Patent Publication Number: US-2022233905-A1

Title: Combined training and monitoring device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/325,418, filed Feb. 14, 2019, which is a national phase application of International Application No. PCT/IL2017/050891, filed Aug. 10, 2017, and which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/374,916, filed Aug. 15, 2016. The disclosures of the priority applications are fully incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of physical exercise devices. More particularly, the invention relates to a physical exercise device that is capable to monitor training activity. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Several body resistance physical exercise devices are currently available on the market. In some cases these devices are based on the use of an elastomeric band, one or both sides of which is configured to be attached to the arms, hands or legs of an exerciser in order to exercise using the elastomeric band. Typically such an exercise comprises stressing and releasing the elastomeric band in repetitive motions, thereby straining and releasing muscles that are used to perform the band stressing. 
     In order to most efficiently workout using a body resistance elastomeric band, it should be adjusted to suit the dimensions of the exerciser and the exerciser&#39;s desired resistance. Several known devices provide an adjustment apparatus for adjusting the length of the exercise strap. These apparatus are usually not straight forward and require time, expertise and strength in order to adjust the resistance of the strap. 
     Furthermore, many body resistance devices comprise a handle that is required to be held firmly by an exerciser during arm muscles exercise. Although muscles that are used for obtaining a strong grip sometimes need to be strengthened, this is not always a goal of an exerciser, and therefore requiring one to put in effort merely to hold on to the handle is a waste of the exerciser&#39;s strength that could otherwise be put into exercising the desired muscles. 
     In addition, several monitoring and tracking devices exist in the field of physical training, which provide information regarding an exercise, e.g. number of iterations, amount of burnt calories, etc. Other types of monitoring devices measure an exerciser&#39;s body signs (e.g. heart and respiratory rates, body temperature etc.) and provide data based thereon. Many of these monitoring devices aren&#39;t integrated into one single exercising device, and therefore an exerciser is obligated to purchase and use a plurality of devices in order to monitor an exercise in all aspects. This is obviously both expensive and inconvenient. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a physical exercise resistance device that comprises electronics and an elastomeric band, and which is capable of measuring exercise parameters that may include heart rate, calories burned, iterations and strength exerted on the elastomeric band, and wherein the resistance of the band is capable of being easily adjusted. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a physical exercise device that is not required to be held in the hand of an exerciser during arm muscles exercises. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a physical exercise device with integrated monitoring and tracking capabilities. 
     Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a body resistance physical exercise device with monitoring and fitness tracking capabilities, comprising:
         a) an electrical monitoring element configured to measure information relative to exercise parameters during repetitive motions performed with said device; and   b) b. an elastomeric band adapted to enable the repetitive motions, wherein the resistance of the elastomeric band is capable of being adjusted.       

     According to an embodiment of the invention, the electrical monitoring element comprises one or more sensors suitable to measure user/exerciser parameters such as heart rate, respiration rate, calories burnt, etc. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the electrical monitoring element comprises one or more sensors suitable to measure exercise parameters such as iterations, strength exerted on the elastomeric band and the like. The one or more sensors can be accelerometer, gyroscope, thermometer, etc. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, electrical monitoring element comprises a transmitting element for wirelessly transmitting the measured information to a remote device (e.g., via Bluetooth or other suitable wireless communication methods); 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the body resistance physical exercise device comprises:
         a) an anchoring arrangement adapted for attaching a first end of the elastomeric band to an anchor;   b) a handle section for attaching a second end of said elastomeric band to a user, the handle section comprising the electrical monitoring element and a band reverting element; and   c) an adjusting apparatus for adjusting the resistance and length between said anchoring arrangement and said handle section;
           wherein the length of said elastomeric band runs from its first end that is fixedly attached to the anchoring arrangement, through said adjusting apparatus, along said band reverting element and back to said adjusting apparatus to which the second end thereof is fixedly attached, thereby providing an exercise device with monitoring and fitness tracking capabilities.   
               

     According to an embodiment of the invention, the anchoring arrangement comprises an anchoring portion to which the first end of the elastomeric band is connected; and a connection portion for connecting the anchoring arrangement to an object. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the handle section further comprises a bracelet belt for connecting the handle section to a body part, and a mediating element connecting the band reverting element to the bracelet belt. 
     According to still another embodiment of the invention, the electrical monitoring element comprises a rechargeable power source; a processing unit; and a user interface unit for receiving local input and displaying information regarding measured information and other information. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the adjusting apparatus comprises:
         A. an opening in the wall of a first side of the adjusting apparatus;   B. two openings in the wall of a second side of the adjusting apparatus, the second side opposite to the first side, a first one of the two openings parallel to the opening in the wall of the first side of the adjusting apparatus;   C. a locking apparatus comprising a moveable member, a stationary member, a spring and an actuator;
           wherein a portion of the elastomeric band passes through the opening in the wall of the first side, between the moveable and stationary members, and through the first one of the two openings, such that when the actuator is released the moveable member is forced towards the stationary member by the spring thereby locking the elastomeric band in place, and such that when the actuator is pressed upon the moveable member is forced away from the stationary member and the elastomeric band is unlocked; and wherein the second end of the elastomeric band passes through the second opening in the wall of the second side, and is fixedly attached thereto.   
               

    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a body resistance physical exercise device according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a body resistance physical exercise device according to another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  shows an enlarged perspective view of an anchoring arrangement of the device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2B  shows an enlarged perspective view of an anchoring arrangement of the device of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 3A  shows an enlarged perspective view of a handle section of the device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 3B  shows an enlarged perspective view of a handle section of the device of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 4A  shows an enlarged perspective view of an adjusting apparatus of the device of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 4B  schematically illustrates the adjusting apparatus of  FIG. 4A , in a first position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4C  schematically illustrates the adjusting apparatus of  FIG. 4A , in a second position according to another embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4D  shows an enlarged perspective view of an adjusting apparatus of the device of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIGS. 5 (A-C) schematically illustrate screenshots of a software application, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made to an embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed, mutatis mutandis, without departing from the principles of the claimed invention. 
       FIG. 1A  schematically illustrates a body resistance physical exercise device  101   a  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device of the present invention comprises an elongated elastomeric band  102   a  the first end of which  103   a  is fixedly attached to an anchoring arrangement  104   a  for attaching the first end  103   a  to an anchor. The elastomeric band length passes through an adjusting apparatus  105   a , along a band reverting element  106   a , and finally ends up with its second end (not shown in  FIG. 1A ) fixedly attached to adjusting apparatus  105   a .  FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a body resistance physical exercise device  101   b  according to another embodiment of the present invention. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, bands  102   a  and  102   b  comprise an elastomeric material suitable to be stretchable and present resistance when stretched, with a length of about 135 cm long, and a circular cross-section with a diameter of between 1 and 2 cm. 
       FIG. 2A  schematically illustrates an enlarged view of anchoring arrangement  104   a  and the first end  103   a  of the elastomeric band  102   a  attached thereto, according to an embodiment of the invention. Anchoring arrangement  104   a  comprises an anchoring portion  201   a  and a connection portion  202   a . Band  102   a  passes through opening  203   a  in anchoring portion  201   a , and is terminated at a restricting element  204   a  that is not capable of passing through openings  203   a . Restricting element  204   a  can either part of band  102   a  (such as a knot) or otherwise an element external to the elastomeric band to which first end  103   a  is fixedly attached. The connection portion  202   a  comprises an adjustable belt configured to 
     accommodate an anchor (not shown in  FIG. 2A ) such that strength exerted upon band  102   a  will be definitely counter-forced. For example, connection portion  202   a  can be connected to an exerciser&#39;s ankle, wrist or other body part, or otherwise to an external anchor such as a pole, tree, bar, door or an external connecting apparatus. 
       FIG. 2B  schematically illustrates an enlarged view of anchoring arrangement  104   b  and the first end  103   b  of the elastomeric band attached thereto, according to another embodiment of the invention. First end  103   b  is fixedly attached to clipping element  204   b  that is configured to be reversibly clipped to anchoring portion  201   b.    
       FIG. 3A  schematically illustrates an enlarged view of a handle section  300   a  of device  101   a , according to an embodiment of the invention. Mediating element  302   a  is attached to each side of a bracelet belt  301   a  and to band reverting element  106   a , such that band reverting element  106   a  is connected to belt  301   a . Band reverting element  106   a  comprises a pulley around which band  102   a  passes, such that band  102   a  is connected via band reverting element  106   a  and mediating element  302   a  to bracelet belt  301   a  and ultimately to the handle section  300   a  of device  101   a.    
     Acknowledging that bracelet belt  301  and mediating element  302  are the elements with which an exerciser comes in contact most during an exercise and upon which the exerciser exerts most strength, according to an embodiment of the invention a cuff  304  is provided in the space opened between mediating element  302  and bracelet belt  301 , such that element  302  doesn&#39;t encounter the body part of an exerciser using the handle section  300 . Cuff  304  is provided with a rigid core surface (not shown in the FIGS.) that is padded and covered by an anti-sweat fabric layer  305  for durable and comfortable use of the exercise device  101 . 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, cuff  304  is partially closed circular shaped, whereas its partially opened space  304   a  allows contact between a body part of the exerciser (e.g. the exerciser&#39;s wrist) and the bracelet belt  301 . In some embodiments, electronic monitoring element  306  is connected to belt  301  in a position corresponding to the partially opened space  304   a , thereby allowing contact with an exerciser&#39;s body part (e.g. wrist). 
     Monitoring element  306  comprises one or more sensors (e.g. accelerometer, gyroscope, thermometer, etc.) suitable to measure exercise parameter (e.g. iterations, strength exerted on band  102 , etc.) and exerciser parameters (such as heart and respiration rates, calories burnt, etc.). Monitoring element  306  further comprises a transmitting element suitable to wirelessly transmit measured information to a remote device (e.g. via Bluetooth communication) where the information can be processed for further reference, such as providing exercise recommendations to an exerciser based on a previous exercise. Monitoring element  306  further comprises a power source (e.g. a rechargeable battery) that can be recharged (e.g. via a micro-USB cable) or replaced (e.g. button cell batteries). 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, monitoring element  306  further comprises a processing and user interface unit, configured to receive local input by physical contact (e.g. pressing a button or icon) or by voice recognition (e.g. being/end measuring exercise) and to locally display information regarding an exercise (e.g. heart rate and/or number of iterations) or other information (e.g. the time of the day). 
       FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates an enlarged view of a handle section  300   b  of device  101   b , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4A  is an enlarged perspective view of adjusting apparatus  105   a  of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 4B  schematically illustrates an enlarged cutaway view of adjusting apparatus  105   a  in a first position, according to an embodiment of the invention. A portion of band  102   a  passes through an opening  401  in the wall of a first side of adjusting apparatus  105   a , through a locking apparatus  402  and through an opening  403  in a second side of adjusting apparatus  105   a  opposite to the first side. Another portion of band  102   a  passes through another opening  404  in the second side of adjusting apparatus  105   a . The second end of band  102   a  is terminated at a restricting element  405  that is not capable of passing through opening  403 . Restricting element  405  can either part of band  102   a  (such as a knot) or otherwise an element external to the elastomeric band to which the second side of band  102   a  is fixedly attached. 
     Locking apparatus  402  comprises a moveable member  406 , a stationary member  407 , a spring  408  and an actuator  409 . Band  102   a  passes between the moveable and stationary members. When actuator  408  is pressed upon, spring  407  obtains a compressed position (as shown in  FIG. 4B ), moveable member  405  is forced away from stationary member  406  and band  102  is unlocked and released. This configuration is suitable for shifting the adjusting apparatus to another position along band  102   a  for adjusting the resistance and length of device  101   a.    
       FIG. 4C  schematically illustrates an enlarged cutaway view of adjusting apparatus  105   a  in a second position, according to another embodiment of the invention. When actuator  409  is released, spring  408  obtains a resting position (as shown in  FIG. 4C ), moveable member  406  is forced by spring  408  towards stationary member  407 , and band  102   a  is pressed between members  406  and  407  and is therefore locked therebetween. This configuration is suitable for locking adjusting apparatus  105   a  in place (relative to band  102   a ) whenever there isn&#39;t need for adjusting the resistance in the band, for instance in order to keep a constant resistance level and length. 
       FIG. 4D  is an enlarged perspective view of adjusting apparatus  105   b  of  FIG. 1B  according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the transmitting elements of the electronic monitoring element ( 306  in  FIG. 3 ) are associated with a software application (app) for mobile devices, the app capable of utilizing processing capabilities and other features of mobile devices in order to enhance the information an exerciser may receive regarding an exercise. For instance, the app can be synchronized and interface with other software applications (such as a calendar, medical data or diet management) so as to automatically input exercise information for following an exerciser&#39;s physical status and for providing the exerciser workout recommendations based on data from the other applications.  FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C  each schematically illustrate a screenshot displayed on the screen of a mobile device running the app, according to an embodiment of the invention. The screenshot of  FIG. 5A  shows a login screen to which a user (e.g. an exerciser) is required to input a Name and Password in order to login to the app services. The screenshot of  FIG. 5B  shows a training history display. The screenshot of  FIG. 5C  shows instructional videos that a user can watch in order to enhance an exercise and learn efficient methods to use the device  101 . 
     Since some exercisers may wish to use an external anchor (e.g. a tree or a door) to which anchoring arrangement  104  cannot be attached, anchoring arrangement  104  can be attached to an anchoring connector that is capable of being connected to external anchors, such as a connector fixed to an elongated strap suitable to surround objects or fixed to a door anchor apparatus suitable to be anchored between a door and its jamb. 
     Although embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be understood that the invention may be carried out with many variations, modifications, and adaptations, without exceeding the scope of the claims.