Combined training and monitoring device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body resistance physical exercise device with monitoring and fitness tracking capabilities, comprising: a) an electrical monitoring element configured to measure information relative to exercise parameters during repetitive motions performed with said device; and b) an elastomeric band adapted to enable the repetitive motions, wherein the resistance of the elastomeric band is capable of being adjusted.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A resistance exercise device, comprising:
 an elastomeric band configured to stretch when subjected to a user-generated force;   an adjustment apparatus comprising a housing defining an internal cavity; and   a sensor coupled to the elastomeric band and configured to generate an output in response to the user-generated force on the elastomeric band, wherein:
 the elastomeric band comprises a first end; and a second end secured to the housing so that the elastomeric band extends away from the housing; 
 the elastomeric band is configured to return to the housing and enter the housing at a first location along a length of the elastomeric band so that a lengthwise portion of the elastomeric band located between the second end of the elastomeric band and the first location along a length of the elastomeric band forms a loop; 
 the elastomeric band is further configured to pass through the cavity of the housing and exit the housing at a second location along the length of the elastomeric band; and 
 the housing is configured to permit the elastomeric band to move through the housing so as to change the first and second locations at which the elastomeric band respectively enters and exits the housing and thereby vary a size of the loop. 
   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the loop has a first end proximal the adjustment apparatus and a second end distal the adjustment apparatus; and   the device has an overall length defined by a distance between the first end of the elastomeric band and the second end of the loop whereby varying the size of the loop varies the overall length of the device.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the elastomeric band is further configured to generate a resistive force when stretched; and   the resistive force is inversely proportional to the overall length of the device whereby the resistive force can be varied by varying the size of the loop.   
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the housing comprises an elongated member located within the cavity and configured to contact the elastomeric band. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the elongated member comprises an outer surface configured to contact the elastomeric band so that a frictional force between the outer surface and the elastomeric band selectively inhibits movement of the elastomeric band in relation to the housing. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the elongated member is further configured to cause the elastomeric member to deflect. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising a handle section coupled to the loop. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising a handle section coupled to the first end of the elastomeric band. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 19 , further comprising a pulley configured to translate along the loop, wherein the handle section is coupled to the loop by way of the pulley. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 13 , further comprising an anchoring arrangement coupled to the first end of the elastomeric band. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises an adjustable belt configured to accommodate an anchor. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 22 , wherein the anchoring arrangement comprises an adjustable belt configured to be connected to an ankle, wrist, or other body part of the user. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein:
 the housing defines a first opening in a wall of a first side of the housing;   the housing further defines a second and a third opening in a wall of a second side of the housing;   the elastomeric band passes through the first, second, and third openings; and   the second end of the elastomeric band is fixedly attached to the housing at the third opening.