Data-collecting exercise device

An exercise device comprising a rigid rod, a base, at least one load sensor inside the base or the rigid rod, the at least one load sensor for detecting a longitudinal force applied to the exercise device, and a processor coupled to the at least one load sensor, the processor for executing one or more machine-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to cause at least one of the plurality of light sources to emit light to instruct a user to apply a target longitudinal force to the exercise device, obtain a signal indicating a magnitude of the applied longitudinal force, and control at least one characteristic of at least a subset of the plurality of light sources to provide an indication of the magnitude of the applied longitudinal force relative to the magnitude of the target longitudinal force.

BACKGROUND

Exercise is important to maintain and improve a person's physical fitness and overall health and wellness. One way to motivate people to exercise is to provide feedback regarding their workouts. Today, there are many ways for people engaged in cardiovascular exercise to obtain feedback about their performances. For example, the so-called “cardio” machines, such as treadmills, exercise bicycles, rowing machines, stair-climbing equipment, and elliptical machines, commonly found in commercial gyms or in users' homes often provide information to users about (virtual) distance traveled, speed, estimated number of calories burned, and the like. Similarly, smart phones and wearable devices, such as smart watches and fitness trackers, may provide information about or estimates of the number of steps walked, distance traveled, flights of stairs climbed, calories burned, or time spent running, walking, or biking. The feedback provided by cardio machines, smart phones, and wearable devices tends to encourage users to establish and meet goals (e.g., to walk at least 10,000 steps per day, to run at a pace of at least six miles per hour for thirty minutes, to burn 300 calories, etc.).

In addition to cardiovascular exercise, many people also include weight lifting and weight training in their workout routines. Tracking the amount of weight lifted and the number of repetitions performed can also help users to establish and meet goals. Typically, however, users must track such information by hand, such as by recording information about the workout during the workout by writing it on paper or by entering the information into an electronic application (e.g., a smart phone application). The need for user involvement in the tracking process is inconvenient because it requires the user to stop the workout to record the tracked information, and it may also require the user to carry a mobile device or paper and a writing implement in the gym, or the user may need to remember all of the pertinent information about the workout. Moreover, there may be information about the workout that would be useful for the user to know but that is inconvenient, difficult, or impossible for the user to track while working out. For instance, the user may want to know how quickly or slowly he or she performed each repetition in a set of ten repetitions of bench press. Because the user's hands are in use holding the barbell during the set, the user cannot easily start or stop a timer for each repetition. Although a second person could time each repetition, such a process is likely to be inaccurate because the second person would need to determine when each repetition starts and finishes, and then would need to record the time of each repetition during the time between repetitions, which might not be feasible. Furthermore, the person performing bench press may be relying on the second person as a spotter (i.e., a person who stands by to assist the exerciser if the exerciser's muscles fatigue to the point that the exerciser cannot complete a repetition). If the second person is too engrossed in determining the timing of each repetition, he or she may not be an effective spotter.

Therefore, there is a need for innovations that allow people engaged in strength training exercises to obtain useful information about their workouts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exercises may be classified into two general categories: isotonic and isometric. Isotonic exercises move a joint through some range of motion against a resistance, typically provided by weights, gravity, or both. The resistance during an isotonic exercise may be from a person's own body weight. For example, a person may perform lunges, push-ups, or pull-ups using only his or her body weight. Alternatively, a person may perform isotonic exercises using weights, such as dumbbells, kettle bells, barbells, or other types of weights. For example, a person performing lunges may hold dumbbells, a person performing push-ups may do so with a weight plate on his or her back, or a person performing pull-ups may do so while wearing a weight vest.

Isotonic exercises may also be performed using exercise machines, which typically use springs, pistons, or weights to resist or oppose the user's movements. Many exercise machines, such as those found in commercial gyms, have been developed to allow users to perform isotonic exercises. Because isotonic exercise machines typically exercise only a specified muscle or group of muscles, a variety of different exercise machines may be needed to enable a person to exercise different muscle groups throughout the body and thereby obtain a complete body workout. Purchasing such a variety of equipment may require a sizable monetary investment. In addition, commercial exercise machines may be large or bulky, and a substantial amount of floor space may be required to house such exercise machines. These factors may make the inclusion of isotonic exercise machines in a home gym infeasible for many people. Moreover, isotonic exercise machines provide either no feedback at all about a user's workout or only limited feedback about a user's workout.

Isometric exercises require a person to tense a specific muscle without appreciably moving a joint or changing the length of the muscle being tensed. Isometric exercises are static exercises that target specific muscle groups to help build or maintain muscular strength and stability. To perform an isometric exercise, a person typically pushes or pulls against an immovable object, such as a wall, a floor, a pipe, or a heavy piece of furniture. The exerciser tenses a muscle or group of muscles and holds a fixed position while maintaining tension in the muscle or muscle group for an extended period of time. The exerciser assumes different positions to exercise different muscles or muscle groups.

Isometric exercises enable people to adjust the load on their muscles to match their physical conditions or abilities. Because isometric exercises do not require joint movement, isometric exercises may be particularly helpful to people who have limited mobility or are recovering from an injury. Isometric exercises may also be more inviting to those who are new to exercising and might be intimidated by the difficulty or variety of available isotonic exercises or the equipment required to perform many isotonic exercises.

An exercise may be purely isotonic or purely isometric, or it may have both isotonic and isometric components or phases. Disclosed herein are embodiments of an exercise device enabling users to perform isotonic, isometric, or combination exercises to improve strength and cardiovascular fitness. The exercise device measures and provides information about users' workouts, thus enabling users to track their progress and/or set goals for their exercise programs. Also disclosed herein are methods of using the exercise device.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1Cillustrate exemplary exercise devices100in accordance with some embodiments. The exercise device100comprises a rigid rod110and a base120.FIG. 1Aillustrates a side view of the exercise device100, andFIGS. 1B and 1Care cross-sectional views of two embodiments of the exercise device100looking toward the base120. As described in more detail below, the exercise device100comprises one or more electronic components, and these electronic components may reside inside the rigid rod110, the base120, or partially within the rigid rod110and partially within the base120.FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1Cdo not illustrate these one or more electronic components.

As shown inFIG. 1A, the rigid rod110is coupled to the base120and has a first end112near the base120and a second end114distal from the base120. A longitudinal axis111extends between the first end112and the second end114. AlthoughFIG. 1Aillustrates the first end112of the rigid rod110as residing within the base120, the first end112of the rigid rod110may reside outside of the base120(e.g., the base120may be flush with or partially inside of the first end112of the rigid rod110, or the base120may separated by some distance from the first end112of the rigid rod110). Furthermore, in some embodiments, the base120is not in direct contact with the rigid rod110but instead is coupled to the rigid rod110through an intervening mechanism (e.g., a collar, a post, a sleeve, etc.).

As used herein, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to the direction substantially along the longitudinal axis111of the rigid rod110, i.e., either in the direction from the second end114of the rigid rod110toward the first end112of the rigid rod110, or from the first end112of the rigid rod110toward the second end114of the rigid rod110. The term “longitudinal force” refers to a force applied substantially along the longitudinal axis111, whether in the direction from the first end112to the second end114of the rigid rod110, or vice versa. The longitudinal force applied substantially along the longitudinal axis111in the direction from the second end114of the rigid rod110toward the first end112of the rigid rod110(i.e., toward the base120) is referred to herein as a “compressive longitudinal force,” and a longitudinal force applied substantially along the longitudinal axis111in the direction from the first end112of the rigid rod110toward the second end114of the rigid rod110(i.e., away from the base120) is referred to herein as an “expansive longitudinal force.”

As an example of how a user might use the exercise device100, a user may grasp the rigid rod110, position the base120of the exercise device100against a surface (e.g., a wall, a floor, a ceiling, a door, a heavy piece of furniture, etc.), and apply a compressive longitudinal force to the exercise device100. As another example, a user may affix the exercise device100to a surface or heavy object (as explained below), grasp the rigid rod110, and apply an expansive longitudinal force to the exercise device100. As explained below, in some embodiments, components within the exercise device100measure and report, among other items of information, the longitudinal forces applied by users.

In some embodiments, the exercise device100has a weight that allows users to maneuver and hold the exercise device100in various positions, including substantially horizontally with the base120positioned against and in contact with a substantially vertical surface (e.g., a wall, a door, the side of a door frame, etc.) or substantially vertically with the base120positioned against a substantially horizontal surface (e.g., a ceiling, the top of a door frame, a floor, etc.). In some embodiments, the weight of the exercise device100is less than fifteen pounds. It is to be understood that other weights, larger or smaller, are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosures herein.

The rigid rod110should not stretch, compress, expand, or bend appreciably when subjected to longitudinal forces applied by users. It is to be understood that the rigid rod110is referred to as “rigid” because it does not stretch, compress, expand, or bend appreciably when subjected to longitudinal forces. Although the rigid rod110may also maintain its rigidity in the presence of transverse forces applied substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis111, the rigid rod112may be less rigid or even somewhat flexible (e.g., may bow or otherwise bend) in the presence of forces applied in directions not substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis111.

In some embodiments, the rigid rod110is made of a material having a high specific compressive strength (i.e., a high capacity to withstand loads tending to reduce size (e.g., to resist compression)) and a high specific tensile strength (i.e., a high capacity to withstand loads tending to elongate (e.g., to resist tension)). The rigid rod110may be made of any material and may have any dimensions that result in the rigid rod110being able to withstand a longitudinal force, whether compressive or expansive, of a magnitude a user of the exercise device100is expected to be capable of applying. For example, the rigid rod110may be capable of withstanding longitudinal forces of at least 150 pounds.

In some embodiments, the rigid rod110comprises a material having a specific compressive strength or a specific tensile strength similar to that of steel. In some embodiments, the rigid rod110comprises polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In other embodiments, the rigid rod110comprises aluminum. In still other embodiments, the rigid rod110comprises wood. In some embodiments, the rigid rod110comprises bamboo. For example, the rigid rod110may be made from engineered bamboo (e.g., a product made by gluing together bamboo material in various forms (e.g., strands or mats) to form rectangular boards, similar to lumber, though not necessarily in a cuboid shape). It is to be understood that other materials (e.g., plastic, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), steel, iron, metal, aerogel, microarchitected materials, carbon fiber, Kevlar™, aramid fiber, etc.) are contemplated for the rigid rod110and are within the scope of the disclosures herein. Moreover, the rigid rod110may include multiple materials. The rigid rod110may be made of any material or materials that, in combination with the other selected properties of the rigid rod110(e.g., length, thickness, diameter (e.g., inner and outer diameters, if the rigid rod is partially or entirely hollow, as discussed below), etc.), enables the rigid rod110to withstand the longitudinal forces expected to be applied by a user.

The rigid rod110may be manufactured using any suitable process. For example, extrusion or injection molding may be a suitable manufacturing process for rigid rods110comprising plastic (e.g., PVC). Extrusion, casting, or machining may be suitable manufacturing processes for rigid rods110made of metal (e.g., aluminum). Other processes may be appropriate in embodiments in which the rigid rod110is wood or bamboo. For example, a rigid rod110made of wood may be fabricated by processing lumber into whatever shape is desired for the rigid rod110. If the rigid rod110is made from engineered bamboo, and the rigid rod110has a cylindrical shape, the engineered bamboo may be processed into cylinders to form the rigid rod110.

As illustrated inFIG. 1A, the distance between the first end112and the second end114of the rigid rod110is the length116of the rigid rod110. The rigid rod110may have any length116suitable to facilitate intended users performing their desired exercise routines. In some embodiments, the length116of the rigid rod110is between approximately four and seven feet. It is to be appreciated, however, that rigid rod110lengths116outside of the range of four to seven feet are also contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosure.

In some embodiments, including the exemplary embodiments shown inFIGS. 1B and 1C, the rigid rod110is substantially uniform and cylindrical, and has a circumference115. The embodiment of the exercise device100shown inFIG. 1Bis hollow along its length116, with an outer diameter118and an inner diameter119. The thickness of the wall of the rigid rod110shown inFIG. 1Bis equal to one-half of the difference between the outer diameter118and the inner diameter119. When the rigid rod110is hollow as illustrated inFIG. 1B, the thickness of the rigid rod110wall should be selected, in conjunction with the rigid rod110material, so that the exercise device100can withstand the maximum longitudinal force, whether compressive or expansive, expected to be applied by the user. In some embodiments, the inner diameter119is approximately 1.6 inches, the outer diameter118is approximately 1.9 inches, and, therefore, the thickness of the rigid rod110wall is approximately 0.15 inches. In some embodiments, the outer diameter118is approximately 1.75 inches, and the thickness of the rigid rod110wall is approximately ⅛ inch. It is to be appreciated, however, that when the rigid rod110is partially or completely hollow along its length116, other rigid rod110outer diameters118, inner diameters119, and wall thicknesses are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosure.

The embodiment of the exercise device100illustrated inFIG. 1Cincludes a rigid rod110that is solid at the location of the cross section. It is to be appreciated that the rigid rod110may be solid along a first portion of its length116and hollow along a second portion of its length116. Embodiments in which the rigid rod110is partially or completely hollow along its length116enable the rigid rod110to house some or all of the electronic components discussed in more detail below. It is to be understood that although many of the drawings herein illustrate hollow rigid rods110, the rigid rod110may alternatively include a cavity125in which electronic components may be situated.

As illustrated inFIG. 1A, the outer diameter118is smaller than the length116of the rigid rod110. Typically, the length116of the rigid rod110is at least 4 times the outer diameter118of the rigid rod110, although the length116of the rigid rod110need not be at least 4 times the outer diameter118of the rigid rod110. In some embodiments, the length116of the rigid rod110is between four and seven feet, and the outer diameter118of the rigid rod110is less than two inches.

AlthoughFIGS. 1A through 1Cillustrate the rigid rod110having a smaller circumference115than the circumference122of the base120, the rigid rod110may have the same circumference as the base120, or it may have a larger circumference. Furthermore, althoughFIGS. 1A through 1Cillustrate a cylindrical rigid rod110having a circular cross-section, the rigid rod110may have any convenient shape that enables a user to grasp the rigid rod110to perform a desired exercise or exercise routine. For example, the rigid rod110may have an oval cross-section rather than a circular cross-section, or it may have any other desired regular or irregular shape that facilitates a user applying a compressive or expansive longitudinal force. In such cases, the outer diameter118is an average, minimum, or maximum outer diameter of a cross-section of the rigid rod110. In addition, the rigid rod110may not have a uniform shape along its length116(i.e., the rigid rod110dimensions, such as, for example, its outer diameter118and, if applicable, inner diameter119may change along the length116). Also, as shown inFIG. 1C, the rigid rod110may not be hollow (i.e., the rigid rod110may be solid), or it may be only partially hollow (i.e., the rigid rod110may be hollow for a portion of its length116and solid for another portion of its length116). As explained below, in some embodiments in which the rigid rod110is hollow along part or all of its length, the rigid rod110houses some or all of the electronic components described below.

The rigid rod110may include at least one attachment to enable the user to grasp the rigid rod110more easily. If included, the at least one attachment may be located at any position(s) along the rigid rod110where it may be helpful to the user's workout. For example, handles may be coupled to the first end112and/or to the second end114of the rigid rod110. As another example, a pad may be included around the rigid rod110for physical therapy or corrective exercise techniques. If included, the at least one attachment may be permanently attached to the rigid rod110, or it may be temporarily coupled to, and removable from, the rigid rod110. Likewise, if included, the position of the at least one attachment along the length of the rigid rod110may be adjustable.

The rigid rod110may include at least one feature to enable a user to grasp the rigid rod110more securely. For example, one or more grips (made of, e.g., rubber, grip tape, fabric, foam, wax, spray grip material, stamping, soft elastomer, Egrips® material, or a 3M™ Gripping Material product) may be attached to the outside of the rigid rod110. As another example, one or more grips may be temporarily attached to the outside of the rigid rod110(e.g., to make the circumference of the rigid rod110larger temporarily, such as to help a user improve his or her grip strength). As another example, the rigid rod110may include knurls or other texturing along part or all of its length116. For example, if the rigid rod110is made of wood (e.g., bamboo), the wood may be rough-sanded to allow a user to grip the rigid rod110securely. As another example, if the rigid rod110is aluminum or another material that may be processed using knurling (i.e., a manufacturing process, performed by machine or by hand, whereby a pattern of straight, angled, or crossed lines is cut or rolled into a material), the rigid rod110may include knurls. If included, the at least one feature may be permanent (e.g., knurls), or it may be removable (e.g., a temporary grip), or its position along the rigid rod110may be adjustable. Removable features contemplated for use with the exercise device100include clamp-on handles, mitts, gloves, or sleeves.

In some embodiments, the rigid rod110comprises two or more pieces.FIG. 2Aillustrates an example of such an embodiment in which the rigid rod110comprises two portions109A and109B, and a first portion109A is separable from a second portion109B. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2A, the second portion109B includes a cylinder434with a protruding thread432that fits within a corresponding thread within the first portion109A. Thus, the first portion109A and second portion109B ofFIG. 2Amay be attached together by inserting the cylinder434of the second portion109B into the first portion109A and rotating the first and second portions109A,109B in opposite directions about the longitudinal axis111so that the thread432of the second portion109B mates with the corresponding thread inside of the first portion109B, thereby holding the first and second portions109A,109B tightly in place by a screw mechanism. AlthoughFIG. 2Aillustrates the first and second portions109A,109B joined by a twist screw mechanism, the first and second portions109A,109B may be joined together in some other way. For example, the first and second portions109A,109B may be held together by one or more pins, or they may snap together, or the first and second portions109A and109B may be affixed to each other using a press fitting or latch. Other possible joining mechanisms include at least one set screw, adhesive, a bayonet mount (i.e., a fastening mechanism comprising a cylindrical male side with one or more radial pins, and a female receptor with matching L-shaped slot(s) and with spring(s) to keep the two parts locked together), an expanding fastener, or a telescoping mechanism. Any joining or fastening mechanism that results in the rigid rod110being able to withstand the longitudinal forces expected to be applied by users may be used to join the first and second portions109A,109B together when the rigid rod110comprises two or more portions. Moreover, althoughFIG. 2Aillustrates the rigid rod110having two portions (portions109A and109B), the rigid rod110may be separable into more than two portions.

As described below, a portion of the rigid rod110may house certain electronic components. In some embodiments in which the rigid rod110comprises a first portion109A and a second portion109B, such as the rigid rod110embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2A, the electronic components of in the rigid rod110are housed entirely in the first portion109A or entirely in the second portion109B. Without loss of generality, assume that the rigid rod110is separable into two portions, and all electronic components housed in the rigid rod110are housed in the first portion109A. In such embodiments, a user may exchange the original second portion109B for a different second portion109C, as illustrated inFIG. 2B. The different second portion109C may have one or more characteristics that differ from the respective characteristics of the original second portion109B. For example, the different second portion109C may have a different length, a different circumference115, or a different weight, or it may be made of a different material than the original second portion109B, or it may include different grips, attachments, or grip material than the original second portion109B, etc. Alternatively, or in addition, the different second portion109C may differ from the original second portion109B in some cosmetic way (e.g., it may be a different color or include different branding (e.g., a logo, printing, etc.)).

Referring again toFIG. 1A, the base120has a nominal length117in the absence of a longitudinal force. The length117of the base120may remain constant in the presence of longitudinal forces, or it may decrease temporarily in the presence of a compressive longitudinal force and/or increase temporarily in the presence of an expansive longitudinal force. In some embodiments, the base120is made of or comprises a flexible or compressible material (e.g., silicone, a soft rubber, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), foam, a low-durometer plastic or rubber, felt, a spring, etc.), and the length117of the base120temporarily increases or decreases while the exercise device100is subjected to, respectively, expansive or compressive longitudinal forces. In other embodiments, the base120is made of a rigid, inflexible, hardened, or substantially incompressible material (e.g., hardened rubber, a strong elastomer, ebonite, polycarbonate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), nylon, Delrin, glass-reinforced plastic, carbon-reinforced plastic, high-impact resin, polycarbonate, acrylic, polypropylene, PVC, cork, wood, bamboo, metal, aluminum, steel, etc.), and the length117of the base120does not change substantially in the presence of compressive or expansive longitudinal forces. In some embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A-15Cbelow, the length117of the base120(shown as an end cap300) decreases in the presence of compressive longitudinal forces but does not change in the presence of expansive longitudinal forces.

The base120may have any size and shape conducive to a user performing exercises using the exercise device100. In some embodiments, the base120has a circumference122that is larger than the circumference115of the rigid rod110.FIGS. 1A-1C, among others, illustrate such an embodiment. In other embodiments, the base120has a circumference122that is smaller than the circumference115of the rigid rod110. In still other embodiments, the base120has a circumference122that is equal to the circumference115of the rigid rod110. In some embodiments, the base120does not have a uniform circumference122along its entire length117.

FIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate several exemplary bases120having different shapes and sizes. InFIG. 3A, the base120is cylindrical along a portion of its length117and tapers inward along another portion of the length117. InFIG. 3B, the base120is tapered along its entire length117. InFIG. 3C, the base120has a hemispherical or domed shape. Each of the exemplary bases120shown inFIGS. 3A-3Chas a maximum circumference122value that is smaller than the circumference115of the rigid rod110and, therefore, may be entirely outside of the rigid rod110or may be set within a hollow portion of the rigid rod110near the first end112.FIG. 3Dillustrates an embodiment in which the base120is tapered along its length117and includes rings that protrude slightly from its side surface, which may help to hold the base120in place when the exercise device100is placed in a position in which the side of the base120is in contact with a surface (e.g., as inFIGS. 4A and 4B). The maximum circumference122of the base120of the embodiment inFIG. 3Dis approximately the same as the circumference115of the rigid rod110. AlthoughFIGS. 3A-3Dillustrate bases120having a shapes that, in a cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis111, are similar to the shape of a cross-section of the rigid rod110taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis111, the base120need not have such similarity to the rigid rod110. The base120may have any size, shape, and weight conducive to a user performing exercises with the exercise device100.

The base120may be made of or coated with a material that assists a user in holding the base120against a surface when the user applies a compressive longitudinal force. For example, the base120may be made of or coated with a material that has a high coefficient of friction. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, rubber, grip tape, fabric, foam, wax, spray grip material, stamping, soft elastomer, Egrips® material, or a 3M™ Gripping Material product. The base120may also include a suction mechanism (e.g., a suction cup, etc.) to assist a user in holding the base120against a surface. As another example, the base120may include a magnet to facilitate a user holding the exercise device100against a metal object or surface. As another example, the base120or the rigid rod110may include a feature that enables the exercise device to be positioned within a receptacle or cup (e.g., using a fastener, strap, etc.) to hold the exercise device100in place while the user exercises.FIGS. 12A-12B, 13A-13C, 14A-14B, and 15A-15C, discussed below, illustrate several ways in which the exercise device100may be attached to a surface or object.

In some embodiments, the weight of the base120is less than or is not substantially greater than the weight of the rigid rod110. In other embodiments, the weight of the base120is substantially greater than the weight of the rigid rod110to increase the effort required for a user to hold the exercise device100in a desired position (e.g., substantially horizontally against a vertical surface, or substantially vertically with the base120held against a ceiling, etc.), or to enable the user to use the exercise device100as a mace ball. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the exercise device100(e.g., the base120) is hardened or reinforced (e.g., is surrounded by or comprises hardened rubber or the like) to allow the user to grasp the rigid rod110and swing the exercise device100with the objective of hitting other objects (e.g., the ground, a tire, a heavy bag, etc.) with the base120of the exercise device100.

The base120may be permanently coupled to the rigid rod110, or it may be separable from the rigid rod110. In embodiments in which the base120is separable from the rigid rod110, users of the exercise device100may interchange rigid rods110or bases120. For example, a user may remove a first rigid rod110from the base120and then couple the base120to a second rigid rod110having at least one different property (e.g., a longer or shorter length116, a different weight, a difference circumference115, a different shape or form factor, different hand grips, a different material, different electronics, etc.). The first and second rigid rods110may comprise multiple portions, as described above in the context ofFIGS. 2A and 2B. Alternatively, a user may remove a first base120from the rigid rod110and couple the rigid rod110to a second base120that has at least one different property (e.g., material, weight, durability, electronics, etc.) from the first base120.FIGS. 19A through 19C, discussed below, illustrate an exemplary exercise device100in which the rigid rod110and base120are separable.

To enable the exercise device100to be secured to a surface or object so that the user may perform exercises that include expansive longitudinal forces, the base120or the rigid rod110may include one or more cavities, holes, or protrusions that facilitate securing the exercise device100to an attachment or to a surface (e.g., a wall, a door, a ceiling, a doorframe, a heavy piece of furniture, etc.). For example, the exercise device100may include at least one pin or post, SNAP™ fastener, mushroom-shaped post, T-shaped post or rod, hook and loop, ring, D-ring, eyelet, carabiner, clamp, clasp, etc. protruding from the rigid rod110or the base120, to which an attachment enabling the exercise device100to be secured to a surface may be attached. As another example, the exercise device100may be configured to receive a cap that screws on or attaches to the outside of the rigid rod110or the base120. As another example, the exercise device may include a pass-through channel through the rigid rod110or the base120through which a pin of an attachment may be passed. Another portion of the attachment may then secure the exercise device100to a surface. As yet another example, the rigid rod110or the base120may include holes into which one or more fasteners of an attachment may be positioned and secured.FIGS. 12A-12B, 13A-13C, 14A-14B, and 15A-15C, discussed below, illustrate several ways an attachment may be coupled to the exercise device100to enable the exercise device100to be secured to a surface or object so that the user may perform exercises that include expansive longitudinal forces.

A user may perform various exercises using the exercise device100. As just one of many possible examples, as illustrated inFIGS. 4A and 4B, a user may perform a lunge having both isotonic and isometric components using the exercise device100. As shown inFIG. 4A, the user begins by standing on a floor adjacent to a wall while grasping the rigid rod110and positioning the exercise device100so that the base120is situated near where the wall and the floor meet. InFIGS. 4A and 4B, the user is shown holding the exercise device100so that the base120is wedged between the wall and the floor, but it is to be understood that the user could alternatively hold the exercise device100so that the base120is, for example, higher and in contact with only the wall (e.g., the user could hold the exercise device100substantially horizontally), or so that the exercise device100is substantially vertical and the base120is in contact only with the floor or the ceiling (not shown). In some embodiments, the wall and/or floor (or any other surface, such as a door, a door frame, a ceiling, a window, a piece of furniture, etc.) includes or has attached thereto a notch or receptacle into which the user may insert the base120to prevent the base120from moving appreciably while the user performs the exercise. If present, this notch or receptacle may also hold the exercise device100in place to enable the user to perform exercises involving expansive longitudinal forces in addition to exercises involving compressive longitudinal forces (such as the lunge exercise depicted inFIGS. 4A and 4B). In addition, or alternatively, the base120may be made of or coated with a material that reduces the likelihood that the exercise device100, once placed against a surface, will slip out of position when the user applies a longitudinal force.

The user may perform an exercise having both isotonic and isometric components by performing a lunge while holding the exercise device100in situ, as shown inFIG. 4B, and applying a compressive longitudinal force. The user may then hold the down lunge position for some period of time as shown inFIG. 4Bwhile simultaneously continuing to apply a compressive longitudinal force, thereby continuing to press the exercise device100into the wall and the floor. After a desired period of time during which the user continues to hold the down lunge position while applying a compressive longitudinal force, the user returns to the starting position shown inFIG. 4Aand reduces the longitudinal force applied to the exercise device100. The user may then repeat the sequence to perform a set of lunges having both isotonic and isometric components.

In addition to performing exercises involving compressive longitudinal forces, such as in the example presented in the discussion ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, users may also perform exercises involving expansive longitudinal forces using the exercise device100.FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate one possible exercise in which a user applies an expansive longitudinal force to the exercise device100by performing a type of pull-up. As shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the exercise device100may be secured to a horizontal surface (e.g., a ceiling, a door frame, etc.) so that the exercise device100hangs substantially vertically from the horizontal surface. When secured to a horizontal surface as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, the exercise device100may hang so that the exercise device100can swing or move laterally, or the exercise device100may be mounted to the horizontal surface in a more secure manner to prevent or mitigate lateral movement of the exercise device100.FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate the exercise device100being secured to the horizontal surface by the base120, but it is to be appreciated that, as explained below, the exercise device100may secured to the horizontal surface in any manner that enables the user to perform an exercise involving an expansive longitudinal force. For example, the exercise device100may be secured to the vertical surface from the rigid rod110close to the base120, near the second end114, or at any other convenient point.

The user may perform an exercise having both isotonic and isometric components by performing a pull-up while applying an expansive longitudinal force.FIG. 5Ashows the user in a starting position in which the user grasps the rigid rod110and positions her feet so that she can lean back as shown while holding onto the rigid rod110of the exercise device100to prevent herself from falling. As shown inFIG. 5A, the user's arms are substantially straight. The user then pulls herself up to a more vertical position, as shown inFIG. 5B, by engaging, among others, her core and biceps muscles. The user may then hold the position shown inFIG. 5Bfor a period of time to perform an isometric phase of the exercise. After a desired period of time during which the user continues to hold the position shown inFIG. 5Bwhile grasping the rigid rod110and applying an expansive longitudinal force to the exercise device100, the user returns to the starting position shown inFIG. 5A. The user may then repeat the sequence to perform a set of pull-ups having both isotonic and isometric components.

It is to be understood that the lunge and pull-up exercises described above are only two examples of the many types of exercises that users may perform using the exercise device100. As will be appreciated in view of the disclosures herein, there are virtually limitless exercises possible with the exercise device100, including exercises that require users to apply, at different times, compressive or expansive longitudinal forces.

Although a user may perform effective exercises having isotonic and/or isometric phases or components using an exercise device100comprising only a rigid rod110and a base120, users, physical therapists, and personal trainers may benefit significantly by being able to quantify and access information associated with users' workouts and/or program the exercise device100to assist a user to perform a workout. Therefore, as described below, in some embodiments the exercise device100includes one or more components that measure and provide information about an exercise. In some embodiments, these one or more components also provide guidance to assist the user to perform exercises or workouts. The exercise device100may have any of several exemplary hardware configurations to enable the exercise device100to detect compressive and/or expansive longitudinal forces.

FIG. 6Ais an exemplary block diagram200A illustrating certain electronic components of the exercise device100in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG. 6A, the exercise device100includes at least one load sensor130coupled to a processor140and to a power supply160. The processor140is also coupled to the power supply160. The processor140may also be coupled to an optional display150and/or an optional external memory142. The dashed lines inFIG. 6Aindicate that both the display150and external memory142are optional. If present, the display150and external memory142are also coupled to the power supply160. As explained below, the components shown in the block diagram200A may be situated within the exercise device100in many different configurations.

The power supply160provides power to the at least one load sensor130and processor140, and, if present, the display150and external memory142. In some embodiments, the power supply160is a battery, such as, for example, a rechargeable battery. In some embodiments including a rechargeable battery as the power supply160, the rechargeable battery may be recharged without being removed from the exercise device100. In some such embodiments, the exercise device100includes a port that enables the rechargeable battery to be recharged. For example, the rechargeable battery may be charged through any suitable port, such as, for example, a USB port (e.g., USB-A, USB-C, mini-USB, micro-USB, etc.), an audio jack, a DC barrel jack (e.g., a port having a 5.5 mm barrel and a 2.1 mm center pole), a blade connector, or a proprietary type of jack (e.g., Thunderbolt™). In other embodiments in which the power supply160is a rechargeable battery, the battery may be recharged wirelessly or using inductive technology, without use of a physical connection (e.g., using electromagnetic fields to transfer power from a transmitting source to the rechargeable battery to charge or recharge the battery). For example, the rechargeable battery may be recharged using a contact charger (e.g., a circular contact charger) that includes pogo pins, leaf springs, etc. The charging base may include a magnetic retention mechanism to hold the exercise device100in place while the battery recharges.

The at least one load sensor130detects longitudinal forces applied to the exercise device100. In some embodiments, as will be discussed below, a compressive longitudinal force causes at least some portion of the exercise device100to move or compress, and the at least load sensor130senses this movement or compression. In some embodiments, as will be discussed below, an expansive longitudinal force causes at least some portion of the exercise device100to move, stretch, or expand, and the at least one load sensor130senses this movement, stretching, or expansion.

The at least one load sensor130may include only one load sensor, or it may include multiple load sensors130. In embodiments including only one load sensor130, that single load sensor130may be capable of detecting both compressive and expansive longitudinal forces. In embodiments including multiple load sensors130, a subset of load sensors130may be used to detect compressive longitudinal forces, and another subset of load sensors130may be used to detect expansive longitudinal forces. In some embodiments, described below, a first load sensor130A senses compressive longitudinal forces, and a second load sensor130B senses expansive longitudinal forces. Alternatively, when the exercise device100includes multiple load sensors130, all load sensors130may be used to detect both compressive and expansive longitudinal forces.

In some embodiments, the at least one load sensor130comprises at least one strain gauge that is deformed by the longitudinal force, and the amount of deformation is measured as a change in electrical resistance. As would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, a strain gauge is a device having an electrical resistance that varies in proportion to the amount of strain in the device. The strain gauge deforms, stretches, or contracts when the material of the at least one load sensor130deforms, and the change in resistance causes an electrical signal having a magnitude that is proportional to the force applied to the at least one load sensor130. An example of a strain gauge is a bonded metallic strain gauge.

In some embodiments, the at least one load sensor130comprises at least one strain gauge in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. As would be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, a classic Wheatstone bridge has four resistive arms and an excitation voltage applied across the bridge. The bridge is balanced when the four resistive arms have resistance values that result in the output voltage being zero. Any change in the resistance of one of the arms causes the output voltage to be nonzero. By replacing one of the arms of the Wheatstone bridge with a strain gauge in what is known in the art as a “quarter-bridge” configuration, any change in the resistance of the strain gauge will unbalance the bridge and cause the output voltage to be nonzero.

In some embodiments, the at least one load sensor130comprises two or more strain gauges arranged in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. As would also be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art, to reduce the sensitivity of the Wheatstone bridge to temperature variations, load sensors often include two strain gauges in the bridge in what is known in the art as a “half-bridge” configuration. Furthermore, the Wheatstone bridge may include four strain gauges in what is known in the art as a “full-bridge” configuration, in which first and second strain gauges are in tension, and third and fourth strain gauges are in compression. It is to be understood that the at least one load sensor130may include any load sensor that is capable of detecting a compressive or expansive longitudinal force applied to the exercise device100. The examples of Wheatstone bridge configurations are not intended to be limiting.

The processor140may be a general-purpose processor that executes machine-executable instructions to perform specified operations. For example, the processor140may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or the like. Alternatively, the processor140may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that performs the desired operations. The processor140may include on-board memory for storing instructions or data. The exercise device100may include a port through which the processor140may be programmed or configured, or through which software or firmware for the processor140may be provided. The processor140may also be able to send data, signals, or information out of the exercise device100through the port. In some embodiments in which the power supply160is a rechargeable battery, a single port (e.g., a USB port, a serial port, etc.) both enables access to the processor140(e.g., for programming, configuration, data transfer into and/or out of the exercise device100, and/or software and/or firmware updates) and allows the rechargeable battery to be charged. In other embodiments in which the power supply160is a rechargeable battery, a port enables access to the processor140, and the rechargeable battery is charged or recharged wirelessly or inductively as described above. In other embodiments, different ports are included for charging the rechargeable battery and for communicating with the processor140. Examples of suitable data ports for communicating with the processor140include both wired (e.g., Ethernet, USB, serial, etc.) and wireless (e.g., infrared, near-field communication, Wi-Fi, or any other suitable wireless protocol).

If present, the external memory142may be any type of memory that stores instructions (e.g., for the processor140), data (e.g., information recorded during a user's workout, information used to guide a user through a workout (such as the force profiles discussed below), etc.), or both. For example, the external memory142may be an EPROM, EEPROM, random-access memory (RAM), non-volatile RAM, or any other type of memory. The external memory142may be of a type that maintains the stored information in the absence of power supplied to the memory142(e.g., non-volatile memory), or the external memory142may be volatile and capable of storing information only when powered. The processor140may store data gathered during a user's workout in the external memory142. For example, the processor140may store measurements of longitudinal forces detected by the at least one load sensor130in the external memory142. Likewise, the processor140may retrieve information from the external memory142to generate signals to guide a user or to provide feedback to the user during the workout.

In some embodiments, before a user begins a workout or an exercise, the processor140performs a calibration procedure. The processor140may initiate the calibration procedure automatically whenever the exercise device100is activated, or a user may initiate the calibration procedure. In some embodiments, the processor140performs the calibration procedure by detecting a baseline signal from the at least one load sensor130when the exercise device100is in a particular position (e.g., such that the rigid rod110is vertical and the base120is resting on a horizontal surface but without any user-applied pressure, or such that the base120is not in contact with any object or surface). The processor140may then adjust future received force signals based on the baseline signal. For example, if, when the calibration procedure is performed, the processor140receives a signal representing 0.1 lb, and during an exercise the processor140receives a signal representing 10 lbs, the processor140subtracts 0.1 lb to obtain the applied force caused by the user.

One of the benefits of the exercise device100is its ability to capture information about a user's workout, such as, by way of example and not limitation, a number of repetitions performed, an amount of time per repetition, an amount of time spent on a workout, or a measure of the compressive or expansive longitudinal force applied by the user. Thus, in some embodiments, the exercise device100includes an on-board display150, which may be any hardware capable of presenting information to the user of the exercise device100. For example, the display150may be a graphical display or an alphanumeric display. The display150may be, for example, an LCD or LED display, a touchscreen, or an LED array.FIG. 8illustrates an embodiment of the exercise device100in which the display150comprises an array of light sources196(e.g., LEDs arranged in a rectangular pattern of rows and columns). The array of light sources196may be capable of presenting alphanumeric characters (as shown inFIG. 8) and/or graphics (e.g., icons, graphs, bars, etc.) to provide information. The information presented to the user of the exercise device100may include any information that might be of interest to the user. For example, the information presented to the user of the exercise device100may include information about a type of exercise, a number of repetitions performed, an amount of longitudinal force applied, whether the longitudinal force was compressive or expansive, an amount of time during which a longitudinal force was applied by the user, a status (e.g., battery level if the power supply160is a battery, amount of memory142used or remaining if the exercise device100includes the memory142, etc.), or any other information available to the exercise device100.

In some embodiments, the display150is part of a user interface that enables the user not only to view information, but also to enter information. The user interface may be capable of accepting a variety of information useful to the user or to the exercise device100. For example, the information may include a password (e.g., for a Wi-Fi network, or to allow access to data stored in the exercise device100, etc.) or information that allows the exercise device100to be configured (e.g., for a desired number of exercises or a particular type of exercise, etc.) or customized (e.g., based on the user's name, age, height, weight, gender, level of fitness, location, time since last workout, etc.). In some embodiments, the exercise device100is capable of accepting information that enables the user to customize at least some characteristic of a visual indicator, discussed below, that provides guidance and/or feedback to the user during a workout. This information may be entered by the user through a user interface, if present.

As indicated by the arrows shown inFIG. 6A, the processor140may communicate with the at least one load sensor130, and, if present, with the display150and/or external memory142. In some embodiments, the at least one load sensor130generates an electrical signal whenever the user applies a longitudinal force (compressive or expansive) to the exercise device100and provides this signal to the processor140. As shown inFIG. 6B, an amplifier132and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC)134may be disposed between the at least one load sensor130and the processor140. If present, the amplifier132amplifies the analog signal generated by the at least one load sensor130before providing it to the ADC134. In turn, the ADC134converts the amplified analog signal to a digital signal and provides the digital signal to the processor140. The processor140determines one or more desired metrics based on the signal generated by the at least one load sensor130(possibly using, as explained above, an amplified and digitized version of the signal generated by the at least one load sensor130), which may include, by way of example and not limitation, an indication of the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user (in some embodiments, as a function of time), the amount of time a particular amount of force was applied, a number of repetitions performed, etc. If the at least one load sensor130includes multiple load sensors130, the exercise device100may include additional amplifiers132and/or ADCs134.

In some embodiments in which the exercise device100includes a display150, the processor140causes the display150to present information about the applied longitudinal force and/or the exercise performed by the user. For example, the processor140may cause the display150to present an indication (e.g., text, a graphic, a chart, an icon, etc.) of a number of repetitions performed by the user, a raw or average longitudinal force applied per repetition, a total amount of longitudinal force applied for a set of repetitions, a time over which each repetition or set of repetitions was performed, an amount of time during which the longitudinal force applied exceeded some threshold force, a time under tension, or other information available to the processor140.

As used herein, the term “time under tension” refers to a metric that is the integral of longitudinal force over a period of time. The units of time under tension are units of force multiplied by units of time (e.g., pound-seconds, pound-milliseconds, pound-hours, kilogram-seconds, kilogram-hours, etc.). To illustrate,FIG. 7Ashows an exemplary plot of the longitudinal force, in pounds, applied by a user of the exercise device100as a function of time, in seconds. The time under tension, in pound-seconds, is the area under the piece-wise solid line.

Because the direction of a compressive longitudinal force is opposite the direction of an expansive longitudinal force, it may be desirable in plots such as the one shown inFIG. 7Ato designate that one of the two types of forces is represented by positive force values, and the other by negative force values. The assignment is arbitrary; thus, without loss of generality, it is assumed herein that positive force values represent compressive longitudinal forces and negative force values represent expansive longitudinal forces. With this convention, becauseFIG. 7Aplots only positive values of longitudinal force, it represents a workout involving only compressive longitudinal forces (e.g., a workout comprising the lunge exercise discussed in the context ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, as just one example).

FIG. 7Bis an exemplary plot of the longitudinal force, in pounds, applied by a user of the exercise device100as a function of time, in seconds, for a set of exercises that includes both compressive and expansive longitudinal forces.FIG. 7Bis identical toFIG. 7Abetween t=0 and t3and between t=t6and t9. Between t=t3and t6, however, the longitudinal force is negative, indicating (using the convention established above) that the force applied from t=t3to t6is an expansive longitudinal force. By inspection ofFIG. 7B, one can see that if a set of exercises includes both compressive and expansive longitudinal forces, a measure of time under tension determined simply by integrating the longitudinal force over time will provide an inaccurate view of the forces applied by the user because the components of the integral corresponding to the expansive longitudinal forces will be negative and will at least partially cancel or be canceled by the components of the integral corresponding to the compressive longitudinal forces. There are at least two solutions to this problem. One solution is to determine (e.g., compute) the time under tension for an exercise, set of exercises, or workout based on the absolute value of the longitudinal force. In other words, the signs of expansive force values are changed from negative to positive, and the total time under tension is determined without regard to whether the longitudinal force is compressive or expansive. Another solution is to track time under tension separately for compressive longitudinal forces and for expansive longitudinal forces. In other words, one integral representing compressive time under tension may be determined based only on values of the longitudinal force that are greater than zero, and a second integral representing expansive time under tension may be determined based only on values of the longitudinal force that are less than zero. Using this approach, the time under tension may be presented to the user separately for compressive and expansive longitudinal forces (e.g., “Your pushing (compressive) time under tension is X, and your pulling (expansive) time under tension is Y”). If desired, the compressive and expansive time under tension components may be combined in some manner to provide the user with a total time under tension. For example, the absolute values of the compressive and expansive times under tension may be added together. As another example, the composite time under tension may be computed as the square root of the sum of the squares of the compressive and expansive times under tension.

The processor140may determine the time under tension using any convenient algorithm. For example, the processor140may use numerical integration to compute the time under tension. Numerical integration techniques are known in the art. They include, for example, methods that determine a weighted sum of evaluations of the integrand, evaluated at a finite set of integration points, to obtain an approximation of the integral. If the integrand is well-behaved (e.g., it is piecewise-continuous and of bounded variation), numerical integration may be achieved using small increments. In some embodiments, the time under tension is determined based on a sequence of longitudinal force measurements taken at discrete, known times. The time under tension may be determined by weighting each longitudinal force measurement by the time interval between it and the next or previous longitudinal force measurement.

Returning again toFIG. 7A, because the function shown is a piecewise-linear function, the time under tension may be computed using simple calculations of the areas of rectangles and triangles. The time under tension is the sum of the areas of the various rectangles and triangles into which the area under the function may be partitioned and is given by: TUT=0.5×[t1×f1+(t3−t2)×f1+(t4−t3)×f2+(t5−t4)×(f3−f2)+(t6−t5)×f3+(t7−t6)×f2+(t8−t7)×(f2−f1)+(t9−t8)×f1]+(t2−t1)×f1+(t5−t4)×f2+(t8−t7)×f1. The function shown inFIG. 7Bis also a piecewise-linear function. Again, using the convention that compressive longitudinal forces are positive and expansive longitudinal forces are negative, the compressive time under tension is given by TUT_c=0.5×[t1×f1+(t3−t2)×f1+(t7−t6)×f2+(t8−t7)×(f2−f1)+(t9−t8)×f1]+(t2−t1)×f1+(t8−t7)×f1. The expansive time under tension is given by TUT_e=0.5×[(t4−t3)×(−f3)+(t5−t4)×(−f4+f3)+(t6−t5)×(−f4)]+(t5−t4)×(−f3). It is easy to verify that TUT_c is a positive value, and the value of TUT_e is negative. The processor140may therefore present TUT_c and TUT_e separately to the user (perhaps with the sign of TUT_e flipped so that the value presented to the user is a positive number), or it may combine TUT_c and TUT_e into a total time under tension (e.g., TUT_total=|TUT_c|+|TUT_e|, or as the square root of a sum of the squares of TUT_c and TUT_e: TUT_total=sqrt(TUT_c*TUT_c+TUT_e*TUT_e)).

In embodiments in which the rigid rod110and/or the base120is hollow or includes a cavity125, the components shown in the exemplary block diagram200A ofFIG. 6Amay be arranged in a variety of different locations within the exercise device100.FIGS. 9A through 9Fillustrate some of the possible options for situating the various exemplary electronic components within the exercise device100, assuming that the exercise device100includes a display150and optionally includes an external memory142. In addition, the exercise device100may include the amplifier132and ADC134between the at least one load sensor130and the processor140, as illustrated inFIG. 6B.

As illustrated in the exemplary block diagram200B ofFIG. 9A, the at least one load sensor130may reside in the base120while the remainder of the components (i.e., the processor140, power supply160, display150, and, if present, memory142) reside in the rigid rod110. If present, the amplifier132and ADC134may reside in either the base120or the rigid rod110. Alternatively, as shown in the exemplary block diagram200C ofFIG. 9B, the at least one load sensor130, power supply160, processor140, and, if present, memory142, amplifier132, and ADC134may reside in the base120while the display150resides in the rigid rod110. As yet another example, shown in the exemplary block diagram200D ofFIG. 9C, the at least one load sensor130and power supply160may reside in the base120while the processor140, display150, and, if present, memory142reside in the rigid rod110. If present, the amplifier132and ADC134may reside in either the base120or the rigid rod110in the configuration ofFIG. 9C. As yet another example, shown in the exemplary block diagram200E ofFIG. 9D, the at least one load sensor130, processor140, and, if present, memory142, amplifier132, and ADC134may be situated in the base120, and the power supply160and display150may be located in the rigid rod110.

As another example, shown in the exemplary block diagram200F ofFIG. 9E, all of the electronic components (e.g., the at least one load sensor130, processor140, display150, power supply160, and, if present, memory142, amplifier132, and ADC134) may be located in the base120. Such a configuration may be used to allow users to decouple a first rigid rod110from the base120and couple the base120to a second rigid rod110that has different properties than the first rigid rod110(e.g., the second rigid rod110is made of a lighter or heavier material, has a shorter or longer length116, has a different shape, has different hand grips or attachments, etc.).

As shown in the exemplary block diagram200G ofFIG. 9F, all of the electronic components (e.g., the at least one load sensor130, processor140, display150, power supply160, and, if present, memory142, amplifier132, and ADC134) may alternatively be located within the rigid rod110. Situating all of the electronic components within the rigid rod110may simplify the design of the base120. For example, when all of the electronic components are situated within the rigid rod110, the base120may simply be an end cap or a solid, rigid element. Moreover, situating all of the electronic components within the rigid rod110may enable users to couple different bases120to the rigid rod110(e.g., heavier or lighter bases120, bases120made of different materials, bases120having different shapes or properties to facilitate the performance of different exercises, etc.). Furthermore, as explained above in the discussion ofFIG. 2A, the rigid rod110may comprise two or more portions (e.g.,109A and109B), and one of those portions (e.g.,109A) may house all of the electronic components shown in the block diagram200G. In such embodiments, those portions of the rigid rod110that do not house electronic components (e.g.,109B) may be removable to enable users to substitute (e.g., attach) other rigid rod110portions (e.g.,109C) that have different characteristics (e.g., a different length, weight, material, hand grips, branding, etc.).

FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate an exemplary exercise device100in accordance with some embodiments in which the exercise device100is capable of detecting a compressive longitudinal force, and the rigid rod110is at least partially hollow near the first end112and houses the electronic components as shown inFIG. 9F.FIG. 10Ashows a cut-away view in the x-y plane (with the z-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) with a break in the longitudinal direction of the (hollow) rigid rod110to enable the second end114of the rigid rod110to be shown, andFIG. 10Bshows a side view of the exemplary exercise device100in the x-z plane (with the y-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) with a similar break in the rigid rod110. The embodiment of the exercise device100shown inFIGS. 10A and 10Bincludes at least one load sensor130, a processor140, a display150, and a power supply160situated within the rigid rod110. The rigid rod110is illustrated as being hollow, but alternatively it may contain a cavity125in which components may be situated. As explained in the context ofFIGS. 6A and 6B, the exercise device100may also include an amplifier132and ADC134between the at least one load sensor130and the processor140; for ease of illustration, these components are not shown inFIG. 10A. As also explained previously, the exercise device100may also include external memory142, as illustrated inFIGS. 9A through 9F(not shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B). Furthermore, as explained above, the at least one load sensor130may include one or more strain gauges, which may be configured in a Wheatstone bridge.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10A, the power supply160and processor140are coupled to a circuit board330such that the power supply160provides power to the processor140. In the illustrated embodiment, the display150is coupled to the circuit board330through one or more connectors340that enable the power supply160to provide power to the display150and enable the processor140to communicate with the display150. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 10A, two connectors340connect the display150to the circuit board330and situate the display150near or adjacent to the inner surface of a hollow portion of the rigid rod110. It is to be appreciated that if the rigid rod110includes a cutout for the display150, the connectors340may situate the display150within that cutout. The circuit board330is coupled to a rigid plug320secured to the rigid rod110either directly (e.g., using screws, pins, adhesive, etc.) or through one or more intervening components within the rigid rod110. An end cap300, which is the base120in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to the first end112of the rigid rod110. The end cap300may be flexible (i.e., malleable) or rigid. If the end cap300is flexible, it may be attached to the rigid rod110. If the end cap300is rigid, it may move relative to the rigid rod110as described below in the context ofFIGS. 20A-20C. In the embodiment ofFIG. 10A, the end cap300covers the first end112of the rigid rod110, but, as explained above, the end cap300may reside inside or be flush with the first end112of the rigid rod110. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10A, a piston310is slidably positioned within the rigid rod110such that in the absence of a compressive longitudinal force, a portion of the piston310extends out of the first end112of the rigid rod110. As illustrated inFIG. 10A, in the absence of a compressive longitudinal force, the piston310is in contact with or mechanically coupled to the at least one load sensor130, which is between the rigid plug320and the piston310. The end cap300prevents the piston310from sliding out of the rigid rod110in the absence of a compressive longitudinal force.

When a user applies a compressive longitudinal force to the embodiment of the exercise device100illustrated inFIG. 10A, the end cap300(whether flexible or rigid) allows the piston310to slide within the rigid rod110and compress the at least one load sensor130. The at least one load sensor130senses the applied compressive longitudinal force and provides an electrical signal reflecting the applied compressive longitudinal force to the processor140. As stated previously, the electrical signal output by the at least one load sensor130may be amplified by an amplifier132and converted to digital format by an ADC134disposed between the at least one load sensor130and the processor140, as illustrated inFIG. 6B.

FIG. 10Bis a side view, in the x-z plane, of the exemplary exercise device100shown inFIG. 10A. The rigid rod110has a window (e.g., a transparent region) or a cutout through which the display150is visible. For example, the entire rigid rod110may be transparent, or a portion of the rigid rod110, including where the display150is situated, may be transparent, or the rigid rod110may have a cutout in which the display150is situated, as described above. The display150may reside entirely within the rigid rod110, or it may be positioned so that the face of the display150is flush with the outer surface of the rigid rod110. Alternatively, the display150may protrude from or be recessed within the rigid rod110so that some portion of the display150is not flush with the outer surface of the rigid rod110. In some embodiments, described more fully below, the rigid rod110has a depression (e.g., a notch, groove, etc.) in its outer surface, and the display150is situated under or within a transparent or translucent cover that fits within or over the depression in the outer surface of the rigid rod110. In some such embodiments, the visual indicators described below are also situated under or within the transparent or translucent cover.

AlthoughFIG. 10Billustrates the display150mounted near the first end112of the rigid rod110, the display150, if present, may be mounted in any convenient location on or within the exercise device100, such as, for example, near the midpoint between the first end112and the second end114of the rigid rod110, or closer to the second end114than to the first end112of the rigid rod110. If the display150is mounted further away from the processor140, power supply160, and/or plug320than shown inFIG. 10A, it may be necessary to provide additional wiring to provide power to and enable the processor140to communicate with the display150. Alternatively, the size of the circuit board330may be modified to accommodate the desired position of the display150within the exercise device100.

FIGS. 11A through 11Cillustrate an exemplary exercise device100in accordance with some embodiments in which the exercise device100is capable of detecting an expansive longitudinal force.FIG. 11Ashows a cut-away view in the x-y plane (with the z-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) with a break in the longitudinal direction of the rigid rod110to enable the second end114of the rigid rod110to be shown.FIG. 11Bshows a side view of the exemplary exercise device100in the x-z plane (with the y-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) with a similar break in the rigid rod110.FIG. 11Cshows a side view of the exemplary exercise device100in the x-z plane but with the z-axis rotated 180 degrees from its orientation inFIG. 11B. In other words,FIG. 11Cshows the other side of the exercise device100shown inFIG. 11B.

The embodiment of the exercise device100shown inFIGS. 11A through 11Cincludes several of the components already discussed, including at least one load sensor130, a processor140, a display150, a power supply160, a circuit board330, one or more connectors340, and an end cap300as the base120(which, as explained above, may be flexible or rigid). In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11A, the exercise device100also includes two rigid plugs,320A and320B. The rigid plug320A is secured either directly (e.g., using screws, pins, adhesive, etc.) or through one or more intervening components to the rigid rod110, and it serves the same purpose as the rigid plug320shown inFIG. 10A. The rigid plug320B is secured either directly (e.g., using screws, pins, adhesive, etc.) or through one more intervening components to the rigid rod110near the first end112of the rigid rod110. AlthoughFIG. 10Aillustrates the plug320B extending beyond the first end112of the rigid rod110, the plug320B may reside entirely within the rigid rod110. The at least one load sensor130is disposed between the rigid plug320B and a piston310. The piston310includes a hole (indicated by dashed lines) extending through the piston310from one side of the rigid rod110to the other side of the rigid rod110through which a pin or rod of an attachment may pass to enable the exercise device100to be coupled to a surface so that a user may perform exercises requiring expansive longitudinal forces. As shown inFIG. 11A, the piston310may also include two hollow piston collars311A and311B through which the pin or rod of the attachment may also pass. If present, the piston collars311A and311B may extend from the sides of the piston310through holes in the rigid rod110to prevent the piston310from rotating or being dislodged from its location within the rigid rod110. The piston310is slidably positioned within the rigid rod110, and the holes in the rigid rod110into which the piston collars311A and311B are positioned are sized so that when a user applies an expansive longitudinal force, the piston310compresses the at least one load sensor130. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11A, the piston310is in contact with the at least one load sensor130, but, alternatively, the piston310and the at least one load sensor130may be mechanically coupled through one or more intervening components.

Although the piston310illustrated inFIG. 11Ais shown extending from one side of the rigid rod110to the other, the piston310may be smaller than the inner diameter119(or inner perimeter, if the interior of the rigid rod110has a non-circular cross-section) of the rigid rod110. In such embodiments, the piston collars311A and311B may extend further into the rigid rod110to prevent the piston310from being dislodged from its location and to enable the user to attach an attachment to the exercise device100. Furthermore, althoughFIG. 11Ashows the piston having a hole through it that is approximately the same diameter as the piston collars311A and311B, the piston310may have a larger-diameter single hole passing all the way through the piston310or two larger-diameter holes near the rigid rod110. The user may then attach an attachment to the exercise device100by inserting fasteners through the piston collars311A and311B such that a portion of the fasteners resides within the piston310and prevents the attachment from detaching from the exercise device100. It is to be appreciated that other mechanisms may be used in lieu of the piston collars311A and311B to enable a user to attach an attachment to the exercise device100. For example, one or more pins emanating from the piston310may pass through holes in the rigid rod110and extend out of the exercise device100to enable a user to attach an attachment to the pins. Alternative attachment mechanisms are discussed below in the context ofFIGS. 12A-12B, 13A-13C, 14A-14B, and 15A-15C.

When a user applies an expansive longitudinal force to the exercise device100with an attachment attached (or mechanically coupled) to the piston310, the user pulls on the rigid rod110(moving it toward the left of the page), and the piston310slides within the rigid rod110and compresses the at least one load sensor130. The at least one load sensor130senses the applied expansive longitudinal force and provides an electrical signal reflecting the applied expansive longitudinal force to the processor140. As stated previously, the electrical signal output by the at least one load sensor130may be amplified by an amplifier132and converted to digital format by an ADC134disposed between the at least one load sensor130and the processor140as described in the context ofFIG. 6B.

FIG. 11Bis a side view, in the x-z plane, of the exemplary exercise device100shown inFIG. 11A. InFIG. 11B, the y-axis points out of the page, toward the reader. The piston collar311A is visible in the x-z plane. In addition, the display150is visible near the first end112of the rigid rod110, but, as explained above, the display150may be positioned at any convenient location along the rigid rod110. As explained elsewhere, the display150may be omitted entirely. Moreover, the discussion above in the context ofFIG. 10Aregarding the positioning of the display150is applicable to embodiments such as the one shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B.FIG. 11Cillustrates another side view of the exemplary exercise device100in the x-z plane, but with the z-axis rotated 180 degrees from its position inFIG. 11B. Thus, ifFIG. 11Bshows the “top” of the exercise device100ofFIG. 11A,FIG. 11Cshows the “bottom” of the exercise device100ofFIG. 11A. The piston collar311B is visible.

FIGS. 12A and 12Billustrate an embodiment of the exercise device100that includes an attachment314to enable a user to attach the exercise device100to an object for performing exercises involving expansive longitudinal forces. The attachment314, which has a hoop shape in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 12A-12B, extends through the rigid rod110and is coupled, either directly or mechanically, to the at least one load sensor130(e.g., through a piston310).FIGS. 12A and 12Billustrate the attachment314permanently attached to the exercise device100, but the attachment314may be partially or fully removable.FIG. 12Ashows the attachment314in its retracted position, which enables a user to situate the base120against a sturdy surface or object to apply compressive longitudinal forces, andFIG. 12Bshows the attachment314in its deployed position, which enables the user to connect the exercise device100to a sturdy surface or object to apply expansive longitudinal forces. For example, with the attachment314in its deployed position, a user may secure the exercise device100to a pole, post, or bar using, for example, a strap and a clip (e.g., a carabiner, etc.). As another example, the user may place the attachment314over a hook or other protrusion (e.g., mounted to a wall, ceiling, or floor) to perform exercises that include expansive longitudinal forces. As another example, a receptacle may be provided to facilitate a user coupling the attachment314to the receptacle. The receptacle may be mounted to a surface (e.g., a wall, floor, ceiling, etc.), or it may be made of a heavy material to prevent movement of the receptacle when the user applies an expansive longitudinal force. The receptacle may include, for example, a hook or protrusion around or over which the attachment314may be placed.

FIGS. 13A-13Cillustrate another embodiment of the exercise device100that facilitates the addition of an attachment314to enable a user to couple the exercise device100to a sturdy surface or object to perform exercises having expansive longitudinal forces.FIG. 13Ashows a portion of the exercise device100, including the base120and the rigid rod110near the first end112. The rigid rod110includes at least one attachment receptacle198, which has a size and shape configured to accept a complementary fastener316of an attachment314, as shown inFIG. 13B. As shown, the attachment receptacle198is the female portion of the fastening mechanism, and the attachment314includes the male portion of the fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism comprising the attachment receptacle198and the complementary fastener316may be, for example, a SNAP™ fastener. As other examples, the attachment receptacle198may be a hole, a groove, a slot (e.g., a keyhole-shaped slot as shown inFIG. 13), etc., and the fastener316may be a pin or post, mushroom-shaped post, T-shaped post or rod, hook and loop, ring, D-ring, eyelet, carabiner, clamp, clasp, etc.

The at least one attachment receptacle198is coupled, either directly or mechanically, to the at least one load sensor130. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 13A-13C, the exercise device100includes attachment receptacles198on opposite sides of the rigid rod110, and the attachment314includes corresponding fasteners316. The exercise device100shown inFIGS. 13A-13Cmay be attached to a sturdy surface or object either directly by the attachment314(e.g., the user may attach one of the fasteners316to one of the attachment receptacles198, pass the attachment314around a pole or other object (e.g., a hook, a loop, etc.), and then attach the other fastener316to the other attachment receptacle198), or through an intervening mechanism (e.g., the user may attach both fasteners316to both attachment receptacles198and then feed a belt, loop, carabiner, clip, etc. through, over, or around the attachment314).

FIGS. 14A-14Billustrate yet another embodiment of the exercise device100that facilitates the addition of an attachment314to enable a user to couple the exercise device100to a sturdy surface or object to perform exercises having expansive longitudinal forces. In this embodiment, the exercise device100includes a protrusion199extending from the rigid rod110. The protrusion199may have any convenient shape. For example, the protrusion199may be a pin or post, mushroom-shaped post, T-shaped post or rod, hook and loop, ring, D-ring, eyelet, carabiner, clamp, clasp, etc.FIGS. 14A and 14Billustrate a cylinder or button, which may be part of a T-shaped post or rod. When the exercise device100includes a protrusion199, such as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 14A-14B, the attachment314includes a corresponding feature to enable the attachment314to be secured to the exercise device100. For example, as shown inFIGS. 14A-14B, the attachment314may include a hole, a groove, a slot, etc. through which the protrusion199may pass and be secured to the attachment314.FIGS. 14A-14Billustrate one particular type of protrusion199and corresponding feature of attachment314, but it will be appreciated that there are many other ways to fasten the attachment314to a protrusion199(e.g., the attachment mechanism may comprise the male and female portions of a SNAP™ fastener, a snap, or any other suitable fastener). The embodiment shown inFIGS. 14A-14Bmay be attached to a sturdy surface or object in the same manner as described above for the embodiment ofFIGS. 13A-13C. It is to be understood that the exercise device100may include both a protrusion199and an attachment receptacle198.

FIGS. 15A through 15Cillustrate an exemplary embodiment of an exercise device100capable of detecting both compressive and expansive longitudinal forces.FIG. 15Ashows a cut-away view in the x-y plane (with the z-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) with a break in the longitudinal direction of the rigid rod110to enable the second end114of the rigid rod110to be shown.FIG. 15Bshows a side view of the exemplary exercise device100in the x-z plane (with the y-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) with a similar break in the rigid rod110.FIG. 15Cshows a side view of the exemplary exercise device100in the x-y plane with an attachment314enabling the exercise device100to be used in exercises involving expansive longitudinal forces.

The embodiment of the exercise device100shown inFIGS. 15A-15Cincludes several of the components already discussed, including a processor140, a display150, a power supply160, a circuit board330, one or more connectors340, and an end cap300as the base120(which may be flexible or rigid as explained above). In addition, as discussed elsewhere, the exercise device100may include a different style of base120instead of the end cap300. The exemplary exercise device100ofFIGS. 15A-15Calso includes two load sensors,130A and130B, two rigid plugs,320A and320B, and two pistons,310A and310B. The explanations above of the rigid plug320, at least one load sensor130, and piston310in the context ofFIG. 10Aapply, respectively, to the rigid plug320B, the at least one load sensor130A, and the piston310A shown inFIG. 15A, except that inFIG. 15A, the rigid plug320B does not support the circuit board330. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15A, the at least one load sensor130A is disposed between the piston310A and the rigid plug320B and detects compressive longitudinal forces. The explanations above of the rigid plug320B, at least one load sensor130, piston310, and piston collars311A and311B in the context ofFIG. 11Aapply, respectively, to the rigid plug320B, load sensor130B, piston310B, and piston collars311A and311B ofFIG. 15A. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15A, the at least one load sensor130B is disposed between the piston310B and the rigid plug320B and detects expansive longitudinal forces.

FIG. 15Bis a side view in the x-z plane of the exemplary exercise device100ofFIG. 15Awithout any attachment attached to the exercise device100. The piston collar311A and the display150are visible.FIG. 15Cis a view in the x-y plane of the exemplary exercise device100ofFIG. 15Awith an attachment314attached to the exercise device100. The attachment314includes a pin312that has been inserted through the piston collars311A and311B (not visible inFIG. 15C) and through the exercise device100. The attachment314may then be attached to a surface (e.g., a wall, a door, a doorframe, a ceiling, a floor, a pipe, etc.) at an attachment point. As explained above, there are a number of ways that the attachment314may be attached an object or surface, including, by way of example and not limitation, a clip, a buckle, a belt, a carabiner, an anchor, or a tie.

Although many of the embodiments discussed herein illustrate the electronic components residing primarily or exclusively within the rigid rod110, as discussed above, the components may reside entirely within the base120, or the components may be distributed among both the rigid rod110and the base120. As will be appreciated in light of the discussion herein, the location of any piston collars311, attachment receptacle198, or protrusions199may correspond to the location of the piston310involved in the sensing of expansive longitudinal forces. For example, if the piston310(or310B) is within the base120, the piston collars311, attachment receptacle198, or protrusion199(or any other mechanism used to allow the attachment314to be attached to the exercise device100) may also be on or in the base120.

FIGS. 16A-16Cshow cross-sectional views of another embodiment of an exercise device100capable of detecting both compressive longitudinal forces and expansive longitudinal forces. InFIGS. 16A-16C, the rigid rod110is hollow.FIG. 16Dshows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment capable of detecting both compressive and expansive longitudinal forces in which the rigid rod110is only partially hollow near the first end112. InFIGS. 16A-16D, the cross-section is in the x-y plane, with the z-axis extending out of the page, toward the reader. The x-axis is in the direction of the longitudinal axis111. The embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 16A-16Cincludes two plugs,320A and320B, which are affixed, either directly or through an intervening mechanism, to the rigid rod110so that the positions of the plugs320A and320B are fixed relative to the rigid rod110. At least one load sensor130A is sandwiched between the plug320A and a piston310. The at least one load sensor130A detects compressive longitudinal forces. At least one load sensor130B is sandwiched between the plug320B and the piston310. The at least one load sensor130B detects expansive longitudinal forces. The piston310is attached, either directly or through an intervening mechanism, to at least one side arm302of the base120. The piston310may be attached to the at least one side arm302by any suitable fastener (e.g., adhesive, a screw, a nail, a pin, etc.). As illustrated inFIG. 16A, the at least one side arm302may be attached to the piston310by screws. The base120and the at least one side arm302may be an integrated component, or the at least one side arm302may be a separate component that is coupled to the base120during assembly of the exercise device100. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 16A-16D, the base120and at least one side arm302are presumed to be substantially rigid (e.g., made of a material that does not deform substantially when subjected to forces, such as, by way of example and not limitation, hardened rubber, a strong elastomer, ebonite, polycarbonate acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (PC-ABS), nylon, Delrin, glass-reinforced plastic, carbon-reinforced plastic, high-impact resin, polycarbonate, acrylic, polypropylene, PVC, cork, wood, bamboo, metal, aluminum, steel, etc.). The base120and at least one side arm302may be made of the same material, or they may be made of different materials. In the embodiments shown inFIGS. 16A-16D, the base120is capable of being coupled to a sturdy object, such as a wall, a ceiling, a bar, a pole, etc. Mechanisms that may be used to attach the base120to a sturdy surface or object are described elsewhere herein, including in the discussions ofFIGS. 12A-12B, 13A-13C, 14A-14B, and 15A-15C.

FIG. 16Billustrates the effect of the application of a compressive longitudinal force, represented by the left-pointing arrows, to the base120of the exercise device100illustrated inFIG. 16A. The piston310, which is affixed to the base120by the at least one side arm302, compresses the at least one load sensor130A against the plug320A. The at least one load sensor130A senses the applied force and generates an electrical signal as described above.FIG. 16Cillustrates the effect of the application of an expansive longitudinal force, represented by the right-pointing arrows, to the base120of the exercise device100illustrated inFIG. 16A. When a user has affixed the base120to a solid object and thereafter pulls on the rigid rod110, the piston310compresses the at least one load sensor130B against the plug320B. The at least one load sensor130B senses the applied force and generates an electrical signal as described above.

It is to be appreciated that if the rigid rod110is solid along part of its length and hollow near the first end112, the interior surface of the rigid rod110may replace the plug320A.FIG. 16Dillustrates such an embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 16D, the plug320A has been removed, and the structure of the solid portion of the rigid rod110performs the function of the plug320A. When the user applies a compressive longitudinal force, the at least one load sensor130A is compressed between the solid portion of the rigid rod110and the piston310. When the user applies an expansive longitudinal force, the exercise device100ofFIG. 16Doperates as described above in the context ofFIG. 16C.

FIGS. 17A through 17Eillustrate one way in which the plugs320A and320B, the at least one load sensors130A and130B, the piston310, and the base120of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 16A through 16Cmay be assembled to allow the exercise device100to function as described.FIGS. 17A through 17Eare cross-sectional views of the exercise device100in the y-z plane at the locations along the longitudinal axis111of the dashed lines A through E shown inFIG. 16A. InFIGS. 17A-17E, the x-axis shown inFIGS. 16A-16Dpoints into the page, away from the reader. Thus, the views inFIGS. 17A-17Eare from the second end114of the rigid rod110toward the first end112of the rigid rod110, toward the base120, at the dashed lines A through E ofFIG. 16A.

As shown inFIG. 17A, at the location along the longitudinal axis labeled by the dashed line A ofFIG. 16A, a surface of the plug320B and side arms302of (or attached to) the base120are visible. The side arms302extend from the body of the base120around the plug320(and, as discussed below, around the at least one load sensor130B) and attach to the piston310. Thus, the plug320B may be shaped to enable the side arms302to extend around the plug320B (as illustrated, for example, inFIG. 17A), or the plug320B may include holes or channels through which the side arms302pass.FIG. 17Aillustrates the two side arms302, but there may be more or fewer side arms302, as long as the side arms302enable the piston310to be coupled securely to the base120, and as long as the piston320B may be securely affixed, directly or through an intervening mechanism, to the rigid rod110.

As shown inFIG. 17B, at the location along the longitudinal axis labeled by the dashed line B ofFIG. 16A, the at least one load sensor130B fits within the surface area of the plug320B and is therefore clear of the side arms302.FIG. 17Cillustrates the cross-sectional view at the location along the longitudinal axis labeled by the dashed line C ofFIG. 16A. A surface of the piston310is visible, as is the attachment of the side arms302to the piston310.FIG. 17Dillustrates the cross-sectional view at the location along the longitudinal axis111labeled by the dashed line D ofFIG. 16A. The at least one load sensor130A fits within the surface area of the piston310.FIG. 17Eillustrates the cross-sectional view at the location along the longitudinal axis labeled by the dashed line E ofFIG. 16A. The surface of the plug320A is visible. Because no component passes around the plug320A, the plug320A may, but is not required to, fill the inner circumference of the rigid rod110as shown inFIG. 17E. As discussed above in the context ofFIG. 16D, if the rigid rod110is only partially hollow, the solid portion of the rigid rod110may take the place of the plug320A.

AlthoughFIGS. 16A-16D and 17A-17Eillustrate the plugs320B and (if applicable)320A attached to the inner circumference of the rigid rod110, it may be desirable to assemble the various components in a separate hardware container sized to fit within a hollow portion of the rigid rod110, and then attach the hardware container to the inside of the rigid rod110. For example,FIG. 18illustrates a hardware sleeve380that houses the plugs320A and320B, the at least one load sensors130A and130B, and the piston310. The hardware sleeve380may also house other components discussed elsewhere herein (e.g., the power supply160, processor140, etc.), or other components may be located outside of the hardware sleeve380but coupled to it through, for example, wiring. It is to be understood that the plug320A may be eliminated if the hardware sleeve380has a sturdy end surface that can withstand the compressive longitudinal forces expected to compress the load sensor130A, or if the rigid rod110is hollow only to the length of the hardware sleeve380, in which case the end surface of the hardware sleeve380rests against the solid interior of the rigid rod110. The plugs320B and, if present,320A may be attached directly to the hardware sleeve380by, for example, inserting the plugs320B and (if present)320A inside of the hardware sleeve, and then inserting fasteners (e.g., machine screws) from the outside of the hardware sleeve380into the sides of the plugs320A and320B. The hardware sleeve380may be inserted into a hollow portion of the rigid rod110and attached to the interior of the rigid rod110(e.g., by adhesive or any other fastener, such as, for example, a press fitting, latch, set screw, screw mechanism, pin, snap, bayonet mount, or expanding fastener). Such embodiments may have desirable cosmetic properties by allowing the plugs320to be securely attached to the hardware sleeve380without requiring a fastener to breach the outer surface of the rigid rod110.

FIGS. 19A-19Cillustrate an exemplary embodiment of an exercise device100capable of detecting a compressive longitudinal force similarly to the manner described in the context ofFIGS. 10A and 10B, but in which the base120is separable from the rigid rod110.FIG. 19Ashows a cut-away view in the x-y plane (with the z-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) with a break in the longitudinal direction of the rigid rod110to enable the second end114of the rigid rod110to be shown, andFIG. 19Bshows a side view of the exemplary exercise device100in the x-z plane (with the y-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) with a similar break in the rigid rod110.FIG. 19Cillustrates the separated rigid rod110and base120in the x-z plane.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 19A-19C, the base120is hollow and has inner and outer diameters that are substantially the same as those of the illustrated rigid rod110, and it also includes an end cap300. Thus, as this embodiment illustrates, the demarcation of what part of the exercise device100is the base120and which part is the rigid rod110may be somewhat arbitrary, and a portion of the rigid rod110may be considered part of the base120. For example, when the rigid rod110is separable into a first portion109A and a second portion109B, one of which (e.g., the first portion109A) houses the electronic components as discussed above in the context ofFIG. 2A, whichever portion (e.g., the first portion109A) houses the electronic components may be part of the base120.

FIG. 19Aillustrates the same components as discussed in the context ofFIG. 10A, and the discussion of those components is not repeated here. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 19A, the base120includes the electronic components discussed previously, including the at least one load sensor130, processor140, display150, and power supply160, as well as the other components described in the discussion ofFIG. 10A(e.g., the one or more connectors340, circuit board330, rigid plug320, and piston310). The base120may also include an amplifier132and ADC134as discussed in the context ofFIG. 6B. Thus, the base120ofFIG. 19Aimplements the block diagram200F ofFIG. 9E. The base120in the embodiment ofFIG. 19Aalso includes an end cap300, which may be flexible or rigid, and a base receptacle430. In other embodiments, the base120does not include one or both of the end cap300or base receptacle430. The base receptacle430may be made of the same material as the rigid rod110(e.g., if the rigid rod110is separable into multiple portions109, the base receptacle430may be one of the portions109), or it may be made of a different material. For example, if the rigid rod110is made of PVC, aluminum, or bamboo, the base receptacle430may also be made, respectively, of PVC, aluminum, or bamboo. Alternatively, the base receptacle430may be made of a different or convenient material.

FIG. 19Bis a side view in the x-z plane (i.e., with the y-axis pointing out of the page toward the reader) of the exemplary exercise device100shown inFIG. 19A. The base receptacle430has a window (e.g., a transparent region) or a cutout through which the display150is visible. The discussion ofFIG. 10Bapplies toFIG. 19B.FIG. 19Cshows the exemplary exercise device100ofFIGS. 19A and 19Bin the x-z plane with the base120separated from the rigid rod110. As illustrated inFIG. 19C, the rigid rod110includes a threaded portion432extending from a cylinder434. The base120includes a complementary internal thread into which the cylinder434and thread432may be rotatably fastened in the same way that a screw is fastened to a nut. Thus, the rigid rod110ofFIG. 19Cmay be temporarily attached to the base120and removed from the base120at a later time.

As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 19A-19C, when the base receptacle430is coupled to the rigid rod110, the outer surfaces of the rigid rod110and base receptacle430are aligned, but it is to be appreciated that the base receptacle430outer surface need not align with the rigid rod110outer surface. It is also to be understood that the components illustrated inFIGS. 19A-19Care exemplary, and an exercise device100having a separable rigid rod110and base120need not include all of the illustrated components. For example, the base120may use a different mechanism than the piston310and rigid plug320to compress the at least one load sensor130(see, e.g., the discussion ofFIGS. 20A-20Cbelow), or the end cap300may be excluded from the base120. The exercise device100may include more components than shown inFIGS. 19A-19C. Furthermore, althoughFIG. 19Cillustrates a screw-like mechanism to couple the rigid rod110to the base120, other mechanisms, such as those discussed previously in the context ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, may be used instead. For example, the rigid rod110and base120may be coupled by one or more pins, or they may snap together, or they may be joined by a press fitting, a latch, or any other mechanism that firmly couples the base120to the rigid rod110. Moreover, the rigid rod110and base120may be coupled by a sleeve, brace, scaffold, press-fitting, dowel rods, etc.

For simplicity, the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 19A-19Cdoes not include components to detect expansive longitudinal forces, but those components may be included, in which case the discussions above in the context ofFIGS. 11-17apply. Thus, it is to be appreciated that althoughFIGS. 19A-19Cillustrate only those components used to detect compressive longitudinal forces, an exercise device100capable of detecting expansive longitudinal forces (either in addition to or instead of compressive longitudinal forces) may also have a separable rigid rod110and base120. The hardware sleeve380described in the context ofFIG. 18may be a separable base120.

As explained previously, the base120may be rigid or flexible, or the base120may simply be an end cap300, such as shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B, among others. In some embodiments in which the base120is rigid, the base120is coupled to the rigid rod110so that the base120may move longitudinally (i.e., along the longitudinal axis111) relative to the rigid rod110in response to a longitudinal force applied by a user. In some such embodiments, the exercise device100includes a separate compressible mechanism that holds the base120in a substantially fixed position when no longitudinal force is applied to the exercise device100, but allows the base120to move longitudinally relative to the rigid rod110when a user applies a longitudinal force. For example, the base120may include a cavity that allows the first end112of the rigid rod110to be seated inside of, but move relative to, the base120. When a user applies a compressive longitudinal force, the force compresses the compressible mechanism and thereby causes the rigid rod110to extend further into the base120, thus reducing the overall length of the exercise device100while the user applies the longitudinal force. When the user removes the compressive longitudinal force, the compressible mechanism decompresses, and the overall length of the exercise device100returns to its original length.

FIGS. 20A-20Cillustrate an exemplary embodiment of an exercise device100having a rigid base120and a compressible mechanism. As illustrated inFIG. 20A, which shows a side view in the x-z plane of a portion of the exercise device100near the base120, the rigid rod110extends into the base120. The base120includes a slot560. A fastener550, shown inFIG. 20Aas a screw but may be any suitable fastener, extends from the outside of the base120through the slot560and into the rigid rod110such that the fastener550is rigidly affixed to the rigid rod110, and the rigid rod110is slidably engaged with the base120. The slot560is small enough that the head of the fastener550cannot pass through the slot560, but large enough that the body of the fastener550can slide along the length of the slot560.

As shown inFIGS. 20B and 20C, which illustrate a cross-section in the x-y plane of the exemplary embodiment of the exercise device100shown inFIG. 20A, the compressible mechanism may include a spring530(e.g., an open-coil helical spring) wound or constructed to oppose compression along the axis of wind, that is, in the longitudinal direction. In the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 20B and 20C, the spring530is placed over a spring rod520extending from a mount510in the base120. The spring rod520is slidably engaged with a spring rod sleeve570. The spring rod sleeve570includes a hole into which the spring rod520fits. The spring530is in contact with the spring rod sleeve570so that when a user applies a compressive longitudinal force to the exercise device100, the spring rod sleeve570compresses the spring530as the spring rod520slides into the spring rod sleeve570, as shown inFIG. 20C. The spring rod sleeve570is coupled to the at least one load sensor130, which is coupled securely to the rigid rod110by a load sensor mount540. It is to be appreciated that the spring rod520may alternatively be mounted to the rigid rod110, and the positions of the mount510and spring rod sleeve570may be reversed so that the mount510is coupled to the rigid rod110(e.g., by the load sensor mount540) and the spring rod sleeve570is coupled to the base120. Likewise, the at least one load sensor130may be situated within the base120or within the rigid rod110(assuming the rigid rod110is hollow or includes a cavity125in which the at least one load sensor130may reside).

FIG. 20Billustrates the exemplary exercise device100with the compressible mechanism in the absence of a compressive longitudinal force applied by a user. As illustrated inFIG. 20C, when a user applies a compressive longitudinal force to the exercise device100, he or she causes the rigid rod110to slide into the base120, which causes the spring530to compress. The compressed spring530in turn presses on the spring rod sleeve570, which presses on the at least one load sensor130, which generates an electrical signal representing the applied compressive longitudinal force. This electrical signal may then be provided to a processor140, as described above (e.g., potentially amplified by an amplifier132and converted from analog to digital format by ADC134before being provided to the processor140).

For ease of illustration, many of the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein (e.g., inFIGS. 10, 11, 15, 16, and 18-20) show the electronic components situated near the first end112of the rigid rod110, whether situated in the rigid rod110itself, in the base120, or distributed among the rigid rod112and the base120. As stated previously, some or all of the electronic components may be situated further away from the first end112of the rigid rod. For example, some or all of the electronic components may be situated closer to the midpoint of the rigid rod110(i.e., closer to the halfway point between the first end112and the second end114).FIG. 21Aillustrates one such embodiment that allows certain electronic components to be situated at an arbitrary location within a rigid rod110along the longitudinal axis.FIG. 21Ais a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the exercise device100in the x-y plane with the longitudinal axis111being the x-axis. As illustrated inFIG. 21A, the exercise device100includes at least one load sensor130B, which detects expansive longitudinal forces, and at least one load sensor130B, which detects compressive longitudinal forces. The at least one load sensors130A and130B are situated on either side of a plug320, which is affixed to the rigid rod110either directly or through an intervening mechanism at a selected location along the longitudinal axis111. The at least one load sensor130B is sandwiched between the plug320and a piston310A.FIG. 21Aillustrates the at least one load sensor130B in contact with both the plug320and the piston310A, but other arrangements are possible, as long as the at least one load sensor130B is able to detect expansive longitudinal forces. The piston310A is coupled to at least one expansive force transfer rod360. The at least one expansive transfer rod360is coupled to a attachment receptacle198, which, as discussed elsewhere, allows a user to attach a attachment (e.g., attachment314illustrated in various forms in the drawings herein) to the exercise device100. The attachment receptacle198may be any mechanism that enables a user to attach a desired attachment314to the exercise device100. For example, the attachment receptacle198may be any of the attachment receptacles198discussed previously. Furthermore, althoughFIG. 21Aillustrates an attachment receptacle198, other attachment mechanisms may be used instead as discussed previously in the context ofFIGS. 12-15.

The at least one load sensor130A is sandwiched between the plug320and at least one compressive force transfer rod350.FIG. 21Aillustrates the at least one load sensor130A in contact with both the plug320and the at least one compressive force transfer rod350, but other arrangements are possible, as long as the at least one load sensor130A is able to detect compressive longitudinal forces. The at least one compressive force transfer rod350is coupled to a piston310B, which is coupled to an end cap300functioning as the base120.

In some embodiments, the expansive-force-detection components of the exercise device100(i.e., the piston310A, the at least one expansive force transfer rod360, and the at least one load sensor130B) operate independently of the compressive-force-detection components (i.e., the piston310B, the at least one compressive force transfer rod350, and the at least one load sensor130A). In such embodiments, the at least one compressive force transfer rod350and the at least one expansive force transfer rod360move independently of each other. As illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 21A, the at least one compressive force transfer rod350has a hole in the y-direction through which the attachment receptacle198passes, and the plug320has at least one hole in the x-direction through which the at least one expansive force transfer rod360passes. It is to be understood, of course, that the at least one compressive force transfer rod350could alternatively pass through the attachment receptacle198. For example, if the attachment receptacle198did not need to accommodate a pin entering the attachment receptacle198on one side of the exercise device100and exiting the attachment receptacle198on the other side of the exercise device100, the at least one compressive force transfer rod350could pass through the attachment receptacle. As yet another alternative, if the exercise device100includes another mechanism enabling an attachment314to be secured to the exercise device100(e.g., the attachment receptacle198or protrusion199), the at least one compressive force transfer rod350need not interact with, and operates without interfering with, that mechanism. It will be appreciated in view of the disclosures herein that there are many ways to arrange the mechanical force transfer elements of the exercise device100, and the examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 21Billustrates how the various components of the exercise device100illustrated inFIG. 21Ainteract when a user applies a compressive longitudinal force to the exercise device (i.e., when the user pushes in the x-direction toward the end cap300). For convenience, the location along the x-axis of the piston310A inFIG. 21Bis the same as inFIG. 21A, and the rigid rod110is illustrated as having moved toward the right side of the page because the user has applied a compressive longitudinal force. As shown inFIG. 21B, when the user applies a compressive longitudinal force, the rigid rod110moves slightly toward the piston310A. Because the plug320is affixed to the rigid rod110, the plug320moves with the rigid rod110and thereby compresses the at least one load sensor130A between the plug320and the at least one compressive force transfer rod350. Because the attachment receptacle198passes through a hole in the at least one compressive force transfer rod350, the pull-detection components are not activated by the user's application of a compressive longitudinal force.

FIG. 21Cillustrates how the various components of the exercise device100illustrated inFIG. 21Ainteract when a user applies an expansive longitudinal force to the exercise device (i.e., when the user attaches an attachment314using, for example, attachment receptacle198, protrusion199, or one of the mechanisms disclosed elsewhere herein and pulls on the exercise device100in the x-direction away from the end cap300). Again, for convenience, the location along the x-axis of the piston310B inFIG. 21Cis the same as inFIGS. 21A and 21B. InFIG. 21C, the rigid rod110is illustrated as having moved toward the left side of the page because the user has applied an expansive longitudinal force. In this case, because the plug320is affixed to the rigid rod110, the movement of the rigid rod110causes the at least one load sensor130B to be compressed between the piston310A and the plug320. Because the means by which the attachment314is connected to the exercise device100(e.g., using the attachment receptacle198) are decoupled from the push-detection components of the exercise device, the expansive longitudinal force does not activate the push-detection components.

By selecting suitable lengths for the at least one compressive force transfer rod350and the at least one expansive force transfer rod360, a designer may situate the pistons310A and320and the at least one load sensors130A and130B at a desired location along the longitudinal axis111. It is to be understood that the lengths of the at least one compressive force transfer rod350and the at least one expansive force transfer rod360may also be selected to be smaller (e.g., minimized) to situate the pistons310A and320and the at least one load sensors130A and130B closer to the first end112of the rigid rod110. Thus, the configuration illustrated inFIGS. 21A-21Cis suitable for many embodiments.

In some embodiments, the exercise device100includes at least one indicator to guide a user's workout and/or to provide feedback about an ongoing workout to the user of the exercise device100. As used herein, a “force profile” specifies how a longitudinal force, whether compressive or expansive, varies with time. A user's workout with the exercise device100may be guided based on a target force profile, which specifies how much longitudinal force (compressive or expansive) the user should aim to apply to the exercise device100as a function of time. The exercise device100may provide feedback about the user's workout based on a comparison of an achieved force profile, which indicates how the longitudinal force actually applied by the user varies with time, to the target force profile. In other words, the exercise device100may provide feedback indicating whether the user's ongoing workout is meeting, exceeding, or falling short of the target workout represented by the target force profile. Similarly, the exercise device100may provide feedback regarding whether a previous workout met, exceeded, or fell short of an applicable target workout.

FIG. 22illustrates a target force profile. In the example illustrated inFIG. 22, the target force profile specifies the target longitudinal force, in pounds, as a function of time, in seconds, for a set of exercises comprising three repetitions. The target force profile illustrated inFIG. 22may have been configured by the user or by a third party (e.g., a personal trainer, doctor, physical therapist, etc.), or it may be a target force profile defined by the manufacturer of the exercise device100.

With the convention that positive values of force represent compressive longitudinal forces and negative values of force represent expansive longitudinal forces, becauseFIG. 22plots only positive values of longitudinal force, it represents a workout involving only compressive longitudinal forces (e.g., a workout comprising the lunge exercise discussed in the context ofFIGS. 4A and 4Bor any other exercise in which the user applies a compressive longitudinal force). Thus, the target force profile ofFIG. 22illustrates a set of three repetitions of an exercise in which the user is supposed to apply a compressive longitudinal force. During the first repetition, which is intended to take place from t=0 to 4 seconds, the user is supposed to apply an increasing longitudinal force for the first second, then hold a longitudinal force of five pounds for the next two seconds (from t=1 to 3 seconds), and then decrease the applied longitudinal force to zero during the next second (from t=3 to 4 seconds). During the second repetition, which is intended to take place from t=4 to 8 seconds, the user is supposed to apply an increasing longitudinal force from t=4 to 5 seconds, then hold a longitudinal force of seven pounds for the next two seconds (from t=5 to 7 seconds), and then decrease the applied longitudinal force to zero during the next second (from t=7 to 8 seconds). During the third repetition, which is intended to take place from t=8 to 12 seconds, the user is supposed to apply an increasing longitudinal force from t=8 to 9 seconds, then hold a longitudinal force of five pounds for the next two seconds (from t=9 to 11 seconds), and then decrease the applied longitudinal force to zero during the next second (from t=11 to 12 seconds).

As illustrated by the exemplary target force profile shown inFIG. 22, a target force profile may specify different target longitudinal forces for different repetitions in a set of exercises. Likewise, although not the case for the target force profile illustrated inFIG. 22, a target force profile may specify different amounts of time per repetition for different repetitions in a set or variable target forces during a single repetition (e.g., instead of the target force profile having a slope of zero between t=5 and 7 seconds, it could have an increasing or decreasing slope in that or any other interval). A force profile may also include rest periods between repetitions (i.e., periods in which the target longitudinal force is zero).

The target force profile may be represented in any convenient manner. For example, the target force profile may be represented by a table, e.g., with one row or column specifying times (absolute values or incremental) or time intervals, and another row or column specifying longitudinal force values (using a selected sign convention to distinguish between compressive and expansive longitudinal forces). As another example, the target force profile may be represented by a mathematical function representing how the longitudinal force applied by the user should vary as a function of time (e.g., by specifying the longitudinal force as a continuous or piece-wise function of time).

FIG. 23Ashows a block diagram400A of various components in an exercise device100that provides workout guidance to a user of the exercise device100in accordance with some embodiments. In addition to various electronic components having functions and connections previously discussed, including a processor140, at least one load sensor130, a power supply160, and, optionally, a display150(and, optionally, external memory142, not shown inFIG. 23A), the exemplary exercise device100includes a guidance indicator415coupled to the processor140and the power supply160. The processor140may send information or signals to the guidance indicator415, which may then provide information to guide a user's workout. Such information may include, but is not limited to, any of the following information: an indication that the user should start a set of exercises or start a repetition of an exercise, a running total of repetitions performed, an indication of how many repetitions in a set are still to be performed, an indication of the timing of each repetition (e.g., that the user should take a first amount of time to lower her body into a down lunge position, hold that position for a second amount of time, and take a third amount of time to return to the original position), a target amount of compressive or expansive longitudinal force to apply during a repetition (e.g., based on a target force profile), a running total of applied longitudinal force (compressive, expansive, or both), and/or a running total of time under tension (compressive, expansive, or some combination of the two as discussed previously).

The processor140may provide information to the guidance indicator415based on a target force profile. If used, the target force profile may be stored within the exercise device100in, for example, the processor140memory or in external memory142, if present, or it may be retrieved by the exercise device100from an external source (e.g., an external device, as discussed below, a website, a database, etc.).

The guidance indicator415may be any type of indicator that engages the user's senses to guide the user in his or her workout. For example, the guidance indicator415may be a visual indicator (e.g., the display150, a set of one or more light sources, as discussed below, etc.), an auditory indicator (e.g., a speaker), or haptic indicator (e.g., a device that causes the exercise device100or some component of the exercise device100to vibrate).

In some embodiments, the guidance indicator415is an auditory indicator that provides the guidance as, for example, sounds. For example, the guidance indicator415may emit a first sound to instruct the user to begin a set of exercises, a second sound to instruct the user to increase the applied longitudinal force, a third sound to instruct the user to hold the applied longitudinal force, and fourth sound to instruct the user to decrease the applied longitudinal force. As another example, the guidance indicator415may be capable of emitting a synthesized or recorded human voice to provide guidance in words or sentences (e.g., “Get ready!,” “GO!,” “Push!,” “Hold!,” “Ease up!,” “Two reps to go!,” “You're done!,” etc.). It is to be appreciated that there are many ways an auditory indicator could be configured to guide a user through a workout, and the examples given herein are not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, the guidance indicator415is a haptic device. For example, the guidance indicator415may use a first vibration pattern to instruct the user to begin a set of exercises, a second vibration pattern to instruct the user to increase the applied longitudinal force, a third vibration pattern to instruct the user to hold the applied longitudinal force, and fourth vibration pattern to instruct the user to decrease the applied longitudinal force. The selected vibration patterns may differ in any of frequency, intensity, duration, and/or any other characteristic of a haptic device. It is to be appreciated that there are many ways a haptic indicator could be configured to guide a user through a workout, and the examples given herein are not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, the guidance indicator415is a visual indicator that provides the guidance as, for example, numbers, characters, icons, graphics, charts, or graphs on the display150. AlthoughFIG. 23Aillustrates the display150as separate from the guidance indicator415, it is to be understood that the display150, if present, may provide the guidance, thereby incorporating the function of the guidance indicator415and obviating the need for a separate device to provide guidance in the exercise device100. In other words, the display150and guidance indicator415shown inFIG. 23Amay be one and the same.

If the guidance indicator415is a visual indicator that is capable of rendering information in color, different colors may be used to convey the guidance information to the user. For example, if an icon conveys to a user how many repetitions remain in a set, the color or size of the icon may vary based on the number of repetitions remaining (e.g., the color of the icon may change from red to yellow to green as the user completes a specified number or percentage of repetitions, or the icon may shrink or grow as the user performs more repetitions in a set, etc.). As another example, the guidance indicator415may present a graph or bar that instructs the user on the timing of a repetition and/or the target amount of longitudinal force to be applied during a repetition (e.g., the visual indicator may plot, in real time, a target force on a graph having time and force axes to guide the user's application of longitudinal force over time, or the length of a bar can indicate the amount of longitudinal force the user should apply and/or the timing of a repetition, etc.). It is to be appreciated that there are many ways to present information to guide a user visually in a workout, and the examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 23Bis a flowchart illustrating how the processor140controls the guidance indicator415in accordance with some embodiments. At602, the process600begins. At604, the processor140optionally causes the guidance indicator415to instruct the user to prepare to perform a new set of exercises (i.e., a collection of at least one repetition of an exercise). The guidance indicator415may, for example, cause a light source to blink or change color, cause a “READY” message to be presented, or cause the exercise device100to vibrate using a selected pattern or emit a selected sound. At606, the processor140causes the guidance indicator415to provide guidance for a repetition of the selected exercise (e.g., by providing information (e.g., visually, aurally, or through a haptic mechanism) to assist the user to perform the exercise at a desired pace and/or to apply a target longitudinal force). As explained above, the guidance provided may be based on a target force profile, which may specify different target compressive and/or expansive longitudinal forces and/or different amounts of time per repetition for different repetitions in a set. After the guidance indicator415has provided guidance for the repetition, at608, the processor140determines whether the repetition most recently performed was the last repetition in the set. If not, at610, the processor140optionally causes the guidance indicator415to inform the user that a new repetition will start, or the processor140simply causes the guidance indicator415to provide guidance for the next repetition at606. When, at608, the processor140determines that the repetition most recently performed was the last repetition in the set, the process600ends at612.

The processor140may adapt the target force profile, and, therefore, the guidance provided by the guidance indicator415, based on the user's performance during a workout (i.e., based on the achieved force profile). For example, as described below, the processor140may monitor the amount of longitudinal force actually applied by the user during a repetition or during a set. Based on the monitored applied longitudinal force, the processor140may modify the target force profile and/or the guidance provided by the guidance indicator415. As one example, if the processor140determines that the user is consistently applying less longitudinal force than specified by the target force profile, the processor140may adjust the target force profile and/or information provided to the guidance indicator415so that the maximum target longitudinal force is lower (e.g., using the target force profile ofFIG. 22as an example, the processor140may adjust the target force between 1 and 3 seconds to 4 pounds, the target force between 5 and 7 seconds to 6 pounds, and the target force between 9 and 11 seconds to 4 pounds). Likewise, if the processor140determines that the user is consistently applying more longitudinal force than specified by the target force profile, the processor140may adjust the target force profile and the guidance provided by the guidance indicator415so that the target longitudinal force is higher.

In addition to, or instead of, providing guidance to assist a user in performing a workout using the exercise device100, the processor140may provide real-time feedback about an ongoing workout.FIG. 24Ashows a block diagram400B of various components in an exemplary exercise device100that provides real-time feedback to a user in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in the block diagram400B, the exercise device100includes several of the electronic components having functions and connections previously described, including a processor140, at least one load sensor130, a power supply160, and, optionally, a display150. As explained previously, the exercise device100may also include external memory142(not shown inFIG. 24A). In addition, the exemplary exercise device100ofFIG. 24Aincludes a real-time feedback indicator410coupled to the processor140and the power supply160. The processor140may send information or signals to the real-time feedback indicator410, which may then provide real-time (i.e., from the user's perspective, instantaneous or near-instantaneous) feedback about the user's ongoing workout. Such feedback may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following information: an indication of whether the user is applying enough, too little, or too much longitudinal force (e.g., based on a comparison of the achieved force profile and a target force profile); an indication of a number of repetitions that have been performed; an indication of the number of the repetition that is being performed (e.g., the fourth repetition of ten is being performed); an indication of an amount of time over which a longitudinal force has been applied; an indication of an aggregate amount of longitudinal force that has been applied; an indication of whether a repetition is being performed too quickly, too slowly, or at a target speed (e.g., based on a comparison of the achieved force profile and a target force profile); an indication of a time under tension (e.g., an aggregate time under tension (compressive, expansive, or a combination) for the set, the time under tension (compressive, expansive, or a combination) for an in-progress repetition or for the last repetition, etc.).

The real-time feedback indicator410may be any type of indicator that engages the user's senses to convey feedback about the user's workout. For example, the real-time feedback indicator410may be a visual indicator (e.g., the display150, a set of one or more light sources, as discussed below, etc.), an auditory indicator (e.g., a speaker), or an indicator that provides haptic feedback (e.g., by causing the exercise device100or some component of the exercise device100to vibrate).

In some embodiments, the real-time feedback indicator410is an auditory indicator that provides the feedback as, for example, sounds. For example, the real-time feedback indicator410may emit a first sound to inform the user that the amount of longitudinal force being applied is less than a target force, a second sound to inform the user that the applied longitudinal force is meeting the target force, and a third sound to inform the user that the applied longitudinal force exceeds the target force. Alternatively, the real-time feedback indicator410may not emit a sound if the applied longitudinal force meets the target force. As another example, the real-time feedback indicator410may be capable of emitting a synthesized or recorded human voice to provide feedback in words or sentences (e.g., “Good!,” “You're doing great!,” “Push harder!,” “Pull harder!,” “Ease up!,” “10 pounds!,” “You beat your goal!,” “100 pound-seconds of time under tension!,” “You did 50 reps today!,” etc.). It is to be appreciated that there are many ways an auditory indicator could be configured to provide feedback about a workout, and the examples given herein are not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, the real-time feedback indicator410is a haptic device. For example, the real-time feedback indicator410may use a first vibration pattern to inform the user that the amount of longitudinal force being applied is less than a target force, a second vibration pattern to inform the user that the applied longitudinal force is meeting the target force, and a third vibration pattern to inform the user that the applied longitudinal force exceeds the target force. Alternatively, the real-time feedback indicator410may not emit a vibration pattern if the applied longitudinal force meets the target force. The selected vibration patterns may differ in any of frequency, intensity, duration, and/or any other characteristic of a haptic device. It is to be appreciated that there are many ways a haptic indicator could be configured to provide feedback about a workout, and the examples given herein are not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, the real-time feedback indicator410is a visual indicator that provides real-time feedback in the form of, for example, numbers, characters, icons, graphics, charts, or graphs on the display150. AlthoughFIG. 24Aillustrates the display150as separate from the real-time feedback indicator410, it is to be understood that the display150, if present, may provide the real-time feedback, thereby incorporating the function of the real-time feedback indicator410and obviating the need for a separate real-time feedback indicator device in the exercise device100. In other words, the display150and real-time feedback indicator410shown inFIG. 24Amay be one and the same.

If the real-time feedback indicator410is a visual indicator that is capable of rendering information in color, different colors may be used to convey real-time feedback to the user. For example, if an icon conveys whether the user is applying a specified amount of longitudinal force (e.g., a target set by the user or a third party, such as a personal trainer, doctor, physical therapist, etc.), the color of the icon may vary based on the longitudinal force actually applied by the user (e.g., the icon may be red if the user is not applying enough longitudinal force, blue if the user is applying the target amount of longitudinal force, and green if the user is applying a longitudinal force greater than the target amount of longitudinal force). Likewise, if a chart conveys whether the user is performing repetitions of an exercise at a desired speed, the color of the chart may vary based on the rate at which the user is performing a repetition (e.g., the chart may be red if the user is performing repetitions too quickly, yellow if the user is performing repetitions too slowly, and green if the user is performing repetitions at the desired speed). It is to be appreciated that there are many ways the exercise device100may present real-time feedback, and the examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 24Bis a flowchart illustrating how the processor140controls the real-time feedback indicator410in accordance with some embodiments. The flowchart illustrates a process620that the processor140may perform once or multiple times during each repetition of an exercise set in order to provide the user with timely feedback regarding the user's performance relative to a target performance, such as, for example, a target force profile. The processor140may perform the process620multiple times per second or at any rate that provides the user with timely feedback. It is to be appreciated that although it is preferred that the real-time feedback indicator410provide feedback perceived by the user as occurring in real time, the real-time feedback indicator410may in some embodiments provide feedback at a rate the user perceives as delayed. In other words, the feedback provided by the real-time feedback indicator410need not be real-time or near-real-time. Embodiments in which feedback is provided only after a repetition, set, or workout are specifically contemplated herein.

At622, the process620begins. To provide feedback to the user regarding his or her performance at a selected time t, at624, the processor140obtains a target force (i.e., an amount of longitudinal force the user is supposed to be applying) at time t for the repetition of the exercise being performed. The processor140may, for example, obtain the target force from a target force profile. At626, the processor140obtains an indication of the longitudinal force applied by the user at the designated time t. For example, the processor140may retrieve from its internal memory, from the external memory142(if present), or directly from the at least one load sensor130(or, if present, the A/D converter134) a recent or current signal or data representative of the longitudinal force applied by the user at time t. At628, the processor140determines whether the longitudinal force applied by the user at time t is within a specified tolerance of the target longitudinal force. The specified tolerance may be useful to account for the fact that the user is unlikely to be able to apply consistently exactly the target amount of longitudinal force, and that the user should get credit for applied longitudinal forces that are within the specified tolerance of the target. The tolerance may be specified so that values of the applied longitudinal force that are close to the target are considered as meeting the target force. For example, the specified tolerance may be some percentage of the target force so that if the applied longitudinal force is within that percentage of the target longitudinal force, the user is considered to be meeting the target longitudinal force. Alternatively, the specified tolerance may be specified in units of force. For example, the specified tolerance may be 0.5 pounds, 2 pounds, or some other amount of force. The specified tolerance may differ for different exercises. For example, the specified tolerance may be 0.5 pounds for an exercise in which the user is expected to be able to apply only five pounds of longitudinal force, but the specified tolerance may be 2 pounds or more for an exercise in which the user is expected to be able to apply 30 pounds of longitudinal force. Similarly, if expressed as a percentage, the tolerance may be lower for an exercise having a smaller target force than for an exercise having a higher target force. The specified tolerance may be set by the user or a third party (e.g., a personal trainer, doctor, physical therapist, etc.), or it may be defined by the manufacturer of the exercise device100. The specified tolerance may be zero.

Referring again toFIG. 24B, if, at628, the processor140determines that the longitudinal force applied by the user at time t is within the specified tolerance of the target force, then at630, the processor140optionally causes the real-time feedback indicator410to generate a first indication (e.g., a first sound, vibration pattern, or visual indicator). Alternatively, if the force applied by the user at time t is within the specified tolerance of the target force, the real-time feedback indicator410may not generate any indication (e.g., the processor140may only cause the real-time feedback indicator410to provide feedback to the user if the achieved longitudinal force is not within the tolerance of the target longitudinal force). If the longitudinal force applied by the user is not within the specified tolerance of the target force, at632, the processor140causes the real-time feedback indicator410to generate a second indication. At634, the process620ends.

When, at628, the processor140determines that the longitudinal force applied by the user is not within the specified tolerance of the target longitudinal force, it may be desirable for the user to know whether he or she is exceeding or falling short of the target longitudinal force. Therefore, the second indication may optionally have a characteristic that depends on whether the achieved longitudinal force is greater than the target longitudinal force or less than the target longitudinal force. For example,FIG. 24Billustrates how the processor140may optionally cause the real-time feedback indicator410to vary a characteristic of the second indicator based on whether the applied longitudinal force exceeds or falls below the target longitudinal force. At632A, the processor140determines whether the longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target longitudinal force. If so, then at632B, the processor140causes the real-time feedback indicator410to generate the second indication with a first characteristic (e.g., a first color, size, intensity, volume, words, command, vibration pattern, etc.). If the longitudinal force applied by the user does not exceed the target longitudinal force, at632C, the processor140causes the real-time feedback indicator410to generate the second indication having a second characteristic (e.g., a second color, size, intensity, volume, words, command, vibration pattern, etc.). The second characteristic may be the same type as the first characteristic (e.g., both are visual), or it may be different. For example, the first characteristic may be a sound, and the second characteristic may be a vibration. Alternatively, the second indication with the first characteristic may be a light source having a first color, and the second indication with the second characteristic may be that same light source having a second color, or it may be a second light source having the first, second, or even a third color. It is to be appreciated that there are many ways that the real-time feedback indicator410can indicate whether the applied force exceeds or falls short of a target, and the examples presented herein are not intended to be limiting.

AlthoughFIG. 24Bassumes that, in the exemplary process620, the generation of the first indication at630is optional and the generation of the second indication at632is not optional, and thus that the processor140optionally notifies the user if the applied force is within the specified tolerance but always notifies the user if the applied force is not within the specified tolerance, it is to be appreciated that the generation of the first indication at630may be non-optional and the generation of the second indication at632may be optional, in which case the processor140optionally notifies the user if the applied force is not within the specified tolerance but always notifies the user when the applied force is within the specified tolerance. The processor140may, of course, cause the generation of both the first indication at630and the second indication at632(with the second indication potentially having first and second characteristics depending on whether the achieved longitudinal force exceeds or falls short of the target longitudinal force).

To provide a concrete example of how the processor140may use the real-time feedback indicator410to provide real-time feedback to the user, the process620illustrated inFIG. 24Bis explained in the context ofFIG. 25, which plots both a target force profile (dashed curve, identical to the target force profile shown inFIG. 22) and a user's achieved force profile (solid curve). First, assume the time at which the process620is executed is t=2 seconds. According to the target force profile ofFIG. 25, the user should be applying 5 pounds of longitudinal force at t=2 seconds. Thus, at624ofFIG. 24B, the target force obtained by the processor140is 5 pounds. At626, the processor140obtains an indication of the longitudinal force actually applied by the user. According to the achieved force profile shown inFIG. 25, the user applied exactly 5 pounds of longitudinal force at t=2 seconds. Therefore, at628, the processor determines that the longitudinal force applied by the user is within the specified tolerance of the target force. At630, the processor140optionally generates a first indication, through the real-time feedback indicator410, to inform the user that achieved longitudinal force is sufficient (i.e., meeting the target longitudinal force).

Now let the time at which the process620is executed be t=3 seconds. According to the target force profile ofFIG. 25, the user should be applying 5 pounds of longitudinal force at t=3 seconds. Thus, at624, the target force obtained by the processor140is 5 pounds. At626, the processor140obtains an indication of the longitudinal force actually applied by the user. According to the achieved force profile shown inFIG. 25, the user applied less than 5 pounds of longitudinal force at t=3 seconds. Therefore, at628, the processor determines whether the longitudinal force applied by the user is within the specified tolerance of the target force. If the specified tolerance is or evaluates to (e.g., if specified as a percentage) a small number, such as, for example, 0 or 0.1 pound, the processor140determines at628that the longitudinal force applied by the user is not within the specified tolerance of the target force and proceeds to632. If, however, the specified tolerance is or evaluates to a larger number, such as, for example, 1 pound, the processor140determines at628that the longitudinal force applied by the user is within the specified tolerance of the target force and proceeds to630.

As explained above, if the achieved longitudinal force is not within the specified tolerance of the target force, the processor140may optionally cause the real-time feedback indicator410to indicate whether the achieved force exceeds or falls short of the target force. Thus, at t=3 seconds, if the tolerance is such that the achieved force is not within the tolerance of the target force, the processor140may cause the real-time feedback indicator410to indicate that the applied longitudinal force is lower than the target longitudinal force. For example, if the real-time feedback indicator410comprises a light source, the processor140may cause the light source to blink, flash, or emit light of a particular color (e.g., red) to indicate that the applied longitudinal force is too low. As another example, if the real-time feedback indicator410comprises an auditory indicator capable of synthesizing a human voice, the processor140may cause the auditory indicator to say, for example, “Push harder!,” “Tired today?,” or “Almost there!”

Now let the time at which the process620is executed be t=6 seconds. According to the target force profile ofFIG. 25, the user should be applying 7 pounds of longitudinal force at t=6 seconds. Thus, at624, the target force obtained by the processor140is 7 pounds. At626, the processor140obtains an indication of the longitudinal force actually applied by the user. According to the achieved force profile shown inFIG. 25, the user applied more than 7 pounds of longitudinal force at t=6 seconds. Therefore, at628, the processor determines whether the longitudinal force applied by the user is within the specified tolerance of the target longitudinal force. If the specified tolerance is or evaluates to a small number, such as, for example, 0 or 0.1 pound, the processor140determines at628that the longitudinal force applied by the user is not within the specified tolerance of the target longitudinal force and proceeds to632. If, however, the specified tolerance is or evaluates to a larger number, such as, for example, 1 pound, the processor140determines at628that the longitudinal force applied by the user is within the specified tolerance of the target force and proceeds to630.

As explained above, when the achieved longitudinal force is not within the specified tolerance of the target longitudinal force, the processor140may optionally cause the real-time feedback indicator410to indicate whether the achieved force exceeds or falls short of the target force. Thus, at t=6 seconds, if the tolerance is such that the achieved longitudinal force is not within the tolerance of the target longitudinal force, the processor140may cause the real-time feedback indicator410to indicate that the applied longitudinal force exceeds the target longitudinal force. For example, if the real-time feedback indicator410comprises a light source, the processor140may cause the light source to blink, flash, or emit light of a particular color (e.g., green) to indicate that the applied force exceeds the target. If the processor140causes the light sources to blink or flash, the pattern may be different from when the applied longitudinal force falls short of the target to inform the user whether he or she is underachieving or overachieving. As another example, if the real-time feedback indicator410comprises an auditory indicator capable of synthesizing a human voice, the processor140may cause the auditory indicator to say, for example, “Ease up, Conan!,” “You're killing it!,” “New record!,” or “Great job!”

The specified tolerance need not be symmetrical about the target longitudinal force. In other words, to perform step628ofFIG. 24B, the processor140may determine whether the longitudinal force actually applied by the user is greater than the target longitudinal force by a first specified tolerance or less than the target longitudinal force by a second specified tolerance that differs from the first specified tolerance. The use of asymmetrical tolerances about the target longitudinal force may be desirable to encourage users to achieve better performance in their workouts. For example, if the first specified tolerance is or evaluates to a larger value than the second specified tolerance, users will have to work harder to obtain the feedback that they have exceeded the target longitudinal force, but they will be alerted if the applied longitudinal force falls short of the target longitudinal force by a smaller number.

The exercise device100may include both a real-time feedback indicator410and a guidance indicator415, as illustrated in the exemplary block diagram400C ofFIG. 26. In the embodiment ofFIG. 26, both the real-time feedback indicator410and the guidance indicator415are coupled to and in communication with the processor140, and both are powered by the power supply160. AlthoughFIG. 26illustrates the real-time feedback indicator410and the guidance indicator415as separate blocks, the real-time feedback indicator410and the guidance indicator415may be combined (e.g., as explained below, a single set of one or more light sources may serve as both the real-time feedback indicator410and the guidance indicator415, or a single auditory or haptic device may serve as both the real-time feedback indicator410and the guidance indicator415). Moreover, althoughFIG. 26illustrates the display150as separate from the real-time feedback indicator410and the guidance indicator415, it is to be understood that the display150, if present, may provide the guidance and/or the real-time feedback, thereby incorporating the functions of one or both of the guidance indicator415and the real-time feedback indicator410and obviating the need for separate guidance and real-time feedback devices in the exercise device100. In other words, the display150, real-time feedback indicator410, and guidance indicator415shown inFIG. 26may be one and the same, or the display150may provide the functionalities of the real-time feedback indicator410and/or the guidance indicator415.

In some embodiments, the real-time feedback indicator410and/or the guidance indicator415comprises one or more light sources. The one or more light sources may be, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The one or more light sources may be attached to the outside of the exercise device100(e.g., to the outside of the rigid rod110or to the outside of the base120), or they may be mounted inside of the rigid rod110or the base120in a manner that enables the user of the exercise device100to see the one or more light sources (e.g., the rigid rod110or base120may be transparent or translucent, or it may have windows or holes through which light from the one or more light sources may emerge, etc.). As another alternative, described below, the one or more light sources may reside in a housing attached to the outside of the rigid rod110or the base120. For example, as explained below, the rigid rod110may include a groove or channel into which a strip fits, and the one or more light sources may reside within or under the strip.

FIG. 27Aillustrates an exemplary exercise device100having an array of light sources440A through400E as the real-time feedback indicator410and/or the guidance indicator415.FIG. 27Aillustrates the exercise device100having five light sources440spaced along the rigid rod110between the first end112and the second end114, but more or fewer than five light sources440may be used and may be arranged differently than shown (e.g., nonuniformly, closer to one end of the rigid rod110than the other, on the base120, around the circumference of the rigid rod110rather than longitudinally, etc.). The light sources440may be individual, non-connected lights, or they may be part of a connected array of light sources440, such as, for example, a strip of LEDs, which may be individually controllable (e.g., part number NFLS-RGBX2-CL4, available at https://www.superbrightleds.com). The processor140may control the light sources440A through400E individually (e.g., by turning on different light sources440at different times or in different colors) or as a group (e.g., by turning on all light sources440A through400E together in a selected color). The processor140may also be able to control the intensity of the light emitted by some or all of the light sources440.

The one or more light sources440may be mounted on the surface of the rigid rod110. If the one or more light sources440are mounted on the surface of the rigid rod110, they may be mounted at locations where the user is unlikely to grasp the rigid rod110, and/or the one or more light sources440may have a low profile (e.g., they do not protrude significantly from the outer surface of the rigid rod110) so that their presence does not create discomfort or difficulty in exercising for a user who grasps the rigid rod110in a location where a light source440resides.

If the rigid rod110is solid, or if the rigid rod110is partially or fully hollow but has a suitably large wall thickness, or if the rigid rod110is manufactured to include a channel, the rigid rod110may have a channel in its outer surface in which the one or more light sources440are mounted.FIGS. 28A and 28Billustrate such an embodiment. As shown inFIG. 28B, the outer surface of the rigid rod110includes a channel190. The channel190may extend the entire length116of the rigid rod110, or it may be shorter than the length116of the rigid rod110. The dimensions of the channel190are such that the channel190does not intrude into the hollow cavity125, which may be used to house electronic components as discussed herein, at the first end112of the rigid rod110. In such embodiments, the one or more light sources440are disposed within the channel190. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources440are disposed within a strip192that slides into or is otherwise configured to be disposed within the channel190, as illustrated inFIG. 28A. The strip192may be transparent or translucent. The strip192may be made from a light-diffusing material. The strip192may be made of plastic. Alternatively, the strip192may be opaque with holes, slits, or the like to allow light emitted from the one or more light sources440to emerge from the strip192. For example, the strip192may be made of metal or another opaque material but have holes, slits, or the like. As shown inFIG. 28A, the strip192may have a shape such that when the strip192is in place in the channel190, the rigid rod110has the same shape that it would have had absent the channel190and strip192(e.g., if the rigid rod110is cylindrical, the rigid rod100with the strip192inserted is also cylindrical). In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 28A, the base120is inserted into the hollow cavity125after the strip192is in place, which mitigates movement of the strip192after final assembly of the exercise device100. AlthoughFIGS. 28A and 28Billustrate the channel190extending longitudinally along the rigid rod110, the channel190may alternatively extend transversally, around the circumference115of the rigid rod110. Moreover, the exercise device100may include more than one strip192.

If the rigid rod110is partially or entirely hollow, the one or more light sources440may be mounted inside of the rigid rod110. If the rigid rod110is made of an opaque material that would otherwise prevent the one or more light sources440from being visible to a user, one or more holes, slits, or the like may be made in the rigid rod110to allow a user to see light from the one or more light sources440. The dimensions of the one or more holes, slits, or the like may be selected so that the one or more light sources440fit within the one or more holes, slits, or the like. The dimensions of the one or more holes, slits, or the like may also be selected so that the rigid rod110retains its structural integrity (i.e., remains capable of withstanding the maximum compressive and expansive longitudinal forces the user is expected to be able to apply).

FIGS. 29 and 30illustrate embodiments in which the rigid rod110is hollow and includes ribs188that support at least one rigid rod insert186. The rigid rod insert186is coupled to the one or more light sources440. The rigid rod110in the embodiments ofFIGS. 29 and 30includes a set of holes, slits, or windows184that align with the one or more light sources440when the at least one rigid rod insert186is inserted in the rigid rod110. The rigid rod110shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 29 and 30may be fabricated by, for example, extrusion, casting, CNC machining, vacuum forming, thermo-forming, weaving (e.g., for carbon fiber), injection molding, or any other suitable manufacturing process. The rigid rod110may be fabricated without the holes, slits, or windows184, which may be created in a separate manufacturing step. Alternatively, the rigid rod110may be fabricated with the holes, slits, or windows184.

A rigid rod110made of a transparent or translucent material may allow light from the one or more light sources440to be visible to a user without the need for holes, slits, or the like in the rigid rod110. In some embodiments, the rigid rod110is translucent and at least partially hollow, and one or more light sources440are mounted inside of the rigid rod110. For example, the one or more light sources440may be mounted to the inner surface of the rigid rod110, or they may be mounted or coupled to a structure (e.g., a circuit board, a skeleton structure, ribs188, etc.) situated within the rigid rod110, such as the rigid rod insert186illustrated inFIGS. 29 and 30.

If the rigid rod110comprises clear PVC or clear plastic, a portion or all of the clear PVC or clear plastic may be subjected to a process that causes the rigid rod110to have a frosted appearance to cause light from the one or more light sources440to diffuse, which may make the light easier for a user to see. Examples of processes that may be used to give clear PVC a frosted appearance include, but are not limited to, sanding the PVC with sandpaper, sandblasting the PVC, applying a frost spray (e.g., Rust-Oleum® Specialty Frosted Glass Spray) to the inner or outer surface of the PVC, or applying an adhesive film to the inner or outer surface of the PVC.

When the exercise device100includes one or more light sources440, those one or more light sources440may be used as the real-time feedback indicator410and/or the guidance indicator415, and the processor140may control the one or more light sources440to provide guidance and/or real-time feedback to a user. As one example of using the one or more light sources440as the guidance indicator415, referring again toFIG. 27A, the processor140may count down to the beginning of a set of exercises by turning on all light sources440, and then turning off the light sources440, one by one (e.g., first turning off light source440E, then440D, etc., or first turning off light source440A, then440B, etc., or vice versa), until all light sources440are off. Alternatively, the processor140may count down to the beginning of a set by turning on the light sources440one by one (e.g., first turning on light source440A, then440B, etc.) until all light sources440are on. As yet another example, the processor140may also, or alternatively, cause the light sources440to blink or flash a designated number of times to indicate to the user that the beginning of a set is imminent.

As an example of using the one or more light sources440as the real-time feedback indicator410, the processor140may indicate how many repetitions the user has performed, or how many repetitions remain, by turning on various of the one or more light sources440at different times. For example, the processor140may indicate how many repetitions the user has performed by turning on a different one of the one or more light sources440for each repetition performed. Referring toFIG. 27A, the processor140may turn on light source440A after the user has completed the first repetition, then turn on light source440B after the user has completed the second repetition, etc.FIG. 27Ashows only five light sources440, but the exercise device100may include more or fewer light sources440, and if the number of one or more light sources440is at least as large as the number of repetitions in a set, different light sources440may be used to count up or down the number of repetitions.

The processor140may use subsets of the one or more light sources440, such as those shown inFIG. 27A, to implement the real-time feedback indicator410and the guidance indicator415. For example, the light sources440A through400C may be used as the guidance indicator415, and the light sources440D and400E may be used as the real-time feedback indicator410to provide real-time feedback to a user performing a set of exercises. To assist the user in distinguishing which set of light sources440provides guidance and which provides real-time feedback, the exercise device100may include an indication (e.g., a label, a stamp, a mark, etc.) on the surface of the exercise device100to indicate which light sources440provide guidance and which provide real-time feedback.

As an example of how the processor140may implement the guidance indicator415using light sources440A through440C, the processor140may turn on the light source440A to instruct the user to perform a first phase of an exercise (e.g., lower his body into the down lunge position ofFIG. 4Bwhile applying a longitudinal force, or pull herself into the position shown inFIG. 5B). The processor140may turn on the light source440B (either instead of or in addition to light source440A) to instruct the user to perform a second phase of the exercise (e.g., to hold the current position while continuing to apply a longitudinal force). The processor140may turn on the light source440C (either instead of or in addition to one or both of light sources440A and440B) to instruct the user to perform a third phase of the exercise (e.g., to return to the position shown inFIG. 4Aif the user is performing the exemplary lunge exercise or the position shown inFIG. 5Aif the user is performing the exemplary pull-up exercise). The processor140may cause one or more of the light sources440A through400C to blink to indicate that the next phase is near or imminent. Alternatively, or in addition, the processor140may change the intensity of one or more of the light sources440A through400C to indicate the user's progress through the current phase of the exercise (e.g., the intensity of the light sources440A through400C can increase (or decrease) to indicate the user's progress through a phase of the exercise).

Continuing the example, the processor140may provide real-time feedback using the light sources440D and440E. For example, the processor140may turn on the light source440D to inform the user that the amount of longitudinal force being applied is lower than a target longitudinal force (or less than the target longitudinal force by more than a specified tolerance), and the processor140may turn on the light source440E to inform the user that the amount of longitudinal force being applied is higher than the target longitudinal force (or higher than the target longitudinal force by more than the specified tolerance). Alternatively, or in addition, the processor140may cause one or both of the light sources440D and440E to blink to indicate that the amount of longitudinal force being applied is higher or lower than a specified target longitudinal force. The processor140may also (or alternatively) change the intensity of one or both of the light sources440D and440E to indicate that the amount of longitudinal force being applied is higher or lower than the specified target longitudinal force. It is to be appreciated that there are many ways the processor140may control the light sources440shown inFIG. 27Ato provide guidance and/or real-time feedback to a user of the exercise device100, and the examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

In some embodiments, the one or more light sources440are capable of providing light in at least two colors, and the processor140controls the color(s) of the light emitted by the one or more light sources440to provide real-time feedback and/or guidance to the user of the exercise device100. For example, referring to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 27A, if each of the light sources440A through440E is capable of producing light in two colors, a first color and a second color, and the processor140is capable of controlling each light source440separately, the processor140may implement the guidance indicator415and the real-time feedback indicator410in a variety of ways.

As one example, the light sources440A through440D may provide guidance, and the light source440E may provide real-time feedback. The processor140may turn on the light sources440A through440D, one by one, in a first color to indicate that the user should perform a first phase of an exercise (e.g., lowering his body into the lunge position ofFIG. 4Bwhile applying a longitudinal force, or pulling her body from the position shown inFIG. 5Ato the position shown inFIG. 5B) and the timing of that first phase (e.g., by turning on the light sources440at a selected rate to guide the user to take a desired amount of time to perform the first phase of the exercise). The processor140may then change the color of the light sources440A through440D to a second color to indicate that the user should hold his or her position during a second phase of the exercise. The processor140may then change the color of the light sources440A through440D back to the first color and sequentially turn off the light sources440A through440D to instruct the user to perform a third phase of the exercise according to the specified timing (e.g., to return to the position shown inFIG. 4Aor inFIG. 5A, as applicable, at a rate such that by the time the last light source440in the sequence turns off, the user has returned to the starting position). Alternatively, the processor140need not change the color of the light sources440A through440D back to the first color before turning off the light sources440; instead, the processor140may leave the light sources440in the second color and turn off the light sources440A through440D in a predetermined order to guide the user in performing the third phase of the exercise.

Continuing the example, the light source440E may be used to provide real-time feedback about the user's workout. For example, the processor140may turn on the light source440E in a Color A to indicate that the user is applying more than a target amount of longitudinal force (possibly taking into account a specified tolerance) and Color B to indicate that the user is applying less than a target amount of longitudinal force (possibly taking into account the specified tolerance or a different tolerance). The processor140may also cause the light source440E to blink or flicker to indicate, for example, that the user is performing the current phase of the exercise too quickly or too slowly. Alternatively, or in addition, the processor140may change the intensity of light emitted by the light source440E based on, for example, the amount by which the longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds or falls short of the target or desired force. For example, if Color A is green, and Color B is red, the processor140may cause the light source440E to emit a low-intensity green when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by less than 10 percent, a mid-intensity green when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by between 10 percent and 20 percent, and the most intense green possible when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by more than 20 percent. As another example, the processor140may cause the light source440E to emit a low-intensity red when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target value by less than 5 percent, a mid-intensity red when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target by between 5 and 10 percent, and the highest-intensity red when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target value by more than 10 percent.

There are many other ways the processor140may use the one or more light sources440, such as those shown inFIG. 27A, to implement the real-time feedback indicator410and/or the guidance indicator415. In some embodiments, the processor140uses one of the one or more light sources440to guide the user and then uses other of the one or more light sources440to provide feedback. For example, referring toFIG. 27A, the processor140may use the light source440B to represent the target force. As the user applies a longitudinal force to the exercise device100, the processor140may cause the light sources440C,440D, and/or440E to emit light based on the force applied by the user. For example, the processor140may cause the light source440E to emit light when the user has applied at least 25 percent of the target force but less than 50 percent. The processor140may cause both light source440E and440D to emit light when the user has applied at least 50 percent of the target force, but less than 75 percent. The processor140may cause all of light sources440E,440D, and440C to emit light when the user has applied at least 75 percent of the target force, but less than 100 percent. Finally, the processor140may cause all of light sources440E,440D,440C, and440B to emit light when the user is meeting the target force (taking into account any defined tolerance), perhaps in a different color to indicate that the user has met the target. The processor140may cause the light source440A to emit light (e.g., green or red) to indicate that the user has exceeded the target force.

As another example, referring again toFIG. 27A, the processor140may use the light source440A to represent the target force. As the user applies a longitudinal force to the exercise device100, the processor140may cause the light sources440B,440C,440D, and/or440E to emit light based on the force applied by the user. For example, the processor140may cause the light source440E to emit light when the user has applied at least 20 percent of the target force but less than 40 percent. The processor140may cause both light source440E and440D to emit light when the user has applied at least 40 percent of the target force, but less than 60 percent. The processor140may cause light sources440E,440D, and440C to emit light when the user has applied at least 60 percent of the target force, but less than 80 percent. Finally, the processor140may cause all of light sources440E,440D,440C,440B, and440A to emit light when the user is meeting the target force (taking into account any defined tolerance), perhaps in a different color to indicate that the user has met the target. Likewise, the processor140may cause all of the light sources440E,440D,440C,440B, and440A to emit light of another color to indicate that the user has exceeded the target.

In a sense, the approaches described immediately above encourage the user to “chase” and possibly “pass” the guidance light source by applying longitudinal force. It is to be appreciated that the processor140may manipulate the light sources440in many ways to encourage the user to apply the target longitudinal force and to provide feedback to the user regarding the applied force, and the examples provided herein are not meant to be limiting. Moreover, the exercise device100may include more than one type of guidance or feedback mechanism. For example, the exercise device100may include a visual indicator (e.g., one or more light sources440) and either a haptic or auditory device. Different types of mechanisms may be used for guidance and feedback. For example, a visual indicator may provide guidance, and a haptic or auditory indicator may provide feedback. The availability of multiple feedback and guidance delivery mechanisms creates additional opportunities for feedback and/or guidance. The delivery to users of feedback and/or guidance delivered using different delivery mechanisms is explicitly contemplated herein.

To prevent user confusion, some or all of the light sources440may be capable of emitting light in different colors. In the context of the examples above, the processor140may cause the selected guidance light source (e.g.,440B in the first example above or440A in the second example) to emit light in a different color from the feedback light sources (e.g.,440C,440D, and440E (and, in the second example,440B)). As just one example, the processor140may cause the guidance light source440to emit orange light, and then as the user applies force, the processor140may cause the feedback light sources440to emit white light when they are on.

As another example, instead of using a particular selected light source440(e.g., the light source440B or440A) to indicate the target force to the user, the processor140may use different light sources440depending on the magnitude of the target force the user is supposed to apply. In such embodiments, the user has an idea, based on which light source440is emitting light as guidance, how much longitudinal force the user will need to apply to reach the target. As one example, if the processor140causes the light source440B to emit light as the guidance, this may instruct the user that he or she will need to apply more or less force than when the processor140causes the light source440D to emit light as the guidance. As the user applies force, the processor140may cause the light sources440between the selected guidance light source440and the base120to emit light in sequence to indicate whether the user is achieving the target force. To prevent user confusion, the light sources440may be capable of emitting light in different colors, in which case the processor140may cause the light source440selected as the guidance light source to emit light in a different color from the light sources440that are indicating how much force the user is actually applying. For example, the processor140may cause the guidance light source440to emit orange light, and then as the user applies force, the processor140may cause the feedback light sources440to emit white light.

FIG. 31illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the exercise device100includes at least 9 light sources440(though, as explained above, there may be more or fewer than 9 light sources440). In the embodiment ofFIG. 31, the processor140may cause the light440H to emit light of a first color (e.g., orange) to provide guidance (e.g., a force target) to the user. As the user applies a longitudinal force, the processor140may cause some or all of the light sources440A-440G to emit light of a second color (e.g., white), possibly in a sequence, to provide real-time feedback to the user regarding whether the applied longitudinal force is less than the target force (e.g., by causing only a subset of the light sources440A-440G to emit light). If the applied longitudinal force is within a tolerance (which may be zero) of the target force, the processor140may cause the light source440H to emit light in a third color (e.g., green) to indicate that the user has met the force target. The processor140may cause the light source440I to emit light of a fourth color (e.g., red) to indicate that the user has exceeded the force target.

It should be clear in view of the disclosures herein that there are many ways the processor140can control the one or more light sources440to guide a user's workout and/or to provide real-time feedback regarding that workout (e.g., to indicate whether the user is meeting, falling short of, or exceeding a target amount of longitudinal force, to indicate whether the user is performing an exercise at a desired or target speed, etc.). It should also be clear that if the one or more light sources440are capable of emitting light of two or more colors, even more sophisticated guidance and/or feedback mechanisms may be defined (e.g., different colors may be used to indicate different amounts of target or applied longitudinal force, different phases of an exercise, different repetitions within a set of exercises, etc.). Depending on the capabilities of the light sources440, the processor140may be able to provide guidance and/or feedback by controlling one or more of the following: whether a particular light source440is on or off, the intensity of light emitted by a light source440when it is on, the color of light emitted by a light source440, whether a particular light source blinks or flickers, or any other controllable property of a light source440. The examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

As discussed in the context ofFIG. 27A, the processor140may control a single array of light sources440to provide guidance and/or feedback to the user.FIG. 27Billustrates that the exercise device100may include both a guidance indicator410, implemented using a first set of one or more light sources445, and a real-time feedback indicator415, implemented using a second set of one or more light sources450. As illustrated inFIG. 27B, each of the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450includes one or more light sources440, which may be, as previously explained, any suitable light source, including, for example, one or more LEDs.FIG. 27Billustrates the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450aligned with each other, but it is to be appreciated that they may be arranged in any way that is convenient or helpful to users of the exercise device100. For example, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may be situated end-to-end along the longitudinal axis111of the exercise device100.

To enable a user of the exercise device100to see both the workout guidance provided by the first set of one or more light sources445and the real-time feedback provided by the second set of one or more light sources450, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may be positioned on or within the rigid rod110or the base120so that the user can orient the exercise device100so that both the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450are visible simultaneously. For example, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may be mounted adjacent to each other on or within the rigid rod110as shown inFIG. 27B. The first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may be mounted on or within the exercise device100as described in the discussion ofFIGS. 27A and 28, and the processor140may control any available aspects of the individual light sources440to provide guidance and/or real-time feedback. To assist the user in distinguishing which set of light sources provides guidance and which provides real-time feedback, the exercise device100may include an indication (e.g., a label, a stamp, a mark, etc.) on the surface of the exercise device100to indicate which set of one or more light sources,445or450, provides guidance and which provides real-time feedback.

The processor140may control the first set of one or more light sources445to provide guidance as discussed above in the explanation ofFIG. 27A(e.g., the processor140may control whether a particular light source440is on or off, the timing of different light sources440turning on or off in relation to other light sources440, the color and intensity of light produced by the light sources440, whether the light sources440blink or flicker, etc.). Simultaneously, the processor140may control the second set of one or more light sources450to provide real-time feedback, also as discussed above in the explanation ofFIG. 27A(e.g., the processor140may control whether a particular light source440is on or off, the timing of different light sources440turning on or off in relation to other light sources440, the color and intensity of light produced by the light sources440, whether the light sources blink or flicker, etc.). AlthoughFIG. 27Bpresents an exemplary embodiment in which the number of light sources440in the first set of one or more light sources445is the same as the number of light sources440in the second set of one or more light sources450, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may use different numbers of lights. For example, as explained above in the context ofFIG. 27A, the real-time feedback indicator410may include only one light source440.

As an example of how the processor140may implement the guidance indicator415in the context of the embodiment ofFIG. 27B, if the user is performing the lunge exercise described in the context ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, the processor140may control the first set of one or more light sources445to provide workout guidance as follows. First, the processor140may instruct the user to prepare to perform a set of lunges by causing one or more of the light sources440A,440B,440C,440D, and440E to produce light of a first color, Color1. The processor140may also cause the one or more of the light sources440A through440E to blink, and/or sequentially turn off the light sources440A through440E to communicate a countdown to the start of the first lunge in the set. As a concrete example, the processor140may cause all of the light sources440A through440E to produce orange light and to blink three times, and then sequentially turn off each light source440in an order that conveys a countdown to the user (e.g., after the light sources440A through440E have all flashed three times, the processor140may turn off light source440A, then light source440B, etc. until all light sources440A through400E are off).

The processor140may then guide the user through a single repetition of the lunge exercise in three phases. To guide the user through the first phase, in which the user moves from the position shown inFIG. 4Ato the position shown inFIG. 4B, the processor140may sequentially turn on the light sources440A through440E in a selected color, which may be Color1or a different color, at a rate that encourages the user to perform the first phase of the lunge at a prescribed pace (e.g., if the user should take three seconds to move from the position shown inFIG. 4Ato the position shown inFIG. 4B, the processor140may turn on light source440B 0.75 seconds after turning on light source440A, light source440C 0.75 seconds after turning on light source440B, etc.). If it is desirable for the user to modify the magnitude of the compressive longitudinal force applied during the first phase, the processor140may vary the intensities of the light sources440A through440E to reflect the desired magnitude of the compressive longitudinal force (e.g., the processor140may cause the light sources440to produce more intense light when the user should apply more longitudinal force and less intense light when the user should apply less longitudinal force).

The processor140may then guide the user through the second phase of the lunge exercise, in which the user holds the position illustrated inFIG. 4Bwhile applying a compressive longitudinal force to the exercise device100. The processor140may, for example, cause the light sources440A through440E to continue to produce light of Color1, but blink for the duration of the second phase (e.g., if the second phase is three seconds long, the processor140may cause the light sources440A through440E to blink three times at one-second intervals, or six times at half-second intervals). Alternatively, the processor140may sequentially turn off the light sources440A through440E, which continue to produce light of Color1, to count down the duration of the second phase (e.g., if the second phase is five seconds long, the processor140may turn off light source440E after one second, turn off light source440D after two seconds, etc.). As another example, the processor140may cause the light sources440A through440E to produce light of a different color, Color2, and sequentially turn off the light sources440A through440E to count down the duration of the second phase (e.g., if the second phase is five seconds long, the processor140may turn off light source440E after one second, turn off light source440D after two seconds, etc.). However the processor140uses the light sources440A through440E to signal the duration of the second phase, the processor140may vary the intensity of the light produced by the light sources440A through440E to convey whether the user should increase or decrease the amount of longitudinal force applied during the second phase. For example, if the user should simply attempt to maintain the same longitudinal force during the second phase (e.g., as illustrated in the target force profiles shown inFIGS. 22 and 25), the processor140may cause the light sources440A through440E to produce light at a constant intensity (e.g., the maximum intensity or any other selected intensity). On the other hand, if the user should attempt to increase the applied longitudinal force, the processor140may cause the intensity of the light produced by the light sources440A through440E to increase at a rate corresponding to the rate at which the user should increase the applied force.

The processor140may then guide the user through the third phase of the exercise in which the user moves from the position illustrated inFIG. 4Bback to the position shown inFIG. 4Awhile applying a compressive longitudinal force to the exercise device100. The processor140may sequentially turn on the light sources440A through440E in a selected color, which may be Color1or a different color, at a rate that encourages the user to perform the third phase of the lunge at a prescribed pace (e.g., if the user should take three seconds to move from the position shown inFIG. 4Bto the position shown inFIG. 4A, the processor140may turn on light source440B 0.75 seconds after turning on light source440A, light source440C 0.75 seconds after turning on light source440B, etc.). Alternatively, the processor140may turn on all light sources440A through400E in a selected color, which may be Color1or a different color, and then turn off the light sources440A through400E, one by one, at a rate that encourages the user to perform the third phase of the lunge at a prescribed pace. If it is desirable for the user to modify the magnitude of the compressive longitudinal force applied during the third phase, the processor140may vary the intensities of the light sources440A through440E to reflect the desired magnitude of the compressive longitudinal force (e.g., the processor140may cause the light sources440to produce more intense light when the user should apply more longitudinal force and less intense light when the user should apply less longitudinal force).

The processor140may then use the set of one or more light sources445to instruct the user to prepare to perform the next lunge exercise in the set by causing one or more of the light sources440A,440B,440C,440D, and440E to produce light of a selected color, which may be Color1or a different color. The processor140may also cause one or more of the light sources440A through440E to flash, and/or sequentially turn off the light sources440A through440E to communicate a countdown to the start of the next lunge in the set. To prevent the user from being confused about whether a new set or another repetition is being signaled, the processor140may control the light sources440A through440E differently to instruct the user to prepare for an additional repetition than to instruct the user to prepare for a new set. For example, the amount of time the processor140takes to signal the start of a new repetition may be shorter than the amount of time the processor140takes to signal the start of a new set, or the colors of the light sources440A through440E may be different to signal the start of a new repetition versus to signal the start of a new set. As a concrete example, to instruct the user to prepare to perform another repetition, the processor140may cause all of the light sources440A through440E to produce white light (instead of light of Color1) and to flash twice in one second, and then the processor140may repeat the guidance for phases one through three of the lunge exercise to guide the user in performing another repetition, possibly in accordance with a target force profile (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 22).

Continuing with the example of the lunge exercise described in the context ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, the processor140may control the second set of one or more light sources450to provide real-time feedback regarding the user's workout as follows. During each phase of a repetition, the processor140may turn on the second set of one or more light sources450in a color that reflects whether the amount of force applied by the user falls short of, meets, or exceeds a target longitudinal force. For example, the processor140may cause the second set of one or more light sources450to emit red light if the longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target longitudinal force by more than a first threshold (which may be zero). The processor140may cause the second set of one or more light sources450to emit blue light if the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls within a (possibly asymmetrical) tolerance of the target longitudinal force, and the processor140may cause the second set of one or more light sources450to emit green light if the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target longitudinal force by more than a second threshold (which may be zero and may be the same as or different from the first threshold).

When the achieved longitudinal force falls short of or exceeds the target longitudinal force, the processor140may give the user an indication of by how much by controlling the intensity of the light emitted by the second set of one or more light sources450. For example, the processor140may cause all of the light sources in the second set of one or more light sources450to emit a low-intensity green when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by less than 5 percent, a mid-intensity green when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by between 5 percent and 20 percent, and the most intense green possible when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by more than 20 percent. Similarly, the processor140may cause the second set of one or more light sources450to emit a low-intensity red when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target value by less than 5 percent, a mid-intensity red when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target by between 5 and 15 percent, and the highest-intensity red when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target value by more than 15 percent.

Alternatively, when the achieved longitudinal force falls short of or exceeds the target longitudinal force, the processor140may give the user an indication of by how much by causing different ones of the one or more light sources450to emit light in selected colors. For example, when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by less than 5 percent, the processor140may turn on only the light source440F in green, and when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by between 5 percent and 20 percent, the processor140may turn on the light sources440F,440G, and440H in green, and when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by more than 20 percent, the processor140may cause all of the light sources in the second set of one or more light sources450to emit green light. As another example, when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target value by less than 5 percent, the processor140may turn on only the light source440F in red, and when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target value by between 5 percent and 20 percent, the processor140may turn on the light sources440F,440G, and440H in red, and when the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user falls short of the target value by more than 20 percent, the processor140may turn on all of the light sources in the second set of one or more light sources450in red.

If the individual light sources440in the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450are capable of producing light in multiple colors, more sophisticated feedback signaling may be implemented. For example, in the example above, the processor140may use a first color to indicate that the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by less than 5 percent, a second color to indicate that the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by between 5 percent and 20 percent, and a third color to indicate that the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user exceeds the target value by more than 20 percent. The processor140may also cause the second set of one or more light sources450to blink or flicker to indicate, for example, that the user is performing the current phase of the exercise too quickly or too slowly.

As explained above, depending on the capabilities of the light sources440in the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450, the processor140may be able to provide guidance and/or feedback by controlling one or more of the following: whether a particular light source440is on or off, the intensity of light emitted by a light source440when it is on, the color of light emitted by a light source440, whether a particular light source blinks or flickers, or any other controllable property of a light source440. The examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Furthermore, althoughFIG. 27Billustrates the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450as being parallel to each other and distributed along the length116of the rigid rod110, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may be arranged differently (e.g., closer to one end of the rigid rod110than the other, end-to-end rather than parallel, etc.). It is to be appreciated that there are many ways to arrange the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450, and the examples provided herein are not intended to be limiting.

FIG. 27Cillustrates an alternative arrangement of the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450in accordance with some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 27C, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450are annular rings protruding from the rigid rod110, but the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may take a different shape, may not extend all the way around the rigid rod110, may be flush with the surface of the rigid rod110, or, as described previously, may be situated within the rigid rod110and visible to the user through the rigid rod110(e.g., the rigid rod110may be transparent or translucent, or it may include a window, cutout, or channel). As explained above, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may reside within a strip192that is attached to the outside of the rigid rod110(either longitudinally, as shown in at leastFIGS. 3A-3D, 8, 12-14, 28, and 31-33, or around the rigid rod110, similarly toFIG. 27C). Alternatively, or in addition, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may reside within the rigid rod110(e.g., as shown inFIGS. 29-30). Moreover, one or both of the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may be attached to, on, or within the base120.

FIG. 27Dillustrates yet another arrangement of the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450in accordance with some embodiments. As shown inFIG. 27D, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450are mounted within the rigid rod110, which, in the embodiment ofFIG. 27Dis hollow and at least partially transparent or translucent. A solid (i.e., impermeable to light) barrier455divides (e.g., bisects) the interior of the rigid rod110. AlthoughFIG. 27Dshows the barrier455extending in the longitudinal direction, it may alternatively extend in the transverse direction (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis111). The first set of one or more light sources445is situated on one side of the barrier455, and the second set of one or more light sources450is situated on the other side of the barrier455. AlthoughFIG. 27Dshows the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450situated near the base of the exercise device100, the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450may be located elsewhere within the rigid rod110(e.g., they may be distributed, uniformly or nonuniformly, along the length of the rigid rod110). In the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 27D, the processor140may control the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450as described previously to provide guidance and/or real-time feedback to the user of the exercise device100(e.g., by varying the timing, color, and/or intensity of emitted light, by causing the one or more light sources440making up the first and second sets of one or more light sources445and450to blink or flash, etc.).

It is to be appreciated based on the disclosures herein that certain information that may be provided by the exercise device100to guide a user's workout is similar to certain information that may be provided by the exercise device100to provide real-time feedback information to the user. For example, a number of repetitions may be provided as guidance (e.g., a number of repetitions remaining) or as real-time feedback (e.g., a number of repetitions performed). Similarly, an indication of longitudinal force may be provided as guidance (e.g., to instruct the user to apply more, less, or a consistent amount of force) or as real-time feedback (e.g., to instruct the user that the amount of force he or she is applying is less than a specified target or more than a specified target). The guidance indicator415and real-time feedback indicator410may use similar or the same mechanisms to convey such similar information. Thus, it is to be appreciated that descriptions herein of how the guidance indicator415may provide guidance information to the user may also be applicable to enable the real-time feedback indicator410to provide feedback information to the user. Likewise, descriptions herein of how the real-time feedback indicator410may provide feedback information to the user may also be applicable to enable the guidance indicator415to provide guidance information to the user.

FIG. 32illustrates an embodiment of the exercise device100that includes, within a strip192, two sets of one or more light sources440, which, as shown, may be (but are not necessarily) mirror images of each other. Embodiments such as the one shown inFIG. 32may be particularly advantageous to enable users to receive guidance and/or feedback regardless of whether they are facing the first end112or the second end114of the rigid rod110. The embodiment ofFIG. 32also includes an attachment314, shown as a rotatable hoop (previously illustrated inFIGS. 12A-12B). The exercise device100ofFIG. 32also includes a display150, shown as capable of displaying alphanumeric characters, and a power button194. The power button194is coupled to the power supply160and controls whether the power supply160provides power to the electronic components of the exercise device100. The power button194may be recessed from the outer surface of the rigid rod110and/or it may have a shape that reduces the likelihood that a user accidentally presses the power button194while exercising. AlthoughFIGS. 32 and 33show the power button194along the length116of the rigid rod110, the power button194may be located elsewhere (e.g., closer to or on/in the base120or at the second end of the rigid rod110).

FIG. 33illustrates another embodiment of the exercise device100that includes a single set of one or more light sources440disposed within a strip192. The exercise device100ofFIG. 33also includes a display150, a power button194, and an attachment314that is similar to those shown inFIG. 13 or 14. The one or more light sources440may provide guidance and/or feedback in many of the ways previously discussed, including by using different colors for different ones of the one or more light sources440to provide guidance and/or feedback to the user.

Many of the drawings herein, includingFIGS. 15, 16, 18, and 21, illustrate the components for detecting expansive longitudinal forces at the same end of the rigid rod110(i.e., the first end112) as the components for detecting compressive longitudinal forces. In such embodiments, the other end of the rigid rod110(e.g., the second end114) may have a shape or cap (e.g., as shown inFIGS. 32 and 33) that indicates it is not the end of the exercise device100that will capture longitudinal force information during a workout. It is to be appreciated that the components for detecting expansive longitudinal forces need not be collocated with the components for detecting compressive longitudinal forces. Components for detecting compressive longitudinal forces (e.g., some or all of the components shown inFIGS. 10A, 19A, and20) may be located at the first end112of the rigid rod110(e.g., partially or completely within the rigid rod110or partially or completely within the base120), and components for detecting expansive longitudinal forces (e.g., some or all of the components shown inFIG. 11A) may be located at the second end114of the rigid rod110(e.g., partially or completely within the rigid rod110or partially or completely within a second base120), or vice versa. In such embodiments, the user would perform exercises involving compressive longitudinal forces using one end of the exercise device100and exercises involving expansive longitudinal forces using the other end of the exercise device100.FIG. 32illustrates an embodiment that could situate components for detecting expansive longitudinal forces at the first end112of the rigid rod110and components for detecting compressive longitudinal forces at the second end114of the rigid rod110, with a second base120added to the second end114. It is to be understood that the embodiment ofFIG. 32accommodates, but does not require, such a distribution of components. Although it may be advantageous to collocate components for detecting compressive longitudinal forces with components for detecting expansive longitudinal forces, collocation is not required. Moreover, an exercise device100need not be capable of detecting both compressive and expansive longitudinal forces. It may be desirable in some circumstances for the exercise device100to be capable of detecting only compressive longitudinal forces or only expansive longitudinal forces. Such embodiments are expressly contemplated herein, andFIGS. 10, 11, 19, and 20illustrate ways in which such embodiments may be achieved.

Although many of the drawings herein, includingFIGS. 6A, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 19, 32, and33, illustrate the display150as a component of the exercise device100, as stated previously, the exercise device100need not include a display. For example, as shown in the exemplary block diagram200H illustrated inFIG. 34, a display152, which is either in addition to or instead of the optional display150in the exercise device100, may be included in an external device170with which the exercise device100communicates over a communication link180. In some embodiments, the external device170is a mobile device, such as, for example, a cellular phone, a tablet, a laptop, a smart phone, etc., or a wearable device (e.g., made by Fitbit™ Mio™ Apple™, Garmin™, etc.), or any other external device having the basic capabilities described herein for the external device170. In some embodiments, the exercise device100includes a display150(not shown inFIG. 34, but illustrated in other drawings herein), and the external device170includes a separate display152.

In embodiments in which the external device170includes a display152, the external device170also includes a processor145that is capable of causing the display152to present information associated with the exercise device100to the user of the external device170. The display152may be, for example, a graphical display or an alphanumeric display. The display152may be, for example, an LCD or LED display, or an array of light sources196(e.g., LEDs). The information presented to the user through the display152may include any information that might be of interest to the user, including the same type of information the display150might present to the user (e.g., information about a type of exercise, a number of repetitions performed or to be performed, an amount of longitudinal force applied or to be applied, an amount of time during which a longitudinal force was applied by the user, a time under tension (compressive, expansive, or a combination of the two), a status of the exercise device100(e.g., battery level if the power supply160is a battery, memory status), etc.).

As shown inFIG. 34, in embodiments in which the exercise device100communicates with an external device170, the exercise device100includes a communication interface155A that is capable of establishing the communication link180with a corresponding communication interface155B of the external device170. The communication link180may be a wired or wireless link, and the communication interfaces155A and155B may support any suitable protocol for transferring information between the exercise device100and the external device170. Exemplary suitable wired-medium protocols include, but are not limited to, serial, USB, FireWire, Ethernet, and Thunderbolt. Exemplary suitable wireless protocols include, but are not limited to, Wi-Fi (i.e., compliant with one or more of the IEEE 802.11 standards), Li-Fi (a type of optical wireless communication), cellular, Bluetooth™, ZigBee (i.e., IEEE 802.15.4), and near-field communication.

The information transferred from the exercise device100to the external device170over the communication link180may include information about a previous or ongoing workout, including, for example, the date of the workout, the beginning, ending, and/or total time of the workout, the number of repetitions, the amount of time per repetition (e.g., either raw or average values), the amount of longitudinal force applied by the user during each repetition (e.g., an average over all repetitions, a total amount of force over all repetitions, or a measure of the longitudinal force during each repetition), whether the longitudinal force was compressive or expansive, the time under tension (e.g., expansive, compressive, or a combination; per repetition, per set, or per workout), the number of sets, the type of exercise(s) performed, or any other information of interest to the user or to a third party, such as, for example, the user's personal trainer, doctor, coach, social network, insurance company, etc.

In some embodiments, the external device170is able to provide information over the communication link180to the exercise device100. For example, through the communication interfaces155B and155A, the external device170may be able to provide information about an upcoming workout to the exercise device100. Such information may identify, for example, an exercise to be performed, a time of day, a day of the week, a target number of repetitions, a target amount of time (e.g., per repetition, per set, per workout), a target amount of longitudinal force for the user to apply, a target time under tension (compressive, expansive, or a combination), information about a previous workout or a goal previously established or achieved, configuration information for the exercise device100, or any other information that might be useful to the exercise device100or the user. Configuration information for the exercise device100may include information enabling the exercise device100to connect to a network, such as, for example, a Wi-Fi network. Configuration information for the exercise device100may include, for example, one or more settings indicating whether a visual indicator of the exercise device100(e.g., the guidance indicator415) should guide the user's workout by presenting a target for the user to follow (e.g., instruct the user to apply a force for a particular period of time, instruct the user to increase the applied force, etc.), or provide real-time feedback (e.g., through the real-time feedback indicator410) regarding the in-progress workout (e.g., indicate to the user that the amount of force being applied at the moment is too low, too high, or adequate, etc.). The exercise device100may use information received from the external device170to configure one or more aspects of the exercise device100, such as, for example, properties of the real-time feedback indicator410and/or the guidance indicator415(e.g., colors or brightness of light sources440comprising the real-time feedback indicator410and/or the guidance indicator415, whether to enable a haptic device or an auditory device such as a speaker to provide guidance or feedback, configuration settings (e.g., language, sound, volume, haptic pattern, etc.) for the guidance or feedback indicators415,410, etc.).

The display152may be part of a user interface of the external device170that enables the user or another person (e.g., the user's personal trainer, doctor, physical therapist, etc.) to view and enter information. The user interface may be capable of accepting a variety of information useful to the user or another person, or to the exercise device100, including the information described above. For example, the information may include a password (e.g., for a Wi-Fi network, to access data stored in the exercise device100or in a database accessible to the external device170, etc.) or information that allows the exercise device100to be configured (e.g., for a desired number of exercises or a particular type of exercise, for a target time under tension, for a target longitudinal force, etc.) or customized (e.g., based on the user's name, age, height, weight, gender, level of fitness, location, time since last workout, etc.; properties of the guidance indicator415and/or real-time feedback indicator410, if present).

In addition or alternatively, the external device170may be able to send information about a past workout to the exercise device100. Such information may include, for example, an indication of the time or date of a previous workout, an amount of longitudinal force applied, an exercise performed, an amount of time under tension achieved (compressive, expansive, or a combination), an amount of time during which an exercise was performed, or any other information about a past workout. In some embodiments, the processor140of the exercise device100uses the information about a past workout to configure the exercise device100for an imminent or future workout. As just one example, if the external device170informs the exercise device100that during the user's last workout, the user performed ten repetitions of an isometric lunge (e.g.,FIG. 4) and applied an average of ten pounds of compressive longitudinal force per repetition, the processor140may configure the exercise device100to encourage the user to perform more than ten repetitions of that same exercise at a compressive longitudinal force averaging more than ten pounds per repetition. Alternatively, the processor140may present information about the previous workout to the user through the display150, if present, so that the user can decide, for example, whether to perform more or fewer repetitions, apply more or less longitudinal force, perform a different or additional exercise, or make any other decision about the workout.

In embodiments in which the exercise device100is in communication with an external device170, as illustrated inFIG. 34, the external device170may be capable of providing workout guidance and/or real-time feedback to the user. For example, the display152shown inFIG. 34may act as the real-time feedback indicator410shown inFIGS. 23A and 26, in which case the real-time feedback indicator410may, but need not, be omitted from the exercise device100. Similarly, the display152may act as the guidance indicator415shown inFIGS. 24A and 26, and the guidance indicator415may, but need not, be removed from the exercise device100. Likewise, if the exercise device100is in communication with an external device170, other existing hardware in the external device170may be used as the real-time feedback indicator410and/or the guidance indicator415. For example, the external device170may provide workout guidance and/or real-time feedback using a speaker. As another example, many candidate external devices170(e.g., mobile devices, wearable devices, etc.) include mechanisms that cause the external device170to vibrate when a specified condition has been met (e.g., the user has taken a specified number of steps or burned a specified number of calories, etc.). These mechanisms can be used to provide real-time feedback and/or guidance to the user. For example, if the external device170is a wearable device capable of vibrating, a first vibration pattern may be used to indicate that the user is applying too little force to the exercise device100, and a second vibration pattern, different from the first, may be used to indicate that the user is exceeding the force target.

Alternatively, both the exercise device100and the external device170can include separate real-time feedback indicators410and/or guidance indicators415. Such a configuration may be useful when a third party (e.g., personal trainer, coach, doctor, physical therapist, etc.) wishes to view the target workout indications offered by the guidance indicator415and/or the real-time feedback provided by the real-time feedback indicator410but is not in a position to see those indicators on the exercise device100because, for example, the user is holding the exercise device100such that the guidance indicator415and real-time feedback indicator410are not facing the third party, or they are moving, along with the exercise device100, as the user performs an exercise, and they may be difficult for a third party to see clearly. The exercise device100may send information to the external device170over the communication link180, and the external device170may then present that information through its own guidance indicator415and/or real-time feedback indicator410. As explained previously, the display152of the external device170may function as either or both of the real-time feedback indicator410and guidance indicator415, thus obviating any need for separate hardware for the real-time feedback indicator410and guidance indicator415.

In the foregoing description and in the accompanying drawings, specific terminology has been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. In some instances, the terminology or drawings may imply specific details that are not required to practice the invention. To avoid obscuring the present disclosure unnecessarily, certain components (e.g., processors, memory, displays) are shown in block diagram form and/or are not discussed in extensive detail.

Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation, including meanings implied from the specification and drawings and meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. As set forth explicitly herein, some terms may not comport with their ordinary or customary meanings.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” do not exclude plural referents unless otherwise specified. The word “or” is to be interpreted as inclusive unless otherwise specified. Thus, the phrase “A or B” is to be interpreted as meaning all of the following: “both A and B,” “A but not B,” and “B but not A.” Any use of “and/or” herein does not mean that the word “or” alone connotes exclusivity.

Whether followed by a conjunctive list having the form “A, B, and C,” or a disjunctive list having the form “A, B, or C,” the phrases “one or more of” and “at least one of” as used herein encompass all of the following combinations: (1) A only, (2) B only, (3) C only, (4) both A and B, (5) both A and C, (6) both B and C, (7) all of A, B, and C. Likewise, the phrase “one or both of A and B” means “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “both A and B.”

The term “coupled” is used herein to express a direct connection as well as a connection through one or more intervening parts or structures (e.g., hardware, wiring, etc.). Parts that are communicatively coupled are capable of communicating with each other either directly or through an intervening part or structure (e.g., wiring, a network, etc.). To the extent that the terms “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “with,” and variants thereof are used herein, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising,” i.e., meaning “including but not limited to.” The terms “exemplary” and “embodiment” are used to express examples, not preferences or requirements.

The terms “over,” “under,” “between,” and “on” are used herein refer to a relative position of one feature with respect to other features. For example, one feature disposed “over” or “under” another feature may be directly in contact with the other feature or may have intervening parts. Moreover, one feature disposed “between” two features may be directly in contact with or connected to the two features or may have one or more intervening features or parts. In contrast, a first feature “on” a second feature is in contact with that second feature.

The abbreviation “e.g.” is used herein to mean “for example.” Examples provided are explicitly not intended to be limiting. The abbreviation “i.e.” is used herein to mean “that is.”

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and the dimensions, shapes, and sizes of the features may differ substantially from how they are depicted in the drawings.

Although the invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, various variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure. Unless explicitly stated herein, features and functions of different embodiments disclosed and discussed herein may be combined. Multiple exemplary configurations have been illustrated and discussed, but they are by no means a complete set of embodiments enabled by the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The invention is not to be limited by the disclosed embodiments, as changes and modifications can be made that are within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.