|Publication number||US5785632 A|
|Application number||US 08/812,522|
|Publication date||Jul 28, 1998|
|Filing date||Mar 7, 1997|
|Priority date||Jul 7, 1994|
|Also published as||CA2153131A1, CA2153131C, DE69519826D1, DE69519826T2, EP0691140A1, EP0691140B1, US5655997|
|Publication number||08812522, 812522, US 5785632 A, US 5785632A, US-A-5785632, US5785632 A, US5785632A|
|Inventors||Andrew D. Greenberg, Keith E. Camhi|
|Original Assignee||Integrated Fitness Corporation|
|Export Citation||BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan|
|Patent Citations (41), Referenced by (121), Classifications (17), Legal Events (10)|
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet|
This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/271,183, filed Jul. 7, 1994 U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,997.
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to improvements in the monitoring, tracking, recording, updating and feedback of physical exercise related information based on sensing of weight stack elements in physical conditioning devices and exercise systems.
2. The Prior Art
Exercise programs for the development, maintenance or rehabilitation of human muscles through exercise have been long in use. One element of an exercise and rehabilitation program involves the use of fitness machines to impose varying loads on human muscles to stimulate them towards further development or rehabilitation.
Many different types of fitness machines are known. They differ depending on the means for providing the required varying loads on human muscles. The load varying function is performed in the prior art by machines comprising such resistance devices as springs and, more popularly, pulleys and weights. Among the machines using pulleys and weights, weight stack based fitness machines are well known. They provide resistance to motion of various human muscles by using the force of gravity as reflected in the weight stack. The amount of force chosen by the user for exercise purposes is determined by the number of weight plates selected from the weight stack. Typically the selection of the weight to be used for exercise purposes is made by inserting an engagement pin determinative of the number of weight plates to be lifted.
While weight stack machines are popular because of their ease of use, good biomechanics, and wide availability, they are limited in that feedback information required to optimize an exercise regimen is not conveniently available at or in the proximity of the machine from one exercise session to another. Feedback information about progress during a multi-session exercise program is generally desirable as it facilitates the use of the fitness machine by helping to insure correct, safe form, improving staff interaction, and making the activity psychologically rewarding. As this level of psychological reward is increased, so is the likelihood of continued utilization of the machine. The feedback required to assure a safe, psychologically satisfying, and physically useful exercise typically consists of tracking of aggregate weight lifting progress, monitoring of the full range of motion, monitoring lifting at the proper rate, increasing weight based on previous weight lifting success, exercising various muscle groups in an instructor determined order, and providing machine settings for each individual user.
Conversely, lack of feedback hampers the efficient performance of a long term exercise regimen. Currently, the general means for generating feedback to the user is by forcing on the user the arduous accounting task of manual data entry and subsequent recall of weight machine settings and weight progression sequences necessary for optimum physical development. Performing this accounting task, or avoiding it completely, increases the frustration and decreases the rewards associated with using a fitness machine and therefore impedes the motivation for continuing a beneficial physical exercise program.
Yet another limitation of the present manual feedback system is that manually generated records do not lend themselves readily to creating graphs depicting historical data in an easy to comprehend format nor reports to inform the user of his progress, nor can incentives be conveniently built into a manual feedback system.
It is therefore an object of this invention to simplify or eliminate the accounting task generally associated with a physical exercise program conducted on weight stack machines.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a means for sensing and displaying individual exercise related parameters such as, for example, weight, weight range of motion, rate of lift, and number of weight lift repetitions, that can be retrofit or originally installed on exercise equipment using weight stacks.
Yet another object of the present invention is to capture and report exercise related parameters to a central location for storage and subsequent feedback to the user or physical exercise professional.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display in the proximity of a weight stack machine to timely inform the user of the specifically optimized personal settings of the machine, such as seat settings, number of repetitions, number of sets, and number of weights to be used for an exercise program tailored to a particular individual as well as other related exercise data.
These together with other objects and advantages of the invention which will be subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.
An apparatus for providing feedback to a user of a weight stack machine having weights for lifting is described. The apparatus comprises an enclosure adapted for attachment to, inclusion in, or placement proximate to the weight stack machine as well as a display mounted in the vicinity of the weight stack machine. Means for sensing the number of weight plates lifted to determine the amount of weight lifted is provided as well as encoder means for detecting the distance of the weight during a lift.
Electronic detection means are operatively coupled to the weight sensor means and the encoder means for computing data describing amount of weight lifted and distance and velocity of motion of the weight. In addition, interface means for transmitting the computed data from the electronic detection means to a central storage and reporting means and the display is provided. The interface means also receives information from the central storage means and displays it on the display.
The encoder means comprises a retractable cable assembly having a first and a second end. The first end is anchored to the enclosure and the second end is adapted for attachment to the weight stack machine. The cable is extendable from the enclosure and will retract within the enclosure. The encoder means further comprises a rotary pulse generator coupled to a cable assembly. The pulse output from the encoder means is translated by electronic means to be representative of a distance traveled by said retractable cable.
The weight sensor means comprises either a plurality of proximity sensors such as, for example, photo sensitive or inductive pickup sensors, one or more load cells or a light curtain.
FIG. 1 is a schematic descriptive of an example of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a mechanical outline of the various components of the present invention and their spacial relationship as attached to a weight stack machine.
The invention is best understood by reference to the figures wherein all like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.
In FIG. 1, exercise station 100 comprises enclosure 102. Enclosure 102 is adapted to attach mechanically to, or be incorporated in, or stand proximate to a pre-existing or new weight stack machine in proximity to exemplary weights such as 114 and 116 forming a weight stack. Weights 114 and 116 typically slide up and down on guides 120 and 122 while lifted by human muscles during an exercise session. The levers, cables and pulleys used to lift weights 114 and 116 with human muscles are not shown.
One end of cable 106 is attached to weight 114 with pin 112. Pin 112 fits in or next to the hole typically reserved for engaging weight 114 to the means for lifting weight 114 during an exercise session by the user as further detailed in FIG. 2. The other end of cable 106 is wound on the outer surface of a drum mechanically connected to encoder 104. Encoder 104 has an internal spring (not shown) that tensions cable 106 tautly against the anchor point, pin 112, on weight 114. The internal spring of encoder 104 allows sufficient travel for cable 106 to insure that it is fully extended when the weight stack is lifted to its maximum height. Thus, a retractable cable assembly is formed by encoder 104, its internal spring and cable 106. The amount of spring tension applied to cable 106 by the internal spring in encoder 104 is relatively small as compared to weight 114, thus the amount of effort needed to pull cable 106 and rotate the shaft of encoder 104 is minimal.
Encoder 104 converts the linear motion of cable 106 into electrical pulses output on cable 132. Cable 132 conducts pulses from encoder 104 to assembly 124 as well as providing whatever low voltage power may be required by encoder 104 for its operation. The rotation encoding portion of encoder 104 is, for example, a two phase device, where one phase is in quadrature (90 degrees displaced) from the other. This function is performed by part number 610-EM-128-CBL manufactured by Clarostat, of Dover, N.H. In the alternative, as another example, the rotation encoding portion of encoder 104 is a multi-turn absolute encoder with a resolution of 4096 pulses per turn using a 21 bit gray code, having a synchronous serial interface, as manufactured by Lucas Ledex of Vandalia, Ohio. Yet another example of an encoder that may be used for the rotation encoding portion of this invention is part number 800N-00S-0-1, manufactured by Oak Grisby, Sugar Grove, Ill.
Other type of encoders for converting the rotation induced by cable 106 into electronic compatible format that can be used with this invention are multi-turn potentiometers. In this case, the motion of cable 106 connected to exemplary weight plates 114 and 116 will change the angular position and therefore resistance of the multi-turn potentiometer. The changing value of the resistance of the multi-turn potentiometer can be monitored by sensing the voltage across the multi-turn potentiometer with an analog to digital (A/D) converter located in assembly 124. The pulses created by the A/D converter are representative of the rotation of encoder 104 and the motion of cable 106.
Proximity sensors 110 and 108 are vertically aligned with the path of exemplary weights 114 and 116. Reflective labels such as 118, or pieces of reflective tape, or portions of the weight metal itself can be employed to effect sensing. The vertical axis of sensors 110 and 108 is to one side of the central vertical axis of weights 114 and 116 so as to allow cable 106 to move unimpeded in the vertical plane passing through or parallel to exemplary center holes 138 and 140 of weights 114 and 116 respectively. Sensors 108 and 110 are, for example, photo sensitive units detecting the passage of the presence of the weight plates or reflective surfaces. Typical of sensors 108 and 110 is part number S18SN6D manufactured by Banner Engineering Corp, Minneapolis, Minn. Other examples of sensor 108 and 110 is part number XUB-J083135 manufactured by Telemechaniques, Owings Mills, Md. and part number OBT200-18GM70-E0, manufactured by Pepperl and Fuchs, Twinsburgh, Ohio.
As another example, sensors 110 and 108 can be inductive pick up units such as part number NBN10-F10-E0 by Pepperl and Fuchs, Twinsburgh, Ohio. In this case, the change in reluctance from the passage, i.e. presence to absence transition of steel weights, such as 114 and 116, past sensor 108 and/or 110 will output a signal. Alternatively, the proximity sensors can be magnetically activated. The signal from sensor 110 will travel via cable 134 to assembly 124, while signals from sensor 108 are transmitted via cable 136 to assembly 124. The power required by sensors 108 and 110 is transmitted from assembly 124 through cables 136 and 134 respectively.
Yet another example of a proximity sensor to be used in this invention is a light curtain. In this case, sources of light are placed on one side of the weight stack formed by exemplary weights 114 and 116 and light detectors are placed along the axis formed by sensors 108 and 110, across from the light sources. Motion of weights 114, or 116 will be detected by light being sensed by the light sensors.
Yet another example of the implementation of this invention is to provide a load cell 142 placed under the weight stack formed by weights such as 114 and 116. The load cell 142 is typically used instead of sensors 110 and 108 to identify the exact amount of weight being lifted. Initially the load cell measures the weight of all weights in the weight stack. After the lift begins, as indicated by motion from a device such as encoder 104, the lifted weight will be given by the difference between the weight reading before the lift and after the lift. Cable 144 connects load cell 142 to assembly 124.
Yet another example of detecting the amount of weight being lifted is to connect cable 106 to a pin used to mechanically engage a certain number of weight plates in a weight stack machine for a particular exercise. In this case, encoder 104 senses the initial position of the pin with respect to a fixed starting position. The extension of cable 106 with respect to its starting position is determinative of the number of plates engaged in the weight stack machine and therefore of the weight being lifted. Subsequent motion of cable 106 is treated as indicative of the lift.
Assembly 124 computes the speed and distance traveled by cable 106, as detected by encoder 104 and the number or height of weights moved as detected by a plurality of sensors, for example 108 and 110. The placement of a plurality of sensors 108 and 110 with respect to the weight stack is critical to achieve this function. The spacing between sensors such as 108 and 110 is shorter than the smallest expected lifting distance for weights, such as 114 and 116. If this condition is not met, when a weight stack is partially lifted for a distance less than the spacing of the sensors, then sensor 110 may not count all the weights lifted as not all the weights lifted have passed its field of view. Therefore, assembly 124 correlates the reading from a plurality of sensors, such as 108 and 110, with the motion detected by encoder 104 so as to correctly determine the amount of weight lifted, the actual distance of the lift as well as the velocity of the weight lifted.
Assembly 124 is made up of two parts. The first part is the Sensor Processing Unit (SPU) 148. SPU 148 contains, for example, an 8051 controller 166, Part No. SC87C51CCK44 from Philips Semiconductor of Sunnyvale, Calif. Controller 166 executes a fixed program stored in read only memory (ROM) 168 and is supported by support circuits 170. The function of SPU 148 is to convert the outputs of a plurality of proximity sensors, such as 108 and 110, load cell 142, if present, and encoder 104 to a digital format compatible with controller 150. Multiconductor serial cable 152 connects SPU 148 to controller 150.
The second part of assembly 124, controller 150 typically comprises a microprocessor 172 such as a type 80386 manufactured by Intel Corporation, Beaverton, Ore. or a 486 SLC by Cyrix Corporation of Richardson, Tex. The function of controller 150 is to process incoming data made available from SPU 148 and derived from proximity sensors such as 108 and 110, load cell 142 and encoder 104. Another function of controller 150 is to display on display 126 information related to feedback for the user as the exercise session is progressing.
Controller 150 converts data received from SPU 148 into a format compatible with a local area network (LAN) 128, typically an Ethernet as defined by Institutute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, publication 802.3. LAN interface 176 transforms the data from microprocessor 172 to the protocol required by LAN 128. This function is performed by an Ethernet controller, typically part number MB86965APF-G by Fujitsu Microelectronics Inc, San Jose, Calif.
Pulses from proximity sensors 108 and 110 are converted in SPU 148 and controller 150 in conjunction with information about the motion of cable 106. The SPU 148 receives a pulse from sensors 108 and/or 110 whenever sample weight such as 114 or 116 are no longer sensed, or within the field of view of the proximity sensor. Using the information derived from SPU 148's reading of encoder 104 and motion of cable 106, controller 150 computes how far the weights moved. In effect, the SPU 148 logic receives a pulse indicative of an absence of a weight plate from sensor's 108 or 110 field of view. Receipt of this pulse transfers the "stack height" reading from encoder 104 into a register which the controller 150 uses as a pointer into a table detailing the number of plates as a function of stack height, and therefore, total weight.
An alternative operation of SPU 148 and controller 150 is for SPU 148 to receive a pulse every time a weight plate with reflective surface 118 passes the field of view of proximity sensors such as 108 and 110. The passage of the reflective surface 118 on weights 114 or 116 generates one pulse for each weight plate. The SPU 148 adds or subtracts the number of pulses into a register, in effect counting the number of weight plates being lifted, or total weight. The information required to count up or down is derived from the motion of cable 106 through encoder 104. The controller 150 uses the count in the register as a pointer into a table detailing the total weight as a function of plate count.
Another function of controller 150 is to respond to manual input/output (I/O) section 146 of display 126. This I/O section of display 126 is a touch sensitive screen with software generated icons that activate various exercise related functions when touched by the user. By providing an icon driven system, ease of use is enhanced. The information derived from display I/O section 146 is interpreted by controller 150 to extract the information desired by the user such as, for example, history of previous exercise sessions. This information is displayed on display 126 after being retrieved from server 130, through LAN 128, if not immediately available in controller 150.
On power up of assembly 124, server 130 loads the current software from its mass storage via LAN 128 into the memory section 174 of controller 150 for execution by microprocessor 172. This insures that the most recent software is available to controller 150 on power up. ROM portion of memory section 174 contains specific software routines that enable processor 172 to establish two way communication with server 130 during controller's 150 power up sequence. Controller 150 can also have a means for transferring data from its memory 174 to an external, portable electronically programmable memory or floppy disk, such as part number 3M DSHD 3.5" by 3M Corporation, Data Storage Market Division, St Paul, Minn. Electronically programmable memories are, for example, part number F28F008SA-120 and E28F008SA, manufactured by Intel Corporation, Beaverton, Ore.
Upon a user logging in at the server, the server 130 computes the necessary exercise information to be used by assembly 124 during the exercise session of the specific user. The information is stored in server 130 waiting for the user to identify his location at an exercise station such as 100 or 168. Upon a second log in at an exercise station such as 100 or 168, assembly 124 of the logged in station accesses server 130 directly to extract the exercise information from the mass storage device in server 130. This procedure transmits the exercise information to assembly 124 of the exercise station where the second log in occurred via network 128.
Server 130 provides to assembly 124 at a specific exercise station such as 100 and 168 the individual seat settings, lift speed, and range of motion parameters associated with the user, weight lifted at last exercise session and number of repetitions, and target weight and repetitions for this session. Displayed on display 126 upon log in by the user is seat setting, weight lifted at last exercise session and number of repetitions, target weight and repetitions for this session. As the exercise progresses, the weight being lifted, repetition count, range of motion indicator and performance messages are displayed. On completion of the exercise regimen, the data describing weight lifted and repetitions for each set completed is sent as a new file stored in the mass storage device of server 130 via network 128 from assembly 124. This file is subsequently incorporated into the database residing on server 130 for subsequent display and analysis, and in preparation for the next exercise session.
Server 130, connected via LAN 128 to one or more exercise stations such as 100 and 168, is typically located within the same building as the exercise station(s). Within server 130 is a mass storage device, such as a Winchester type hard disk, for example a Seagate Technologies Inc, Scotts Valley, Calif. part number ST-3655A/N capable of storing the information generated by the exercise station(s) such as 100 and 168 for a plurality of users and exercise sessions.
In addition, server 130 is connected via modems 154 and 156 to a remote server 158, allowing exchange of data between local server 130 and remote server 158. Remote server 158 is generally connected to one or more local servers such as server 130 and facilitates the centralization of software distribution to the local servers as well as the collection of exercise data for the users, billing, and other data collection and distribution functions. In general, remote server 158 facilitates storage and backup of end user data, tracking of inter-facility competitions, ability for users to have exercise sessions at any facility connected to server 158, and management of awards related to incentive programs designed to enhance the weight lifting activity.
Server 130 also interfaces with reporting LAN 160. LAN 160 interconnects a plurality of reporting stations 162 or 164 to server 130. Reporting stations 162 and 164 are generally printers and computer based work stations that allow a user of the exercise stations to obtain information about progress of an exercise regimen, enter information about exercises done while not on the system, as well as allow the entry or update of goals by a fitness professional. For example, a user can use a reporting station, such as 162 and 164 to obtain, historical charting, plots and other types of conveniently summarized information from the printer or screen part of the reporting station. In addition, comparisons with population averages and other indexes are provided on request by the user.
FIG. 2 details the mechanical implementation of the present invention. Sensors 108 and 110 are attached in a slot 202 machined on enclosure 102. Sensors 108 and 110 fit slidingly in groove 202, so that the required plurality of sensors for a particular application can be accommodated in slot 202 at a particular, variable height determined by the range of motion of weight plates of a particular weight station. Encoder 104 of FIG. 1 is made up of retractable cable assembly 107 and rotation encoding portion 105. Retractable cable assembly 107 can be, for example, part number LX-EP manufactured by Unimeasure, Corvallis, Ore. Pin 112 anchors cable 106 to the top weight position and can move in a vertical plane along slot 204. Pin 112 interfaces mechanically with quick release 210 attached to cable 106. Slot 204 is parallel to slot 202 and is also machined in enclosure 102. Bracket 208 attaches to the frame of weight stack machine 206 to support enclosure 102.
The invention may be embodied with equivalent parts performing equivalent functions without departing from its purpose and essential characteristic. Therefore, the described implementation is to be considered only as illustrative of the invention and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated in the claims below to their full legal extent.
|Cited Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US3675640 *||Apr 9, 1970||Jul 11, 1972||Gatts J D||Method and apparatus for dynamic health testing evaluation and treatment|
|US4063726 *||Apr 26, 1976||Dec 20, 1977||Wilson Robert J||Electronically controlled hydraulic exercising system|
|US4099713 *||Jul 15, 1977||Jul 11, 1978||Donald Spector||Electronic physical trainer system|
|US4112928 *||Sep 8, 1976||Sep 12, 1978||Keiper Trainingsysteme Gmbh & Co.||Ergometer|
|US4360345 *||Jul 14, 1980||Nov 23, 1982||American Heart Association, Inc.||Health education system|
|US4493485 *||Jun 24, 1983||Jan 15, 1985||Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries, Inc.||Exercising apparatus and method|
|US4542897 *||Oct 11, 1983||Sep 24, 1985||Melton Donald L||Exercise cycle with interactive amusement device|
|US4544154 *||Apr 26, 1982||Oct 1, 1985||Pepsico, Inc.||Passive programmable resistance device|
|US4556216 *||Aug 15, 1983||Dec 3, 1985||Pitkanen Alan R||Computer directed exercising apparatus|
|US4566692 *||May 18, 1983||Jan 28, 1986||Brentham Jerry D||Computerized exercising device|
|US4569518 *||Feb 16, 1983||Feb 11, 1986||Fulks Kent B||Programmable exercise system|
|US4601468 *||Jan 6, 1984||Jul 22, 1986||Loredan Biochemical, Inc.||Exercise and diagnostic system and method|
|US4628910 *||Nov 29, 1984||Dec 16, 1986||Biodex Corporation||Muscle exercise and rehabilitation apparatus|
|US4746113 *||Feb 24, 1987||May 24, 1988||Kissel Robert M||Automatically adjustable exercise equipment, and control system and method therefor|
|US4765613 *||Jan 22, 1987||Aug 23, 1988||Paramount Fitness Equipment Corporation||Progressive resistance exercise device|
|US4779865 *||Jun 11, 1987||Oct 25, 1988||Lieberman David E||Exercise/therapy support system|
|US4817940 *||Apr 4, 1986||Apr 4, 1989||Fike Corporation||Computerized exercise monitoring system and method for comparing present and past exercise activities|
|US4828257 *||Feb 3, 1988||May 9, 1989||Powercise International Corporation||Electronically controlled exercise system|
|US4831242 *||Sep 12, 1985||May 16, 1989||Bally Manufacturing Corporation||Control system for health club facilities and equipment|
|US4842271 *||May 24, 1988||Jun 27, 1989||Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries, Inc.||Leg extension exercise machine with leg length and exercise motion range adjustment apparatus|
|US4863161 *||Jun 2, 1987||Sep 5, 1989||Telle Jerome R||Exercise isokinetic apparatus|
|US4865315 *||Jun 22, 1988||Sep 12, 1989||Universal Gym Equipment, Inc.||Dedicated microprocessor controlled exercise resistance machine|
|US4869497 *||Jan 20, 1987||Sep 26, 1989||Universal Gym Equipment, Inc.||Computer controlled exercise machine|
|US4907795 *||Feb 3, 1989||Mar 13, 1990||Fike Corporation||Computerized exercise monitoring system and method for monitoring a user's exercise performance|
|US5020794 *||Jun 10, 1988||Jun 4, 1991||Bally Manufacturing Corporation||Motor control for an exercise machine simulating a weight stack|
|US5037089 *||Aug 19, 1985||Aug 6, 1991||Patrick Spagnuolo||Exercise device having variable resistance capability|
|US5054774 *||Jun 12, 1990||Oct 8, 1991||Chattecx||Computer-controlled muscle exercising machine having simplified data access|
|US5062632 *||Dec 22, 1989||Nov 5, 1991||Proform Fitness Products, Inc.||User programmable exercise machine|
|US5089960 *||Feb 16, 1990||Feb 18, 1992||Laguna Tectrix, Inc.||Racing system for exercise machines|
|US5117170 *||Apr 20, 1990||May 26, 1992||Life Fitness||Motor control circuit for a simulated weight stack|
|US5213555 *||Feb 27, 1990||May 25, 1993||Hood Robert L||Exercise equipment information, communication and display system|
|DE3807038C1 *||Mar 4, 1988||Sep 28, 1989||Beutel, Peter, 7741 Voehrenbach, De||Arrangement for the acquisition of training data for mechanical training equipment|
|DE3814559A1 *||Apr 29, 1988||Nov 9, 1989||Hans Resch||Training couch|
|DE9307657U1 *||May 19, 1993||Sep 2, 1993||Mechatronic Ges Fuer Steuerung||Bewegungsgerät|
|EP0095832A1 *||Apr 5, 1983||Dec 7, 1983||Chattecx Corporation||Multi-mode exercising apparatus|
|EP0152995A1 *||Jan 3, 1985||Aug 28, 1985||Loredan Biomedical, Inc.||Muscle exercise and diagnostic apparatus and method|
|EP0445617A1 *||Feb 25, 1991||Sep 11, 1991||Carmelo Bosco||Device for measuring muscular work and power|
|GB2016934A *||Title not available|
|GB2057275A *||Title not available|
|GB2094647A *||Title not available|
|GB2157578A *||Title not available|
|Citing Patent||Filing date||Publication date||Applicant||Title|
|US6014078 *||Dec 17, 1998||Jan 11, 2000||Iron Grip Barbell Company, Inc.||Monitoring system for weight lifting implements|
|US6358188 *||Jan 15, 1999||Mar 19, 2002||Gym-In Ltd.||Exercise tracking system|
|US6494811||Dec 21, 1999||Dec 17, 2002||Technogym S.R.L.||Measuring unit for a weight-stack gym machine|
|US6585622||Dec 3, 1999||Jul 1, 2003||Nike, Inc.||Interactive use an athletic performance monitoring and reward method, system, and computer program product|
|US6601016 *||Apr 28, 2000||Jul 29, 2003||International Business Machines Corporation||Monitoring fitness activity across diverse exercise machines utilizing a universally accessible server system|
|US6626800||Jul 12, 2000||Sep 30, 2003||John A. Casler||Method of exercise prescription and evaluation|
|US6632161 *||Feb 3, 2000||Oct 14, 2003||Daniel Nir||Apparatus and a method for loading weights|
|US6656091||Apr 21, 2000||Dec 2, 2003||Kevin G. Abelbeck||Exercise device control and billing system|
|US6702719||Apr 28, 2000||Mar 9, 2004||International Business Machines Corporation||Exercise machine|
|US6746371||Apr 28, 2000||Jun 8, 2004||International Business Machines Corporation||Managing fitness activity across diverse exercise machines utilizing a portable computer system|
|US6863641||Oct 14, 2003||Mar 8, 2005||International Business Machines Corporation||System for monitoring cumulative fitness activity|
|US6866613||Oct 14, 2003||Mar 15, 2005||International Business Machines Corporation||Program for monitoring cumulative fitness activity|
|US6949052||Nov 27, 2001||Sep 27, 2005||Peter Millington||Exercise equipment locator|
|US7063647||Aug 1, 2002||Jun 20, 2006||P.A. Interactive, Llc||Automated physical training system|
|US7070539||Oct 14, 2003||Jul 4, 2006||International Business Machines Corporation||Method for monitoring cumulative fitness activity|
|US7128693||Oct 14, 2003||Oct 31, 2006||International Business Machines Corporation||Program and system for managing fitness activity across diverse exercise machines utilizing a portable computer system|
|US7163488 *||Apr 17, 2004||Jan 16, 2007||Anders Douglas H||Free weight assistance and training device|
|US7192387||Oct 10, 2001||Mar 20, 2007||Dintex, Ltd.||Feedback system for monitoring and measuring physical exercise related information|
|US7435202 *||Feb 26, 2004||Oct 14, 2008||Brunswick Corporation||Elliptical step distance measurement|
|US7455621||Aug 12, 2004||Nov 25, 2008||Anthony Donald D||Free-weight exercise monitoring and feedback system and method|
|US7470216 *||May 17, 2006||Dec 30, 2008||Medaview Products Llc||Exercise intra-repetition assessment system|
|US7507187||Apr 6, 2004||Mar 24, 2009||Precor Incorporated||Parameter sensing system for an exercise device|
|US7614981 *||Nov 10, 2009||Guofang Cao||Weight selection system for fitness training equipment|
|US7621846||Jan 26, 2004||Nov 24, 2009||Precor Incorporated||Service tracking and alerting system for fitness equipment|
|US7682294 *||Jul 24, 2006||Mar 23, 2010||Bvp Holding, Inc.||Medical analysis and recording system|
|US7708672||Dec 20, 2007||May 4, 2010||Precor Incorporated||Incremental weight and selector|
|US7771319||Jun 11, 2007||Aug 10, 2010||Michael G. Lannon||Exercising apparatus|
|US7794359||Jun 15, 2007||Sep 14, 2010||Michael G. Lannon||Process and apparatus for exercising an operator|
|US7815554||Oct 19, 2010||Precor Incorporated||Weight stack selector|
|US7871357||Jan 18, 2011||Precor Incorporated||Weight stack selector|
|US7909741||Mar 27, 2007||Mar 22, 2011||Dhkl, Inc.||Devices, systems and methods for receiving, recording and displaying information relating to physical exercise|
|US7946959||Apr 15, 2003||May 24, 2011||Nike, Inc.||Training scripts|
|US7955219||Oct 2, 2009||Jun 7, 2011||Precor Incorporated||Exercise community system|
|US7988599||Oct 19, 2009||Aug 2, 2011||Precor Incorporated||Service tracking and alerting system for fitness equipment|
|US8016725 *||Sep 13, 2011||Exertron, Llc||Variable resistance system|
|US8029410||May 11, 2010||Oct 4, 2011||Shea Michael J||Exercise system and portable module for same|
|US8047965||May 16, 2010||Nov 1, 2011||Shea Michael J||Exercise machine information system|
|US8057360||Sep 25, 2010||Nov 15, 2011||Shea Michael J||Exercise system|
|US8062182 *||Nov 22, 2011||Tuffstuff Fitness Equipment, Inc.||Exercise monitoring system|
|US8092346||Sep 25, 2010||Jan 10, 2012||Shea Michael J||Exercise system|
|US8105207 *||Jan 31, 2012||Michael G. Lannon||Exercising apparatus|
|US8105209||Jan 31, 2012||Michael G. Lannon||Process and apparatus for exercising an operator|
|US8157706||Sep 23, 2010||Apr 17, 2012||Precor Incorporated||Fitness facility equipment usage control system and method|
|US8187154||Apr 5, 2011||May 29, 2012||Nike, Inc.||Training scripts|
|US8197389||Jun 14, 2010||Jun 12, 2012||Michael G. Lannon||Exercising apparatus|
|US8221292||Jan 25, 2010||Jul 17, 2012||Precor Incorporated||User status notification system|
|US8241188 *||Feb 13, 2008||Aug 14, 2012||9185-7714 Quebec Inc.||Exercise apparatus|
|US8287436||Apr 25, 2012||Oct 16, 2012||Nike, Inc.||Training scripts|
|US8337365||Feb 16, 2011||Dec 25, 2012||DHKI, Inc.||Devices, systems and methods for receiving, recording and displaying information relating to physical exercise|
|US8371990||Jan 9, 2012||Feb 12, 2013||Michael J. Shea||Exercise system|
|US8419593||Mar 14, 2012||Apr 16, 2013||Precor Incorporated||Fitness facility equipment usage control system and method|
|US8444533 *||Jul 11, 2012||May 21, 2013||9185-7714 Quebec Inc.||Exercise apparatus and training method|
|US8491446||Oct 1, 2010||Jul 23, 2013||Kayo Technology, Inc.||Exercise devices with force sensors|
|US8500604||Oct 17, 2009||Aug 6, 2013||Robert Bosch Gmbh||Wearable system for monitoring strength training|
|US8540607 *||Sep 12, 2011||Sep 24, 2013||Exerton, LLC||Variable resistance system|
|US8585556||Jun 11, 2012||Nov 19, 2013||Michael G. Lannon||Exercising apparatus|
|US8747282||Jan 31, 2012||Jun 10, 2014||Michael G. Lannon||Process and apparatus for exercising an operator|
|US8827870||Oct 2, 2009||Sep 9, 2014||Precor Incorporated||Exercise guidance system|
|US8838471||May 6, 2003||Sep 16, 2014||Nike, Inc.||Interactive use and athletic performance monitoring and reward method, system, and computer program product|
|US8858398||Sep 13, 2012||Oct 14, 2014||Nike, Inc.||Training scripts|
|US8882637||Mar 7, 2013||Nov 11, 2014||Precor Incorporated||Fitness facility equipment distribution management|
|US8956228||Feb 10, 2005||Feb 17, 2015||Nike, Inc.||Game pod|
|US8992385||Oct 26, 2009||Mar 31, 2015||Personal Trainer, Inc.||Tension systems and methods of use|
|US9162142||Nov 25, 2009||Oct 20, 2015||Nike, Inc.||Sigils for use with apparel|
|US9186537||Jan 3, 2013||Nov 17, 2015||Precor Incorporated||Incremental weight and selector|
|US9201405||Feb 27, 2014||Dec 1, 2015||Nike, Inc.||Watch display using light sources with a translucent cover|
|US9233269||Nov 18, 2013||Jan 12, 2016||Michael G. Lannon||Exercising apparatus|
|US9235195||Apr 22, 2014||Jan 12, 2016||Nike, Inc.||Watch display using light sources with a translucent cover|
|US20030013584 *||Aug 1, 2002||Jan 16, 2003||Randy Harney||Automated physical training system|
|US20030032529 *||Jul 29, 2002||Feb 13, 2003||Technogym S.P.A.||Remote measuring device for an exercise machine with counterweights|
|US20030100406 *||Nov 27, 2001||May 29, 2003||Peter Millington||Exercise equipment locator|
|US20030158014 *||Feb 15, 2002||Aug 21, 2003||Javier Valentin-Sivico||Fitness machine with data exchange port|
|US20030211916 *||Apr 17, 2003||Nov 13, 2003||Capuano Patrick J.||Exercise parameters monitoring, recording and reporting system for free weight, weight stack, and sport-simulation exercise machines|
|US20030224337 *||Apr 15, 2003||Dec 4, 2003||Nike, Inc.||Training scripts|
|US20040014567 *||Oct 10, 2001||Jan 22, 2004||Israel Mendel||Feedback system for monitoring and measuring physical exercise related information|
|US20040077462 *||Oct 14, 2003||Apr 22, 2004||Brown Michael Wayne||Method for monitoring cumulative fitness activity|
|US20040117214 *||Dec 8, 2003||Jun 17, 2004||Shea Michael J.||System and method for communicating exerciser-related and/or workout messages|
|US20040229730 *||Jan 26, 2004||Nov 18, 2004||Precor Incorporated||Service tracking and alerting system for fitness equipment|
|US20050209056 *||Feb 26, 2004||Sep 22, 2005||Daly Juliette C||Elliptical step distance measurement|
|US20050227811 *||Feb 10, 2005||Oct 13, 2005||Nike, Inc.||Game pod|
|US20050233871 *||Apr 17, 2004||Oct 20, 2005||Anders Douglas H||Free weight assistance and training device|
|US20060234842 *||Jul 7, 2006||Oct 19, 2006||Konami Sports Life Corporation||Measuring device|
|US20060252602 *||Jul 10, 2006||Nov 9, 2006||Brown Michael W||Program and system for managing fitness activity across diverse exercise machines utilizing a portable computer system|
|US20060264299 *||May 17, 2006||Nov 23, 2006||Medaview Products Llc||Exercise intra-repetition assessment system|
|US20070042866 *||Aug 16, 2005||Feb 22, 2007||Steve Skilken||Calorie counter for weight lifting|
|US20070054786 *||Jul 24, 2006||Mar 8, 2007||Piane Robert A Jr||Medical analysis and recording system|
|US20070149366 *||Dec 28, 2005||Jun 28, 2007||Hai-Pin Kuo||Weight training machine having a selector device that is operated easily and conveniently|
|US20070213183 *||Mar 8, 2006||Sep 13, 2007||Menektchiev Alexandre K||Sensor arrays for exercise equipment and methods to operate the same|
|US20080119763 *||Nov 21, 2006||May 22, 2008||Jay Wiener||Acquisition processing and reporting physical exercise data|
|US20080242509 *||Jul 11, 2007||Oct 2, 2008||Menektchiev Alexandre K||Methods and apparatus to control workouts on strength machines|
|US20080242512 *||Mar 27, 2007||Oct 2, 2008||Hidong Kim||Devices, systems and methods for receiving, recording and displaying information relating to physical exercise|
|US20080242513 *||Sep 28, 2007||Oct 2, 2008||Max Rack, Inc.||Calorie counter for weight lifting|
|US20080305936 *||Jun 11, 2007||Dec 11, 2008||Guofang Cao||Weight Selection System For Fitness Training Equipment|
|US20090075791 *||Sep 18, 2007||Mar 19, 2009||Kissel Robert M||Variable resistance system|
|US20090163332 *||Dec 20, 2007||Jun 25, 2009||Precor Incorporated||Weight stack selector|
|US20090163333 *||Dec 20, 2007||Jun 25, 2009||Precor Incorporated||Weight stack selector|
|US20090163334 *||Dec 20, 2007||Jun 25, 2009||Precor Incorporated||Incremental weight and selector|
|US20100035723 *||Feb 11, 2010||Ainsworth Mark E||Service tracking and alerting system for fitness equipment|
|US20100216603 *||Aug 26, 2010||Tuffstuff Fitness Equipment, Inc.||Exercise monitoring system|
|US20100222178 *||May 16, 2010||Sep 2, 2010||Michael J Shea||Exercise machine information system|
|US20100222181 *||Sep 2, 2010||Shea Michael J||Exercise system and portable module for same|
|US20100240498 *||Feb 13, 2008||Sep 23, 2010||Brian Robinson||Exercise apparatus|
|US20100261580 *||Oct 14, 2010||Lannon Michael G||Process And Apparatus For Exercising An Operator|
|US20110015039 *||Sep 25, 2010||Jan 20, 2011||Shea Michael J||Exercise system|
|US20110015041 *||Jan 20, 2011||Shea Michael J||Exercise System|
|US20110082007 *||Oct 2, 2009||Apr 7, 2011||Birrell James S||Exercise community system|
|US20110082010 *||Oct 2, 2009||Apr 7, 2011||Dyer David E||Exercise guidance system|
|US20110090092 *||Sep 23, 2010||Apr 21, 2011||Precor Incorporated||Fitness facility equipment usage control system and method|
|US20110092337 *||Apr 21, 2011||Robert Bosch Gmbh||Wearable system for monitoring strength training|
|US20110098155 *||Oct 26, 2009||Apr 28, 2011||Personal Trainer, Inc.||Tension Systems and Methods of Use|
|US20110183307 *||Jul 28, 2011||Nike, Inc.||Training Scripts|
|US20110183813 *||Jan 25, 2010||Jul 28, 2011||Precor Incorporated||User status notification system|
|US20120004075 *||Jan 5, 2012||Exertron, Llc||Variable resistance system|
|US20120123805 *||May 17, 2012||Terence Vardy||Collection of medical data|
|US20130296142 *||May 3, 2012||Nov 7, 2013||Shinn Fu Company Of America, Inc.||Weight Changing Systems And Methods, and Fitness Equipment Incorporating Same|
|US20140031172 *||Sep 6, 2012||Jan 30, 2014||James Chen||Weight trainer with load detection system|
|US20140274590 *||Mar 17, 2014||Sep 18, 2014||Mats Thulin||Training machine for strength training and rehabilitation|
|EP1013312A2||Dec 22, 1999||Jun 28, 2000||TECHNOGYM S.r.l.||A measuring unit for a weight-stack gym machine|
|EP1813315A1 *||Jan 31, 2006||Aug 1, 2007||Hai-Pin Kuo||Weight training machine having a selector device|
|WO2007030235A2 *||Aug 1, 2006||Mar 15, 2007||Bvp Holding Inc||Medical analysis and recording system|
|WO2010044048A2||Oct 12, 2009||Apr 22, 2010||Enrico Massa||Electromagnetic load device for an apparatus for physical exercise, and apparatus provided with said device|
|U.S. Classification||482/5, 482/903, 482/4, 482/93, 482/1|
|International Classification||A63B21/062, A63B24/00|
|Cooperative Classification||A63B21/063, A63B21/0628, Y10S482/90, Y10S482/903, A63B2225/20, A63B2220/13, A63B2220/51, A63B2220/34, A63B2220/16|
|Apr 5, 1999||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: IMPERIAL BANK, MASSACHUSETTS
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:INTEGRATED FITNESS CORP.;REEL/FRAME:009866/0644
Effective date: 19990311
|May 11, 2000||AS||Assignment|
|Oct 6, 2000||AS||Assignment|
|Jan 23, 2002||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jun 8, 2004||RR||Request for reexamination filed|
Effective date: 20040430
|Nov 21, 2005||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 8
|Sep 25, 2007||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: MMV FINANCIAL INC., CANADA
Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:FITLINXX, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019872/0123
Effective date: 20070731
|Jan 20, 2010||FPAY||Fee payment|
Year of fee payment: 12
|Dec 7, 2010||B1||Reexamination certificate first reexamination|
Free format text: THE PATENTABILITY OF CLAIM 1 IS CONFIRMED. CLAIMS 2 AND 4 ARE DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE AS AMENDED. CLAIM 3 AND 5, DEPENDENT ON AN AMENDED CLAIM, ARE DETERMINED TO BE PATENTABLE.
|Oct 1, 2015||AS||Assignment|
Owner name: FITLINXX, INC. (FORMERLY INTEGRATED FITNESS CORPOR
Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:MMV FINANCIAL INC.;REEL/FRAME:036707/0085
Effective date: 20100317