COMBINED TRAINING AND MONITORING DEVICE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body resistance physical exercise device with monitoring and fitness tracking capabilities, comprising: a) an electrical monitoring element configured to measure information relative to exercise parameters during repetitive motions performed with said device; and b) an elastomeric band adapted to enable the repetitive motions, wherein the resistance of the elastomeric band is capable of being adjusted.

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. A resistance exercise device, comprising: an elastomeric band configured to stretch when subjected to a user-generated force; an adjustment apparatus comprising a housing defining an internal cavity; and a sensor coupled to the elastomeric band and configured to generate an output in response to the user-generated force on the elastomeric band, wherein: the elastomeric band comprises a first end; and a second end secured to the housing so that the elastomeric band extends away from the housing; the elastomeric band is configured to return to the housing and enter the housing at a first location along a length of the elastomeric band so that a lengthwise portion of the elastomeric band located between the second end of the elastomeric band and the first location along a length of the elastomeric band forms a loop; the elastomeric band is further configured to pass through the cavity of the housing and exit the housing at a second location along the length of the elastomeric band; and the housing is configured to permit the elastomeric band to move through the housing so as to change the first and second locations at which the elastomeric band respectively enters and exits the housing and thereby vary a size of the loop.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein: the loop has a first end proximal the adjustment apparatus and a second end distal the adjustment apparatus; and the device has an overall length defined by a distance between the first end of the elastomeric band and the second end of the loop whereby varying the size of the loop varies the overall length of the device.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein: the elastomeric band is further configured to generate a resistive force when stretched; and the resistive force is inversely proportional to the overall length of the device whereby the resistive force can be varied by varying the size of the loop.

16. The device of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises an elongated member located within the cavity and configured to contact the elastomeric band.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the elongated member comprises an outer surface configured to contact the elastomeric band so that a frictional force between the outer surface and the elastomeric band selectively inhibits movement of the elastomeric band in relation to the housing.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the elongated member is further configured to cause the elastomeric member to deflect.

19. The device of claim 13, further comprising a handle section coupled to the loop.

20. The device of claim 13, further comprising a handle section coupled to the first end of the elastomeric band.

21. The device of claim 19, further comprising a pulley configured to translate along the loop, wherein the handle section is coupled to the loop by way of the pulley.

22. The device of claim 13, further comprising an anchoring arrangement coupled to the first end of the elastomeric band.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises an adjustable belt configured to accommodate an anchor.

24. The device of claim 22, wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises an adjustable belt configured to be connected to an ankle, wrist, or other body part of the user.

25. The device of claim 13, wherein: the housing defines a first opening in a wall of a first side of the housing; the housing further defines a second and a third opening in a wall of a second side of the housing; the elastomeric band passes through the first, second, and third openings; and the second end of the elastomeric band is fixedly attached to the housing at the third opening.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In the drawings:

[0031] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a body resistance physical exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a body resistance physical exercise device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 2A shows an enlarged perspective view of an anchoring arrangement of the device of FIG. 1A;

[0034] FIG. 2B shows an enlarged perspective view of an anchoring arrangement of the device of FIG. 1B.

[0035] FIG. 3A shows an enlarged perspective view of a handle section of the device of FIG. 1A;

[0036] FIG. 3B shows an enlarged perspective view of a handle section of the device of FIG. 1B.

[0037] FIG. 4A shows an enlarged perspective view of an adjusting apparatus of the device of FIG. 1A;

[0038] FIG. 4B schematically illustrates the adjusting apparatus of FIG. 4A, in a first position according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] FIG. 4C schematically illustrates the adjusting apparatus of FIG. 4A, in a second position according to another embodiment of the invention; and

[0040] FIG. 4D shows an enlarged perspective view of an adjusting apparatus of the device of FIG. 1B.

[0041] FIGS. 5(A-C) schematically illustrate screenshots of a software application, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Reference will now be made to an embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed, mutatis mutandis, without departing from the principles of the claimed invention.

[0043] FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a body resistance physical exercise device 101a according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device of the present invention comprises an elongated elastomeric band 102a the first end of which 103a is fixedly attached to an anchoring arrangement 104a for attaching the first end 103a to an anchor. The elastomeric band length passes through an adjusting apparatus 105a, along a band reverting element 106a, and finally ends up with its second end (not shown in FIG. 1A) fixedly attached to adjusting apparatus 105a. FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a body resistance physical exercise device 101b according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the invention, bands 102a and 102b comprise an elastomeric material suitable to be stretchable and present resistance when stretched, with a length of about 135 cm long, and a circular cross-section with a diameter of between 1 and 2 cm.

[0045] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an enlarged view of anchoring arrangement 104a and the first end 103a of the elastomeric band 102a attached thereto, according to an embodiment of the invention. Anchoring arrangement 104a comprises an anchoring portion 201a and a connection portion 202a. Band 102a passes through opening 203a in anchoring portion 201a, and is terminated at a restricting element 204a that is not capable of passing through openings 203a. Restricting element 204a can either part of band 102a (such as a knot) or otherwise an element external to the elastomeric band to which first end 103a is fixedly attached. The connection portion 202a comprises an adjustable belt configured to

[0046] accommodate an anchor (not shown in FIG. 2A) such that strength exerted upon band 102a will be definitely counter-forced. For example, connection portion 202a can be connected to an exerciser's ankle, wrist or other body part, or otherwise to an external anchor such as a pole, tree, bar, door or an external connecting apparatus.

[0047] FIG. 2B schematically illustrates an enlarged view of anchoring arrangement 104b and the first end 103b of the elastomeric band attached thereto, according to another embodiment of the invention. First end 103b is fixedly attached to clipping element 204b that is configured to be reversibly clipped to anchoring portion 201b.

[0048] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates an enlarged view of a handle section 300a of device 101a, according to an embodiment of the invention. Mediating element 302a is attached to each side of a bracelet belt 301a and to band reverting element 106a, such that band reverting element 106a is connected to belt 301a. Band reverting element 106a comprises a pulley around which band 102a passes, such that band 102a is connected via band reverting element 106a and mediating element 302a to bracelet belt 301a and ultimately to the handle section 300a of device 101a.

[0049] Acknowledging that bracelet belt 301 and mediating element 302 are the elements with which an exerciser comes in contact most during an exercise and upon which the exerciser exerts most strength, according to an embodiment of the invention a cuff 304 is provided in the space opened between mediating element 302 and bracelet belt 301, such that element 302 doesn't encounter the body part of an exerciser using the handle section 300. Cuff 304 is provided with a rigid core surface (not shown in the FIGS.) that is padded and covered by an anti-sweat fabric layer 305 for durable and comfortable use of the exercise device 101.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the invention, cuff 304 is partially closed circular shaped, whereas its partially opened space 304a allows contact between a body part of the exerciser (e.g. the exerciser's wrist) and the bracelet belt 301. In some embodiments, electronic monitoring element 306 is connected to belt 301 in a position corresponding to the partially opened space 304a, thereby allowing contact with an exerciser's body part (e.g. wrist).

[0051] Monitoring element 306 comprises one or more sensors (e.g. accelerometer, gyroscope, thermometer, etc.) suitable to measure exercise parameter (e.g. iterations, strength exerted on band 102, etc.) and exerciser parameters (such as heart and respiration rates, calories burnt, etc.). Monitoring element 306 further comprises a transmitting element suitable to wirelessly transmit measured information to a remote device (e.g. via Bluetooth communication) where the information can be processed for further reference, such as providing exercise recommendations to an exerciser based on a previous exercise. Monitoring element 306 further comprises a power source (e.g. a rechargeable battery) that can be recharged (e.g. via a micro-USB cable) or replaced (e.g. button cell batteries).

[0052] According to an embodiment of the invention, monitoring element 306 further comprises a processing and user interface unit, configured to receive local input by physical contact (e.g. pressing a button or icon) or by voice recognition (e.g. being/end measuring exercise) and to locally display information regarding an exercise (e.g. heart rate and/or number of iterations) or other information (e.g. the time of the day).

[0053] FIG. 3B schematically illustrates an enlarged view of a handle section 300b of device 101b, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0054] FIG. 4A is an enlarged perspective view of adjusting apparatus 105a of FIG. 1A. FIG. 4B schematically illustrates an enlarged cutaway view of adjusting apparatus 105a in a first position, according to an embodiment of the invention. A portion of band 102a passes through an opening 401 in the wall of a first side of adjusting apparatus 105a, through a locking apparatus 402 and through an opening 403 in a second side of adjusting apparatus 105a opposite to the first side. Another portion of band 102a passes through another opening 404 in the second side of adjusting apparatus 105a. The second end of band 102a is terminated at a restricting element 405 that is not capable of passing through opening 403. Restricting element 405 can either part of band 102a (such as a knot) or otherwise an element external to the elastomeric band to which the second side of band 102a is fixedly attached.

[0055] Locking apparatus 402 comprises a moveable member 406, a stationary member 407, a spring 408 and an actuator 409. Band 102a passes between the moveable and stationary members. When actuator 408 is pressed upon, spring 407 obtains a compressed position (as shown in FIG. 4B), moveable member 405 is forced away from stationary member 406 and band 102 is unlocked and released. This configuration is suitable for shifting the adjusting apparatus to another position along band 102a for adjusting the resistance and length of device 101a.

[0056] FIG. 4C schematically illustrates an enlarged cutaway view of adjusting apparatus 105a in a second position, according to another embodiment of the invention. When actuator 409 is released, spring 408 obtains a resting position (as shown in FIG. 4C), moveable member 406 is forced by spring 408 towards stationary member 407, and band 102a is pressed between members 406 and 407 and is therefore locked therebetween. This configuration is suitable for locking adjusting apparatus 105a in place (relative to band 102a) whenever there isn't need for adjusting the resistance in the band, for instance in order to keep a constant resistance level and length.

[0057] FIG. 4D is an enlarged perspective view of adjusting apparatus 105b of FIG. 1B according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmitting elements of the electronic monitoring element (306 in FIG. 3) are associated with a software application (app) for mobile devices, the app capable of utilizing processing capabilities and other features of mobile devices in order to enhance the information an exerciser may receive regarding an exercise. For instance, the app can be synchronized and interface with other software applications (such as a calendar, medical data or diet management) so as to automatically input exercise information for following an exerciser's physical status and for providing the exerciser workout recommendations based on data from the other applications. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C each schematically illustrate a screenshot displayed on the screen of a mobile device running the app, according to an embodiment of the invention. The screenshot of FIG. 5A shows a login screen to which a user (e.g. an exerciser) is required to input a Name and Password in order to login to the app services. The screenshot of FIG. 5B shows a training history display. The screenshot of FIG. 5C shows instructional videos that a user can watch in order to enhance an exercise and learn efficient methods to use the device 101.

[0059] Since some exercisers may wish to use an external anchor (e.g. a tree or a door) to which anchoring arrangement 104 cannot be attached, anchoring arrangement 104 can be attached to an anchoring connector that is capable of being connected to external anchors, such as a connector fixed to an elongated strap suitable to surround objects or fixed to a door anchor apparatus suitable to be anchored between a door and its jamb.

[0060] Although embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be understood that the invention may be carried out with many variations, modifications, and adaptations, without exceeding the scope of the claims.