INTERACTIVE RESISTANCE BAND TRAINING SYSTEMS

Abstract

 Interactive/smart resistance band training systems include one or more resistance bands connected to a force sensing unit that registers the force exerted by a user on handles connected to the bands. The sensing unit operates effectively regardless of whether the user is training with one handle individually, or with two handles being pulled in parallel or non-parallel directions. The systems may correct the force readings to account for non-alignment between the force-measurement axis of the force sensing unit and the directions in which the user applies force to the resistance bands. The systems may guide a user through exercise sessions tailored to the fitness level of the user; may display the force readings, calories burned, and other performance parameters and goals on a continuous, real-time basis,; may summarize the result of the exercise session; and may recommend subsequent exercise sessions based on the performance of the user.

Description

Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. application no. 63/254,776, filed October 12, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Field

[0002] The disclosed technology is related to portable exercise equipment, and more specifically, to resistance band training systems in which a user pulls and stretches one or more resilient bands to work one or more muscle groups.

Background

[0003] Resistance band training systems typically include a one-piece resistance band, and two handles attached to the opposite ends of the resistance band. A user may wrap or otherwise anchor the resistance band around a pole or other stationary object, or may stand on the band so that the user can grasp and pull both handles, typically by hand or foot, and the attached portions of the resistance band. The resistance band is formed from a resilient material, such as natural latex, that stretches when subjected to a pulling of tensile force, and returns to its unstretched length when the force is removed. The resilience of the resistance band causes the band to generate an escalating resistive force as it is stretched.

[0004] Unlike free weights and other types exercise equipment where the user can select a specific weight or resistive force value, a resistance band generates an escalating resistive force as is it stretched. Therefore, it is not possible, from a practical standpoint, for the user to know how much force he or she is exerting on the resistance band training system in real time, during the repetitive movements being performed by the user, without some type of sensing system.

[0005] Some resistance band training systems incorporate a distance sensor system to measure the elongation, or change in overall length, of the resistance band. The systems are configured to calculate a force value based on a predetermined force vs. elongation curve for the specific resistance band or bands provided with the system. The force vs. elongation curve changes, however, due to heating of the resistance band by environmental factors such as direct sunlight, or heating caused naturally by the repeated stretching of the resistance band over the course of the workout. Additionally, the force vs. deflection curve necessarily changes as the resistance band wears over time due to normal use. Such changes in the force vs. elongation curve will cause the system to lose accuracy.

[0006] Resistance band training systems having a force sensor for directly measuring the resistive force of a single resistance band during training are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,662,651 and U.S. Patent No. 8,491,446. These references, however, disclose a force sensor integrated into a handle configured to be attached to the resistance band. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0023229 also discloses a resistance band training system with a force sensor for directly measuring the resistive force of a single resistance band. The systems disclosed in this reference, however, require two force sensors to directly measure the force in two resistance bands; in embodiments with only one sensor associated with a first of the resistance bands, the force in the second band needs to be calculated based on the measured force in the first band.

[0007] Also, resistance band training systems, in general, do not have real time feedbacking abilities that present to the user the resisting force, mechanical work, number of repetitions, and other valuable data for managing the workout and boost training experience. It is believed that interactive real time data, such as the resistive force, mechanical work performed by the user, calories burned, etc., can encourage or boost the user into engaging and meeting workout goals, and can lead the user to a better exercise experience in general.

Summary

[0008] The present technology is directed to a resistance band training system including at least a first and a second resistance band each being configured to resiliently deform when subjected to a respective tensile force; a first and a second handle coupled to respective first ends of the first and second resistance bands; and not more than one force sensing unit coupled to respective second ends of both the first and second resistance bands and configured to generate an output representing a combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands in response to the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands.

[0009] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, a length of the first resistance band is about equal to a length of the second resistance band; and the first and second resistance bands and an axis extending between the first and second handles define a substantially triangular shape when the first and second resistance bands are subjected to the tensile forces.

[0010] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system further includes a computing device communicatively coupled to the force sensing unit and configured to calculate the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands based on the output of the force sensing unit and an angle between the first and second resistance bands.

[0011] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, wherein the angle between the first and second resistance bands is about twice an angle between each of the first and second resistance bands and a force measurement axis of the force sensing unit.

[0012] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system further includes a sensor configured to measure the angle between the first and second bands.

[0013] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the computing device is further configured to estimate the angle between the first and second bands based on a type of exercise being performed by a user of the system.

[0014] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the force sensing unit includes a load cell configured to generate the output representing the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands in response to the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands; the load cell is configured to measure forces acting on the load cell in a direction coinciding with a measurement axis of the load cell; and the computing device is further configured to calculate the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands based on a force measured by the load cell and an angle between the first and second resistance bands.

[0015] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the force sensing unit includes a housing, and a connector configured to couple the first and second resistance bands to the housing.

[0016] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the connector is located within the housing; the first and second resistance bands are configured to extend through an opening in the housing and to loop around the connector; and the housing has a first and an opposing second internal surface configured to restrain the first and second resistance bands and the connector.

[0017] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system also includes a retaining member configured to be positioned around the first and second resistance bands within the housing and to urge the first and second resistance bands into contact with each other.

[0018] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the connector has a first and second side surface; the first and second side surfaces of the connector are angled in relation to a lengthwise axis of the connector; and the first and second internal surfaces of the housing are angled in relation to a lengthwise axis of the housing and are configured to restrain the first and second resistance bands between the first and second internal surfaces of the housing and the respective first and second side surfaces of the connector.

[0019] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the connector has a cylindrical configuration.

[0020] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the housing includes a first half and a second half configured to be connected to the first half of the housing; and the connector is integrally formed with the first half of the housing.

[0021] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the connector has a tubular configuration.

[0022] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the connector includes a first portion having an hourglass-shaped configuration.

[0023] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the connector further includes a first and a second leg each adjoining the first portion of the connector, the first and second legs being configured to engage the housing to support the connector within the housing.

[0024] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the connector includes a D-shaped first portion configured to be connected to the first and second resistance bands, and a second portion adjoining the first portion and configured to be connected to the housing.

[0025] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the force sensing unit further includes a load cell; the housing is configured to transmit to the load cell the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands; and the load cell is configured to generate the output representing the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands.

[0026] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the force sensing unit further includes an attachment device configured to be connected to an anchoring point on a stationary structure; the load cell includes a body and a strain gauge attached to the body; and the force sensing unit further includes a bridge connected to the load cell and the attachment device.

[0027] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the attachment device is configured to rotate in relation to the bridge.

[0028] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the attachment device is a carabiner

[0029] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the attachment device and the bridge are configured to transmit to the load cell a reactive force generated by the stationary structure in response to the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands; and
the housing is configured to restrain the load cell against the reactive force generated by the stationary structure.

[0030] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the body of the load cell incudes a first and a second outer arm, and a first and second inner arm; the housing is configured to restrain the first and second arms against the reactive force generated by the stationary structure; the bridge is connected to the first and second inner arms of the load cell; and the strain gauge is configured to generate an output in response to deflection of the first and second inner arms in relation to the first and second outer arms.

[0031] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first handle and the first resistance band are unitarily formed; and the second handle and the second resistance band are unitarily formed.

[0032] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the first resistance band and the second resistance band are unitarily formed.

[0033] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the computing device is further configured to display information relating to an exercise session performed on the system by a user.

[0034] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the computing device is further configured to display the calculated tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands; and to calculate and display target values for the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands.

[0035] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the system is further configured to calculate and display a percentage of the exercise session that has been completed by the user.

[0036] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the computing device is further configured to calculate the target values for tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands based on a performance of the user during the exercise session or during a previous exercise session.

[0037] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the computing device is further configured to calculate and display target values for a rate and a number of repetitive applications of the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands, and to display an actual rate and an actual number of repetitive applications of the tensile forces on the first and second resistance band performed by the user.

[0038] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the computing device is further configured to recommend to a user a difficulty level of an exercise session based on performance of the user during one or more prior exercise sessions.

[0039] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the computing device is a smartphone.

[0040] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the force sensing unit includes the computing device.

[0041] In another aspect of the disclosed technology, the computing device is further configured to determine a deflection of the first and second resistance bands based on the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands in response to the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a resistance band training system.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a resistance band assembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the system show in FIGS. 1-3, showing resistance bands of the system oriented at a relative angle of about zero.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the system show in FIGS. 1-4A, showing resistance bands of the system oriented at a non-zero relative angle designated "α."

FIG. 5 is a magnified view of the area designated "A" in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 6 is a magnified view of the area designated "B" in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an anchor of the system shown in FIGS. 1-6.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a connector and resistance bands mounted within a housing of a force sensing unit of the system shown in FIGS. 1-7, with one half of the housing removed.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the connector shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a load cell of a force sensing unit of the system shown in FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bridge and a carabiner of the force sensing unit of the system shown in FIGS. 1-10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bridge, the carabiner, and the load cell of the force sensing unit of the system shown in FIGS. 1-11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bridge, the carabiner, the load cell, a battery, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a PCB holder of the force sensing unit of the system shown in FIGS. 1-12, in a partially-assembled condition.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bridge, the carabiner, the load cell, the battery, the PCB, and the PCB holder of the force sensing unit of the system shown in FIGS. 1-13, in a fully-assembled condition and being inserted into the housing of the force sensing unit.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-14, depicting one handle connected to two resistance bands of the resistance trainer.

FIG. 16A is a block diagram depicting various components of a printed circuit board, and other components, of the system shown in FIGS. 1-15.

FIG. 16B is a block diagram depicting various components of a server of the system shown in FIGS. 1-16A.

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic illustration of various components of the system shown in FIGS. 1-16B.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart depicting operation of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 19 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 20 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, with one half of the housing of the force sensing unit of the resistance trainer removed.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a resistance band assembly of the resistance trainer shown in FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a connector of the resistance band assembly shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a retaining member of the resistance band assembly shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a connector of the resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the connector of the resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the connector of the resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the force sensing unit of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, with one half of the housing of the force sensing unit removed.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the force sensing unit shown in FIG. 28, with the resistance band assembly of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17 installed on the force sensing unit.

FIG. 30 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, depicting two interchangeable resistance band assemblies of different stiffnesses detached from the force sensing unit of the resistance trainer.

FIG. 31 is a side view of the resistance trainer shown in FIG. 30, depicting one of the resistance band assemblies attached to the force sensing unit of the resistance trainer.

FIG. 32 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the resistance trainer of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 33A-33B is a non-exhaustive listing of various parameters that can be monitored and/or calculated by the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 34 is a time vs. force plot that can be generated by the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, showing targeted force values, and actual force values as measured by the system.

FIG. 35 is another time vs. force plot that can be generated by the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, showing targeted force values.

FIG. 36 is another time vs. force plot that can be generated by the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, showing targeted force values, and actual force values as measured by the system.

FIG. 37 is another time vs. force plot that can be generated by the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, showing targeted force values for a velocity-based training exercise.

FIG. 38 is another time vs. force plot that can be generated by the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, showing targeted force values for a high-rate-of-repetition exercise session.

FIG. 39 is another time vs. force plot that can be generated by the system shown in FIGS. 1-17, showing targeted force values for a low-rate-of-repetition exercise session.

FIG. 40 depicts a display showing results of an analysis of user performance that can be performed by the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 41 is a top perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the system shown in FIGS. 1-17.

FIG. 42 is a front view of the system shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a front view of the system shown in FIGS. 41 and 42, with handles of the system removed.

FIG. 44 is a top perspective view of the system shown in FIGS. 41-43, showing the system being mounted on a door and door frame.

FIG. 45 is a front view of the system shown in FIGS. 41-44, showing the system mounted on the door and door frame.

FIG. 46 is a side perspective view of the system shown in FIGS. 41-45, showing the system in use with resistance bands of the system extended.

Detailed Description

[0043] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes conventional features of the disclosed technology that are apparent to those skilled in the art. It is noted that various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations.

[0044] Directional terms such as up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom, etc. are used with reference to the component orientations depicted in FIGS. 2-5. These terms are used for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Resistance Trainer

[0045] A resistance band training system 10 is disclosed. Referring to FIGS. 1-7, the exercise system 10 comprises a resistance trainer 11 comprising a resistance band assembly 12, a force sensing unit 14, and two handles 16. In some embodiments, the system 10 optionally can include a door anchor 20.

[0046] The resistance band assembly 12 comprises a first resistance band 26a, a second resistance band 26b, a plug or connector 28, and a retaining member 30. The first resistance band 26a and the second resistance band 26b are formed from a single, continuous piece of elastomeric material 25, such as natural latex, that resiliently deforms when stretched. The piece of elastomeric material 25 is covered by a protective and decorative sleeve 33. The piece of elastomeric material 25 and the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are depicted in FIG. 3 without the sleeve 33, for purposes of illustration. Alternative embodiments of the system 10 can include a resistance band assembly having only one resistance band. Other alternative embodiments of the system 10 can include resistance band assemblies having three, four, or more resistance bands.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the piece of elastomeric material 25, and the overlying sleeve 33, are partially wrapped around the connector 28 at the approximate mid-point of the piece of elastomeric material, to form the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the connector 28 has a smooth and rounded upper surface 34, a substantially flat lower surface 36, and two substantially flat side surfaces 38. The side surfaces 38 are angled in relation to the lengthwise axis of the connector 28, so that the connector 28 has a tapered profile as viewed from the perspective of FIG. 9, with the width of the connector 28 reaching its minimum at the bottom of the connector 28.

[0048] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the piece of elastomeric material 25 and the overlying sleeve 33 are looped over the upper surface 34 of the connector 28. The piece of elastomeric material 25 and the sleeve 33 extend downward, over the opposite side surfaces 38 of the connector 28, thereby forming the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b.

[0049] The first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are held in place on the connector 28 by the retaining member 30, visible in FIG. 8. The retaining member 30 is configured to draw the portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b located directly below the connector 28 toward each other, so that overlying portions of the sleeve 33 contact each other as shown in FIG. 8. The resulting friction between the contacting portions of the sleeve 33 discourages relative movement between the underlying portions of the first and the second resistance bands 26a, 26b. This in turn helps to prevent the first and the second resistance bands 26a, 26b from sliding over the connector 24 when asymmetric force is applied to the first and the second resistance bands 26a, 26b, such as when the user pulls only one of the handles 16 to stretch only one of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. Such sliding, were it to occur, would cause one of the first and the second resistance bands 26a, 26b to retract into the housing 120 while the other first or second resistance band 26a, 26b exited the housing 120, making the respective lengths of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b unequal. The retaining member 30 can be formed from a relatively soft, resilient material, to reduce the potential for the retaining member 30 to fray, cut, or otherwise damage the sleeve 33 or first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 6, the resistance band assembly 12 also includes two carabiners 31 and two elastomeric jackets 32. The carabiners 31 are configured to securely and removably connect the handles 16 to the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. The carabiners 31 are secured to the freestanding ends of the respective first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. More specifically, each carabiner 31 is secured to its corresponding first or second resistance band 26a, 26b by routing the freestanding end portion of the first or second resistance band 26a, 26b through the carabiner 31, looping the freestanding end portion back over the adjacent portion of the first or second resistance band 26a, 26b, and securing the overlapping portions using one of the elastomeric jackets 32. The carabiners 31 can be connected to the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b by other means in alternative embodiments. In other alternative embodiments, the handles 16 can be connected to the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b by a means other than the carabiners 31.

[0051] The textile sleeve 33 is positioned over the respective first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. The sleeve 33 can be formed as a single piece, and can be inserted over the piece of elastomeric material 25 that forms the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b before the piece of elastomeric material 25 is folded over the connector 28. The sleeve 33 can be formed from a flexible, inelastic material such as woven nylon, elastane (LYCRA) fabric, neoprene, polyester, and the like. The ends of the sleeve 33 overlap the corresponding jacket 32 on the first or second resistance band 26a, 26b. The sleeve 33 can protect the underlying first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b from being cut or otherwise damaged. Also, the sleeve 33 can be configured to restrict the maximum elongation or stretching of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. Alternative embodiments of the resistance band assembly 12 can be configured without the sleeve 33.

[0052] The piece of elastomeric material 25 can have a length of, for example, about 59 inches (1.5 meters) when in an unstretched state, giving each of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b a length of about 30 inches (750 mm) in their unstretched state. The first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b each can be configured to generate a resistive force of, for example, about 14 pounds (62 Newtons) when stretched to a length 1.5 times their unstretched length. The sleeve 33 can have a length of, for example, about 18 feet (5.5 meters) when in an unfolded state, prior to insertion over the length of elastomeric material 25 from which the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are formed. The specific dimensions and forces listed in this paragraph are presented for illustrative purposes only. Alternative embodiments of the resistance band assembly 12 can be configured so that the noted dimensions and forces have values other than those specified herein.

[0053] Each handle 16 is configured to act as both a hand grip and a foot cradle for the user. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4B, the handles 16 each include a first strap 40 that can be formed from an inelastic, flexible material such as nylon; and a rigid, tubular grip 42. The first strap 40 is routed through the grip 42. The first strap 40 is folded, and the end portions of the first strap 40 are connected so that the first strap 40 forms a first loop 46. The end portions are connected by way of buckles 48 that permit the size of the first loop 46 to be adjusted by the user. The first loop 46 can act as a foot cradle for the user

[0054] Each handle 16 also includes a second strap 50. The second strap 50 routed through the grip 42. The second strap 50 is folded so that end portions of the second strap 50 overlap, forming a second loop 52. The overlapping end portions of the second strap 50 are secured to each other by a suitable means such as stitching. A D-ring 54 is secured to the end portions of the second strap 50. The D-ring 54 can be engaged by the carabiner 31 of the first or second resistance band 26a, 26b, removably connect the handle 16 to the first or second resistance band 26a, 26b.

[0055] The user thus can exert force on the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b by way of the handles 16. The first loop 46 can act as a foot cradle through which the user can apply force to the handles 16 when performing resistance exercises targeting the user's legs and lower body. The user can grasp the grips 42 with the user's hands and apply force through the grips 42 when performing resistance exercises targeting the user's arms and upper body.

[0056] Details of the handles 16 are presented for illustrative purposes only. Alternative embodiments of the system 10 can include handles having other configurations.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 7, the door anchor 20 includes a strap 56, and a relatively large restraining portion 58 securely attached to a first end of the strap 56 by a suitable means such as stitching. The strap 56 is formed from a flexible and inelastic material such as woven nylon. An attachment means, such as but not limited to a D-ring 60 or a loop, is attached to a second end of the strap 56. The door anchor 20 can be securely coupled to the force sensing unit 14 by way of the D-ring 60.

[0058] The restraining portion 58 and the first end of the strap 56 can be positioned on one side of a door or other movable structure, and the D-ring 60 and the second end of the strap 56 can be positioned on the other side of the door. Once the door is closed, the strap 56 extends between the outer periphery of the door and the adjacent surface of the door frame; and interference between the restraining portion 58 and the adjacent surfaces of the door and the door frame causes the restraining portion 58 to restrain the strap 56 as the second end of the strap 56 is pulled away from the restraining portion 58 and the door as the user exerts tension indirectly on the strap 56 by way of the handles 16 and the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b.

[0059] The force sensing unit 14 comprises a housing 210 comprising a first half 220 and a second half 222. The first half is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 5. The second half 222 is visible in FIGS. 8 and 14. The first and second halves 220, 222 are configured to mate with each other, and are secured in the mated condition by fasteners or other suitable means. The first and second halves 220, 222, when mated, define an internal cavity or volume that encloses other components of the force sensing unit 14. The first and second halves 220, 222 can be formed from a durable, lightweight, and impact resistant material such as high impact resistant plastic. The first and second halves 220, 222 can be formed from other types of materials in the alternative.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12-14, the force sensing unit 14 also includes a load cell 228 located in the internal volume of the housing 210. The load cell 228 comprises a body 232, and a strain gauge 234 attached to the body 232. The strain gauge 234 can be configured as a weight scale weighing sensor, as shown in FIG. 10. The strain gauge 234 can have other configurations in alternative embodiments.

[0061] The force sensing unit 14 further comprises a bridge 230, depicted in FIGS. 12-14. The bridge 230 has a first portion 236, and a cylindrical second portion 238 that adjoins, and extends from the first portion 236. The first portion 236 is secured to inner arms 239 of the body 232 of the load cell 228 as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, by a suitable means such as fasteners.

[0062] The force sensing unit 14 further comprises an attachment device in the form of a carabiner 240 shown, for example, in FIGS. 5, 11, 12, and 14. The carabiner 240 is coupled to the load cell 228 by way of the bridge 230. More specifically, the carabiner 240 has an aperture formed in the bottom thereof and configured to receive the second portion 238 of the bridge 230. The carabiner 240 is secured to the second portion 238 by a suitable means such as washers, including a pin-lock washer 244 that is received in a circumferentially-extending groove formed in the second portion 238, proximate an upper end of the second portion 238 as depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. This configuration permits the force sensing unit 14 to rotate or swivel about its lengthwise axis in relation to the carabiner 240 and the attached anchoring point, while restraining the force sensing unit 14 in a linear direction coinciding with the lengthwise axis of the force sensing unit 14.

[0063] The carabiner 240 can be used to secure the force sensing unit 14 to an anchoring device (not shown). For example, the carabiner 240 can securely engage an anchoring device in the form of a hook, ring, or other component securely attached to a stationary structure such as a wall. The carabiner 240 also can be used to securely engage the D-ring 60 of the door anchor 20.

[0064] In other alternative embodiments, the load cell 228 can be coupled to the anchoring point by means other than the carabiner 240. For example, FIG. 19 depicts an alternative embodiment of the force sensing unit 14 in the form of a force sensing unit 14a. The force sensing unit 14a is substantially identical to the force sensing unit 14, with the exception that the force sensing unit 14a includes a flexible member 400 for transmitting force between the body 232 of the load cell 228 and the carabiner 240. The flexible member 400 can be secured to the first portion 236 of the bridge 230, and can be used in lieu of the second portion 238 of the bridge 230. The flexible member 400 can be, for example, a flexible inelastic strap; a wire cable; string; rope; etc.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the force sensing unit 14 further includes an electronics module in the form of a printed circuit board (PCB) 250; and a PCB holder 252. The PCB holder 252 comprises a first side member 254a, a second side member 254b, and a transverse member 256 that adjoins, and extends between the first and second side members 254a, 254b. The PCB 250 rests on, and is supported by an upper surface of the transverse member 256. The PCB 250 is secured to the transverse member 256 by fasteners or other suitable means.

[0066] The PCB holder 252 also comprises tabs (not shown) that are located on, and extend inward from the first and second side member 254a, 254b. The tabs are located above the transverse member 256, and support the load cell 228 in a position above the PCB 250.

[0067] The force sensing unit 14 further comprises a battery 258 that provides electric power to the PCB 250. The battery 258 is secured to a lower surface of the transverse member 256 of the PCB holder 252, by tape or other suitable means. The battery 258 is visible in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0068] The PCB 250 comprises the various electronic components of the force sensing unit 14. Referring to FIG. 16A, the PCB 250 includes a processor 260, such as a microprocessor; a memory 262 communicatively coupled to the processor 260 via an internal bus 263; and computer-executable instructions 264 stored on the memory 262. The processor 260, executing the computer-executable instructions 264, carries out logical operations, including the logical operations disclosed herein. Also, the PCB 250 is configured to provide an excitation voltage to the strain gauge 234 of the load cell 230; and to process the electrical response of the strain gauge 234 to a load applied to the load cell 230.

[0069] The PCB 250 also comprises an input-output bus 265; an input-output interface 266 communicatively coupled to the processor 206 by way of the input-output bus 265, and a transceiver 267 communicatively coupled to the input-output interface 266. The transceiver 267 is configured to communicate with other computing devices, such as a smartphone 500 discussed below, and via a suitable wireless communications medium such as BLUETOOTH. In addition, the PCB 250 includes an on-off button 300 that permits the user to activate and deactivate the force sensing unit 14 by pressing a button cover (not shown) that protrudes from the housing 210.

[0070] In alternative embodiments of the system 10, the force sensing unit 14 can include additional command buttons, a visual display, and data processing and memory capacity so that the below-described functionality of the smartphone 500 can be incorporated into the force sensing unit 24.

[0071] As also shown in FIG. 16A, the force sensing unit 14 also includes an input port 302 communicatively coupled to the PCB 250. The input port facilitates wired communications with the PCB 50, and charging of the battery 258. The input port can be, for example, a micro USB port. The force sensing unit 14 can further comprise a small visual indicator, such an LED 72, or in alternative, a small display screen (not shown). The force sensing unit 14 also can include a small audible indicator, such as a miniature speaker 74; and optionally, a microphone (not shown) so that the user can provide audible or voice commands to the force sensing unit 14. The LED 72 and the speaker 74 (and if so equipped, the display screen and the microphone) are communicatively coupled to the PCB 250.

[0072] The first and second halves 220, 222 of the housing 210 each include a downward-facing surface or lip 268, shown in FIG. 14. The lips 268 restrain the body 232 of the load cell 228. In particular, each lip 268 is configured to abut a respective outer arm 270 of the body 232. The resulting interference between each lip 268 and the corresponding outer arm 270 restrains the outer arm 270 from moving upward in relation to the housing 210 when the force sensing unit 14 is in an assembled state, i.e., when the first and second halves 220, 222 are mated and the load cell 228 is positioned within the volume defined by the first and second halves 220, 222. The restraint of the outer arms 270 by the lips 268 causes the force exerted on the force sensing unit 14 by the user by way of the bands 102 to be transmitted to the load cell 228 by way of the housing 210.

[0073] The housing 210 is configured to receive and retain the connector 28; the adjacent, or uppermost portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b; and the retaining member 30. More specifically, referring to FIG. 8, the first and second halves 220, 222 of the housing 210 each include two inwardly-facing surfaces 290 located on opposite sides of the interior volume of the housing 210. The surfaces 290 are angled or tapered in relation to the lengthwise direction of the housing 210, so that the width, or side to side dimension, of the interior volume becomes progressively smaller toward the lower end of the housing 210. The respective lower ends of the surfaces 290 each adjoin a corresponding non-angled surface 292 of the first or second halves 220, 222. The surfaces 292, along with the adjacent portions of the interior sidewalls of the first and second halves 220, 222, define an opening 294 in the lower end of the housing 210.

[0074] As can be seen in FIG. 8, the connector 28, the adjacent portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b, and the retaining member 30 are positioned in the interior volume of the housing 210 so that the portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b adjacent the connector 28 contact or abut the angled surfaces 290; and the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b and the overlying sleeve 33 exit the housing 210 by way of the opening 294. The angled surfaces 290 are spaced apart so that the minimum distance between the angled surfaces 290 is less that the maximum width, or side to side dimension, of the connector 28 and the adjacent portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b and sleeve 33. The angled surfaces 290 thus restrain the connector 28 and the adjacent portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b from downward movement, thereby retaining the connector 28 and the adjacent portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b and the sleeve 33 in the housing 210, which in turn secures the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b to the force sensing unit 14. Also, the angled side surfaces 38 of the connector 28 cause the connector 28 and the adjacent portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b and the sleeve 33 to act as a plug that becomes more securely trapped between the angled surfaces 290 of the housing 210 as the force exerted by the user on the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b increases.

[0075] Prior to use of the system 10, the user secures the carabiner 240 of the force sensing unit 14 to an anchoring point on a stationary structure such as a wall. For example, the carabiner 240 can be secured to a hook that is mounted securely on a wall. Alternatively, the carabiner 18 can be secured to the D-ring 60 of the door anchor 20, to secure the force sensing unit 14 to a door and door frame as discussed above.

[0076] A user can generate a resistive force by pulling one, or both of the handles 16 away from the stationary structure to which the force sensing unit 14 is attached, as denoted by the arrows in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Pulling both of the handles 16 places the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b in tension and stretches the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. The resistance offered by the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b, in turn, activates the muscle group producing the movement of the handles 16. The force exerted by the user on the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b via the handles 16 is transmitted to housing 210 of the force sensing unit 14 by way of the connector 28, the adjacent portions of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b and the sleeve 33, and the angled surfaces 290 of the housing 210.

[0077] Likewise, pulling only one of the handles 16 places the first or the second resistance bands 26a, 26b attached to that handle in tension, and stretches whichever one of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b is being pulled. The resistance offered by the first or the second resistance band 26a, 26b, in turn, activates the muscle group producing the movement of the handle 16. The force exerted by the user on the first or the second resistance band 26a, 26b via the one handle 16 is transmitted to housing 210 of the force sensing unit 14 by way of the connector 28, the adjacent portion of the first or the second resistance band 26a, 26b and the sleeve 33, and the angled surfaces 290 of the housing 210.

[0078] The force transmitted to the housing 210, in turn, is transmitted to the outer arms 270 of the body 232 of the load cell 228 by way of the lips 268 of the housing 210. The body 232 transmits this force to the first portion 236 of the bridge 230 by way of the inner arms 239 of the body 232. The force is then transmitted to the carabiner 240 by way of the second portion of the bridge 230. The carabiner 240, in turn, transmits the force to the stationary structure by way of the door anchor 20 or the other anchoring point to which the carabiner 240 is attached.

[0079] The stationary structure, in response, generates a reactive force on the carabiner 240. This reactive force is transmitted to the user by way of the force sensing unit 14, the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b, and the handles 16. The reactive force, in conjunction with the opposing pulling force exerted by the user via the handles 16, causes the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b to stretch. Further stretching of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b as the user pulls the handles 16 further away from the stationary structure increases the resistive force, which in turn increases the force that user feels while pulling the handles 16 and further challenges the muscle groups producing the movement of the handles 16.

[0080] The reactive force is transmitted between the housing 210 and the carabiner 240 by way of the body 232 of the load cell 230, which in turn causes the inner arms 239 of the body 232 to deflect in relation to the outer arms 270. The strain gauge 234 is attached to the body 232 so that the strain gauge 234 generates an electrical response proportional to the deflection of the inner arms 239. The electrical response is processed by the PCB 250, which determines the force applied to the load cell 230 based on the electrical response, and calibration data stored in the memory 262 of the PCB 250. The resulting force reading represents a component of the force applied to the handles 16 by the user.

[0081] FIG. 15 depicts the resistance band assembly 12 configured with one of the handles 16, with the single handle 16 coupled the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b via the carabiners 31 of the respective first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. In this configuration, the user can exercise by grasping and pulling the single handle 16 with one or both hands. This configuration be used, for example, when the user wishes to double the amount of resistance provided to one arm or leg by the resistance band assembly 12.

[0082] FIG. 20 depicts another alternative embodiment of the force sensing unit 14 in the form of a force sensing unit 14b. FIG. 20 also shows an alternative embodiment of the resistance band assembly 12 in the form of a resistance band assembly 12a. The resistance band assembly 12a is substantially identical to the resistance band assembly 12, with the exception that the resistance band assembly 12a includes a first resistance band 410a and a second resistance band 410b in lieu of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. The first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b are non-integral, i.e., the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b are physically separate from each other. Also, the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b are configured to be removably connected to the force sensing unit 14b. More specifically, an attachment means in the form of a carabiner 412 is secured to the end of each of the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b proximate the force sensing unit 14b, so that the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b can be connected to and disconnected from the force sensing unit 14b as discussed below. This configuration provides the user with the option to vary the resistance generated by the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b by swapping one set of first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b for another set that produces a different resistance. The user also can swap the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b for another set having a different color or appearance. A resilient jacket 413 is positioned over an end of each of the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b proximate the force sensing unit 14b. Also, respective sleeves 33a are positioned over each of the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b.

[0083] Referring still to FIG. 20, the force sensing unit 14b is substantially identical to the force sensing unit 14, with the exception that the force sensing unit 14b includes a connector 28a in lieu of the connector 28; and the housing 210a of the force sensing unit 14b is configured to accommodate mounting of the connector 28a on the housing 210a. The connector 28a has a cylindrical first portion 416, and a D-shaped second portion 418 that adjoins the first portion 416. The first portion 416 extends through an opening (not shown) in the bottom of the housing 210a, and is retained on the housing 210a by a suitable means such as a lock washer (not shown) that engages the first portion 416 via a circumferentially-extending groove in the first portion 416. The second portion 418 is configured to be engaged by the carabiners 412 of the respective first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b, to secure the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b to the force sensing unit 14b.

[0084] FIG. 20 depicts the resistance band assembly 12a configured with two of the handles 16, with one of the handles 16 coupled the first resistance band 410a via the carabiner 31 of the first resistance band 410a; and with another handle 16 coupled the second resistance band 410b via the carabiner 31 of the second resistance band 410b. In this configuration, the user can exercise by grasping and pulling one handle 16 with each hand. If desired, the user can remove one of the first and second resistance bands 410a, 410b and pull the remaining first or second resistance band 410a, 410b using one hand or one foot.

[0085] FIG. 22 depicts another alternative embodiment of the force sensing unit 14 in the form of a force sensing unit 14c. FIGS. 22-24 show another alternative embodiment of the resistance band assembly 12 in the form of a resistance band assembly 12b. The resistance band assembly 12b is substantially identical to the resistance band assembly 12, with the exception that the resistance band assembly 12a includes a connector 28b in lieu of the connector 28.

[0086] The connector 28b has two end portions or legs 420, and a center portion 422 that is positioned between, and adjoins the legs 420. The legs 420 each extend lower than the center portion 422, from the perspective of FIG. 24. Each leg 420 has a substantially flat lower surface 424. The center portion 422 has an hourglass shape, with the diameter of the center portion 422 reaching its minimum at the mid-point of the center portion 422, and its maximum at the ends of the center portion 422.

[0087] The piece of elastomeric material 25 from which the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are formed, and the overlying sleeve 33, are looped over the top of the center portion 422 of the connector 28a, so that the connector 28a supports the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b as discussed above in relation to the connector 28. The hourglass shape of the center portion 422 helps to maintain the ends of the first and second elastomeric bands 26a, 26b centered on the connector 28a. FIGS. 23 and 24 depict the retaining member 30 that discourages the first and the second resistance bands 26a, 26b and the sleeve 33 from being pulled out of or into the housing 210b when asymmetric force is applied to the first and the second resistance bands 26a, 26b.

[0088] The force sensing unit 14c is substantially identical to the force sensing unit 14, with the exception that the housing 210b of the force sensing unit 14c is configured to accommodate the connector 28b. More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 21, a first half 426a of the housing 210b includes lips 428 that act as supporting surfaces upon which the respective lower surfaces 424 of the legs 420 of the connector 28b rest. The second half of the housing (not shown) has substantially identical lips 428. The housing 210b thus supports the ends of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b by way of the lips 428, and the legs 420 and center portion 422 of the connector 28b; and force is transmitted from the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b to the housing 210b by way of the lips 428, and the legs 420 and center portion 422 of the connector 28b.

[0089] FIG. 25 depicts another alternative embodiment of the connector 28 in the form of a connector 28c. The connector 28c has an hourglass shape, and is similar to the connector 28b with the exception that the connector 28c does not have legs or other protruding structures that provide support. Ends of the connector 28c can be supported in an alternative embodiment of the housing 210 (not shown) having interior features configured to engage and support the ends of the connector 28c.

[0090] FIG. 26 depicts another alternative embodiment of the connector 28 in the form of a connector 28d having a cylindrical shape. Ends of the connector 28d can be supported in an alternative embodiment of the housing 210 (not shown) having interior features configured to engage and support the ends of the connector 28d.

[0091] FIG. 27 depicts another alternative embodiment of the connector 28 in the form of a connector 28e having a tubular configuration. Ends of the connector 28e can be supported in an alternative embodiment of the housing 210 (not shown) having interior features configured to engage and support the ends of the connector 28e.

[0092] FIGS. 28 and 29 depict another alternative embodiment of the force sensing unit 14 in the form of a force sensing unit 14d. FIG. 29 also shows another alternative embodiment of the resistance band assembly 12 in the form of a resistance band assembly 12c. The force sensing unit 14d and the resistance band assembly 12c are substantially identical to the respective force sensing unit 14 and resistance band assembly 12, with the exception that a cylindrical connector 28f is formed integrally with a first half 220a of a housing 210c of the force sensing unit 14d. The piece of elastomeric material 25 from which the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are formed is looped over and supported by the top of the connector 26f, in a manner similar to the connector 28 of the force sensing unit 14. In other alternative embodiments, the connector 28f can have an hourglass, tubular, or other configuration. The first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are depicted in FIG. 29 without the sleeve 33, for purposes of illustration.

[0093] FIGS. 30 and 31 depict another alternative embodiment of the force sensing unit 14 in the form of a force sensing unit 14e. FIGS. 30 and 31 also shows another alternative embodiment of the resistance band assembly 12 in the form of a resistance band assembly 12d. The resistance band assembly 12d is substantially identical to the resistance band assembly 12, with the exception that the resistance band assembly 12d includes a connector 28g in lieu of the connector 28. The force sensing unit 14e is substantially identical to the force sensing unit 14, with the exception that the force sensing unit 14e comprises a housing 210d and a locking mechanism configured to receive the connector 28d.

[0094] The connector 28g is configured so that the resistance band assembly 12d can be mated with and de-mated from the housing 102d by the user. The connector 28g includes a body 430, and a locking member 432 that adjoins, and projects upwardly from the body 430. The piece of elastomeric material 25 from which the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are formed is routed through a passage (not shown) formed within the housing 102d.

[0095] The locking member 432 enters the housing 102d by way of an opening (not shown) formed in the bottom of the housing 102d. Upon being inserted fully into the housing 102d, the locking member 432 is restrained from backing out of the opening by a spring-loaded locking mechanism (not shown) that is located within the housing 102d and securely engages the locking member 432 by way of a groove 434 formed in the locking member 432. The user can de-mate the resistance band assembly 12d from the housing 102d by pressing a button 436 located on the exterior of housing 102d, which causes the locking mechanism to release the locking member 232. This configuration provides the user with the option to vary the resistance generated by the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b by swapping one set of first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b for another set that produces a different resistance. The user also can swap the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b for another set having a different color or appearance. FIG. 30 depicts two sets of resistance band assemblies 12d that can be mated interchangeably with the housing 102d.

[0096] In other alternative embodiments, the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b can be formed from two separate pieces of elastomeric material, and can be connected by a splice, a knot, or other suitable means. For example, FIG. 32 depicts another alternative embodiment of the resistance band assembly 12 in the form of a resistance band assembly 12e. The resistance band assembly 12e comprises a first resistance band 440a, a second resistance band 440b, and a locking element 442. The first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b each include a flange 444 located on respective first ends of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b.

[0097] The first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b are connected to each other proximate the first ends of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b. More specifically, as can be seen in FIG. 32, the portions of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b adjacent the first ends are positioned in a side by side relationship, and are held together by the locking element 442. The locking element 442 is formed from a resilient material, and is configured as a sleeve that stretches when placed over the end portions of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b. The resilience of the locking element 442 causes the locking element 442 to exert a force on the underlying end portions of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b that urges the end portions toward each other and discourages separation of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b. Also, the flanges 444 on the ends of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b each have an outer diameter that is greater than the diameter of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b. The flanges 444 thus help to retain the end portions of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b in the locking element 442.

[0098] The locking element 442 can have other configurations in alternative embodiments. For example, the locking element can be configured as a shrink tube, a knot, a rivet, stitches, glue, an ultrasonic weld, etc. The first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b are depicted without the sleeves 33, for purposes of illustration.

[0099] FIG. 32 also depicts an alternative embodiment of the handles 16 in the form of handles 16a. The handles 16a are formed integrally with the first and second resistance band 440a, 440b. More specifically, the handles 16a are formed by folding a second end of the first or second resistance band 440a, 440b back toward the first or second resistance band 440a, 440b, to form a loop. A closing element 450 is placed over the ends of the loop, i.e., over the adjacent portions of the first or second resistance bands 440a, 440b that form the ends of the loop. The closing element 450 is configured as a sleeve formed from a resilient material, and is sized so that the closing element 450 stretches when placed over the adjacent portions of the first or second resistance bands 440a, 440b. The resilience of the closing element 450 causes the closing element 450 to urge the underlying portions of the first or second resistance band 440a, 440b toward each other, helping the handle 16a to retain its looped configuration.

[0100] A knob 452 is attached to, or formed in the second end of each of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b. The knob 452 has a maximum diameter that is greater than the diameter of the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b. The knob 452 thus prevents the second end of the first or second resistance band 440a, 440b from slipping past the closing element 450, thereby helping the handle 16a to retain its looped configuration.

[0101] The handles 16a are shown in connection with the first and second resistance bands 440a, 440b for illustrative purposes only. The first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b can be configured with the bands 16a in lieu of the handles 16. Also, alternative embodiments of the first and second resistance bands 440, 440b can be configured for use with the handles 16 in lieu of the handles 16a.

Signal Processing and Electronic User Interaction

[0102] The system 10 can be configured to process the force readings generated by the force sensing unit 14, provide feedback to the user based on the processed data, guide a user through exercise programs using the resistance trainer 11, and tailor the exercise programs to the specific goals and fitness level of the user. Alternative embodiments of the system 10 can be configured without some, or all of these capabilities.

[0103] To facilitate the above capabilities, the system 10 further includes a first computing device that can be accessed by the user during exercise programs. The first computing device can be, for example, the smartphone 500. Other types of computing devices, such as a tablet, a notebook, or a personal computer, can be used in lieu of the smartphone 500 in alternative embodiments. Also, as noted above, alternative embodiments of the force sensing unit 14 can include command buttons, a visual display, and data processing and memory capacity so that the functionality of the smartphone 500 can be incorporated into the force sensing unit 24, i.e., so that the alternative embodiment of the force sensing unit 14 can function both as the force sensing unit 14 and the first computing device.

[0104] The smartphone 500 is communicatively coupled to the force sensing unit 14 by a suitable wireless means such as BLUETOOTH. The smartphone 500 includes an application or app 502 stored on a memory device of the smartphone 500. The app is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 17. The app 502, when executed by a processor of the smartphone 500, facilitates communication between the smartphone 500 and the force sensing unit 14, and permits the smartphone 500 to act as a user interface for the system 10. The app 502, upon execution by the processor, also causes the smartphone 500 to perform the additional operations discussed below.

[0105] The system 10 further comprises a second computing device. The second computing device can be, for example, a server 504. The server 504 is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 16 and 17. Other types of computing devices, such as a mainframe computer, can be used in lieu of the server 504 in alternative embodiments. The server 504 can be positioned at a location remote from the resistance trainer 11 and the smartphone 500; and can be communicatively coupled to the smartphone 500 by a suitable communications network such as, but not limited to, the internet. If desired, the server 504 can be communicatively coupled to, and can process data from multiple resistance trainers 11 and multiple smartphones 500.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 16B, the server 504 comprises a processor 508, such as a microprocessor; a memory device 509 communicatively coupled to the processor 508 via an internal bus 510; and computer-executable instructions 512 stored on the memory device 509 and executable by the processor 508. The server 504 also comprises an input-output bus 514; an input-output interface 516 communicatively coupled to the processor 508 by way of the input-output bus 514, and a transceiver 518 communicatively to the input-output interface 516. The computer-executable instructions 512 are configured so that the computer-executable instructions 512, when executed by the processor 508, cause the server 504 to carry out the various operations described herein. The above details of the server 504 are presented for illustrative purposes only. The server 504 has components in addition to those described above, and can have an internal architecture other than that described above.

[0107] The server 504 can be communicatively coupled to a suitable cloud-based memory 520 of the system 10, shown in FIG. 17. The cloud-based memory 520 can be used, for example, to store archived data relating to the exercise history of the user. The cloud-based memory 520 also can be used to store various exercise programs indexed, for example, by the level of difficulty; the targeted muscle or muscle group; the user's fitness objective, etc. In alternative embodiments, the exercise programs and other information described herein as being stored on the cloud-based memory 520 can be stored on the memory device 509 of the server 504, on the memory device of the smartphone 500, or on another memory device.

[0108] The division of functions between the server 504 and the smartphone 500 as described herein is presented for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to be limiting. Various functions described as being performed by the smartphone 500 can be performed by the server 504 in alternative embodiments. Likewise, various functions described as being performed by the server 504 can be performed by the smartphone 500 in other alternative embodiments. In other alternative embodiments, the functions of the smartphone 500 and the server 504 can be performed by one computing device.

Determination of the Actual Force Applied by the User

[0109] During use of the system 10, the force or resistance readings provided by the load cell 228 of the force sensing unit 14 are sampled continuously by the smartphone 500. The force-measurement axis of the load cell 228 coincides with the lengthwise axis of the housing 210, and is denoted in FIG. 4B by the character "Fa." Thus, during many of the exercises that can be performed using the system 10, the force applied by the user to the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b acts in directions that are not coincident with the force-measurement axis of the load cell 228. This can be seen in FIG. 4B, which depicts the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b being separated by an angle designated "α" as is typical when the user is pulling the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b simultaneously, using different hands. The directions in which the user applies force to the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b, therefore, are offset from the force-measurement axis of the load cell 228 by an angle about equal to 1/2α. Thus, during exercises in which the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b pulled in a direction that does not coincide with the force-measurement axis of the force sensing unit 14, i.e., when the angle α is greater than zero, the force measurements obtained from the force sensing unit 14 do not represent the actual forces being applied by the user to the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b.

[0110] The smartphone 500 is configured to adjust or correct the force measurements generated by the force sensing unit 14 to account for the off-axis application of the forces applied by the user, as follows. The smartphone 500 can estimate the angle α based on the particular exercise that the system 10, through the smartphone 500, is guiding the user through at a particular time. For example, if the system 10 is instructing the user to pull the handles 16 at chest height, the app 502 of the smartphone 500 can estimate the angle α based on a lookup table containing values of α expected for that particular exercise. In some embodiments, the lookup table can include additional data that permits the value of α to be further defined by physical attributes of the user, such as the height of the user. Alternatively, or in addition, the smartphone 500 can instruct the user to hold the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b at a particular angle α. Alternatively, or in addition, the force sensing unit 14 can be equipped with a sensor configured to measure α. For example, the force sensing unit 14 can include an optical sensor 76 mounted on or near the bottom surface of the housing 210 for measuring the angle. The optical sensor 76 is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 16A.

[0111] Once the value of α is obtained, the smartphone 500, executing the app 502, can correct the force reading obtained from the load cell 228 to account for the off-axis application of the forces exerted by the user. For example, the app 502 can apply an algorithm that determines the actual forces applied by the user to the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b based on the force measured by the load cell 228. More specifically, the force measured by the load cell 228 represents a vector component of forces applied by the user in the lengthwise direction of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. Thus, an estimate of the overall force applied by the user through the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b can be calculated based on the following trigonometric relationship between the applied force, or F_A; its vector component represented by the force measured by the load cell 228, or F_M; and the angle α:

[0112] Thus, the system 10 has the capability to accurately measure the combined force exerted on the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b when the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are being pulled in substantially parallel directions, i.e., when the angle α is about zero. The system 10 also has the capability to accurately measure the combined force exerted on the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b when the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are being pulled in non-parallel directions, i.e., when the angle α is greater than zero. The system 10 also has the capability to accurately measure the force exerted on the first or the second resistance band 26a, 26b when only one of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b is being pulled (in which case the angle α will be about zero).

[0113] Once the smartphone 500 has calculated the actual or corrected applied force F_A, this value can be displayed visually or annunciated on the smartphone or the force sensing unit 14, and can be used in the various processing operations discussed below.

[0114] The system 10 thus facilitates the direct and accurate measurement of the force applied by the user to the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b, using a single force sensing unit 14 connected to both of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. This feature thus eliminates the additional expense and complexity associated with the use of a second force sensing unit, and permits the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b to be formed from a single piece of elastomeric material such as the piece of elastomeric material 25. Also, because the force sensing unit 14 acts as the junction point for the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b, there is no need for an additional coupling or additional bands to combine the respective loads carried by the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b before the loads are transmitted to the anchoring point.

Display and User Interaction

[0115] The smartphone 500, executing the application 502, is configured to display the actual force readings on a real-time basis, so that the user can obtain instantaneous feedback regarding the level of force the user is exerting on the resistance trainer 11 (step 110 of FIG. 18). In addition to displaying the corrected force readings for each repetition throughout the exercise session, the smartphone 500 can be configured to calculate and display the pace of the repetition, e.g., the number of repetitions per minute; the speed of the repetitions, e.g., the elapsed time from the beginning to the end of each repetition; the cumulative number of repetitions performed during the session; and the total effort, total power, and calories burned or exerted by the user during each repetition, and the total or cumulative values for these parameters at the end of the session.

[0116] The smartphone 500 is further configured to display visual images and prompts that guide the user through a particular exercise program selected by the user. The visual images and prompts can be, for example, pre-recorded or live video of an instructor, or an animation demonstrating, for example, the specific repetitive movements that the user should perform, the speed and pace of the repetitions, the body position of the user, etc. The smartphone 500 also can be configured to emit audible dialog and prompts to help guide the user through the exercise session. For example, the smartphone 500 can be configured to emit verbal instructions synchronized with the visual images being displayed; to generate a voice cue notifying the user that the user has competed half of an exercise set, and another voice cue when the user has competed 90 percent of the exercise set, etc.

[0117] The user also can be alerted and guided by the LED 72 on the force sensing unit 14. More specifically, the smartphone 500 can send commands to the processor 260 of the force sensing unit 14 that cause the processor 260 to activate the LED 72, to provide visual cues to the user during the exercise session. For example, the LED 72 can be illuminated when the user reaches the minimum and maximum applied force levels for a particular repetition. As another example, the LED 72 can be caused to blink each time the force applied by the user increases or decreases by a predetermined amount such as one kilogram. The use of the LED 72 in this manner thus can eliminate the need for the user to look at the smartphone 500 for visual cues as the user performs a guided exercise session. In alternative embodiments, the force sensing unit 14 can include a vibrating device that, in response to commands from the smartphone 500, can provide the above-noted cues as vibrations that can transmitted to and felt by the user by way of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b and the handles 16. In other alternative embodiments, audible cues can be provided to the user by way of the speaker 74 of the force sensing unit 14.

[0118] The smartphone 500 continuously transmits the acquired and corrected force readings, other performance-related parameters such as those noted above, and the sensor identifier to the server 504. The smartphone 500 also transmits the identity of the user, and a timestamp associated with each force reading. The server 504 stores and indexes this information in the cloud-based memory 520, thereby creating a permanent archive of the exercise programs performed by the user, and the user's performance during each program (step 112).

[0119] The identify, age, height, weight, gender, and other relevant information about the user can be input using the smartphone 500, and can be stored on the smartphone 500, the server 504, and/or the cloud-based memory 520 as part of a user profile unique to each user. The user profile typically is established by the user prior to the user's first use of the system 10 (step 100 of FIG. 4).

[0120] The data from each exercise session performed by the user can be stored in the memory 520, and can be indexed, for example, by the identity of the user, the targeted muscle or muscle group, the date the session was performed, etc. (step 112). The data can include the time-stamped resistance or force readings from the exercise session as obtained by the force sensing unit 14. The data also can include other performance-related parameters measured or calculated by the system 10, such as the repetition rate of the exercises; total calories expended by the user; the overall duration, i.e., elapsed time, of the session; the user's heart rate; the work expended by the user; the power generated by the user; etc. Data is added each time the user performs an exercise session, so that a permanent archive of that user's exercise history and performance is developed. FIG. 33 is a non-exhaustive list of various parameters that can be monitored and/or calculated by the system 10 to help assess and track the user's performance level.

[0121] The system 10 is configured to use the resistance readings generated by the force sensing unit 14, and other performance-related data, to adjust the level of difficulty of the upcoming exercise session to tailor the user's exercise experience to the user's ability, i.e., to the user's fitness level (steps 108, 114). Also, the system 10 is configured to guide the user through the exercise program selected by the user (step 110). Based on the user's workout history and past performance, and the age, height, weight, gender, and/or other relevant characteristics of the user, the server 504 can recommend specific exercise programs for the user (step 106).

Fitness Assessment / Locked Content

[0122] The system 10 is configured to guide the user through an optional fitness assessment, to help determine an appropriate level of difficulty in the exercise sessions to be performed initially by the user (step 102). Typically, the fitness assessment is performed by new users, i.e., by users without an exercise history archived by the system 10. Once a user has established a workout history using the system 10, the archived user data is evaluated each time the user commences an exercise session on the system 10, to assess the user's fitness level and recommend a particular exercise session based on the user's fitness level (step 108 of FIG. 4).

[0123] The smartphone 500, executing the app 502, can guide the user through the initial fitness assessment (step 122). The fitness assessment can be tailored, for example, to the age, gender, height, and/or weight of the user (step 120). The user, after establishing a user identification and entering the above personal information to establish a user profile, can initiate the fitness assessment via user-driven menus displayed on the smartphone 500.

[0124] Upon initiation of the fitness assessment, the smartphone 500, in conjunction with the server 504, chooses a predetermined fitness assessment session based on the user profile, i.e., based on factors such as the age, gender, height, and weight of the user (step 120 of FIG. 18). The fitness assessment session can be chosen from a database residing on the cloud-based memory 520 and accessed by way of the server 504. The lookup table incudes fitness assessment sessions indexed by the user's age, gender, height, weight, etc. Once the appropriate fitness assessment session is chosen, it can be uploaded to the smartphone 500. The smartphone 500 can display video and audio prompts to guide the user through the fitness assessment session (step 122).

[0125] For example, the user can be prompted to repeat a particular movement, with a particular weight or resistance, as quickly as possible over a predetermined time period such as one minute. The smartphone 500, executing the app 502, can monitor and interpret the force profile to determine the beginning of each repetitive movement, and can monitor the time stamps of the force readings to calculate the rate at which the user is performing the repetitions (step 124). The server 504 can assess the user's fitness level based on, for example, the time between repetitions. A separate assessment process can be performed for different muscle groups. For example, fitness assessments can be performed for the user's upper body, lower body, and core.

[0126] Alternatively, the user can be prompted to repeat a particular movement, with a particular weight or resistance, at a constant pace set by the system 10, until the system 10 determines that the time between repetitions increases by a predetermined amount, e.g., by about 50 percent. The server 504 can assess the user's fitness level based on, for example, the elapsed time or the number of repetitions performed before the time between repetitions has increased by the predetermined amount.

[0127] Upon completion of the fitness assessment, the server 504, executing the computer-executable instructions 512, can compare the user's performance with the average performance of other users with similar characteristics performing the same or a similar fitness assessment session (step 126). For example, the user's performance can be compared the performance of other users of the same gender, and of similar height, weight, and/or age. Upon determining the user's relative fitness level, the server 504 can generate recommendations for specific exercise programs (step 108). More particularly, the server 504 can match the fitness level, age, height, and/or weight of the user with appropriate exercise programs based on the indexed exercise sessions stored in the cloud-based memory 520. These recommendations can be provided to the user by way of the smartphone 500.

[0128] In addition to, or in lieu of the fitness assessment, the system 10 can be configured to initially lock, or block access by the user to the general library or collection of exercise sessions stored on the system 10. The system 10 can remain locked to the user until the system 10 gains an understanding of the user's fitness level. To gain such understanding, the system 10 can instruct the user to perform a limited number of predefined exercise sessions, e.g., ten sessions, that target different muscle groups or body regions. The content of the system 10 can be unlocked to the user after the user has completed the predefined set of exercise sessions and the system 10 has evaluated the user's performance during the sessions.

User-Tailored Exercise Program

[0129] The application 502 of the smartphone 500 can be configured to cause the smartphone 500 to display a series of interactive menus that can guide the user through the various features of the system 10. For example, one menu sequence can permit the user to select a type of exercise program tailored a particular fitness goal of the user, and a particular muscle group or muscle (step 106 of FIG. 4). Also, the system 10 automatically can guide the user to a particular exercise program based on, for example, an exercise schedule previously input by the user, a fitness session previously chosen by the user, etc. (step 106). Other menu sequences can guide the user to graphical depictions of the user's performance level during a past exercise program completed by the user; trends in the user's performance level; a listing of recently-completed exercise sessions along with the calories consumed during the programs; other archived data; etc.

[0130] The server 504, executing the computer-executable instructions 512, can recommend specific exercise programs for a particular user based on, for example, the results of the fitness assessment, the user's fitness goals, the targeted muscle or muscle group, the user's performance during recent exercise sessions, etc. (step 108). Specifically, the server 504 can access a database of exercise programs that are stored in the cloud-based memory 520. The programs can be indexed, for example, by the targeted muscle or muscle group; the recommended fitness level of the user; the fitness goal of the user; etc. The targeted muscle or muscle groups can include, for example, upper body, lower body, core, biceps, triceps, shoulders, legs, chest, glutes, legs, abs, back, etc. The fitness goal can include one or more of, for example, weight loss; getting fit; strength; flexibility and mobility; building muscle; improving health; maintaining fitness, burning fat, etc.

[0131] The exercise sessions can be, for example, live or pre-recorded sessions with an instructor, animations illustrating the particular exercise movement to be performed, etc. The system 10 can guide the user through, for example, the number of repetitions, the pace of the repetitions, the force exerted during each repetition, the elapsed time of the exercise session, etc. For example, system 10 may instruct the user to perform one repetition every 20 seconds, for a predetermined period of time or a predetermined number of repetitions.

[0132] Once a particular type of exercise session has been selected by the user or recommended by the system 10, the server 504, executing the computer-executable instructions 512, tailors the difficulty level of the exercise session to the user's fitness level (step 108). For new users without an established archive of data from previous workouts, the above-noted initial fitness assessment can be used as an indication of the user's fitness level. Each exercise session stored in the system 10 is assigned a difficulty level of, for example, zero to five, with a difficulty level of five representing the most difficult session. The difficulty level of the exercise session being recommended to the user can be displayed to the user via the smartphone 500.

[0133] For users with an established archive of data from previous workouts, the server 504, executing the computer-executable instructions 512, looks up the archived user data from the exercise sessions most recently completed by the user, and selects a session of appropriate difficulty based on the performance-related parameters measured during the most recent sessions completed by the user (step 108). For example, the server 504 can tailor the level of difficulty of the upcoming exercise session based on a score generated after the user's most recent exercise session or sessions. The score can be a composite index calculated based on one or more of the following performance-related parameters: the measured force or resistance exerted by the user; the repetition rate of the individual movements; the energy (calories) consumed by the user; the duration or elapsed time of the session; the users' average or maximum heart rate; etc.; the overall work performed by the user; the power exerted by the user, etc. If desired, the user can increase or decrease the difficulty level of the exercise session from the recommended level, by entering inputs via the smartphone 500.

[0134] The distance through which the user applies force to the handles 16 during a particular movement is needed to calculate the work, power, and other performance-related parameters associated with the movement. The distance can be estimated using a response chart stored in the memory of the smartphone 500. Alternatively, the response chart can be stored in the memory 262 of the PCB 250; the memory device 509 of the server 504; the cloud memory 520; or elsewhere. The response chart includes data representing the deflection vs. force relationship for the specific set or type of first and second bands 26a, 26b being used. Multiple response charts, each corresponding to a particular set or type of first and second resistance band 26a, 26b with which the system 10 may be used, can be stored in the memory of the smartphone 500, or elsewhere.

[0135] In applications where the force-deflection characteristics of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b are not known, the users make such measurements themselves, and can be prompted to input the measured deflection characteristics into the system 10 via the smartphone 500. The app 502 of the smartphone 500 can be equipped with a regression equation to statistically model the relationship between force and deflection for the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b, based on the deflection data. The relationship can be stored in the memory of the smartphone 500 or elsewhere, and can be used subsequently to provide the distance measurements needed to determine work and power.

[0136] Alternatively, the smartphone 500 can be configured to prompt another individual to take one or more digital photos or a video of the user as the user stretches the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. The smartphone 500 can be configured to determine from the digitized images the deflection of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b, and to correlate the deflection with the corresponding force readings acquired at the time the images were acquired. For example, the app 502 can be configured to recognize various joints of the user in the digitized images, and can use the joints as refence points when determining the deflection of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b. The resulting relationship between the applied force and the resulting deflection can be stored in the memory of the smartphone 500 or elsewhere, and can be used subsequently to provide the distance measurements needed to determine work and power.

[0137] In other alternative embodiments, the deflection of the first and second resistance bands 26a, 26b can be estimated using ergonomic tables stored in the memory of the smartphone 500, or elsewhere; and the physical characteristics, e.g., arm length, of the user.

[0138] Based on, for example, the muscle group to be exercised, the user's fitness goal, and the fitness level of the user, the server 504 identifies a particular type of exercise session from a database residing on the cloud-based memory 520; and based on the user's score during the most recent exercise session or sessions completed by the user, the server selects a specific exercise session with a predetermined difficulty rating appropriate for the user's score or scores (steps 106, 108). The exercise session is uploaded to the smartphone 500. The smartphone 500 can display video and audio prompts to guide the user through the fitness assessment session (step 110).

[0139] The smartphone 500, executing the app 502, is configured to monitor and process, on a real-time basis, the resistance or force readings generated by the force sensing unit 14 in response to the forces exerted by the user on the handles 16 (step 112). For example, the smartphone 500 can generate a time-varying profile of the force readings as a repetitive exercise is being performed by the user. The smartphone 500 can recognize a smooth, sinusoidally-varying profile in the measured force as an indication that the user is not struggling during that portion of the exercise program. Conversely, deviations from a smooth, sinusoidally-varying profile are interpreted as an indication that the user is struggling to perform the exercise, and is approaching or has exceeded the limit of the user's performance. The smartphone 500 can generate a notification to the user upon detecting such a decline in the user's performance. The notification can be a visual notification displayed on the smartphone 500, and/or an audible indication generated by the smartphone 500.

[0140] The smartphone 500 is further configured to monitor other performance-related parameters, such as but not limited to the user's heart rate; total duration, i.e., elapsed time, of the exercise session; time between repetitions; other parameters listed in FIG. 5, etc. (step 112). Also, the smartphone 500 can calculate the calorie burn of the user, the work performed by the user, and the power generated by the user.

[0141] If desired, the user can increase or decrease the difficulty level of the exercise session during exercise session, by entering inputs via the smartphone 500 (step 111). In alternative embodiments, the smartphone 500, executing the app 502, can be configured to adjust, or modify the exercise session in real time based on the performance of the user, i.e., based on whether the user's performance is at, above, or below the expected level for the particular exercise session being performed. In assessing the user's performance, the smartphone 500 can consider, without limitation, one or more of the following factors: the above-noted force-time profile of the measured resistance levels; the actual resistance level being exerted by the user; the repetition rate of the movements; the user's heart rate and calorie burn rate, etc.

[0142] Upon completion of the exercise session, the server 504, executing the computer-executable instructions 512 and accessing user data archived in the memory 520, can compare the user's performance to the prior performance of the user during recent, similar sessions, to assess any improvement or degradation in the user's fitness level (step 116). The server 504 updates the user's fitness level to reflect the data obtained during the most recent exercise session, and can provide the user with recommendations for subsequent exercise sessions based on the updated fitness level. For example, if the user's performance during the most recent exercise session meets or exceeds the expected performance level, the server 504 can proportionally increase the difficulty level of subsequent exercises, i.e., the server 504 can set new targets that challenge the user and help the user stay on track to achieve the user's fitness goals.

[0143] Also, upon completion of the exercise session, the smartphone 500 can prompt the user for input regarding the difficulty of the exercise routine (step 116). For example, the user can be prompted to rate the difficulty of the exercise session on a numerical scale of one to ten. The server 504 can use this information in addition to the user's actual measured performance to assess the user's fitness level and tailor the subsequent exercise routines to the user's fitness level.

[0144] The user can access and review the performance data on the smartphone 500 immediately after completing the exercise session, or at a later time, using the menu-driven displays on the smartphone 500 (step 116). Also, the server 504 can generate a comparison of ranking the user's performance in relation to other users of similar age, gender, height, and/or weight, using the user data archived in the memory 520. The comparison or ranking can be displayed on the smartphone 500. The progress of the user and/or the ranking of the user can be displayed, for example, using graphics such as bar charts or two-axis plots.

Display

[0145] The smartphone 500, executing the app 502, can display various parameters relating to the user's performance during the exercise program (step 110). For example, a real-time graphical representation of the resistance offered by the resistance trainer 11, as determined by the force sensing unit 14, can be displayed along with the video. The graphical representation can be, for example, a circular or curvilinear gauge with a curser that moves along the circumference or the length of the gauge to indicate the resistance level at any given time; or a triangle whose three legs extend proportionally to indicate the user's performance in relation to the user's upper body, lower body, and core muscle groups. Also, a graphical representation of the pace of the exercise session, as indicated by the number of repetitions per minute, can be displayed, for example, as a vertical bar that rises and falls with the number of repetitions per minute.

[0146] The smartphone 500 can be configured to display a targeted profile of the exercise session that the user is performing, and to display, in real-time or near real time, the actual profile that the user is achieving. For example, as depicted in FIG. 36, the targeted force vs. time profile can be displayed, and the actual force vs. time profile achieved by the user can be superimposed on the targeted profile, so that the user can be provided with immediate visual feedback regarding whether, and how closely the user is following the targeted profile. Also, the system 10 can be configured to display a completion index (not shown in FIG. 6) that indicates to the user how much of the exercise session he or she has completed. The completion index can be expressed, for example, as a percentage of the exercise session that the user has completed at any given time. The completion index also can be provided as audible alerts given, for example, every thirty seconds. It is believed that continually providing the user with goals during the exercise session, along with immediate feedback regarding whether those goals are being met, can enhance the user's motivation during the exercise session and thereby help the user to achieve his or her fitness goals.

[0147] The targeted profile can be generated by the system 10 based on factors such as the user's fitness level, fitness goals, exercise preferences, etc. In addition, the system 10 can be configured so that the user can generate and input to the system 10 a custom exercise profile, by drawing on an interactive screen communicatively coupled to the smartphone 500 or the server 504. For example, the targeted force vs. time profile of FIG. 34 can be a generated by the user by drawing the profile on an interactive screen. Once the profile had been drawn, the smartphone 500 or the server 504 can store the digitized profile. The profile can be displayed on the smartphone 500 when the user wishes to perform the exercise session, with the actual force vs. time profile of the user being displayed on the smartphone 500 on a real-time or near real-time basis as the user performs the exercise session. FIG. 35 depicts another illustrative force vs. time profile that can be created by a user.

[0148] FIG. 36 depicts another example of an actual time vs. force profile superimposed on a targeted profile. This particular example demonstrates user fatigue, as shown by the slower increase in the applied force, and the quicker release of the applied force in relation to the targeted profile, which indicate a slower pull time and a quicker release time characteristic of user fatigue.

[0149] FIG. 37 depicts targeted force vs. time profiles that can be used to perform velocity-based training. One of the profiles depicts the recommended force vs. time profile for a concentric contraction of the user's bicep that occurs when the handle 16 is being raised through a curling motion of the user's arm, with the initial part of the movement being performed relatively fast, and the remainder of the movement being performed relatively slowly. The other profile depicts the recommended force vs. time profile for an eccentric contraction of the user's bicep that occurs when the handle 16 is being lowered through a curling motion of the user's arm, with the initial part of the movement being performed relatively slowly, and the remainder of the movement being performed relatively quickly.

[0150] FIGS. 38 and 39 depict other examples of force vs. time profiles that can be used to perform velocity-based training. FIG. 38 depicts a high-paced exercise, with the force vs. time profiles having a very steep profile. Conversely, FIG. 39 depicts a low-paced exercise, with the force vs. time profiles having a very shallow profile.

[0151] The smartphone 500, executing the app 502, also is configured to calculate and display a running total of the aggregate energy expended by the user, in calories, over the course of the exercise program . The calculation is based on the time-stamped resistance readings. Other parameters that can be tracked and displayed include running totals of the number of repetitions and sets performed during the program, the total elapsed time of the exercise program, the aggregated time spent applying force to the resistance trainer 11, the muscle groups being activated by a particular workout, the work and power performed or produced by the user, etc.

User Progress

[0152] The server 504, executing the computer-executable instructions 512, can generate a score of the user's performance over the course of the exercise session. The score can be generated based on, for example, a composite index of various performance metrics such as, but not limited to the number of repetitions; the pace of repetitions; the average force exerted by the user; the work performed during the session; the power exerted by the user during the session; other parameters listed in FIG. 33, etc.

[0153] The system 10 can compare the user's performance during a particular exercise program with the user's past performance (step 116). Specifically, upon completion of the exercise program, the server 504 can look up archived scores and other archived data corresponding to the same or similar type of exercise programs previously completed by the same user. The server 504 can compare the user score during the latest exercise session with the scores achieved during the previous programs. Also, the server 504 can compare various exercise parameters, such as the resistance readings and the frequency of the repetitions, with the corresponding parameters as measured during the previous programs. The server 504 can recognize trends indicating increases or decreases in the user's performance. For example, the server 504 can recognize a predetermined increase in the user's overall score as an indication that the user's performance has increased with respect to the muscle or muscle group targeted by that particular exercise session. The user score and other performance-related information can give the user an indication of his or her fitness level, and the progress of the user toward his or her fitness goals. Also, as discussed below, the user score can be used by the system 10 in selecting an exercise session of appropriate difficulty during the user's next exercise session. To help motivate the user, the system 10 can be configured to award points to the user when the user's performance as indicated by, for example, total work, exceeds the user's past or expected performance, and to maintain and display to the user a running total of the points. The system 10 also can be configured to track and display to the user the cumulative number of exercise sessions that the user has completed on the system 10.

[0154] The system 10 also can be configured to generate a "symmetry score" that represents the relative performance or fitness level of different body regions, e.g., upper body, lower body, core, of the user. The symmetry score can be generated by comparing the user's average or aggregate actual performance during exercise sessions targeting a particular body region, with the user's expected or optimal performance for those exercise sessions given the user's age, gender, height, weight, etc. The actual-to-optimal performance ratios for the various body parts then can be compared to each other to generate the symmetry score. The symmetry score can be given on a scale of, for example, one to ten, with ten representing a condition where the actual-to-optimal performance ratios for the various body regions are approximately equal. The symmetry score can be used by the system 10 to further refine the recommendations for subsequent exercise sessions based on the user's fitness level, with the recommendations presented in a "Recommended For You" or "Similar Workouts" tab displayed by the system 10 on, for example, the smartphone 500. The symmetry score can be displayed to the user on, for example, the smartphone 500, in the format depicted in FIG. 40.

[0155] The system 10 can be configured to rank the user in comparison to other users of the same gender, and of similar height, weight, and age, based on the performance-related information generated during the user's exercise session. The system 10 can generate weekly challenges, and can encourage competition coming users by, for example, posting user scores on a leaderboard after obtaining permission the users to do so. Thus, the system 10 facilitates personalization of the user's fitness program based on user performance, user feedback, and inputs from other users.

[0156] Based on a favorable, i.e., increasing, user score for a particular exercise session in comparison to prior scores for similar sessions, the server 504 can tailor a recommend exercise session for the relevant muscle or muscle group to present with user with a more challenging exercise session suitable for the user's enhanced performance level, to further advance the user's performance level during subsequent exercise sessions and help maximize the fitness gains of the user. Conversely, if the server 504 detects a decrease in the user's score, the server 504 can tailor the recommend exercise program to present a less challenging exercise session, to help minimize the possibility for injury. The server 504 automatically can recommended an exercise session of an appropriate level of difficulty after the user enters the muscle or muscle group to be exercised, and the user's fitness objective during the exercise session being initiated by the user. For example, the recommend resistance and/or the repetition rate of the movements in the exercise session can be increased or decreased to vary the difficulty of the session.

Retractable Resistance Bands

[0157] FIGS. 41-46 depict an alternative embodiment of the system 10 in the form of a resistance band training system 550. The system 550 incudes a first resistance band 552a, a second resistance band 552b, and a housing 554. The system 550 also includes a first and a second reel (not shown) located within the housing 554. The housing 554 is configured to be connected to an anchoring point on a stationary structure. For example, the system 550 can include a door anchor 556, shown in FIGS. 41, 42, 45, and 47. The door anchor 556 is configured to connect the housing 554 to a door, as described above in relation to the door anchor 20. The door anchor 556 is similar to the door anchor 20, with the exception that the door anchor 556 incudes a sleeve 558 configured to fit over the housing 554 to connect the door anchor 556 to the housing 554.

[0158] The first and second resistance bands extend into the housing 554 by way of respective openings formed in the housing 554. A first end of each of the first and second resistance bands 522a, 552b is attached to the respective first and second reel. Handles, such as the handles 16, are attached to second ends of the respective first and second resistance bands 552a, 552b. The first and second reels are rotationally biased by a spring or other suitable means. The spring bias causes the first and second resistance bands 552a, 552b to retract into the housing 554 as shown in FIGS. 41-43, 45, and 46, and to become wound onto the first and second reels, when the user is not exerting tension on the first and second resistance bands 552a, 552b by way of the handles 16. The first and second resistance bands 552a, 552b unwind from the first and second reels and fully extend from the housing 554, as shown in FIG. 47, when the user exerts tension on the first and second resistance bands 552a, 552b by way of the handles 16.

[0159] The first and second reels are mounted on a carriage (not shown) located within the housing 554. The carriage is connected to the housing 554 by way of a force sensing unit (also not shown). The force sensing unit comprises a force sensor, such as load cell, that registers the pulling force exerted by the user on the handles 16 and transmitted to the carriage by way of the first and second reels and the first and second resistance bands 552a, 552b. The force sensing unit can be communicatively coupled to a computing device, such as the smartphone 500, that can process and display the force readings and perform the other operations described above in relation to the system 10.

Parts List

[0160] 

Exercise system 10

Resistance trainer 11

Resistance band assembly 12

Resistance band assembly 12a

Resistance band assembly 12b

Resistance band assembly 12c

Resistance band assembly 12d

Resistance band assembly 12e

Force sensing unit 14

Force sensing unit 14a

Force sensing unit 14b

Force sensing unit 14c

Force sensing unit 14d

Force sensing unit 14e

Handles 16

Handles 16a

Door anchor 20

Piece of elastomeric material 25

First resistance band 26a

Second resistance band 26b

Connector 28

Connector 28a

Connector 28b

Connector 28c

Connector 28d

Connector 28e

Connector 28f

Connector 28g

Retaining member 30

Carabiners 31

Sleeve 33

Sleeves 33a

Upper surface 34

Lower surface 36

Side surfaces 38

Carabiners 31

Jackets 32

First strap 40

Grip 42

First loop 46

Second strap 50

Second loop 52

D-ring 54

Strap 56

Restraining portion 58

D-ring 60

LED 72

Miniature speaker 74

Housing 210

Housing 210a

Housing 210b

Housing 210c

First half 220

First half 220a

Second half 222

Load cell 228

Body 232

Strain gauge 234

Bridge 230

First portion 236

Second portion 238

Carabiner 240

Pin-lock washer 244

Printed circuit board (PCB) 250

PCB holder 252

First side member 254a

Second side member 254b

Transverse member 256

Battery 258

Processor 260

Memory 262

Internal bus 263

Computer-executable instructions 264

Input-output bus 265

Input-output interface 266

Transceiver 267

Lip 268

Outer arm 270

Surfaces 290

Surfaces 292

Opening 294

On-off button 300

Input port 302

Flexible member 400

First resistance band 410a

Second resistance band 410b

Carabiner 412

Jacket 413

First portion 416

Second portion 418

Legs 420

Center portion 422

Lower surface 424

First half 426a

Lips 428

Body 430

Locking member 432

Groove 434

Button 436

First resistance band 440a

Second resistance band 440b

Locking element 442

Flange 444

Closing element 450

Knob 452

Smartphone 500

Application 502

Server 504

Processor 508

Memory device 509

Internal bus 510

Computer-executable instructions 512

Input-output bus 514

Input-output interface 516

Transceiver 518

Cloud-based memory 520

Resistance band training system 550

First resistance band 552a

Second resistance band 552b

Housing 554

Door anchor 556

Sleeve 558

Claims

1. A resistance band training system, comprising:

at least a first and a second resistance band each being configured to resiliently deform when subjected to a respective tensile force;

a first and a second handle coupled to respective first ends of the first and second resistance bands; and

not more than one force sensing unit coupled to respective second ends of both the first and second resistance bands and configured to generate an output representing a combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands in response to the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands.

2. The resistance band training system of claim 1, wherein:

a length of the first resistance band is about equal to a length of the second resistance band; and

the first and second resistance bands and an axis extending between the first and second handles define a substantially triangular shape when the first and second resistance bands are subjected to the tensile forces.

3. The resistance band training system of claim 1, further comprising a computing device communicatively coupled to the force sensing unit and configured to calculate the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands based on the output of the force sensing unit and an angle between the first and second resistance bands.

4. The resistance band training system of claim 3, wherein the angle between the first and second resistance bands is about twice an angle between each of the first and second resistance bands and a force measurement axis of the force sensing unit.

5. The resistance band training system of claim 3, further comprising a sensor configured to measure the angle between the first and second bands.

6. The resistance band training system of claim 3, wherein the computing device is further configured to estimate the angle between the first and second bands based on a type of exercise being performed by a user of the system.

7. The resistance band training system of claim 3, wherein:

the force sensing unit comprises a load cell configured to generate the output representing the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands in response to the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands;

the load cell is configured to measure forces acting on the load cell in a direction coinciding with a measurement axis of the load cell; and

the computing device is further configured to calculate the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands based on a force measured by the load cell and an angle between the measurement axis of the load cell and an angle between the first and second resistance bands.

8. The resistance band training system of claim 1, wherein the force sensing unit comprises a housing, and a connector configured to couple the first and second resistance bands to the housing.

9. The resistance band training system of claim 8, wherein:

the connector is located within the housing;

the first and second resistance bands are configured to extend through an opening in the housing and to loop around the connector; and

the housing has a first and an opposing second internal surface configured to restrain the first and second resistance bands and the connector.

10. The resistance band training system of claim 8, further comprising a retaining member configured to be positioned around the first and second resistance bands within the housing and to urge the first and second resistance bands into contact with each other.

11. The resistance band training system of claim 9, wherein:

the connector has a first and second side surface;

the first and second side surfaces of the connector are angled in relation to a lengthwise axis of the connector; and

the first and second internal surfaces of the housing are angled in relation to a lengthwise axis of the housing and are configured to restrain the first and second resistance bands between the first and second internal surfaces of the housing and the respective first and second side surfaces of the connector.

12. The resistance band training system of claim 8, wherein the connector has a cylindrical configuration.

13. The resistance band training system of claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a first half and a second half configured to be connected to the first half of the housing; and the connector is integrally formed with the first half of the housing.

14. The resistance band training system of claim 8, wherein the connector has a tubular configuration.

15. The resistance band training system of claim 8, wherein the connector comprises a first portion having an hourglass-shaped configuration.

16. The resistance band training system of claim 15, wherein the connector further comprises a first and a second leg each adjoining the first portion of the connector, the first and second legs being configured to engage the housing to support the connector within the housing.

17. The resistance band training system of claim 8, wherein the connector comprises a D-shaped first portion configured to be connected to the first and second resistance bands, and a second portion adjoining the first portion and configured to be connected to the housing.

18. The resistance band training system of claim 8, wherein:

the force sensing unit further comprises a load cell;

the housing is configured to transmit to the load cell the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands; and

the load cell is configured to generate the output representing the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands.

19. The resistance band training system of claim 18, wherein:

the force sensing unit further comprises an attachment device configured to be connected to an anchoring point on a stationary structure;

the load cell comprises a body and a strain gauge attached to the body; and

the force sensing unit further comprises a bridge connected to the load cell and the attachment device.

20. The resistance band training system of claim 19, wherein the attachment device is configured to rotate in relation to the bridge.

21. The resistance band training system of claim 20, wherein the attachment device is a carabiner

22. The resistance band training system of claim 19, wherein:

the attachment device and the bridge are configured to transmit to the load cell a reactive force generated by the stationary structure in response to the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands; and

the housing is configured to restrain the load cell against the reactive force generated by the stationary structure.

23. The resistance band training system of claim 22, wherein:

the body of the load cell comprises a first and a second outer arm, and a first and second inner arm;

the housing is configured to restrain the first and second arms against the reactive force generated by the stationary structure;

the bridge is connected to the first and second inner arms of the load cell; and

the strain gauge is configured to generate an output in response to deflection of the first and second inner arms in relation to the first and second outer arms.

24. The resistance band training system of claim 1, wherein the first handle and the first resistance band are unitarily formed; and the second handle and the second resistance band are unitarily formed.

25. The resistance band training system of claim 1, wherein the first resistance band and the second resistance band are unitarily formed.

26. The resistance band training system of claim 3, wherein the computing device is further configured to display information relating to an exercise session performed on the system by a user.

27. The resistance band training system of claim 26, wherein the computing device is further configured to display the calculated tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands; and to calculate and display target values for the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands.

28. The resistance band training system of claim 27, wherein the system is further configured to calculate and display a percentage of the exercise session that has been completed by the user.

29. The resistance band training system of claim 27, wherein the computing device is further configured to calculate the target values for tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands based on a performance of the user during the exercise session or during a previous exercise session.

30. The resistance band training system of claim 27, wherein the computing device is further configured to calculate and display target values for a rate and a number of repetitive applications of the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands, and to display an actual rate and an actual number of repetitive applications of the tensile forces on the first and second resistance band performed by the user.

31. The resistance band training system of claim 26, wherein the computing device is further configured to recommend to a user a difficulty level of an exercise session based on performance of the user during one or more prior exercise sessions.

32. The resistance band training system of claim 3, wherein the computing device is a smartphone.

33. The resistance band training system of claim 3, wherein the force sensing unit comprises the computing device.

34. The resistance band training system of claim 3, wherein the computing device is further configured to determine a deflection of the first and second resistance bands based on the combined force exerted on the force sensing unit by the first and second resistance bands in response to the tensile forces on the first and second resistance bands.

Drawing