Patent Application
20250025748
This application, disclosed claims, and embodiments generally related to an exercise device configured for tracking exercise data, and more particularly, an exercise tracking unit being relocatably securable and configured to record, store, and process exercise data.
This description relates to exercise equipment configured for tracking and processing exercise data, and method of the same.
The advent of smaller more powerful computers and sensors has provided means for developing devices, such as pedometers and heart rate monitors, that dramatically increase the accuracy and ease that data concerning one's health is obtained and processed. Further, the increasing ease with which digital data can be recorded via wireless communication has led to a proliferation of technologies that allow the user to track a variety of parameters including their physical fitness activities.
Fitness trackers that are able to record and remit data obtained from physical exercise are increasingly common. Such technology is critical to improving physical fitness. The fitness trackers that have gained increasingly significant popularity are only able to provide metrics that measure their physical activity and progress toward fitness goals in limited areas. Such trackers primarily focus on monitoring exercises such as running, walking, cycling, swimming, jogging, etc. Unfortunately, this approach neglects a crucial approach to fitness through strength training.
Certain exercises, for example, barbell exercises such as bench presses, squats, deadlifts, and overhead presses, are difficult to be tracked and understood by a user. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often are relegated to subjective estimations or manual tracking methods to track and understand their workouts. Further, such techniques do not provide adequate numerical data that can be reliably examined to gather information about progress. This lack of precise and reliable exercise data stifles their ability to track, measure, and optimize their workout routine.
Accordingly, a need continues to exist and is recognized for improvements to devices and apparatuses for improving the ease and effectiveness of tracking data during exercise.
This background information is provided for the purpose of making information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. Notwithstanding, no admission is necessarily intended, nor should it be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention. in addition, the preceding information should not be construed to mean that a search has been made or that no other pertinent information as defined in 37 CFR § 1.56(a) exist.
The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for recording, tracking, and/or assessing data obtained during physical activity. All references mention in this disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
One aspect of the invention pertains to a device, the device comprising a tracking unit having a hollow structure adapted for containing at least one sensor therein and having an out surface prepared with at least one hole. The embodiment further includes at least one computer operatively coupled and in communication with the tracker. In such embodiment, the at least one holes are configured to de detachably securable to an external surface and the at least one computer is configured to determine one or more inputs.
A further aspect of the invention pertains to a physical activity tracker including a module, a plurality of protrusions extending from the module that are configured to be detachably couplable with at least one piece of exercising equipment. Such an embodiment includes a deformable base that deforms in accordance with the movement of the equipment. Further, such an embodiment includes at least one processor in operable communication with said force sensor configured to receive the force signal and determine exercise data.
A yet further aspect of the invention pertains to an exercise system comprising at least one item of exercise equipment having variable weight, at least one pulley, a cable, an elastomeric band, a barbell, or a dumbbell and a tracker attached to the item or exercise equipment, the tracker having a base, at least one eyelet where the eyelet is configured to be releasably attachable to the item of exercise equipment and wherein the tracker is configured to be deformably responsive in accordance with movement of said item of equipment. Such an aspect of the invention further includes at least one sensor programmed to output a signal and at least one processor programmed to receive the signal.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, and alterations and modifications in the illustrated invention, and further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein are herein contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.
For the purpose of interpreting this specification, the following definitions will apply and whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. In the event that any definition set forth below conflicts with the usage of that word in any other document, including any document incorporated herein by reference, the definition set forth below shall always control for purposes of interpreting this specification and its associated claims unless a contrary meaning is clearly intended (for example in the document where the term is originally used).
The use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise.
The use of “a” or “an” herein means “one or more” unless stated otherwise or where the use of “one or more” is clearly inappropriate.
The use of “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “includes,” and “including” are interchangeable and not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, where the description of one or more embodiments uses the term “comprising,” those skilled in the art would understand that, in some specific instances, the embodiment or embodiments can be alternatively described using the language “consisting essentially of” and/or “consisting of.”
As used herein, the term “about” refers to a ±10% variation from the nominal value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.
As used herein, the term “exercise equipment” generally refers to any apparatus or device used during physical activity.
As used herein, the term “exercise data” generally refers to any data or information relevant to an exercise.
As used herein, the term “load bearing” generally refers to any element of a structure that has been adapted with suitable cross section, material, design, or the like to withstand a load without plastic deformation.
As used herein, the term “workout equipment” generally refers to any apparatus or device used during physical workouts to enhance the strength or conditioning effects of that exercise by providing either fixed or adjustable amounts of resistance. Examples include but are not limited to dumbbells, barbells, cable machines, elastic bands, rowers, harnesses, weight plates, variable resistance machines, and the like. The term “Exercise equipment is to be used synonymously with “workout equipment”
It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of the embodiments, as represented in the attached figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected embodiments of the invention.
The features, structures, or characteristics of the invention described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. For example, the usage of the phrases “example embodiments”, “some embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “example embodiments”, “in some embodiments”, “in other embodiments”, or other similar language, throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
The present disclosure generally relates to improved methods and devices for gathering, storing, and displaying exercise data. Moreover, the devices optionally include modularity which in some embodiments would allow a user to relocate the device to a multiplicity of equipment.
Advantageously, in some embodiments, the devices and methods of the present disclosure include features that provide a plurality of connecting means thereby allowing the device to be connected to essentially any article of exercise equipment. Further still, in some embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure provide a computational system to engage with a display for display of exercise data.
Again, the present disclosure generally provides a digital fitness tracker that is operable to connect to a variety of exercise equipment. The device comprises of a body that, when attached to at least one article of exercise equipment, allows a user to obtain data and transmit data pertaining to an exercise. It is envisioned that such a device is operable to provide feedback of a user's workout for each movement and throughout the workout. In some embodiments, the device is configured to interact with a cloud-based or network-based application, such as an app or program. It is envisioned that an embodiment of the device according to the present disclosure is able to communicate with, for example, a fitness app or virtual trainer.
One aspect of the device of the present disclosure includes a tracker having a body configured to be releasably attached to an article of exercise equipment, for example, a dumbbell, barbell, or cable. In some embodiments, the device may be clamped, adhered, fastened, or placed on a surface of a piece of exercise equipment. One object of the invention includes a GPS unit configured to track the position of the tracker. In addition to the GPS unit, at least one accelerometer that is operable to measure the acceleration of a body in its own instantaneous rest frame may be installed. The combination of the GPS and optional accelerometer may be operable to track a travel path of an article of workout equipment. It is envisioned that such a travel path may be plotted to better visualize an exercise. In some embodiments, such a tracker is able to identify at least one repetition of an exercise completed. In some embodiments, the unit is configured to track at least one of tension and resistance. One example of the device according to the present disclosure includes a tracker body, the body defining a center having a hollow hole of sufficient dimension to mount onto the end of a barbell or dumbbell. In some embodiments, the inner surface of said hole includes a non-slip mechanism or coating to ensure secure attachment to the barbell. It is envisioned that the tracker is able to securely fasten to, for example, a barbell in a suitable fashion to withstand repetitive motions and vibrations associated with weightlifting.
It is envisioned that the tracker is configured to measure and retain numerical data related to an invention. Further, the data is stored on a medium that is accessible by, for example, the user, a coach, or a trainer. It is envisioned that such data is relayed for the purpose of gaining insightful information regarding an exercise. For example, by way of the exercise tracker measuring any of the path, speed, velocity, tempo, rest intervals, and resistance of a lift a user can compare the performed lift to an ideal lift. In a further example, a user may connect a plurality of tracker to a single bar to track any of levelness, balance, and/or variation in position and load.
When the device of the present disclosure is attached to an exercise machine, the tracker can calculate the differential force exerted thereon. Tracking such a force is useful, for example, when utilizing dumbbells that may have differential motion in relation to each other. Further, in some embodiments, the tracker is configured to relay information regarding varying exercise equipment.
It is envisioned that the electronics that are located within the tracker body include, in a non-exhaustive list fashion: an inertial measurement unit, a strain gauge, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a global positioning sensor, a control board, a microprocessor, memory storage, and wireless connectivity capabilities, and a thermocouple. It is further envisioned that the tracker according to the present disclosure is operable to communicate with at least one additional fitness tracker of the present disclosure. The microprocessor may be equipped with algorithms to analyze the sensor data in real-time for the purpose of extracting essential metrics such as range of motion, power output, velocity, and force exertion. In some embodiments, a proximity sensor that is operable to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical contact may be included. It is envisioned that, in some embodiments, such a proximity sensor is operable to interact with another object in a workout space, such as equipment, materials, a tracker, or the like.
In some embodiments, the fitness tracker is adapted to be compact, lightweight, and robust. In its present form, it is envisioned that the components will work in harmony to gather, progress, and transmit exercise-related data to a display, a mobile phone, or a companion device. The tracker can b wirelessly connected to a companion mobile application or fitness monitoring platform via, for example, Bluetooth or a similar technology. Through such a connection, the user, trainer, etc. can view real-time exercise data, track progress throughout the workout, set personalized goals, and receive actionable insight to optimize the workout routines. In some configurations, the data may be directed to and evaluated by a coach. In such scenario, for example, the device may facilitate a response by the coach to the user. The device according to the present disclosure may also facilitate the user to share their achievements, compete with friends, and engage in a supportive fitness community.
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In another aspect, it is envisioned that the device is configured to encounter a force applied thereto and generate a signal therefrom that may be interpreted & stored by a computer and broadcast as exercise data. In such aspect, the device is resilient to the force encountered and remains undeformed thereafter. Further, it is envisioned the device is dimensioned and constructed such that the stress encountered generates zero plastic deformation.
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The following examples are provided solely to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, described herein.
at least one processor programmed to receive the force signal and determine, from the force signal, data.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of these embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the Embodiments appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
While this invention may be embodied in many different forms, there are described in detail herein specific preferred embodiments of the invention. The present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the particular embodiments illustrated. All patents, patent applications, scientific papers, and any other referenced materials mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, the invention encompasses any possible combination of some, or all of the various embodiments mentioned herein, described herein and/or incorporated herein. In addition, the invention encompasses any possible combination that also specifically excludes any one or some of the various embodiments mentioned herein, described herein and/or incorporated herein.
Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated this co herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any Embodiment herein, then any such conflicting information in such incorporated by reference material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.
The above disclosure is intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. This description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. All these alternatives and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the Embodiments where the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.” Those familiar with the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein which equivalents are also intended to be encompassed by the Embodiments.
All ranges and parameters disclosed herein are understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein, and every number between the endpoints. For example, a stated range of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more, (e.g. 1 to 6.1), and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, (e.g. 2.3 to 9.4, 3 to 8, 4 to 7), and finally to each number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 contained within the range. All percentages and proportions herein are by weight unless otherwise specified
It is to be understood that the embodiments and claims are not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the description and illustrated in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings provide examples of the embodiments envisioned, but the claims are limited to the specific embodiments. The embodiments and claims disclosed herein are further capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purposes of description and should not be regarded as limiting the claims.
Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which the application and claims are based may be readily utilized as a basis for the design of other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the embodiments and claims presented in this application. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.
Furthermore, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially including the practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the claims of the application, nor is it intended to be limiting to the scope of the claims in any way. It is intended that the application is defined by the claims appended hereto.
This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the Embodiments attached hereto.
The present disclosure claims the benefit of priority of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/457,057, filed on Oct. 11, 2022, and entitled “Apparatus & Method for Tracking Kinesthetics,” the contents of which are incorporated in full by reference herein.
