Exercise system and portable module for same

• US 8,029,410 B2
• Filed: 05/11/2010
• Issued: 10/04/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael J Shea
• Original Assignee: Michael J Shea
• Inventors: Shea, Michael J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Richman; Glenn
• Application Number:
  US12/778,067
• Publication Number:
  US 20100222181A1
• Time in Patent Office: 511 Days
• Field of Search: 482 1- 9, 482900-902, 434/247
• US Class Current: 482/8
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0065 Evaluating the fitness, e.g. fitness level or fitness index
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0078 Exercise efforts programmed as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0081 Coaching or training aspects related to a group of users
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2024/0093 the load of the exercise apparatus being controlled by performance parameters, e.g. distance or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/063 Spoken or verbal instructions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/065 Visualisation of specific exercise parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0056 the pivoting movement being in a vertical plane, e.g. steppers with a horizontal axis platforms for rocking motion about a horizontal axis A63B22/16
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/02 with movable endless bands , e.g. treadmills other training appliances for running on the spot A63B69/0028
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/04 with movable multiple steps , i.e. more than one step per limb, e.g. steps mounted on endless loops, endless ladders steppers with cantilevered support elements pivoting about an axis A63B22/0048
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0605 performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 22/0664 performing an elliptic movement
• 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 2225/30 Maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/01 User's weight
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/06 heartbeat rate only
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/065 within a certain range
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2230/30 blood pressure A63B2230/04 takes precedence
• 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 24/0075 : Means for generating exercise programs or schemes, e.g. computerized virtual trainer, e.g. using expert databases
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0084 : Exercising apparatus with means for competitions, e.g. virtual races
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0087 : Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/06 : Indicating or scoring devices for games or players , or for other sports activities
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0622 : Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/0697 : Reservation devices
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 : for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/30 : relating to physical therapies or activities, e.g. physiotherapy, acupressure or exercising
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/90 : Ergometer with feedback to load or with feedback comparison
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/901 : having computer circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 482/902 : Employing specific graphic or video display

Abstract

An example portable module is for use with an exercise system which includes a moveable element, a first processor and a port adapted to receive the portable module. The portable module includes a second processor and a memory storing information usable to control one or more parameters associated with the movable element.

Claims

1. An exercise system comprising:

a movable element;

a first processor;

a portable module; and

a display panel comprising a display, the display panel including a port formed therein which is adapted to receive the portable module, wherein

the portable module comprises a second processor and a memory storing information usable to control one or more parameters associated with the movable element.

2. The exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the movable element is associated with a treadmill.

3. The exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the movable element is associated with a stationary bicycle.

4. The exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the memory stores a program for controlling the one or more parameters associated with the movable element.

5. The exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the memory comprises read/write memory and the first processor is configured to read from and write to the memory.

6. The exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the port is provided in a side portion of the display panel.

7. The exercise system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a communication circuit configured for wireless communication.

8. The exercise system according to claim 1, wherein the movable element comprises pedals.

9. The exercise system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a pulse rate monitor.

10. The exercise system according to claim 1, further comprising:

an additional port formed in the display panel for connection to an external device.

11. The exercise system according to claim 1, further comprising:

one or more speakers.

12. An exercise apparatus which receives a portable module comprising a processor and a memory, the exercise apparatus comprising:

a movable element;

an additional processor;

an additional memory for storing information usable in control of a parameter associated with the movable element;

a panel comprising a liquid crystal display and pressable keys, the panel including a port formed therein which is configured to receive the portable module,

wherein the portable module memory is accessible to the additional processor when the portable module is received in the port.

13. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the movable element comprises pedals.

14. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the portable module memory comprises read/write memory and the additional processor is configured to read from and write to the portable module memory.

15. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the port is provided in a side portion of the panel.

16. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising:

a pulse rate monitor.

17. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising:

an additional port formed in the panel for connection to an external device.

18. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising:

one or more speakers.

19. The exercise apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the portable module memory stores information usable in control of a parameter associated with the movable element.

20. A portable module comprising a processor and a memory and which is configured to be received in the port formed in the panel of the exercise apparatus of claim 12.

21. An exercise system comprising:

a movable element;

a first processor;

a portable module; and

a panel comprising a liquid crystal display and multiple pressable keys, the panel including a port formed therein which is adapted to receive the portable module,

wherein the portable module comprises a second processor and a memory and the first processor is configured for communication with the portable module when the portable module is received in the port.

22. The exercise system according to claim 21, wherein the port is provided in a side portion of the panel.

23. The exercise system according to claim 21, further comprising:

a communication circuit configured for wireless communication.