SPORTS EXERCISE APPARATUS

Abstract

A sports exercise apparatus includes a shaft and a motor. One or more drive rings are disposed about the shaft. Arms are selectively attached to the drive rings. The motor may drive the drive rings. The drive rings operatively drive the arms. The speed and duration of the rotation of the arms is adjustable. A user may exercise by avoiding the arms or interacting with the arms.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sports exercise apparatus and method, more particularly, to a sports exercise apparatus with rotatable arms for speed and agility training.

BACKGROUND

Athletes are increasingly using various means of working on their athletic capabilities. In recent years the methods used are personal trainers, various manual exercises and gym equipment. Such equipment may include weights, elastic bands, plyometric boxes, agility ladders, or the like.

These traditional systems are typically stationary or rely on the user or a trainer to move devices. As an example, plyometric boxes may be positioned in a gymnasium by a user. The user may then jump onto or around the plyometric boxes. These boxes remain stationary unless manually moved by the user. These and other exercise devices target development of specific skills or muscle groups. For instance, many weight training exercises are designed to build power but do not improve agility.

Development and training through plyometric exercise utilizes rapid or explosion force. These plyometric forces replicate the muscle exertion and motions athletes experience while playing sports. Such training increases speed and power. These exercises may be used for training or rehabilitation after injury. Exercises and devices often use repetition of motions via stationary objects (e.g., hurdles, cones, boxes, etc.). These repetitions may cause an athlete to lose interest or rhythm and timing.

Thus, there is a need for an improved sports exercise apparatus and method. More particularly, there is a need for an apparatus that helps athletes and individuals with cardio, stamina, explosion, power and agility.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various systems, apparatuses, devices and methods, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a sports exercise apparatus in accordance with various embodiments described here herein

FIG. 2 is a front view of the sports exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 with attachable arms in accordance with various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the sports exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments described herein;

FIGS. 4a-4b are exemplary screen renderings of the sports exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary user device that may be used with the sports exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 is an environmental diagram of an exemplary communication system in accordance with various embodiments disclosed herein;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a functional computer system in accordance with various embodiments described herein; and

FIG. 8 is a front view of a sports exercise apparatus including spindle attachments in accordance with various embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments. In this disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be understood that aspects of this disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments not necessarily including all aspects described herein, etc.

As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggests otherwise.

Moreover, terms such as “access point,” “server,” and the like, are utilized interchangeably, and refer to a network component or apparatus that serves and receives control data, voice, video, sound, biometric, or other data-stream or signaling-stream. Data and signaling streams may be packetized or frame-based flows. Furthermore, the terms “user,” “customer,” “consumer,” and the like are employed interchangeably throughout the subject specification, unless context suggests otherwise or warrants a particular distinction among the terms. It is noted that such terms may refer to human entities or automated components supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacity to make inference). Still further, “user,” “customer,” “consumer,” may include a commercial establishment(s), such as a gym, university, school, private physical trainer, or the like.

“Logic” refers to any information and/or data that may be applied to direct the operation of a processor. Logic may be formed from instruction signals stored in a memory (e.g., a non-transitory memory). Software is one example of logic. In another aspect, logic may include hardware, alone or in combination, with software. For instance, logic may include digital and/or analog hardware circuits, such as hardware circuits comprising logical gates (e.g., AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR, and other logical operations). Furthermore, logic may be programmed and/or include aspects of various devices and is not limited to a single device.

A network typically includes a plurality of elements that host logic. In packet-based wide-area networks (WAN), servers (e.g., devices comprising logic) may be placed at different points on the network. Servers may communicate with other devices and/or databases. In another aspect, a server may provide access to a user account. The “user account” includes attributes for a particular user and commonly includes a unique identifier (ID) associated with the user. The ID may be associated with a particular mobile device and/or exercise apparatus owned by the user. The user account may also include information such as relationships with other users, application usage, location, personal settings, and other information.

Embodiments may utilize substantially any wired or wireless network. For instance, embodiments may utilize various radio access networks (RAN), e.g., Wi-Fi, global system for mobile communications, universal mobile telecommunications systems, worldwide interoperability for microwave access, enhanced general packet radio service, third generation partnership project long term evolution (3G LTE), fourth generation long term evolution (4G LTE), third generation partnership project 2, BLUETOOTH®, ultra mobile broadband, high speed packet access, x^th generation long term evolution, or another IEEE 702.XX technology. Furthermore, embodiments may utilize wired communications.

It is noted that terms “user equipment,” “user device,” “user equipment device,” “client,” and the like are utilized interchangeably in the subject application, unless context warrants particular distinction(s) among the terms. Such terms may refer to a network component(s) or appliance(s) that sends or receives data, voice, video, sound, or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream to or from network components and/or other devices. By way of example, a user equipment device may comprise an electronic device capable of wirelessly sending and receiving data. A user equipment device may have a processor, a memory, a transceiver, an input, and an output. Examples of such devices include cellular telephones (e.g., smart phones), personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, tablet computers (tablets), hand held gaming counsels, wearables (e.g., smart watches), desktop computers, etc.

Traditional sports and rehabilitation training relies on trainers (e.g., personal trainers, coaches, strength and conditioning personnel, etc.), weights, stationary objects or obstacles, elastomeric objects, and the like. These traditional techniques are often highly specific for one muscle group or skill. They also require additional expenses, time in moving objects, and the like.

Described herein are systems and methods comprising a sports exercise apparatus that helps athletes and individuals with cardio, stamina, explosion, power and agility. The exercise apparatus may comprise a shaft and one or more drive rings disposed about the shaft. The drive rings may be operatively attached to one or more arms. The arms may comprise cushioned poles. A motor may drive the drive rings which may rotate the arms about the shaft. As the arms rotate about the shaft, a user may jump over, duck, avoid, or otherwise interact with the arms. It is noted that the exercise apparatus may comprise a power source. The power source may comprise a battery, a connection to power mains, or the like. The power source may provide power to the motor.

In embodiments, the exercise apparatus may comprise a user interface. The user interface may include a visual display (e.g., lights, computer screens, tablet screens, touch screens, etc.), audio device (e.g., speakers, microphones, etc.), input/output devices (e.g., touch screens, buttons, knobs, switches, etc.), or the like. For example, the user interface may comprise a tablet computer comprising a display screen and audio speakers. The display screen may render information such as motor speeds, exercise times, exercise programs, or other information as described herein. In another aspect, the audio speakers may generate alerts, provide voice outputs, play music or other audio, and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, there depicted is a sports exercise apparatus 100 capable of providing training to a user. The sports exercise apparatus 100 may primarily comprise a shaft 110 supported by and extending from a base 112, one or more drive rings (e.g., upper drive ring 120 and lower drive ring 122), and interface 130. It is noted that the sports exercise apparatus 100 may comprise other or different components in accordance with various disclosed embodiments. As described herein, the sports exercise apparatus 100 may comprise a motor and power source as shown in FIG. 3.

The shaft 110 may comprise a hollow or partially hollow generally cylindrical shaft. It is noted, however, that the shaft may comprise other or different shapes. Moreover, the shaft 110 may comprise a support frame having one or more shafts or the like. One or more rotating axles or drive shafts may be disposed within the shaft 110. The drive shafts may be driven by one or more motors. The one or more motors may be disposed within the shaft 110 beneath the shaft 110 (e.g., on or at the base 112), or the like. The drive shafts in turn may drive the upper drive ring 120 and lower drive ring 122. In embodiments, arms 150 may be selectively attached to the drive rings 120/122 via couplings 124. As such, rotation of the drive rings 120/122 may cause rotation of the arms 150 about the shaft 110. The axial rotation of the arms 150 may create moving obstacles for a user to perform exercises.

In an example, one or more arms may be operatively attached to the lower drive ring 122. As the lower drive ring 122 rotates, a user may jump over the rotating arms 150. Additionally or alternatively, the user may perform pushups or other exercises between rotating arms 150. Likewise, arms 150 may be attached to upper drive ring 120 in combination with or independently from the lower drive ring 122. The user may avoid rotating arms 150 attached to the upper drive ring 120 by, for example, ducking, performing squats, performing pushups or the like. It is noted that the embodiments may include a single drive ring or additional drive rings. Moreover, the drive rings may be disposed at different locations about the shaft 110. According to some examples, the drive rings may be movable up or down the shaft 110.

It is noted that the arms 150 may comprise generally cylindrical poles. The poles may be rigid or flexible. In one example, the poles may be padded in the event that a user is contacted by the poles. According to at least one embodiment, arms 150 may comprise one or more hinges, including living hinges, that allow the arms 150 to be bent or swing about the hinge and return to a previous position. In the event that a user fails to avoid a rotating arm 150, the arms 150 may bend or swing to avoid injury to the user. It is further noted that the arms 150 may comprise any appropriate shape. For instance, the arms 150 may comprise curved shapes, polygonal shapes, or the like.

As described herein, the drive rings 120/122 may comprise i couplings 124, where i is a number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). The couplings 124 may allow a user to selectively attach the arms 150 thereto. For instance, the drive rings 120/122 may comprise couplings 124 evenly spaced about the periphery of the drive rings 120/122. As such, a user may attach the arms 150 in any desired orientation to create a desired pattern. The couplings 124 may comprise, for example, threaded members, magnetic connections, press fit or snap fit connections, bayonet-style connections, hook-and-loop connections, or the like.

In at least one example, the couplings 124 may comprise sensors that may operatively determine whether an arm is attached thereto. For instance, the couplings 124 may comprise a magnetic sensor (e.g., reed switch), optical sensor, radio frequency identification (RFID) chips, pressure sensors, or the like. The connectivity status of an arm 150 and a coupling 124 may be identified by interface 130. This may allow a user to determine whether or not the coupling 124 and the arms 150 are properly connected. As another example, the interface 130 may identify placement of an arm 150 in a coupling 124 for a particular exercise pattern. The interface 130 may determine whether the arm 150 is appropriately placed and may generate notifications to move the arm or notifications of proper connection. It is further noted that the couplings 124 may include indicia or indicators, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), indicators to identify whether the arm 150 is properly connected (e.g., green for proper connection and red for not connected). In some embodiments, audible or tactile indicators (e.g., snap or other sound) may indicate a connection status. Moreover a controller may operatively control indicators to identify where a user should place an arm 150 for a selected exercise program as described in more detail herein. For instance, the interface 130 may comprise a processor in communication with LEDs located in or about the couplings 124. The processor may identify positions to which arms 150 are to be attached and may operatively light up, flash, change color of, or otherwise control LEDs to indicate where an arm 150 should be connected.

As described herein, the motor may operatively drive the arms 150. In embodiments, the arms 150 may be selectively driven clockwise or counterclockwise about the shaft 110. The rotational speed of the arms 150 may be adjusted by a user or may be controlled by an exercise program. In some instances, an exercise program may adjust the speed of the arms 150 during execution of the program to provide for cycled workouts, periods of greater or lesser intensity, and the like. It is noted that the speed may comprise a number of set speeds (e.g., 1-10, low-medium-high, etc.) or a sliding scale of speeds. Moreover, the arms 150 may be articulated up and down, side to side, in sinusoidal motions, or other motions in combination with or alternatively to rotating about the shaft 110. This may provide for additional levels of difficult, development of timing skills, and the like.

In another aspect, the sports exercise apparatus 100 may comprise wheels 102 that may allow for easy movement of the sports exercise apparatus 100. The wheels 102 may be disposed on a bottom side of the base 112. It is noted that the wheels may be lockable so that the sports exercise apparatus 100 is stationary during use or storage. In some embodiments, the sports exercise apparatus 100 may be permanently installed in a location, such as a gym.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is a functional block diagram of a sports exercise apparatus 100 in accordance with various disclosed aspects. While depicted as separate components, the various components may be comprised in a signal device. For instance, the interface 130 and communication component 308 may be comprised in a single device, such as a tablet computer.

As described herein, the sports exercise apparatus 100 may include one or more motors 310 that operatively drive upper drive ring 120 and lower drive ring 122. In some instances, a single motor 310 may drive both drive rings 120/122. In other examples each drive ring 120/122 may be driven by separate motors 310. Utilizing different motors 310 may allow the drive rings 120/122 to be driven at different speeds relative each other. It is noted that a single motor 310 could also be used to drive rings 120/122 and different speeds relative each other if the motor 310 is coupled with or includes clutch and gear differentials that operatively control rotational speeds of the drive rings 120 and 122.

The motor 310 may be powered by a power source 320. The power source 320 may comprise, for instance, a rechargeable battery that may last up to 6, 7, 10 hours or longer. The rechargeable battery may allow a user to position the sports exercise apparatus 100 in a desired location without wires obstructing the user's exercise. Moreover, the battery may comprise sufficient voltage to drive motor 310 and power other devices of sports exercise apparatus 100.

In another aspect, the sports exercise apparatus 100 may comprise a processor 304 coupled to a memory 302 that stores computer executable instructions or logic and data associated with the sports exercise apparatus 100. The processor 304 may execute the computer executable instructions to perform one or more operations. For instance, the processor 304 may execute instructions to perform an exercise program. An exercise program may define parameters for operation of the motor 310, interface 130, and other devices. As an example, the parameters may include speed of the motor, a pattern of speeds, power settings, timing information, alert settings, or the like.

The processor 304 may additionally or alternatively control the interface 130 to render one or more displays, such as shown in FIGS. 4a-4b, control audible devices, or the like. In an example, the interface 130 may render screens 400 and 450 of FIGS. 4a-4b. Screen 400 may comprise a home screen that allows a user to select various options, such as viewing preprogramed workouts, create and run custom workouts, view instructions, edit settings, or shut down the sports exercise apparatus 100. Screen 450 may be presented during a workout and may identify time remaining in the work out, a motor speed, or other information (e.g., workout name, battery remaining, etc.). It is noted that other or different screens may be rendered. Moreover, a user may provide input 314 to the sports exercise apparatus 100 through interaction with a touch screen, pointing device, a user device, or the like.

As another example, the processor 304 may control the interface 130 to generate notifications or alarms, such as visual or audible notifications when a determined amount of time is left in a workout. For example, the interface 130 may generate a beep, tone, text-to-speech, other audible notification, and/or visual notifications (e.g., flashing, text, graphics, etc.) when j seconds remain in the workout, where j is a number (e.g., 5, 10, 15, etc.).

For instance, with reference to FIG. 5, the user may utilize a user device 500, such as a cellular phone, tablet, or the like, that may operatively communicate with the interface 130 through a communication component 308. The communication component 308 may comprise a wired or wireless device, such as a near field communication (NFC), BLUETOOTH device, or the like. The user device 500 may include a memory, processor, and a display 510. The memory may be configured for storing computer executable applications. The processor may facilitate operation of the computer executable components. It is noted that while embodiments describe the user device 500 as comprising an app, the app may be comprised of one or more other devices. For instance, portions of the app may be comprised of the user device 500, sports exercise apparatus 100, remote devices (e.g., a cloud device), or the like.

The user device 500 may communicate with various components configured to interact with the communication component 308 (e.g., NFC, BLUETOOTH, etc.). In at least one embodiment, user device 500 may receive input from a user to create workouts that may be communicated to the interface 130. This may allow a user to create workouts and upload them to any sports exercise apparatus 100. Moreover, the user device 500 may receive output 312 from the sports exercise apparatus 100 that identifies the user's exercise progress (e.g., programs completed, programs partially completed, etc.). The user may share their progress with others via social networks, email, text messaging, or the like. In some instances, the user may utilize or connect other devices to the sports exercise apparatus 100 or user device 500. For instance, the user may selectively link wearable devices, such as fitness tracking watches or the like, to the sports exercise apparatus 100 or user device 500. The sports exercise apparatus 100 or user device 500 may communicate with the wearable device to ensure a user is exercising, monitor hear rate, display fitness information, generate alarms via the wearable device, or the like.

Moreover, user device 500 may track other fitness information, such as dietary information, information gathered by other apps (e.g., steps, running time, flights of stairs climbed, etc.). Such information may be stored and accessed by the user. In other examples, the user may allow others to view their fitness information and provide input or guidance. For instance, a user may share progress with a personal trainer or coach. In other examples, the user may compete with other users (e.g., teammates) to meet fitness goals.

Turning to FIG. 8, there depicted is a sports exercise apparatus 800. The sports exercise apparatus 800 may comprise some, different or all aspects of the sports exercise apparatus 100. For instance, the sports exercise apparatus 800 may comprise a shaft 810 that may be similar or the same as shaft 110. In another aspect, the sports exercise apparatus 800 may comprise an upper drive ring 820 and a lower drive ring 822 that may be driven by one or more motors (e.g., motor 310) which may be controlled by a motor controller (e.g., processor 304).

In an embodiment, one or more spindle attachments 824 may be selectively attached to the upper drive ring 820 and the lower drive ring 822. The spindle attachments 824 may comprise generally light weight bars so as not to add too much additional load to the motors. For example, the spindle attachments 824 may comprise a durable hollow plastic. The spindle attachments 824 may be attached to couplers as an alternative to attaching arms 850 directly to the couplers. In an aspect, the arms 850 may be selectively attached to the spindle attachments 824 at any desired height. The arms 850 may be attached via an attachment device 852, such as a strap, hook-and-loop fabric, a fastener, magnets, or the like. Accordingly, the user may customize the position and location of the arms. Moreover, the user may use any number of desired spindle attachments 824 and may attach arms 850 to couplers on the upper drive ring 820 and the lower drive ring 822 in addition to or as an alternative to attaching the spindle attachments 824 to the upper drive ring 820 and the lower drive ring 822.

What has been described above may be further understood with reference to the following figures. FIGS. 6 and 7 provide exemplary operating environments or systems capable of implementing one or more systems, apparatuses, or processes described above. FIGS. 6 and 7 are not intended to limit the scope of such systems, apparatuses, or processes. By way of example, computing environment 700 may refer to one or more embodiment of the various embodiments described with reference to the above figures. However, variations to computing environment 600 may be obvious to achieve aspects or processes described herein.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a computing environment 600 in accordance with various disclosed aspects. It is noted that environment 600 may include various other components or aspects. As depicted, system 600 may include one or more client(s) 602, one or more server(s) 604, one or more client data store(s) 620, one or more server data store(s) 610, and a communication framework 606.

While depicted as a desktop computer(s), client(s) 602 may include various other devices that may comprise hardware and/or software (e.g., program threads, processes, computer processors, non-transitory memory devices, etc.). In an example, client(s) 602 may include laptop computers, smart phones, tablet computers, exercise devices, wearables, etc. The client(s) 602 may include or employ various aspects disclosed herein. For example, client(s) 602 may include or employ all or part of various systems (e.g., system 100) and processes disclosed herein.

Likewise, server(s) 604 may include various devices that may comprise hardware and/or software (e.g., program threads, processes, computer processors, non-transitory memory devices, etc.). Server(s) 604 may include or employ various aspects disclosed herein. For example, server(s) 604 may include or employ all or part of various (e.g., system 100) processes disclosed herein. It is noted that server(s) 604 and client(s) 602 may communicate via communication framework 606. In an exemplary communication, client(s) 602 and server(s) 604 may utilize packeted data (e.g., data packets) adapted to be transmitted between two or more computers. For instance, data packets may include coded information associated with exercise program, dietary information, fitness information, or the like.

Communication framework 606 may comprise various network devices (e.g., access points, routers, base stations, etc.) that may facilitate communication between client(s) 602 and server(s) 604. It is noted that various forms of communications may be utilized, such as wired (e.g., optical fiber, twisted copper wire, etc.) and/or wireless (e.g., cellular, Wi-Fi, near field communication, etc.) communications.

In various embodiments, client(s) 602 and server(s) 604 may respectively include or communicate with one or more client data store(s) 620 or one or more server data store(s) 610. The data stores may store data local to client(s) 602 or server(s) 604.

In at least one embodiment, a client of client(s) 602 may transfer data describing an exercise, user account data, ratings, or the like to a server of server(s) 604. The server may store the data and/or employ processes to alter the data. For example, the server may transmit the data to other clients of client(s) 602.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer system 700 that may be employed to execute various disclosed embodiments. It is noted that various components may be implement in combination with computer executable instructions, hardware devices, and/or combinations of hardware and software devices that may be performed by computer system 700.

Computer system 700 may include various components, hardware devices, software, software in execution, and the like. In embodiments, computer system 700 may include computer 700. Computer 700 may include a system bus 708 that couples various system components. Such components may include a processing unit(s) 704, system memory device(s) 706, disk storage device(s) 714, sensor(s) 735, output adapter(s) 734, interface port(s) 730, and communication connection(s) 744. One or more of the various components may be employed to perform aspects or embodiments disclosed herein. In an aspect, the computer system 700 may “learn,” such as described above user preferences based upon modifications of exercises by users, through rating of exercises both positively and negatively. For example, the computer system 700 may modify a particular exercise (or a set thereof) as the majority of users or supermajority thereof have disapproved of the exercise. The computer system 700 may dynamically push out the revised exercise or receive the revised exercise as applicable.

Processing unit(s) 704 may comprise various hardware processing devices, such as single core or multi-core processing devices. Moreover, processing unit(s) 704 may refer to a “processor,” “controller,” “computing processing unit (CPU),” or the like. Such terms generally relate to a hardware device. Additionally, processing unit(s) 704 may include an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or the like.

System memory 706 may include one or more types of memory, such volatile memory 710 (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) and non-volatile memory 712 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM)). ROM may include erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). In various embodiments, processing unit(s) 704 may execute computer executable instructions stored in system memory 706, such as operating system instructions and the like.

Computer 702 may also include one or more hard drive(s) 714 (e.g., EIDE, SATA). While hard drive(s) 714 are depicted as internal to computer 702, it is noted that hard drive(s) 714 may be external and/or coupled to computer 702 via remote connections. Moreover, input port(s) 730 may include interfaces for coupling to input device(s) 728, such as disk drives. Disk drives may include components configured to receive, read and/or write to various types of memory devices, such as magnetic disks, optical disks (e.g., compact disks and/or other optical media), flash memory, zip drives, magnetic tapes, and the like.

It is noted that hard drive(s) 714 and/or other disk drives (or non-transitory memory devices in general) may store data and/or computer-executable instructions according to various described embodiments. Such memory devices may also include computer-executable instructions associated with various other programs or modules. For instance, hard drives(s) 714 may include operating system modules, application program modules, and the like. Moreover, aspects disclosed herein are not limited to a particular operating system, such as a commercially available operating system.

Input device(s) 728 may also include various user interface devices or other input devices, such as sensors cameras, scanners, facsimile machines, and the like. A user interface device may generate instructions associated with user commands. Such instructions may be received by computer 702. Examples of such interface devices include a keyboard, mouse (e.g., pointing device), joystick, remote controller, gaming controller, touch screen, stylus, and the like. Input port(s) 730 may provide connections for the input device(s) 728, such as via universal serial ports USB ports), infrared (IR) sensors, serial ports, parallel ports, wireless connections, specialized ports, and the like.

Output adapter(s) 734 may include various devices and/or programs that interface with output device(s) 736. Such output device(s) 736 may include LEDs, computer monitors, touch screens, televisions, projectors, audio devices, printing devices, or the like.

In embodiments, computer 702 may be utilized as a client and/or a server device. As such, computer 702 may include communication connection(s) 744 for connecting to a communication framework 742. Communication connection(s) 744 may include devices or components capable of connecting to a network. For instance, communication connection(s) 744 may include cellular antennas, wireless antennas, wired connections, and the like. Such communication connection(s) 744 may connect to networks via communication framework 742. The networks may include wide area networks, local area networks, facility or enterprise wide networks (e.g., intranet), global networks (e.g., Internet), satellite networks, and the like. Some examples of wireless networks include Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi direct, BLUETOOTH™, Zigbee, and other 802.XX wireless technologies. It is noted that communication framework 742 may include multiple networks connected together. For instance, a Wi-Fi network may be connected to a wired Ethernet network.

The terms “component,” “module,” “system,” “interface,” “platform,” “service,” “framework,” “connector,” “controller,” or the like are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity. Such terms may refer to at least one of hardware, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may include a computer-process running on a processor, a processor, a device, a process, a computer thread, or the like. In another aspect, such terms may include both an application running on a processor and a processor. Moreover, such terms may be localized to one computer and/or may be distributed across multiple computers.

What has been described above includes examples of the present specification. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the present specification, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the present specification are possible. Each of the components described above may be combined or added together in any permutation to define the system 100. Accordingly, the present specification is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

1. A sports exercise apparatus comprising:

a shaft;

one or more motors;

one or more drive rings disposed about the shaft and operatively driven by the one or more motors, wherein the one or more drive rings each comprise a plurality of couplings disposed annularly about the one or more drive rings; and

one or more arms selectively attachable to the plurality of couplings, wherein the one or more motors operatively drive the one or more drive rings to rotate the one or more arms about the shaft.

2. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source electrically coupled to the one or more motors.

3. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 2, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable power source.

4. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an interface attached to the shaft.

5. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the interface comprises a graphical display.

6. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the interface comprises an audio device.

7. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the interface operatively generates notifications to identify time remaining during an exercise, wherein the notifications comprise at least one of audio notifications or visual notifications.

8. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a memory storing computer executable instructions and a processor that executes the computer executable instructions, wherein the processor is communicatively coupled to the one or more motors to control the one or more motors according the computer executable instructions.

9. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 8, wherein the memory stores one or more exercise programs that define parameters for controlling the one or more motors.

10. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the parameters comprise at least one of a motor speed or duration.

11. A sports exercise apparatus comprising:

a shaft;

one or more motors and a power source operatively providing power to the one or more motors;

one or more drive rings disposed about the shaft and operatively driven by the one or more motors;

one or more arms selectively attachable to the plurality of couplings, wherein the one or more motors operatively drive the one or more drive rings to rotate the one or more arms about the shaft; and

an interface device comprising a memory, a processor, and a graphical interface, wherein the processor executes instructions stored in the memory to control operation of the one or more motors, and wherein the graphical interface renders information associated with operation of the one or more motors.

12. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more drive rings are adjustably positionable about the shaft.

13. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 11, further comprising at least one spindle attachment that is operatively attached at one end to a first drive ring of the one or more drive rings, and operatively attached at a second end to a second drive ring of the one or more drive rings.

14. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the one or more arms are selectively attachable to the at least one spindle attachment.

15. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a communication component coupled to the processor to operatively generate wireless communications from and to the processor.

16. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the communication component is configured to communicate with at least one of a wearable device, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, or a desktop computer.

17. A sports exercise apparatus comprising:

a shaft extending from a base;

a motor and a power source operatively providing power to the one or more motors;

an upper drive ring, a lower drive ring, and one or more arms, wherein the upper drive ring and the lower drive ring each comprise one or more couplings that are selectively attached to the one or more arms, and wherein the motor comprises at least one drive shaft that operatively drives the upper drive ring and the lower drive ring; and

an interface device storing a software application that operatively performs an exercise program that defines operations of the motor.

18. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 17, further comprising one or more wheels attached to the base.

19. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the interface device operatively receives input from a user to adjust the speed of the motor.

20. The sports exercise apparatus of claim 17, wherein the interface device operatively renders a timer depicting the amount of time remaining for the exercise program.