Exercise machine

0001The 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.

0002Modern 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.

0003As 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) as the machines comprised in the system substantially described in the documents <patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="US20040127335A"><text>US2004/0127335</text></patcit> or <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="US20060240947A"><text>US2006/0240947.</text></patcit>

0004While the user is exercising, the touch screen can be used to watch television programmes or for carious types of multimedia connections, such as an internet connection.

0005However, 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.

0006In 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.

0007It 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.

0008However, because he is exercising, the user finds it difficult to use and manage the reproduction device.

0009Prior 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.

0010To 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.

0011In 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.

0012The 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.

0013The 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.

0014The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by an exercise machine comprising the technical features described in claim 1 and in one or more of the dependent claims herein.

0015Further 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: <ul id="ul0001" list-style="dash" compact="compact"><li><figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> is a schematic perspective view, partly in blocks, of an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention, in a first operating configuration;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref> is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of a detail of the exercise machine of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, in a second operating configuration;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref> is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of the detail of <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, in a third operating configuration;</li><li><figref idref="f0002">Figure 4</figref> is a schematic front view, partly in blocks, of the detail of <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, in a fourth operating configuration.</li></ul>

0016With reference to the accompanying drawings and in particular with reference to <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, the numeral 1 denotes an exercise machine in accordance with the present invention.

0017The exercise machine 1 comprises a frame 2 supporting means 3 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.

0018It should be noticed that in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref> the exercise machine 1 is illustrated as a treadmill. However, the present invention also relates to exercise bikes or any other exercise machine 1 of the type comprising the frame 2 and the means 3 for performing an exercise.

0019The machine 1 comprises a graphical interface 4 supported by the frame 2.

0020The interface 4 is also positioned at the means 3 for performing the exercise.

0021The machine 1 comprises transmission means 5, <b>5</b>', in communication with the interface 4, there being the possibility of associating the transmission means with an audio and/or video, that is to say, multimedia content, storage and reproduction device 6, of the substantially known type, such as the Apple® iPod®, so that the device 6 is put into communication with the interface 4.

0022Communication mean <b>5</b>' preferably comprise a connection 5a, of the substantially known type, for optimising communication between the device 6 and the interface 4 according to the methods described in more detail below.

0023The connection 5a is preferably a serial connection. In alternative embodiments, not illustrated, the connection 5a is of the parallel type or USE or wireless.

0024Advantageously, the interface 4 interacts with the audio/video reproduction device 6 through the transmission means 5 to exchange information and commands with the device 6, preferably when the user is exercising. The device 6 has a screen 7 for displaying film footage or photographs or for displaying information about the music tracks being reproduced.

0025Moreover, the device 6 has a control panel 8 by means of which the device 6 is used.

0026In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the exercise machine 1 comprises means 9 for managing the means 3 for performing the exercise, allowing the user to customise the exercise, for example to regulate the speed or angle of the treadmill belt. In the present invention, the interface 4 is integrated in the management means 9, of the substantially known type and therefore not described in detail, for example a console.

0027In other words, in accordance with the present invention, the interface 4 is integrated in the management means 9 to make the machine 1 more compact.

0028The exercise machine 1 preferably comprises a support 10 for the device 6.

0029The support 10 is associated with the frame 2, preferably substantially at the interface 4. Advantageously, the communication means <b>5'</b> comprise a connector 11 for connection to the device 6. It should be noticed that it is well known that the devices 6 have a communication and power port, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The connector 11 is suitable for engagement with the respective communication port present in the audio/video storage and reproduction device 6. The interface 4 comprises a control device, schematically illustrated with a block 12, for interaction with the storage and reproduction device 6.

0030The control device 12 is advantageously integrated in a computerised check and control unit, not illustrated, usually designed to check and manage the machine 1.

0031More specifically, as described in more detail below, the control device 12 can simulate operation of the device 6 control panel 8 using the communication means 5'.

0032In other words, the device 12 allows the audio/video storage and reproduction device 6 to be operated from a remote position, consisting of the interface 4.

0033In more detail, the control device 12 preferably consists of a screen 13 sensitive to pressure applied by the user, commonly known as a "touch screen".

0034As illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, in a first operating configuration, in particular when the storage and reproduction device 6 is connected to the machine, the interface 4 has an icon 14 for retrieving device 6 controls on the screen 13.

0035It should be noticed that it is well known that the term "icon" refers to an image (usually a stylised drawing) whose aim is to represent a program, an action or a type of file or to transmit information in an extremely concise form.

0036As illustrated in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, in a second operating configuration, a first portion 15 of the screen 13 is intended for displaying multimedia content reproduced by the audio/video storage and reproduction device 6; the portion 15 therefore forms a screen for displaying multimedia content.

0037The 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" the screen 13.

0038Advantageously, the portion 15 also forms a display 16 for showing the user information about audio/video storage and reproduction device 6 operation, for example a list of tracks.

0039A second portion 17 of the screen 13 is intended for displaying a second icon 18 which is part of the interface 4 and reproduces an enlarged audio/video storage and reproduction device 6 control panel 8.

0040In particular, the icon 18 shows and reproduces on the screen 13 the device 6 main controls.

0041In practice, the device 6 is controlled by acting on the touch screen 13 at the icon 18.

0042In other words, the action on the icon 18 is translated, by the touch screen 13, the device 12 and the communication means <b>5'</b>, into a command for the audio/video storage and reproduction device 6. The icon. 18 preferably also graphically represents the device 6 control panel 8, that is to say, the icon 18 shows and reproduces on the screen 13 the device 6 main controls in an identical configuration and acting on the touch screen 13 at the icon 18 the device 6 is controlled with the individual keys operating in the same way. According to <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>, in a third operating configuration, the portion 15 of the screen 13 intended for video reproduction or for displaying information as the display 16, is enlarged compared with <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, to give the user a better view. As shown in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 4</figref>, in a fourth operating configuration, the portion 17 of the screen 13 intended for the icon 18 visually and functionally reproducing the device 6 controls is further enlarged compared with <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, to offer controls which are easy to use even while exercising. In practice, the user inserts, according to the arrow F of <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, his personal audio/video storage and reproduction device 6 in the machine 1 support 10.

0043It should be noticed that the earphones, not illustrated, may preferably remain attached to the device 6 and the user remains in audio contact with the device 6 by means of them.

0044Advantageously, in alternative embodiments, the audio signal can be switched on the machine 1 console 9.

0045When the device 6 is inserted in the support 10, the connector 11 is inserted in the respective port, not illustrated, of the device 6, and by means of the serial connection 5a puts the interface 4 in communication with the device 6.

0046As illustrated in <figref idref="f0001">Figure 1</figref>, the icon 14 relative to the device 6 associated with the machine 1 appears on the screen 13.

0047As illustrated in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 2</figref>, acting on the icon 14, the portions 15 and 17 are defined on the screen 13, respectively for displaying information and videos and for controls.

0048More precisely, the videos reproduced by the device 6 become visible in the portion 15 or, in the display 16 configuration, information is made available about the audio tracks/videos stored in the device 6.

0049Advantageously, the icon 18, which as already indicated reproduces the device 6 control panel 8 and implements its operation by means of the touch screen 13, is enlarged compared with the panel 8, and so is easier to use.

0050As illustrated in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 3</figref>, by acting on the screen 13, the portion 15 is further enlarged for maximum visibility.

0051As illustrated in <figref idref="f0002">Figure 4</figref>, by acting on the screen 13, the portion 17 dedicated to device 6 remote controls is maximised, so that they are easy and convenient to operate while exercising.

0052The exercise machine brings important advantages.

0053The 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.

0054The graphical interface combined with the touch screen allows easy remote control of the device 6.

0055This 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.

0056The 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 as defined by the appended claims.