Patent Application
20140162856
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed toward physical training, and in particular, muscular therapy; where vibration, stretching, and strengthening of muscles provide important benefits. The invention generally relates to a specialized muscular training device with specific features that provide convenience, needed therapeutic effects, and economy in a small portable package capable of multi-functional features that, in combination, provide important benefits for use in a variety of situations.
(2) Description of Related Art
Others have attempted to provide vibratory benefits to a degree. For example, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/557,531 describes a vibrating dumbbell. However it lacks important training features, such as incorporating a design that allows it to be used for normal weight training routines, the ability to connect to other training equipment, and compactness. Though a vibrating unit is shown as located in an end, the reciprocating weight style creates a lot of friction requiring a high capacity battery charge.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,215, describes a rotating weight that provides training by use of the gyroscopic effect. The gyroscopic effect requires a large rotational energy demanding a high battery storage and capacity. Additionally, this unit lacks important portability, compactness, and convenience features; and due to these reasons appears to be hindered in finding actual use in the marketplace.
U.S. patent D297962 shows a weight training dumbbell with a strap, but the strap is used to assist the trainer for keeping the weight on the hand, rather than providing for an additional training effect. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/669,362 is a dumbbell device with a strap attachment, and this application does incorporate the concept of training by use of the attached strap to become a pulling exerciser through the use of an strap. However, no thought was given to vibration therapy or any features incorporated into the dumbbell.
Another object of the invention is to further improve known training devices so that the training is more effective and also more convenient than with single previous devices, eliminating the need for multiple training units.
What is needed in the marketplace is a vibration product along with weight training that provides complete features in a compact, economic style. Convenience and portability are important issues when a person needs to carry equipment to a site such as a gym along with other personal items such as clothing. It is desirable to provide vibration training, therapeutic effects, light resistance weight training, and the ability to connect to heavier weight training equipment if needed. Simplified controls for vibration control, on/off, and recharging are important for acceptance and general use.
The present invention provides enhanced therapy and training benefits along with important features in a small compact vibrating handle assembly. It includes vibration therapy in a re-chargeable battery powered package which is useful for a variety of therapeutic training methods. An attachable strap provides connection to other training equipment. It is designed for convenience, portability, therapeutic purposes, and use with other training equipment.
An important object of the invention is to provides therapy training benefits in a small compact vibrating handle. Another important object is to provide a compact muscular training package that does not need power and is portable. Another important object it to provide connecting to existing training equipment. Another object is to provide convenience and use as a general therapeutic device.
Additional objects of the invention become clear when the details are further described as follows.
According to embodiments of the invention, a vibration effect is created by an offset weight that is on a rotating shaft between two battery powered motors that is mounted inside a vibrating handle assembly. By providing electronic equipment that allows an operator to vary the motor speed, it is possible to create a stronger or softer vibration effect. Alternately, by increasing the weight mass or the offset amount, the vibration effect can be increased. Typically, for a given situation, the weight, the offset distance, and the motor speed are all pre-chosen according to the effect desired to be achieved. Thus, the therapy is simply a matter of turning the device on. This is a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Vibration therapy is known to cause a person to achieve muscular goals such as relaxation, blood flow, bone mineral density, or enhanced muscular strength. These are desirable traits to incorporate into a gripping handle.
It is preferable to choose a particular vibration design for simplicity and reliability. In this case a pair of motors attached to a common offset weight are used to create a vibration. The twin motor design allows the weight to be well supported, and the motors to be of a common design. The motors are also mechanically synchronized because they are both connected through the offset weight. Motor and bearing parts are designed to withstand the vibration levels created. Small weights are capable of providing significant vibration amounts at commercially available motor RPM.
In a preferred embodiment, the vibration is generated at a frequency of 30-60 Hz. This range is useful for therapeutic purposes. The electronic control of the motors can be chosen to a particular frequency to achieve the desired vibration frequency.
The two motors 103a,b are connected to respective batteries 105a,b which provide power. In one embodiment, the batteries are rechargeable nine volt DC, and in other embodiments are other voltages as required by a particular motor. The batteries 105a,b are secured in place by foam padding/packing 106a,b.
The handle assembly is further comprised of end caps 107a,b, power switch 108, and power plug 109. The end caps are rigidly attached via screws by the screw holes shown.
The handle 101 is connected to a power plug 109 which provides external power for charging the batteries. An external AC plug incorporates a power transformer (not shown), or the transformer is included with the power plug 109. The device is turned on and off via the on/off switch 108 which is mounted in the end cap 107b and is accessible to the user.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, the invention may be modified and adapted to various operational methods to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the description and figure shown herein, and includes all such embodiments, changes, and modifications that are encompassed by the scope of the claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/735,002 filed on Dec. 8, 2012. The entire provisional application is incorporated by reference herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61735002 | Dec 2012 | US |
