Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof – Treadmill for foot travel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-17
2001-09-04
Richman, Glenn E. (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Treadmill for foot travel
C482S008000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283896
ABSTRACT:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES
The present invention was first disclosed in the Disclosure Document filed on May 5, 1998. There have been no previously filed, nor any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to exercise machines, and, more particularly, to a computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of stationary exercise machines including treadmills, stationary bikes, and stepping machines has risen in recent times due to the awareness of greater health benefits that result from regular exercise. These machines are found in gyms and health clubs as well as the home. It is not of the ordinary to find individuals that may spend several hours per week on such machines in the quest for a better physique, increased stamina and a higher level of overall general health.
However, many people find such long periods of time boring and repetitious. The surroundings never change, the routing never varies, and the whole workout process just becomes one of tedium until the time limit is obtained, the desired distance is covered, or the number of calories for that session have been burned. The only alternative to this is actual jogging or the riding of a conventional bike outside. However, weather and other factors may prevent individuals from exercising on a regular basis. This is what forced the use of stationary exercise machines in the first place.
While watching television or listening to the radio helps pass the time, while using stationary exercise machines, it does not provide for an interactive exercise session as one would get if actually out jogging or riding a conventional bike. Furthermore, there is no sense of competition when one is using an exercise machine. Competition often pushes individuals to a higher level of achievement and thus a better workout. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which one can utilize a stationary exercise machine and be afforded an interactive session and a sense of competition while exercising with others.
In the related art, several patents disclose exercise treadmills. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,710, issued in the name of Shimizu et. al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,491, issued in the name of Elder.
Several patents disclose a computerized exercise game machine in the embodiment of an exercise bicycle. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,069, issued in the name of Hall-Tipping, U.S. Pat. No. 5,240,417, issued in the name of Smithson et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,435, issued in the name of Shatford et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,891, issued in the name of Melton et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,408,613, issued in the name of Relyea.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,459, issued in the name of Su, describes a computerized exercise game machine providing feedback to the user.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,205,800, issued in the name of Grant, describes an exercising treadmill with a synchronized video monitor display.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that anticipate directly many features of the instant invention. Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an improved interactive exercise machine that incorporates real time video graphics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine that provides an interactive exercise session.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a computer interface with a remote communication apparatus for an exercise machine is disclosed, designed as a stationary exercise machine with provisions for an interactive approach with a predetermined program on a computer-controlled interface and with provisions for interfacing two or more such units to allow a sense of competition between two or more people. The present invention discloses a conventional, stationary exercise machine, a computer with specialized program, a series of apparatuses for interfacing with the individual exercising as well as the exercise machine itself, and a means for interfacing two or more such machines together. In the preferred embodiment, the present invention can be sold as a kit for aftermarket installation to existing exercise machines. In an alternate preferred embodiment, the present invention could be built as an integral part of exercise machines at the factory.
A sensor is provided to track speed of the exercise machine. It is envisioned that this sensor would be a wheel-driven device that would match the speed of the exercise machine, be it the belt on a treadmill or a wheel on a stationary bike. An output device is provided to adjust the speed of the exercise machine based upon the program or interface requirements. Two hand controllers are also provided to allow for interfacing to the computer program or interface for such parameters that cannot be derived from the exercise machine motion. These parameters include but are not limited to: left, right, forward, reverse, faster, slower, jump and fire. The jump and fire buttons would be used during various gaming operations performed with the invention.
The user would have the option of playing against a predetermined computer program or against other players. The competition against other players would occur through the use of two or more interconnected machines through the use of a communication path. This path is envisioned to be a serial connection in the case of two or more machines that are in the immediate vicinity to one another, or by the use of a modem connection where the machines are separated by a great distance.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a device that allows for interaction while exercising.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that it quickly reprogrammed by the use of computer media for different game or challenge simulations using the same input and output signals for each simulation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that is easily and quickly attached to any conventional exercise machine or can be part of the overall integral design of an exercise machine.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be quickly and easily activated and deactivated.
It is another object of the present invention to allow for the input of auxiliary signals and provide the associated processing to administer a computer derived health monitor that would track a user's height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, goals, calories burned, warm up and cool down periods and the like.
It is another object of the present invention to allow for two or more invention equipped exercise machines to connect to one another through the use of the Internet using standard TCP/IP connections. Users may contact one another through the use of email addresses or a common World Wide Web site.
DESCRIPTIVE KEY
10
computer interface with a
80
second gear
remote communication
85
transducer
apparatus for an exercise
90
mounting arm
machine
95
mounting bracket
15
conventional exercise
100
attachment straps
machine
105
fastening means
20
computer
110
restraint strap
21
input port
115
servo motor
25
mounting shelf
120
tracking harness
30
operating panel
125
output strap
35
restraint handles
130
motion path arrow
40
speed adjustment mechanism
135
speed control slider
45
moving element
140
first “X” shaped rocker switch
50
speed detection mechanism
145
second “X” shaped rocker
55
first hand controller
switch
60
second hand controller
150
modem
etwork card
65
interconnecting
155
serial connection cable
communication paths
160
remote communication link
70
rubber wheel
165
local communication link
75
first gear
REFERENCES:
patent: 5076584 (1991-12-01), Openiano
patent: 5484355 (1996-01-01), King et al.
patent: 5910070 (1999-06-01), Henry et al.
Grunfeld Abraham
Grunfeld Sarah
Gugliotta John D.
Richman Glenn E.
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