Compliant biometric sensor apparatus

• US 20070244400A1
• Filed: 12/07/2005
• Published: 10/18/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
• Original Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
• Inventors: Honda, Ed
• Application Number:
  US11/296,761
• Publication Number:
  US 20070244400A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/509
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02444 Details of sensor A61B5/02427 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0245 by using sensing means generating electric signals, i.e. ECG signals
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6825 Hand
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6887 mounted on external non-worn devices, e.g. non-medical devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4017 to the upper limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/00 Measuring physiological parameters of the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 23/03575 Apparatus used for exercising upper and lower limbs simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/00 Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of preceding groups; Controlling or monitoring of exercises, sportive games, training or athletic performances

Abstract

Compliant biometric sensor apparatus are disclosed. A disclosed example biometric sensor apparatus includes a handgrip having a length and at least one substantially compliant portion extending along at least a portion of the length and at least one electrode coupled to the compliant portion so that the electrode is movable relative to at least a portion of the handgrip.

Claims

1. A biometric sensor apparatus, comprising:

a handgrip having a length and at least one substantially compliant portion extending along at least a portion of the length; and

at least one electrode coupled to the compliant portion so that the electrode is movable relative to at least a portion of the handgrip.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the compliant portion comprises a rubber material having a first surface engaged to the handgrip and a second surface engaged to the electrode, and wherein the rubber material enables differential movement between the first surface and a second surface.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of electrodes coupled to the compliant portion.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the electrode is not in contact with a frame portion of the handgrip.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the electrode is configured to measure physiological signals.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the handgrip forms a portion of a handrail.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the compliant portion comprises a material having a Shore D durometer hardness of about 30-35, and wherein the handgrip comprises a material having a Shore D durometer hardness of about 70-80.

8. A biometric sensor apparatus, comprising:

a handgrip base having a first hardness;

an electrode mount coupled to the handgrip base and having a second hardness substantially different than the first hardness; and

an electrode coupled to the electrode mount so that the electrode is substantially movable relative to the handgrip base.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the first hardness is about 70-80 Shore D durometer hardness, and wherein the second hardness is relatively less hard than the first hardness.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the handgrip base forms a portion of a handrail.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the electrode is used to measure a heart rate.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the electrode mount comprises a rubber material.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the electrode mount prevents contact between the electrode and the handgrip base.

14. An apparatus as defined in claim 8, wherein the electrode mount has a cavity formed therein.

15. An exercise apparatus, comprising:

at least one handgrip having a base portion, wherein the handgrip includes at least one electrode configured to be substantially movable relative to the handgrip base portion in response to a person gripping the handgrip and the electrode and using the exercise apparatus.

16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein the handgrip forms part of a handrail.

17. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein the electrode is coupled to the handgrip via a rubber material.

18. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein the electrode is configured to detect physiological signals.

19. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein the handgrip includes a plurality of electrodes configured to be substantially movable relative to the handgrip base portion.

20. An apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein the base portion is sleeve-like and engaged to a tubular portion of the exercise apparatus.

21. A biometric sensor mounted to an exercise apparatus, comprising:

a pliable member having a first surface engaged to the exercise apparatus, wherein a characteristic of the pliable member enables differential movement between a first surface and a second surface of the pliable member; and

a conductive element engaged to the second surface.

22. A biometric sensor as described in claim 21, wherein the conductive element is configured to detect physiological signals.

23. A biometric sensor as described in claim 21, wherein the conductive element is communicatively coupled to a system configured to generate biometric information.

24. A biometric sensor as described in claim 21, wherein the pliable member comprises a rubber material.

25. A biometric sensor as described in claim 21, wherein the pliable member is engaged to a handgrip surface of the exercise apparatus.