Patent Description:
Studies have shown that maximum loads are important in the development of skeletal muscle and increase of bone mineral density. " <NPL>), explained the difference between the two different types of muscular growth: "sarcoplasmic hypertrophy of muscle fibers is characterized by the growth of sarcoplasm (semifluid interfibrillar substance) and non-contractile proteins that do not directly contribute to the production of muscle force. " Stated differently, sarcoplasmic hypertrophy happens when an individual engages in physical movement with load applied.

Conventional exercise or fitness apparatuses, however, provide only fixed or moderated resistance to users. This resistive force is typically derived from the force of gravity acting on one or more masses, or in some cases a hydraulic cylinder where viscous forces restrict the travel of a movable element within the cylinder. In such devices the amount of load applied over the range of motion of the applicable muscle groups worked by the exercise is set prior to the initiation of the exercise. Moreover, because resistance magnitude is determined prior to the performance of the exercise, the only feedback provided to the users by that endeavor is only binary. They are either able to complete the exercise, or find that it is too difficult to perform. In the case of success with the exercise, the user learns that their weakest point in the range of muscle group motion associated with the exercise provides the requisite force needed to satisfy the selected difficulty setting. In the case of failure with the exercise, the user learns that their weakest point in the range of muscle group motion associated with the exercise fails to provide the requisite force needed to the achieve the selected difficulty setting.

Neither of these outcomes reveals the actual maximum amount of force the user may exert for that exercise in their weakest point in the range of muscle group motion associated with the exercise, or, for that matter, the amount of force they could exert at any other point in the range of motion associated with the exercise. Because muscles fatigue in response to high loads, it is not feasible to ascertain one's maximum capacity in one's weakest range of motion by starting with a small load and repeating the exercise at ever increasing loads. After several trials, the fatigued muscle is unable to approach its previous maximum load.

Furthermore, conventional exercise or fitness apparatuses do not provide users with actual loading information, in particular, the maximum force exertion at any point in the range of user motion associated with a particular exercise.

Thus, what are needed in the art are devices that can permit exercisers to exert high load (e.g., force) or highest possible load in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of user motion associated with an exercise apparatus without first passing through a weak point in the range of motion, and can provide exercisers with actual loading information on such exercises.

<CIT> discloses a strength training system and method that utilize a computer-controlled motor drive and real-time graphical force feedback display to guide users through advanced training protocols.

The present disclosure addresses the preceding and other shortcomings of the prior art by providing a device that can be installed in an exercise apparatus to fix the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at any one of a plurality of functional positions in the functional range of the loading interface, thereby allowing the exerciser to exert high or highest possible load in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of motion associated with an exercise.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a device of an exercise apparatus, wherein the exercise apparatus includes a loading interface (<NUM>) and a frame (<NUM>) coupled to the loading interface (<NUM>) for performing an exercise, the device characterized by:.

In an embodiment, the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) is configured so that a length of the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) is incrementally adjustable by a linear increment amount through a plurality of linear increment positions, wherein each linear increment position of the plurality of linear increment positions uniquely corresponds to a functional position in the plurality of functional positions of the loading interface (<NUM>). In another embodiment, a selection of a linear increment position is facilitated via a computer controlled system, embedded within the device, which automates physical adjustment between linear increment positions in the plurality of linear increment positions thereby selecting a functional position in the plurality of functional positions of the linear adjustment system (<NUM>), indicates the functional position currently selected, and permits repeatability of positioning to a predetermined linear increment position in the plurality of linear increment positions. In another embodiment, the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) comprises: a fixed portion, an extendable portion axially aligned with the fixed portion, wherein the extendable portion is moveable with respect to the fixed portion in a linear direction, and a locking mechanism to lock the extendable portion at a selected position with respect to the fixed portion. In an embodiment, the sensor (<NUM>) stores a predetermined master table for the exercise apparatus, and for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each weight in a plurality of weights, the predetermined master table includes a set of forces measured by the sensor (<NUM>) and corresponding forces exerted on the loading interface (<NUM>). In an embodiment, the sensor (<NUM>) further comprises a processor that uses the predetermined master table to determine the force exerted on the loading interface (<NUM>) based on the force exerted on the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) by an exerciser and the functional position of the loading interface (<NUM>). In an embodiment, the sensor (<NUM>) is electrically or wirelessly connected to a monitor device, and the sensor (<NUM>) outputs to the monitor device the measured force on the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) or a force exerted on the loading interface (<NUM>)of the exercise apparatus that is calculated from the measured force on the linear adjustment system (<NUM>). In another embodiment, the monitor device comprises or works in conjunction with an electrical control system that automates the determination of the functional position, in the plurality of functional positions, that the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) fixes the loading interface (<NUM>). In another embodiment, the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) comprises a linear actuator and the monitor device comprises or works in conjunction with a peripheral electronic device comprising a power switching circuit or a servo motor controller which controls an extension and retraction of the actuator thereby causing the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) to move the loading interface (<NUM>) to a functional position, in the plurality of functional positions, that the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) fixes the loading interface (<NUM>). In an embodiment, the monitor device determines an osteogenic loading based on the measured force on the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) or the force exerted on the loading interface (<NUM>) that is calculated from the measured force on the linear adjustment system (<NUM>). In another embodiment, the monitor device provides a numerical or graphical comparison of a user's current force output in a current session with the device to any of (i) the magnitude of a force generated by the same user in a session with the device immediately prior to a current session with the device by the user, (ii) in a prior session with the device for which a highest force was achieved by the user, and (iii) the first ever session the user had with the device. In an embodiment, the correlation mechanism comprises a predetermined master table for the exercise apparatus, wherein for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each weight in a plurality of weights, the predetermined master table includes a set of forces measured by the sensor (<NUM>) and corresponding forces exerted on the loading interface (<NUM>).

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a computing system for processing input data from an exercise apparatus that includes a loading interface (<NUM>) and a frame (<NUM>) coupled to the loading interface (<NUM>) for performing an exercise, the computing system comprising one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs for execution by the one or more processors, the one or more programs singularly or collectively executing a method characterized by:.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium for processing input data from an exercise apparatus that includes a loading interface (<NUM>) and a frame (<NUM>) coupled to the loading interface (<NUM>) for performing an exercise, which when executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to execute a method characterized by:.

The preceding and other features of the present disclosure will become further apparent from the detailed description that follows. Such description is accompanied by a set of drawing figures. Numerals of the drawing figures correspond to numerals of the written description with like numerals referring to like features throughout both the written description and the drawing figures.

The present disclosure provides devices for exercise apparatuses. The devices can be built into exercise apparatuses when manufacturing the exercise apparatuses or retro-fitted into existing exercise apparatuses. The devices of the present disclosure allow exercisers to experience high intensity loading of muscles in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of motion associated with an exercise without first passing through a weak position, or weak positions, in the range of motion. Thus, the devices enable exertion of the large amounts of force that are deemed beneficial without the conventional constraint of the weakest positions in the range of motion associated with an exercise on an exercise apparatus. In some embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure also provide load/force measurement data and/or information for display or collection during or after the exercise. The data can be used to guide and encourage exercisers during their exercises, or to design better programs to improve their strength, health and fitness. As used herein, "exerciser", "user", "subject" and "object" are interchangeable.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are explained in the paragraphs that follow. Referring to <FIG>, there depicts a device <NUM> of the present disclosure installed (e.g., built-in or retro-fitted) in an exercise apparatus. By way of illustration, the exercise apparatus in <FIG> is a leg press machine <NUM>. The leg press machine <NUM> includes a loading interface <NUM> (e.g., a press plate) and a frame <NUM> that is coupled to the loading interface <NUM>. During a leg press exercise, an exerciser <NUM> is usually positioned in the seat <NUM> and uses hand grips <NUM>. The exerciser <NUM> places his/her legs on the loading interface <NUM> and presses the loading interface <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown, the device <NUM> includes a linear adjustment system <NUM>. In some embodiments, the device <NUM> also includes a manual or mechanical mechanism, such as one or more of a dial, a handle, a knob, a grip and a button, for adjusting the length of the linear adjustment system. As an example, <FIG> illustrates a dial <NUM> with a handle <NUM> protruded from the dial <NUM> for manually adjusting the length of the linear adjustment system.

The linear adjustment system <NUM> allows the device <NUM> to adjust its length in a linear (e.g., longitudinal) direction and to be locked at different lengths as desired. Each such different length acts to fix the loading interface <NUM> of the exercise apparatus at a different functional position in a plurality of functional positions in the functional range of the loading interface <NUM>. For instance, in some embodiments there are ten or more different lengths at which the linear adjustment system <NUM> can be adjusted to and locked and a corresponding ten or different functional positions of the loading interface <NUM>. As such, once the device <NUM> is installed in a selected exercise apparatus such as the leg press machine <NUM>, the device <NUM> permits an exerciser <NUM> to exert high load or highest possible load on the loading interface <NUM> and go to failure using one hundred percent of muscle fiber in any one of a plurality of positions throughout the entire range of motion associated with an exercise associated with the exercise apparatus (e.g., leg press apparatus).

For example, referring to <FIG>, an exerciser <NUM> performs an exercise that exerts a muscle group through a range of motion. The range of motion includes a first subrange that is characterized by a first maximum force that can be exerted by the exerciser. The range of motion further includes a second subrange that is characterized by a second maximum force that can be exerted by the exerciser. The second maximum force is greater than the first maximum force. The device or the linear adjustment system of the device can fix the loading interface <NUM> at a functional position in the functional range of the loading interface <NUM>. For instance, the device or the linear adjustment system can fix the loading interface <NUM> so that it is in the second subrange, and the user does not have to pass through the first subrange to get to the second subrange. At such a position, the exerciser can exert a force on the loading interface <NUM> with the muscle group at a point in the range of motion that is in the second subrange without any requirement of passing through the first subrange.

Referring to <FIG>, when a load or force is exerted on the loading interface <NUM>, the loading interface <NUM> in turn exerts accordingly a load or force on the linear adjustment system <NUM>. To measure the force exerted on the linear adjustment system <NUM>, the device <NUM> includes a sensor <NUM>, which is fixedly coupled to the linear adjustment system <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> outputs a signal (e.g., analog or digital signal) in accordance with the force exerted on the linear adjustment system.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the linear adjustment system <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The first end <NUM> is configured to be fixedly connected to one of the loading interface <NUM> and the frame <NUM> of the exercise apparatus. The sensor <NUM> has a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM>. The first side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the second end <NUM> of the linear adjustment system <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. The second side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> is configured to be fixedly connected to the other of the loading interface <NUM> and the frame <NUM> of the exercise apparatus. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>, the first end <NUM> of the linear adjustment system <NUM> is fixedly connected to the loading interface <NUM> of the exercise apparatus while the second side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> is fixedly connected to the frame <NUM> of the exercise apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the placement of the device <NUM> with respect to the leg press machine <NUM> or any other exercise apparatus in this disclosure is exemplary and non-exclusive. Since the length of the device <NUM> can be adjusted and locked as desired, the device <NUM> can be installed in the exercise apparatus in different locations and connected to different components of the exercise apparatus as long as the device <NUM> can fix the loading interface <NUM> at different functional positions and the load exerted on the loading interface <NUM> can be measured (directly or indirectly). For example, the first end of the linear adjustment system can be fixedly connected to the frame instead of the loading interface <NUM> or connected to different bars or plates or other structural components of the exercise apparatus.

It will also be appreciated that the first end <NUM> of the linear adjustment system and the second side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> can be directly or indirectly connected to the loading interface <NUM> or the frame of the exercise apparatus. For example, the first end of the linear adjustment system and the second side of the sensor <NUM> can be indirectly connected to the loading interface <NUM> or the frame of the exercise apparatus through other components such as connectors, plates, brackets, or bars. By way of illustration, <FIG> illustrate the first end <NUM> of the linear adjustment system <NUM> indirectly connected to the loading interface <NUM> of the exercise apparatus through one or more plates <NUM> and a bar <NUM>.

It will further be appreciated that the exercise apparatuses in this disclosure are exemplary and non-exclusive. Since the linear adjustment system <NUM> allows the device <NUM> to adjust an overall dimension of the device in a linear (e.g. longitudinal) direction, the device <NUM> can be installed in a variety of different types of exercise apparatuses. As an example, <FIG> illustrates the device used with a different leg press machine and the exercise is a leg press exercise. In this embodiment the device <NUM> includes a linear actuator <NUM>, and a force sensor <NUM>, where the linear actuator <NUM> acts as the linear adjustment system <NUM> and permits the movement of the leg press machine seat assembly <NUM> as a means of adjusting the user's loading position with respect to the loading interface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the movement of the actuator <NUM> is governed by a user interface displayed on the touchscreen electronic device <NUM> (monitor device), which also provides graphical and/or numeric feedback on force exerted from the load cell sensor <NUM>.

As further clarification, the embodiment of the device depicted installed on a leg press machine in <FIG> is shown in isolation in <FIG>. The monitor device <NUM> which includes the user interface and data display is connected to an embedded electronics component <NUM>, which contains power switching circuitry to control the actuator. In some embodiments the embedded electronics <NUM> also include a power transformer to provide appropriate voltages to drive the linear actuator <NUM> and power the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments the power input cord <NUM> which connects to the embedded electronics <NUM> provides power to the entire system from an earth grounded power source. In some embodiments the force sensor <NUM> is wired to the embedded electronics <NUM>. In some embodiments the force sensor signal is processed by the embedded electronics <NUM> and transmitted by wired connection to the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments communication between the electronic device <NUM> and embedded electronics <NUM> is wireless. In some embodiments the electronic device <NUM> is powered independently from the embedded electronics <NUM>.

<FIG> provides as an example of the user interface displayed in some embodiments of the electronic device <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The user interface in <FIG> includes an affordance <NUM> for extending and an affordance <NUM> for retracting the linear actuator <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the affordance <NUM> and the affordance <NUM> are a single slide bar as depicted in <FIG>. As such, in some embodiments a single graphic element or physical switch may serve both to retract and extend the actuator <NUM>. The actuator position <NUM> is also indicated in the example interface of <FIG>. Data is provided showing the user's previous first, best, and most recent force productions <NUM>, in conjunction with graphical <NUM> and numerical <NUM> display of the instantaneous value of the user's force production. In some embodiments of the present disclosure a metric <NUM> will be displayed indicating the highest average value of force production in the current exercise session over any time interval of predetermined duration (e.g., of any five consecutive seconds, of any ten consecutive seconds, etc.).

<FIG> illustrates a computer system <NUM> for processing input data from an exercise apparatus that includes a loading interface and a frame coupled to the loading interface for performing an exercise. Referring to <FIG>, in typical embodiments, the computer system <NUM> comprises one or more processing units (CPU's) <NUM>, a network or other communications interface <NUM>, a user interface (e.g., including a display <NUM> that doubles, in some embodiments, as an input device) a memory <NUM> (e.g., random access memory), one or more communication busses <NUM> for interconnecting the aforementioned components, and a power supply <NUM> for powering the aforementioned components. Data in memory <NUM> can be seamlessly shared with non-volatile and volatile memory not shown using known computing techniques such as caching. Memory <NUM> can include mass storage that is remotely located with respect to the central processing unit(s) <NUM>. In other words, some data stored in memory <NUM> may in fact be hosted on computers that are external to computer system <NUM> but that can be electronically accessed by the computer system over an Internet, intranet, or other form of network or electronic cable using network interface <NUM>. The memory <NUM> of analysis computer system <NUM> stores:.

In some implementations, one or more of the above identified data elements or modules of the computer system <NUM> are stored in one or more of the previously disclosed memory devices, and correspond to a set of instructions for performing a function described above. The above identified data, modules or programs (e.g., sets of instructions) need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures or modules, and thus various subsets of these modules may be combined or otherwise re-arranged in various implementations. In some implementations, the memory <NUM> optionally stores a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. Furthermore, in some embodiments the memory <NUM> stores additional modules and data structures not described above.

In some embodiments, the linear adjustment system <NUM> comprises a linear actuator whose extension and contraction is controlled by a peripheral electronic device comprising a power switching circuit or a servo motor controller thereby causing the linear adjustment system to move the loading interface to a functional position, in the plurality of functional positions, that the linear adjustment system fixes the loading interface, responsive to the step function instructions provided by the device controller module <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the computer system <NUM> stores instructions for determining an osteogenic loading based on the measured force on the linear adjustment system or the force exerted on the loading interface that is calculated from the measured force on the linear adjustment system.

In some embodiments, the computer system <NUM> stores instructions for providing an affordance on a display (e.g., <NUM> / <NUM> of <FIG>) that allows a user to select a functional position in the plurality of functional positions for the loading interface. Further, responsive to user interaction with the affordance, the device controller module <NUM> sends step function instructions to a linear adjustment system <NUM>.

In some embodiments the display module <NUM> displays a current functional position in the plurality of functional positions of the loading interface <NUM>.

In some embodiments the display module <NUM> provides a numerical or graphical comparison of a user's current force output in a current session with the exercise apparatus that is fixed by the linear adjustment system to any of (i) the magnitude of a force generated by the same user in a session with the exercise apparatus immediately prior to a current session with the exercise apparatus by the user, (ii) in a prior session with the exercise apparatus for which a highest force was achieved by the user, and (iii) the first ever session the user had with the exercise apparatus.

As another example, <FIG> illustrates the device <NUM> used with a chest press machine <NUM> and the exercise is a chest press exercise. As a further example, <FIG> illustrates the device <NUM> used with a core machine <NUM> and the exercise is an abdominal exercise. As a yet further example, <FIG> illustrates the device <NUM> used with a vertical lift machine <NUM> and the exercise is a vertical lift exercise.

Referring to <FIG>, similar to the leg press machine <NUM> in <FIG>, the placement of the device <NUM> with respect to the chest press machine <NUM> (<FIG>), the core machine <NUM> (<FIG>) or the vertical lift machine <NUM> (<FIG>), is exemplary and non-exclusive. In addition, similar to the leg press machine <NUM> in <FIG>, the device <NUM> can be placed in any appropriate position and connected to different components of the chest press machine <NUM>, the core machine <NUM> or the vertical lift machine <NUM>. In some embodiments, the device <NUM> replaces a hydraulic cylinder or a weight stack in the exercise apparatus as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some embodiments, the device <NUM> serves as a rigid beam to fix a lever arm or a movable element of the loading interface <NUM> of the exercise apparatus illustrated in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the exercise apparatus is an adjustable cable machine and the exercise is a single-arm cable row, a V-grip cable row, a close-grip lateral pulldown, a kneeling lateral pulldown, a face pule external rotation, a standing rotational chop, a cable crunch, a half-kneeling rotational chop, a cable overhead triceps extension, a one-arm cable lateral raise, a <NUM>-degree lateral pulldown, a rope pressdown, a <NUM>-degree cable external rotation, a behind-the back one-arm cable curl, a knelling rotational chop, a cable external rotation, a kneeling stability reverse chop, a cable core press, a straight-arm pulldown, a cable pressdown, a standing cable pullover, a seated cable row, a half-kneeling stability chop, a single-arm cable chest press, a standing side crunch, a face pull, a cable front raise, a kneeling oblique cable crunch, or a reverse- grip.

The loading interface <NUM> can take a variety of forms. For example, the loading interface <NUM> includes one or more leg press plates <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, one or more chest-press loading interfaces <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, one or more core-pull loading interfaces <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, or one or more vertical-lift loading interfaces <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The device <NUM> further includes a correlation mechanism that correlates the measured force on the linear adjustment system to an actual force exerted on the loading interface from the exercise. In some embodiments, the correlation mechanism includes, but is not limited to, tables, charts, curves, or polynomials, in which the two operating variables are (i) the amount of force detected by the sensor <NUM> and (ii) the position of the linear adjustment system <NUM>. In an embodiment, the correlation mechanism includes a predetermined master table for the exercise apparatus, such as the predetermined master table <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. The predetermined master table <NUM> includes a set of forces measured by the sensor and corresponding actual forces exerted on the loading interface for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each measured force in a plurality of measured weights forces. In some embodiments, the correlation mechanism is embedded in the sensor <NUM>. For instance, in some embodiments the master table <NUM> will have a plurality of cells, each cell indexed by (i) a measured force on the sensor and (ii) a functional position. Further, the cell with have a value, this value representing the actual force given the indices (i) and (ii).

Referring now to <FIG>, there are depicted exemplary linear adjustment systems of the device <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that these embodiments are illustrative and non-limiting. Other systems, mechanisms, or structures can be used provided that such systems, mechanisms, or structures facilitate the adjustment of the loading interface of an exercise apparatus and lock the loading interface of the exercise apparatus at different functional positions in the functional range of the loading interface.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the linear adjustment system is a linear actuator <NUM>. The linear actuator <NUM> includes a fixed portion <NUM> and an extendable portion <NUM> axially aligned with the fixed portion. The extendable portion <NUM> is moveable with respect to the fixed portion <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the linear actuator <NUM>. In an embodiment, the fixed portion <NUM> and the extendable portion <NUM> are concentric. In another embodiment, the fixed portion <NUM> and the extendable portion <NUM> are concentric and have substantially same cross-sections in shape. In some embodiments, the extendable portion has a nominal diameter smaller than the fixed portion. In one embodiment, the fixed portion is hollow and the extendable portion is slidably disposed in the fixed portion.

The linear actuator <NUM> further includes a locking mechanism <NUM> to lock the extendable portion at a selected position with respect to the fixed portion. The locking mechanism <NUM> is activated electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically or mechanically.

In some embodiments, the device <NUM> includes one or more connectors. For example, <FIG> illustrates the device <NUM> including a first connector <NUM> and a second connector <NUM>. The first connector <NUM> is disposed at the first end or the second end of the linear adjustment system (e.g., the linear actuator <NUM>) for fixedly connecting that end of the linear adjustment system with the loading interface or the frame of an exercise apparatus. By way of illustration, <FIG> shows the first connector <NUM> disposed at the second end <NUM> of the linear adjustment system, and <FIG> show the first connector disposed at the first end <NUM> of the linear adjustment system. The second connector <NUM> is disposed on the second side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> for fixedly connecting the second side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> with the loading interface or the frame of an exercise apparatus. In some embodiments, the first connector <NUM> and/or the second connector <NUM> are a tang, a clevis, a clamp, a fastener, a pin, a screw, a bolt, a ring, or the like. In some embodiments, the device <NUM> further includes a third connector <NUM> disposed between the linear adjustment system and the sensor. The third connector <NUM> fixedly connects the other end of the linear adjustment system with the first side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, in some embodiments, connection of the first end <NUM> of the linear adjustment system <NUM> to the loading interface <NUM> or the frame <NUM> is achieved by connecting the first end of the linear adjustment to one or more components in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface <NUM> or the frame <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrate the connection through one or more plates and/or bars (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface <NUM> or the frame <NUM>. Similarly, in some embodiments, connection of the second side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> to the loading interface or the frame is achieved by connecting the second side <NUM> of the sensor <NUM> to one or more components in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame. For example, <FIG> illustrate the connection through one or more bars or plates (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in the exercise apparatus that extend from the loading interface or the frame.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the linear adjustment system is a crank- driven mechanical system <NUM>. Similar to the linear actuator <NUM>, the crank-driven mechanical system <NUM> includes a fixed portion <NUM> and an extendable portion <NUM> axially aligned with the fixed portion <NUM>. The extendable portion <NUM> is moveable with respect to the fixed portion <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the crank-driven mechanical system <NUM>. In one embodiment, the fixed portion <NUM> is hollow and the extendable portion is slidably disposed in the fixed portion.

The driven mechanical system <NUM> further includes a locking mechanism <NUM> to lock the extendable portion <NUM> at a selected position with respect to the fixed portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism <NUM> includes a handle, a knob, a dial or the like <NUM> for manually moving the extendable portion <NUM> with respect to the fixed portion <NUM> along the longitudinal direction of the linear adjustment system, thereby adjusting the length of the crank- driven mechanical system <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the linear adjustment system is a manually adjustable pin system <NUM>. Similar to the linear actuator <NUM> and the crank-driven mechanical system <NUM>, the manually adjustable pin system <NUM> includes a fixed portion <NUM> and an extendable portion <NUM> axially aligned with the fixed portion. The extendable portion <NUM> is moveable with respect to the fixed portion <NUM> in the longitudinal direction of the manually adjustable pin system <NUM>. In one embodiment, the fixed portion <NUM> is hollow and the extendable portion <NUM> is slidably disposed in the fixed portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the manually adjustable pin system <NUM> further includes a locking mechanism to lock the extendable portion <NUM> at a selected position with respect to the fixed portion <NUM>. The locking mechanism includes a hole <NUM> formed on a wall of the fixed portion <NUM>, and a plurality of holes <NUM> formed on a wall of the extending portion <NUM> and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the linear adjustment system. The locking mechanism further includes a fastener <NUM> configured to engage the hole <NUM> on the fixed portion <NUM> with any one of the plurality of holes <NUM> on the extendable portion <NUM> to lock the extendable portion <NUM> with respect to the fixed portion <NUM>.

By way of illustrations, <FIG> shows one substantially circular hole formed on the fixed portion and seven substantially circular holes on the extendable portion. It will be appreciated that configuration of the holes (e.g., size, shape, number of holes and locations of the holes on the fixed portion or the extendable portion) on the fixed portion and the extendable portion can be readily varied. For example, the holes on the fixed portion and on the extendable portion can have circular, oval, square, polygonal, elongated, or any suitable shapes in various sizes. As another example, the fixed portion can be formed with more than one hole.

In some embodiments, the length of the linear adjustment system (e.g., linear actuator <NUM>, crank-driven mechanical system <NUM>, or manually adjustable pin system <NUM>) has a length extendable from <NUM> to <NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM>. It will be appreciated that this range will depend upon the characteristics of the exercise machine.

In some embodiments, the linear adjustment system (e.g., linear actuator <NUM>, crank-driven mechanical system <NUM>, or manually adjustable pin system <NUM>) is configured such that the length of the linear adjustment system and thence the length of the device <NUM> is adjustable continuously. In some embodiments, the linear adjustment system is configured such that the length of the linear adjustment system and thence the length of the device is incrementally adjustable by an increment amount. In some embodiments, the increment amount is a fixed amount that is between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, or between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, or SI equivalents thereof (<NUM> inch corresponds to <NUM>,<NUM> centimeters). In some embodiments, the increment amount is a fixed amount that is between <NUM> centimeter and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters, between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters, or between <NUM> centimeters and <NUM> centimeters.

Turning now to <FIG>, there depicts a schematic diagram illustrating a sensor <NUM> of the device <NUM> in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, in some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> includes a load cell <NUM> that outputs an analog signal in accordance with the force exerted on the linear adjustment system. In an embodiment, the load cell <NUM> includes a strain gauge load cell. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> also includes electronic circuitry <NUM> that converts the analog signal to a digital signal. In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> further includes a port that outputs the digital signal. In some embodiments, the electronic circuitry converts the analog signal to a USB-compatible digital signal, and the port is a USB port.

In some embodiments, the correlation mechanism includes a master table to correlate the measured force on the linear adjustment system to an actual force exerted on the loading interface from the exercise. The master table is predetermined for the exercise apparatus or for various exercise apparatuses. In some embodiments, the master table such as the master table <NUM> is stored or embedded in the sensor <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments, the predetermined master table <NUM> includes a set of forces measured by the sensor <NUM> and corresponding forces exerted on the loading interface for each functional position in the plurality of functional positions and for each weight in a plurality of weights.

In some embodiments, in the predetermined master table <NUM>, the plurality of functional positions of the loading interface corresponds to the length of the device or the length of the linear adjustment system with a fixed increment amount that is (considering that <NUM> inch corresponds to <NUM>,<NUM> centimeters) between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches, or between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches.

In some embodiments, in the predetermined master table <NUM>, a weight increment in the plurality of weights is varied. In some embodiments, in the predetermined master table <NUM>, a weight increment in the plurality of weights is a fixed amount that is (considering that <NUM> pound corresponds to <NUM>,<NUM>) between <NUM> pound and <NUM> pounds, between <NUM> pounds and <NUM> pounds, between <NUM> pounds and <NUM> pounds, between <NUM> pounds and <NUM> pounds, between <NUM> pounds and <NUM> pounds, or between <NUM> pounds and <NUM> pounds. In some embodiments, in the predetermined master table <NUM>, a weight increment in the plurality of weights is a fixed amount that is between <NUM> kilogram and <NUM> kilograms, between <NUM> kilograms and <NUM> kilograms, between <NUM> kilograms and <NUM> kilograms, between <NUM> kilograms and <NUM> kilograms, between <NUM> kilograms and <NUM> kilograms, or kilograms <NUM> pounds and <NUM> kilograms.

In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> further includes a processor <NUM> that uses the predetermined master table <NUM> to determine the force exerted on the loading interface based on the force exerted on the linear adjustment system by an exerciser and the functional position of the loading interface.

In some embodiments, the sensor <NUM> is electrically or wirelessly connected to an electronic device <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> outputs the measured force on the linear adjustment system, the force exerted on the loading interface of the exercise apparatus or both forces to the electronic device <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device <NUM> is a display, a smartphone, a computer, a server, a receiver, or other electronic devices and systems. By way of illustration, <FIG> illustrates the sensor <NUM> connected to an electronic device <NUM> (e.g., display, monitor, or screen) via a cable <NUM>. In some embodiments, the electronic device performs one or more of the following: (i) displaying the measured force on the linear adjustment system, the force exerted on the loading interface or both forces, and (ii) determining an osteogenic loading based on the one or more of the measured force on the linear adjustment system and the force exerted on the loading interface. The term "osteogenic loading" used herein refers to optimal functional positions and highest possible loads applied at optimal functional positions.

In some embodiments in which the linear adjustment mechanism is electrically controlled, such as embodiments where the linear adjustment system is a linear actuator, the claimed invention includes a system such as that in <FIG> which provides for the control of an actuator <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In some embodiments that control system includes a microcontroller, processor, System On a Chip, or computer <NUM> that directly regulates current flow using analog or digital output pins <NUM> to activate or deactivate one or more electrically controlled power switching mechanisms <NUM>, which consist of electromechanical relays, solid state relays, MOSFETS, H-Bridge MOSFETS, Power Transistors, Darlington Transistors, thyristors or any combination of the preceding or similar devices. In some embodiments the signal outputs <NUM> used to modulate the power switching components <NUM> exhibit current limiting resistors <NUM> to protect the digital or analog outputs of the processor <NUM> from excessive current draw.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure where the linear adjustment mechanism is a linear actuator <NUM>, that actuator has a potentiometer <NUM> integrated into it so as to provide an analog signal indicating the degree of its extension. In some embodiments the processor <NUM> accepts the analog input <NUM> from the potentiometer to permit proper adjustment and display of the actuator's <NUM> position. Some embodiments incorporate hardware filtering of this signal, such as by a first order low pass filter <NUM>, or any similarly functional hardware signal conditioning technique.

In some embodiments the processor <NUM> is an embedded computer or sophisticated microcontroller capable of managing actuator movement, reading load cell output, displaying the required data to a screen, and accepting commands from the user via a touch screen, hardware buttons, or otherwise.

In some embodiments the processor <NUM> is a low power microcontroller that operates as a slave or peripheral device to a master electronic device such as <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>. In some embodiments the processor <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is connected by a cable to the master device. In other embodiments the processor <NUM> is connected to or incorporates a wireless transceiver <NUM>, which uses Bluetooth, RF, WiFi, or a similar wireless protocol to communicate with the master device. In some embodiments the master device is a component of the exercise machine, and in some embodiments it may be a multipurpose electronic device such as a tablet, smartphone, or laptop which belongs to the user and is only temporarily paired with and used to control the processor <NUM>. In some embodiments the processor <NUM> controls the actuator and accepts a digital or analog signal generated by a force sensor. In some embodiments the processor <NUM> amplifies, filters, or translates the signal from the force sensor and provides it to the master electronic device.

In some embodiments the entirety of the circuitry, other than the actuator <NUM> and its potentiometer <NUM>, described in <FIG>, is stored in the embedded electronics enclosure <NUM> shown in <FIG>.

The present invention can be implemented as a computer program product that comprises a computer program mechanism embedded in a nontransitory computer readable storage medium. For instance, the computer program product could contain the program modules shown in <FIG>. These program modules can be stored on a CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk storage product, or any other non-transitory computer readable data or program storage product.

Claim 1:
A device of an exercise apparatus, wherein the exercise apparatus includes a loading interface (<NUM>) and a frame (<NUM>) coupled to the loading interface (<NUM>) for performing an exercise, the device characterized by:
a linear adjustment system (<NUM>) that is configured to fix the loading interface (<NUM>) of the exercise apparatus at an initial position, wherein the initial position is a position at any one of a plurality of functional positions in a functional range of the loading interface (<NUM>), wherein the functional range includes a first terminal functional position, one or more intermediate positions, and a second terminal functional position, wherein,
the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) comprises a first end and a second end, and the first end is configured to be fixedly connected to one of the loading interface (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>) of the exercise apparatus;
a correlation mechanism; and
a sensor (<NUM>) comprising a first side fixedly coupled to the second end of the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) and a second side configured to be fixedly connected to the other of the loading interface (<NUM>) and the frame (<NUM>), wherein
the sensor (<NUM>) measures a force exerted on the linear adjustment system (<NUM>), and the sensor (<NUM>) outputs a signal in accordance with the force exerted on the linear adjustment system (<NUM>),
wherein,
the correlation mechanism correlates the measured force on the linear adjustment system (<NUM>) to an actual force exerted on the loading interface (<NUM>) from the exercise,
in use the device enables a subject to exercise a muscle group in a range of motion, the range of motion includes a first subrange having a first maximum force that can be exerted by the subject,
the range of motion further includes a second subrange having a second maximum force that can be exerted by the subject,
the second maximum force is greater than the first maximum force,
the initial position of the loading interface (<NUM>) permits the subject to exert a force on the loading interface (<NUM>) with the muscle group at a point in the range of motion that is in the second subrange without any requirement of passing through the first subrange, and
the loading interface (<NUM>) is further from the first terminal functional position throughout the entire second subrange than it is throughout the entire first subrange.