DETACHABLE EXERCISE TRACKING ACCESSORY

A detachable exercise tracking accessory is configured to connect to a dumbbell or a barbell. The tracking accessory includes an identifier that identifies weight information about the dumbbell or barbell included on an indicator on the dumbbell or barbell. The tracking accessory includes an exercise sensor that detects movement of the user and counts exercise reps based on the movement.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/073,081, filed on Sep. 1, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Background and Relevant Art

Exercise is an important aspect of physical and mental health. Many people exercise to increase their strength, improve their well-being, socialize, and for many other reasons. Some exercises involve a user moving specially sized weights around. Some users may grasp a single dumbbell in each hand and perform exercises while holding the dumbbells. Some users may grasp a barbell with one or both hands and perform an exercise while holding the barbell. Many exercises are repeated while holding dumbbell or the barbell. The user may often desire to track the number of repetitions of the exercise, the weight of the exercise, and/or the exercise type.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a tracking accessory includes a housing. An exercise sensor and a weight identifier are located in the housing. An attachment is configured to releasably secure the housing to a movable weight. In some embodiments, the movable weight includes a handle and a plurality of weight plates. The weight plates are configured to releasably secure to the handle and include an indicator that indicates weight information about the weight plate. In some embodiments, the attachment is a permanent magnet configured to magnetically secure the tracking accessory a weight plate of the plurality of weight plate.

In other embodiments, a method for tracking an exercise includes securing a tracking accessory to a weight plate of a dumbbell. The dumbbell includes an indicator with weight information. The weight information is identified using an identifier on the tracking accessory. The method further includes analyzing an exercise using an exercise sensor in the tracking accessory.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments. The features and advantages of such embodiments may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of such embodiments as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific implementations thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. For better understanding, the like elements have been designated by like reference numbers throughout the various accompanying figures. While some of the drawings may be schematic or exaggerated representations of concepts, at least some of the drawings may be drawn to scale. Understanding that the drawings depict some example implementations, the implementations will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a representation of a user performing an exercise, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a representation of a top view of an exercise kit, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a representation of an outer surface of a weight plate and an inner surface of a tracking accessory, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a representation of another outer surface of a weight plate and inner surface of a tracking accessory, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a representation of another top view of an exercise kit, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a representation of the display of a tracking accessory, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a representation of a tracking accessory, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a representation of an exercise network, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a representation of a method for tracking an exercise, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a representation of a tracking accessory, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a representation of a dumbbell, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a representation of an exercise kit, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a representation of another exercise kit, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a representation of yet another exercise kit, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally relates to devices, systems, kits, and methods for exercise systems and tracking of workouts using weights (e.g., dumbbells and barbells). A user may attach a detachable exercise tracking accessory (hereinafter “tracking accessory”) to a weight. The tracking accessory may then detect the weight of the weight and track an exercise performed with the weight. The tracking accessory may track reps of an exercise, may analyze the form of a rep, and may prompt the user regarding various exercise elements. This may improve the exercise experience by reducing the amount of information a user needs to input and/or track, allowing the user to focus on the exercise. This may further improve the user experience by automating weight and rep tracking.

FIG. 1 is a representation of a user 100 performing an exercise using a weight 102. In the embodiment shown, the user 100 is performing a bicep curl, and the weight 102 is a free weight (e.g., a dumbbell or a barbell). The weight 102 has a weight (e.g., 10 lbs., 5 kg, etc.). To perform a bicep curl, the user 100 extends his arm to an extended position 104 and bends his arm at the elbow to lift the weight 102 up to a retracted position 106. The weight follows an exercise path 108.

The user 100 may attach a tracking accessory 110 to the weight 102. The tracking accessory 110 may collect data about the weight 102. For example, the tracking accessory 110 may determine the weight of the weight 102. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 110 may include one or more sensors. For example, the tracking accessory 110 may include an accelerometer. The accelerometer may collect information about the movement of the tracking accessory 110 (and therefore the weight 102), such as the path of the tracking accessory 110 along the exercise path 108.

By analyzing the information from the accelerometer, the tracking accessory 110 may analyze portions of the exercise. For example, the tracking accessory 110 may determine when the user has completed a rep (e.g., when the tracking accessory 110 follows a complete exercise path 108, when the user completes a bicep curl in the embodiment shown). In some examples, the tracking accessory 110 may determine the number of reps performed by the user (e.g., the number of times the tracking accessory 110 followed the exercise path 108, the number of bicep curls completed in the embodiment shown). This may help a user to track his exercise without physically writing down the number of reps performed, and/or without counting in his head. In this manner, the user may have an improved exercise experience through more focused concentration on the exercise activity.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 110 may analyze the form of the user 100. For example, for a given exercise (e.g., bicep curls in the embodiment shown), the tracking accessory 110 may compare the exercise path 108 of the user 100 to a stored model exercise path. The tracking accessory 110 may provide feedback in the form of a notification or a prompt regarding how close the exercise path 108 compares to the stored model exercise path. For example, if the exercise path 108 closely follows the model exercise path (e.g., with no more than 25% variation, no more than 15% variation, no more than 10% variation, no more than 5% variation, no more than 1% variation), then the tracking accessory 110 may provide a first notification. If the exercise path 108 does not closely follow the model exercise path (e.g., with more than 25% variation, more than 15% variation, more than 10% variation, more than 5% variation, more than 1% variation), then the tracking accessory 110 may provide a second notification, different from the first notification. This may alert a user 100 regarding the form she is using. In this manner, a user 100 may monitor her form throughout a workout, thereby reducing the chance of injury and increasing the effectiveness of an exercise activity.

The tracking accessory 110 may be removably attached to the weight 102. For example, when the user 100 begins an exercise, she may take the tracking accessory 110 and attach it to the weight 102. As will be discussed herein, the user 100 may attach the tracking accessory 110 to the weight 102 at or near an indicator on the weight 102, and an identifier in the tracking accessory 110 may automatically identify the weight of the weight 102. The tracking accessory 110 may be releasably secured to the weight 102. For example, the tracking accessory 110 may be magnetically secured to the weight 102. In some examples, the tracking accessory 110 may be mechanically secured to the weight 102, such as with a clip, a fastener, or other mechanical attachment. In other words, the tracking accessory 110, in some embodiments, is not permanently attached to the weight 102.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 110 may determine when an exercise is complete. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete if the tracking accessory 110 (and therefore the weight plate) has not moved for a period of time. In some embodiments, the period of time may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 1 s, 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 180 s, or any value therebetween. For example, the period of time may be greater than 1 s. In another example, the period of time may be less than 180 s. In some examples, the period of time may be greater than 180 s. In yet other examples, the period of time may be any value in a range between 1 s and 180 s. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 5 s to ensure the exercise is complete. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 15 s to ensure the exercise is complete. In some embodiments it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 30 s to ensure the exercise is complete and/or the user 100 has had a break.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 110 may provide prompts or notifications to the user 100. For example, the tracking accessory 110 may provide audible prompts (e.g., a beep, a pre-recorded sound) when the user 100 completes a rep, when the user 100 completes a set (e.g., a set of reps), when the user 100 completes an activity, when a rest period is over, a next exercise for the user, other activities, and combinations thereof. Each notification or prompt may use the same or different sound.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 110 may provide other prompts or notifications, such as visual prompts (e.g., a flashing light, a change in a display) or physical prompts (e.g., vibrations passed through the weight 102 to the user 100).

FIG. 2 is a representation of an exercise kit 212 including a tracking accessory 210 connected to a weight 202, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the weight 202 is a free weight (e.g., is not connected to a larger weight machine operated by cables and/or guides). For example, the weight 202 may be configured to be held by one hand (e.g., a dumbbell), two hands (e.g., a barbell), or any other type of free weight.

In some embodiments, the weight 202 may be a fixed weight. For example, a handle 214 may be permanently connected to a weight plate 216. In some embodiments, the weight 202 may be an adjustable weight. For example, the handle 214 may be separate from the weight plate 216, and the weight plate 216 may be removably attached to the handle 214. In some embodiments, a user may manually change the weight plates 216 on the handle 214. In some embodiments, the weight 202 may be associated with a cradle that automatically connects one or more weight plates 216 to the handle 214 based on a selected weight by the user.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 210 may be connected to any portion of the weight 202. For example, in the embodiment shown, the tracking accessory 210 is connected to an outer surface 218 of the weight plate 216. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 210 may be connected to a different portion of the weight plate 216, such as an inner surface 220 or a support surface 222 of the weight plate 216. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 210 may be attached to a different portion of the weight 202. For example, the tracking accessory 210 may be attached to the handle 214.

In the embodiment shown, the outer surface 218 and the inner surface 220 are transverse (e.g., not parallel) to the handle 214, with the inner surface 220 facing the handle 214 and the outer surface 218 facing away from the handle 214. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the support surface 222 is parallel or approximately parallel to the handle 214 and may be transverse to the outer surface 218 and the inner surface 220. Thus, when the weight 202 rests on the floor, the weight 202 may be supported by the support surface 222.

FIG. 3 is a representation of an outer surface 318 of a weight plate 316 and an inner surface 324 of a tracking accessory 310, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The weight plate 316 shown includes at least one indicator 326. The indicator 326 includes weight information about the weight (e.g., the weight 202 of FIG. 2). For example, the indicator 326 may include a weight of the weight, a tracking number of the weight, a location of the weight, other weight information, and combinations thereof.

The tracking accessory 310 includes an identifier 328. The identifier 328 may be configured to read, interpret, or otherwise retrieve the weight information from the indicator 326. For example, the indicator 326 may be a series of indentations and ridges arranged in a pattern on the body of the weight plate 316, and the identifier 328 may include one or more scanners (e.g., optical camera or other scanner) that can measure and interpret the pattern of indentations and ridges. In some examples, the indicator 326 may be an RFID tag, and the identifier 328 may retrieve the weight information from the RFID tag or retrieve the information from an entry in a database associated with the RFID. In some examples, the indicator 326 may be any type of indicator, such as a barcode, text, any other indicator, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, to connect the tracking accessory 310 to the weight plate 316, the inner surface 324 of the tracking accessory 310 may be placed on (e.g., over) or near the indicator 326. In some embodiments, the identifier 328 may be aligned with the indicator 326. In some embodiments, the identifier 328 may be placed near the indicator 326 within a sensing range of the identifier 328. The sensing range may depend upon the identifier 328 and the indicator 326. For example, the identifier 328 may be placed within line-of-sight of the indicator 326. In some examples, the identifier 328 may be placed within RFID sensing range of the indicator 326.

In some embodiments, the weight plate 316 may be attached to a handle (e.g., handle 214 of FIG. 2) automatically using a cradle. Thus, the weight plate 316 may be part of an adjustable dumbbell system. In some embodiments, the outermost weight plate 316 may include weight information for each weight plate 316 attached to the handle. Thus, when the user connects the tracking accessory 310 to the weight plate 316, the tracking accessory 310 may receive information for the entire dumbbell, and not just the outermost weight plate 316 to which the tracking accessory 310 is attached. In some embodiments, the cradle may include a wireless communication device, and the identifier 328 may include a wireless receiver. The cradle may communicate the weight information to the tracking accessory 310 wirelessly (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, other wireless technology).

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 310 may include one or more attachments 330 (e.g., connectors). The attachments 330 may secure the tracking accessory 310 to the weight plate 316. In the embodiment shown, the weight plate 316 is made from a magnetic material, such as steel. The attachments 330 are made from a permanent magnet. Thus, when the tracking accessory 310 is placed on the weight plate 316, the attachments 330 may magnetically attach to the weight plate 316. The attachments 330 may have a magnetic strength sufficient to secure the tracking accessory 310 to the weight plate 316 through an exercise, including during a rep and during placement of the weight plate 316 on a weight rack or on the ground.

In some embodiments, the attachments 330 may be mechanical. For example, the attachments 330 may be protrusions that insert into matching indentations or cavities in the weight plate 316. In some examples, the attachments 330 may be a clip, a hook, a threaded connection, or other mechanical attachment mechanism.

In the embodiment shown, the tracking accessory 310 includes an exercise sensor 332. For example, the exercise sensor 332 may be any sensor that collects exercise information, such as an accelerometer, pressure sensor, gyroscope, other exercise sensor, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the exercise sensor 332 may collect movement information of the tracking accessory 310. In some embodiments, the exercise sensor 332 may be connected to the identifier 328. When the identifier 328 detects the indicator 326, the exercise sensor 332 may begin sensing and recording exercise movements. In this manner, the exercise sensor 332 may not collect and detect movements of the tracking accessory 310 when it is not connected to the weight plate 316.

In some embodiments, the exercise sensor 332 may be located inside a housing 334 of the tracking accessory 310. In some embodiments, the exercise sensor 332 may be located on a surface of the housing 334. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 310 may include a plurality of exercise sensors 332 at different locations to detect and record different motions and types of motions.

FIG. 4 is a representation of an outer surface 418 of a weight plate 416 and an inner surface 424 of a tracking accessory 410, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the outer surface 418 includes an indicator 426. The indicator 426 is a visual indicator of the weight of the weight plate 416, the entire dumbbell, or the entire barbell. The indicator 426 includes a series of ridges and depressions stamped, machined, or otherwise imprinted on the outer surface 418 of the weight plate 416. Such indicators 426 are often used on free weights in a commercial or a home gym to visually identify the weight being used.

In some embodiments, the identifier 428 may identify the weight by scanning or otherwise measuring the indicator 426. For example, the identifier 428 may include a camera, and the identifier 428 may identify the weight using image recognition. In this manner, the tracking accessory 410 may be used with any weight set and may not require weight plates 416 with indicators 426 matched to the identifier 428. This may make the tracking accessory 410 more versatile and user-friendly.

FIG. 5 is a top-down representation of an exercise kit 512. The exercise kit includes a weight plate 516 with a tracking accessory 510 attached, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the exercise kit 512 includes a handle 514 and two weight plates 516. The weight plates 516 shown are hexagonal prisms. However, it should be understood that the weight plates 516 may be any shape, including cylindrical, spherical, cubic, cuboid, prismatic of any side number sides (e.g., triangular prismatic, square prismatic, pentagonal prismatic, heptagonal prismatic, octagonal prismatic, 9-sided prismatic, decagonal prismatic, n-sided prismatic where n is any integer), and combinations thereof.

The weight plate 516 includes an indicator 526 on the support surface 522. This may make it easy for a user to select the weight plate 516 when it is resting on a weight rack or on the floor. The user may place a tracking accessory 510 on the support surface 522 over the indicator 526. In this manner, the user may utilize a fixed free weight, such as seen in many commercial and home gyms.

In some embodiments, the indicator 526 may include a display 536. The display 536 may present exercise information, including reps, sets, exercise, form quality, calories burned, rest time, other exercise information, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 6 is a representation of the outer surface 638 of a tracking accessory 610. The outer surface 638 may include a display 636. The display 636 may include one or more display fields (collectively 640). For example, the display 636 may include display fields 640 of exercise type 640-1, weight 640-2, set/reps 640-3, calories 640-4, timer 640-5, and form 640-6.

In some embodiments, the user may input or select information displayed in the display fields 640. For example, the user may input the exercise type 640-1. In some examples, the user may input the target number of sets and the target number of reps in each set displayed in field 640-3. In some examples, the user may input an entire workout sequence, including a cycle of one or more of exercises, sets, reps, rest duration, and so forth. When the user finishes (e.g., reaches a pre-determined number or goal included in the workout sequence) an exercise, set, rest, or other exercise activity, the tracking accessory 610 may change the display fields 640 to the next exercise, set, rest, or other exercise activity in the pre-established cycle.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 610 may determine at least a portion of the information displayed in the display fields 640. For example, using movement and exercise data collected by the exercise sensor (e.g., exercise sensor 332 of FIG. 3), the tracking accessory 610 may determine the exercise type (e.g., bicep curls, bench press, military press, squats).

In some examples, the tracking accessory 610 may determine the number of reps performed by the user and display the number of reps performed on the display 636. Each rep may be determined by the user performing a complete or a portion of the exercise movement. For example, a rep may be counted if the user performs 99% of the exercise movement, 95% of the exercise movement, 90% of the exercise movement, 85% of the exercise movement, 80% of the exercise movement, 75% of the exercise movement, or any value therebetween. Each rep performed may be displayed in the display field 640-3 as it is completed. Furthermore, the tracking accessory may provide an audible notification when a rep is completed, such as a beep, a tone, a pre-recorded voice counting each successive rep, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the display 636 may be updated when the tracking accessory 610 is changed from a first weight to a second weight. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 610 may include a first input button 642-1 and a second input button 642-2. The user may change the information on the display 636 using one or both of the first input button 642-1 and the second input button 642-2. For example, the user may advance to the next exercise type by pressing the first input button 642-1. In some examples, the user may change to a previous exercise type by pressing the second input button 642-2. This may allow a user to control which portions of the workout to focus on and/or repeat, based on preference and/or physical capability. In some embodiments, the input buttons 642-2 may be physical buttons. In some embodiments, the input buttons 642-2 may be input commands on the graphical user interface (GUI) of a touch-screen display. In some embodiments, a user may input information into the tracking accessory 610 using a remote device, such as a computing device, mobile device, or other remote device.

In some embodiments, the display 636 may include target information on the display. For example, the display fields 640 may include a target weight to select, a target number of sets and/or reps, a preview of the next exercise, a preview of the next rest period, and so forth. In some embodiments, the form display 640-6 may include a graphic, gif, animation, video, or other visualization of the proper form for an exercise. For example, the form display 640-6 may show an image of an athlete performing the exercise selected or may provide shadow or dotted lines of the proper (e.g., ergonomically correct to avoid injury and to target specific muscles) form for an exercise activity. In some embodiments, based on exercise movement information collected from the exercise sensor, the form display 640-6 may overlay the user's form on the target form so the user may compare his form to the target form.

FIG. 7 is a representation of a tracking accessory 710, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The tracking accessory 710 includes an identifier 728, which may be a sensor or other element configured to identify weight information from a weight plate. The tracking accessory 710 further includes an exercise sensor 732, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or other exercise sensor. A communication module 744 may be configured to communicate with other electronic devices, the internet, a cloud server, and combinations thereof.

An exercise manager 746 includes a processor a memory, the memory including instructions which, when accessed by the processor, cause the processor to perform functions. The exercise manager 746 includes a rep counter 748. The rep counter may receive exercise movement information from the exercise sensor 732. The rep counter may analyze the exercise movement to determine if a rep has been completed. If a rep has been completed, then the rep counter may add one count to a number of reps.

The exercise manager 746 further includes a form analyzer 750. The form analyzer 750 may receive exercise movement information from the exercise sensor 732 and compare the exercise movement to a model exercise form. The form analyzer 750 may provide a form score indicating how close to the exercise movement is to the model exercise form. Examples of form scores may include a numerical score (e.g., 9/10), a graded score (e.g., B+), a percentage score (e.g., 88%), other form scores, and combinations thereof. This may help a user to improve his or her form, thereby reducing the risk of injury and improving the exercise of targeted muscles.

The exercise manager 746 includes a calorie counter 752. The calorie counter may receive weight information about the weight from the identifier 728, exercise movement information from the exercise sensor 732, and exercise movement analysis from the rep counter 748 and/or the form analyzer 750. The calorie counter may use this information to determine a number of calories burned. The calories burned may be presented in the display (e.g., display 636 of FIG. 6 at calorie field 640-4).

The exercise manager 746 may further include an exercise identifier 754. The exercise identifier 754 may identify an exercise being performed. For example, the exercise identifier 754 may receive exercise movement information from the exercise sensor 732 and exercise movement analysis from the rep counter 748 and/or the form analyzer 750. In some embodiments, the exercise identifier 754 may determine the exercise being performed from this information. In some embodiments, the exercise identifier 754 may receive the exercise being performed/to be performed from a third party, such as user input, a remote computing device, the cloud, another source, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 8 is a representation of an exercise network 856 for a tracking accessory 810, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The tracking accessory 810 may be in communication with a network 856 (e.g., the internet, a local area network (LAN)). In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 810 may be in wireless communication with the network 856, such as by Wi-Fi connection.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 810 may be in communication with a computing device 860, such as a mobile device, a laptop computer, or other computing device. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 810 may be wirelessly connected to the computing device 860, such as through a Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth connection, or otherwise wirelessly connected to the computing device. The computing device 860 may further be connected to the network 856.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 810 may send and receive information to and from the computing device 860. For example, the tracking accessory 810 may send and receive information directly and/or over the network 856. For example, the tracking accessory 810 may receive exercise program information, including exercises to be performed, weights to be used, set and rep targets, and so forth. In this manner, the user may prepare for and plan workouts to be performed, which may improve the exercise experience by allowing the user to customize workouts to her preferences and needs.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory 810 may send exercise information, including raw data from the exercise sensor and/or the identifier, set and rep counts associated with exercises (e.g., bicep curls) and weights (e.g., 20 lbs.), form analysis and/or grades, calorie counts, other exercise information, and combinations thereof. In this manner, a user may analyze the data on her computing device, improving the exercise experience by allowing the user to see progress and target areas for improvement.

In some embodiments, a cloud server 862 may be in communication with the tracking accessory 810 and/or the computing device 860 via the network 856. The cloud server 862 may include an exercise program such as ICON FITNESS's IFIT. This program includes exercise programs, cycles, and sequences designed for various exercise systems. The user may select an exercise program from the cloud server 862, and the exercise program may be transmitted to the tracking accessory 810. This may allow the user to train with virtual trainers and/or remote training programs from his or her own home.

FIG. 9 is a representation of a method 964 for tracking an exercise, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 964 includes securing a tracking accessory to a weight plate of a dumbbell at 966. The weight plate may include an indicator (e.g., indicator 326 of FIG. 3). The indicator may include weight information, such as the weight of the weight.

The weight information may be identified using an identifier on the tracking accessory at 968. The identifier may be any identifier, including an RFID reader, an optical scanner, or other identifier. The method 964 may include analyzing an exercise using an exercise sensor at 970. In some embodiments, the exercise sensor may include an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope.

In some embodiments, analyzing the exercise may include counting repetitions (e.g., reps) of a movement of the tracking accessory and/or the weight using the exercise sensor on the exercise accessory. Analyzing the exercise may further include analyzing form of a movement of the tracking accessory and/or the weight plate using the exercise sensor.

In some embodiments, identifying the weight information may include measuring a pattern of ridges and/or indentations on a surface of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the method 964 may further include displaying exercise information on a display on the weight attachment. The display may include any display, including an LCD display, an LED display, and OLED display, a touch-screen display, any other display, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method 964 may include performing a first exercise. After the user completes all or a portion of the first exercise, the method 964 may include using the tracking accessory to prompt the user to perform a second exercise. The tracking accessory may prompt the user using a notification, such as an audible notification (e.g., a beep, tone, noise, pre-recorded sound), a physical/tactile notification (e.g., vibration), a visual notification (e.g., a blinking light, pattern of lights, video), other notification, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, tracking accessory may determine that an exercise is complete when the user finishes a pre-determined number of reps or sets of reps. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete when the user places the weight plate and attached tracking accessory back where he or she picked it up. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete when the tracking accessory is removed from the weight plate. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete when the user provides input into the tracking accessory indicating that an exercise is complete.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete if the tracking accessory (and therefore the weight plate) has not moved for a period of time. In some embodiments, the period of time may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 1 s, 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 180 s, or any value therebetween. For example, the period of time may be greater than 1 s. In another example, the period of time may be less than 180 s. In some examples, the period of time may be greater than 180 s. In yet other examples, the period of time may be any value in a range between 1 s and 180 s. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 5 s to ensure the exercise is complete. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 15 s to ensure the exercise is complete. In some embodiments it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 30 s to ensure the exercise is complete and/or the user has had a break.

In some embodiments, prompting the user to begin a second exercise may include providing an exercise type and/or an exercise weight for the second exercise. In some embodiments, prompting the user to begin a second exercise may include providing a tutorial or instructions on how to complete the second exercise.

FIG. 10 is a representation of a tracking accessory 1010, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The tracking accessory 1010 may be configured to attach to a dumbbell or other weight of weight exercise device. In the embodiment shown, the tracking accessory 1010 is hexagonal (e.g., six-sided). In other words, the tracking accessory 1010 has a hexagonal cross-section However, it should be understood that the tracking accessory 1010 may have any shape cross-section, including circular, triangular, square, pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, polygonal of any number of sides, non-polygonal, or any other shaped cross-section.

The tracking accessory 1010 may include an attachment 1030. In some embodiments, the attachment 1030 may be magnetic. In some embodiments, the attachment 1030 may be a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the attachment 1030 may be a magnetic coating around the outer surface of the tracking accessory 1010. The tracking accessory 1010 may be configured to connect to the weight at the attachment 1030, such that the attachment 1030 may contact the weight.

The attachment 1030 has an attachment profile. The attachment profile may be the three-dimensional shape of the outer surface of the attachment 1030. In some embodiments, the weight may include a complementary weight plate profile. When the tracking accessory 1010 is connected to the weight, the attachment 1030 may be nested into the weight such that the attachment profile matches the weight profile.

FIG. 11 is a representation of a weight 1102, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the weight 1102 is a dumbbell. However, it should be understood that the weight 1102 may any type of weight, including a weight plate, a dumbbell, a kettlebell, an exercise rope or chain, or any other type of weight.

The weight 1102 includes a weight plate 1116. The weight plate 1116 may include a tracking accessory receiver 1172. The tracking accessory receiver 1172 may be configured to receive the tracking accessory (e.g., the tracking accessory 1010 of FIG. 10). In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 may be an indentation in the weight plate 1116. In the embodiment shown, the indentation has a weight plate profile that is complementary to the attachment profile of the attachment (e.g., the attachment 1030 of FIG. 10). Thus, as may be seen, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 shown has a hexagonal outline. However, it should be understood that the weight plate profile may not be complementary with the attachment profile.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 may be made from a magnetic material such that the receiver may easily secure the tracking accessory to the weight plate 1116. In some embodiments, the entire weight plate 1116 may be made from a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 may include a magnetic coating.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 may be an indentation in the outer surface 1118 of the weight plate 1116. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 may include protrusions or walls from the outer surface 1118 of the weight plate 1116. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 may include both an indentation and walls protruding from the outer surface 1118 of the weight plate 1116.

In the embodiment shown, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 is located in a center (e.g., opposite the handle) of the outer surface 1118 of the weight plate 1116. However, it should be understood that the tracking accessory receiver 1172 may be located in any location on the weight plate 1116. For example, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 may be located near an outer edge 1174 of the weight plate, on an inner surface 1120 of the weight plate 1116, or on any other location of the weight plate.

FIG. 12 is a representation of an exercise kit 1212 having a tracking accessory 1210 connected to a weight plate 1216, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the tracking accessory 1210 is magnetically connected to the weight plate 1216 at a tracking accessory receiver 1272. In this manner, the tracking accessory 1210 is securely fastened to the weight plate 1216 during the performance of an exercise.

FIG. 13 is a representation of an exercise kit 1312 including a tracking accessory 1310 connected to a kettlebell 1376, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the tracking accessory 1310 is connected to the bell 1378 or the ball of the kettlebell 1376. The bell 1378 may include a tracking accessory receiver 1372 that may receive the tracking accessory 1310.

FIG. 14 is a representation of an exercise kit 1412 including a tracking accessory 1410 connected to a weight plate 1416, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown, the weight plate 1416 is configured to connect to a barbell, such as a barbell used for squats or the bench press.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In some embodiments, a user may perform a strength exercise, such as a bicep curl, using a free weight (e.g., a dumbbell or a barbell). The weight has a weight (e.g., 10 lbs., 5 kg, etc.). To perform a bicep curl, the user extends his arm to an extended position and bends his arm at the elbow to lift the weight up to a retracted position. The weight follows an exercise path.

The user may attach a tracking accessory to the weight. The tracking accessory may collect data about the weight. For example, the tracking accessory may determine the weight of the weight. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may include one or more sensors. For example, the tracking accessory may include an accelerometer. The accelerometer may collect information about the movement of the tracking accessory (and therefore the weight), such as the path of the tracking accessory along the exercise path.

By analyzing the information from the accelerometer, the tracking accessory may analyze portions of the exercise. For example, the tracking accessory may determine when the user has completed a rep (e.g., when the tracking accessory follows a complete exercise path, when the user completes a bicep curl in the embodiment shown). In some examples, the tracking accessory may determine the number of reps performed by the user (e.g., the number of times the tracking accessory followed the exercise path). This may help a user to track his exercise without physically writing down the number of reps performed, and/or without counting in his head. In this manner, the user may have an improved exercise experience through more focused concentration on the exercise activity.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may analyze the form of the user. For example, for a given exercise (e.g., bicep curls in the embodiment shown), the tracking accessory may compare the exercise path of the user to a stored model exercise path. The tracking accessory may provide feedback in the form of a notification or a prompt regarding how close the exercise path compares to the stored model exercise path. For example, if the exercise path closely follows the model exercise path (e.g., with no more than 25% variation, no more than 15% variation, no more than 10% variation, no more than 5% variation, no more than 1% variation), then the tracking accessory may provide a first notification. If the exercise path does not closely follow the model exercise path (e.g., with more than 25% variation, more than 15% variation, more than 10% variation, more than 5% variation, more than 1% variation), then the tracking accessory may provide a second notification, different from the first notification. This may alert a user regarding the form she is using. In this manner, a user may monitor her form throughout a workout, thereby reducing the chance of injury and increasing the effectiveness of an exercise activity.

The tracking accessory may be removably attached to the weight. For example, when the user begins an exercise, she may take the tracking accessory and attach it to the weight. As will be discussed herein, the user may attach the tracking accessory to the weight at or near an indicator on the weight, and an identifier in the tracking accessory may automatically identify the weight of the weight. The tracking accessory may be releasably secured to the weight. For example, the tracking accessory may be magnetically secured to the weight. In some examples, the tracking accessory may be mechanically secured to the weight, such as with a clip, a fastener, or other mechanical attachment. In other words, the tracking accessory, in some embodiments, is not permanently attached to the weight.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine when an exercise is complete. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete if the tracking accessory (and therefore the weight plate) has not moved for a period of time. In some embodiments, the period of time may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 1 s, 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 180 s, or any value therebetween. For example, the period of time may be greater than 1 s. In another example, the period of time may be less than 180 s. In some examples, the period of time may be greater than 180 s. In yet other examples, the period of time may be any value in a range between 1 s and 180 s. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 5 s to ensure the exercise is complete. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 15 s to ensure the exercise is complete. In some embodiments it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 30 s to ensure the exercise is complete and/or the user has had a break.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may provide prompts or notifications to the user. For example, the tracking accessory may provide audible prompts (e.g., a beep, a pre-recorded sound) when the user completes a rep, when the user completes a set (e.g., a set of reps), when the user completes an activity, when a rest period is over, a next exercise for the user, other activities, and combinations thereof. Each notification or prompt may use the same or different sound.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may provide other prompts or notifications, such as visual prompts (e.g., a flashing light, a change in a display) or physical prompts (e.g., vibrations passed through the weight to the user).

In some embodiments, an exercise kit may include a tracking accessory connected to a weight. The weight may be a free weight (e.g., is not connected to a larger weight machine operated by cables and/or guides). For example, the weight may be configured to be held by one hand (e.g., a dumbbell), two hands (e.g., a barbell), or any other type of free weight.

In some embodiments, the weight may be a fixed weight. For example, a handle may be permanently connected to a weight plate. In some embodiments, the weight may be an adjustable weight. For example, the handle may be separate from the weight plate, and the weight plate may be removably attached to the handle. In some embodiments, a user may manually change the weight plates on the handle. In some embodiments, the weight may be associated with a cradle that automatically connects one or more weight plates to the handle based on a selected weight by the user.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may be connected to any portion of the weight. For example, in the embodiment shown, the tracking accessory is connected to an outer surface of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may be connected to a different portion of the weight plate, such as an inner surface or a support surface of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may be attached to a different portion of the weight. For example, the tracking accessory may be attached to the handle.

In the embodiment shown, the outer surface and the inner surface are transverse (e.g., not parallel) to the handle, with the inner surface facing the handle and the outer surface facing away from the handle. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the support surface is parallel or approximately parallel to the handle and may be transverse to the outer surface and the inner surface. Thus, when the weight rests on the floor, the weight may be supported by the support surface.

A weight plate may include an outer surface and a tracking accessory may include an inner surface. The weight plate may include at least one indicator. The indicator includes weight information about the weight. For example, the indicator may include a weight of the weight, a tracking number of the weight, a location of the weight, other weight information, and combinations thereof.

The tracking accessory may include an identifier. The identifier may be configured to read, interpret, or otherwise retrieve the weight information from the indicator. For example, the indicator may be a series of indentations and ridges arranged in a pattern on the body of the weight plate, and the identifier may include one or more scanners (e.g., optical camera or other scanner) that can measure and interpret the pattern of indentations and ridges. In some examples, the indicator may be an RFID tag, and the identifier may retrieve the weight information from the RFID tag or retrieve the information from an entry in a database associated with the RFID. In some examples, the indicator may be any type of indicator, such as a barcode, text, any other indicator, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, to connect the tracking accessory to the weight plate, the inner surface of the tracking accessory may be placed on (e.g., over) or near the indicator. In some embodiments, the identifier may be aligned with the indicator. In some embodiments, the identifier may be placed near the indicator within a sensing range of the identifier. The sensing range may depend upon the identifier and the indicator. For example, the identifier may be placed within line-of-sight of the indicator. In some examples, the identifier may be placed within RFID sensing range of the indicator.

In some embodiments, the weight plate may be attached to a handle automatically using a cradle. Thus, the weight plate may be part of an adjustable dumbbell system. In some embodiments, the outermost weight plate may include weight information for each weight plate attached to the handle. Thus, when the user connects the tracking accessory to the weight plate, the tracking accessory may receive information for the entire dumbbell, and not just the outermost weight plate to which the tracking accessory is attached. In some embodiments, the cradle may include a wireless communication device, and the identifier may include a wireless receiver. The cradle may communicate the weight information to the tracking accessory wirelessly (e.g., via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, other wireless technology).

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may include one or more attachments (e.g., connectors). The attachments may secure the tracking accessory to the weight plate. In the embodiment shown, the weight plate is made from a magnetic material, such as steel. The attachments are made from a permanent magnet. Thus, when the tracking accessory is placed on the weight plate, the attachments may magnetically attach to the weight plate. The attachments may have a magnetic strength sufficient to secure the tracking accessory to the weight plate through an exercise, including during a rep and during placement of the weight plate on a weight rack or on the ground.

In some embodiments, the attachments may be mechanical. For example, the attachments may be protrusions that insert into matching indentations or cavities in the weight plate. In some examples, the attachments may be a clip, a hook, a threaded connection, or other mechanical attachment mechanism.

In the embodiment shown, the tracking accessory includes an exercise sensor. For example, the exercise sensor may be any sensor that collects exercise information, such as an accelerometer, pressure sensor, gyroscope, other exercise sensor, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the exercise sensor may collect movement information of the tracking accessory. In some embodiments, the exercise sensor may be connected to the identifier. When the identifier detects the indicator, the exercise sensor may begin sensing and recording exercise movements. In this manner, the exercise sensor may not collect and detect movements of the tracking accessory when it is not connected to the weight plate.

In some embodiments, the exercise sensor may be located inside a housing of the tracking accessory. In some embodiments, the exercise sensor may be located on a surface of the housing. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may include a plurality of exercise sensors at different locations to detect and record different motions and types of motions.

A weight plate includes an outer surface and a tracking accessory includes an inner surface, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the outer surface includes an indicator. The indicator is a visual indicator of the weight of the weight plate, the entire dumbbell, or the entire barbell. The indicator includes a series of ridges and depressions stamped, machined, or otherwise imprinted on the outer surface of the weight plate. Such indicators are often used on free weights in a commercial or a home gym to visually identify the weight being used.

In some embodiments, the identifier may identify the weight by scanning or otherwise measuring the indicator. For example, the identifier may include a camera, and the identifier may identify the weight using image recognition. In this manner, the tracking accessory may be used with any weight set and may not require weight plates with indicators matched to the identifier. This may make the tracking accessory more versatile and user-friendly.

In some embodiments, an exercise kit includes a weight plate with a tracking accessory attached, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the exercise kit includes a handle and two weight plates. In some embodiments, the weight plates may be hexagonal prisms. However, it should be understood that the weight plates may be any shape, including cylindrical, spherical, cubic, cuboid, prismatic of any side number sides (e.g., triangular prismatic, square prismatic, pentagonal prismatic, heptagonal prismatic, octagonal prismatic, 9-sided prismatic, decagonal prismatic, n-sided prismatic where n is any integer), and combinations thereof.

The weight plate may include an indicator on the support surface. This may make it easy for a user to select the weight plate when it is resting on a weight rack or on the floor. The user may place a tracking accessory on the support surface over the indicator. In this manner, the user may utilize a fixed free weight, such as seen in many commercial and home gyms.

In some embodiments, the indicator may include a display. The display may present exercise information, including reps, sets, exercise, form quality, calories burned, rest time, other exercise information, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, an outer surface of a tracking accessory may include a display. The display may include one or more display fields. For example, the display may include display fields of exercise type, weight, set/reps, calories, timer, and form.

In some embodiments, the user may input or select information displayed in the display fields. For example, the user may input the exercise type. In some examples, the user may input the target number of sets and the target number of reps in each set displayed in field. In some examples, the user may input an entire workout sequence, including a cycle of one or more of exercises, sets, reps, rest duration, and so forth. When the user finishes (e.g., reaches a pre-determined number or goal included in the workout sequence) an exercise, set, rest, or other exercise activity, the tracking accessory may change the display fields to the next exercise, set, rest, or other exercise activity in the pre-established cycle.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine at least a portion of the information displayed in the display fields. For example, using movement and exercise data collected by the exercise sensor, the tracking accessory may determine the exercise type (e.g., bicep curls, bench press, military press, squats).

In some examples, the tracking accessory may determine the number of reps performed by the user and display the number of reps performed on the display. Each rep may be determined by the user performing a complete or a portion of the exercise movement. For example, a rep may be counted if the user performs 99% of the exercise movement, 95% of the exercise movement, 90% of the exercise movement, 85% of the exercise movement, 80% of the exercise movement, 75% of the exercise movement, or any value therebetween. Each rep performed may be displayed in the display field 640-3 as it is completed. Furthermore, the tracking accessory may provide an audible notification when a rep is completed, such as a beep, a tone, a pre-recorded voice counting each successive rep, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the display may be updated when the tracking accessory is changed from a first weight to a second weight. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may include a first input button and a second input button. The user may change the information on the display using one or both of the first input button and the second input button. For example, the user may advance to the next exercise type by pressing the first input button. In some examples, the user may change to a previous exercise type by pressing the second input button. This may allow a user to control which portions of the workout to focus on and/or repeat, based on preference and/or physical capability. In some embodiments, the input buttons may be physical buttons. In some embodiments, the input buttons may be input commands on the graphical user interface (GUI) of a touch-screen display. In some embodiments, a user may input information into the tracking accessory using a remote device, such as a computing device, mobile device, or other remote device.

In some embodiments, the display may include target information on the display. For example, the display fields may include a target weight to select, a target number of sets and/or reps, a preview of the next exercise, a preview of the next rest period, and so forth. In some embodiments, the form display may include a graphic, gif, animation, video, or other visualization of the proper form for an exercise. For example, the form display may show an image of an athlete performing the exercise selected or may provide shadow or dotted lines of the proper (e.g., ergonomically correct to avoid injury and to target specific muscles) form for an exercise activity. In some embodiments, based on exercise movement information collected from the exercise sensor, the form display may overlay the user's form on the target form so the user may compare his form to the target form.

In some embodiments, a tracking accessory includes an identifier, which may be a sensor or other element configured to identify weight information from a weight plate. The tracking accessory further includes an exercise sensor, such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, or other exercise sensor. A communication module may be configured to communicate with other electronic devices, the internet, a cloud server, and combinations thereof.

An exercise manager includes a processor a memory, the memory including instructions which, when accessed by the processor, cause the processor to perform functions. The exercise manager includes a rep counter. The rep counter may receive exercise movement information from the exercise sensor. The rep counter may analyze the exercise movement to determine if a rep has been completed. If a rep has been completed, then the rep counter may add one count to a number of reps.

The exercise manager further includes a form analyzer. The form analyzer may receive exercise movement information from the exercise sensor and compare the exercise movement to a model exercise form. The form analyzer may provide a form score indicating how close to the exercise movement is to the model exercise form. Examples of form scores may include a numerical score (e.g., 9/10), a graded score (e.g., B+), a percentage score (e.g., 88%), other form scores, and combinations thereof. This may help a user to improve his or her form, thereby reducing the risk of injury and improving the exercise of targeted muscles.

The exercise manager includes a calorie counter. The calorie counter may receive weight information about the weight from the identifier, exercise movement information from the exercise sensor, and exercise movement analysis from the rep counter and/or the form analyzer. The calorie counter may use this information to determine a number of calories burned. The calories burned may be presented in the display.

The exercise manager may further include an exercise identifier. The exercise identifier may identify an exercise being performed. For example, the exercise identifier may receive exercise movement information from the exercise sensor and exercise movement analysis from the rep counter and/or the form analyzer. In some embodiments, the exercise identifier may determine the exercise being performed from this information. In some embodiments, the exercise identifier may receive the exercise being performed/to be performed from a third party, such as user input, a remote computing device, the cloud, another source, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, a tracking accessory may be in communication with a network (e.g., the internet, a local area network (LAN)). In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may be in wireless communication with the network, such as by Wi-Fi connection.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may be in communication with a computing device, such as a mobile device, a laptop computer, or other computing device. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may be wirelessly connected to the computing device, such as through a Wi-Fi connection, Bluetooth connection, or otherwise wirelessly connected to the computing device. The computing device may further be connected to the network.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may send and receive information to and from the computing device. For example, the tracking accessory may send and receive information directly and/or over the network. For example, the tracking accessory may receive exercise program information, including exercises to be performed, weights to be used, set and rep targets, and so forth. In this manner, the user may prepare for and plan workouts to be performed, which may improve the exercise experience by allowing the user to customize workouts to her preferences and needs.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may send exercise information, including raw data from the exercise sensor and/or the identifier, set and rep counts associated with exercises (e.g., bicep curls) and weights (e.g., 20 lbs.), form analysis and/or grades, calorie counts, other exercise information, and combinations thereof. In this manner, a user may analyze the data on her computing device, improving the exercise experience by allowing the user to see progress and target areas for improvement.

In some embodiments, a cloud server may be in communication with the tracking accessory and/or the computing device via the network. The cloud server may include an exercise program such as ICON FITNESS's IFIT. This program includes exercise programs, cycles, and sequences designed for various exercise systems. The user may select an exercise program from the cloud server, and the exercise program may be transmitted to the tracking accessory. This may allow the user to train with virtual trainers and/or remote training programs from his or her own home.

In some embodiments, a method for tracking exercise includes securing a tracking accessory to a weight plate of a dumbbell. The weight plate may include an indicator. The indicator may include weight information, such as the weight of the weight.

The weight information may be identified using an identifier on the tracking accessory. The identifier may be any identifier, including an RFID reader, an optical scanner, or other identifier. The method may include analyzing an exercise using an exercise sensor. In some embodiments, the exercise sensor may include an accelerometer and/or a gyroscope.

In some embodiments, analyzing the exercise may include counting repetitions (e.g., reps) of a movement of the tracking accessory and/or the weight using the exercise sensor on the exercise accessory. Analyzing the exercise may further include analyzing form of a movement of the tracking accessory and/or the weight plate using the exercise sensor.

In some embodiments, identifying the weight information may include measuring a pattern of ridges and/or indentations on a surface of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the method may further include displaying exercise information on a display on the weight attachment. The display may include any display, including an LCD display, an LED display, and OLED display, a touch-screen display, any other display, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the method may include performing a first exercise. After the user completes all or a portion of the first exercise, the method may include using the tracking accessory to prompt the user to perform a second exercise. The tracking accessory may prompt the user using a notification, such as an audible notification (e.g., a beep, tone, noise, pre-recorded sound), a physical/tactile notification (e.g., vibration), a visual notification (e.g., a blinking light, pattern of lights, video), other notification, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, tracking accessory may determine that an exercise is complete when the user finishes a pre-determined number of reps or sets of reps. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete when the user places the weight plate and attached tracking accessory back where he or she picked it up. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete when the tracking accessory is removed from the weight plate. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete when the user provides input into the tracking accessory indicating that an exercise is complete.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may determine that the exercise is complete if the tracking accessory (and therefore the weight plate) has not moved for a period of time. In some embodiments, the period of time may be in a range having an upper value, a lower value, or upper and lower values including any of 1 s, 5 s, 10 s, 15 s, 20 s, 30 s, 45 s, 60 s, 90 s, 120 s, 180 s, or any value therebetween. For example, the period of time may be greater than 1 s. In another example, the period of time may be less than 180 s. In some examples, the period of time may be greater than 180 s. In yet other examples, the period of time may be any value in a range between 1 s and 180 s. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 5 s to ensure the exercise is complete. In some embodiments, it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 15 s to ensure the exercise is complete. In some embodiments it may be critical that the period of time is greater than 30 s to ensure the exercise is complete and/or the user has had a break.

In some embodiments, prompting the user to begin a second exercise may include providing an exercise type and/or an exercise weight for the second exercise. In some embodiments, prompting the user to begin a second exercise may include providing a tutorial or instructions on how to complete the second exercise.

In some embodiments, a tracking accessory may be configured to attach to a dumbbell or other weight of weight exercise device. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may be hexagonal (e.g., six-sided). In other words, the tracking accessory has a hexagonal cross-section However, it should be understood that the tracking accessory may have any shape cross-section, including circular, triangular, square, pentagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, polygonal of any number of sides, non-polygonal, or any other shaped cross-section.

The tracking accessory may include an attachment. In some embodiments, the attachment may be magnetic. In some embodiments, the attachment may be a permanent magnet. In some embodiments, the attachment may be a magnetic coating around the outer surface of the tracking accessory. The tracking accessory may be configured to connect to the weight at the attachment, such that the attachment may contact the weight.

The attachment has an attachment profile. The attachment profile may be the three-dimensional shape of the outer surface of the attachment. In some embodiments, the weight may include a complementary weight plate profile. When the tracking accessory is connected to the weight, the attachment may be nested into the weight such that the attachment profile matches the weight profile.

In some embodiments, a weight may be a dumbbell. However, it should be understood that the weight may any type of weight, including a weight plate, a dumbbell, a kettlebell, an exercise rope or chain, or any other type of weight.

The weight includes a weight plate. The weight plate may include a tracking accessory receiver. The tracking accessory receiver may be configured to receive the tracking accessory. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver may be an indentation in the weight plate. In the embodiment shown, the indentation has a weight plate profile that is complementary to the attachment profile of the attachment. Thus, as may be seen, the tracking accessory receiver 1172 shown has a hexagonal outline. However, it should be understood that the weight plate profile may not be complementary with the attachment profile.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver may be made from a magnetic material such that the receiver may easily secure the tracking accessory to the weight plate. In some embodiments, the entire weight plate may be made from a magnetic material. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver may include a magnetic coating.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver may be an indentation in the outer surface of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver may include protrusions or walls from the outer surface of the weight plate. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver may include both an indentation and walls protruding from the outer surface of the weight plate.

In some embodiments, the tracking accessory receiver may be located in a center (e.g., opposite the handle) of the outer surface of the weight plate. However, it should be understood that the tracking accessory receiver may be located in any location on the weight plate. For example, the tracking accessory receiver may be located near an outer edge of the weight plate, on an inner surface of the weight plate, or on any other location of the weight plate.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the tracking accessory may be magnetically connected to the weight plate at a tracking accessory receiver. In this manner, the tracking accessory is securely fastened to the weight plate during the performance of an exercise.

In some embodiments, a tracking accessory may be connected to a kettlebell, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the tracking accessory may be connected to the bell or the ball of the kettlebell. The bell may include a tracking accessory receiver that may receive the tracking accessory.

In some embodiments, a tracking accessory may be connected to a weight plate. In some embodiments, the weight plate may be configured to connect to a barbell, such as a barbell used for squats or the bench press.

Following are sections according to embodiments of the present disclosure

  • 1. A tracking accessory, comprising:
    • a housing
    • an exercise sensor located in the housing;
    • an identifier located in the housing; and
    • an connector configured to releasably secure the housing to a movable weight.
  • 2. The accessory of section 1, wherein the connector is a permanent magnet.
  • 3. The accessory of section 1 or 2, wherein the exercise sensor is a rep counter.
  • 4. The accessory of any of sections 1-3, further comprising a display, the display presenting exercise information received from the exercise sensor.
  • 5. The accessory of any of sections 1-4, further comprising a communication device to send to or receive data from a computing device.
  • 6. An exercise kit, comprising:
    • a handle;
    • a plurality of weight plates configured to releasably secure to the handle, a weight plate of the plurality of weight plates including an indicator, the indicator including weight information about the weight plate; and
    • a tracking accessory, including:
      • an accelerometer;
      • an identifier configured to receive the weight information from the indicator; and
      • a connector configured to secure the tracking accessory to a weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.
  • 7. The exercise kit of section 6, the tracking accessory further including a processor and memory, the memory including instructions which, when accessed by the processor, cause the processor to receive exercise information from the accelerometer and count repetitions of an exercise.
  • 8. The exercise kit of section 7, wherein the instructions cause the processor to analyze an exercise form of the exercise.
  • 9. The exercise kit of section 8, wherein the instructions cause the processor to provide an alert to a user regarding the exercise form.
  • 10. The exercise kit of any of sections 6-9, wherein the indicator includes one or more ridges arranged in a pattern on an outer surface of the weight, the pattern encoding a weight of the weight plate, and wherein the identifier includes a sensor configured to measure the one or more ridges.
  • 11. The exercise kit of any of sections 6-10, wherein the weight plate is made from a magnetic material, and the connector is magnetically secured to the weight plate.
  • 12. A method for tracking an exercise, comprising:
    • securing a tracking accessory to a weight plate of a dumbbell, the weight plate including an indicator, the indicator including weight information, the tracking accessory including an identifier;
    • identifying the weight information using the identifier and the indicator; and
    • analyzing an exercise using an exercise sensor in the tracking accessory.
  • 13. The method of section 12, wherein analyzing the exercise includes counting repetitions of a movement of the weight plate using the exercise sensor on the tracking accessory.
  • 14. The method of section 12 or 13, wherein analyzing the exercise includes analyzing a form of a movement of the weight plate using the exercise sensor on the tracking accessory.
  • 15. The method of any of sections 12-14, wherein identifying the weight information includes measuring a pattern of ridges on a surface of the weight plate.
  • 16. The method of any of sections 12-15, further comprising displaying exercise information on a display on the tracking accessory.
  • 17. The method of section 16, wherein the exercise information includes a repetition count of an exercise.
  • 18. The method of any of sections 12-17, wherein the exercise is a first exercise, and further comprising prompting a user to perform a second exercise using a notification on the identifier.
  • 19. The method of section 18, wherein prompting the user to perform the second exercise includes providing an exercise type and an exercise weight.
  • 20. The method of section 18 or 19, further comprising determining the first exercise is complete by determining that the tracking accessory has not moved for more than 30 s.

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. These described embodiments are examples of the presently disclosed techniques. Additionally, in an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual embodiment may be described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous embodiment-specific decisions will be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements in the preceding descriptions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. For example, any element described in relation to an embodiment herein may be combinable with any element of any other embodiment described herein. Numbers, percentages, ratios, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are “about” or “approximately” the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable manufacturing or production process, and may include values that are within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value.

A person having ordinary skill in the art should realize in view of the present disclosure that equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made to embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Equivalent constructions, including functional “means-plus-function” clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function, including both structural equivalents that operate in the same manner, and equivalent structures that provide the same function. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke means-plus-function or other functional claiming for any claim except for those in which the words ‘means for’ appear together with an associated function. Each addition, deletion, and modification to the embodiments that falls within the meaning and scope of the claims is to be embraced by the claims.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of a stated amount. Further, it should be understood that any directions or reference frames in the preceding description are merely relative directions or movements. For example, any references to “up” and “down” or “above” or “below” are merely descriptive of the relative position or movement of the related elements.

The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the disclosure is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A tracking accessory, comprising:

a housing
an exercise sensor located in the housing;
an identifier located in the housing; and
an connector configured to releasably secure the housing to a movable weight.

2. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the connector is a permanent magnet.

3. The accessory of claim 1, wherein the exercise sensor is a rep counter.

4. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a display, the display presenting exercise information received from the exercise sensor.

5. The accessory of claim 1, further comprising a communication device to send to or receive data from a computing device.

6. An exercise kit, comprising:

a handle;
a plurality of weight plates configured to releasably secure to the handle, a weight plate of the plurality of weight plates including an indicator, the indicator including weight information about the weight plate; and
a tracking accessory, including: an accelerometer; an identifier configured to receive the weight information from the indicator; and a connector configured to secure the tracking accessory to a weight plate of the plurality of weight plates.

7. The exercise kit of claim 6, the tracking accessory further including a processor and memory, the memory including instructions which, when accessed by the processor, cause the processor to receive exercise information from the accelerometer and count repetitions of an exercise.

8. The exercise kit of claim 7, wherein the instructions cause the processor to analyze an exercise form of the exercise.

9. The exercise kit of claim 8, wherein the instructions cause the processor to provide an alert to a user regarding the exercise form.

10. The exercise kit of claim 6, wherein the indicator includes one or more ridges arranged in a pattern on an outer surface of the weight, the pattern encoding a weight of the weight plate, and wherein the identifier includes a sensor configured to measure the one or more ridges.

11. The exercise kit of claim 6, wherein the weight plate is made from a magnetic material, and the connector is magnetically secured to the weight plate.

12. A method for tracking an exercise, comprising:

securing a tracking accessory to a weight plate of a dumbbell, the weight plate including an indicator, the indicator including weight information, the tracking accessory including an identifier;
identifying the weight information using the identifier and the indicator; and
analyzing an exercise using an exercise sensor in the tracking accessory.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein analyzing the exercise includes counting repetitions of a movement of the weight plate using the exercise sensor on the tracking accessory.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein analyzing the exercise includes analyzing a form of a movement of the weight plate using the exercise sensor on the tracking accessory.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein identifying the weight information includes measuring a pattern of ridges on a surface of the weight plate.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising displaying exercise information on a display on the tracking accessory.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the exercise information includes a repetition count of an exercise.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein the exercise is a first exercise, and further comprising prompting a user to perform a second exercise using a notification on the identifier.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein prompting the user to perform the second exercise includes providing an exercise type and an exercise weight.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising determining the first exercise is complete by determining that the tracking accessory has not moved for more than 30 s.

Patent History
Publication number: 20220062685
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 31, 2021
Publication Date: Mar 3, 2022
Inventors: Darren C. Ashby (Richmond, UT), Jared Willardson (Smithfield, UT)
Application Number: 17/462,687
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 21/072 (20060101);