Wearable Device Having Athletic Functionality

• US 20130110264A1
• Filed: 11/01/2011
• Published: 05/02/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nike International Ltd. (Nike, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Nike, Inc.
• Inventors: Weast, Aaron B., Cobbett, Jamian R., Crankson, Kwamina, Oyibo, Lola, Lowe, Edward Stephen Jr., Raven, Demi, Zipperer, James, Bielman, James, Goldberg, J. Gerson, Riccomini, Robert A., Makay, Michael C., Sprouse, Jake, Kash, Brian, Wittenstein, Nikolaus Adnan, Buxton, Bert, Cummings, Kate, Micheletti, Marco, Henderson, Kris
• Granted Patent: US 9,734,477 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/91
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0242 adapted to measure environmental factors, e.g. temperature, pollution
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/08 Detecting, measuring or recording devices for evaluating the respiratory organs A61B5/0205 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1112 Global tracking of patients, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1118 Determining activity level
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/681 Wristwatch-type devices
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0655 Tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0663 worn on the wrist, e.g. wrist bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/12 Absolute positions, e.g. by using GPS
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/40 Acceleration
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/50 temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/75 calorie expenditure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0062 Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 17/045 Mounting of the display
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 17/06 : Electric connectors, e.g. conductive elastomers
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 17/08 : Housings
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/025 : for measuring physiological data
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 : electric
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0639 : Performance analysis of employees; Performance analysis of enterprise or organisation operations
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 : for local operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/385 : Transceivers carried on the body, e.g. in helmets
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72412 : using two-way short-range wireless interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/02 : including a Bluetooth interface
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/04 : including near field communication means, e.g. RFID

Abstract

A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.

Claims

1. A wearable device configured to be worn by a person, the assembly comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end, the first end releaseably engageable with the second end;

a controller supported by the housing, the controller having a sensor operably associated therewith wherein the sensor detects activity of the person;

a display supported by the housing, the display operably connected to the controller;

an indicator system supported by the housing, the indicator system operably connected to the controller, wherein the indicator system is illuminable to indicate a level of activity of the person.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the display and indicator system comprise a plurality of illuminable light members.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein at least one of the light members is capable of displaying different colored lights.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the illuminable light members of the indicator system are capable of displaying at least a red color, a yellow color and a green color.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the display is positioned proximate a central portion of the housing and the indicator system is positioned proximate the central portion of the housing and generally adjacent to the display.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the housing has a beveled edge wherein the indicator system is located in the beveled edge.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the indicator system has a plurality of light members arranged in a substantially linear configuration.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the display projects light in a first direction and the indicator system projects light in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the indicator system has a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being illuminable based on a level of activity sensed by the sensor for the person, and wherein the controller is capable of receiving information regarding a level of activity of a second person, the second segment being illuminable based on the level of activity of the second person.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein the indicator system comprises a first plurality of light members positioned on one side of the housing and a second plurality of light members positioned on an opposite side of the housing.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing has an inner spine member supporting the controller, the display and the indicator system, wherein the housing further has an elastomer member positioned around the inner spine member, the controller, the display and the indicator system.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing has an inner spine member having at least one substantially rigid portion and at least one flexible zone, the rigid portion being pivotable about the flexible zone.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the substantially rigid portion comprises a substantially rigid central portion, a first substantially rigid segment and a second substantially rigid segment and wherein the flexible zone comprises a first flexible zone and a second flexible zone, the first flexible zone connecting a first end of the central portion and the first segment and the second flexible zone connecting a second end of the central portion and the second segment.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein the central portion and the first segment and the second segment generally define a first thickness and wherein the flexible zones have a second thickness less than the first thickness.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the first flexible zone is concave-shaped and the second flexible zone is concave-shaped.

16. The device of claim 13 wherein the first flexible zone is concave shaped and the second flexible zone is concave shaped wherein a base portion of each concave shape has a lesser thickness than the thickness of the remaining portion of the concave shape.

17. The device of claim 13 wherein the controller has a flexible circuit member connected along a length of the spine member, the display and indicator system being operably connected to the flexible circuit member.

18. The device of claim 13 wherein the housing further comprises an outer encasement member positioned around the controller, the display and the indicator system.

19. The device of claim 18 wherein the outer encasement member is a polymeric material.

20. The device of claim 18 wherein the outer encasement member is a thermoplastic elastomer member.

21. The device of claim 1 wherein the display and indicator system are viewable through the housing when illuminated.

22. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing has a generally annular shape dimensioned to be worn on a wrist of the user.

23. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises an inner spine member and a thermoplastic elastomer member positioned around the spine member wherein the controller, the display and the indicator system are contained within the thermoplastic elastomer member.

24. The device of claim 23 wherein the housing further has an input button operably connected to the controller, the input button having a rigid base member integrally connected to a flexible cap and wherein the elastomer member abuts a peripheral edge of the rigid base member.

25. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing comprises an inner spine member having a recessed compartment, the controller having a battery positioned in the recessed compartment and operably connected to the controller.

27. The device of claim 25 wherein the battery compartment comprises a metal enclosure.

28. The device of claim 13 wherein the first segment has a curvilinear configuration and defines a first recessed compartment and the second segment has a curvilinear configuration and defines a second recessed compartment, the first recessed compartment comprised of a thixomolded member that receives a first curved battery operably connected to the controller and a first metal closure member positioned over the first battery, the second recessed compartment comprised of a thixomolded member that receives a second curved battery operably connected to the controller and a second metal closure positioned over the second battery.

29. The device of claim 28 wherein the first recessed compartment has an opening, the first battery having a first resilient member supporting contacts wherein the contacts are positioned in the opening and connected to the controller, and wherein the second recessed compartment has an opening, the second battery having a second resilient member supporting contacts wherein the contacts are positioned in the opening and connected to the controller.

30. The device of claim 1 wherein a first projection member is connected to the first end and a second receiver member is connected to the second end, the first projection member having a USB connector operably connected to the controller, the USB connector being releasably engaged with the second receiver member.

31. The device of claim 30 wherein the USB connector has leads on a first side and a recess on a second side opposite the first side, the second receiver member defining an opening and pivotally supporting a finger wherein in a latched position, the USB connector is received by the second receiver member wherein the finger is received in the recess, and wherein in an unlatched position, the finger is pivoted away from the USB connector wherein the USB connector is removable from the second receiver member.

32. The device of claim 31 wherein the recess defines an engagement surface wherein the finger contacts the engagement surface in the latched position.

33. The device of claim 1 wherein the first end has a USB connector, the USB connector operably connected to the controller.

34. The device of claim 30 comprising an expansion element connected between the second end of the housing and the second receiver member.

35. The device of claim 34 wherein the expansion element has a body with one end attached to the second end of the housing, the expansion element further having a rotary pawl supported in the body, the rotary pawl having a cam surface, and wherein the second receiver member has a prong having a cam surface and a slot, wherein upon insertion of the prong into the body of the expansion element, the respective cam surfaces rotate the pawl wherein upon further insertion of the prong into the body, the rotary pawl is received in the slot wherein the expansion element is attached to the second receiver member.

36. The device of claim 30 wherein the USB connector has a rigid body having a plurality of leads, wherein the leads are evenly spaced apart from one another.

37. The device of claim 30 wherein the USB connector has a rigid body defining a top surface, the USB having a plurality of leads recessed in the rigid body, each lead having a raised rib positioned proximate the top surface.

38. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to illuminate the indicator system in response to detecting a predetermined amount of activity by the user.

39. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to illuminate the indicator system in response to detecting a predetermined amount of inactivity by the user.

40. The device of claim 1 wherein the sensor is a three axis accelerometer capable of sensing activity to provide at least one of speed, distance, steps taken and energy expended by the user.

41. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to provide an indication on the display of a message on a mobile device.

42. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller contains an activity goal and wherein the indicator system has a plurality of segments wherein each segment represents a specified amount of progress toward the activity goal.

43. The device of claim 42 wherein the indication of progress is color-coded based on the amount of progress.

44. The device of claim 1 wherein the controller is configured for wireless communication.

45. The device of claim 1 wherein the first end of the housing has a data transfer member operably connected to the controller.

46. The device of claim 1 wherein the display is viewable through the housing when illuminated.

47. The device of claim 1 wherein the indicator system is viewable through the housing when illuminated.

48. The device of claim 1 wherein the display is viewable through the housing only when illuminated.

49. The device of claim 1 wherein the indicator system is viewable through the housing only when illuminated.

26. The device of claim 26 wherein the recessed compartment is comprised of a thixomolded member and metal closure member positioned over the thixomolded member.

50. A wearable device configured to be worn by a person, the assembly comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end and a generally flexible intermediate portion therebetween, the first end releaseably engageable with the second end;

a controller supported by the housing, the controller having an accelerometer operably associated therewith wherein the accelerometer detects activity of the person;

a display supported by the housing, the controller operably connected to the controller;

an indicator system supported by the housing, the indicator system operably connected to the controller, wherein the indicator system is illuminable to indicate a level of activity of the person.

51. A wearable device comprising:

a housing configured to be worn by a person, the housing supporting a controller therein, the controller having a sensor capable of detecting activity of the person, the housing having an illuminable portion operably connected to the controller wherein the illuminable portion is illuminated based on a level of activity sensed by the sensor.

52. The device of claim 51 wherein the illuminable portion comprises a display supported by the housing, the display operably connected to the controller.

53. The device of claim 52 wherein display comprises a first display and a second display, the second display supported by the housing, the second display operably connected to the controller, wherein the second display is illuminable to indicate a level of activity of the person.

54. The device of claim 51 wherein the housing is an annular wristband configured to be worn on a wrist of a person.

55. The device of claim 51 wherein the housing has an inner spine member supporting the controller, the first display and the second display, wherein the housing further has an elastomer member positioned around the inner spine member, the controller, the display and the indicator system.

56. The device of claim 55 wherein the inner spine member comprises a substantially rigid central portion, a first substantially rigid segment and a second substantially rigid segment and wherein a first flexible zone connects a first end of the central portion and the first segment and a second flexible zone connects a second end of the central portion and the second segment.

58. The device of claim 56 wherein the spine member has a first thickness wherein a respective base of the first flexible zone and the second flexible zone has a second thickness less than the first thickness.

59. The device of claim 55 wherein the first display and the second display are viewable through the elastomer member when illuminated.

60. The device of claim 56 wherein the first segment has a curvilinear configuration and defines a first recessed compartment and the second segment has a curvilinear configuration and defines a second recessed compartment, the first recessed compartment comprised of a thixomolded member that receives a first curved battery operably connected to the controller and a first metal closure member positioned over the first battery, the second recessed compartment comprised of a thixomolded member that receives a second curved battery operably connected to the controller and a second metal closure positioned over the second battery.

61. The device of claim 60 wherein the first recessed compartment has an opening, the first battery having a first resilient member supporting contacts wherein the contacts are positioned in the opening and connected to the controller, and wherein the second recessed compartment has an opening, the second battery having a second resilient member supporting contacts wherein the contacts are positioned in the opening and connected to the controller.

62. The device of claim 51 wherein the housing has a first end and a second end, wherein a first projection member is connected to the first end and a second receiver member is connected to the second end, the first projection member having a USB connector operably connected to the controller, the USB connector being releasably engaged with the second receiver member.

63. The device of claim 62 wherein the USB connector has leads on a first side and a recess on a second side opposite the first side, the second receiver member defining an opening and pivotally supporting a finger wherein in a latched position, the USB connector is received by the second receiver member wherein the finger is received in the recess, and wherein in an unlatched position, the finger is pivoted away from the USB connector wherein the USB connector is removable from the second receiver member.

64. The device of claim 63 wherein the recess defines an engagement surface wherein the finger contacts the engagement surface in the latched position.

65. The device of claim 63 comprising an expansion element connected between the second end of the housing and the second receiver member.

66. The device of claim 65 wherein the expansion element has a body with one end attached to the second end of the housing, the expansion element further having a rotary pawl supported in the body, the rotary pawl having a cam surface, and wherein the second receiver member has a prong having a cam surface and a slot, wherein upon insertion of the prong into the body of the expansion element, the respective cam surfaces rotate the pawl wherein upon further insertion of the prong into the body, the rotary pawl is received in the slot wherein the expansion element is attached to the second receiver member.

67. The device of claim 51 wherein the sensor is a three axis accelerometer capable of sensing activity to provide at least one of speed, distance, steps taken and energy expended by the user.

57. The device of 56 wherein the first flexible zone and the second flexible zone are concave-shaped.

68. A wearable device configured to be worn by a person, the assembly comprising:

a housing having an inner spine member having a substantially rigid central portion, a substantially rigid first segment and a substantially rigid second segment, the first segment attached to one end of the central portion by a first flexible member and the second segment attached to another end of the central portion by a second flexible member, the housing further having an elastomeric member positioned around the inner spine member, wherein the first segment and the second segment are flexible with respect to the central portion; and

a controller connected to the inner spine member, the controller having a sensor operably associated therewith wherein the sensor detects activity of the person;

69. The device of claim 68 further comprising a display operably connected to the controller, the display being illuminable based on a level of activity of the user.

70. The device of claim 69 wherein the display is viewable through the elastomeric member when illuminated.

71. The device of claim 70 wherein the display comprises a first display and a second display, the second display positioned adjacent the first display, the second display being illuminable based on a level of activity of the user.

72. The device of claim 71 wherein the housing has a generally planar portion and a beveled edge, the first display being viewable through the planar portion and the second display being viewable through the beveled edge.

73. The device of claim 68 wherein the first flexible member has a concave shape and the second flexible member has a concave shape.

74. The device of claim 73 wherein the first flexible member has a thinned portion at a base of the concave shape, and the second flexible member has a thinned portion at a base of the concave shape.

75. The device of claim 68 wherein the controller has a flexible circuit member attached to the inner spine member along a length of the spine member.

76. The device of claim 68 wherein the first segment has a curvilinear configuration and the second segment has a curvilinear configuration.

77. The device of claim 76 wherein the first segment defines a first battery compartment having a first curved battery received therein, and the second segment defines a second battery compartment having a second curved batter received therein.

78. The device of claim 77 further comprising a first metal closure member positioned over the first battery and connected to the spine member and a second metal closure member positioned over the second battery and connected to the spine member.

79. A wearable device configured to be worn by a person, the assembly comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end, the first end releaseably engageable with the second end, the housing having an inner spine member having at least one substantially rigid portion and at least one flexible zone, the rigid portion being pivotable about the flexible zone;

a controller supported by the housing, the controller having a sensor operably associated therewith wherein the sensor detects activity of the person;

a display supported by the housing, the display operably connected to the controller and configured to display indicia related to the activity of the person.

80. The device of claim 79 wherein the substantially rigid portion comprises a substantially rigid central portion, a first substantially rigid segment and a second substantially rigid segment and wherein the flexible zone comprises a first flexible zone and a second flexible zone, the first flexible zone connecting a first end of the central portion and the first segment and the second flexible zone connecting a second end of the central portion and the second segment.

81. The device of claim 80 wherein the first flexible zone is concave-shaped and the second flexible zone is concave-shaped.

82. The device of claim 81 wherein the rigid portion has a first thickness and the first flexible zone and the second flexible zone have a second thickness less than the first thickness.

83. A wearable device configured to be worn by a person, the assembly comprising:

an inner spine member having a first end and a second end and a generally curvilinear length therebetween, the first end releaseably engageable with the second end;

a controller having a flexible circuit member and a sensor operably associated therewith wherein the sensor detects activity of the person, the flexible circuit member attached along the length of the spine member;

a display connected to the circuit member, the controller capable of illuminating the display, the display is illuminable to indicate a level of activity of the person;

a thermoplastic elastomer member deposited over the controller, display and spine member wherein the display is viewable through the elastomeric member when illuminated.

84. A wearable device configured to be worn by a person, the assembly comprising:

a housing having a first end and a second end and an intermediate portion therebetween, the first end releaseably engageable with the second end;

a controller supported by the housing, the controller having a sensor operably associated therewith wherein the sensor detects activity of the person;

a display supported by the housing, the display operably connected to the controller, wherein the display is illuminable to indicate a level of activity of the person;

a first projection member connected to the first end and a second receiver member connected to the second end, the first projection member having a USB connector, the USB connector having leads on a first side and a recess on a second side opposite the first side, the first receiver member defining an opening and pivotally supporting a finger wherein in a latched position, the USB connector is received by the second receiver member wherein the finger is received in the recess, and wherein in an unlatched position, the finger is pivotable away from the USB connector wherein the USB connector is removable from the second receiver member, wherein the first projection member is releasably engageable with the second receiver member.

85. A fastening mechanism for a wearable device configured to be worn by a person, the device having a controller and sensor configured to detect activity of the person, the device having a first end and a second end, the mechanism comprising:

a first projection member configured to be connected to the first end and a second receiver member configured to be connected to the second end, the first projection member having a USB connector configured to be operably connected to the device, the USB connector having leads on a first side and a recess on a second side opposite the first side, the first receiver member defining an opening and pivotally supporting a finger wherein in a latched position, the USB connector is received by the second receiver member wherein the finger is received in the recess, and wherein in an unlatched position, the finger is pivotable away from the USB connector wherein the USB connector is removable from the second receiver member, wherein the first projection member is releasably engageable with the second receiver member.

86. The fastening mechanism of claim 85 further comprising an expansion element having a body with one end configured to be connected to the second end, the expansion element further having a rotary pawl supported in the body, the rotary pawl having cam surfaces, and wherein the second receiver member has a pair of prongs, each prong having a cam surface and a slot, wherein upon insertion of the prongs into the body of the expansion element, the respective cam surfaces rotate the pawl wherein upon further insertion of the prongs into the body, ends of the rotary pawl are received in a respective slot of each prong wherein the expansion element is attached to the second receiver member.

87. A wearable device configured to be worn by a person, the assembly comprising:

a housing having an inner spine member having a first end and a second end and an intermediate section therebetween, the intermediate section having a central portion and a first curvilinear segment connected to the central portion and a second curvilinear segment connected to the central portion, the first curvilinear segment defining a first recessed compartment and the second curvilinear segment defining a second recessed compartment;

a first battery having a curvilinear shape positioned in the first recessed compartment and a second battery having a curvilinear shape positioned in the second recessed compartment;

a controller connected to the spine member and operably connected to the first battery and the second battery, the controller having a sensor operably associated therewith wherein the sensor detects activity of the person;

a display supported by the housing, the display operably connected to the controller and configured to display indicia related to the activity of the person.

88. The device of claim 87 wherein the first recessed compartment has a metal member and a first metal closure connected to the spine member to provide a first metal enclosure for the first battery, and the second recessed compartment has a metal member and a second metal closure member connected to the spine member to provide a second metal enclosure for the second battery.

89. The device of claim 88 wherein the first battery has contacts supported by a first resilient boot member, wherein when the first metal closure member is connected to the spine member, the battery contacts are biased against contacts operably connected to the controller.

90. A wearable device assembly comprising:

a wristband configured to be worn by a person, the wristband supporting a controller therein, the controller having a sensor capable of sensing activity of the person, the wristband further having an indicator system operably connected to the controller, the indicator system having a first segment and a second segment, the first segment being illuminable based on a level of activity sensed by the sensor for the person, and wherein the controller is capable of receiving information regarding a level of activity of a second person, the second segment being illuminable based on the level of activity of the second person.

91. A wearable device assembly configured to be worn by a person, the assembly comprising:

spine member having a first end and second end and intermediate portion therebetween, the spine member having a generally curvilinear configuration, the spine member having a substantially rigid central portion and a first substantially rigid segment connected to an end of the central portion by a first flexible portion having a concave shape, the spine member further having a second substantially rigid segment connected to another end of the central portion by a second flexible portion having a concave shape, the first substantially rigid segment defining a first recessed compartment comprising a thixomolded member, the second substantially rigid segment defining a second recessed compartment comprising a thixomolded member;

a controller having a flexible circuit member attached along a length of the spine member, the controller having a three-axis accelerometer operably associated therewith to detect a level of activity of the user;

a display connected to the circuit member and positioned proximate the central portion of the spine member;

an indicator system connected to the circuit member and positioned adjacent to the display, wherein the indicator system is illuminable based on a level of activity of the user sensed by the accelerometer;

an input button positioned adjacent to the display and operably connected to the circuit member;

an outer thermoplastic elastomer member positioned around the spine member, controller, display and indicator system, the elastomeric member engaging a periphery of the input button, the elastomeric member having a first opening in communication with the first recessed compartment and having a second opening in communication with the second recessed compartment;

a first battery positioned in the first recessed compartment and operably connected to the controller and a first metal closure member positioned over the first battery and connected to the spine member, and a second battery positioned in the second recessed compartment and operably connected to the controller and a second metal closure member positioned over the second battery and connected to the spine member; and

a latch mechanism having a first projection member connected to the first end of the spine member comprising a USB connector operably connected to the controller, the USB connector having a first side having a plurality of leads and a second side having recess, the latch mechanism further having a second receiver member connected to the second end of the spine member, the second receiver member having a pivoting finger therein wherein upon insertion of the USB connector into the second receiver member, the finger is received in the recess.