Abstract:
The invention relates to the field of fitness equipment; particularly, to fitness equipment that, when operated by a user, generates an amount of electricity for storage and/or immediate use, either by the fitness equipment or by other devices that utilize electricity.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/150,221, filed Feb. 5, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to the field of fitness equipment; particularly, to fitness equipment that, when operated by a user, generates an amount of electricity for storage and/or immediate use, either by the fitness equipment or by other devices that utilize electricity. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0004]    In these environmentally conscious times, people are demanding that cars, factories and businesses be friendly to the environment. Increased emphasis on conserving energy, reclaiming unused sources of energy, and identifying new and environmentally friendly forms of energy are top priorities for nearly all businesses and society in general. 
         [0005]    Recent advancements in this technology include the advent of regenerative brake systems, which are mechanisms that reduce vehicle speed by converting some of a vehicle&#39;s kinetic energy into another useful form of energy. The captured energy is then stored for future use or fed back into a power system for use by the vehicle. Various automobile manufacturers are developing kinetic energy recovery systems, commonly referred to as KERS. The concept of transferring a vehicle&#39;s kinetic energy using flywheel energy storage was postulated by physicist Richard Feynman in the middle of the twentieth century, and is exemplified in complex, high-end systems such as the Zytek, Flybird, Torotrak, and Xtrac used in the pinnacle of motorsports, Formula 1. Simpler and easily-manufactured derivatives, such as the Cambridge Passenger/Commercial Vehicle Kinetic Energy Recovery System (CPC-KERS), are direct byproducts of this shift in the industry, and underscore the desire in the market for energy conservation and reclamation. 
         [0006]    Fitness equipment takes a variety of forms. Some equipment is used primarily for cardiovascular exercise and fitness, including, but not limited to, stationary bicycles, treadmills, steppers and elliptical machines. Other equipment is used for strength training, including, but not limited to, a wide array of weight machines configured for a user to exercise and strengthen different muscles, muscle groups and combinations thereof, through the repetitive lifting of weights. A common feature of all such equipment is that a user is meant to expend at least a portion of the energy required to effectuate a movement of the operative elements in the equipment, such as the weights in a weight machine or the pedals on a stationary bicycle. Expending this energy creates a physiological benefit of one form or another for the user, but is not otherwise harnessed or reclaimed in a manner that enables that energy to be used for other purposes. 
         [0007]    It would be advantageous to provide for systems and methods that enable one to harness or reclaim energy that is expended by a user in operating an item of fitness equipment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures, where like numerals represent similar items. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  depicts a group of users using a group of stationary bicycles in a fitness classroom environment, the bicycles each configured to capture energy expended by the users, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In various embodiments, the users depicted in such fashion may be engaged in a competition with one another and/or with users of similar equipment in remote locations. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle including an electrical apparatus that is at least partially powered by the user through expenditure of energy in operating the bicycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle including a monitor displaying the amount of energy being generated by the user through operation of the bicycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  depicts a user with a stationary bicycle, the bicycle including a monitor displaying an amount of gaseous contents removed from the local atmosphere (in this case, CO 2 ) by the user through operation of the bicycle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle in electronic communication with at least one communications network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users, the bicycles in electronic communication with at least one communications network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users, the bicycles in electronic communication with at least one communications network and a game console, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users, the bicycles in electronic communication with at least one communications network, a game console and a video camera, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users, the bicycles in electronic communication with a communications network, a video camera and at least one electrical apparatus powered, at least in part, by the stationary bicycles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in electronic communication with various electrical apparatuses (i.e., a fan and a device worn around one&#39;s torso to stimulate tissue for weight loss purposes) powered, at least in part, by the stationary bicycles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in electronic communication with a monitor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in electronic communication with a monitor that displays an amount of gaseous contents removed from the local atmosphere (in this case, CO 2 ) by each of the users through operation of their respective bicycles, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in electronic communication with a monitor and at least one communications network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 14  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in electronic communication with a monitor that displays data about the users&#39; operation of the respective bicycles and at least one communications network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 15  depicts two users, each with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the users with both an integrated battery and a separate battery, the bicycles in electronic communication with a monitor that displays data about the users&#39; operation of the respective bicycles and in wireless communication with at least one communications network and a video camera, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 16  depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle in wireless electronic communication with a communications network, a video camera and at least one electrical apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 17  depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle in electronic communication with each of several communications networks, each configured to communicate and/or manage certain types of data, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  depicts a user with a stationary bicycle configured to capture energy expended by the user, the bicycle including an integrated game console, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0028]    One skilled in the art will recognize many methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein, which could be used in the practice of the present invention. Indeed, the present invention is in no way limited to the methods and materials described. 
         [0029]    Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. 
         [0030]    “Generator” as used herein is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, for instance, but not limited to, using electromagnetic induction. 
         [0031]    “Rectifier” as used herein is a device that converts alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), a process known as rectification. 
         [0032]    The present invention relates to capturing kinetic energy that is generated through the operation of fitness equipment, and transforming and/or storing that captured energy for ultimate use in a device configured to be powered by electricity. In one embodiment, the device powered by the electricity is the fitness equipment itself or peripheral devices integrated with it. In alternate embodiments, the device(s) powered by the electricity can be any device(s) to which the captured energy can be transmitted or otherwise brought (e.g., through use of a battery that is charged by operation of the fitness equipment, and then later used in connection with a device powered by electricity, irrespective of whether the device ever has direct electrical contact with the fitness equipment). 
         [0033]    As illustrated in the drawings, such as in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the invention includes a stationary exercise bicycle  12 , in which the pedals are in mechanical communication with a generator  20  that harnesses the kinetic energy produced by a user of the bicycle when the user actuates the pedals of the bicycle  12 . This energy may then be transmitted to a rectifier  22  that converts the energy into a form suitable for storage in a battery  26 . Energy stored in the battery  26  can then be used to supply electricity to any number of devices. In an embodiment, the battery  26  is integrated into the bicycle  12 , while in alternate embodiments it is removable such that it can be transported and used elsewhere for any application that may be desirable, and while in still further alternate embodiments it is only in communication with the bicycle  12  through wiring and thus not integrated into the bicycle  12 . 
         [0034]    As will be readily appreciated by those of skill in the art, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the aforementioned exercise bicycle can be replaced with any number of items of fitness equipment that can be similarly used or adapted to function in accordance with the concepts of energy capture, conversion and/or storage of the present invention. For instance, various types of cardiovascular exercise and fitness equipment, such as treadmills, steppers and elliptical machines, may be used, as can strength training equipment, such as weight machines configured for a user to perform repetitive lifting or other movement of weights. References throughout to exercise bicycle  12  and the various components, systems and methods implemented with it, should thus be construed to more broadly capture any other forms of exercise or fitness equipment with which the present invention may find application. 
         [0035]    In an embodiment of the invention, the stationary bicycle  12  is in electronic communication with an apparatus  24  that is powered at least in part by energy harnessed as described above from the user of the bicycle  12 . As illustratively depicted in  FIG. 2 , and by way of non-limiting example, the apparatus  24  may be a radio or MP3 player. 
         [0036]    In an embodiment of the invention, the stationary bicycle  12  is in electronic communication with a monitor  28  that may be powered at least in part by energy harnessed as described above from the user of the bicycle  12 . By way of non-limiting examples, the monitor  28  may display information  30  about the amount of energy generated by the user and/or captured by the battery  26  through the user&#39;s operation of the bicycle  12  ( FIG. 3 ), information  32  about an amount of local atmospheric gases, such as CO 2 , removed from the local environment through the user&#39;s respiratory system while operating the bicycle  12  ( FIG. 4 ), or information  42  about the distance that would have been traveled by a user in operating the bicycle  12  had the bicycle  12  not been a stationary device ( FIG. 14 ). 
         [0037]    As illustratively depicted in  FIG. 5 , in an embodiment of the invention, the stationary bicycle  12  is in electronic communication  36  with at least one communications network  34 , thereby enabling the sharing of data and information. As one of skill in the art will readily appreciate, a wide range of data and information can be transmitted through such an arrangement to accomplish a variety of tasks. By way of non-limiting example, this may include an ability to store information about a particular user of the bicycle  12  or to access an account the user has with the facility in which the bicycle  12  is located; a capacity to monitor and disseminate information about the amount of energy harnessed and/or expended through the battery  26 ; or a mechanism to notify a remote system or person of the failure of a component of the bicycle  12 . It may be used internally, within a gymnasium or other facility in which the bicycle  12  is located, or may enable external communications through the Internet or the like. Numerous other applications can be effectuated by exercise of routine practices and use of readily available technologies. 
         [0038]    As illustratively depicted in  FIG. 6 , in an embodiment of the invention, multiple stationary bicycles  12  can be in electronic communication  36  with one another and/or with at least one communications network  34 , thereby enabling the sharing of data and information. As illustratively depicted in  FIG. 7 , in an embodiment of the invention, a system of multiple bicycles  12  may also be in electronic communication with a game console  38 , enabling the use of any of a variety of games with the bicycles  12 ; for instance, but in no way limited to, games that provide for competition among users of the bicycles  12 . Moreover, through the at least one communications network  34 , games can be played with players in remote locations, such as via the Internet. Alternatively, a game console  38  can be integrated into the bicycle  12  ( FIG. 18 ). As illustratively depicted in  FIG. 8 , in an embodiment of the invention, a video camera may be included in the system to capture still and/or moving images of the users of the bicycles  12 , either for use in connection with a game or for any other desirable purpose. As illustratively depicted in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , in an embodiment of the invention, any number of different apparatuses  24  powered at least in part by energy harnessed as described above from users of the bicycles  12  may also be used in the system. Additional variations on the particular elements utilized in accordance with alternate embodiments of the invention are illustratively depicted in  FIGS. 11-16 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 17  illustratively depicts alternate applications of the communications networks  34  described above, such as to store or communicate data relevant to the user of the bicycle, to arrange group exercise activities with other bicycle users, or to arrange for competitions among bicycle users whether using the same bicycle at different times or competing with a group of bicycles. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  illustratively depicts an embodiment of the invention, in which a group of bicycles  12  are situated in a classroom setting  10 , where they can be used together or individually for any number of purposes. For instance, individual users may use the bicycles  12  without any relationship to other users or users may compete or otherwise interact with other users, either in the depicted classroom setting  10  or with users in remote locations through the networking or game applications described above. The classroom setting may include a variety of features to improve the experience of the users or to facilitate the competitive games and other applications described herein. For instance, the classroom setting  10  may include a wall or other display  18  with information about users utilizing similar bicycles  12  in other locations; it may include a wall or other display  14  with information about the energy being generated and/or stored by each group of users in the depicted classroom  10  as well as remote classrooms or classes held at other times in the depicted classroom  10 ; and it may include individual information depicted to facilitate competition about the energy being generated and/or stored by each individual user in the classroom setting  10 . Those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that any number of different items may be depicted in a similar manner to enhance the experience of using the inventive bicycles  12 , whether for competitive purposes, for purposes of improving one&#39;s sense of facilitating energy reclamation, for entertainment purposes, or the like. 
         [0041]    Various embodiments of the invention are described above in the Detailed Description. While these descriptions directly describe the above embodiments, it is understood that those skilled in the art may conceive modifications and/or variations to the specific embodiments shown and described herein. Any such modifications or variations that fall within the purview of this description are intended to be included therein as well. Unless specifically noted, it is the intention of the inventor that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meanings to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). 
         [0042]    The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention known to the applicant at this time of filing the application has been presented and is intended for the purposes of illustration and description. The present description is not intended to be exhaustive nor limit the invention to the precise form disclosed and many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teachings. The embodiments described serve to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out the invention. 
         [0043]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from this invention and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is solely defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). 
         [0044]    Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.