IP Library Granted Patent US 7,628,737
Granted Patent B2
US 7,628,737 · App. 10/916,687 · Granted Dec 8, 2009

Repetition sensor in exercise equipment

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,628,737
App. No.
10/916,687
Granted
Dec 8, 2009
Kind
B2
Abstract

An exercise repetition sensor comprises an electricity generator, such as an electricity generator, which is coupled to an exercise system, where the electricity generator is capable of sensing exercise movements of any size or intensity on the exercise system. The electricity generator can be based on a number of electrical, magnetic, or optical sensing principles. For example, an electricity generator comprising an electricity generator includes a spindle that is coupled to one or more parts that move in proportion to an applied force. The voltage-generator generates an electrical current as the spindle moves, and sends the electrical current to an electronic display interface. In one embodiment, the voltage-generator sends a positive direct current through one of two circuit wires to the electronic console, such that the electronic console can immediately identify that the user has performed an exercise repetition.

Claims (48)

1. A repetition sensor for use in an exercise device comprising:

a repetition movement member linked to a movable component of the exercise device, the repetition movement member configured to move in response to a mechanical stimulus generated during repetition movement; and

an electricity generator linked to the repetition movement member such that the electricity generator generates an electrical signal indicative of the repetition movement in response to movement of the repetition movement member, wherein the electricity generator is a direct current generator; and an electronic console, wherein the electronic console identifies that the repetition member has been moved based on the direction of the electrical signal.

2. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a sensor frame for securing the repetition sensor to an exercise device and a torque spindle linking the repetition movement member to the electricity generator, the torque spindle rotating in response to movement of the repetition movement member and facilitating generation of an electrical signal at the electricity generator.

3. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 1 , wherein the electricity generator comprises one or more magnets, such that electrical signal is created by rotation of at least one of the one or more magnets.

4. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 3 , wherein the electricity generator outputs a greater intensity of electrical signal as the torque spindle rotates with greater speed.

5. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 1 , wherein the electricity generator comprises a first circuit wire and a second circuit wire, and wherein one exercise repetition is based on an instance of greater electronic energy potential on the first circuit wire than on the second circuit wire.

6. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 1 , wherein the electricity generator is an alternating current generator.

7. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 6 , further comprising an electronic console, wherein the electronic console identifies that the movable component has been moved based on the amplitude of the electrical signal.

8. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 6 , wherein the electricity generator comprises a first circuit wire and a second circuit wire, and wherein amplitude of the electrical signal is measured across both the first circuit wire and the second circuit wire.

9. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 7 , wherein the electronic console includes an electrical connection interface module for receiving electronic signals from a repetition sensor;

a processing module communicably connected to the electrical connection interface module, wherein the processing module identifies a signal property of an electrical signal generated by the repetition sensor; and

a display interface module communicably connected to the processing module, wherein the display interface module provides an indication of an exercise repetition based on the identified signal property to one or more display interfaces.

10. The electronic display console as recited in claim 9 , wherein the repetition sensor is an apparatus comprising an AC current generator, a DC current generator, a piezoelectric sensor, an optical resistor, or a Hall-Effect sensor switch.

11. The electronic display console as recited in claim 9 , wherein the signal property identifies the direction of a direct current emanating from one of a plurality of circuit wires that are electrically coupled to the repetition sensor. An exercise system configured to display repetition data comprising:

an exercise system having a resistance assembly;

a movable member linked to the resistance assembly, the movable member moving in response to movement of the resistance assembly during exercise; and

a means for generating a signal representing repetition movement of the resistance assembly, wherein the means for generating a signal is linked to the movable member, wherein the means for generating a signal comprises a radio frequency generator.

12. The electronic display console as recited in claim 9 , wherein the signal property identifies an amplitude of an alternating current emanating from one or more circuit wires that are electrically coupled to the repetition sensor. An exercise system configured to display repetition data comprising:

an exercise system having a resistance assembly;

a movable member linked to the resistance assembly, the movable member moving in response to movement of the resistance assembly during exercise; and

a means for generating a signal representing repetition movement of the resistance assembly, wherein the means for generating a signal is linked to the movable member, and wherein the means for generating a signal comprises a magnetic signal generator.

13. The electronic display console as recited in claim 9 , wherein the one or more display interfaces further comprise a display for any one of a level of anaerobic resistance, a number of exercise sets, a duration of anaerobic exercise, a heart rate, a user weight, a prior anaerobic exercise goal, a present anaerobic exercise goal, and a projected anaerobic exercise goal.

14. The electronic display console as recited in claim 9 , wherein the processing module comprises an identification module configured to identify the signal property, and a calculation module configured to interpret the signal property as an exercise repetition.

15. The electronic display console as recited in claim 14 , wherein the calculation module is further configured to compare the signal property with one or more of a prior number of exercise repetitions, an exercise set, an exercise resistance, a user anaerobic exercise activity, a hypothetical anaerobic exercise goal for a given resistance weight, a user heart rate, and a user anaerobic exercise duration.

16. The electronic display console as recited in claim 15 , wherein the display interface module is configured to receive user input, and wherein the calculation module is further configured to compare one or more of the signal property with a prior anaerobic exercise goal, a present anaerobic exercise goal, a projected anaerobic exercise goal, a hypothetical anaerobic exercise goal for one or more of a given resistance weight, a user weight, a user age, a user sex, a user heart rate, and exercise data from an aerobic exercise device.

17. The repetition sensor of claim 1 , further comprising a linkage coupled to the movement member, a torque spindle linked to the linkage and to the electricity generator, the torque spindle rotating in response to movement of the movement member, the rotational movement of the torque spindle representing the movement of the movement member, wherein the electrical signal is generated in response to rotational movement of the torque spindle to represent movement of the movable member.

18. The repetition sensor of claim 17 , wherein the torque spindle is configured to rotate in a first and second direction in response to repetition movement of the exercise system.

19. The repetition sensor of claim 18 , wherein the electricity generator generates an electrical signal having a positive voltage when the torque spindle rotates in the first direction.

20. The repetition sensor of claim 18 , wherein the electricity generator generates an electrical signal having a negative voltage when the torque spindle rotates in the second direction.

21. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 18 , wherein the linkage comprises one of a ribbon, a cable, a string, a wire, and a gear.

22. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 19 , wherein the linkage comprises a pulley.

23. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 19 , wherein the linkage comprises a zip line.

24. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 23 , wherein the zip line is an exercise cable extending from a gripping handle, such that the electricity generator generates the electrical signal as an exercise cable moves in response to motion at a gripping handle linked to the exercise cable.

25. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 17 , wherein the linkage comprises an electronic sensor.

26. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 17 , wherein the linkage comprises a magnetic sensor.

27. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 17 , wherein the electricity generator is selected from the group comprising a direct current generator, an alternating current generator, a magnetic sensor system, an optical sensor system, or a piezoelectric sensor that produces an electrical signal in response to an exercise motion.

28. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 17 , further comprising an electronic console which identifies that the movable member has been moved based on at least one of the direction of the electrical signal, the amount of the electrical signal, the intensity of the electrical signal, and the amplitude of the electrical signal.

29. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 17 , wherein the electricity generator comprises a first circuit wire and a second circuit wire, and wherein one exercise repetition is based on a greater electronic energy potential on the first circuit wire than on the second circuit wire.

30. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 17 , wherein the electricity generator comprises an alternating current generator.

31. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 30 , further comprising an electronic console wherein the electronic console identifies that the movable member has been moved based on the amplitude of the electrical signal.

32. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 17 , wherein the torque spindle is linked through a self-winding ribbon to an exercise component that moves in proportion to a force applied to the exercise system.

33. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 32 , further comprising a rewind spring which rotates the torque spindle in a reverse direction to self-wind the ribbon.

34. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 17 , wherein the electricity generator generates an electrical signal of differential intensity as the movable member moves at a corresponding differential speed.

35. A repetition sensor for use in an exercise device comprising:

a repetition movement member linked to a movable component of the exercise device, the repetition movement member configured to move in response to a mechanical stimulus generated during repetition movement; and

an electricity generator linked to the repetition movement member such that the electricity generator generates an electrical signal indicative of the repetition movement in response to movement of the repetition movement member, wherein the repetition movement member comprises a retractable ribbon.

36. The repetition sensor as recited in claim 35 , wherein the retractable ribbon is coupled to a rewind spring, such that the retractable ribbon is retracted when the rewind spring moves to a relaxed state.

Assignments (29)
RELEASE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY INTEREST (4TH LIEN) Recorded May 28, 2025
From: LC9 CONNECTED HOLDINGS, LP
To: IFIT INC.; ICON IP INC.
Reel/Frame 071429/0479 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 27, 2025
From: LC9 CONNECTED HOLDINGS, LP
To: IFIT INC.; ICON IP INC.
Reel/Frame 071407/0001 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 23, 2025
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.
To: IFIT, INC. (F/K/A ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.); ICON IP, INC.
Reel/Frame 071351/0624 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 23, 2025
From: PLC AGENT LLC
To: IFIT INC.; ICON IP, INC.
Reel/Frame 071358/0584 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 21, 2025
From: ICON PREFERRED HOLDINGS, L.P.
To: IFIT INC.; ICON IP INC.
Reel/Frame 071336/0725 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 13, 2025
From: IFIT, INC.
To: CERBERUS BUSINESS FINANCE AGENCY, LLC
Reel/Frame 071278/0707 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Dec 20, 2023
From: IFIT INC.; ICON IP, INC.
To: LC9 CONNECTED HOLDINGS, LP
Reel/Frame 066094/0529 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 5, 2022
From: IFIT INC.; ICON IP, INC.
To: LC9 CONNECTED HOLDINGS, LP
Reel/Frame 059857/0830 →
CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE THE ASSIGNEE'S ADDRESS PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL: 059633 FRAME: 0313. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE ASSIGNMENT. Recorded Apr 28, 2022
From: IFIT INC.
To: ICON PREFERRED HOLDINGS, L.P.
Reel/Frame 060512/0315 →
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Mar 1, 2022
From: IFIT INC.
To: ICON PREFERRED HOLDINGS, L.P.
Reel/Frame 059633/0313 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Feb 25, 2022
From: IFIT INC.
To: PLC AGENT LLC
Reel/Frame 059249/0466 →
TO CORRECT AN ERROR IN A COVER SHEET PREVIOUSLY RECORDED AT REEL/FRAME 058742/0476 - CORRECT ASSIGNEE NAME IFIT INC TO IFIT INC. Recorded Jan 31, 2022
From: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.
To: IFIT INC.
Reel/Frame 058957/0531 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jan 12, 2022
From: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.
To: IFIT INC
Reel/Frame 058742/0476 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Jun 23, 2021
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.
Reel/Frame 056654/0951 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded May 13, 2021
From: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 056238/0818 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 14, 2020
From: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 053548/0453 →
TERMINATION AND RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENT RIGHTS Recorded May 14, 2020
From: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: ICON IP, INC.; ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.
Reel/Frame 052671/0737 →
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Aug 12, 2016
From: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.; HF HOLDINGS, INC.; UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL SERVICES; ICON IP, INC.; FREE MOTION FITNESS, INC.; ICON-ALTRA LLC
To: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 039669/0311 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Recorded Aug 8, 2016
From: WILMINGTON TRUST,NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (AS SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO WILMINGTON TRUST FSB), AS COLLATERAL AGENT
To: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.; ICON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL SERVICES; FREE MOTION FITNESS, INC.; ICON IP, INC.; ICON DU CANADA INC.
Reel/Frame 039610/0346 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Aug 5, 2016
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS
To: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC; FREE MOTION FITNESS, INC.; HF HOLDINGS, INC.; ICON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; ICON IP, INC.; UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL SERVICES; ICON DU CANADA INC.; ICON - ALTRA LLC
Reel/Frame 039584/0886 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS Recorded Aug 5, 2016
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS AGENT FOR THE LENDERS
To: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC; FREE MOTION FITNESS, INC.; HF HOLDINGS, INC.; ICON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC.; ICON IP, INC.; UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL SERVICES; ICON DU CANADA INC.; ICON - ALTRA LLC
Reel/Frame 039584/0575 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Jul 14, 2015
From: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.; ICON IP, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 036104/0833 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 16, 2014
From: ICON IP, INC.
To: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC.
Reel/Frame 034650/0013 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Nov 19, 2010
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: ICON IP, INC.
Reel/Frame 025304/0570 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 4, 2010
From: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION; ICON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION; UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL SERVICES, A UTAH CORPORATION; FREE MOTION FITNESS, INC., A UTAH CORPORATION; ICON IP, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION; 510152 N.B. LTD., A NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA CORPORATION; ICON DU CANADA INC., A QUEBEC, CANADA CORPORATION
To: WILMINGTON TRUST FSB, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Reel/Frame 025309/0683 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Sep 3, 2010
From: ICON HEALTH & FITNESS, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION; HF HOLDINGS, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION; ICON INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION; UNIVERSAL TECHNICAL SERVICES, A UTAH CORPORATION; FREE MOTION FITNESS, INC., A UTAH CORPORATION; ICON IP, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION; 510152 N.B. LTD., A NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA CORPORATION; ICON DU CANADA INC., A QUEBEC, CANADA CORPORATION
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 024953/0310 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 24, 2010
From: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
To: ICON IP, INC., A DELAWARE CORPORATION
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PATENT COLLATERAL ASSIGNMENT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Nov 7, 2005
From: ICON IP, INC.
To: BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 016735/0410 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Nov 5, 2004
From: KOWALLIS, RODNEY C.; ASHBY, DARREN C.; ASHBY, ROBERT D.; GERBER, JAMES BOYD; EARL, CHAD J.; HENDRICKSON, RICK W.
To: ICON IP, INC.
Reel/Frame 015957/0529 →