US20070049466A1 - Apparatus and method for altering exercise device electronics and functionality - Google Patents

Abstract

A treadmill or other form of exercise equipment including a receptacle or other communication port adapted to provide a communication pathway to a cartridge or other removable memory and/or processing platform such that operation of electronics and software resident in some portion of the exercise equipment may be conveniently modified. In one particular form, the treadmill includes a receptacle in a console. A cartridge includes a memory and associated processing electronics. The cartridge is adapted to fit within the receptacle and engage communication ports or connections within the receptacle. Upon recognition of a cartridge within the receptacle, modification of some portion of the operation of the electronics, modifications to software within the exercise equipment, etc. may be undertaken as a function of whatever modification is provided by way of a new application, an addition to an existing application, a new subroutine, a modification of a subroutine, a control code, or some other treadmill electronics or software modification programming provided in the cartridge.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• The present application is a non-provisional application claiming priority to co-pending provisional application No. 60/709,744 titled “Exercise Device” filed on Aug. 19, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
• Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device, such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, stair machine, rowing machine, or the like, configured to include a communication port by which electronics and software associated with the same, may be conveniently modified.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• Modern exercise equipment oftentimes includes electronics and associated software for numerous purposes. For example, treadmills typically include a drive motor and an associated control board that drive the tread belt that forms the walking/running surface, an elevation motor and associated control board that allows a user to modify the incline of the walking surface, preprogrammed workout routines that control belt speed and/or incline, heart rate calculation electronics, and user performance programming that provides indications of the performance of the user (e.g. calories burned, miles walked, etc.). Such a treadmill will include various types of user inputs to control operation of the treadmill as well as a display, speakers, and perhaps other forms or mediums for the user to receive information concerning his workout as well as to control operation of the treadmill. Other forms of exercise equipment, such as elliptical trainers, exercise bicycles, etc., also include a host of electronics.
• What is often missing, however, from exercise equipment is a convenient way to update, modify, delete, add or otherwise alter the myriad of electronic controls and software such that a user may customize his exercise equipment, upgrade his exercise equipment, or otherwise alter the configuration of the electronics and associated software.
SUMMARY
• One aspect of the present invention involves an exercise device, such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, etc., that includes a processor arrangement with at least one inactivated application. The exercise device includes at least one communication port in electrical communication with the processor arrangement. The at least one electrical port is configured to receive a removable memory arrangement including at least one control code. Further, the processor arrangement is configured to activate the application upon receipt of the at least one control code.
• Another aspect of the present invention involves a memory cartridge for use in communicating with exercise equipment, such as a treadmill, elliptical, exercise bicycle, etc. The memory cartridge includes a first cover defining at least one first rib defining an inset portion. The cartridge further includes a second cover coupled with the first cover, the second cover defining at least one second rib adapted to at least partially abut the at least one first rib. Finally, the cartridge includes a memory card secured between the first cover and the second cover, and within the inset portion.
• Another aspect of the present invention involves a method for modifying electronic control, software, or some other portion of an exercise device processing arrangement. The method involves recognizing insertion of a removable memory arrangement in a communication port of the exercise device. Next, the method involves determining whether the removable memory includes a modification of some portion of the electronic control, software, or some other portion of the exercise device processing arrangement. Finally, the method involves modifying the electronic control, software, or some other portion of the exercise device processing arrangement in accordance with data present within the removable memory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a treadmill including a console defining a cartridge receptacle, the receptacle providing a communication port for a cartridge including some form of data storage medium arranged to communicate with processing electronics, memory or the like, within the console or within some other portion of the treadmill, conforming to aspects of the present invention;
• FIG. 2A is a close-up isometric view of the treadmill and cartridge as shown inFIG. 1;
• FIG. 2B is a further close-up isometric view of a receptacle for receiving the cartridge;
• FIG. 3 is a close-up isometric view of the treadmill as shown inFIG. 1, except that the cartridge is inserted in the receptacle;
• FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a cartridge conforming to aspects of the present invention;
• FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the cartridge ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a front cover of the cartridge;
• FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a rear plate or cover of the cartridge;
• FIG. 8 is a side view of the cartridge;
• FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the cartridge particularly illustrating the bottom of the cartridge (the bottom being the side inserted into the receptacle);
• FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic drawing of the receptacle and some console electronics along with the cartridge electronics; and
• FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating one method conforming to aspects of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
• Aspects of the present invention involve an exercise device adapted to upgrade, add, activate, or otherwise modify processor functionality, control functionality, motor controls, built-in exercise routines, and the like by way of receiving and recognizing communication with a memory having the processor functionality, etc., or control codes adapted to activate the functionality, etc. Further aspects of the invention involve a cartridge housing the memory where the cartridge is specially suited to interface with the exercise equipment. Additional aspects of the invention involve methodologies present in either the exercise device or the cartridge for causing the exercise device to recognize the cartridge and to act on the information stored in the memory therein.
• FIG. 1 is an isometric view of atreadmill10 conforming to aspects of the present invention. The treadmill includes aframe12 supporting various features of the treadmill. Atread belt14 stretches longitudinally from the rear of the treadmill to the front portion of the treadmill. The tread belt is supported by a front and a rear roller (not shown). The tread belt is the surface a user walks or runs on during exercise. Afront shroud16 is located at the front of the treadmill. The shroud covers an elevation motor, drive motor, and related electronic control boards (not shown). The elevation motor is configured to actuate anelevation assembly18 located at the bottom front portion of the treadmill. The elevation assembly is adapted to raise and lower the front of the treadmill in order to provide varying degrees of inclination for the tread belt. The drive motor is configured to rotate the front roller thereby driving the tread belt. Other components may also be located under the front shroud.
• Aconsole assembly20 is supported above the front portion of the treadmill by left and right uprights (22,24). The console supports a processor board in communication with a display and user inputs. The processor board includes various electronics configured for operation of the treadmill. The processor board and other electronics may also include memory storing various software programming for preconfigured workout routines, user performance (e.g., calories burned, miles run, etc.), heart rate calculation, treadmill diagnostics, drive and elevation, motor control, amongst other possible programming.
• In one particular implementation, a user data storage application, a workout diary application, a heart rate based preprogrammed workout routine application, and possibly other applications are stored in the memory, but are in an inactive state. Upon receipt of a proper control code, the targeted application or applications will become active (usable by a user and the treadmill processing electronics). The user data storage and workout diary applications provide a means for a user to store the results of particular workout sessions. The heart rate based preprogrammed workout routines provide for control of speed and/or incline of the treadmill so that the user reaches target heart rates, provide workout routines where treadmill control is programmed to step the user through different heart rates, and provide a routine intended to determine the fitness level of the user.
• The upper front portion of theconsole assembly20 includes acartridge receptacle26 adapted to receive acartridge28. The cartridge supports a data storage medium or “memory” adapted to communicate with the console electronics and particularly the processor board. The memory within the cartridge may store software changes, upgrades, modifications, control codes, or other configuration changes for the console software and electronics, as well as other exercise device electronics. In one particular implementation, the memory within the cartridge includes at least one byte of data configured to enable functioning or operation of software present within the console electronics, but disabled. The data is arranged to enable or activate the disabled software when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle. The disabled software in the console electronics may be resident within the processor board or within memory structures associated with the treadmill electronics.
• Rearward of the console assembly is acrossbar28 situated between the left and right uprights (22,24). The crossbar supportselectrodes30 for the user to grasp and which are configured to receive heartbeat signals from the user and transmit those heartbeat signals to the processor board or some other processing platform for calculation of heart rate. The heart rate is used by the heart rate based programming. The crossbar also supports an input assembly that may include speed and elevation input controls. The speed and elevation input controls may communicate with the console electronics which in turn transmit the speed and elevation inputs to the elevation and drive motor control boards, or may communicate directly with the elevation and drive motor control boards.
• FIG. 2A is an isometric view of theconsole20, andFIG. 2B is a close-up view of thecartridge receptacle26. As shown inFIGS. 2A and B, the cartridge receptacle defines atrapezoidal aperture32. As will be discussed in further detail below, thecartridge28 includes a matching trapezoidal feature providing a key function so that the cartridge may be properly inserted into the cartridge receptacle. Other shapes or keying arrangements may be employed in order to ensure that the cartridge is properly inserted into the cartridge receptacle.FIG. 3 is a second isometric view of the console assembly illustrating the cartridge inserted into the receptacle.
• FIG. 4 is a rear isometric view of one particular implementation of acartridge28, conforming to aspects of the present invention. The cartridge includes afront cover34 connected with aback plate36. A memory card (e.g., a memory chip secured on a printed circuit board) or other form of memory and/or electronics are housed within the cartridge, and discussed further below. Alocking mechanism38 is located in the back plate near the top of the cartridge. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the cartridge in thecartridge receptacle26. In one particular example, the locking mechanism includes a lockingprotrusion40 extending outwardly from the back plate. The locking protrusion defines a slantedbottom face42 and atop face44 substantially perpendicular to the back plate of the cartridge. The locking protrusion is adapted to snap into a corresponding lock slot46 (seeFIG. 2B) in the receptacle. The lock slot defines an upper surface adapted to engage the top face of the locking protrusion. Further details of the locking mechanism are discussed with respect toFIG. 7 below.
• FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the cartridge, illustrating thefront cover34,memory card48, backplate36, and acover decal50.FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the inside of thefront cover34. Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, the front cover defines anoutside wall52, afirst side wall54, asecond side wall56, and an arcuatetop wall58. Collectively the walls define an enclosure with an open back and an open bottom. Alower rib60 extends between the side walls and extends rearward theoutside wall52 in a lower section of the front cover. Amiddle rib62 extends between aleft boss64 and aright boss66 and extends rearward of the outside wall. The bosses each define threaded apertures adapted to receive the bolts68 (shown inFIG. 5) which secure theback plate36 to thefront cover34. The middle rib is located above the lower rib, and generally in a middle section of the front cover. Above the middle rib, anupper rib70 extends between the side walls (54,56) and extends rearwardly of theoutside wall52. Each of the ribs define a recess or indentation adapted to receive thememory card48.
• As shown inFIG. 6, the memory card defines afirst section72 with a first width dimension, and asecond section74 with a second width dimension, less than the first width dimension. Therecess76 in the lower rib has a width adapted to receive the second section of the memory card, but not the first section of the memory card. The indentations (78A,78B) in the upper ribs include recesses or indentations of a width dimension sufficient to receive the first section of the memory card. The arrangement of the indentations ensures that the memory card cannot be inserted in the cartridge upside down. In one particular implementation, the depth of the indentations are approximately equal the corresponding depth of the memory card such that afirst face80 of the memory card is substantially in alignment with the rearward faces of the ribs.
• A firstlongitudinal rib82 and a secondlongitudinal rib84 extend upwardly from theupper rib70 to thetop wall58 of the cartridge. The longitudinal ribs also extend rearwardly from the outside wall of the cartridge. The bottom section of each longitudinal rib defines an indentation (86,88) of a depth approximately equal the depth of the memory card. When properly inserted into the rib indentations, anupper edge90 of thememory card48 is in engagement with the indentations in the longitudinal ribs. This arrangement situates the memory card in a substantially fixed longitudinal arrangement within the cartridge. When the memory card is secured within the cartridge, anelectrical interface portion92 of the card extends downwardly from thelower rib60. When the cartridge is secured in the slot, the card and electrical interface engage a port within theslot26. The port is in electrical communication with the console electronics and may also be in communication with other treadmill electronics.
• FIG. 7 is an isometric view of theback plate36. Thelocking mechanism38 is defined in the approximately upper half of the back plate. The locking mechanism defines a generally T-shaped arrangement. The bottom94 of the T-shape is secured to the back plate. All other portions of the locking mechanism are not secured to the back plate. In one particular example, the back plate is fabricated in a single molding process, and aslot96 separates the lock and the remaining structure of the back plate. To secure the T-shaped locking mechanism to the remaining portion of the back plate, no slot is provided along the bottom portion of the T. In this way, the lock may move slightly with respect to the back plate, the connection between the back plate and the lower portion of the T forming generally a pivot area about which the T may move relative to the back plate.
• By pressing inward on thetop portion98 of the T, a user may move the protrusion40 (seeFIG. 4) inward with respect to the cartridge. Such a movement disengages the protrusion from thelock slot46 to allow removal of the cartridge from the receptacle. During insertion of the cartridge into the receptacle, the protrusion initially abuts the receptacle opening and is forced inward as the slanted lower face of the protrusion moves downward into the receptacle. The locking T is generally biased such that it seeks to maintain a generally coplanar orientation with respect to the back plane of the back plate. As such, when the protrusion reaches a sufficient depth within the receptacle such that it aligns with the locking operation, it snaps into the lockingaperture46.
• The back plate defines a secondlower rib100, a second middle rib102, and a secondupper rib104 adapted to correspond with the lower60, middle62, and upper70 ribs of the front cover. The second lower, middle, and upper ribs define faces adapted to engage thefirst face80 of the memory card when the memory card is properly fitted within the cartridge indentations (76,78A,78B. The secondupper rib106 of the back plate does not extend across the full width of the back plate but is rather divided into two portions with a middle area removed to allow the locking mechanism to move relative to the back plate.
• Bolt receptacles108 are defined along the outside edges of the back plate. Each bolt receptacle defines an aperture adapted to align with the corresponding threaded aperture, in the front cover bosses (66,68). Anoutside edge110 of the back plate defines the same general shape as the inside edge of the front cover at the rear of the front cover. The back plate is adapted to fit into the front cover. Further, the bolt receptacles are adapted to engage the corresponding front cover bosses and properly locate the rear plate within the front cover such that the plane of the back plate is generally in alignment with the rearmost outer edge of the front cover.
• FIG. 8 is a side view of one example of thecartridge28. As discussed earlier, a lockingprotrusion40 extends rearwardly from the cartridge. Agrip112 is located in the top of the cartridge. The grip defines a generally arcuate surface between the side walls. Additionally, an offset114 having a gripping depression is formed in the upper wall. As such, the grip defines an indentation such that a user may have a positive surface to grasp the cartridge and withdraw it from the receptacle.
• FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of thecartridge28 particularly focusing on the bottom and rear of the cartridge. As shown inFIG. 9, when the front cover is assembled with the back plate, the lower surface of the cartridge defines atrapezoidal shape116 adapted to fit within the correspondingtrapezoidal shape32 of thecartridge receptacle26. Additionally, thememory card48, particularly the portion of the memory card that allows communication and engagement with the port in the receptacle, extends downward from thebottom wall118 of the cartridge. The bottom wall is defined by the firstlower rib60 in the front cover and the secondlower rib100 in the back plate. The cartridge receptacle also may define a trapezoidal slot adapted to receive the trapezoidal bottom edge of the cartridge.
• FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic of theconsole electronics120 and thecartridge28. Referring first to the console electronics, the console electronics, as mentioned elsewhere herein, include aprocessor122 and associatedmemory124. The processor and memory are collectively referred to as a processor assembly or processor board herein. The processor assembly includes adata126 andclock line128 coupled with corresponding data and clock connectors (ports) within the cartridge receptacle. Additionally, the console electronics provides a five volt VCC source voltage and at least one ground line and corresponding connectors (ports) within the cartridge receptacle. The connections/ports may be provided in one connection assembly.
• Referring now to the cartridge electronics, in one particular example, the cartridge electronics includes amemory chip130 coupled with a printedcircuit board132. The printed circuit board includes aVCC trace134 coupled with the memory, data and clock line traces (136,138) coupled with the memory, and at least oneground line trace140 coupled with the memory. Further, connectors are coupled with the VCC, data, clock, and at least one ground line trace. The cartridge connectors are adapted to provide a connection with the corresponding receptacle connectors, when the cartridge is properly inserted into the cartridge receptacle. In one particular implementation, the memory chip is a one megabit nonvolatile random access memory. Additionally, communication with the memory chip is provided by way of the I²C communication scheme. Other removable memory means may also be employed in various embodiments of the present invention, including USB, memory stick, etc.
• In one particular implementation employing the I²C communication scheme, a 4.7K ohm resistor142 is coupled between VCC and the data line. A second 4.7K ohm resistor144 is coupled between VCC and the clock line. Finally, acapacitor146 is coupled between VCC and ground.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of one method conforming to aspects of the present invention. In one particular implementation, in order to modify the software or operation of the console electronics or other portion of the exercise device electronics, the console electronics must first be powered off (operation1). Next, the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle in order to establish a connection between the memory within the cartridge and the processor assembly. It is possible to create an electrical connection between the external memory and the console electronics other than the cartridge and receptacle implementation illustrated herein. In one particular example, when the cartridge is inserted into the receptacle, the protrusion causes the locking mechanism to first be depressed inwardly with respect to the cartridge as the angular face of the protrusion abuts against the corresponding locking aperture. When the cartridge is fully inserted into the receptacle, the protrusion moves past the upper edge of the corresponding locking aperture such that the T-shaped locking mechanism snaps into its rest position and the locking protrusion is secured within the corresponding aperture. The snapping motion may provide an audible indication that the cartridge is properly inserted into the receptacle.
• Once the cartridge is properly inserted into the receptacle, the console electronics are powered on (operation3). Upon power on, the console electronics are adapted to recognize that the cartridge, and particularly the memory assembly within the cartridge, is connected or in electrical communication with the console electronics (operation4). Once the cartridge is recognized, first the processor determines whether the cartridge and/or associated alterations in the memory of the cartridge are compatible with the current implementation of the console electronics (operation5). If there is no compatibility, alteration is halted (operation6). In some implementations, a message may be presented on the console display.
• If the alterations or new applications present on the cartridge memory is compatible, then the processor assembly determines whether the software change of the cartridge is proper (operation7). Various aspects of the software change may be considered in determining whether a change is proper. Such determinations may include a comparison of the change configured within the cartridge memory and whether that change has already been incorporated into the console electronics. Another comparison may include whether the change would represent an earlier version of the software that is already present on the console, in which case a change may not be allowed. Again, if the change is not proper, then alteration is halted (operation6). If a change is proper, then the software alteration present in the cartridge memory is uploaded to the processor assembly (operation8). In some implementations, a message, such as “upgrade complete” may be presented on the display.
• In one particular implementation, the cartridge memory may include one or more byte patterns configured to activate a software routine already present on or within the processor assembly. For example, the processor assembly may include the above discussed user data storage, workout diary, preset heart rate workout routines, or other preset applications. The byte arrangements may be configured to activate one or more of the preset routines. In another example, the cartridge memory includes the actual applications configured to run some particular routine and such application is uploaded from the memory to the processor assembly. Other changes may also be employed by way of the cartridge such as general upgrades, motor and elevation control board upgrades, diagnostic upgrades, and any other software or processor upgrades. The cover decal may include descriptive text indicating the type of upgrade present in the cartridge memory. It is also possible to alter the memory of the cartridge after an upgrade has been performed. The alteration may be used to limit the number of times any one particular cartridge is used.
• Although preferred and other embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention. Various embodiments of the invention are described with respect to a treadmill type exercise device, however, aspects of the present invention may be embodied in other types of exercise equipment, such as an elliptical trainer, an exercise bicycle, a rowing machine, a stair climbing machine, etc. Embodiments of the invention also illustrate the receptacle as being provided in a console at the front of the exercise device, however it is possible to locate the receptacle or other data communication port at any location of whatever type of exercise device the invention is implemented. Further, various particular shapes of the receptacle and cartridge are illustrated, such shapes may be modified as any particular implementation of the invention requires or in any shape desired.
• All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention unless specifically set forth in the claims. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other.
• In some instances, components are described with reference to “ends” having a particular characteristic and/or being connected to another part. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to components which terminate immediately beyond their points of connection with other parts. Thus, the term “end” should be interpreted broadly, in a manner that includes areas adjacent, rearward, forward of, or otherwise near the terminus of a particular element, link, component, member or the like. In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein, various steps and operations are described in one possible order of operation, but those skilled in the art will recognize that steps and operations may be rearranged, replaced, or eliminated without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Various electrical connections are illustrated in various embodiments herein, however, the claims should not be construed to require any electrical connection require a direct connection, as it is contemplated that transmission of a signal, data, or provision of other electrical requirements may be achieved through a direct connection as well as communication through intermediate components, through a transmission medium, wirelessly, with analog or digital signals, etc. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
• It will be recognized by those skilled in the art, that various elements discussed with reference to the various embodiments may be interchanged to create entirely new embodiments coming within the scope of the present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (25)

1. An exercise device comprising:

a processor arrangement including at least one inactivated application;

at least one communication port in electrical communication with the processor arrangement, the at least one electrical port configured to receive a removable memory arrangement including at least one control code; and

upon receipt of the at least one control code, the processor arrangement configured to activate the inactivated application.

2. The exercise device ofclaim 1 further comprising a receptacle operably associated with the at least one electrical port.

3. The exercise device ofclaim 2 wherein the receptacle defines an asymmetrical aperture.

4. The exercise device ofclaim 2 wherein the at least one electrical port includes a first port with a voltage supply and a second port providing a data communication line to the processor arrangement.

5. The exercise device ofclaim 4 wherein the at least one electrical port further comprises a third port providing a clock line.

6. The exercise device ofclaim 5 wherein the at least one electrical port further comprises a fourth port providing a ground line.

7. The exercise device ofclaim 2 wherein the receptacle defines a locking aperture adapted to receive a protrusion of the removable memory arrangement.

8. A memory cartridge for use in communicating with exercise equipment, the memory cartridge comprising:

a first cover defining at least one first rib, the at least one rib defining an inset portion;

a second cover coupled with the first cover, the second cover defining at least one second rib adapted to at least partially abut the at least one first rib; and

a memory card secured between the first cover and the second cover, the memory card within the inset portion.

9. The memory cartridge ofclaim 8 whereby the memory cartridge is adapted to be plugged into a receptacle of the exercise equipment.

10. The memory cartridge ofclaim 8 wherein:

the first cover defines a first boss defining a first threaded aperture and a second boss defining a second threaded aperture;

the second cover defines a first aperture in alignment with the first threaded aperture, and a second aperture in alignment with the second threaded aperture; and

wherein a first screw is secured with the first threaded aperture and the first aperture and a second screw is secured with the second threaded aperture and the second aperture to couple the first cover with the second cover.

11. The memory cartridge ofclaim 8 wherein the at least one first rib defines three ribs, wherein each rib defines an inset portion with a width dimension corresponding with a width dimension of the memory card.

12. The memory cartridge ofclaim 11 wherein the at least one second rib defines three ribs adapted to at least partially abut the corresponding three ribs of the at least one first rib.

13. The memory cartridge ofclaim 8 wherein:

the first cover defines a first bottom portion;

the second cover defines a second bottom portion; and

wherein the first bottom portion and second bottom portion collectively define an asymmetrical shape.

14. The memory cartridge ofclaim 13 wherein the asymmetrical shape is a trapezoid.

15. The memory cartridge ofclaim 9 further comprising a locking mechanism adapted to secure the memory cartridge within the receptacle.

16. The memory cartridge ofclaim 15 wherein the locking mechanism defines a tab integrated within the second cover, the second tab pivotally supported on the second cover.

17. The memory cartridge ofclaim 16 wherein the locking mechanism includes a protrusion.

18. The memory cartridge ofclaim 8 wherein the second cover defines means for locking the cartridge within a receptacle of an exercise device.

19. The memory cartridge ofclaim 8 wherein the first cover defines means for securing the memory cartridge.

20. The memory cartridge ofclaim 8 wherein the second cover defines means for securing the memory cartridge.

21. The memory cartridge ofclaim 8 wherein the memory card comprises:

a voltage supply line in electrical communication with a memory device;

a data line in electrical communication with the memory device;

a clock line in communication with the memory device; and

at least one ground line in communication with the memory device.

22. The memory cartridge ofclaim 21 further comprising:

a resistor coupled between the voltage supply line and the data line;

a resistor coupled between the voltage supply line and the clock line; and

a capacitor coupled between the voltage supply line and the at least one ground line.

23. The memory cartridge ofclaim 21 further comprising:

a first contact coupled with the voltage supply line;

a second contact coupled with the data line;

a third contact coupled with the clock line; and

a fourth contact coupled with the at least one ground line.

24. A method for modifying electronic control, software, or some other portion of an exercise device processing arrangement, the method comprising:

recognizing insertion of a removable memory arrangement in a communication port of the exercise device;

determining whether the removable memory includes a modification of some portion of the electronic control, software, or some other portion of the exercise device processing arrangement; and

modifying the electronic control, software, or some other portion of the exercise device processing arrangement in accordance with data present within the removable memory.

25. The method ofclaim 24 wherein the data includes at least one control code for activating a software component present within some portion of the electronic control, software, or some other portion of the exercise device processing arrangement.

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