US20080119332A1 - Exercise machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An exercise machine comprises a frame and means for performing an exercise associated with the frame to allow a user to perform at least a predetermined exercise; the exercise machine comprises an interface which can be associated, by means of a relative connection, with an audio/video storage and reproduction device with which information and commands can be exchanged, in particular when the exercise is being performed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention relates to an exercise machine and in particular to an exercise machine which can be interfaced with audio and/or video storage and reproduction devices.
• Modern exercise machines, such as treadmills, exercise bikes and the like, currently combine an increasing number of functions which are secondary to requirements purely relating to use of the muscles by the user, such as, for example, monitoring heart activity or energy consumption.
• As exercise equipment evolved, exercise machines were developed which integrate audio reproduction devices, for example a radio or CD player, as well as having a screen (usually LCD) positioned in front of the user and with which the machine is controlled (for example by operating with the touch screen method).
• While the user is exercising, the touch screen can be used to watch television programs or for various types of multimedia connections, such as an internet connection.
• However, such reproduction devices do not allow the user to be entertained with a vast and popular selection of preferred tracks, both because of radio or TV equipment reception limits, and because of the low number of tracks that can be stored in a normal known type of CD medium.
• In parallel, an increasing number of portable audio and even video storage and reproduction devices are spreading, such as the Apple® iPod®, which can store an ever increasing volume of information, therefore audio tracks, videos, photographs, of particular interest for the user.
• It should be noticed that often such devices are used, not just during leisure time, but during work-outs or while performing any exercise because they offer a vast selection of audio tracks or videos, all of which the user likes because he has selected them.
• However, because he is exercising, the user finds it difficult to use and manage the reproduction device.
• Prior art devices, although recently being made ever smaller and lighter, still have a mass that is not null, which must be supported by the user, for example by hanging it on his arm, and which is an obstacle or inconvenience during a work-out.
• To contain the mass and dimensions of such reproduction devices, the outer dimensions are gradually getting ever smaller, with a consequent parallel reduction of the dimensions of the relative keys or control and operating screens whose operation is extremely laborious, in particular while exercising, for example running or cycling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In this context, the main technical purpose of the present invention is to propose an exercise machine which is free of the above-mentioned disadvantages.
• The present invention has for an aim to propose an exercise machine which allows the user to be entertained during a work-out by listening to tracks he enjoys using a personal device.
• The present invention also has for an aim to propose a machine which allows the user to be entertained during a work-out by watching videos or film footage he enjoys.
• The present invention also has for an aim to propose an exercise machine which allows easy and convenient management of audio and/or video storage and reproduction devices, in particular during a work-out.
• The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by an exercise machine comprising the technical features described in claim1 and in one or more of the dependent claims herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Further features and advantages of the present invention are more apparent in the description below, with reference to a preferred, non-limiting, embodiment of an exercise machine, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view, partly in blocks, of an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention, in a first operating configuration;
• FIG. 2 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of a detail of the exercise machine ofFIG. 1, in a second operating configuration;
• FIG. 3 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of the detail ofFIG. 2, in a third operating configuration;
• FIG. 4 is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of the detail ofFIG. 2, in a fourth operating configuration.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• With reference to the accompanying drawings and in particular with reference toFIG. 1, the numeral1 denotes an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention.
• The exercise machine1 comprises aframe2 supporting means3 for performing an exercise of the substantially known type and therefore not described in detail, for allowing a user, not illustrated, to perform at least a predetermined exercise.
• It should be noticed that inFIG. 1 the exercise machine1 is illustrated as a treadmill. However, the present invention also relates to exercise bikes or any other exercise machine1 of the type comprising theframe2 and themeans3 for performing an exercise.
• The machine1 comprises agraphical interface4 supported by theframe2.
• Theinterface4 is also positioned at themeans3 for performing the exercise.
• The machine1 comprises transmission means5, in communication with theinterface4, there being the possibility of associating the transmission means with an audio and/or video, that is to say, multimedia content, storage andreproduction device6, of the substantially known type, such as the Apple® iPod®, so that thedevice6 is put into communication with theinterface4.
• The communication means5 preferably comprise aconnection5a, of the substantially known type, for optimizing communication between thedevice6 and theinterface4 according to the methods described in more detail below.
• Theconnection5ais preferably a serial connection. In alternative embodiments, not illustrated, theconnection5ais of the parallel type or USB or wireless.
• Advantageously, theinterface4 interacts with the audio/video reproduction device6 through the transmission means5 to exchange information and commands with thedevice6, preferably when the user is exercising.
• Thedevice6 has ascreen7 for displaying film footage or photographs or for displaying information about the music tracks being reproduced.
• Moreover, thedevice6 has acontrol panel8 by means of which thedevice6 is used.
• In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the exercise machine1 comprises means9 for managing themeans3 for performing the exercise, allowing the user to customize the exercise, for example to regulate the speed or angle of the treadmill belt. In the present invention, theinterface4 is integrated in the management means9, of the substantially known type and therefore not described in detail, for example a console.
• In other words, in accordance with the present invention, theinterface4 is integrated in the management means9 to make the machine1 more compact.
• The exercise machine1 preferably comprises asupport10 for thedevice6.
• Thesupport10 is associated with theframe2, preferably substantially at theinterface4.
• Advantageously, the communication means5 comprise aconnector11 for connection to thedevice6.
• It should be noticed that it is well known that thedevices6 have a communication and power port, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Theconnector11 is suitable for engagement with the respective communication port present in the audio/video storage andreproduction device6.
• Theinterface4 comprises a control device, schematically illustrated with ablock12, for interaction with the storage andreproduction device6.
• Thecontrol device12 is advantageously integrated in a computerized check and control unit, not illustrated, usually designed to check and manage the machine1.
• More specifically, as described in more detail below, thecontrol device12 can simulate operation of thedevice6control panel8 using the communication means5.
• In other words, thedevice12 allows the audio/video storage andreproduction device6 to be operated from a remote position, consisting of theinterface4.
• In more detail, thecontrol device12 preferably consists of ascreen13 sensitive to pressure applied by the user, commonly known as a “touch screen”.
• As illustrated inFIG. 1, in a first operating configuration, in particular when the storage andreproduction device6 is connected to the machine, theinterface4 has anicon14 for retrievingdevice6 controls on thescreen13.
• It should be noticed that it is well known that the term “icon” refers to an image (usually a stylized drawing) whose aim is to represent a program, an action or a type of file or to transmit information in an extremely concise form.
• As illustrated inFIG. 2, in a second operating configuration, afirst portion15 of thescreen13 is intended for displaying multimedia content reproduced by the audio/video storage andreproduction device6; theportion15 therefore forms a screen for displaying multimedia content.
• The second operating configuration is preferably an alternative to the above-mentioned first configuration.
• Advantageously, the second operating configuration can be derived from the first by “touching” thescreen13.
• Advantageously, theportion15 also forms adisplay16 for showing the user information about audio/video storage andreproduction device6 operation, for example a list of tracks.
• Asecond portion17 of thescreen13 is intended for displaying asecond icon18 which is part of theinterface4 and reproduces an enlarged audio/video storage andreproduction device6control panel8.
• In particular, theicon18 shows and reproduces on thescreen13 thedevice6 main controls.
• In practice, thedevice6 is controlled by acting on thetouch screen13 at theicon18.
• In other words, the action on theicon18 is translated, by thetouch screen13, thedevice12 and the communication means5, into a command for the audio/video storage andreproduction device6.
• Theicon18 preferably also graphically represents thedevice6control panel8, that is to say, theicon18 shows and reproduces on thescreen13 thedevice6 main controls in an identical configuration and acting on thetouch screen13 at theicon18 thedevice6 is controlled with the individual keys operating in the same way.
• According toFIG. 3, in a third operating configuration, theportion15 of thescreen13 intended for video reproduction or for displaying information as thedisplay16, is enlarged compared withFIG. 2, to give the user a better view.
• As shown inFIG. 4, in a fourth operating configuration, theportion17 of thescreen13 intended for theicon18 visually and functionally reproducing thedevice6 controls is further enlarged compared withFIG. 2, to offer controls which are easy to use even while exercising.
• In practice, the user inserts, according to the arrow F ofFIG. 1, his personal audio/video storage andreproduction device6 in the machine1 support10.
• It should be noticed that the earphones, not illustrated, may preferably remain attached to thedevice6 and the user remains in audio contact with thedevice6 by means of them.
• Advantageously, in alternative embodiments, the audio signal can be switched on the machine1console9.
• When thedevice6 is inserted in thesupport10, theconnector11 is inserted in the respective port, not illustrated, of thedevice6, and by means of theserial connection5aputs theinterface4 in communication with thedevice6.
• As illustrated inFIG. 1, theicon14 relative to thedevice6 associated with the machine1 appears on thescreen13.
• As illustrated inFIG. 2, acting on theicon14, theportions15 and17 are defined on thescreen13, respectively for displaying information and videos and for controls.
• More precisely, the videos reproduced by thedevice6 become visible in theportion15 or, in thedisplay16 configuration, information is made available about the audio tracks/videos stored in thedevice6.
• Advantageously, theicon18, which as already indicated reproduces thedevice6control panel8 and implements its operation by means of thetouch screen13, is enlarged compared with thepanel8, and so is easier to use.
• As illustrated inFIG. 3, by acting on thescreen13, theportion15 is further enlarged for maximum visibility.
• As illustrated inFIG. 4, by acting on thescreen13, theportion17 dedicated todevice6 remote controls is maximized, so that they are easy and convenient to operate while exercising.
• The exercise machine brings important advantages.
• The generic user can associate his personal audio and video storage and reproduction device with the machine, and can then listen to or watch all of the material he likes.
• The graphical interface combined with the touch screen allows easy remote control of thedevice6.
• This allows exercises to be performed correctly, without any particular impediments, the dedicated, enlarged portions of screen allowing easy interaction with the storage and reproduction device.
• The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims (16)

1) An exercise machine comprising a frame (2), means (3) for performing an exercise associated with the frame (2) to allow a user to perform at least a predetermined exercise, wherein it comprises an interface (4) at the means (3) for performing an exercise, transmission means (5) in communication with the interface (4), there being the possibility of associating the transmission means (5) with an audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) having a respective control panel (8) so as to put the audio/video reproduction device (6) in communication with the interface (4), said interface (4) interacting with the audio/video reproduction device (6) through the transmission means (5) to exchange information with the audio/video reproduction device (6), in particular when the exercise is being performed.

2) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, comprising means (9) for managing the means (3) for performing the exercise, allowing the user to customize the exercise, the interface (4) being integrated in the management means (9).

3) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, comprising a support (10) for the audio/video storage and reproduction device (6), the support (10) being associated with the frame (2), preferably at the interface (4).

4) The exercise machine according toclaim 3, wherein the communication means (5) can be associated with the audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) at the support (10).

5) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises a control drive (12) for remotely operating the audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) using the communication means (5).

6) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises a screen (13) sensitive to pressure applied by the user (a touch screen).

7) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises a screen (15) for displaying multimedia content reproduced by the audio/video storage and reproduction device (6).

8) The exercise machine according toclaim 6, wherein the screen (15) for displaying multimedia content reproduced by the audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) consists of a portion (15) of the touch screen (13).

9) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises at least one icon (18) forming at least one remote control for the audio/video reproduction device (6).

10) The exercise machine according toclaim 9, wherein the icon (18) substantially has the same appearance as the corresponding control present in the control panel (8).

11) The exercise machine according toclaim 9, wherein the icon (18) substantially has the same functions as the corresponding control present in the control panel (8).

12) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the interface (4) comprises at least one display (16) for showing the user information about audio/video storage and reproduction device (6) operation.

13) The exercise machine according toclaim 6, wherein the display (16) consists of a portion (15) of the touch screen (13).

14) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the communication means (5) comprise a serial connection (5a).

15) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the communication means (5) comprise a USB connection (5a).

16) The exercise machine according toclaim 1, wherein the communication means (5) comprise a wireless connection.

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