AU2008100053A4 - Revolution counter for wrist exerciser - Google Patents

Description

17/01 2008 THU 16: 08 FAX +64 4 472 3358 0004/024 (followed by page -a) (followrd by pae Ia) Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR AN INNOVATION PATENT

ORIGINAL

ames of pplicants: ctual Inventors: YUN YU CI-IU.ANG and MING HUNG LIN YUN YU CHUANG and MING HIUNG ,IN ddress for service A J PARK Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia Australia: ivention Tile: REVOLUTION COUNTI'ER FOR WRIST EXEiRCISER ie following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of perforMlINGgit known to us.

555/1296992-1 COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17 17/01 2008 THU 16:08 FAX +64 4 472 3358 0005/024 00 0 REVOLUTION COUNTER FOR WRIST EXERCISER c, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention I 1--01 Tho preCsont invention generally relates to an illumination deviec, and in o particular to an illumination device comprised of spherical light emitting elements or St .he likcs mcuntablo to a garment for illuminating the garment.

00 2. The Related Art 100021 Wrist exercising balls have been known and widely used to exercise and train the wrist muscles, as well as for rehabilitation purposes. Examples are shown in Taiwan Patent No. 135058 and US Patent No. 5,800,311. Both references teach a spherical wrist exercising device, which allows a user to exercise his or her wrist muscles by rotating the sphere.

[0003] Some of the currently available wrist exercising devices, however, are not equipped with counters. The user, who attempts to precisely schedule a training program, cannot get aware of how much exercise has been done. Although some of the known wrist exercising devices are provided with a counter that is often mounted to an external surface of a casing, such a counter is often bulky, substantially increasing the overall size of the wrist exercising device and making the look of the device poor. Also, undesired resistance is induced by such a counter when the user is playing the exercising device.

[00041 Another drawback of the conventional counter for wrist exercisers is that the counter is powered by direct current power source, such as batteries. Running out of power is always a concern of the users who play the wrist exerciser for a long time. Replacing dead battery is also troublesome to the users. A further problem of the conventional counter is that the counter is mounted to the outside surface of the wrist exerciser. This prevents the user to check with the revolutions of the wrist la COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17

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17/01 2008 THU 16--08 FAX +-64 4 472 3358 00/2 20061024 00 O exerciser when the exerciser is being played. In other words, timely access to the N information of revolution of the wrist exerciser is very difficult, if not impossible.

Such information is not stored for subsequent use or transmitted to other electronic devices. Apparently, such conventional counters are subject to limitations in practical applications.

[00051 Thus, it is desired to have a wrist exerciser with a counter that overcomes O the above discussed deficiencies of the conventional devices.

0 O SUMMARY OF TH4E INVENTION 100061 A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a wrist exerciser having a revolution counter, which is composed of a generator module and a pair of revolution detection elements, wherein, by the rotation of the wrist exerciser, the generator module provides electrical power to drive the revolution detection elements to count the revolutions of the wrist exerciser.

100071 Another objective of the present invention is to provide a wrist exerciser comprising a revolution counter that is internally mounted in the device to prevent deterioration of the outside look of the device and also to enhance hand-gripping of the device of a user.

[00081 A fuirther objective of the present invention is to provide a wrist exerciser comprising a revolution counter operable in a wireless communication manner, wherein the counter comprises a wireless transmission module arranged inside the wrist exerciser and electrically connected to revolution detection elements for transmission of revolution information in a wireless manner and a wireless receiver that receives and applies the revolution information to an external electronic device, such as a display for directly showing up the revolution information or a data processing device, such as personal computer, mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) for processing and storage of the revolution information for subsequent use.

2 Thi s objective and the following objectives are those of at least preferred emnbodiments of the present innovatioii It is not necessary for every embodiment to satisfy all stated objectives.

COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17

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17/01 2000 THU 16:09 FAX +64 4 472 3358 0007/024 00 O [0009] To achieve the above objectives, in accordance with the present invention, N a revolution counter is mounted in a wrist exerciser and comprises a generator module, at least a detection element pair, a wireless transmission module, and wireless receiver.

The generator module, the detection elements, and the wireless transmission module are arranged between a rotor and a stationary casing of the wrist exerciser. The rotation of the rotor with respect to the casing induces a voltage in the generator module, which is supplied to the detection elements and the wireless transmission module. The detection elements detect the rotation of the rotor and generate a signal Oassociated with data of the rotation to the wireless transmission module. The 00 wireless transmission module converts the signal into corresponding data and 0 O transmits the data in a wireless manner. The wireless receiver receives the data and displays the data in a display device or transmits the data to an external electronic device. As such, a self-powered revolution counter for wrist exerciser can be realized, and wireless transmission of rotation related data can be effected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] The present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by reading the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wrist exerciser constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; [0012] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the wrist exerciser illustrated in Figure 1; [0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view, in an enlarged scale, showing the spatial relationship among a power generator module, revolution detection elements, wireless transmission module, a rotor and a retention ring of the wrist exerciser of the present invention; [0014] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the wrist exerciser illustrated in Figure 1; 3 COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17

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17/01 2008 THU 16t 09 FAX +64 4 472 3358 008/024 00 [0015] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a circuit of the generator module, the C wireless transmission module, and the wireless receiver of the wrist exerciser of the Spresent invention; [00161 Figure 6 is similar to Figure 3 but showing a wrist exerciser in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; en 100171 Figure 7 is similar to Figure 3 but showing a wrist exerciser in oaccordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 00 [00181 Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a wrist exerciser in accordance C with a fourth embodiment of the present invention, together with an external electronic device that receives revolution information from the wrist exerciser; and [0019] Figure 9 is a block diagram of a circuit of the wireless receiver of the wrist exerciser illustrated in Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS f00201 With reference to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1-4, which shows a wrist exercising device constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the wrist exercising device comprises a wrist exerciser portion generally designated with reference numeral 200, and a revolution counter portion, generally designated with reference numeral 100.

100211 The exerciser 200 comprises a casing made up of upper and lower casing members 210, 220, which are hemispherical shell-like members engageable with each other to form a spherical casing inside which a rotor 240 is rotatably supported.

Fastening means 212, 221 is formed on the upper and lower casing members 210, 220 respectively for cooperatively securing the upper and lower casing members 210, 220 together. The upper casing member 210 forms a hole 211 through which the rotor 240 is accessible.

4 COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17

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17/01 200$ THU 16±-09 FAX +464 4 472 3358 00/2 0009/024 00 [00221 A retention ring 230 is interposed between the upper and lower casing Cl members 210, 220. The retention ring 230 forms two holes 231, 232 exactly opposite to each other about a central axis of the sphere. The rotor 240 has a rotation axle 241 having two ends extending beyond the rotor 240 and rotatably received in the holes 231, 232 of the retention ring 230. This fixes the rotor 240 inside the casing, but allows the rotor 240 to rotate about the rotation axle 241 between the upper and lower casing members 210, 220 O[0023] A circumferential groove 242 is defined on the rotor 240, substantially 00 opposing the hole 211 of the upper casing member 210. A recessed cavity 243 is O formed inside the groove 242. A separate pull string 244 has an inner end extendible Cl into the casing through the hole 211 of the upper casing member 210. The inner end of the string 244 is insertable into and removably fixed in the cavity 243 to allow the string 244 to wind about the rotor 240 by being receivingly extended along the groove 242. By pulling the string 244 off the rotor 240, the rotor 240 is driven by the pulling force and thus rotated inside the casing. Axially extending channels 245 are defined through the rotor 240. All the above description with respect to the wrist exerciser 200 is known and thus further detail that is not related to the novel features of the present invention is not necessary herein.

[00241 Also referring to Figure 5, the revolution counter 100 in accordance with the present invention comprises a generator module 10, at least a pair of revolution detection elements 20, 30, a wireless transmission module 40, and a wireless receiver The generator module 10 comprises a magnet 11, electrical windings 12, and a voltage regulation circuit 13. The magnet 11I is mounted to an extension 233 formed on the retention ring 230 of the wrist exerciser 200. The windings 12 are arranged in the rotor 240 at a position opposing the magnet 11. In the embodiment illustrated, the generator module 10 is embodied as a circuit board fixed to, preferably inside a recess formed on the rotor 240. The windings 12 are arranged on the circuit board and oppose the magnet I11. Thus, when the rotor 240 rotates with the retention ring 230 kept stationary, electromagnetic reaction between the magnet 11 and the windings 12 induces an electrical voltage in the windings 12, which is applied to the regulation circuit 13, also formed on the circuit board, to provide a steady direct current output.

COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time (I-tm) 14:14 Date 2008-01-17 17/01 200$ THU 16: 10 FAX +64 4 472 3358 0010/024 00 O [0025J It is apparent that the generator module 10 can be of any known power C generation arrangement, rather than the combination of magnet, electrical winding and regulation circuit, which provides steady direct current.

[00261 The revolution detection elements 20, 30 are mounted inside the casing of the exerciser 200 to detect the revolution of the rotor 240 that rotates inside the casing.

nIn the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5, the two detection elements 20, 30 are a Sphoto sensor and a reflector, respectively mounted to the circuit board of the generator Smodule 10 and a lug 233A extending from the extension 233 of the retention ring 230 OO and opposing each other. Thus, when the rotor 240 rotates inside the casing, the 0 o photo sensor 20 emits a light beam toward the reflector 30 and receives a reflection N beam from the reflector 30. This gives the photo sensor 20 counts of revolution of the rotor 240, and a revolution count signal S is generated in response thereto by the photo sensor 20. The photo sensor 20 is electrically coupled to and thus powered by the generator module 10027] The wireless transmission module 40 is mounted to the rotor 240, preferably at an opposite side of the rotor 240 with respect to the generator module The wireless transmission module 40 is electrically connected to the regulation circuit 13 of the generator module 10 and the revolution detection element 20 by electrical wires 41, 42 to receive electrical power and the revolution count signal S from the generator module 10 and the photo sensor 20. The wireless transmission module comprises a counter circuit 43 and a wireless transmitter circuit 44. The counter circuit 43 is coupled to the detection element 20 to receive the revolution count signal S and calculate revolution per minute (RPM) of the rotor 240 and/or total count of revolution of the rotor 240. The wireless transmitter circuit 44 is coupled to the counter circuit 43 to receive and then transmit the data regarding revolution counts to the wireless receiver 50 in a wireless manner. Apparently, the wireless transmission module 40 is not limited to that described above and can be replaced or substituted by any equivalents thereof.

[00281 The wireless receiver 50 comprises a receiving circuit 51 and a display circuit 52. The receiving circuit 51 receives the revolution count related data from the wireless transmitter circuit 41 of the wireless transmission module 40 and 6 COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17 17/01 200? THU 16!11 FAX +64 4 472 3358 j1/2 (DO 11 0 24 00 generates, in response thereto, a signal D corresponding to the data. The display Cl circuit 52 is coupled to the receiving circuit 51 for receiving the signal D' and then displaying the received signal D. Thus, the RPM of the rotor 240 or the total counts of the rotation of the rotor 240 is timely displayed. Apparently, the wireless receiver is not limited to the circuit described above, and can be replaced or substituted by any equivalents.

[00291 Referring to Figure 6, a second embodiment of the revolution counter 100 oin accordance with the present invention is shown. The revolution detection 00 elements 20, 30 are photo sensor and reflector respectively as mentioned previously.

O However, instead of being fixed to the retention ring 230, the reflector 30 of the Cl second embodiment is mounted to the magnet 11, while the photo sensor 20 is stilled mounted to the circuit board of the generator module 10, but at a position opposing the reflector 30 that is on the magnet 11. Similar to the first embodiment, the rotation or revolution of the rotor 240 can be detected by the cooperation of the photo sensor 20 and the reflector 30. And again, a revolution count signal S is generated and associated data are transmitted to the wireless receiver [0030] Referring to Figure 7, a third embodiment of the revolution counter 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The revolution detection elements of the third embodiment are a reed switch 20' and a magnet 3 0' respectively.

The reed switch 20' is mounted to a circuit board of the wireless transmission module while the magnet 30' is attached to the retention ring 230 of the wrist exerciser 200 at a position substantially opposing the reed switch 20'. Each time the rotor 240 carries the reed switch 20' to pass through the magnet 30', the reed switch 20' is trigger once. Consequently, a revolution count signal S is generated and data related to the revolution of the rotor 240 are transmitted to the wireless receiver [00311 Referr ing to Figures 8 and 9, a fourth embodiment of the revolution counter 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown. In the fourth embodiment, the wireless receiver, which is now designated with reference numeral for distinction, comprises a receiving circuit 51 and a universal serial bus (USB) interface circuit 53. The IJSB interface circuit 53 comprises a USB connector 531, which is engageable with a USB port 3 10 of an external electronic device 3 00, such as 7 COMS ID No: ARCS-175648 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17 17/01 2000 THU 16±-11 FAX +64 4 472 335800204 U012/024 o a notebook computer. The receiving circuit 51, in response to receipt of wireless C signals carrying revolution related data of the rotor 240, generates a signal D, which is applied to the USE interface circuit 531, through which the signal D is transmitted to the electronic device 300. The revolution related data- of the rotor 240, such as RPM and total counts of revolution, are processed and stored in the electronic device 300 for subsequent use, such as displaying and analysis.

o[00321 The electronic device 300, which is shown as a notebook computer in the o drawings, can be any known device capable to receive and process the revolution data of the rotor 240. Examples include mobile phones and personal digital assistants having USB interface.

100331 Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention which is intended to be defined by thle appended claims.

[00341 The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features oilier than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "4comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

COMS ID No: ARCS-i 75646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17

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Claims (9)

1. A revolution counter adapted to couple to a wrist exerciser comprised of a stationary casing and a rotor rotatably arranged inside the casing, the counter comprising: a generator module arranged between the rotor and the casing to generate electrical power when the rotor is in rotation; O detection means arranged inside the wrist exerciser to detect revolution of the rotor and generate a signal in response to the detection, the detection means 00 o being electrically coupled to the generator module to be powered thereby; a wireless transmission module connected to the generator module and the detection means to receive electrical power and the signal therefrom, and comprising means for determining data of revolution per minute and total count of the rotation of the rotor in response to the signal obtained from the detection means, and means for transmitting the data in a wireless manner; and a wireless receiver receiving the data transmitted from the wireless transmission module and converting the data into a corresponding output signal.

2. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the generator module comprises: a magnet mounted the easing of the wrist exerciser; electrical windings mounted to the rotor and opposing the magnet to induce an electrical voltage due to relative rotation between the casing and the rotor; and a voltage regulation circuit, connected to the electrical windings to receive and process the voltage to generate a direct current output.

3. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the detection means comprises a photo sensor and a reflector.

4. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the detection means comprises first and second portions respectively mounted to the wireless transmission module and the casing. 9 COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17 I 17/01 2008 THU 16:12 FAX +64 4 472 3358 014/024 00 O

5. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the detection means C comprises a reed switch and a magnet. c

6. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the detection means comprises first and second portions respectively mounted to the generator module and the casing. en

7. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the wireless transmission O module comprising: 00 a counter circuit receiving the signal from the detection means and determining othe data of rotation of the rotor; and ci a wireless transmitter circuit connected to the counter circuit for receiving the data and transmitting the data in a wireless manner.

8. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver comprising: a receiving circuit receiving the data from the wireless transmission circuit and converting the data into the output signal; and a display circuit receiving the output signal and displaying the data associated with the output signal.

9. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the wireless receiver comprising: a receiving circuit receiving the data from the wireless transmission circuit and converting the data into the output signal; and a USB interface connecting to the receiving circuit to receive the output signal and converting the output signal into a USB interface signal. The revolution counter as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the USB interface comprises a connector for outputting the USB interface signal. COMS ID No: ARCS-175646 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:14 Date 2008-01-17 I