Patent ID: 12226666

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The described embodiments relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for using a body mounted device to apply physical resistance to a user during training or therapy. Strenuous occupations such as military service, professional athletics, and rehabilitation services can typically require physical training. Current training methods can include repetitive tactical drills and resistance training, which can include significant risk of injury. Furthermore, current resistance training devices are often stationary, being attached to a floor or wall, thereby offering no mobility for trainees that typically perform mobility exercises. Moreover, group exercises are not typically possible with stationary training devices, thereby limiting the ability to simulate real-world scenarios where multiple persons are involved.

The body mounted device discussed herein allows for special mobility and adjustable resistance during training, thereby allowing for a variety of tactical and group activities to be undertaken. The body mounted device can include a backpack, bodysuit, waistband, belt, elbow band, knee band, wristband, arm band, leg band, and/or any other wearable resistance device or combination of resistance devices. The body mounted device allows for a range of movements and patterns of motion, and is adjustable for multiple different body sizes.

The body mounted device can use tethers to attach to portions of the body to allow for unrestricted motion with intentional resistance while performing therapeutic and/or occupational related movements during training. For instance, resistance at the arm can improve motion stability and draw speed during simulations involving weapons training. In some instances, the body mounted device can include sensors, such as an accelerometer capable of detecting motion in three dimensions. The sensors can track various different metrics that can be presented to the user, so that the user will be able to tell how they are improving and make adjustments to the body mounted device to continue making progress.

FIG.1Aillustrates a perspective view100of a body mounted device (i.e., a wearable apparatus, a body mountable device, a body mounted device) that can include multiple different adjustable cables126for providing resistance to various portions of a user during training being undertaken by the user. The body mounted device can include multiple straps114, which can be adjusted by way of a tension device128connected to each strap114. In some implementations, the body mounted device can include a chest strap that is connected to each strap114and extends between the straps114. In some implementations, a cable extending from the body mounted device can be connected to a head strap, which can be disposed about the skull of a user in order to provide an amount of resistant to the head of the user during training. The body mounted device can further include pulleys124(i.e., cable spools), which can be located within cable guides116that are connected to the body of the body mounted device. The body of the body mounted device can further include a first portion104and a second portion102, which can be coplanar or non-coplanar surfaces with respect to the body of the body mount device. The cable guides116can extend along an edge of the first portion104and/or a second portion102, and can at least partially envelop the cables126and the pulleys124. The first portion104and/or the second portion102of the body mounted device can act as a pipe mount for each of the cable guides116(i.e., pipes), and each cable guide116(i.e., pipe) can extend toward the torso, feet, legs, or other portions of the user.

Each cable126can terminate at a wristband, which can be worn by the user in order to provide adjustable resistance during exercise or other training. The tension exhibited by the cables126can be adjustable by way of an adjustable device108. The adjustable device108can, for example, be a knob that is connected to a threaded screw that extends through a respective cable guide116. When the knob is turned in a first direction, a location of a pulley internal to a cable guide116can become more proximate to a pulley that is located at a distal end of the cable guide116. When the knob is turned in a second direction, that is opposite the first direction, a location of the pulley internal to the cable guide116can become less proximate to the pulley that is located at the distal end of the cable guide116. In this way, the user can simply reach over their shoulder and turn the knob during training in order to adjust the amount of tension exhibited by the cables126as the cables126move in and out of an aperture130of each cable guide116.

In some implementations, the knobs can be actuators or motors that adjust a tension of the cables126. The actuators can be controlled based on sensor data generated at the body mounted device or a separate device. For instance, the body mounted device can include a control system that includes one or more sensors that are responsive to an environment of the user and/or the body mounted device. When a particular feature of the environment changes, the actuators can be adjusted in response, thereby causing changes to the tension exhibited by the cables. For instance, the one or more sensors can include a timing sensor, location sensor, temperature sensor, moisture sensor, proximity sensor, and/or any other sensor capable of being responsive to environmental conditions.

In some implementations, the cable guides116can be non-parallel, and therefore separated by an angle that is less than 90 degrees. In some implementations, the angle between the cable guides116can be less than 45 degrees. In other implementations, the angle between the cable guides116can be between 45 degrees and 15 degrees. In yet other implementations, the angle between the cable guides116can be between 65 degrees and 25 degrees. For instance, the angle between the cables guides116can be 25 degrees, 30 degrees, or 35 degrees. However, in some implementations, the cable guides116can be any angle that is suitable for directing cables to appendages of a user of the body mounted device.

The second portion102can act as a plate that is able to receive pins118through apertures120of the second portion102. The pins118can be separable from a plate122, which can be arranged to abut a back portion of the user when the user is wearing the body mountable device. In this way, the plate122can be adjusted to abut different portions of the backside of the user in order to distribute any force from the body mounted device in a more comfortable manner. The tension device128attached to each strap114can also be adjustable in order to move a location of the plate122over the backside of the user. The straps114can be attached to the body mounted device using one or more pins110. Each pin110can extend through a distal end of each strap114and a mounting plate112, which can extend from the first portion104and/or the second portion102of the body mounted device. Each pin110can allow each strap114to be rotatable about an axis defined by each pin110. In this way, each strap114can adjust to different shapes of shoulders of different users. In some implementations, the body mounted device can include support plates106, which can extend from the mounting plate112over at least a portion of the straps114. This can protect the straps114and the body mounted device to conform to the body of the user.

FIG.1Billustrates a top view132of the body mounted device. Specifically,FIG.1Billustrates how each pin110can allow each strap114to exhibit a rotational direction134about each pin110, respectively. By allowing each strap114to pivot about each pin110along the rotational direction134, each strap114can conform to a shape of a body of the user. This can allow the body mounted device to be more securely fastened to the body of the user, thereby allowing the user to modify the tension exhibited by the device without sacrificing comfort. Tension of the cables126can be modified by adjusting the adjustable device108. Each adjustable device108can be rotated in the same or different directions136in order to provide a balanced or unbalanced amount of tension at each of the cables126. For instance, a user can rotate each of the adjustable devices108in the same direction in order to provide a substantially equal amount of tension on the body of the user wearing the body mounted device. Alternatively, the user can rotate the adjustable devices108in different directions in order to provide a different amount of tension at different portions of the body.

In some implementations, the body mounted device can be configured to be at least partially displaced from the back side of a user when the body mounted device is worn by the user. For example, the plate122can abut a back side of the user when the user is wearing the body mounted device, and the second portion102of the body mounted device can be displaced from the back side of the user as a result. Furthermore, when the user is wearing the body mounted device, the mounting plate112can abut the shoulders or other back side of the user, and the first portion104of the body mounted device can be displaced from the shoulders or other back side of the user as a result. By displacing the body mounted device from the user in this way, the user can experience less friction from wearing the body mounted device, thereby allowing the user to train for longer periods of time without experiencing fatigue from friction.

In some implementations, the cables126can terminate at bands that can be worn at wrists, knees, joints, and/or any other portion of the body of a user. Specifically, a pair of cables126can extend from an aperture130of the body mounted device, and the pair of cables126can terminate at the bands for connecting to a portion of the body of the user. Each band can include Velcro portions for securing to a respective portion of the body. In some implementations, the cables126can be connected to pulleys located at the bands, for allowing the motions of the cables126to be more fluid, despite the amount of tension exhibited by the cables126. In some implementations, intermediate pulleys can be attached to the body of the user, and the cables126can pass through the intermediate pulleys before terminating at the bands. For instance, the body mounted device can be a system that includes intermediate pulleys, that can be attached to the waste, knees, elbows, and/or any other portion of the body, and bands at which the cable126passing through the intermediate pulleys, from the apertures130, can pass. Therefore, as the user maneuvers while wearing the cables126, the cables126will provide resistance at locations where the bands are attached and/or where the intermediate pulleys are attached. In some implementations, the bands can include pulleys and/or pivoting ends that allow the bands to rotate independently from a motion of the cables126.

In some implementations, the body mounted device can include cables that extend from apertures130, and separate other apertures where the adjustable devices108are located. For instance, in some implementations, the body mounted device can include cable guides116with cables extending away from the mounting plate112, and other cable guides with other cables that extend away from the plate122. Alternatively, the cable guides116can include cables126that extend away from the mounting plate112, and other cables that extend away from the plate122. In this way, the user can operatively couple the cables126to a lower portion of their body and the other cables to an upper portion of their body. Furthermore, an amount of tension at each cable can be individually adjusted in order to provide varying amounts of tension across the body of the user during training with the body mounted device.

FIG.1Cillustrates a housing portion140that is isolated from the body mounted device for purposes of illustrating the housing portion140. The housing portion140can include a first portion104and a second portion102, which can include non-coplanar surfaces relative to each other. The second portion can include interior walls138, which can be parallel or non-parallel in their arrangement. For instance, in some embodiments, the interior walls138can be non-parallel walls that have varying widths along the length of the housing portion140. This can allow any cables extending from the housing portion140to be further displaced from the body of the user, at least where the cables initially exit the apertures130of the housing portion140. The apertures130can provide hollow channels through the entire length of the housing portion140. The housing portion140can optionally include apertures120, which can allow a plate to be attached to the housing portion140by way of pins that can extend through the apertures120, for securing the plate to the housing portion140.

FIG.1Dillustrates a side view of the housing portion140with the plate122attached. The side view shows how the housing portion140can be a single uniform piece of material. Specifically, the housing portion140can be made from a material such as, but not limited to, carbon fiber, plastic, metal, alloy, and/or any other material that can be incorporated into a training device. In some implementations, the housing portion140can be comprised of multiple layers of the same or different materials. The second portion102of the housing portion140can be connected to the mounting plate112directly or indirectly. For instance, the mounting plate112can be integral to the second portion102, thereby allowing the housing portion140to have a seamless surface, further providing additional comfort when wearing the body mounted device.

In some implementations, pins118connecting the plate122to the second portion102of the body mounted device can be made from a flexible material. For example, the pins can be made from a rubber, plastic, and/or foam material that can be compressed without permanently deforming the pins118. This can provide an additional layer of comfort for a user that is wearing the body mounted device. In some implementations, the plate122can include multiple layers, such as a soft compressible layer that faces away from the second portion102. In some implementations, the plate122can include a Velcro layer, or other adhesive layer, that allows an outer most layer of the plate122to be attached and removed.

FIG.1Eillustrates a back view144of the body mounted device. The back view144shows how the plate122can be connected to the body mounted device. The plate122can be connected to the body mounted device using pins118, which can extend from the second portion102of the body mounted device to the plate122. The plate122can be offset from a surface of the second portion102by a distance that is suitable for prevent other surfaces, such as the cable guides116, from contacting the user. In some implementations, the amount of offset of the plate122from the second portion102of the body mounted device can be adjustable. The location of the pins118, and thus the plate122, can be adjusted according to which apertures120the pins118are extending through.

FIG.2Aillustrates a hidden view202of a cable spool assembly that can be incorporated into a cable guide222of a body mounted device204. The cable spool assembly can operate to allow adjustable amounts of tension to be exhibited by cables206. A cable206can be a single cable that extends into a cable guide222, through various portions of the cable spool assembly, and extends back out of the cable guide222. For purposes of illustration, surfaces of the cable guide222are removed in order to illustrate how the cable spool assembly can be disposed within the cable guide222.

The cable spool assembly can include an adjustable device220, which can be a knob or any other grippable apparatus that can be rotated in order to adjust an amount of tension exhibited by the cable206. The adjustable device220can be connected to a threaded portion214, which can extend parallel to a link of the cable guide222. The threaded portion214can terminate between different pulleys or spools of the cable spool assembly. For instance, a first pulley210can be located adjacent to an aperture228of the cable guide222. In some implementations, the first pulling210can be a pair of pulleys that are connected to the cable guide222, such that a rotational axis of the first pulley210extends perpendicular to a length of the cable guide222and/or a length of the threaded portion214.

The cable spool assembly can further include a second pulley208that has a rotational axis that is perpendicular to a rotational axis of the first pulley210. The second pulley208can act to hold the cable206in place as the tension of the cable206is adjusted by way of the adjustable device220. The tension of the cable206can be adjusted by turning the adjustable device220to cause the threaded portion214to move a pulley mount212, that includes a third pulley216. The third pulley216can include on or more pulleys and be attached to the pulley mount212, thereby allowing the third pulley216to traverse a length224of the cable guide222as the pulley mount212moves along the cable guide222. The pulley mount212can include a threaded aperture through which the threaded portion214can extend. As the adjustable device220is rotated, the threaded portion214can cause the pulley mount212to maneuver toward or away from the second pulley208. This can cause changes to an amount of tension exhibited by the cable206and/or a length of the cable206. The pulley mount212can also include cable holes for allowing the cable206to pass through the pulley mount212, around the third pulley216, and back through other cable holes of the pulley mount212.

FIG.2Billustrates a perspective view226of the cable spool assembly, which includes further details of the pulley mount212. Furthermore, the perspective view226illustrates how the first pulleys210can be attached to the cable guide222at a distal end of the cable guide222. The second pulley208can be attached to the cable guide222at a different surface of the cable guide222than the first pulleys210are attached to. Furthermore, the second pulley208can be attached to the cable guide222between the first pulley210and the pulley mount212. The pulley mount212can include apertures228and/or cable holes/guides that allow the cables to pass in and out of the pulley mount212. For instance, when the threaded portion214of the cable spool assembly is rotated, the cable206can be pulled in or out of the cable guide222, depending on the rotation in which the threaded portion214is being rotated. As a result, different portions of the cable206will move pass through the pulley mount212in different directions.

FIG.3illustrates a perspective view300of a user304wearing the body mounted device discussed herein. Additionally,FIG.3illustrates how a user304can secure the body mounted device to their body. In some implementations, the body mounted device can include a strap306, which can extend from one side of the plate122, around the torso of the user304, attach to an opposite end of the plate122. In other implementations, the body mounted device can include a strap306that extends from one side of the plate122, attach to both straps114, and attach to the opposite side of the plate122. The strap306can attach to the straps114using snap locks, Velcro, hooks, and/or any other apparatus for connecting multiple pieces of material. The body mounted device can further include bands302. The bands302can be attached to appendages of the user304in order to allow the appendages to experience some amount of resistance from the cables126. While wearing the body mounted device, the user304can adjust the amount of resistance by reaching other their shoulder and manipulating the adjustable devices108located at the ends of the cable guides116.

FIG.4illustrates a perspective view400of a user408wearing the body mounted device discussed herein. Additionally,FIG.4illustrates how a user408can secure the body mounted device to their body. In some implementations, the body mounted device can include a band404and a band402, which can distribute an amount of resistance provided by the cables126to different portions of the body of the user. For instance, the band404can include a pulley406, which can receive one or more cables126from the cable guides116and re-direct the one or more cables126to a different portion of the body that the band402is attached. For instance, as illustrated inFIG.4, bands404can be attached to the legs of the user408along with the pulleys406, and the bands402can be attached to the arms of the user408. In this way, as the user408exercises, trains, or performs any other type of suitable motion, the user408will experience resistance at their arms and legs.

FIG.5illustrates a perspective view500of a user504wearing an implementation of the body mounted device510discussed herein. The body mounted device510can include multiple different adjustable cables for providing resistance to various portions of the user504during training being undertaken by the user504. The body mounted device510can include straps508to which each cable portion (514,520, and524) can be attached. Each strap508can include one or more snaps or locks for connecting to the body mounted device510and/or any other features that are internal to the body mounted device510. Furthermore, the straps508can be adjusted to have different dimensions and/or different tensions. For instance, the straps508can be adjusted such that the tension on one side of the body of the user504is different than the tension on an opposite side of the body of the user504. In some implementations, the body mounted device510can include hooks506and each hook506can be used to connect the body mounted device510to other apparatuses. For example, each hook506can be connected to another resistance training apparatus (e.g., a separate cable or wall) in order to provide another source of resistance during training.

In some implementations, the body mounted device510can be attached to a vest516that is worn by the user504during training. The vest516can be a Modular Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) vest, worn for tactical training and operations. The body mounted device510can be attached to the vest516via the hooks506and/or any other mechanism for attaching clothing to a mounted device. The vest516can include multiple locations in which pulleys (e.g.,518and522) can be attached. In this way, the resistance can be applied across the vest516using cables and pulleys in order for even and uneven tension to be exerted on the user504during training. In some implementations, the body mounted device510and/or the vest516can be attached to belt534, and the belt can be attached to a pulley518. The pulley518can be a single pulley or a stack of pulleys capable of guiding one or more cables to various locations at or near portions of the body of the user504. Furthermore, in some implementations, the pulley518can be mountable on location that is separate from the body mounted device510. For instance, the pulley518can be mounted on the belt534or pants of the user504, thereby creating an indirect trajectory for the cable portion514and the cable portion520. The indirect trajectory can provide an intentional off-balance or disproportional resistance over the body of the user504, improving the plasticity, coordination, and bio-mechanical correction of the user504.

In some implementations, one or more of the cable portions (514,520, and524) can be surrounded by a cable guide536, which can be a rigid or flexible guide that can protect the cable during training. The cable guide536can be positioned at various angles to improve form and positioning of the trainee. The cable guide536can be a pipe made from a metal, alloy, plastic, or other rigid material that also allows the cable to move through the cable guide536with minimal friction. In some implementations, the body mounted device510can include multiple cable guides536that can be located between the body mounted device510and pulleys. In other implementations, the body mounted device510can include a cable guide536between two pulleys, such as pulley518and pulley522. In some implementations, the cable guide536can be attached to the pulley518by a joint538, which can be a weld, bracket, and/or any other piece of material that can attach a cable guide to a pulley. In this way, the cable guide536can be directed to the pulley518without slipping during training or other exercises performed by the user504while wearing the body mounted device510.

In some implementations, pulleys can be attached to external pieces of clothing or protective wear, such as kneepads526. The kneepads526can be strapped around the knees of the user504, and the pulley522can be attached to the kneepads526at a location that is adjacent to the knees, or otherwise near where the user504typically bends their knees. In some implementations, the pulleys522can be located above the knees or below the knees, or a pulley522can be located above a knee and a different pulley can be located below a different knee. By locating pulleys near the knees, resistance trajectories can be direct toward and/or away from the knees. For instance, a cable portion524can extend from the pulley522and attach to a wristband540. The wristband540can be an adjustable wristband540that can be increased or decreased in diameter in order to secure the wristband540to the user504during training. In some implementations the wristband540can include Velcro portions that allow for adjustment of the wristband540. In other implementations, the wristband540can include buttons, snaps, hooks, or any other mechanical device for securing the wristband540in a particular configuration while the wristband540is being worn by a user504.

The wristband540can include a cable hook and/or tie ring. In some implementations, the tie ring can be connected between the cable hook and a body of the wristband540, and the tie ring can be in a static position relative to the body of the wristband540. Alternatively, the tie ring can surround the wristband540and move with the cable portion524as the user504moves during training. In some implementations, the cable hook can be a carabiner that can be attached to the cable portion524and the tie ring. The body mounted device510can be attached to at least two wristbands540, each wristband540being located at each wrist of the user504in order to create some amount of resistance to a user504maneuvering a weapon512. In some implementations, the body mounted device510can be attached to at least four wristbands540, each wristband540being located at both wrists of the user504and near both ankles of the user504.

In some implementations, the body mounted device510can include a computing device530, which can include one or more processors and memory that stores instructions for tracking and analyzing performance of the user504during training and exercises. For instance, the computing device530can be connected to one or more sensors532that can provide signals in response to movements of the user504during training and exercises. In some implementations, the sensors532can be accelerometers capable of detecting motion in three dimensions. The sensors532can be attached directly or indirectly to the cables, the straps508, and/or any other feature of the body mounted device510. For instance, the sensors532can provide a signal in response to changes in tension of the cables, and the computing device530can process the signals to generate data related to the performance of the user504. Such performance data can include an efficiency metric, an energy metric, a resistance metric, a distance metric, a coordination metric, and/or any other metric that can be used to quantify performance of a person during training or exercise.

FIG.6illustrates an exploded view of a resistance assembly600that can be used to provide three dimensions of resistance during exercise or other training. Specifically, the resistance assembly600can be included in a body mounted device for providing a source of cables that have adjustable tensions and can be attached near different portions of a user. The cables can be provided on one or more cable spools608, which can be contained in a first housing portion602and a second housing portion610. The cable spools608can include cable made from metal, non-metal, polymer, and/or any other material that can be formed into a cable. Each cable spool608can provide an adjustable amount of tension while a user is wearing the resistance assembly600. The tensions of the cables can be adjusted at the cable spools608, a tension devices604that secures the cable spools608in place, and/or any other feature that can be used to adjust tension of a cable. In some implementations, tension of the cables can be adjusted at a location outside the resistance assembly600, for example, at a pulley about which a cable is arranged.

In some implementations, the resistance assembly600can include four or more cable spools608, such that each limb of a user (each arm and each leg) can be directly or indirectly attached to a cable for providing some amount of resistance during exercise or other training. One or more cables from each cable spools608can be routed through an aperture628in the second housing portion610. For instance, one or more cables can be routed from the cable spools608through an aperture628located near a clip614. This cable can routed through the aperture628, through a pulley near a shoulder or arm of the user, and ultimately attached proximate to the wrist of the user. As the user is maneuvering through their exercises, the cable spools608can rotate to release more cable from the cable spools608or pull cable back into the cable spools608. In some implementations, one or more cables can be routed from the cable spools608, through an aperture628located near the pipe mount626, and through the pipe mount626. The pipe mount626can extend toward a torso or feet of the user when worn by the user, thereby allowing the cable extending through the pipe mount626and pipes620to be attached to the torso, legs, feet, or other portion of the user. For instance, the user can wear knee braces that have pulleys for directing the movement of the cables. In some implementations, tension provided via the cable spools608can be non-uniform in order to improve brain plasticity of a user during an exercise or training. In other words, forcing the user to maintain control of their motion despite having non-uniform forces applied to their body can improve brain plasticity.

In some implementations, the resistance assembly600can include multiple at least partially overlapping plates that can be connected by joints612, which can extend from a second plate616. The joints612can include threaded distal ends and can extend through the second housing portion610, the cable spools608, and/or the first plate606. In this way, the joints612can provide rigid support for the cable spools608. The joints612can extend from the second plate616, through the first plate606, and the threaded distal ends can receive tension devices604, such as bolts, or any other apparatus for connecting the first plate606to the second plate616. In some implementations, the tension devices604can be arranged to compress or decompress the cable spools608in order to increase or decrease an amount of tension applied to the cable spools608as a user is exercising. In other implementations, the cable spools608can be individually adjusted using a spring or other feature of the cable spools608.

The first plate606and/or the second plate616can include cut-out portions that allow air to pass through. In this way, a user wearing the resistance assembly600will not accrue condensation on their body as a result of lack of ventilation around their body. Furthermore, because the first plate606and the second plate616extend over opposing sides of the cable spools608, each of the first plate606and the second plate616can protect the cable spools608from obstructions. Each clip614, which can extend from a distal end of the second plate616, and be arranged to allow the resistance assembly600to be attached to the user, such as, for example, at a belt or strap being worn by the user. Alternatively, the resistance assembly600can be incorporated into a body mounted device, such as the body mounted device510described with respect toFIG.5. For instance, the resistance assembly600can be part of a backpack or vest that is strapped or otherwise worn by a user, and allows the pipes620to extend through such that cables can be attached directly or indirectly to the limbs of the user. Moreover, the cable portions described with respect toFIG.5can be supplied by the cable spools608of the resistance assembly600described inFIG.6. Furthermore, the resistance assembly600can be supported by a wearable vest, such as a MOLLE vest.

The resistance assembly600can be attached to a computing device that is in communication with one or more sensors for monitoring a performance of a user that is wearing the resistance assembly. For instance, in some implementations, the computing device can measure, monitor, and/or report the performance of the user during exercise, training, and/or rehabilitation. The computing device can use signals from the one or more sensors as feedback, which can provide a basis for modifying the operations of the resistance assembly. For example, the computing device can use motors, solenoids, and/or other devices to modify a resistance or tension of the cables and/or cable spools of the resistance assembly. In this way, the computing device is able to dynamically adjust the resistance assembly in order to improve the performance of the user wearing the resistance assembly.

In some implementations, the sensors in communication with the computing device can include a heart rate monitor, a temperature sensor, a pedometer, a camera, and/or any other sensor capable of monitoring a user. Furthermore, the sensor can measure an interaction with the resistance assembly by, for example, using a position sensor and/or a torque sensor that measure a frequency of movements, torque of certain movements, and/or any other characteristic of movement. The position sensor and/or the torque sensor can be attached to the cable spools, pulleys, cables, and/or any other feature of the resistance assembly600that can be responsive to user movements.

The computing device can modify a resistance or a tension of one or more cables of the resistance assembly600during an activity being performed by the user. For instance, while a user is running with the resistance assembly600, a sensor (e.g., a pedometer or torque sensor) can monitor the progress of the user and/or the effort exerted by the user. Such metrics can be based on a frequency of steps of the user and/or a speed at which the user is taking steps. The computing device use the metrics to adjust the resistance or the tension of the cables. For instance, when a metric (e.g., frequency, speed) corresponding to the performance of the user has reached a threshold, the computing device can cause the cables to increase or decrease in tension. The changes in tension can be effectuated by an actuator, solenoid, servo motor, and/or any other device capable of changing a resistance and/or tension of a cable. As a result, the user would have to exert more or less effort while running in order to maintain their speed, or otherwise perform consistently. In this way, the computing device is able to simulate scenarios where the body may be stressed while running.

The computing device can modify resistance and/or tension differently at different portions of the resistance assembly600. Such modifications can be beneficial during training that involves applying stress to separate areas of the body. For instance, a user may undergo training that involves crawling with a weapon. During the training, one or more sensors can monitor the movements of the user and the computing device can use signals from the sensors to vary the tension on certain cables or pulleys as the user is crawling. For example, a sensor can be used to determine how much force, on average, is being applied by each arm and leg of the user during the training. If the sensor indicates that a difference between forces applied by the right arm and left arm, or right leg and left leg, have reached a difference threshold, the computing device can cause an increase or decrease in tension of cables or pulleys connected to the right side or the left side of the body of the user. In this way, the user will be encouraged to evenly exert force from both sides of the body during training exercises. Alternatively, the computing device can cause an increase or decrease in tension of cables or pulleys connected to the arms or the legs, to ensure that the user is adequately straining their upper body or lower body during training. Such changes in tension at the cables or pulleys can be effectuated by electrical signals transmitted from the computing device to actuators, solenoids, servos, or other devices connected to the cables or pulleys.

In some implementations, the resistance assembly600can include a pipe mount626arranged to receive one or more pipes620through which one or more cables from the cable spools608can traverse. For instance, each pipe620can be flexible or rigid, and can include a hollow portion624that extends through an entire length of the pipes620. An end of each pipe620can optionally include a swivel feature622that can allow the cable to be pulled from the cable spools608at different directions with minimal changes in friction at the pipe620. In other words, the swivel feature622can act as a ball joint that includes a channel through which the cable can move in and out of. In some implementations, the pipe mount626can include at least two cable paths618that traverse the pipe mount626. The cable paths618can include threaded portions that that allow the pipes620to be screwed into and secured to the pipe mount626. In some implementations, the pipe mount626can be formed to the pipes620such that the material of the pipes620is shared with the material of the pipe mount626. In some implementations, the pipe mount626can include a cable path618that extend perpendicular to the joints612and/or parallel to a length of the second plate616. In this way, a cable from the cable spools608can traverse the cable path and extend toward the head or feet of the user (e.g., approximately 90 degrees or 270 degrees relative to the ground on which the user may be exercising).

FIG.7AandFIG.7Billustrate exploded views700and720of a plate708or bracket for a body mounted device that can contain and direct cables for providing resistance when worn during exercises and training. The plate708can be employed as a mount for multiple cable spools and a source through which the cables can be pulled and retracted. In order to mount the multiple cable spools, the plate708can include multiple joints702, which can penetrate apertures of the cable spools and allow each cable spool to rotate about each joint702. The plate708can further include a clip704for connecting the plate708to a user. For instance, the clip704can be connected to a shirt, a belt, a strap, a backpack, or any other clothing item that can be worn by the user. The clip704can be located at a distal end of the plate708that is opposite a pipe mount712of the plate708.

The pipe mount712can include multiple apertures714from which pipes716can extend to provide pathways for the cables to move. In some implementations, there can be a single aperture714at a surface of the pipe mount712that is facing the joints702and multiple apertures that extend from the single aperture714in an opposite direction. In this way, there can be a single opening in which the cables from the cable spools can enter. The apertures714at the end of the pipe mount712facing away from the joints702can include threads for connecting the pipes716to the pipe mount712. Each pipe716can include a hollow channel through which the cables can move in and out of, according to direction722. In some implementations, the pipes716can include an open end, while in other implementations the pipes716can include pivoting ends718that can change a direction of an opening of the pipes716. For instance, the pivoting ends718can simultaneously face away from the plate708or towards the plate708. In other implementations, the pipes716can be flexible in order to provide additional tension when the user is wearing the plate708and pulling on the cables.

In some implementations, the plate708can include apertures710for providing flexibility and breathability to the plate708. Furthermore, the apertures710can allow a user to see the cables provided from the cable spools, thereby allowing the user diagnose any issues that may occur with the cables. The apertures710also reduce the weight of the plate708, making it easier to carry during exercises and training.

FIG.8illustrates a perspective view800of a user802wearing a resistance assembly818as discussed herein. The resistance assembly818can supply cables812to different appendages (e.g., arms, legs, etc.) of the user802in order to provide tension to those appendages during exercises and training. The resistance assembly818can supply the cables812from cable spools804attached to the resistance assembly818. The cables812can extend under a plate806of the resistance assembly818and through a pipe mount808of the resistance assembly818. Thereafter, the cables812can extend through pipes810, which can be attached to the pipe mount808and direct the cables812in different directions. For instance, when the resistance assembly818is being worn by the user802, each pipe810can extend toward a foot, a knee, and/or a thigh of the user802. In this way, the cables812moving through the pipes810will not interfere with any other areas of the user802beyond where the cables812are connected.

In some implementations, the cables812can be routed around pulleys820, which can be attached at different locations of the user802. For instance, a pulley820can be attached to a knee strap such that that a cable812can extend toward the knee and up to the wrist of the user802, thereby applying tension at both the knee and wrist of the user802. Applying tension at multiple locations of the user802can improve exercise and training of, for example, a soldier that typically must deal with various terrains and obstacles. If a soldier needs to train with a weapon816, a cable812from the resistance assembly818can be routed through a pipe810, around a pulley820, and attached to a wristband814. In this way, as the user802is moving with their weapon816, the wrist and knee of the user802will experience some amount of tension. In some implementations, the amount of tension of cables812moving through each pipe810can be adjusted. For instance, a cable812moving through a pipe810at the left side of the user802can have a different amount of tension than a cable812moving through a pipe810at the right side of the user802.

The user802can wear the resistance assembly818by attaching the resistance assembly818to a backpack822using clips that extend from a plate of the resistance assembly818. In this way, the resistance assembly818acts as a portable wearable apparatus that can provide tension in three dimensions. For instance, when the user802is climbing stairs while wearing the resistance assembly818and holding the weapon816, tension will be applied to each knee as the user802lifts each leg to go up the stairs. Additionally, as the user802lifts the weapon816up each stair, the wrist of the user802will receive consistent tension from the cable812that is wrapped around the pulley820.

Although the resistance assembly818is illustrated as guiding the cables812below the torso of the user802, in some implementations the cables can also be directed above the torso of the user802. For instance, the resistance assembly818can include a hooks on the backpack822that direct the cables812over the shoulders of the user802and connect to the chest and/or wrists of the user802in order to apply tension to the chest and/or wrists during exercises. In other implementations, the resistance assembly818can include a pipe mount808that extends toward the feet of the user802and a separate pipe mount that faces toward the head of the user802. In this way, cables can be directed via pipes over the shoulders of the user802simultaneous to cables812being directed toward the legs of the user802. Each cable can be provided by a separate spool804thereby allowing each appendage of the user802to be assigned a separate amount of tension.

In some implementations, the resistance assembly818can include a computing device that is connected behind the plate806for tracking the performance of the user802while the user802is wearing the resistance assembly818. For instance, the computing device can be connected to sensors that can measure an amount of pulling force being applied by each cable812. The data from the sensors can be processed and recorded in order to compare past performances of the user802, and/or compare performances of different users. In some implementations, the computing device can control the amount of tension applied to the cables. For instance, during an exercise, the computing device can cause the cable spools804to increase or decrease tension in order to provide variability during the exercise.

FIG.9illustrates a method900for assembling a cable assembly for a body mounted device. The method900can be performed by one or more computers, applications, and/or any other apparatus or module capable of assembly a wearable device. The method900can include an operation902of connecting a first pulley to a cable guide of a housing portion for a body mounted device. The first pulley can be connected to the cable guide by a pin or nut that extends through the first pulley and a surface of the cable guide. The method900can further include an operation904of connecting a second pulley to the cable guide at a location that is adjacent to the first pulley. The second pulley can also be connected to the cable guide by a pin or nut that extends through the second pulley and another surface of the cable guide. The method900can additionally include an operation906of placing a pulley mount, which includes a third pulley, on the cable guide such that the second pulley is located between the first pulley and the second pulley.

The method900can further include an operation908of connecting a threaded screw through the pulley mount in a direction that is parallel to a length of the cable guide. The pulley mount can be adjustable by way of an adjustable device that is connected to the threaded screw, which can extend through a threaded aperture of the pulley mount. The method900can optionally include an operation910of disposing a cable through the pulley mount and an aperture of the cable guide. A tension of the cable can be adjusted based on location of the pulley mount relative to the first pulley and/or the second pulley. The location of the pulley mount is adjusted according to the rotation of the threaded screw, which can be rotated by a user that wears the body mounted device.

FIG.10illustrates a method1000for manufacturing a resistance assembly according to some embodiments discussed herein. The method1000can be performed by one or more computing devices, or any other apparatuses capable of manufacturing an exercise device. The method1000can include an operation1002of attaching a cable spool to a joint of a first plate, the first plate including a pipe mount with a cable pathway. The cable spool can be a circular spool of cable with an aperture through which the joint of the first plate can extend through. The first plate can be made from a light, rigid material such as aluminum, plastic, and/or any other material that can be formed into a wearable product. The pipe mount can also be made from a rigid material that is capable of being formed with cable pathways. The cable pathways can be formed into the pipe mount in multiple directions, through opposing surfaces of the pipe mount. For instance, multiple cable pathways can be connected to openings in a common surface of the pipe mount and terminate at different surfaces of the pipe mount.

The method1000can further include an operation1004of connecting a pipe to the pipe mount such that the pipe extends away from the plate and the joint. The pipe can be a flexible or rigid, hollow tube that can extend from the pipe mount and away from the first plate. The pipe can be screwed into the pipe mount, formed to the pipe mount, welded to the pipe mount, or otherwise attached to the pipe mount so that a uniform cavity can extend through the pipe and the cable pathway. In some implementations, multiple pipes can be attached to the pipe mount such that each pipe extends from the pipe mount in different directions. This configuration allows for cables to be extended from the cable spools in different directions, thereby allowing tension vectors created by the cables to affect a user while wearing the first plate during an exercise.

The method1000can further include an operation1006of directing cable from the cable spool through the cable pathway of the pipe mount and the pipe. Directing cable from the cable spools through the cable pathway can include unwinding the cable from a cable spool, pushing the cable through an opening in the pipe mount, and pulling the cable out of the pipe connected to the pipe mount. In some implementations, multiple cables are pulled from the cable spools, through the pipe mount, and through the pipes that are connected to the pipe mount.

The method1000can further include an operation1008of connecting a second plate of the joint of the first plate to retain the cable spool between the first plate and the second plate. The second plate can extend parallel over the first plate and can optionally abut the pipe mount. In some implementations, each of the first plate and the second plate can include openings that reduce the weight of the plates and/or allow air to move through the plates. The cable from the spools can move between the plates during exercises performed by the user thereby protecting the cables and reducing the amount of interference between the environment and the cables. The cables can be extended around pulleys that can be attached at different locations on the appendages of the user. For instance, the cables can be attached to the wrists of the user while also being directed around pulleys that are attached to the knees of the user. The cable spools can provide an amount of tension that requires the user to exert effort when moving their wrists away from their knees. In some implementations, the cable spools can be adjusted to so that different amounts of tension are applied to the wrists of the user.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03. It should be understood that certain expressions and reference signs used in the claims pursuant to Rule 6.2(b) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) do not limit the scope.