Calorie counter for weight lifting

Abstract

An apparatus, device, and method for measuring and displaying the amount of calories expended by a person engaged in weight lifting. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus senses the displacement of a weight through the use of a sensor and a computer translates that displacement into caloric expenditure. A display provides the user with a visual report of the amount of caloric expenditure as well as other fitness parameters of the workout. The cumulative amount of calories expended over a length of time may also be provided to the user. The user can control the information displayed and the operations performed through the user interface. The apparatus and device may allow for more than one user at a time. Audible signals may be generated to inform the user about different fitness parameters.

1 . An apparatus for measuring exercise data for a person while moving a weigh, comprising:
 a sensor for generating at least one signal regarding the displacement of said weight;   a computer in communication with said sensor adapted for receiving said at least one signal, said computer being adapted to calculate exercise data; and   a display in communication with said computer adapted for communicating the exercise data to said person.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said computer is adapted to calculate, store, and display exercise data for more than one person. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said sensor is comprised of:
 a potentiometer mechanism with a rotatable spool of string, wherein when one end of said string is attached to said weight and said weight is displaced the distance of weight travel is measured.   
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an interface, wherein said interface having means for the direction of operations by said computer and display of visuals by a user who may or may not be said person; and   a display console; wherein said display console is a single portable unit housing said display and said interface.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said display console houses said display, said interface, and said computer. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said interface further comprises a means for entering data. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the means for entering data is a touch sensitive area on said display. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the means for entering data are touch sensitive buttons. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a means for mounting said sensor to a structure. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor is comprised of:
 an accelerometer attached to said weight, wherein said accelerometer is in communication with said computer and measures the displacement of said weight.   
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said computer contains at least one input and output port. 
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said sensor and said computer are housed together in a sensor housing. 
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an audio system controlled by said computer, wherein audio system is adapted to generate audible signals for said person. 
   
   
       14 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising a generator attached to said spool, wherein said generator provides power to said apparatus converting the kinetic motion of the spool into electrical energy to power said apparatus. 
   
   
       15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said computer is adapted to allow communication with a printer. 
   
   
       16 . A method of measuring the exercise data of a person moving a weight, comprising the steps of:
 providing said weight for said person to lift;   measuring the distance said weight was displaced by said person;   calculating the power required for said weight to be displaced said distance by said person;   calculating the amount of calories expended by said person to generate said power; and   providing a means for communication said amount of calories expended to a user who may or may not be said person.   
   
   
       17 . An apparatus integrated into a structure for measuring exercise data for a person while moving a weigh, comprising:
 a sensor for generating at least one signal regarding the displacement of said weight;   a computer in communication with said sensor adapted for receiving said at least one signal, said computer being adapted to calculate exercise data; and   wherein said computer is in communication with a central computer system.   
   
   
       18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said computer transmits the calculated exercise data to said central computer. 
   
   
       19 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said sensor is integrated into an exercise device. 
   
   
       20 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein said computer is integrated into an exercise device.