EXERCISE APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

Abstract

An exercise system enabling a user to safely, consistently, and restorably move from a first position to a second, desired position, and back to the first position. The exercise system may enable a user to engage their abdominal, latissimus, gluteal, biceps, triceps, spinal, pectoral, and other muscles. The exercise system may include arms arcuately extending from a central base, the arms including multiple restoration/tension bands coupled to the arms and central base at different locations to provide both resistance of arcuate movement away from the base (user moving from a first position) and arcuate restoration forces back towards the base during the completion of an exercise movement or set (user moving back to the first position after reaching a desired second position).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments described herein relate to individual exercise apparatus and systems.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

It may be desirable to enable a user to safely and consistently perform various exercises. The present invention provides a system to enable a user to safely and consistently perform various exercises.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram of an isometric view of an exercise system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged diagram of area AA of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1C is a diagram of another isometric view of an exercise system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1D is a diagram of a top view of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1E is diagram of a left side view of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1F is a diagram of a bottom view of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1G is an enlarged diagram of area BB of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1H is an enlarged diagram of area CC of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1I is a diagram of a top view of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A with arms fully extended according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1J is a diagram of a top view of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A with arms partially extended according to various embodiments.

FIG. 1K is an enlarged diagram of an exposed area DD of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1J according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a diagram of a side view of an adjustment system for a resistance/restoration system of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a diagram of a top view of the adjustment system for a resistance/restoration system shown in FIG. 2A set at a first resistance/restoration level according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2C is a diagram of a top view of the adjustment system for a resistance/restoration system shown in FIG. 2A set at a second resistance/restoration level according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a communications architecture that may include one or more activity monitors of an exercise system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of an article according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a block diagram of an article according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A is a diagram of an isometric view of an exercise system 100 according to various embodiments. FIG. 1C is a diagram of another isometric view of the exercise system 100 according to various embodiments. In an embodiment, the exercise system 100 may be an exercise system that enables a user to safely, consistently, and restorably move from a first, starting position to a desired second position and back to the first position. In an embodiment, the exercise system 100 may be employed by a User to safely, consistently, and restorably perform various exercises from various starting, first positions to various other desired, second positions. The starting, first position may include an upright, kneeling position or seated position. The other desired, second position may include a prone position with arms extended outwardly from a User's torso and a position with a User's legs extended.

The exercise system 100 may provide resistance to a user's initial movement from a starting, first position of an exercise. The exercise system 100 may provide also assistance (restoration force) to a user's movement back to the starting, first position from a desired, second position, enabling controlled User movement throughout an exercise. An exercise movement from a starting, first position to a second, desired position, and back to the first position may be termed a set in an embodiment. The exercise system 100 may enable a user to exercise their abdominal, latissimus, gluteal, biceps, triceps, spinal, quadriceps, pectoral, and other muscles.

As shown in FIG. 1A, the exercise system 100 may include a central frame 10, a first, right arcuate shaped arm 20A, a second, left arcuate shaped arm 20B, a body part pad 30, a first resistance/restoration system 40, a second resistance/restoration system 50, and an electronic activity monitor 60. In an embodiment, the central frame 10 may be adjustably coupled to the body part pad 30. The two arcuate arms 20A, 20B may be rotatably coupled to the frame 10. The two arcuate arms 20A, 20B may be geared with each other to rotatably move about the frame synchronously. The first resistance/restoration system 40 may be pivotably coupled to each arm 20A, 20B at first location and to the frame 10. The second resistance/restoration system 50 may be pivotably coupled to each arm 20A, 20B at a second, different location and to the frame 10. The electronic activity monitor 60 may be coupled to the frame and include one or more sensors for detecting movement of an arcuate arm 20A, 20B.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the right arcuate arm 20A may include two gripping/engagement sections 24A, 24C, where section 24A is near the arm's 20A distal end and the section 24C is near the arm's proximal end (near where the arm 20A is rotatably coupled the frame 10 at the frame's distal end 12). Similarly, the left arcuate arm 20B may include two gripping/engagement sections 24B, 24D, where section 24B is near the arm's 20B distal end and the section 24D is near the arm's proximal end (near where the arm 20B is rotatably coupled the frame 10 at the frame's distal end 12). Each gripping/engagement section 24A-D may include a restorably compressible material including an elastomer, rubber compound, or other material. As also shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, each arm's 20A, 20B distal end may include a wheel extension 23A, 23B rotatably coupled to a wheel 22A, 22B, respectively. As also shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, each wheel 22A, 22B may be mounted to rotate traverse to the respective arms 20A, 20B longitudinal axis near the distal gripping/engagement sections 24A, 24B.

The frame 10 may also include a wheel 15 mounted at its distal end. The wheel 15 may be mounted to rotate parallel to the frame 10 longitudinal axis from its distal end 12 to proximal end 14A. The body part pad 30 may include a frame extension 34A extending traverse to the frame 10. The frame extension 34A may include a left wheel extension 33B and a right wheel extension 33A. A left wheel 32B may be rotatably coupled to the left wheel extension 33B and rotate parallel to the frame's 10 long axis. A right wheel 32A may be rotatably coupled to the right wheel extension 33A and rotate parallel to the frame's 10 long axis.

In an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the first resistance/restoration system 40 may include a right elastic element 42A and a left elastic element 42B where both elements may be elastic cables. A first end of the right elastic cable 42A may be rotatably coupled to the right arm 20A via rotatable connection element 44A located between the first gripping/engagement section 24A and second gripping/engagement section 24C or about the midpoint of the arm (from ends). A second end of the right elastic cable 42A may be coupled to the frame 10 via a coupling mechanism 48A and a right cable pulley 46A. The right cable pulley 46A may be rotatably coupled to frame 10 near the frame proximal end 14A. Similarly, a first end of the left elastic cable 42B may be rotatably coupled to the left arm 20B via rotatable connection element 44B located between the first gripping/engagement section 24B and the second gripping/engagement section 24D or about the arm's midpoint. A second end of the left elastic cable 42B may be coupled to the frame 10 via the coupling mechanism 48A and a left cable pulley 46B. The left cable pulley 46B may be rotatably coupled to frame 10 near the frame proximal end 14A.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the second resistance/restoration system 50 may include a single elastic element or cable 52. A first end of the elastic cable 52 may be rotatably coupled to the right arm 20A via a rotatable connection element 54A between the frame end 12 and the second gripping/engagement section 24C. A second end of the elastic cable 52 may be rotatably coupled to the left arm 20B via a rotatable connection element 54B between the frame 10 distal end 12 and the left arm's 20B second gripping/engagement section 24D. The elastic cable 52 may be rotatably or slidably coupled to the frame 10 via a cable pulley 56. The second resistance/restoration system's 50 cable pulley 56 may be rotatably coupled to frame 10 near the frame distal end 12, but below the point where the connection elements 54A, 54B couple to the arms 20A, 20B relative to the frame 10.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged diagram of area AA of the exercise system shown in FIG. 1A showing the electronic activity monitor 60 according to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1B, the electronic activity monitor 60 may include a user perceptible device 62A and a user input 62B. In an embodiment, the user perceptible device 62A may include a visual display or audio generation device including a speaker. The user input 62B may include a multiple function button or be part of the user perceptible device 62A, such a digitizer on a touchscreen. In an embodiment, the electronic activity monitor 60 may include one or more electronic sensors 64A, 64B electrically coupled to the electronic activity monitor 60 via one or more wires. In this embodiment, the right arm 20A may include a magnet 28 located near the arm distal end where the arm 20A is rotatably coupled to the frame 10 distal end 12.

The sensor 64A and the magnet 28 may be configured to detect when the right arm 20A is fully or substantially fully extended from the frame 10. The sensor 64B and the magnet 28 may be configured to detect when the right arm 20A is fully or substantially fully retracted, collapsed or adjacent the frame 10. The electronic activity monitor 60 may use the sensor 64A, the sensor 64B, or a combination of the sensors 64A, 64B to detect when a user has completed a set. The electronic activity monitor 60 may count and report the number of sets completed by a User in addition to providing other statistics including activity time, average set time, arm movement speed, and other measurable exercise attributes. In an embodiment, the electronic activity monitor 60 may be able to communicate User exercise data with other electronic activity monitors 60, a User device 204, and other devices or servers 202 via a local network or network of networks 206 via various direct communication protocols (including wired or wireless communication protocols). An electronic activity monitor 60 may include a wired or wireless interface 160A-C that may enable electronic communication with other devices 60B, 60C, 202, and 204.

It is noted that other electronic sensors/devices 64A, 64B may be employed including a combination light emitting diode (LED)/light detecting diode (LDD). In such an embodiment, the right arm 20A element 28 may be a light reflector so the LED generated light is detected by the LDD when the element 28 is located at a predetermined position relative the sensors 64A, 64B to enable determining when the right arm 20A is fully or substantially fully extended or fully or substantially fully retracted.

FIG. 1D is a diagram of a top view and FIG. 1E is diagram of a left side view of the exercise system 100 according to various embodiments. FIG. 1F is a diagram of a bottom view of the exercise system 100 according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1D-1F, a protective cover element 11 may rest over a top portion of the central frame 11 in an embodiment. As also shown in FIGS. 1D-1F, the frame proximal end 14A may be a follow tube. The body part pad 30 may include a frame 34A traversely coupled to a tube 14B. The tube 14B may be configure to slide within the frame 10 proximal end 14A tube. The tube 14B may include one or more contact holes 14D for securable mating with an extension locking mechanism 14C. The combination of the tubes 14A, 14B and locking mechanism 14C may enable to a User to set the distance between the body part pad 30 and frame 10 distal end 12 to ensure a desired body extension when the arms 20A, 20B are fully or substantially fully extended. As shown in FIG. 1F, the body part pad 30 may include second extension 34B coupling the tube 14B to the body part pad 30.

FIG. 1G is an enlarged diagram of area BB, primarily the first resistance/restoration system 40 of the exercise system 100 according to various embodiments. As shown in more detail in FIG. 1G, the first resistance/restoration system 40 may include a right elastic element/cable 42A and a left elastic element/cable 42B where each cable 42A, 42B is coupled to an arm 20A, 20B and the coupling mechanism 48A via a pulley 46A, 46B. In particular, a first end of each elastic cable 42A, 42B may be rotatably coupled to an arm 20A, 20B via a rotatable connection element 44A, 44B located between the first gripping/engagement section 24A, 24B and the second gripping/engagement section 24C, 24D or about each arm's midpoint. Each connection element 44A, 44B may include a ring and connection element where each elastic cable's 42A, 42B first end may be coupled to the ring and the connection element may rotatably couple the ring to the respective arm 20A, 20B.

As also shown in FIG. 1G, the second end of each elastic cable 42A, 42B may be coupled to the frame 10 via a frame-cable coupling mechanism 48A and a cable pulley 46A, 46B. Each cable pulley 46A may be rotatably coupled to frame 10 near the frame proximal end 14A. The pulleys 46A, 46B may be protected by a pulley set cover 47. In an embodiment, the frame-cable coupling mechanism 48A may be releasably coupled to the frame 10 via several slots 48B along the frame 10 (additional slots shown in FIGS. 1H and 1F). A User may move the frame-cable coupling mechanism 48A to different slots 48B to modify each cable's 42A, 42B length/tension, increasing tension/length by selecting a more distal slot (toward end 12) or reducing tension/length by selecting a more proximal slot (toward proximal end 14A).

FIG. 1H is an enlarged diagram of area CC, primarily the second resistance/restoration system 50 of the exercise system 100 according to various embodiments. As shown in more detail in FIG. 1H, the second resistance/restoration system 50 may include a single elastic element/cable 52 coupled to arms 20A, 20B via a single pulley 56. In particular, a first end of the elastic cable 52 may be rotatably coupled to the right arm 20A via a rotatable connection element 54A located between the right arm 20A distal end and its second gripping/engagement section 24C. The second end of the elastic cable 52 may be rotatably coupled to left arm 20B via a rotatable connection element 54B located between the left arm 20B distal end and its second gripping/engagement section 24D. Each connection element 54A, 54B may include a ring and connection element where the elastic cable's 52 ends may be coupled to a ring and the ring is rotatably coupled to the respective arm 20A, 20B via a connection element.

FIG. 1I is a diagram of a top view of the exercise system 100 with arms 20A, 20B fully extended according to various embodiments. FIG. 1J is a diagram of a top view of the exercise system 100 with arms 20A, 20B partially extended according to various embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 1I and 1J, the second resistance/restoration system 50 elastic cable 52 may become initially more extended relative to its overall length as the arms 20A, 20B are moved outwardly from the frame 10 compared to the first resistance/restoration system's 40 elastic cables 42A, 42B. As the arms 20A, 20B move further from the frame, the second resistance/restoration system 50 elastic cable 52 may become fully extended while the first resistance/restoration system's 40 elastic cables 42A, 42B continue to extend until the arms 20A, 20B are fully extended as shown in FIG. 1J. In an embodiment, the second resistance/restoration system 50 elastic cable 52 may provide additional resistance/restoration forces at the onset of the arms 20A, 20B movement from the frame 10 and ending position by the frame 10, helping stabilize the User as they move from a starting, first position to a desired, second position, and back to the starting, first position.

FIG. 1K is an enlarged diagram of an exposed area DD of the exercise system 100 shown in FIG. 1J according to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 1K, the distal ends of the arms 20A, 20B may include gears 26A, 26B with interlocking mesh teeth 27. The gears 26A, 26B may be rotatably coupled to the frame 10 distal end 12. The arm 20A, 20B configuration may enable synchronized movement of the arms 20A, 20B as they are extended from or retracted toward to the frame 10. Such a configuration may ensure a User extends and retracts the arms 20A, 20B uniformly during an exercise movement.

As noted above in an embodiment, the first resistance/restoration system 40 cables 42A, 42B tension may be adjusted via the coupling mechanism 48A and frame slots 48B. In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the first resistance/restoration system 40 cables 42A, 42B tension/length may be more granularly selected via an internal (to the frame 10) adjustment system 140. FIG. 2A is a diagram of a side view of an internal cable tension adjustment system 140 for the resistance/restoration system 40 of the exercise system 100 according to various embodiments. FIG. 2B is a diagram of a top view of the internal cable tension adjustment system 140 for the resistance/restoration system 40 of the exercise system 100 set at a first tension level or length according to various embodiments. FIG. 2C is a diagram of a top view of the internal cable tension adjustment system for the resistance/restoration system 40 of the exercise system 100 set at a second tension level or length according to various embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, the internal adjustment system 140 may include a cable connection mechanism 148A, locking knob 148B, right cable pulley 146A, left cable pulley 146B, and elongated slot 112 in frame 10. In the internal cable tension adjustment system 140, the elastic cables 142A, 142B second ends may be threaded around their respective pulleys 146A, 146B and be securely coupled to the cable connection mechanism 148A. The cable connection mechanism 148A may be sized to slide within the frame 10, where the frame 10 is hollow. The cable connection mechanism 148A may be coupled to the locking knob 148B via the elongated slot 112. The internal cable tension adjustment system 140 may enable a wide range of cable 142A, 142B tension levels or length selections. In an embodiment, a plurality of LEDs 66A and LDD 67A may be placed along the internal side walls of the frame 10 and electrically coupled to the activity monitor 60. When the cable connection mechanism 148A is located between a LED/LDD set 66A, 67A or 66B, 67B, the activity monitor 60 may detect, display, and record the selected tension level.

FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a communications architecture 200 that may include one or more activity monitors 60A-60C of exercise systems 100 according to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, architecture 200 may include a network 206, a plurality of activity monitors 60A-60C, a User device 204, and a server 202. As also shown in FIG. 3, each activity monitor 60A-60C and a User device 204 may include a communications interface 160A-160C or 205. The communications interface 160A-160C or 205 may enable the corresponding activity monitor 60A-60C or a User device 204 to communicate with another activity monitor 60A-60C, the User device 204, or server 202 using various wired or wireless communication protocols. An activity monitor 60A-60C may be able to communicate data directly with another activity monitor 60A-60C using various wired or wireless communication protocols. Similarly, an activity monitor 60A-60C may be able to communicate data directly with a User device 204 using various wired or wireless communication protocols. The communicated data may include exercise analytics in real time or recorded. The User device 204 may be a mobile device including a tablet or cellular device, personal computer, television, or other communication capable device.

Activity monitors 60A-60C, the User device 204, or the server 202 may communicate in architecture 200 using one or more known digital communication formats including a cellular protocol such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), cellular digital packet data (CDPD), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), satellite format (COMSAT) format, and local protocol such as wireless local area network (commonly called “WiFi”), Near Field Communication (NFC), radio frequency identifier (RFID), ZigBee (IEEE 802.15 standard) and Bluetooth.

As known to one skilled on the art the Bluetooth protocol includes several versions including v1.0, v1.0B, v1.1, v1.2, v2.0+EDR, v2.1+EDR, v3.0+HS, and v4.0. The Bluetooth protocol is an efficient packet-based protocol that may employ frequency-hopping spread spectrum radio communication signals with up to 79 bands, each band 1 MHz in width, the respective 79 bands operating in the frequency range 2402-2480 MHz. Non-EDR (extended data rate) Bluetooth protocols may employ a Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK) modulation. EDR Bluetooth may employ a differential quadrature phase-shift keying (DQPSK) modulation.

The WiFi protocol may conform to an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 protocol. The IEEE 802.11 protocols may employ a single-carrier direct-sequence spread spectrum radio technology and a multi-carrier orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) protocol. In an embodiment, Devices 30A-I and systems 20A-D and 50 may communicate in architecture 10A-C via a WiFi protocol.

The cellular formats CDMA, TDMA, GSM, CDPD, and WiMax are well known to one skilled in the art. It is noted that the WiMax protocol may be used for local communication between the one or more Activity monitors 60A-60C, the User device 204, or the server 202 in architecture 206. The WiMax protocol is part of an evolving family of standards being developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) to define parameters of a point-to-multipoint wireless, packet-switched communications systems. In particular, the 802.16 family of standards (e.g., the IEEE std. 802.16-2004 (published Sep. 18, 2004)) may provide for fixed, portable, and/or mobile broadband wireless access networks. Additional information regarding the IEEE 802.16 standard may be found in IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Part 16: Air Interface for Fixed Broadband Wireless Access Systems (published Oct. 1, 2004).

See also IEEE 802.16E-2005, IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks—Part 16: Air Interface for Fixed and Mobile Broadband Wireless Access Systems—Amendment for Physical and Medium Access Control Layers for Combined Fixed and Mobile Operation in Licensed Bands (published Feb. 28, 2006). Further, the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) Forum facilitates the deployment of broadband wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.16 standards. For convenience, the terms “802.16” and “WiMAX” may be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure to refer to the IEEE 802.16 suite of air interface standards. The ZigBee protocol may conform to the IEEE 802.15 network and two or more wireless power converters 30G may form a mesh network.

FIG. 4A illustrates a block diagram of a device 230 that may be employed at least in part in a User device 204 or server 202 in various embodiments. The device 230 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 232, a random access memory (RAM) 234, a read only memory (ROM) 237, a local wireless/GPS modem/transceiver 244, a display 247, a camera 256, a speaker 245, a rechargeable electrical storage element 256, and an antenna 246. The CPU 232 may include an activity module 254. The RAM 234 may include a queue or table 248 where the queue 248 may be used to store activity data. The RAM 234 may also include program, algorithm, and activity data and activity control instructions. The rechargeable electrical storage element may be a battery or capacitor in an embodiment.

The modem/transceiver 244 or CPU 232 may couple, in a well-known manner, the device 230 in architecture 200 to enable communication with an activity monitors 60A-60C, User device 204, or server 202. The modem/transceiver 244 may also be able to receive global positioning signals (GPS) and the CPU 232 may be able to convert the GPS signals to location data that may be stored in the RAM 234. The ROM 237 may store program instructions to be executed by the CPU 232 or control interface 254.

FIG. 4B illustrates a block diagram of a device 260 that may be employed at least in part in an activity monitor 60A-60C in various embodiments. The device 260 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 262, a random access memory (RAM) 264, a read only memory (ROM) 266, a display 268, a user input device 272, a transceiver application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 274, a microphone 288, a speaker 282, storage 276, electrical energy storage unit 286, and an antenna 284. The CPU 262 may include a session module 292. The RAM 264 may include a queue 278 where the queue 278 may store session/notification data.

The ROM 266 is coupled to the CPU 262 and may store the program instructions to be executed by the CPU 262 and an activity module 292. The ROM 266 may include applications and instructions for the activity module 292. The RAM 264 may be coupled to the CPU 262 and may store temporary program data, overhead information, and the queues 278. The user input device 272 may comprise an input device such as a keypad, touch pad screen, track ball or other similar input device that allows the user to navigate through menus in order to operate the device 260. The display 268 may be an output device such as a CRT, LCD or other similar screen display that enables the user to read, view, or hear multimedia content.

The microphone 288 and speaker 282 may be incorporated into the device 260. The microphone 288 and speaker 282 may also be separated from the device 260. Received data may be transmitted to the CPU 262 via a serial bus 275 where the data may include messages, digital media content, or session information. The transceiver ASIC 274 may include an instruction set necessary to communicate in architecture 200. The ASIC 274 may be coupled to the antenna 284 to communicate session events and content. When a message is received by the transceiver ASIC 274, its corresponding data may be transferred to the CPU 262 via the serial bus 275. The data can include wireless protocol, overhead information, session data, and content to be processed by the device 260 in accordance with the methods described herein.

The rechargeable electrical storage element 286 may be a battery or capacitor in an embodiment. The storage 276 may be any digital storage medium and may be coupled to the CPU 262 and may store temporary program data, overhead information, session events, and content. Any of the components previously described can be implemented in a number of ways, including embodiments in software. Thus, the devices 230, 260 elements including the RAM 234, ROM 237, CPU 232, transceiver 244, storage 276, CPU 262, RAM 264, ROM 266, and transceiver ASIC 274, may all be characterized as “modules” herein. The sensors 64A, 64B, 66A, 66B, 67A, and 67B may be coupled to the CPU 262 via the serial bus 275 or other electrical connector.

The modules may include hardware circuitry, single or multi-processor circuits, memory circuits, software program modules and objects, firmware, and combinations thereof, as desired by the architect of the architecture 200 and as appropriate for particular implementations of various embodiments. They are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein.

It may be possible to execute the activities described herein in an order other than the order described. Various activities described with respect to the methods identified herein can be executed in repetitive, serial, or parallel fashion.

A software program may be launched from a computer-readable medium in a computer-based system to execute functions defined in the software program. Various programming languages may be employed to create software programs designed to implement and perform the methods disclosed herein. The programs may be structured in an object-orientated format using an object-oriented language such as Java or C++. Alternatively, the programs may be structured in a procedure-orientated format using a procedural language, such as assembly or C. The software components may communicate using a number of mechanisms well known to those skilled in the art, such as application program interfaces or inter-process communication techniques, including remote procedure calls. The teachings of various embodiments are not limited to any particular programming language or environment.

The accompanying drawings that form a part hereof show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. The embodiments illustrated are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This Detailed Description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is in fact disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted to require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may be found in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.

Claims

1. An exercise system enabling a user to restorably and consistently move from a first position to a second position, and back to the first position, the system including:

an elongated frame including a length extending between its distal end and proximal end and a right side and a left side along its length;

a first arm including a distal end and a proximal end along its length, the first arm proximal end rotatably coupled to the right side of the frame near its distal end;

a second arm including a distal end and a proximal end along its length, the second arm proximal end rotatably coupled to the right side of the frame near its distal end;

a body part pad coupled to proximal end of the elongated frame; and

a first restoration and resistance system, the system including a first elastic cable and a second elastic cable, the first elastic cable's first end pivotably coupled to the first arm about the midpoint of the first arm's axis and first elastic cable's second end coupled to the frame and the second elastic cable's first end pivotably coupled to the second arm about the midpoint of the second arm's axis and the second elastic cable's second end coupled to the frame; and

a second restoration and resistance system including an elastic cable, the elastic cable's first end pivotably coupled to the first arm near the first arm distal end and the elastic cables's second end pivotably coupled to the second arm near the second arm's distal end.

2. The body extension exercise system of claim 1, wherein first arm is arcuately shaped along its length and the second arm is arcuately shaped along its length.

3. The body extension exercise system of claim 1, wherein the elongated frame includes a wheel coupled to its distal end and is configured to rotate parallel to its length, the first arm includes a wheel coupled to its distal end and is configured to rotate traversely to an axis extending between the first arm's distal and proximal end, and the second arm includes a wheel coupled to its distal end and is configured to rotate traversely to an axis extending between the second arm's distal and proximal end.

4. The body extension exercise system of claim 3, wherein the body part pad has a length extending traverse to the frame length, includes a first wheel coupled to a first end along its length and is configured to rotate parallel to frame's length, and includes a second wheel coupled to a second, opposite end along its length and is configured to rotate parallel to frame's length.

5. The body extension exercise system of claim 1, wherein the second restoration and resistance system further includes a pulley coupled to the frame at a point below where the cable's ends are coupled to the arms and the elastic cable moves about the pulley.

6. The body extension exercise system of claim 5, wherein the first restoration and resistance system further includes a first pulley coupled to the frame at a point below where the first elastic cable's first end is pivotably coupled to the first arm and the first elastic cable moves about the first pulley and includes a second pulley coupled to the frame at a point below where the second elastic cable's first end is pivotably coupled to the second arm and the second elastic cable moves about the second pulley.

7. The body extension exercise system of claim 1, wherein the first arm includes a first engagement section between its distal end and the point where the first restoration and resistance system's first elastic cable's first end is pivotably coupled to the first arm and the second arm includes a first engagement section between its distal end and the point where the first restoration and resistance system's second elastic cable's first end is pivotably coupled to the second arm.

8. The body extension exercise system of claim 7, wherein the first arm includes a second engagement section between the point where the second restoration and resistance system's elastic cable's first end is pivotably coupled to the first arm and the point where the first restoration and resistance system's first elastic cable's first end is pivotably coupled to the first arm and the second arm includes a second engagement section between the point where the second restoration and resistance system's elastic cable's second end is pivotably coupled to the second arm and the point where the first restoration and resistance system's second elastic cable's first end is pivotably coupled to the second arm.

9. The body extension exercise system of claim 1, further including an activity monitor, the activity monitor including a first sensor for detecting when one of the first arm and second arm has extended a first predetermined distance from frame length towards the frame distal end.

10. The body extension exercise system of claim 9, wherein the activity monitor further includes a second sensor for detecting when one of the first arm and second arm is a second predetermined distance from frame length.

11. The body extension exercise system of claim 9, wherein the activity monitor further includes a user perceptible display and a processor that determines and displays the number of times the one of the first arm and the second arm has extended the first predetermined distance from frame length towards the frame distal end.

12. The body extension exercise system of claim 10, wherein the activity monitor further includes a user perceptible display and a processor that determines and displays the number of times the one of the first arm and second arm returns to the second predetermined distance from frame length.

13. The body extension exercise system of claim 9, wherein the activity monitor further includes a user perceptible display and a processor that determines and displays the number of times the one of the first arm and the second arm has extended the first predetermined distance from frame length towards the frame distal end and determines and displays the number of times the one of the first arm and second arm returns to the second predetermined distance from frame length.

14. The body extension exercise system of claim 13, wherein the activity monitor further includes a communications interface that communicates via a wired or wireless communication protocol the number of times the one of the first arm and the second arm has extended the first predetermined distance from frame length towards the frame distal end and the number of times the one of the first arm and second arm returns to the second predetermined distance from frame length.

15. The body extension exercise system of claim 9, wherein the activity monitor further includes a user perceptible display and a processor that determines and displays the number of times per a predetermined time interval the one of the first arm and the second arm has extended the first predetermined distance from frame length towards the frame distal end.

16. The body extension exercise system of claim 10, wherein the activity monitor further includes a user perceptible display and a processor that determines and displays the number of times per a predetermined time interval the one of the first arm and second arm returns to the second predetermined distance from frame length.

17. The body extension exercise system of claim 9, wherein the activity monitor further includes a user perceptible display and a processor that determines and displays the number of times per a predetermined time interval the one of the first arm and the second arm has extended the first predetermined distance from frame length towards the frame distal end and determines and displays the number of times per a predetermined time interval the one of the first arm and second arm returns to the second predetermined distance from frame length.

18. The body extension exercise system of claim 13, wherein the activity monitor further includes a communications interface that communicates via a wired or wireless communication protocol the number of times per a predetermined time interval the one of the first arm and the second arm has extended the first predetermined distance from frame length towards the frame distal end and the number of times per a predetermined time interval the one of the first arm and second arm returns to the second predetermined distance from frame length.