EXERCISE SYSTEM WITH FEEDBACK ANALYSIS AND RELATED METHODS

Abstract

A self-contained automated exercise system attaches to a monitor to allow a user to engage in a tailored exercise routine to provide feedback analysis. The exercise system includes a foldable pad having pressure sensors, adjustable dumbbells, ankle and wrist weights, resistance bands, a telescoping pull-up bar and an adjustable band worn on the user (containing blood pressure, pulse and body temperature thermo-sensors) to wirelessly communicate to a computer that determines exercise performance by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application seeks priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/187,425 entitled “Exercise System with Feedback Analysis and Related Methods of Use” filed on Jun. 16, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by referenced in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise systems, and more particularly, to an exercise system that allows a user to engage in a tailored exercise routine while receiving feedback analysis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Home exercise has become increasingly popular, especially with advances in home entertainment and gaming devices. This trend began with the advent of the VCR, which prompted the launch of numerous home exercise videos which offered aerobics, dance and other cardiovascular programs. These home exercise videos included not only a series of VCR tapes but also ancillary exercise equipment like floor pads and resistance bands.

Commercialization of DVDS and DVD players continued the popularity of home exercise. Unlike VCR tapes, DVDs allowed the user to individualize workouts to improve the variety of the exercise program. In addition, DVDs allowed the user to alter workouts by skipping through various chapters of the offered DVD home exercise program. Although the DVD and DVD player greatly advanced the art of home exercise, they still lacked the ability to provide feedback analysis to the user.

By far, the largest advance in home exercise came with commercialization of gaming devices—such as the Nintendo Wii™. Instead of a traditional VCR or DVD player, these gaming devices allow users to maneuver a consol or other peripheral to perform an exercise routine. With the Nintendo Wii™, this has included a floor pad and a hand wand to provide movement for purposes of exercise. For example, the Nintendo Wii™ allows users to mimic the game of tennis through use of a wand, or to perform yoga through interaction with a floor pad and monitor. Despite improved interactivity, current gaming devices still present many of the same drawbacks as DVD home exercise programs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, an object of the present invention is to provide an exercise system that attaches to a television or monitor to display individualized workout routines for a user to perform, along with the exercise system providing feedback analysis of the user performing the workout routines.

Individualized workout routines may be created based upon the participant's age, sex, weight, body fat index and any preexisting health condition or disability. The system is self-contained and can be easily attached to a monitor or existing gaming device allowing a user to have a customized workout in the comfort of their home.

One feature of the exercise system is the use of an exercise monitor carried by the user. The exercise monitor may be in the form of wrist/ankle weights, adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands or a pull-up bar. These items may include motion or weight sensors, and wirelessly provide feedback to a processor that analyzes performance of the user's workout. Feedback analysis may be provided to the user via the monitor. Alternatively, the feedback analysis may be provided to the user via a speaker that is separate from the monitor.

One exercise system according to the teachings of the present invention may comprise a self contained housing having both left and right side panels, along with top and bottom panels. An opening at the top panel allows for storing of a foldable pad. The four panels create a plurality of racks, wherein the first rack maintains a computer and a memory device connected to the computer capable of storing a program in the form of machine readable code.

Positioned below the first rack is a second rack to store adjustable dumbbells. The dumbbells are capable of attaching weight plates as well as communicating with the computer via an antenna. An adjustable band operable with the computer for communication therewith is also stored in the second rack, having a blood pressure monitor, pulse monitor and thermo-sensor to measure body temperature. The system may also include an interface capable of connecting the computer with a monitor to display an exercise routine, as well as alert the user as to their blood pressure, pulse and body temperature. Optionally, a DVD, Blu-Ray or compact disk player may be used to load a program to be read by the computer (and viewed by the monitor) to offer an exercise routine.

The technology is further directed to a related method, which may comprise the step of removing a foldable pad from a housing, where the housing has left and right side panels, a top and bottom panel and a door. Next, the method contemplates removing ankle weights stored in the housing and then affixing those ankle weights to the user. Upon securing the ankle weights, the method next contemplates turning a computer on, wherein the computer is stored in the housing and includes a memory device capable of storing programs in the form of machine readable code. Next, an adjustable band is placed on the user. The adjustable band is capable of measuring both blood pressure and heartbeat, and is in communication with the computer.

After placing the adjustable band on the user, the method contemplates contacting a thermo-sensor on the adjustable band onto the body of the user. Next, the user is positioned onto the foldable pad, which calculates the user's weight and body fat index via communication with the computer. The user next selects an exercise routine through the computer accessing a program stored on the memory device. Upon engaging in an exercise routine, the computer provides physiological response to the user through communicating with the foldable pad and ankle weights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the present invention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-contained exercise system, including the housing, computer, foldable pad and monitor in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front cutaway view showing the components of an adjustable dumbbell to hold multiple weight plates, including a weight holder, a circular flat ring, a motion sensor and a pressure sensor in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective, cutaway view showing the components of the ankle weight including the motion sensor, self-contained power source, antenna and vibration sensor in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective cutaway view showing the components of the wrist weight including the motion sensor, self-contained power source, antenna and vibration sensor in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance band in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the telescoping pull-up bar showing the varying grip handles, weight sensor, self-contained power source and antenna in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable band including the buckle, blood pressure monitor, pulse monitor, body temperature thermo-sensor, self-contained power source and antenna in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

A preferred embodiment of the self-contained home exercise system is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7. FIG. 1 identifies three core parts: a housing 100, a foldable pad 200 stored within the housing 100, and a monitor 300 which connects to the housing 100 to display the exercise routine and provide feedback to the user.

The housing 100 is of sufficient size and dimension to store various exercise equipment and includes a left side wall 1 and a right side wall 2. Both side walls 1 and 2 connect to a top panel 3 and bottom panel 4. It is preferable (but not necessary) for the housing 100 to include a left door 5 connected to the left side wall 1 and a right door 6 connected to the right side wall 2. The housing 100 can be manufactured from any resilient, lightweight and fire-resistant material, such as metal or plastic.

The housing 100 preferably includes an illuminated button 7 located in the front center portion of the top panel 3. The illuminated button 7 controls the automated opening of the spring action left 5 and right 6 doors. By pressing the illuminated button 7, both doors (5 and 6) mechanically swing open to reveal the internal components. The housing 100 is portable, relatively lightweight and can fit in a bedroom, home office, living room or garage. Such housing 100 can also be easily stored away in a closet.

FIG. 1 further illustrates how the housing 100 includes at least four separate racks (110, 120, 130 and 140) to store components of the system. One or more of these racks can contain recharging stations for the various exercise equipment. The first rack 110 located at or near the top portion of the housing 100 stores the electronic components. This includes a computer 8A capable of processing programs 8B comprised of machine readable code. These programs 8B are stored on a memory device 9 capable of communicating with the computer 8A. The memory device 9 can be any commercially available hard or flash drive, or similar data storage device known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Both the computer 8A and memory device 9 receive electricity from a power source 8C, which can either be a battery or external plug connected to a standard electrical socket.

A player 10 capable of reading DVD, Blu-Ray and/or compact discs can be included within the first rack 110. The computer 8A can access the player 10 to read and process discs and/or upload programs 8B onto the memory device 9. The computer 8A and/or player 10 can communicate with the user by displaying graphics on the connected monitor 300, which can be a television, to display an exercise routine as well as the user's physiological statistics. An interface 11 allows communication between the housing 100 and monitor 300 through a wire, which can be a standard video cable, HDMI cable or any connection known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

The second rack 120 within the housing 100 stores one or more adjustable dumbbells 12 capable of attaching additional weight plates 13. FIG. 2 offers a more detailed perspective of the components of an adjustable dumbbell 12. As shown in FIG. 2, each adjustable dumbbell 12 comprises a handle 14 and two weight holders 15 at each opposite end of the handle 14 to load and unload multiple weight plates 13. A pressure sensor 16 located within the handle 14 determines if a user is gripping the handle 14, as well as the amount of force exerted when squeezing the adjustable dumbbell 12 during exercise. Each adjustable dumbbell 12 further comprises a motion sensor 17 (which can be an accelerometer, a gyro-sensor or any known sensor known to those of ordinary skill in the art) to determine how a device is being operated and moved by the user during exercise.

In addition, the adjustable dumbbell 12 further comprises a self-contained rechargeable power source 18, which can be (but is not necessarily) a battery. Such adjustable dumbbell 12 is capable of communicating wirelessly with the computer 8A located in the housing 100, through an antenna 19 located within the handle 14. This wireless communication can be accomplished through use of RF ID technology, radio transmission, Bluetooth or any other wireless communication means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Each adjustable dumbbell 12 weighs approximately a pound (without the addition of plates), is essentially 5 inches in length and measures about 1 inch in diameter.

FIG. 2 also provides a detailed view as to how weight plates 13 are affixed to each opposite end of an adjustable dumbbell 12 at each weight holder 15. First, the shape and dimension of the weight holder 15 functions to help secure the weight plates 13. Specifically, a circular flat ring 20 is placed between the weight holder 15 and handle 14 to hold the weight plate(s) 13 in place. Second, each weight holder 15 includes a high strength magnet 21. Each weight plate 15 can include a corresponding high strength magnet 21.

Once a weight plate 13 is placed onto a weight holder 15, the high strength magnet 21 helps ensure each weight plate 13 will not become dislodged from the adjustable dumbbell 12 during exercise. Third, a removable pin 22 can be placed at the varying holes 23 on the weight holder 15. This helps sandwich the weight plates 13 between the circular flat ring 20 and the removable pin 22.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a third rack 130 which maintains a set of ankle weights 24 and wrist weights 25 within the housing 100. As suggested by their names, these weights (24 and 25) are placed upon the ankles and wrists of the user to track movement during an exercise routine. FIGS. 3 and 4 provide a perspective view of the individual components of the ankle weights 24 and wrist weights 25.

Now turning to FIG. 3, each ankle weight 24 is essentially round, adjustable and can fit comfortably around the user's ankle. Each ankle weight 24 includes a motion sensor 26 (which can be an accelerometer, a gyro-sensor or any similar device known to one of ordinary skill in the art), a self-contained rechargeable power source 27 (which can be a battery), and an antenna 28 capable of wirelessly communicating (via radio, RF IR technology, Bluetooth or other commercially available signal) with the computer 8A.

Through use of a motion sensor 26, the ankle weight 24 reports to the computer 8A the user's leg movements. Moreover, the computer 8A can send a wireless signal to the antenna 28 to report to the user that he or she is not conducting the correct leg movements during an exercise routine. Such is typically reported through the antenna 28 sending a signal to a vibration device 29 within the ankle weight 24. Moreover, if a gyro-sensor is used as the motion sensor 26, the ankle weight 24 can help direct the user as to the correct leg movement.

FIG. 4 illustrates the components of the wrist weight 25. Akin to the ankle weight 24, the wrist weight 25 comprises a motion sensor 30 (which can be an accelerometer, a gyro-sensor or any similar device known to one of ordinary skill in the art), a self-contained rechargeable power source 31 (which can be a battery), and an antenna 32 capable of wirelessly communicating (via radio, RF IR technology, Bluetooth or other commercially available signal) with the computer 8A. Through communicating with the computer 8A, the wrist weight 25 can receive a warning that the user is not complying with the exercise routine. Accordingly, a vibration device 33 within the wrist weight 25 can alert the user that his or her movement is incorrect. In addition, the monitor 300 (or alternative a speaker) can send encouragement to the user, akin to a virtual personal trainer. Included on the exterior 34 of the wrist weight 25 is a female notch 35 capable of receiving a male attachment 36 (discussed in greater detail in FIG. 5 discussed below).

FIG. 5 illustrates one use of resistance bands 37 as part of the exercise routine. Resistance bands 37 of varying length and thickness can be stored within the fourth rack 140 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 illustrates how each resistance band has a male attachment 36 of sufficient size and shape to connect with each wrist weight 25. By attaching both wrist weights 25 to each end of a resistance band 37, the user can strength train. Moreover, the computer 8A can relay information to the user through the monitor 300 and vibration device 33 within the wrist weight 25 during exercise.

In addition to use of adjustable dumbbells 12, resistance bands 37, and ankle weights 24 for strength training, the system can also include a pull-up bar 38 illustrated in FIG. 6. The pull-up bar 38 is of sufficient size and dimension to fit into the door frame 39 of an interior door 40. Moreover, the pull-up bar 38 is preferably telescoping 41 to adjust to the unique width of the interior door. As further shown in FIG. 6, the pull-up bar 38 has handles 42 sufficient to alternate the user's hand grip on the pull-up bar 38 during an exercise routine.

In addition, the pull-up bar 38 should contain a sensor 43 capable of predicting the user's repetition of performing each pull-up, a self-contained rechargeable power source 44 (which again can be a battery) and an antenna 45 to relay data to the computer 8A (which can be through radio, RF IR technology or other wireless transmission technology known to one of ordinary skill in the art). Accordingly, the computer 8A can calculate the number of pull-ups the user has performed as part of the exercise routine and display this information on the monitor 300.

Returning to FIG. 1, the system also includes a foldable pad 200 capable of measuring weight through use of various interconnected pressure sensors 46 placed throughout its surface in communication with one another. Through communication of these equally spaced pressure sensors 46, the foldable pad 200 is capable of tracking shifts in the user's weight during exercise. Moreover, the foldable pad 200 connects with the housing 100 to communicate wirelessly or through a wired connection 47 to the computer 8A. The foldable pad 200 can be stored in the housing 100 through a slit 48 located in the top panel 3. However, such foldable pad 200 can be stored separate from the housing 100, or in a slit 48 located on any surface of the housing 100.

Apart from the racks (110, 120, 130 and 140) within the housing 100, the system also includes various monitors and sensors to measure exercise performance and physiology of the user before, during and after a workout routine. The principal component is an adjustable band 49 preferably worn on the arm, forearm, ankle or thigh. Illustrated in FIG. 7, the adjustable band 49 has a left end 50 and a right end 51. The left end 50 can attach to the right end 51 through a fastener 52 sufficient to secure the adjustable band 49 around the user. The fastener 52 can be a buckle, Velcro or any other connecting means known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

As further shown in FIG. 7, the adjustable band 49 has a blood pressure sensor 53 capable of measuring the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the user during exercise. In addition, the adjustable band 49 has a pulse monitor 54 capable of assessing heartbeat. A thermo-sensor 55 is also included in the adjustable band 49 to measure the user's body temperature. An antenna 56 is connected to the blood pressure sensor 53, the pulse monitor 54 and the thermo-sensor 55 to allow wireless communication with the computer 8B. A self contained rechargeable power source 57 provides electricity to these various monitors, sensors (53, 54 and 55) and the antenna 56. Again, such power source 57 and be recharged through recharging stations located within one or more racks of the housing 100.

In addition to the aforementioned system, the invention also relates to a method of home exercise. The preferred method includes the step of first removing a foldable pad 46 from a housing 100 having a left side 1 and a right side 2, as well as a top panel 3 and a bottom panel 4 connected to both side panels 1 and 2. Second, the user turns a computer 8A on to process a program 8B stored in a memory device 9 accessible by the computer 8A. The computer 8A and memory device 9 are preferably maintained in the first rack 110 of the housing 100.

Next, the user affixes ankle weights 24 and/or wrist weights 25 to the user's ankles and wrists. Each ankle weight 24 (as shown in FIG. 3) has a motion sensor 26 a self-contained rechargeable power source 27, an antenna 28 capable of communicating with the computer 8A, and a vibration device 29 capable of alerting the user of improper form or movement during an exercise routine. Fourth, the user place's an adjustable band 49 (shown in FIG. 7) around their arm or leg. The adjustable band measures the user's blood pressure 53, pulse 54 and body temperature 55 before, during and after the exercise routine.

The user then positions himself or herself onto the foldable pad 200 which is connected to the computer 8A via a wired connection 47. A plurality of interconnected pressure sensors 46 calculate the user's weight and transmit this data to the computer 8A to determine the user's body fat index (through pre-programmed parameters like the user's age, height, sex and ethnicity). Now that the computer 8A is aware of the user's weight, body fat index, body temperature, blood pressure and pulse, the computer 8A helps select an exercise routine (which is stored on the memory device 9), including difficulty level. This can include parameters like the last time the user logged onto the computer 8A, and the user's typical exertion level.

Throughout the exercise routine, the computer 8A communicates with the monitor 300 (and/or speaker) to display information to the user. This includes (but is not limited to) the user's body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. The monitor 300 (which can be a television) will instruct the user to select various exercise equipment from the various racks (120, 130 and/or 140) from the housing 100. Thus, the monitor 300 also acts as a virtual personal trainer by instructing the user as to the number of repetitions to be performed during the exercise routine. Exercise equipment in which this virtual personal trainer shall instruct the user to use includes adjustable dumbbells 12 (shown in FIG. 2), resistance bands 37 (shown in FIG. 5), and a pull-up bar 38 (shown in FIG. 6).

Should the monitor 300 instruct the user to select the adjustable dumbbells 12, for example, a motion sensor 17 alerts the computer 8A whether the user is complying as to the number of repetitions called for by the exercise routine. It preferable that the recharging station within the housing 100 alert the computer 8A that a specific piece of equipment has been dislodged to notify compliance by the user of the virtual personal trainer's commands.

If the monitor 300 instructs the user to install the pull-up bar 38 onto an interior door frame 39, a weight sensor 43 will measure the number of repetitions performed and relay this information via antenna 45 back to the computer 8A. Should the user fail to perform the necessary repetitions on the pull-up bar 38 or the adjustable dumbbell 12, the monitor 300 motivates the user through pre-programmed audible statements. In addition, the computer 8A and program 8B can decide to alter the exercise routine to perform a less intensive program.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the illustrated embodiment.

Claims

1. An exercise system, comprising:

a self-contained housing, said housing having left and right side panels and top and bottom panels connected to the left and right side panels, said housing also containing an opening at the top panel for storing a foldable pad;

a first rack contained within the housing, said first rack having a computer and a memory device connected to the computer capable of storing a program in the form of machine readable code;

a second rack contained within the housing, said second rack capable of storing one or more adjustable dumbbells, said adjustable dumbbells capable of attaching weight plates as well as communicating with the computer via an antenna;

an adjustable band operable with the computer for communicating therewith, said adjustable band containing a blood pressure monitor and a pulse monitor;

a thermo-sensor attached to the adjustable band capable of measuring body temperature; and

an interface capable of connecting said computer with a monitor to display an exercise routine, as well as alert the user as to their blood pressure, pulse and body temperature.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a player capable of accepting and reading a DVD, Blu-Ray or compact disk to load a program to be read by the computer.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable dumbbells also contain motion sensors to alert the computer of the user's movement of the dumbbells during an exercise routine.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

a third rack contained within the housing, said third rack capable of storing ankle weights, said ankle weights are capable of communicating via antenna with the computer and contain motion sensors to alert the computer of the user's leg movements.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the third rack also contains wrist weights, said wrist weights are capable of communicating with the computer and contain motion sensors to alert the computer of the user's arm movements.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the foldable pad capable of communicating with the computer and having pressure sensors capable of tracking movement, measuring body weight, and determining a shift in body weight.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer is capable of interfacing with a gaming system.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable dumbbell includes a means for adding and removing weight plates.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable dumbbell includes a vibration sensor which provides vibrational response if the user does not comply with instructions provided in the exercise routine or uses bad form.

10. A method for providing exercise for a user, the method comprising the steps of:

removing a foldable pad from a housing; said housing having one or more doors, left and right side panels, and top and bottom panels connected to the left and right side panels;

removing ankle weights stored within the housing;

affixing the ankle weights to the user;

turning a computer on, said computer stored in the housing and connected to a memory device capable of storing programs in the form of machine readable code;

placing an adjustable band on the user; said adjustable band capable of measuring blood pressure and heartbeat, said adjustable band communicating with the computer;

contacting a thermo-sensor connected to the adjustable band onto the body of the user;

positioning the user on the foldable pad;

calculating the user's weight and body fat index through the foldable pad communicating with the computer;

selecting an exercise routine through the computer accessing a program stored on the memory device; the user engaging in the exercise routine; and

providing physiological response to the user through the computer communicating with the foldable pad and ankle weights.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

removing one or more adjustable dumbbells from the housing; changing the actual weight of each adjustable dumbbell by adding or removing individual plates;

moving the adjustable dumbbell in accordance with an exercise routine; and communicating with movement of the adjustable dumbbell to the computer.

12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:

affixing wrist weights to the user; and

communicating each wrist weight with the computer.

13. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

loading a DVD, Blue-Ray or Compact Disk within a player; and

accessing an exercise routine from the DVD, Blue-Ray or Compact Disk.

14. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the step of:

determining the user's heartbeat, body temperature and total calories burned during an exercise routine.

15. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of:

displaying the exercise routine on a monitor; and

reporting the user's heartbeat, body temperature and total calories burned on the monitor during an exercise routine.