Automated personal trainer

• US 7,798,942 B2
• Filed: 08/09/2006
• Issued: 09/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David M. Digiulio, Kevin C. Craig, Matthew Rosmarin
• Original Assignee: David M. Digiulio, Kevin C. Craig, Matthew Rosmarin
• Inventors: Craig, Kevin C., Digiulio, David M., Rosmarin, Matthew
• Primary Examiner(s): Thanh; Loan
• Assistant Examiner(s): JALALZADEH ABYANE, SHILA
• Application Number:
  US11/463,416
• Publication Number:
  US 20070038473A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,504 Days
• Field of Search: 482/8, 482/91, 482/1
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/0085 using pneumatic force-resisters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/154 using special pulley-assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/30 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/34 Angular speed
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising

Abstract

The present invention allows users to monitor their workouts using a small, portable device which provides feedback regarding speed of exercise repetition and range of motion, enabling the user to use pneumatic or cable driven workout structures safely, efficiently, and effectively. In a typical embodiment, the present invention allows a user to define pre-set requirements, attach the device to a cable-driven exercise structure, and complete the exercise while using the device to monitor the exercise. The device signals to the user if the user'"'"'s execution of exercise repetitions falls outside the user'"'"'s pre-set requirements for speed and range of motion. The results of the user'"'"'s exercise repetitions are displayed on a display screen and are stored in the device'"'"'s memory, and may then be uploaded onto the user'"'"'s personal computer to further monitor progress.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring and guiding a user through an exercise program, comprising:

providing an automated personal trainer device for monitoring at least one exercise repetition, the automated personal trainer device including a portable monitoring device and a pulley unit, wherein the pulley unit includes

a first pulley wheel,

a second pulley wheel,

a clip springably connecting the first pulley wheel to the second pulley wheel, and

a potentiometer affixed and operably connected to an axle of the first pulley wheel for recording exercise result data;

removably affixing the monitoring unit to a cable-driven workout structure having at least one cable;

removably engaging the clip with a cable of the workout structure, wherein the removably engaging includes pinching the cable between the first pulley wheel and the second pulley wheel;

determining a result of the exercise repetition, the determining including

using the potentiometer to measure a movement of the first pulley wheel as a user completes an exercise, and

measuring a speed and a position of the cable relative to a fixed point;

wherein the result of the exercise repetition includes a speed at which the user is performing the at least one exercise repetition, a range of motion over which the user is performing the at least one exercise repetition, and a resistance against which the user is performing the at least one exercise repetition;

transmitting the result of the exercise repetition to the monitoring unit; and

storing the result in a portable memory device for upload to a personal computer for monitoring and guiding the user through the exercise program, the portable memory device being operably connected to the portable monitoring device.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising inputting a predetermined requirement for a range of motion at which the at least one exercise repetition is to be performed.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising providing a signal to the user, based on the result, when the user fails to meet the predetermined requirement for the range of motion in the at least one exercise repetition.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the range of motion predetermined requirement includes a target extended position value and a target rescinded position value for the at least one exercise repetition.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the result is displayed to the user in real-time.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the resistance is one of:

mass resistance, hydraulic resistance, and pneumatic resistance.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising logging onto a web-based site that hosts an on-line community for offering exercise tips, nutritional guidelines, and on-line support.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising uploading the result to an internet application.

9. The method of claim 1, further including powering the portable monitoring unit with a rechargeable battery.

10. A system for monitoring and guiding a user through an exercise program, comprising:

a pulley unit system for determining a result of at least one exercise repetition,

wherein the pulley unit includes a first pulley wheel, a second pulley wheel, a clip springably connecting the first pulley wheel to the second pulley wheel, and

a potentiometer affixed and operably connected to an axle of the first pulley wheel for recording exercise result data;

wherein the result includes a speed by which the user is performing the exercise repetition, a range of motion over which the user is performing the exercise repetition, and a resistance against which the user is performing the exercise repetition;

a system for storing the result or a plurality of results in a portable memory device the portable memory device being operably connected to a portable monitoring device; and

a system for uploading the result or the plurality of results in the portable memory device to a personal computer for monitoring and guiding the user through the exercise program,

wherein the portable monitoring device is attached to at least one cable of a cable-driven workout structure, wherein the attaching includes pinching the cable between the first pulley wheel and the second pulley wheel, and

wherein the portable monitoring device measures the speed and position of the at least one cable relative to a fixed point.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein a predetermined requirement for the exercise repetition is determined by the user, the predetermined requirement including a range of motion at which the at least one exercise repetition is to be performed.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein a signal is provided to the user, based on the result, when the user fails to meet the predetermined requirement for the range of motion in the exercise repetition.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the result is displayed to the user in real-time.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the resistance is one of:

mass resistance, hydraulic resistance, and pneumatic resistance.

15. A device for monitoring and guiding a user through an exercise program, the device comprising:

a pulley unit for collecting exercise result data, the pulley unit including;

a first pulley wheel,

a second pulley wheel,

a clip springably connecting the first pulley wheel to the second pulley wheel,

wherein the clip further removably secures the pulley unit to a cable of a cable-driven exercise structure, wherein the removably securing includes pinching the cable between the first pulley wheel and the second pulley wheel, and

a potentiometer affixed and operably connected to an axle of the first pulley wheel for recording exercise result data;

a portable monitoring unit for displaying and storing the exercise result data; and

a wire for communicating the exercise result data from the pulley unit to the monitoring unit.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the portable monitoring unit comprises:

a memory for storing the exercise result data;

a display screen for displaying the exercise result data in real time; and

an input interface for receiving exercise parameter input.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the memory for storing exercise result data is a memory stick.

18. The device of claim 16, wherein the exercise parameter input includes a range of motion.

19. The device of claim 15, wherein the device is portable.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein the portable monitoring unit further comprises at least one magnet affixed to the monitoring unit for removably securing the device to the exercise structure.