Patent Application
20210178212
The present inventions relate to the field of physical fitness equipment. The present inventions more specifically relate to the field of weight lifting equipment and exercise programs.
Handheld weights, such as dumbbells are well known. Such weights have been used for fitness dating back to ancient Greece. Functional trainers are also well known. Today these weight devices are some of the most popular strength and fitness tools, and are seen in virtually every gym and weight room. In addition, one or both of these types of weight devices are also used at home.
While both types are weights are versatile, they are significantly underutilized. For example, dumbbells and functional trainers can be used for a number of exercises, but it is an “art” to actually use the weights properly. In addition, during exercise, an individual user must select the weight, thereby requiring the user to select the correct weight and focus on constantly changing weight if the device is used during the during a physical fitness training routine.
Accordingly, a need exists for a weight device, system and method which address the various drawbacks of existing devices. In particular, a need exists for a weight device, system, and method that leverage the functionality or take advantage of the potential and versatility of the weight device during exercise or physical fitness routine and further let the user focus on exercise rather than changing weight.
Accordingly, an auto-adjustable weight device, system, and method are disclosed which solve one or more drawbacks of existing devices. In particular, a weight device, system, and method are disclosed that leverage the functionality or take advantage of the potential and versatility of the weight device during exercise or physical fitness routine and further let the user focus on exercise rather than changing weight. As disclosed in greater detail below, an auto-adjustable weight device is provided that is combined with a software application executed by a portable electronic device.
More specifically, an auto-adjustable weight device is disclosed that comprises a weight retainer comprising one or more receptors; one or more weight rods sized to be received in the one or more receptors; and a selector mechanism configured to select one or more weight rods and secure the weight rods in the weight retainer receptors in response to an instruction from a software application.
An auto-adjustable weight system is also disclosed. The auto-adjustable weight system includes a weight device having a weight retainer which receives one or more weight rods, the weight rods being selectively and removably retained within the weight retainer. A platform receives the weight device and carries one or more weight rods not selected and retained within the weight retainer. A software application in communication with the platform or weight device is configured to drive selection and retention of the number of weight rods retained within the weight retainer.
A physical training system is also disclosed. The system includes a weight device having a weight retainer which receives one or more weight rods. The weight rods are selectively and removably retained within the weight retainer. A platform receives the weight device and carries one or more weight rods not selected and retained within the weight retainer. A software application is provided in communication with the platform or weight device and configured to drive selection and retention of the number of weight rods retained within the weight retainer. A database of selectable workout segments is also provided, wherein the software application selects and executes a selectable workout segment from the database of selectable workout segments simultaneously with the selection of one or more weight rods which are retained by the weight device.
The weight device disclosed herein provides an improved fitness experience by automatically adjusting the amount of weight throughout the workout, but also allows a user to manually adjust the amount of weight. It does this through the use of an integrated phone app and an engageable platform which holds one or more weight rods. To use the system, the user first enters basic information into the app (age, weight, gender, fitness ability, fitness goals), then prior to a workout the user selects the difficulty, length, and type of workout. Once the workout begins, the app adjusts the amount of weight for each specific exercise based on the user preferences. Or, users can adjust the weights with a touch of a button, such as on the smartphone or tablet.
These and other features and advantages of devices, systems, and methods according to this invention are described in, or are apparent from, the following detailed descriptions of various examples of embodiments.
Various examples of embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods according to this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein:
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In certain instances, details that are not necessary to the understanding of the invention or render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
Referring generally to the Figures, an auto-adjustable weight device, system, and method are disclosed. A weight device, system, and method are disclosed that leverage the functionality or take advantage of the potential and versatility of the weight device during exercise or physical fitness routine and further let the user focus on exercise rather than changing weight. As disclosed in greater detail below, an auto-adjustable weight device is provided that is combined with a software application executed by a portable electronic device. In addition unlike existing “selectorized” dumbbells and functional trainers, there are no knobs to turn or pins to adjust on the novel weight device disclosed herein. The weight adjustment may happen through the integrated app, and mechanism discussed below. Strength training of any type requires a higher degree of understanding than cardio workouts. For strength training, many if not most users don't understand which movements are helpful vs. which can lead to injury. Also, knowing how hard to push and how to arrange the different exercises is not clear to many users. In contrast, the weight system disclosed herein can figure everything out for the user: pace, difficulty, weight, length, type of workout. This can make the workout more engaging. The app also allows people to connect from home; either with an instructor at the gym, or a group of users, all connected from their homes, or with a physical trainer or physical therapist. By making the fitness experience easier to figure out, and more connected to a fitness community, the user is more likely to stay engaged. These and other features and advantages of devices, systems, and methods according to this invention may be described in, or are apparent from, the following description.
In particular, an exercise or physical fitness system is disclosed which includes an auto-adjustable weight device with an integrated software application, and customizable video workouts shown in a smartphone or other portable electronic device screen. More specifically, the auto-adjustable weight system includes a weight device as described and a platform carrying one or more weight rods and which interacts with said weight device. In one or more examples of embodiments, the software application automatically adjusts the weights so as to change the amount of weight for each exercise. Alternatively, a user may “manually” adjust the weights via a touch of a button on the smart device screen. Advantageously, there are no buttons or knobs on the weight device(s) itself.
In one or more examples of embodiments, as shown in
Referring to
Any range of shapes may be used for the weight rods 108; e.g., they could be any geometric configuration, including but not limited to, rectangular steel plates, hexagon rods, or cylindrical rods as shown, and combinations of the foregoing (see, e.g.,
In one or more examples of embodiments, The weight retainers 106 may be a weight casing and can be made from injection-molded structural plastic (such as glass-filled nylon), cast or extruded aluminum, or cast steel. In the attached illustrations, the weight retainers 106 are made from a combination of structural plastic and extruded aluminum. The weight retainers 106 retain one or more, and in preferred examples of embodiments, a series of weight rods 108 combined in any number of combinations to achieve a desired total weight. In this regard, while a weight casing is illustrated in the Figures, a weight retainer may also be a skeletal structure in which weight rods are retained, but not enclosed, or partially enclosed. Each weight retainer 106 is composed of one or more receptors 110 and in the illustrated examples a plurality of receptors which are configured to mate with the weight rods 108 and receive them within the retainer. In this regard, various shape and/or sized weight receptors 110 (e.g., 110a, 110b) may be provided with sizes that correspond in size and position to the corresponding weight rod 108a or 108b. In the examples provided, the receptors 110 have a depth such that the weight rods 108 are retained entirely within the retainer 106, although such a configuration is not required as one of skill in the art could conceive of a configuration which engages and grips only a portion of a weight rod.
As shown in
Various weight rod 108 arrangements may be used. In the illustrated embodiments, nine different arrangements, from 4 lb to 20 lb are shown for purposes of example. In
Similar arrangements and configurations can be combined in a similar manner to achieve different base and ending weights, by varying the base weight (e.g., the weight of the device 100 or retainer 106 without any weight rods may be 6 lb vs. 4 lb), and varying the number of available weight rods 108 which may be engaged by the weight device 100. Compare examples of such varying arrangements and configurations shown in
The same overall design could support a different range of minimum and maximum weights. For example, there could be a 3 lb to 15 lb weight device, a 5 lb to 501b weight device, an 8 lb to 80 lb weight device, and so forth. The minimum weight or base weight is determined by the weight of the of the weight device 100 unit (i.e., handle 118 plus weight retainers 106) without any weight rods retained in the retainers. In some examples of embodiments, to round out the weight of the “empty” weight devices 100, extra inner rod weights (not shown) may be permanently attached inside the weight retainers 106.
Weight rods 108 can be retained on a platform 102 in a variety of ways. In one example of embodiments shown in
In some examples of embodiments, the platform 102 may be oriented as shown in
In certain embodiments comprising a dumbbell or like device, each dumbbell consists of a generally cylindrical handle 118 with weight retainers 106 attached to each end. The handle 118 can be made from a variety of durable materials, such as for example steel rod.
In one or more examples of embodiments, the weight configuration may be asymmetrical relative to the centerline “a” (see
In use, a desired weight is selected (either by the user or the software application) which, as will be further discussed herein, then either releases or engages one or more weight rods 108 which, in total, equal the selected weight. The weight rods 108 may be retained and released from the weight retainer 106 in a number of different ways. In various examples of embodiments, selection of a desired weight causes the rotation of one or more of the rotating disks 116, the rotation of which either releases or engages one or more weight rods 108 which, in total, equal the selected weight. In some examples, small electric motors 120 within the weight device platform 102 drive engagement with the weight rods 108. More specifically, in some examples of embodiments, a tab 122 which rotates about a vertical axis is shown. In this example, the tab 122 has four positions: Position 1 (open, holding no weight rods), Position 2 (holding one weight rod 108), Position 3 (holding two weight rods 108), and Position 4 (holding one weight rod 108) as shown in
As shown in
One or more rotating tabs 122 may be provided on each weight device 100, and may have in some examples, at least two spaced apart rotating tabs 122 on each retainer portion of the weight device 100.
The orientation or position of the rotating tabs 122 may be set by a mating rotating disk 116 attached to the weight platform 102 (see
The rotating disk 116 has a shape that mates with the rotating tab 122 so as to engage and drive rotation of the rotating tab 122 upon activation by the motor 120 and rotation of the disk. In one example, each rotating disk 116 may have a small protrusion 124 on the top face, which aligns with a similarly, matingly shaped depression 126 in the rotating tab 122 when the weight device 100 rests on the platform 102, providing alignment and the ability to drive the rotation of the rotating tab 122.
Preferably, the adjustment or interchange of weight rods 108 within the retainer 106 can only take place when the weight device(s) 100 are resting on the platform 102. And more specifically, adjustment or interchange of weight rods 108 preferably occurs upon activation of the motor 120 or rotating disk 116, which is activated by a control, such as a software application driven by a computing device 104. In one or more examples of embodiments, to prevent the rotating tab 122 from inadvertently rotating during the use (e.g., the workout or movement of the weight device 100), one or more mating ridges 128 and grooves 130 may be provided on the weight retainer bottom 132 and screw head collar 134, respectively (see
While specific examples are described above, there are many alternative options to accomplish the securement of the weight rod(s) 108 in the retainer 106. In one example, a compression washer may be used in the attachment of the rotating tab 122 to the weight retainer 106, which creates enough friction resistance to keep it from rotating when the weight device 100 is in use. Another alternative is to add detents to the interface between the rotating tab 122 and the weight retainer 106, which would register the tab 122 into the four orientations. Alternative mechanical solutions for retaining the weight rods 108 include orienting a tab 122 in the weight device 100 such that the rotating axis is horizontal instead of vertical, and the tab 122 flips inward towards the center of the weight rod. In some examples the tab 122 could be spring-loaded in the closed position, and the platform 102 enclosure could have a vertical plunger under each tab 122 to push it open. An additional alternative option is to have the weight rods 108 retained via leaf springs, situated vertically in the weight retainer 106, pressing inward toward the center of the weight rod, and having a catch on the end to engage with the edge of the weight rod. When placed back on the platform 102, the leaf spring may be released by pressing it away from the weight and held by a “catch” within the weight retainer 106. Another option is to use magnetically attractive material (e.g., steel) for the weight rods 108 and corresponding magnets, such as electrically activated magnets, located in the weight retainer 106 to retain the weight rods 108 in the weight retainer 106. As indicated, there are a broad range of options for retaining the weight rods 108 in the retainer. The examples provided herein are non-limiting illustrations of possible variations and one of skill in the art may arrive at additional and different mechanisms for accomplishing the same result.
Accordingly, once the rotating tab 122 is set to position by the rotating disk 116, it preferably stays in place (does not rotate any further) after the weight device 100 is picked up so as to retain the weight rod 108.
There are a broad range of options for engaging the rotating tabs 122 or motors 120 to adjust or change the weight of the weight devices 100. In one example, a handheld device or other computing device 104 communicates with the electronics inside the platform 102, either wirelessly (via, for example, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), or via a hard-wired or tethered connection (see
Optionally, the weight device 100 and system may include a base stand 138, which supports the platform 102, positioning it at an elevated height for easy access. Referring to
The portable electronic device stand or support 146 is shown in a fixed position, however this also could be height-adjustable, as well as angle-adjustable. In some examples, a portable electronic device support 146 may also be provided on the base stand 138, positioning it for easy viewing and access (such as pressing buttons). In this regard, in some examples of embodiments, an integrated stand and portable electronic device support may be used to improve the user experience by positioning the weight device 100 at an easy to reach height, and the display at an easy to view angle.
In one or more examples of embodiments, wherein the weight device 100 comprises a dumbbell, the dumbbell may uniquely have a constrained small size. In this regard, the size of the dumbbell is determined by the length of the handle and the width of each weight retainer 106. As the weight retainers 106 uniquely stack or arrange the various weight rods 108 of different sizes (see Figures) to maximize the available space, the weight retainers 106 are narrow in width, yet can accommodate various weights. In comparison, traditional adjustable weight dumbbells have weights attached laterally, increasing in length with successive weights. Advantageously, the dumbbells described herein are compact for storage. Moreover, a user does not inadvertently injure him or herself by scraping a lengthy dumbbell across a leg. As is known, rods on many existing dumbbells, especially selectorized dumbbells, are so long that a user cannot hold the dumbbell naturally for exercises such as curls. The dumbbells are not ergonomic and a user cannot let the weights hang by the user's side. In comparison, the weight devices disclosed herein can rest more naturally at the user's sides at the beginning and end of each rep.
Various weight devices 100 and fitness devices are contemplated by the system described herein. Many of the figures illustrate a “dumbbell” by way of example; however, a number of weight devices or fitness devices may be substituted in place of such a device. The auto-adjustable weight system could be applied to a variety weight-based fitness products, including but not limited to, dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, weight vests, functional trainers, “Universal”-style weight stacks, and the like.
For example, a functional trainer is shown in
As indicated, there are a broad range of options for engaging the rotating tabs 122 or motors 120 for adjusting the weight of the weight devices 100. In one example, a handheld device or other computing device communicates with the electronics, e.g., the printed circuit board 123, inside the platform 102, either wirelessly (via, for example, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), or via a hard-wired or tethered connection. Unlike existing “selectorized” dumbbells, there are no knobs to turn or pins to adjust on the weight device disclosed herein. The weight adjustment may happen through an integrated software application (“app”), in combination with the mechanism discussed above. A user may use the app to select the amount of weight for each dumbbell. The app then communicates with the electronics in the platform 102 to execute the instructions and make the adjustment of weight in the weight device 100, via the mechanism described above. Alternatively, after setting up the app (entering basic data such as age, weight, fitness level and fitness goals), the user may rely on the app to decide what is the best amount of weight for each exercise.
In one or more examples of embodiments, a seamless integration of the application software driven by a portable electronic device 104, and the weight device 100/platform 102 is provided. In some examples of embodiments, the app and its various functions may be provided locally on the portable electronic device 104. However, in one particular example, the app may be optionally cloud-based or in communication with the cloud so as to deliver feedback data to a third party. For example, the app may deliver feedback data regarding use to a trainer or physical therapist. However, it is also contemplated a workout may stream to a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone or tablet or other screen, which guides the user through use of the weight devices 100 for the workout.
A flow chart showing operation of one or more examples of embodiments of the system described herein is shown in
As can be seen in
The workouts may be “filtered” or built based upon other factors, such as, but not limited to, age, gender, ability, etc., in order to customize a workout to fit the particular user. In one or more further examples of embodiments, the system may be dynamic in that it learns from its user, namely adjusting to the user's input(s) and/or previous workouts to put together a workout which achieves certain goals. Moreover, the system can also receive and respond to input from the user. The system may also collect and analyze data from all users to build a workout or for other reasons.
The app may be comprised of or provide access to and selection from a database of a matrix of different workouts. Each workout may be built from small video segments spliced together, or alternatively from instructions to be communicated via a screen or connected speaker. Each workout may also be tied to a particular weight to be assigned to the weight device (which auto-adjust to the selected weight). In certain examples, instead of streaming a single 30-minute video, several exercise segments are provided which are interchangeable with other segments and “spliced together” for the workout, creating a unique and customized workout that achieves certain predefined parameters, e.g., particular number of reps and sets at a particular weight or multiple weights, with specific rest periods, and different activities. In other words, workout bites or segments are provided. An entire workout may be built by adding and removing workout segments, in much the same way as someone could add and remove weights from a dumbbell or move the pin in a functional trainer to a different weight level. A system with workout segments which may be interchanged is more granular and allows for virtually a limitless range of workouts, which has several benefits. For example, not only can it keep the workouts fresh and varied, but because it is so granular it can allow each successive workout to have very small adjustments to the difficulty, as the user becomes more fit. Also, storing video data in small 5 second bits, and then adding them together requires much less data than a full 30 minute workout video, so the streaming of the workout is much more efficient.
The weight can be adjusted such as shown in
Alternatively, the user can override any of these components of a workout. For instance, if an arm curl exercise has a default of 20 lb, the user could manually increase the weight to 24 lb by selecting a button on the screen (see
During use of the system described herein, a variety of data may be collected and stored. Examples include, but are not limited to, the type of workout or activity, the amount of weight, the amount of reps, the amount of time, and so forth. The data can also be collected over a period of time (e.g., days, months, years). As shown in
While an app based system is described, it is also contemplated that weight selection buttons, keys, or any other selection mechanism, including but not limited to an integrated screen, may be provided on the platform 102 for the user to select a desired weight of dumbbell. Likewise, a workout program of the type described herein may be used independent of the weight device 100 and system described herein (e.g., may be used with more traditional weights or weight machines or other weight or exercise systems).
As indicated, the system and methods described herein may be implemented in or by software or a software application (for example, to build the workout program and control the selection of weight rods). To this end, the methods may be implemented in a general-purpose software package or a specific purpose software package. Likewise, the system and methods described herein could include performing data analysis manually. The system may comprise a sensor, voltage source, and other systems for analyzing data.
As described herein, in one or more examples of embodiments, the system, method, and devices described, or method embodied by software, may be implemented by a computer system or in combination with a computer system. The computer system may be or include a processor. The computers for use with the methods and various components described herein may be programmable computers which may be special purpose computers or general purpose computers that execute the system according to the relevant instructions. The computer system can be an embedded system, a personal computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, server computer, mainframe, networked computer, handheld computer, personal digital assistant, workstation, and the like. Other computer system configurations may also be acceptable including, cell phones, mobile devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable electronics, network PC's, minicomputers, and the like. Preferably, the computing system chosen includes a processor suitable in size to efficiently operate one or more of the various systems or functions.
The computer can also include a display, provision for data input and output, etc. These devices include a graphical user interface (GUI) or a communication means by which commands may be entered and content may be displayed or communicated. For example, the computer may include a user interface that allows navigation of objects. The computer may implement or include a software application that enables a user to display and interact with text, images, videos, data, and other information and content.
Furthermore, the computer or computers may be operatively or functionally connected to one or more mass storage devices, such as, but not limited to, a database. The memory storage can be volatile or non-volatile and can include removable storage media. The system may also include computer-readable media which may include any computer readable media or medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code that may be accessed by a computer. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. To this end, the computer readable medium may be any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter read by a computer system.
The systems and devices described may include physical hardware and firmware configurations, along with hardware, firmware, and software programming that is capable of carrying out the currently described operations and methods.
The system or portions thereof may also be linked to a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. To this end, the system may be configured or linked to multiple computers in a network, including, but not limited to a local area network, a wide area network, a wireless network, and the Internet. Therefore information and data may be transferred within the network or system by wireless means, by hardwire connection or combinations thereof. For example, in certain embodiments a wireless connection may allow for communication between a trainer and a client or a physical therapist and a client, so that the trainer or therapist may receive actual data of what the client did.
Aspects of the method described herein can be implemented on software running on a computer system. The system or method herein, therefore, may be operated by computer-executable instructions, such as but not limited to program modules, executable on a computer. Examples of program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, data structures and the like which perform particular tasks or implement particular instructions. The software system may also be operable for supporting the transfer of information within a network.
Accordingly, as detailed herein-above, an auto-adjustable weight device 100 is disclosed that comprises a weight retainer 106 comprising one or more receptors 110; one or more weight rods 108 sized to be received in the one or more receptors 110; and a selector mechanism configured to select one or more weight rods 108 and secure the weight rods 108 in the weight retainer 106. The selector mechanism may be composed of one or more of the rotating disks 116, rotating tabs 122, motor 120, and/or software executing instructions to drive activation and rotation.
An auto-adjustable weight system is also disclosed. The auto-adjustable weight system includes a weight device 100 having a weight retainer 106 which receives one or more weight rods 108, the weight rods 108 being selectively and removably retained within the weight retainer 106. A platform 102 receives the weight device 100 and carries one or more weight rods 108 not selected and retained within the weight retainer 106. A software application in communication with the platform 102 or weight device 100 is configured to select the number of weight rods 108 to be retained within the weight retainer 106.
A physical training system is also disclosed. The system includes a weight device 100 having a weight retainer 106 which receives one or more weight rods 108. The weight rods 108 are selectively and removably retained within the weight retainer 106. A platform 102 receives the weight device 100 and carries one or more weight rods 108 not selected and retained within the weight retainer 106. A software application is provided in communication with the platform 102 or weight device 100 and configured to drive selection of the number of weight rods 108 to be retained within the weight retainer 106. A database of selectable workout segments is also provided, wherein the application selects and executes a selectable workout segment from the database of selectable workout segments simultaneously with the selection of one or more weight rods 108 which are retained by the weight device 100.
Accordingly, a weight device, system, and method are disclosed that leverage the functionality or take advantage of the potential and versatility of the weight device during exercise or physical fitness routine and further let the user focus on exercise rather than changing weight. As disclosed, an auto-adjustable weight device is provided that is combined with a software application executed by a portable electronic device. In addition unlike existing “selectorized” dumbbells or functional trainers, there are no knobs to turn or pins to adjust on the novel weight device disclosed herein. The weight adjustment may happen through the integrated app, and mechanism discussed. Strength training of any type requires a higher degree of understanding than cardio workouts. For strength training, many if not most users don't understand which movements are helpful vs. which can lead to injury. Also, knowing how hard to push and how to arrange the different exercises is not clear to many users. In contrast, the weight system disclosed herein can figure everything out for the user: pace, difficulty, weight, length, type of workout. This can make the workout more engaging. The app also allows people to connect from home; either with an instructor at the gym, or a group of users, all connected from their homes, or with a physical trainer or physical therapist. By making the fitness experience easier to figure out, and more connected to a fitness community, the user is more likely to stay engaged. These and other features and advantages of devices, systems, and methods according to this invention may be described in, or are apparent from, the foregoing description.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that references to relative positions (e.g., “top” and “bottom”) in this description are merely used to identify various elements as are oriented in the Figures. It should be recognized that the orientation of particular components may vary greatly depending on the application in which they are used.
For the purpose of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or moveable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system, methods, and devices as shown in the various examples of embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements show as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied (e.g. by variations in the number of engagement slots or size of the engagement slots or type of engagement). The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various examples of embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present inventions.
Moreover, some portions of the detailed descriptions herein are presented in terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of operations on data bits that can be performed on computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure, computer executed step, logic block, process, etc., is here, and generally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a computer system. It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the discussions herein, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving,” “sending,” “generating,” “reading,” “invoking,” “selecting,” and the like, refer to the action and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, including an embedded system, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system.
While this invention has been described in conjunction with the examples of embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents, whether known or that are or may be presently foreseen, may become apparent to those having at least ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to embrace all known or earlier developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements and/or substantial equivalents.
The technical effects and technical problems in the specification are exemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the embodiments described in the specification may have other technical effects and can solve other technical problems.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 62/688,638, filed Jun. 22, 2018, entitled “Auto-Adjustable Dumbbell, System, and Method,” the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62688638 | Jun 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16295748 | Mar 2019 | US |
| Child | 17186785 | US |
