When control ring 104 is
within predetermined range 180, exercise device 102 and control
ring 104 may be paired with one another. In contrast, when control
ring 104 is not within predetermined range 180, exercise device 102
and control ring 104 may not be paired with one another.
Accordingly, exercise device 102 may be paired with and respond to
control commands from only one control ring at any given time.
Likewise, control ring 104 may optionally be paired with only one
exercise device at a time.
[0075] Predetermined range 180, as shown in FIG. 5, optionally
includes two zones. The first zone 182 includes the area
encompassed by dashed line 184 and the second zone 186 is the area
between dashed lines 180, 184. Exercise device 102 and/or control
ring 104 may be designed so that control ring 104 is fully
functional when control ring is within first zone 182. In other
words, when control ring 104 is within first zone 182, control ring
104 may communicate any type of control command to exercise device
102 and exercise device 102 may be responsive thereto. For
instance, when control ring 104 is within first zone 182, control
ring 104 may communicate control commands relating user selected
adjustments to be made to the operating parameters of exercise
device 102. Additionally, exercise device 102 may respond to the
received control commands by adjusting the operating parameters
when control ring 104 is within first zone 182.
[0076] In contrast, control ring 104 may have limited functionality
when control ring 104 is within second zone 186. In other words,
when control ring 104 is within second zone 186, control ring 104
may communicate only certain types of control commands to exercise
device 102 and/or exercise device 102 may respond to only certain
types of control commands. For instance, when control ring 104 is
within second zone 186, control ring 104 may communicate an
emergency stop control command to exercise device 102 and/or
exercise device 102 may only respond to an emergency stop control
command from control ring 104. Exercise device 102 may respond to
the received emergency stop control command by stopping the
movement of one or more movable elements of exercise device 102.
When control ring 104 is within second zone 186, control ring 104
may not generate and/or communicate and/or exercise device 102 may
not respond to other types of control commands, such as speed
increase control commands.
[0077] When control ring 104 is within second zone 186, the
emergency stop control command may be generated in at least one of
multiple ways. For example, as discussed above, emergency stop
button 150 may be activated in order to generate an emergency stop
control command. Alternatively, if control ring 104 moves from
first zone 182 to second zone 186, control ring 104 may
automatically generate an emergency stop control command. Upon
generation of an emergency stop control command, control ring 104
may communicate the emergency stop control command to exercise
device 102 in order to stop the movement of one or more of the
movable elements of exercise device 102. In still other
embodiments, if exercise device 102 detects that control ring 104
moves from first zone 182 to second zone 186, exercise device 102
may generate an emergency stop control command to stop the movement
of one or more of the movable elements of exercise device 102.
[0078] Various technologies may be used to determine when control
ring 104 is within predetermined range 180, first zone 182, or
second zone 186. For instance, one or more sensors may be
positioned on exercise device 102 which are capable of detecting
the presence of control ring 104 within predetermined range 180,
first zone 182, or second zone 186. Such sensor may include, but
are not limited to infrared sensors, metal detectors, proximity
sensors, sonar sensors, radar sensors, Doppler sensors, or
combination thereof.
[0079] Attention is now directed to FIG. 6, which illustrates
another example of a predetermined range 190 shown encompassed by
dashed lines. Predetermined range 190 is illustrated as a generally
rectangular cube shaped area around exercise device 102. When
control ring 104 is within predetermined range 190, exercise device
102 and control ring 104 may be paired with one another. In
contrast, when control ring 104 is not within predetermined range
190, exercise device 102 and control ring 104 may not be paired
with one another.
[0080] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, when control ring
104 is within predetermined range 190, control ring 104 may
communicate control commands to exercise device 102 and exercise
device 102 may be responsive thereto. For instance, when control
ring 104 is within predetermined range 190 (such as when worn by an
exerciser on exercise device 102), control ring 104 may
communication control command (e.g., increase/decrease speed) to
exercise device 102. Exercise device 102 may respond to the control
command by adjusting the appropriate operating parameters of
exercise device 102. If control ring 104 is outside predetermined
range 190, however, control ring 104 may not be able to communicate
control commands to exercise device 102 or exercise device 102 may
not respond to control commands from control ring 104.
[0081] If control ring 104 moves from inside to outside of
predetermined range 190 while exercise device 102 is operating,
control ring 104 and/or exercise device 102 stop certain operations
of exercise device 102. For instance, if an exerciser intentionally
or unintentionally gets off of exercise device 102 while exercise
device 102 is still operating (e.g., movable element(s) are still
moving), control ring 104 may communicate an emergency stop control
command to exercise device 102 and/or exercise device 102 may
respond to only an emergency stop control command from control ring
104. The emergency stop control command may be automatically
generated by control ring 104 when control ring 104 leaves
predetermined range 190. Alternatively, the emergency stop control
command may be generated by the exerciser activating emergency stop
button 150. In yet other embodiments, if exercise device 102
detects that control ring 104 moves from inside to outside
predetermined range 190, exercise device 102 may generate an
emergency stop control command. In any case, exercise device 102
may respond to the received emergency stop control command by
stopping the movement of one or more movable elements of exercise
device 102. When control ring 104 outside of predetermined range
190, control ring 104 may not generate and/or communicate and/or
exercise device 102 may not respond to other types of control
commands, such as speed increase control commands.
[0082] Like the embodiment of FIG. 6, it may be determined that
control ring 104 is inside or outside predetermined range 190 using
such technologies as infrared sensors, metal detectors, proximity
sensors, sonar sensors, radar sensors, Doppler sensors, or
combination thereof.
[0083] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate alternate embodiments of control
rings for use in controlling exercise devices. FIG. 7 illustrates a
control ring 200 that includes a body 202. Body 202 has an interior
surface 204 and an exterior surface 206. Interior surface 204, and
optionally all of body 205, is generally arcuate in shape. Interior
surface 204 may be sized and shaped such that control ring 200 can
be worn on a finger of an exerciser, as shown in FIG. 2. That is,
interior surface 204 may be curved or otherwise shaped to generally
correspond to the shape of an exerciser's finger.
[0084] Like control ring 104, control ring 200 includes user input
mechanisms 208, 210. In the illustrated embodiment, user input
mechanisms 144, 146 are disposed on or extend from exterior surface
206 of body 202. Like user input mechanisms 144, 146, user input
mechanisms 208, 210 may be selectively activated by an exerciser in
order to adjust the operating parameters of an exercise device. For
instance, user input mechanism 208 may be a speed decrease button
and user input mechanism 210 may be a speed increase button. Upon
activation of user input mechanism 208, control ring 200 may
communicate a control command to an exercise device that results in
a decrease in the speed of one or more of the movable elements of
the exercise device. Similarly, upon activation of user input
mechanism 210, control ring 200 may communicate a control command
to an exercise device that results in an increase in the speed of
one or more of the movable elements of the exercise device.
[0085] Control ring 200 also includes strap 212 that may be used to
selectively secure body 202 on an exerciser's finger. Strap 212 is
connected to opposing ends of body 202 so that body 202 and strap
212 define an aperture 214 through control ring 200. Aperture 214
may be sized such that control ring 104 can be worn on a finger of
an exerciser, as shown in FIG. 2. That is, aperture 214 may have a
diameter that generally corresponds to a diameter of an exerciser's
finger. Optionally, strap 212 may be made from a stretchable
material (e.g., spandex, nylon, foam, rubber, fabric) so that the
size of aperture 214 may be adjusted to accommodate fingers of
different sizes
[0086] FIG. 8 illustrates a control ring 220 that includes a body
222 that has a generally circular ring shape. More specifically,
body 222 includes an interior surface 224 and an exterior surface
226. Interior surface 224 at least partially defines an aperture
232 in body 222. Aperture 232 may be sized such that control ring
220 can be worn on a finger of an exerciser, as shown in FIG. 2.
That is, aperture 232 may have a diameter that generally
corresponds to a diameter of an exerciser's finger.
[0087] Similar to the other control rings described herein, control
ring 220 includes user input mechanisms 228, 230 that may be
activated by an exerciser to adjust the operating parameters of an
exercise device. In addition, control ring 220 optionally includes
a selector 234 that may be selectively moved between one or more
positions. Selector 234 may be used to change the functionality of
user input mechanisms 228, 230. For instance, when selector 234 is
in the position shown in FIG. 8, user input mechanisms 228, 230 may
be used to change the speed of a movable element on an exercise
device. In contrast, when selector 234 is moved to another position
within channel 236, user input mechanisms 228, 230 may be used to
change the incline of a movable element on an exercise device.
[0088] Control ring 220 can also optionally include one or more
indicators, such as indicators 238, 240. Indicators 238, 240 may
indicate to the exerciser what operating parameters control ring
220 is set to control. That is, when selector 234 is set so that
user input mechanisms 228, 230 control the speed of a movable
element of an exercise device, indicator 238 may be activated so
that the exerciser will know that activation of user input
mechanisms 228, 230 will change the speed of the movable element.
Likewise, when selector 234 is set so that user input mechanisms
228, 230 control the incline of a movable element of an exercise
device, indicator 240 may be activated so that the exerciser will
know that activation of user input mechanisms 228, 230 will change
the incline of the movable element.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0089] In general, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to
exercise systems, devices, and methods that enable an exerciser to
control operating parameters of an exercise device without having
to manipulate controls on the exercise device itself. The systems,
devices, and methods of the present disclosure allow an exerciser
to adjust the operating parameters of an exercise device using a
control ring that is worn on the exerciser's hand.
[0090] When exercising on an exercise device, an exerciser may
desire to adjust one or more operating parameters of the exercise
device in order to change one or more aspects of the exercise being
performed. For instance, the exerciser may want to increase or
decrease the speed of the exercise device's movable element(s) in
order to change the speed at which the exercise is performed. In
other situations, the exerciser may want to increase or decrease
the resistance provided by the exercise device and/or the incline
at which the exercise is performed.
[0091] The systems and devices disclosed herein enable an exerciser
to adjust the operating parameters of an exercise device using a
control ring that the exerciser wears. The control ring includes
user input mechanisms that the exerciser can activate to adjust the
operating parameters of the exercise device. Significantly,
adjusting the operating parameters with the control ring reduces or
eliminates the need for the exerciser to manipulate controls on the
console of the exercise device.
[0092] Manipulating controls on the console of an exercise device
can be difficult, especially during the performance of an exercise.
For instance, when an exerciser is running on a treadmill, it can
be difficult to reach the treadmill console and press the desired
buttons in order to achieve the desired operating parameter
adjustments. Furthermore, manipulating console controls can also
negatively impact the exercisers exercising form and/or
performance. For instance, reaching for the console controls may
cause the exerciser to undesirably change his/her pace, stride
length, speed, and/or loose his/her balance.
[0093] In contrast to manipulating controls on an exercise device
console, a control ring worn by an exerciser enables the exerciser
to more easily adjust the operating parameters of the exercise
device without negatively impacting the exerciser's form and/or
performance. The exerciser can simply activate one of the user
input mechanisms on the control ring in order to achieve the
desired operating parameter change. For instance, rather than
having to interrupt the exerciser's form in order to reach forward
to manipulate a console control, the exerciser can simply use a
finger on the same hand that wears the control ring to press a
button on the control ring.
[0094] While the control ring provides an easier and simpler way of
adjusting the operating parameters of an exercise device, the
control ring does not negatively impact the exerciser's
performance. For instance, since the control ring is worn on a
finger, the exerciser does not have to constantly hold or carry the
control ring with his/her hand. Rather, when not using the control
ring to adjust the operating parameters, the exerciser can relax
his/her hand and without worrying about dropping the control ring.
Furthermore, the control ring is lightweight enough as to not be
bothersome or burdensome to the exerciser.
[0095] The disclosed devices/systems also provide various safety
features. For instance, the control ring and/or the exercise device
may be paired with one another so that control commands from only
one control ring cause adjustments to be made to the operating
parameters of the exercise device. The pairing of the exercise
device and the control ring may prevent a second control ring from
causing adjustments to be made to the exercise device without the
exerciser's knowledge or approval.
[0096] Another safety feature of the disclosed devices/system is
the emergency stop feature. An emergency stop control command may
cause the exercise device to stop the movement of a movable
element. An emergency stop control command may be generated as a
result of an exerciser activating a button on the control ring. For
instance, when the exerciser feels overly fatigued, loses his/her
balance, or falls, the exerciser can press an emergency stop button
on the control ring to cause the exercise device to stop the
movable element. Alternatively, the emergency stop control command
may be automatically generated upon a predetermined occurrence. For
instance, if an exerciser falls off or leaves the exercise device,
an emergency stop control command may be generated, either by the
control ring or the exercise device, in order to stop a movable
element of the exercise device.
[0097] A control ring may be a closed loop. For instance, the body
of a control ring may form a closed loop that defines an aperture
extending through the ring. In other embodiments, the body and a
fastener may cooperate to form a closed loop. In other embodiments,
however, a control ring may not be a closed loop. Rather, a control
ring may include an opening or a space between opposing ends to
allow an exerciser's finger to pass therethrough in order to put
the ring on the exerciser's finger.
[0098] A control ring may include user input mechanisms that only
adjust one operating parameter of an exercise device. For instance,
the user input mechanisms may only adjust the speed of a movable
element. Alternatively, a control ring may include multiple user
input mechanisms that adjust multiple operating parameters of an
exercise device. Alternatively still, a control ring may include a
single set of user input controls that adjust the operating
parameters of an exercise device. In this case, the control ring
may include a selector that determines which operating parameters
will be adjusted upon activation of the user input controls. When
the selector is in one position, activation of the user input
controls may adjust one operating parameter. When the selector is
in another position, activation of the user input controls may
adjust a different operating parameter.
[0099] While embodiments of the invention have been described in
the context of a motorized treadmill, it is understood that the
invention is not limited to any particular type of exercise device.
Accordingly, the term "exercise device" shall refer broadly to any
type of device that takes the form of an exercise machine,
including, but not limited to, treadmills, exercise cycles, Nordic
style ski exercise devices, rowers, steppers, hikers, climbers, and
elliptical or striding exercise devices. These various types of
exercise devices may include adjustable operating parameters
similar to those described above (e.g., speed, incline, etc.).
Additionally, these exercise devices may also have adjustable
operating parameters such as resistance to the movement of a
movable element (e.g., belt, pedal, link arm, etc.). Accordingly, a
control ring may be used to adjust the operating parameters of
various types of exercise devices so an exerciser does not have to
manipulate controls located on the exercise device itself.
* * * * *