# US 12,109,456 B2 · Modular exercise machine > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 12,109,456 B2 - Document ID: US12109456B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 18/369,059 - Filed: 2023-09-15 - Published: 2024-01-04 - Granted: 2024-10-08 - Earliest claimed: 2019-11-01 - Assignees: Tonal Systems, Inc. - Applicants: Tonal Systems, Inc. - Inventors: Lars Eugene Gilstrom; Justin Ziccardi; David Mallard - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12109456B2 ## CPC - A63B 21/153: {wound-up and unwound during exercise, e.g. from a reel} - A63B 24/0062: {Monitoring athletic performances, e.g. for determining the work of a user on an exercise apparatus, the completed jogging or cycling distance} - A63B 21/0059: {using a frequency controlled AC motor} - A63B 21/4027: {Specific exercise interfaces (chairs or stools with exercising means A47C9/002)} - A63B 21/4035: {for operation by hand} - A63B 22/0605: {performing a circular movement, e.g. ergometers} - A63B 24/0087: {Electric or electronic controls for exercising apparatus of groups A63B21/00 - A63B23/00, e.g. controlling load} - A63B 71/0619: {Displays, user interfaces and indicating devices, specially adapted for sport equipment, e.g. display mounted on treadmills} - A63B 71/0622: {Visual, audio or audio-visual systems for entertaining, instructing or motivating the user} - A63B 21/00058: {Mechanical means for varying the resistance (A63B21/06 takes precedence)} - A63B 21/005: using electromagnetic or electric force-resisters - A63B 22/0664: {performing an elliptic movement} - A63B 2024/0096: {using performance related parameters for controlling electronic or video games or avatars} - A63B 2071/063: {Spoken or verbal instructions} - A63B 2071/0677: {Input by image recognition, e.g. video signals} - A63B 2071/068: {Input by voice recognition} - A63B 2071/0683: {Input by handheld remote control} - A63B 2209/00: Characteristics of used materials - A63B 2210/50: Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport - A63B 2220/10: Positions - A63B 2220/40: Acceleration - A63B 2220/803: Motion sensors - A63B 2220/806: Video cameras - A63B 2220/808: Microphones - A63B 2220/833: Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement - A63B 2225/12: with mirrors - A63B 2225/20: with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like - A63B 2225/50: Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract An exercise machine includes a first housing, a central electromagnetic resistance unit, a resistance mechanical interface, and a mechanical expansion portion. The resistance mechanical interface includes a spool and a cable configured to provide a force from the central electromagnetic resistance unit in response to a control interface that receives commands from an exercise actuator. The cable extends out from a first side of the first housing. The mechanical expansion port is configured to link the first housing to a second housing via a mechanical attachment. The mechanical expansion port is located at a second side of the first housing. The second side of the first housing is adjacent to the first side of the first housing. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An exercise machine, comprising: a first housing; a central electromagnetic resistance unit; a resistance mechanical interface comprising a spool and a cable configured to provide a force from the central electromagnetic resistance unit in response to a control interface that receives commands from an exercise actuator, wherein the cable extends out from a first side of the first housing; and a mechanical expansion port configured to link the first housing to a second housing via a mechanical attachment, wherein the mechanical expansion port is located at a second side of the first housing, wherein the second side of the first housing is adjacent to the first side of the first housing. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the mechanical expansion port comprises a shaft, wherein the first housing is further configured to couple in parallel to at least two other housings via the shaft. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the mechanical expansion portion comprises a shaft wherein the first housing is further configured to couple in series to the second housing via the shaft. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the control interface is further configured to couple in parallel to a second control interface in the second housing. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the control interface is further configured to couple in series to a second control interface in the second housing. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, further comprising a monitor interface, wherein the monitor interface is configured to accommodate a standard video connection to a monitor. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The exercise machine of claim 6, wherein the standard video connection is an HDMI connection. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The exercise machine of claim 6, further comprising a monitor mechanical interface to support the monitor. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the monitor mechanical interface is a rotating socket. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the monitor mechanical interface can provide landscape orientation for video viewing and portrait orientation for exercise. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the monitor mechanical interface exposes lateral arms in portrait mode. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The exercise machine of claim 8, wherein the lateral arms support the exercise actuator. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the central electromagnetic resistance unit is a motor. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the central electromagnetic resistance unit is two motors. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the exercise actuator is a cardiovascular exercise actuator. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the exercise actuator is a bike. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the exercise actuator is a bike and associated with a front wheel of the bike. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the exercise actuator is a bike and associated with pedals of the bike. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the exercise actuator is a bar. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The exercise machine of claim 1, wherein the exercise actuator is a cable.