2140 results about "Exercise equipment" patented technology

The present invention is generally directed to a computerized fitness equipment that is designed to simulate, emulate, or implement actual race conditions with other users. An exemplar fitness equipment includes at least one operating component and sensors to monitor performance parameters of the at least one operating component (such as speed of movement). A display is also provided, along with logic to provide a visual display of a user's performance (as measured through the first performance parameters). In one embodiment, a communication interface is provided to communicate the first performance parameters to at least one remote, similarly-configured, fitness equipment. Performance parameters from the remote fitness equipment are also received through the communication interface. The fitness equipment includes logic to compare the first performance parameters with performance parameters received from remote fitness equipment and display the results in a comparative fashion to the user.

An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium preferably including the Internet that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read / write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system. A method for controlling an exercise apparatus includes running a modifiable script on a local computer to control the use and to monitor the operation of an exercise apparatus, and communicating with a remote system, preferably via the Internet, to provide the remote system with data concerning the use of the exercise apparatus. The script is stored in read / write memory of the local computer and remote system data received from the remote system may include at least a portion of a new script to be stored in the read / write memory of the local computer.

A control system and method for exercise equipment and the like provides a way to simulate a physical activity in a manner that takes into account the physics of the physical activity being simulated to provide an accurate simulation. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control system and method takes into account the physics of the corresponding physical activity to generate a virtual or predicted value of a variable such as velocity, acceleration, force, or the like. The difference between the virtual or expected physical variable and a measured variable is used as a control input to control resistance forces of the exercise equipment in a way that causes the user to experience forces that are the same or similar to the forces that would be encountered if the user were actually performing the physical activity being simulated rather than using the exercise equipment.

Disclosed is an automatic system for configuration, direction and recording of exercise program for an individual, based upon the attained heart rate of that person during an exercise period. Configuration data can be stored on an account accessible over a network. Configuration data can also be stored in an electronic device. The electronic device can provide information feedback to the user indicating the user's progress in a workout. In some embodiments the device can also send configuration commands to compatible exercise equipment according to heart rate or other exercise parameter.

A wireless motion monitoring device adaptive to incorporate an equipment control module of an exercise equipment is provided to detect the motion signal of a user. The wireless motion monitoring device includes a motion signal receiving module electrically coupling to a circuit board of the equipment control module. A wireless motion signal detecting module is able to detect the motion signal of the user. The motion signal is transmitted by a wireless transmitter which is arranged in the wireless motion signal detecting module. A wireless receiver is arranged in the motion signal receiving module for receiving the motion signal transmitted by the motion signal detecting module. After the motion signal receiving module receives the motion signal transmitted from the motion signal detecting module, the motion signal is transmitted to the equipment control module of the exercise equipment and displayed on a display unit of the equipment control module.

The present invention is for arousing a sense of rivalry to the user so that the user can exhibit an active will to exercise. The present invention relates to an exercise assistance apparatus which has a cycling machine 1 provided with pedals 11b and a rotation sensor 11c for detecting the movement of the pedals 11b, comprising a monitor 14 for displaying images, means for storing image data to express a traveling path and opponent characters, exercise equipment control means for performing variable control for the load status of the electromagnetic clutch 12b of the machine 1, means for sequentially updating and controlling the traveling position of the opponent characters on the traveling path, means for calculating a virtual self position of the user on the traveling path from the detection content of the rotation sensor 11c and the load status controlled by the exercise equipment control means, and image display means for displaying the traveling path and opponent characters on the monitor 14, and displaying the degree of difficulty to pass an opponent character.

Method and apparatus for encouraging significant exercise by a user of an exercise machine, by utilizing an interactive game that can be networked. The game controller is integrated into the exercise machine along with one or more sensors that supply interactive game inputs to the controller and also with one or more actuators that provide interactive game feedback output by the controller. For example, the sensors sense one or more of: an exercise rate, force, frequency, and repetition count; a button click, trigger squeeze, and joystick movement; a force on a steering wheel, handlebar, and flight stick; a tilting force; a key press, touch screen touch, and switch activation; sound, heat, smell, and moisture. For example, the actuators output from the controller game-related feedback including one or more of: vibration, impact force, movement, heat, cold, moving air, sound, visual effects, changes of exercise resistance and rate, scent and moisture.

A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The present invention includes a continuously variable transmission that may be employed in connection with any type of machine that is in need of a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment or (iii) industrial equipment, such as a drill press, power generating equipment, or textile mill.

A system and method for providing visual feedback to a user of an exercise machine for gauging fitness progress of the user. The system provides a user of an exercise machine with a virtual competition in which the user competes against virtual competitors based on his past performances or those of other users, either as an individual or as a member of a team. The team may also be part of a league. For an individual competing against his own past performance(s), the system may raise the level of performance required to win the virtual competition, and may also lower the level of performance required if the user is not performing well on a particular day. For an individual competing against others in either real-time or against designated results, either as part of a team or a league, the system may reduce the isolation, disconnection, and tedium often experienced by users of cardiovascular exercise equipment and provide a social outlet. The system attempts to keep the user engaged and motivated to achieve desired fitness goals by providing real-time performance data and historical performance data displayed in a graphical manner coupled with the entertainment and excitement of competition and social interaction.

A system for simultaneously capturing data from multiple sources from individuals training on exercise equipment is provided. The system utilizes a wireless means of either transferring data to a computer server for permanent storage and interactive analysis or to prompt the delivery of programming content or data from a computer server to the exercise units or attachments affixed thereto. The system also includes an interactive means of incorporating third-party input regarding additional characteristics about each exercise unit, entertainment system or human user that when integrated with the base line equipment data becomes highly relevant and valuable. The present invention utilizes a programmable transceiver that can receive entertainment programming and data communications from a central computer server while simultaneously receiving data from multiple devices attached to or integrated within the exercise unit.

The invention relates to the field of exercise equipment, in particular to an intelligent running machine. The intelligent running machine comprises a running machine body, a tablet personal computer which is arranged on the running machine body, a flexible array pressure sensor which is arranged on the running machine body, a control module which is arranged on the tablet personal computer, a data acquisition module and a motor drive module. An internet function is integrated in the control module of the running machine, and each running machine uploads a relationship model and a training program which are established according to individual characteristics through network to a server for storage so as to realize identity authentication. Multiple kinds of training modes and virtual scenes are integrated in the control module; the training program which meets an exerciser is customized in a personalized way; foot pressure distribution information of the exerciser, which is detected bythe flexible array pressure sensor, and the real-time heart rate which is sent by a heart rate monitoring module are received in real time; running speed, gradient and the like can be adjusted automatically; safety of the exerciser can be guaranteed; and training modes can be enriched and training efficiency can be improved.

A treadmill assembly comprising a substantially horizontal tread assembly including oppositely extending front and rear ends, a tread and a controller for controlling movement of the tread, a support structure extending proximate the rear end of the tread assembly to a distal top end substantially above the rear end of the tread assembly, a table top member mounted to the distal top end of the support structure, the top member including a substantially flat work surface and a front edge, the work surface having dimensions suitable to support a computer keyboard and a control assembly including at least one input button for providing command signals for controlling the controller, the control assembly supported by the table top member adjacent the front edge of the table top member.

An integrated sensor apparatus capable of detecting exercise equipment parameters such as power output and cadence is designed so as to be easily retrofittable to existing equipment. To the extent that a particular sensor uses friction measurement, it can supplant an existing friction causing device on the equipment. Additionally, the sensor can communicate, wirelessly if desired, with a processing device. The processing device is capable of receiving and processing a plurality of sensor signals. The processing device can then output processed signals to a display, so that a plurality of people joining in a group exercise or competition can easily track their relative performance in real-time.

An exercise apparatus includes a frame for supporting all the components of the apparatus and a multi-directional resistance means for providing a user of the apparatus the ability to duplicate actual athletic procedures. The apparatus includes a treadmill for the user to operate with the multidirectional resistance means and at least two connection means between the user legs the multi-directional resistance means. A front bar is mounted on the frame for the user to hold onto while duplicating an athletic procedure. Finally, there is a controlling means to adjust the multi-directional resistance means for changing the effect of the users' workout.

To provide users the ability to track their cardiovascular exercise and determine cardiovascular exercise machine usage, the present system and methods describe an activity tracking platform. The platform includes a wireless sensor configured to monitor a piece of cardiovascular exercise equipment. The sensor can be configured and positioned to monitor a moving part of the exercise equipment, such as the spinning tread of a treadmill or the circular movement of a bike peddle. Responsive to detecting activity, the sensor can associate the data with a specific user and, using a wireless sensor network, transmit the data to a central server. The platform provides the user an associated website, where the user may view historical workout information, current exercise equipment usage at a local gym, or current workout goals.

An interactive virtual training system including at least one exercise equipment device including a video user interface, an audio input, an audio output, voice recognition software for interpreting a user's spoken commands and software that monitors a user's exercise pattern for consistency, where changes in the exercise pattern trigger a query to the user asking whether assistance is necessary, and software for adjusting the workout routine if a user indicates that modification is needed.

A virtual trainer exercise system including at least one exercise equipment device including a video user interface, an audio input, an audio output, and a data port for receiving a portable storage device, a server in communication with the exercise equipment device, a database in communication with the server, the database including one or more user profiles, software executing on the exercise equipment device for receiving user data from the portable storage device, software executing on the server for accessing a user profile corresponding to the user data, and software executing on the server for generating an interactive virtual trainer based on the user profile and providing the interactive virtual trainer to the user via the user interface and audio output.

An exercise apparatus that is to be mounted in a doorway and held in position by the user's own body weight during use. In one aspect the invention comprises: first and second L-shaped members disposed in side-by-side relation, each having a horizontal section and a vertical section; a first member having a length less than a width of the doorway and connected to the vertical sections of the first and second L-shaped members; a second member having a length greater than the width of the doorway and connected to the horizontal sections of the first and second L-shaped members at a first horizontal distance from the first member; a first gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the first L-shaped member at a second horizontal distance from the first member, the second horizontal distance being greater than the first horizontal distance; and a second gripping bar connected to the horizontal section of the second L-shaped member at approximately the second horizontal distance.

A control system and method for exercise equipment and the like provides a way to simulate a physical activity in a manner that takes into account the physics of the physical activity being simulated to provide an accurate simulation. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control system and method takes into account the physics of the corresponding physical activity to generate a virtual or predicted value of a variable such as velocity, acceleration, force, or the like. The difference between the virtual or expected physical variable and a measured variable is used as a control input to control resistance forces of the exercise equipment in a way that causes the user to experience forces that are the same or similar to the forces that would be encountered if the user were actually performing the physical activity being simulated rather than using the exercise equipment.

The invention is in the field of physical fitness. The invention provides the user with the flexibility of choosing their own personal trainer from a group of personal trainers and their own exercise routine to follow in order to get the desired physical body result. When the user chooses the area of interest the invention provides a sequence of exercise routines to follow on different gym equipment to achieve the desired result. The selected trainer graphically demonstrates the use of the gym equipment on the computing device of their choice and the user follows the exercise routine at their own pace and at a place and time of their own convenience.

The user puts on a wearable electronic device at a gym and the wearable electronic device updates itself wirelessly through a server with a fitness session for the user that is stored within a plurality of user workout routines in a database as part of the server. The fitness session is a sequence of exercises the user should perform at the gym where the wearable electronic device provides an indication to the user of the various exercises. The user determines which exercises to complete and thereafter at the end of the fitness session the user's progress is stored back to the database. On a subsequent visit to the gym a second fitness session is derived based upon the first fitness session where preferably this second fitness session is derived with the assistance of a trained professional. Optionally if an article of fitness equipment is busy, the user is advised of another article of fitness equipment to utilize. Optionally the machines are equipped with a wireless interface that allows the wearable electronic device to know which machine is being used.

An application programmable interface (API) configured to present a selection of video games having interactive gaming content responsive to a variety of physical motion of the exercise equipment that is powered by the equipment user and designed to encourage ongoing participation by the user in various physical activity scenarios. The API is configured to merge exercise equipment with video gaming that is interoperatively compatible across multiple exerciser hardware configurations, across multiple gaming system equipment configurations, and across independent display monitors. Gaming content is designed to interactively encourage continued and varying exercising by associating the motions of the exercise equipment with changes in audio visual content presented on the monitor or by other gaming system configurations.

Exercise equipment includes a stationary dock and a user support frame engaging the dock in docking relation, including application as a weight training rack and bench including a weight rack frame and a bench frame releasably lockable to the weight rack frame at a plurality of selectable locking locations therealong. A pair of collapsible spotter platforms are mounted to respective upstanding support posts.

In one aspect the present disclosure provides a method of rehabilitating a person who has suffered central nervous system damage including the steps of providing exercise equipment capable of exercising a person's limbs, providing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs to be exercised in order to operate the exercise equipment, increasing the level of functional electrical stimulation; decreasing a resistance provided by the exercise equipment or providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment as the person's muscles tire; finally completely removing functional electrical stimulation to the person's limbs and providing assistance to maintain an acceptable speed of the exercise equipment; and continuing passive exercise of the person's limbs for a period of time greater than two minutes. Also provided are apparatuses to carry out the method.

An exercise apparatus, comprising: a resistance element, operative to supply a resistance to movement by a user of the apparatus; and, an actuator module operatively connected to the resistance element and operative to vary a resistance perceived by the user without changing the resistance element.

A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The present invention includes a continuously variable transmission that may be employed in connection with any type of machine that is in need of a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment or (iii) industrial equipment, such as a drill press, power generating equipment, or textile mill.

A handle for an exercise device, the handle attached to an actuating arm of the exercise device and including a connection structure that allows the handle to rotate with respect to the arm, as well as pivot in at least two directions orthogonal to the rotation axis.