Patent Application
20100190607
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the advances in exercise equipment, improvements for better providing instructions for using exercise equipment and directing sound around the body of a user during exercise.
Certain known exercise devices, which can be referred to as a “sculpted exercise weights”, have been specifically designed to be well balanced for exercises in which the weight is moved in fluid, curving movements around the head and torso, as well as other fluid-movement exercises. These types of sculpted exercise weights feel more natural and are safer when used in conjunction with exercises involving fluid circular movements that are pervasive in natural human movements and a host of activities including dance, yoga, tai chi and what is called “functional fitness” in the fitness industry. SmartBells are an example of such sculpted weight that are useful in one embodiment of the multipurpose weight.
By contrast, many classic dumbbell and free weight exercises such as curling, military press, bench press, etc., are performed while standing or sitting stationary, with movements designed to isolate muscles. These isolating and limited movements are not the typical movements humans perform during normal activities.
Rather, humans move more fluidly, using many muscle groups during normal movements, such as movements performed while dancing, golf, bowling, playing basketball, pushing your children on swings, etc. Exercises for which sculpted exercise weights are designed are much more similar to normal human movements, and thus provide other benefits than classic dumbbell exercises.
An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein includes the realization that users can benefit in several ways by providing an accommodation for a media player on a sculpted exercise weight. For example, although exercises including fluid circular movements that are pervasive in natural human movements and a host of activities including dance, yoga, tai chi and what is called “functional fitness” in the fitness industry with a sculpted weight can provide unique benefits, they can be much more difficult to perform and difficult to describe in line drawings than classic dumbbell exercises. This is because some sculpted weights are designed to provide a certain feeling of balance during a movement, when performed at a certain minimum speeds. Users can have difficulty understanding how to perform such exercises when relying on line drawings or photographs of such movements. Thus, by providing a media player, such as a video player or audio player, on an inwardly facing surface of a sculpted exercise weight, a user can receive instructions for performing these more complex exercises while holding the exercise weight and media player in their hands. Another surprising use relates to therapies known as “sound bathing”.
Sound bathing therapies include techniques for directing sound at the body from many directions with a powerful sound system in an acoustically reflective room. Others include immersing the body in liquid and directing sound waves into the liquid, thereby conducting sound into the body with a liquid medium. However, including a media player into a hand-held exercise weight allows a user to perform fluid therapeutic movements, including Tai Chi type movements, and benefit from a form of sound bathing therapy.
For example, a user can activate a media player which is directed from the front surface of the sculpted exercise weight toward the user, and perform exercises with Tai Chi type, and other fluidic movements. Some of these movements can include moving the sculpted exercise weight along curved, circular or oblong paths around parts of the body, such as the head, torso, and legs. Thus, the media player can direct sound around the body of the user, eventually directing sound, at close range to the user, at the entire body of the user. This provides a convenient way to obtain the benefits of sound therapy without the need for immersion in water or a large and powerful sound systems designed to direct sound so as to surround a focused area in which the user must stand.
Thus, in some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight comprises an exercise weight; and a digital device or a recess for receiving a digital device; wherein the digital device or recess is substantially centered on a horizontal axis of the multipurpose exercise weight; wherein the exercise weight comprises a pair of generally diametrically opposed handgrips located along the horizontal axis of the exercise weight; wherein the exercise weight further comprises a concave surface defining a clearance when placed on a flat horizontal surface; wherein the digital device or the recess is positioned on the concave surface; and wherein the digital device does not touch a horizontal surface when placed on a horizontal surface in any position.
The digital device may be selected from one or more device from the group consisting of a media device, a phone, a personal digital assistant; a portable computing device; or a vibration device. The digital device may be selected from the group consisting of a sound device, a camera, a video recorder, a video player, and a lighting device. In some aspects where the multipurpose exercise weight comprises two or more digital devices, one may be a first media device and a second media device and the other may be a light device. The first media device may be, for example, an iPhone, iPod or MP3 player; and the second media device may be a light device.
In some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises at least one speaker, wherein the at least one speaker is located on the concave surface of the exercise weight.
In some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a heart rate monitor proximate at least one handgrip of the multipurpose exercise weight. In some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a docking station. In some aspects, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a docking station insertion point on an edge of the exercise weight.
In other embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a headphone or a remote headphone. In some aspects, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a headphone insertion point and/or remote headphone software on the exercise weight.
In other embodiments, a multipurpose exercise weight comprises an exercise weight; a digital device; and a recharging or docking station for the digital device.
Methods of using the multipurpose exercise weights described herein are also contemplated, such as by operating the digital device while exercising with the multipurpose exercise weight.
Particular methods of exercising that are beneficial for use with the digital device include raising the multipurpose exercise weight over an exerciser's head; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; wherein the concave surface of the exercise weight is facing the exerciser; and wherein the digital device is operating. In further methods the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned in front of the exerciser at hip level before the raising step. In other methods the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned behind the exerciser's head before the raising step.
In other embodiments, the method may further comprise moving the exercise weight from overhead to along one side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body to along one side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body; moving the exercise weight from the one side of the exerciser's body to the front of the exerciser's body at about hip level, wherein the concave surface is facing upwards; moving the exercise weight from hip level to along the other side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body; and returning the exercise weight to the overhead position; wherein the moving steps for a fluid circular motion.
In other embodiments, methods further comprise moving the exercise weight in an arc path from overhead to between the exerciser's legs while the exerciser is bending the exerciser's knees.
In some embodiments, a method of exercising comprises moving the multipurpose exercise weight in orbital circles around an exerciser's head; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; wherein the concave surface of the exercise weight is facing the head of the exerciser; and wherein the digital device is operating.
In other embodiments, a method of exercising comprises moving the multipurpose exercise weight in a twisting motion from an exerciser's first side to the exerciser's second side; wherein the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned at about hip level; and wherein the concave surface is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; and wherein the digital device is operating.
In other embodiments, a method of exercising comprises moving the multipurpose exercise weight towards the chest of an exerciser from about knee level; wherein the exerciser is bent at the waist; wherein the exerciser's knees are bent; wherein the concave surface is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; and wherein the digital device is operating.
In some embodiments, the digital device emits a sound bath around the exerciser while exercising.
These and other features, aspects and advantages will now be described with reference to drawings of a preferred embodiment. The drawings comprise the following figures.
Some of the embodiments disclosed herein incorporate a media device including a media player, and can also include other devices such a still camera, video camera device, video recorder and/or light device, or a combination, e.g., of audio and a visual device(s). The exercise weight, such as a SmartBell, may be equipped with a recess to fit a commercially available media player, or may include a media device, such as an iPhone, MP3 player or an iPod, incorporated into the body of the weight, such as shown in
The exercise weight can be a sculpted weight. For example, as shown in
The thickness of the weight can vary depending on the desired mass and the preferences of the user. In some embodiments, the thickness can be approximately 0.75 to 1.5 inches with the circumference of the hand grips 24 approximately 6″.
The body of the weight can also be curved in two different directions. For example, the front face of the weight can be curved, in a generally concave manner, about the transverse of the weight. The rear face of the weight can also be curved, in a generally concave manner, about the longitudinal axis of the weight. The extreme ends of the weight, at the hand grips, can optionally be turned slightly back away from the front face. In some embodiments, the hand grips can be 5.5″ long and 2.25″ wide.
The weight could be made of a suitable combination of any of metal, wood, plastic, or rubber, and covered with a soft neoprene type material vinyl, rubber or chrome plating, making it comfortable to hold and handle-and less likely to do damage if dropped. It can also be made of a plastic shell and filled with a suitable substance to give it greater mass, or with other configurations.
The above noted shape of the weight is only one example of a sculpted exercise weight that can be used with the media device accommodating features disclosed below.
An exercise weight, such as that described above or another exercise weight, in accordance with some embodiments, can include a recess sized to receive the housing of typically sized portable hand held media players, iPods®, iPhones®, Blackberries®, or any other such media player that is currently available on the retail market. The recess can also include connections or cables to connect the media player to one or more speakers supported by the body of the weight. In some embodiments, the speaker or speakers are connected to a power source and an amplifier as shown in
This combination has many purposes. With a media player connected to the speakers, an instructional video demonstrating exercises with the weight can be displayed conveniently for the user. In this case, a person needs only to look down at or toward the device and see the video instruction on how to use it. In one aspect, a training video such as a short 2-5 minute workout can be used from an iPhone of other media device. However, it provides another benefit in a learning situation. A person could use the fitness device to record imagery of someone else in a training situation. In one embodiment, a video recording could be made of the person training and immediate feedback provided in the training environment. This imagery could also be downloaded for later use on a monitor or to be edited on a computer, and be posted on e.g., youtube.
Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can also include a built in heart rate monitor, with heart rate sensors in the handles of the weight. This would enable a person to both monitor their exercise heart rate and be used to calculate the calories burned in their training session. These measurements may appear on a central screen and can be stored and logged to compare with training sessions over a period of time. The digital device may also be used to garner important information from how the user has used the product.
Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can also have a docking station so that in certain training situations it could be used as a location to look at the video it contains, or has been recorded in the session. The docking station can also serve as a location from which music for ambient listening for the training session can be provided.
Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can incorporate electronics to emit light. The light could be matched to pulse of music, or the light can change to various colors, or in other embodiments, remain one consistent hue. This enables the user to use our device in the dark and or in front of a mirror to carve out light patterns while exercising. In the preferred embodiment of the shape of the weight disclosed in the inventor's previous U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,996, one of the light images created through movement is the infinity symbol which can be seen floating through the air to the enjoyment of the user. In one embodiment, the light device comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs) stringed together through a hollow, interior space within the body of the exercise device.
Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can provide unexpected and unseen benefits. For example, some embodiments of the fitness device can provide a light, sound and electromagnetic field “bath.” The baths created by the circular and orbital patterns of using the fitness device in certain embodiments, and moving it around the head, the limbs and the body.
Further some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein can provide a “vibration” from the speaker into the hands of the user. Evidence now shows that sound can have a “healing” component. Some of the embodiments can include an electric vibration device, such as a motor with an unbalanced weight, or other types of vibration generation devices.
By choosing the tone or frequency appropriate for the user, tones would be perceived by the user in a new and novel way—vibrationally through the tissue and bone structure of the hand—as well as through the auditory system. Because of the patterning of the circular movements of the exercises the weight is designed to facilitate, the user is able to create concentric circles of sound waves around the body and varying distances from the body directing the sound wave around the head and into the body. Thus, the user experiences the sound “vibrationally” through the bones and is metaphorically and literally bathed in the sound. In this way the subtle EM fields are created. The body's natural internal “chi” may be stimulated in this process of creating the orbital and circular movement patterns.
Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed herein change the perception of a “fitness device” into a mind/body tool that provides new benefits that include providing audio and visual instruction built into the device, the creation of light patterns around the user as the device is used, and providing music that emanates in various ways from the device to enhance its perception by the user. All of the said baths (sound, that light, EMF) are created at distances from the users body that correspond to the length of the users arms, degree of bend at the elbow joint and chosen pathway for the circular/orbital movements giving the user control of the bathing process.
Referring to
Such a weight 1 is shown
a shows an alternate embodiment, further showing the weight 1 with a recess 11 for receiving a digital device such as a media player, a cable 13 for connecting the media player to the weight, a securing device 9 for protecting the media player, a power source and amplifier device 12, and a wire 10 connecting the speaker to the power source. The securing device may in some embodiments include a transparent cover, such as a flap that can be at least partially attached to the weight or device with, e.g., Velcro magnets system, or other connectors. Further, a wire 14 connects the heart rate sensor 6 to the power source 12.
It is contemplated that visual instructions could be provided through video embedded in the device. A further benefit is the device could be used as a “learning tool” and video could be taken in a fitness situation by one person (the instructor), and then shown to the student who was performing.
It is also contemplated that a person could use this device to listen to music while training through the headphones, Bluetooth technology or using the embedded speakers providing music for an ambient environment. Thus, the device could be used as a stand alone musical device, or video viewing station.
A possible unexpected benefit of this device is the “vibratory aspect” of sensing vibration of the music through the bones of the hands. There is growing evidence of a healing benefit for the user. Additionally, we contemplate that the circular movements as described in the inventor's previous U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,996, which is incorporated herein by reference, accomplish many healthful attributes at the same time; traditional exercise of moving all the major muscle groups at once to produce a cardiovascular and anaerobic improvement, a stimulus of the body's natural internal Chi energy, and the creation of sound, light, and EMF baths that create a positive feeling for the user.
Some of the embodiments disclosed above incorporate the various digital technologies into a fitness device. These technologies can enhance the use of the fitness device in unique new ways.
Some of the embodiments of the device incorporates sound capability for music to accompany training. The sound may be heard through speakers built into the device, a headset with a cord, or Bluetooth technology. Additionally, the device may rest in a docking station and provide music through built in speakers for enjoyment, or for a fitness class where people are exercising. Thus, the exercise device with built in musical capability could provide ambient music. Additionally, a phone incorporated in to the device can provide a means to contact help in an emergency while exercising, or could be used for leisure purposes.
Although the present embodiments have been described in terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art also are within the scope of these inventions. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present inventions.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/091,257, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61091257 | Aug 2008 | US |
