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Apparatuses for retrofitting exercise equipment and methods for using sameRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Having Specific Electrical Feature, Monitors Exercise Parameter, To Create Or Modify Exercise RegimenApparatuses for retrofitting exercise equipment and methods for using same description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060229164, Apparatuses for retrofitting exercise equipment and methods for using same. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional applications 60/665,886 filed on Mar. 28, 2005 and 60/666,136 filed on Mar. 29, 2005, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to adapting previously manufactured exercise equipment to enhance its utility and/or security and/or provide additional modes of operation. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Modern technology has allowed the advancement of exercise equipment to include information such things as heart monitors, distance traveled, speed, average speed, etc. and devices for providing such information. However, exercise equipment in use today does not take full advantage of the technology available. In some cases, the exercise equipment is old and the technology was not well adapted for use with exercise equipment and/or was too expensive. In other cases, the manufacturers of the exercise equipment did not conceive of altering the time-tested designs being currently used. Unfortunately, not many options exist for retrofitting exercise equipment with modern technology devices. [0004] Furthermore, while these conventional designs might be well suited for use with the majority of the population, they do not usually provide accommodation for the elderly, the disabled, and/or those who are rehabilitating after some sort of injury. Especially in the case of the elderly, demographic statistics tend to indicate that demand will be high for exercise equipment which is adapted for use by that population segment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to retrofitting exercise equipment to provide an intermediary between a user and the resistance provided to the user by the equipment. [0006] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, at least a partial coupling/decoupling between a user and the resistance provided to the user by the equipment is provided. Optionally, retrofit modules are provided to exercise equipment which assist a user in moving or otherwise overcoming the resistance. In some embodiments, retrofit modules are provided which act additionally and/or alternatively to the resistance provided by the equipment. Optionally, the modules vary the amount of assistance and/or resistance throughout the course of exercise. Optionally, an actuator module is added to a cable on exercise equipment for providing pulling or pushing motion on the cable. [0007] In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, an actuator is added to a joint on exercise equipment for at least partially stimulating opening and/or closing of the joint. Optionally, an actuator module is provided along a shaft in order to provide rotational motion, optionally either clockwise and/or counterclockwise, about the long axis of the shaft. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, the equipment is provided with an actuator capable of moving in parallel with or alternatively to the resistance as it is moved by a user. Optionally, a controller, such as a computer, is provided to coordinate movement of various elements of the equipment during exercise. [0008] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to retrofitting an exercise equipment to provide a user with feedback during and/or after exercise. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, a computer interface is added to the exercise equipment. Optionally, sensors are added to the equipment and, additionally or alternatively, to the user of the equipment. Optionally, software is provided to control the equipment and for monitoring and/or recording performance of the equipment and/or the user. [0009] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to retrofitting exercise equipment to provide safety features not previously incorporated into the equipment. Optionally, retrofit modules are provided which are capable of locking the equipment in place to prevent injury to the user. Optionally, retrofit modules are provided which are capable of releasing on demand the resistance applied to a user of the equipment. [0010] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a method for retrofitting exercise equipment to provide enhanced functionality. Optionally, equipment is retrofitted for providing specific safety features. Optionally, equipment is retrofitted for providing desired feedback capabilities. In some embodiments of the invention, a retrofit module is selected for its compatibility with the manner in which the equipment operates. [0011] An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to retrofitting exercise equipment to provide an environment which is adapted to enhance a user's exercise experience. In some exemplary embodiments of the invention, exercise equipment is retrofitted with a computer interface and software which is adapted to integrate exercise with visual and/or audio stimuli. In some exemplary embodiment the exercise equipment is retrofitted with visual and/or audio aids that support and or address cognitive difficulties as may be experienced by a post stoke patient. Optionally, a kit is provided which allows software output to be displayed on a monitor, such as a television. Optionally, a virtual reality experience is provided to the user. In some embodiments of the invention, the software provides video and/or audio stimuli to the user which is designed to enhance exercise performance. [0012] There is thus provided an exercise apparatus, comprising a resistance element, operative to supply a resistance to movement by a user of the apparatus; and, an actuator module operatively connected to the resistance element and operative to vary a resistance perceived by the user without changing the resistance element. Optionally, the resistance element is a weight. Optionally, the resistance is transferred to the user via a transfer element and wherein the actuator module acts on the transfer element to vary the perceived resistance. Optionally, the actuator module is in series with the transfer element. Optionally, the actuator module acts directly on the resistance element. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a control device adapted to issue operation commands to the actuator module. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises at least one sensor wherein the at least one sensor provides data to the control device for analysis regarding operation commands to be given to the actuator module. [0013] There is thus provided an exercise apparatus, comprising a resistance element, operative to supply a resistance to movement by a user of the apparatus; at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is added to the apparatus after-market and wherein the at least one sensor measures parameters associated with the apparatus or said user; and, a control device, wherein the control device added to the apparatus after-market, is in communication with the at least one sensor, and wherein parameters are received from the at least one sensor for analysis by the control device. Optionally, the apparatus further comprise an actuator module, the actuator module added to the apparatus after-market and wherein the actuator module is connected to the resistance element and operative to vary a resistance perceived by the user without changing the resistance element. Optionally, at least one sensor provides parameters to the control device for analysis regarding operation commands to be given to the actuator module. [0014] There is thus provided an exercise apparatus, comprising a resistance element, operative to supply a resistance to movement by a user of the apparatus; an actuator module operatively connected to the resistance element and operative to vary a resistance perceived by the user without changing the resistance element; and, a control device, wherein the control device is added to the apparatus after-market, is in communication with the actuator module, and wherein the control device issues commands to the actuator module to act on the resistance upon indication of an unsafe situation. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor measures parameters associated with the apparatus and the user and communicates the parameters to the control device for analysis pertaining to an unsafe situation. [0015] There is thus provided an exercise apparatus, comprising at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor measures parameters associated with the apparatus; an enhanced environment control device, wherein the device relates the parameters to a program contained on the device and produces an output integrating the parameters and the program; and, a display, wherein the display is in communication with the device and displays the output to a user of the apparatus. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises an intermediate device positioned between the enhanced environment control device and the display, but which still provides communication between the enhanced environment control device and the display. [0016] There is thus provided a method of after-market retrofitting an exercise apparatus, comprising at least a resistance element, operative to supply a resistance to movement by a user of the apparatus, comprising adding at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is added to the apparatus and wherein the at least one sensor measures parameters associated with the apparatus or the user; and, adding a control device, wherein the control device added to the apparatus, is in communication with the at least one sensor, and wherein parameters are received from the at least one sensor for analysis by the control device. Optionally, the method further comprises adding an actuator module. Optionally, the method further comprises adding an environment enhancer control device. [0017] There is thus provided a method of after-market retrofitting an exercise apparatus, at least a resistance element, operative to supply a resistance to movement by a user of the apparatus, comprising adding an actuator module operatively connected to the resistance element and operative to vary a resistance perceived by the user without changing the resistance element; and, adding a control device, wherein the control device is added to the apparatus after-market, is in communication with the actuator module, and wherein the control device issues commands to the actuator module to act on the resistance upon indication of an unsafe situation. Optionally, the method further comprises adding at least one sensor for measuring parameters associated with the apparatus. Optionally, the method further comprises adding an environment enhancer control device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0018] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following description of exemplary embodiments, in conjunction with the figures. The figures are generally not shown to scale and any sizes are only meant to be exemplary and not necessarily limiting. In the figures, identical structures, elements or parts that appear in more than one figure are preferably labeled with a same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, in which: [0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a retrofitted exercise equipment system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Continue reading about Apparatuses for retrofitting exercise equipment and methods for using same... 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