Exercise devices with force sensors

• US 8,491,446 B2
• Filed: 10/01/2010
• Issued: 07/23/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: KIIO, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Kay Technology Corporation Incorporated (Verint Systems Incorporated)
• Inventors: Hinds, Robert S., Braier, Robert A., Stephenson, John
• Primary Examiner(s): RICHMAN, GLENN E
• Application Number:
  US13/498,012
• Publication Number:
  US 20120302406A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,026 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482/44, 482/121, 482/122, 482/126, 482900-902, 434/247
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0002 Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network A61B5/07 takes precedence; transmission systems for measured values G08C; transmission H04B; transmission of digital information H04L; wireless communication networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/224 Measuring muscular strength
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0655 Tactile feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0055 the produced electric power used as a source for other equipment, e.g. for TVs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0552 Elastic ropes or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0557 Details of attachments, e.g. clips or clamps
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4017 to the upper limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4021 to the wrist
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/51 Force
• 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 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• 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

Abstract

An exemplary exercise device includes a handheld force sensor with complementary male and female connectors extending from opposite sides thereof. The force sensor senses pulling and/or pushing forces exerted between the opposing sides. The male connector may be resistant to travel through the female connector except in limited orientations. The connectors allow the exercise device to interface with any mobile or immobile device having complementary connectors. Non-complementary connectors can connect with the exercise device through a body passage. Depending on devices interfaced with the exercise device, force readings can be taken during a vast variety of motions using different muscle groups during training, exercise, and rehabilitation/physical therapy in homes, schools, healthcare facilities, health clubs, etc. Force readings from the force sensor may be communicated via wired and/or wireless technologies to other devices for live (real-time) processing and display as well as additional historical analysis and reporting.

Claims

1. An exercise device including:

a) an elastic member having a member male connector thereon;

b) a grasping loop having a loop female connector thereon, the loop female connector being configured to removably and replaceably receive the member male connector in complementary fashion, whereby the grasping loop can be installed on the elastic member to allow a user to act on the grasping loop to stretch the elastic member; and

c) a sensor body having;

1) a force sensor;

2) a sensor body male connector configured to be removably and replaceably received within the loop female connector in complementary fashion, whereby the grasping loop can be installed on the sensor body to allow a user to act on the grasping loop to exert force on the sensor body; and

3) a sensor body female connector configured to removably and replaceably receive the member male connector in complementary fashion, whereby the sensor body can be installed on the elastic member to allow a user to act on the elastic member to exert force on the sensor body;

the sensor body being removably and replaceably installable between the grasping loop and elastic member, whereby the force sensor senses force exerted between the grasping loop and the elastic member.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:

a) the sensor body is connected to an anchor via the sensor body female connector, and

b) the force sensor senses force exerted between the anchor and the grasping loop.

3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein the sensor body female connector:

a) defines a terminal end of the sensor body, and

b) is removable and replaceable from the sensor body.

4. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:

a) the sensor body male connector includes a neck extending from the sensor body, the neck terminating in a male plug, and

b) the sensor body female connector is configured to removably and replaceably receive the male plug in complementary fashion.

5. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein the neck is flexible.

6. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein the male plug is rotatable with respect to the sensor body.

7. The exercise device of claim 4 wherein the male plug is configured with a nonuniform circumference such that when it is complementarily received within the loop female connector, it cannot rotate therein.

8. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:

a) the sensor body female connector further includes a socket passage configured to removably and replaceably receive the member male connector in complementary fashion,

b) the socket passage includes a slot opening thereon, the slot;

1) extending along the length of the socket passage, and

2) being configured to inhibit the member male connector from entering the socket passage through the slot.

9. The exercise device of claim 8 wherein:

a) the socket passage extends between an inner socket passage end and an opposing outer socket passage end, and

b) the inner socket passage end opens onto a body passage;

1) extending along an axis which is perpendicular to the length of the socket passage, and

2) having a diameter greater than the diameter of the socket passage.

10. The exercise device of claim 8 further including a bearing member movably affixed to the sensor body, the bearing member being movable between:

a) a bearing position adjacent to the socket passage, wherein the bearing member may bear against any elastic member extending through the socket passage to inhibit the elastic member from being pulled through the socket passage, and

b) a non-bearing position spaced from the bearing position.

11. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:

a) the sensor body male connector includes a neck extending from the sensor body, the neck terminating in a male plug, and

b) the neck is retractable with respect to the sensor body such that the distance between the sensor body and the male plug is adjustable.

12. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein:

a) the sensor body male connector includes an elongated neck extending from the sensor body along a neck axis, and

b) the sensor body includes two force sensors therein, the force sensors being situated on opposite sides of the neck axis between the sensor body female connector and the neck.

13. An exercise device including:

a) a sensor body having a force sensor;

b) a neck having a length extending from the sensor body, the neck having a male plug situated thereon spaced from the sensor body, with the male plug having portions extending outwardly from the circumference of the neck; and

c) a socket body spaced from the neck wherein;

1) the force sensor is situated between the male plug and the socket body, whereby the force sensor senses force exerted between the male plug and the socket body; and

2) the socket body is defined by a socket passage configured such that the socket passage can receive the neck therein, but prohibits passage of the male plug through the socket passage, whereby the male plug prevents pulling of the neck and male plug through the socket passage.

14. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein:

a) the socket body is connected to an anchor via one of the socket passage and the male plug of the neck, and

b) the force sensor senses force exerted between the anchor and the socket body.

15. The exercise device of claim 14 wherein the neck is flexible.

16. The exercise device of claim 15 wherein the male plug is rotatable with respect to the neck.

17. The exercise device of claim 14 wherein the socket body:

a) defines a terminal end of the sensor body, and

b) is removably and replaceably affixed to the sensor body.

18. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the neck is retractable with respect to the sensor body, such that the distance between the sensor body and the male plug is adjustable.

19. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the socket passage:

a) extends between opposing socket passage ends, and

b) includes a slot extending between the opposing socket passage ends and opening onto the socket passage.

20. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the exercise device further includes a bearing member movably affixed to at least one of the socket body and the sensor body, the bearing member being movable between:

a) a bearing position adjacent to the socket passage, and

b) a non-bearing position spaced from the bearing position.

21. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the socket body includes a pair of opposing socket body sides extending from the sensor body, with a body passage:

a) defined between the socket body sides, and

b) extending between opposite first and second faces of the exercise device from an intermediate face defined at an end of the socket body.

22. The exercise device of claim 13 wherein the outwardly extending portions of the male plug include a longitudinal flange having a length oriented at least substantially parallel with the length of the neck.

23. The exercise device of claim 22 wherein the outwardly extending portions of the male plug further include a lateral flange having a length oriented at least substantially perpendicular to the length of the neck.

24. The exercise device of claim 13 further including an elastic member having a member male connector thereon, wherein the member male connector is:

a) removably insertable within the socket passage, and

b) configured such that it cannot be pulled through the socket passage.

25. The exercise device of claim 24 further including a grasping loop having a loop female connector thereon, wherein:

a) the male plug of the neck is removably insertable within the loop female connector, and

b) the force sensor senses force exerted between the elastic member and the grasping loop.

26. An exercise device including:

a) a sensor body having a force sensor;

b) a socket body on the sensor body, the socket body having;

1) opposing socket body sides spaced by a body passage extending between opposite first and second faces of the socket body;

2) a socket passage;

(i) extending from an intermediate face of the socket body;

A. defined at an end of the socket body, and

B. situated between the first and second faces;

(ii) extending through the socket body between the socket body sides, and

(ii) opening onto the body passage,

wherein the socket passage is configured to have an elongated elastic member secured therein; and

c) connection means for connecting the sensor body to an anchor, wherein the force sensor senses force exerted between the socket body and the connection means.

27. The exercise device of claim 26 wherein the socket body is removably and replaceably affixed to the sensor body.

28. The exercise device of claim 26 wherein the connection means includes a neck terminating in a male plug, the male plug configured to be removably and replaceably receivable within the socket passage in complementary fashion.

29. The exercise device of claim 28 wherein:

a) the neck is flexible, and

b) the male plug is rotatable with respect to the sensor body.

30. The exercise device of claim 29 wherein the male plug is configured with a nonuniform circumference such that it is not rotatable with respect to the anchor when connected thereto.

31. The exercise device of claim 26 wherein:

a) the sensor body further includes a neck terminating in a male plug, and

b) the neck is retractable, such that the distance between the male plug and the sensor body is adjustable.

32. The exercise device of claim 26 further including an elastic member having a member male connector thereon, wherein the member male connector is configured to be removably and replaceably receivable in complementary fashion within the socket passage such that it cannot be pulled through the socket passage when situated therein.

33. The exercise device of claim 32 further including a bearing member movably affixed to at least one of the socket body and the sensor body, the bearing member being movable between:

a) a bearing position adjacent to the socket passage, the bearing member being configured to inhibit the elastic member from being pulled through the socket passage when in the bearing position, and

b) a non-bearing position spaced from the bearing position.

34. The exercise device of claim 32 further including a grasping loop having a loop female connector thereon, wherein:

a) the male plug is removably receivable within the loop female connector in complementary fashion, and

b) the force sensor senses force exerted between the elastic member and the grasping loop.

35. An exercise device including:

a) a sensor body having;

1) a force sensor, and

2) a sensor body first end and an opposing sensor body second end;

b) a neck affixed to the sensor body first end, the neck;

1) extending from the sensor body along a neck axis, and

2) terminating in a male plug;

c) a socket body affixed to the sensor body second end, the socket body;

1) being situated along the neck axis, and

2) including a socket passage having a shape complementary to the shape of the male plug, the socket passage being configured;

(i) to removably and replaceably receive the male plug, and

(ii) to restrict the male plug from passage through the socket passage along the long axis;

wherein the force sensor is configured to sense force exerted between the neck and the socket passage.

36. The exercise device of claim 35 wherein the male plug includes:

a) a lateral flange configured to prevent the male plug from passing through the socket passage along the neck axis, and

b) a longitudinal flange configured to prevent the male plug from rotating within the socket passage.

37. The exercise device of claim 36, wherein

a) the socket body has a body passage extending therethrough between opposite faces of the exercise device,

b) the socket passage:

1) extends between opposing socket passage ends, wherein one of the socket passage ends opens onto the body passage and the other of the socket passage ends opens onto an end of the socket body; and

2) includes a slot opening onto the socket passage,

c) the exercise device further includes;

1) an elastic member having a member male connector thereon, the member male connector being complementarily receivable within the socket passage; and

2) a grasping loop having a loop female connector thereon, the male plug of the neck being complementarily receivable within the loop female connector, and

d) the force sensor senses force exerted between the grasping loop and the elastic member.

38. The exercise device of claim 35 wherein:

a) the neck is flexible, and

b) the male plug is rotatable about the neck axis with respect to the sensor body.

39. The exercise device of claim 35 wherein the socket body:

a) is situated at a terminal end of the sensor body, and

b) is replaceably removable from the sensor body.

40. The exercise device of claim 35 wherein:

a) the socket body is removably connected to an anchor, and

b) the force sensor senses force exerted between the anchor and the socket body.