EXERCISING BAND AND EXERCISING MONITORING SYSTEM HAVING THE SAME

In an exercising band and an exercising monitoring system having the exercising band, the exercising band includes a band part, at least one sensor part and a spacer. The band part is configured to be elongated according as an external force is applied. The sensor part is disposed inside of the band part, is configured to be elongated according as the band part is elongated, and has first and second sensors. The first and second sensors have conductivity. The spacer is configured to insulate the first and second sensors with each other. The first and second sensors are electrically contacted with each other, as the external force is applied along a direction substantially crossing an extending direction of the first and second sensors.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Disclosure

The present disclosure of invention relates to an exercising band and an exercising monitoring system having the exercising band, and more specifically the present disclosure of invention relates to an exercising band and an exercising monitoring system having the exercising band, capable of monitoring an exercise state such as a position or a direction of a muscular strength, a magnitude of an applied muscular strength and so on in a real-time, in cases that a strength training is performed using a band.

2. Description of Related Technology

Recently, various exercise methods are being developed to perform strength exercises using simple tools such as exercise bands, and the effect of the exercise is high and the use is high in various age groups.

For example, Rodney Harold Thomas (US 2021-0086031) discloses the technology of monitoring an exercise state, in cases that the user holds both sides of an exercise band while fixing a center of the exercise band with his feet and performing physical exercises such as arms. Here, a plurality of force sensors is fixed to the exercise band and the force applied to the exercise band in cases that the user pulls the band with his arms, so that, especially, the magnitude of the muscular strength is measured during the exercise.

Further, as disclosed by Rodney Harold Thomas, most of the technologies for monitoring the user's exercise state in the exercise band developed so far are only at the level of directly sensing the force applied to the band by installing the force sensor or the like.

However, when the force sensor is installed to the band, performing exercises using various postures with the band may be restricted and cost prices for manufacturing the band may be increased.

In addition, the position of the force sensor is fixed, so that the force may be measured at a specific position of the band. Thus, the strength of an actual user may be difficult to be measured accurately.

Further, the magnitude of the force applied to the band may be measured, but specific movement states such as the position fixed by the user using the feet and the changes in the movement state accordingly may be difficult to be monitored accurately.

SUMMARY

The present invention is developed to solve the above-mentioned problems of the related arts.

The present invention provides an exercising band, capable of monitoring an exercise state such as a position or a direction of a muscular strength and a change of the exercise state accordingly, a magnitude of an applied muscular strength and so on in a real-time, in cases that a strength training is performed using a band.

In addition, the present invention also provides an exercising monitoring system having the exercising band.

According to an example embodiment, exercising band includes a band part, at least one sensor part and a spacer. The band part is configured to be elongated according as an external force is applied. The sensor part is disposed inside of the band part, is configured to be elongated according as the band part is elongated, and has first and second sensors. The first and second sensors have conductivity. The spacer is configured to insulate the first and second sensors with each other. The first and second sensors are electrically contacted with each other, as the external force is applied along a direction substantially crossing an extending direction of the first and second sensors

In an example, the spacer may have a mesh structure or a wire structure, to cover at least one of the first and second sensors.

In an example, the first and second sensors may extend with twisted with each other.

In an example, the first and second sensors may extend along a direction substantially same as an extending direction of the band part, and the first and second sensors may be elongated with the elongation of the band part when the external force is applied.

In an example, sensitivity of the sensor part may decrease as a thickness of the spacer increases or an opening space of the spacer narrows.

In an example, the first and second sensors may be shorted as the first and second sensors are in electrical contact with each other. A position of the electrical contact of the first and second sensors may be decided based on a voltage of both ends of the first sensor and a voltage of both ends of the second sensor.

In an example, momentum of both sides may be compared with respect to the position of the electrical contact of the first and second sensors, based on a resistance between a first end of the first sensor and a first end of the second sensor, and a resistance between a second end of the first sensor and a second end of the second sensor.

In an example, a voltage may be applied to both ends of each of the first and second sensors to obtain a resistance according to the voltage, and then increase in length of the first and second sensors according to the elongation of the band part may be obtained.

In an example, the external force applied to the band part by a user along an extending direction of the band part may be obtained, based on the increase in length of the first and second sensors.

According to another example embodiment, an exercising monitoring system includes the exercising band, first and second switches, and third and fourth switches. The first and second switches are electrically connected to both ends of the first sensor, respectively. The third and fourth switches are electrically connected to both ends of the second sensor, respectively. A power is applied to a first end of the first sensor and a second end of the second sensor, and output voltages of a second end of the first sensor and a first end of the second sensor are monitored, so that a state of an external force is monitored.

In an example, a first resistor may be connected in parallel between the first end of the second sensor and an output voltage terminal, and a second resistor may be connected in parallel between the second end of the first sensor and the output voltage terminal.

In an example, the external force applied to the band part may be monitored, when both of the first and second switches are ON and both of the third and fourth switches are OFF, or both of the first and second switches are OFF and both of the third and fourth switches are ON.

In an example, a position of the band part on which the user steps may be monitored, when both of the first and third switches are ON and both of the second and fourth switches are OFF, or both of the first and third switches are OFF and both of the second and fourth switches are ON.

According to the present example embodiments, the sensor part and the spacer are disposed inside of the exercising band for exercise, so that the external force due to the exercise being performed may be monitored, the position of the exercising band fixed by user's feet may be monitored, the exercise state of both sides with respect to the fixing position may be monitored. Then, various exercise states may be monitored accurately and effectively.

Here, the mesh structure or the wire structure is applied as the spacer insulating the sensor part and selectively contacting the sensor part, so that the spacer may be manufactured to be elastic or stretchable with the band part. In addition, the manufacturing may be more simplified and the cost prices may be decreased, and thus mass productivity may be more easily performed.

Specifically, the first and second sensors of the sensor part extends with twisted with each other, so that the electrical contact may be easily performed and the elongation may also be easily performed. Thus, the exercising band may effectively perform the function as the exercising band as well as exercising monitoring.

In addition, the sensitivity of the mesh structure may be controlled by fineness of the mesh, and the sensitivity of the wire structure may be controlled by a distance of the wire, so that the exercising band having various sensitivity may be easily manufactured.

In addition, the switches are equipped to be electrically connected to the sensor part of the exercising band. The magnitude of the external force applied to the exercising band may be monitored accurately and effectively, and the position the user stepped on and the magnitude of the external force applied to the band at both sides accordingly may also be monitored accurately and effectively, based on the ON/OFF control of the switches. Thus, exercising effect may be more increased.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, the invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown.

FIG.1is a schematic view illustrating an exercising band according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Generally, the exercising band10is used for performing various postures or motions, such as a user spreading arms with holding both sides of the exercising band10by hand. The exercising band10is manufactured by elastic or stretchable material to perform the above mentioned various postures or motions.

In addition, the user fixes the exercising band10with stepping on a central portion of the exercising band10, and the user performs exercises with various postures or motions, such as spreading the arms.

The exercising band10according to the present example embodiment is manufactured to perform the above mentioned exercise, and as illustrated inFIG.1, the exercising band10includes a band part100, a sensor part200and a spacer300.

The band part100forms an entire external shape of the exercising band10, and extends along a longitudinal direction. A cross-sectional shape of the band part100may have a circular shape. The extending length of the band part100may be variously changed, and the cross-sectional shape of the band part100may also be changed variously.

In addition, the band part100includes elastic or stretchable material, for being elongated as an external force is applied.

The sensor part200is disposed inside of the band part100, and the sensor part200extends longitudinally inside of the band part100as the band part100extends along the longitudinal direction.

Here, the sensor part200includes a first sensor210and a second sensor220. The first sensor210is spaced part from the second sensor220. The first sensor210has a material, a shape and a length substantially the same as the second sensor220.

In the figure, the sensor part200having the first and second sensors210and220is illustrated, but alternatively, a plurality of the sensor parts200may be configured and here, each of the sensor parts200may have the first and second sensors210and220. However, hereinafter, for the convenience of the explanation, single sensor part200having the first and second sensors210and220is explained.

Each of the first and second sensors210and220has a conductive material. Thus, when a voltage is applied to both ends of the first sensor210or to those of the second sensor220, a resistance information variable according to the length of the first sensor210or the second sensor220may be obtained. In addition, based on the resistance information, an external force which is applied to the band part100by a user may be obtained, which will be explained below referring toFIG.4.

The spacer300is disposed between the first sensor210and the second sensor220, and at an initial state, the distance between the first and second sensors210and220is maintained to prevent the first and second sensors210and220from being contacted with each other.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the spacer300makes the first and second sensors210and220both having the conductive material to be spaced apart from each other, and thus an electric connection between the first and second sensors210and220may be limited.

Here, the spacer300may be formed variously, and the examples of the spacer300are explained below.

FIG.2Ais a cross-sectional view enlarging a portion ‘E’ ofFIG.1,FIG.2Bis a cross-sectional view illustrating a contact state of a pair of sensors when an external force is applied, andFIG.2Cis a circuit diagram illustrating the contact state ofFIG.2B.

FIG.2Ashows an example of the limitation of the electric connection between the first and second sensors210and220. Here, the spacer300makes the first and second sensors210and220to be spaced apart from each other, at the initial state.

Referring toFIG.2A, the spacer300maintains a distance h between the first and second sensors210and220, uniformly. For example, when each of the first and second sensors210and220has a predetermined area, a pair of spacers300having a distance of w may make the first and second sensors210and220to be spaced apart from each other, uniformly.

When the user exercises with the exercising band10of the present example embodiment, the user may use his foot or other body part to step on or immobilize a specific portion of the exercising band10. Here, when the external force F is applied to the specific portion of the exercising band10along a direction crossing the extending direction of the exercising band10, the first and second sensors210and220make contact with each other at the specific portion of the exercising band10.

The spacer300maintains the distance between the first and second sensors210and220, for the insulation, but as the external force F is applied, the first and second sensors210and220make contact with each other and are electrified at a contact portion G.

FIG.2Cshows the circuit diagram illustrating the electrified state between the first and second sensors210and220at the contact portion G.

Referring toFIG.2C, both ends of the first sensor210are defined as A and B, and both ends of the second sensor220are defined as C and D, and then as the first and second sensors210and220make contact with each other at the contact portion G, the contact portion G is electrically connected without any resistance and the circuit may be modeled as a bridge circuit in a whole.

Thus, from the bridge circuit ofFIG.2C, based on the resistance change information between A and C, the resistance change information between B and D, in addition to the resistance change information between A and B, the resistance change information between C and D, the contact portion G at which the sensors are contacted with each other may be obtained. Further, the external force applied to each side with respect to the contact portion G may also be obtained. In this regard, more detailed explanation will be followed in an exercising monitoring system.

As explained above, the spacer300may have a bar shape or a plate shape extending along a direction, but not limited thereto. Thus, hereinafter, the examples of the spacer300will be explained.

FIG.3Ais a schematic view illustrating an example of a sensor part and a spacer in the exercising band,FIG.3Bis a schematic view illustrating another example of a sensor part and a space, andFIG.3Cis a schematic view illustrating still another example of a sensor part and a spacer.

Referring toFIG.3A, in the exercising band11, the spacer301has a mesh structure, to cover an outer surface of the second sensor220.

Here, as illustrated, the mesh structure has a structure woven to form mesh-shaped openings. A stretchable and non-conductive material having the mesh structure is formed to cover the second sensor220.

Here, the mesh structure may also cover the first sensor210, and alternatively, the mesh structure may cover both of the first and second sensors210and220.

Accordingly, as the mesh structure covers at least one sensor and the pair of sensors extends inside of the band part100, the first and second sensors210and220are spaced apart from each other and are insulated from each other when the external force is not applied. However, as the external force is applied, the first and second sensors210and220make contact with each other through the openings of the mesh structure and thus the first and second sensors210and220are electrified.

Alternatively, referring toFIG.3B, in the exercising band12, the spacer302has a wire structure, to be wound on an outer surface of the second sensor220.

Here, the wire302has a predetermined diameter, and is wound on the outer surface of the second sensor220, like a coil shape as illustrated inFIG.3B. A wound distance d of the wire is maintained properly, and thus the first and second sensors210and220may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance.

Here, the wire302may cover the first sensor210, and alternatively, the wire302may also cover both of the first and second sensors210and220, like the mesh structure301.

Accordingly, as the wire structure covers at least one sensor and the pair of sensors extends inside of the band part100, the first and second sensors210and220are spaced apart from each other and are insulated from each other when the external force is not applied. However, as the external force is applied, the first and second sensors210and220make contact with each other through the space of the wound distance d of the wire and thus the first and second sensors210and220are electrified.

Further, referring toFIG.3C, with the mesh structure303covering the outer surface of the first sensor210or the second sensor220, the first and second sensors210and220extend along a direction with a twisted shape.

Here, the mesh structure303may be substantially same as the mesh structure301inFIG.3A. Alternatively, instead of the mesh structure303, the wire structure302inFIG.3Bmay be applied.

Accordingly, as the pair of sensors210and220extends with the twisted shape, the distance between the sensors210and220becomes closer, and more uniform contact may be induced at all portions of the sensors210and220extending along the longitudinal direction when the external force is applied.

Further, as the external force is applied, the first and second sensors210and220are stretched with the band part100. But, as the external force is applied repeatedly, the first and second sensors210and220may be cut off due to reduced durability. Thus, since the first and second sensors210and220extends with the twisted shape, the durability for the external force may be increased and the exercising monitoring may be performed more stably.

InFIG.3C, the pair of first and second sensors210and220are twisted with each other, but an additional structure or wire having the same cross-sectional shape with each of the first and second sensors210and220may be added and then two sensors210and220and the additional structure or wire are extended with a twisted shape.

Generally, compared to the two twisted wires, three wires extending with the twisted shape have more stable and durable extending state. Thus, the additional structure which is not a conductor is added to the twisted shape of the first and second sensors210and220, so that the extended structure of three wires may have more increased stability and durability.

FIG.4is a schematic view illustrating a deformed state of the exercising band ofFIG.1, when the force is applied to both ends of the exercising band.

As explained above, when the voltage is applied to both ends of each of the first and second sensors210and220, a resistance information variable according to the length of the first sensor210or the second sensor220may be obtained. In addition, based on the resistance information, the external force which is applied to the band part100by a user may be obtained.

Referring toFIG.4, the band part100is elongated due to the external force F applied along the extending direction of the band part100, with the first sensor210, the spacer300and the second sensor220. Alternatively, when the external force F is not applied, the band part100decreases in length with the first sensor210, the spacer300and the second sensor220.

Accordingly, as the length of the first sensor210or the second sensor220increases, the resistance increases relatively, and as the length thereof decreases, the resistance decreases relatively. Thus, based on the resistance information according the applied voltage, the information whether the first sensor210or the second sensor220increases or decreases in length may be obtained.

When the first sensor210or the second sensor220increases in length, the user applies the external force to the band part100and then the length of the band part100increases. Thus, based on the resistance information obtained by the first sensor210or the second sensor220, the external force F applied by the user may be obtained.

Accordingly, in the present example embodiment, the external force F applied to the band part100by the user is easily obtained by merely applying the voltage to both ends of the first sensor210or the second sensor220and obtaining the resistance information.

FIG.5Ais an image showing an exercise state using the exercising band ofFIG.1, andFIG.5Bis a schematic view illustrating the state of the exercising band ofFIG.1, in the exercise sate ofFIG.5A.

Referring toFIG.5A, as explained above, for the exercising band10according to the present example embodiment, the user1steps on a central portion of the band10using feet3and performs an exercise using both arms2.

In the above exercising state, the state of the exercising band10is illustrated inFIG.5B.

Referring toFIG.5B, the first and second sensors210and220are connected and electrified at the contact portion G which is a fixed portion, and the first and second sensors210and220are insulated with each other by the spacer300in other area or portion of the band10.

Thus, when the exercise using both arms is performed with fixing the specific portion of the exercising band10, the external force from each arm should be monitored separately or the position of the fixing portion should be monitored.

Thus, the exercising monitoring system having the exercising band10is explained below regarding the above monitoring.

FIG.6is a circuit diagram illustrating an exercising monitoring system having the exercising band ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.6, the exercising monitoring system20has a switching circuit in addition to the exercising band10explained above referring toFIG.1toFIG.5B, and is the monitoring system for monitoring the exercising state explained above inFIG.5B. Thus, as illustrated inFIG.6, the circuit diagram having the switching circuit is illustrated as the exercising monitoring system20.

Referring toFIG.6, the first sensor210and the second sensor220inside of the band part100is electrically connected at the contact portion G, and the circuit may be configured in a form of the bridge circuit in a whole. In addition, the resistance generated in the first sensor210is separated into RAand RBwith respect to the contact portion G, and the resistance generated in the second sensor220is separated into RCand RDwith respect to the contact portion G.

In addition, the exercising monitoring system20includes the switching circuit, and thus the information of the position of the contact portion G, and the information of the external force applied to each part of the band part100with respect to the contact portion G.

In the exercising monitoring system20, a first switch (SWA)410is connected between a first end (A)211of the first sensor210and a common power (Vcc), and a second switch (SWB)420is connected between a second end (B)212of the first sensor210and a terminal of a second output power (V2).

Here, a second resistor (R2) is connected between the second switch (SWB)420and the terminal of the second output power (V2), and the second resistor (R2) is grounded (GND).

In addition, a third switch (SWC)430is connected between a first end (C)221of the second sensor220and a terminal of a first output power (V1), and a fourth switch (SWD)440is connected between a second end (D)222of the second sensor220and the common power (Vcc).

Here, a first resistor (R1) is connected between the third switch (SWC)430and the terminal of the first output power (V1), and the first resistor (R1) is grounded (GND).

Accordingly, in the exercising monitoring system20, a magnitude of the output power V1and V2with respect to the common power (Vcc) inputted to the first sensor210or the second sensor220is obtained, to monitor various exercising states.

For example, when the first switch (SWA) and the second switch (SWB) are in an ON state and the third switch (SWC) and the fourth switch (SWD) are in an OFF state, the second output power (V2) is defined as Formula 1 below.

Thus, from Formula 1, the external force applied to the first sensor210, which is the force applied along the extending direction of the band part100is obtained.

Here, the increase of the resistance may be obtained, by comparing the initial value (V2) of Formula 1 before applying the external force to the value (V2) after applying the external force. Thus, the change of the first sensor210and the external force accordingly may be obtained.

Likewise, when the first switch (SWA) and the second switch (SWB) are in an OFF state and the third switch (SWC) and the fourth switch (SWD) are in an ON state, the first output power (V1) is defined as Formula 2 below.

Thus, from Formula 2, the external force applied to the second sensor220, which is the force applied along the extending direction of the band part100is obtained, as mentioned above.

Further, when the first switch (SWA) and the third switch (SWC) are in an ON state and the second switch (SWB) and the fourth switch (SWD) are in an OFF state, the first output power (V1) is defined as Formula 3 below.

Likewise, when the first switch (SWA) and the third switch (SWC) are in an OFF state and the second switch (SWB) and the fourth switch (SWD) are in an ON state, the second output power (V2) is defined as Formula 4 below.

Accordingly, the position of the contact portion G is obtained, by comparing the first output power (V1) to the second output power (V2) obtained from Formula 3 and Formula 4.

Since the material and the shape of the first and second sensors210and220are same, RA=RCand RB=RD. The magnitude of the common power (Vcc) is assumed to be same and the magnitude of the first and second resistors (R1) and (R2) is also assumed to be same, and then the position information on which side the contact portion G is located may be obtained easily, by comparing the magnitude of the first output power (V1) and the second output power (V2) from Formula 3 and Formula 4.

In addition, after obtaining the position of the contact portion G, the external force applied to a left side of the contact portion G at which the first and third switches (SWAand SWC) are located by the user may be obtained from Formula 3. Likewise, the external force applied to a right side of the contact portion G at which the second and fourth switches (SWBand SWD) are located by the user may be obtained from Formula 4.

According to the present example embodiments, the sensor part and the spacer are disposed inside of the exercising band for exercise, so that the external force due to the exercise being performed may be monitored, the position of the exercising band fixed by user's feet may be monitored, the exercise state of both sides with respect to the fixing position may be monitored. Then, various exercise states may be monitored accurately and effectively.

Here, the mesh structure or the wire structure is applied as the spacer insulating the sensor part and selectively contacting the sensor part, so that the spacer may be manufactured to be elastic or stretchable with the band part. In addition, the manufacturing may be more simplified and the cost prices may be decreased, and thus mass productivity may be more easily performed.

Specifically, the first and second sensors of the sensor part extends with twisted with each other, so that the electrical contact may be easily performed and the elongation may also be easily performed. Thus, the exercising band may effectively perform the function as the exercising band as well as exercising monitoring.

In addition, the sensitivity of the mesh structure may be controlled by fineness of the mesh, and the sensitivity of the wire structure may be controlled by a distance of the wire, so that the exercising band having various sensitivity may be easily manufactured.

In addition, the switches are equipped to be electrically connected to the sensor part of the exercising band. The magnitude of the external force applied to the exercising band may be monitored accurately and effectively, and the position the user stepped on and the magnitude of the external force applied to the band at both sides accordingly may also be monitored accurately and effectively, based on the ON/OFF control of the switches. Thus, exercising effect may be more increased.