The present invention relates to the field of exercise equipment and more particularly relates to a platform for a modular whole body vibrator unit.
Vibration therapy is well recognized in the medical and therapeutic arts. Vibration is most commonly used for massage and exercise. In principle, a vibration of a given frequency is imparted upon a body part, or even the whole body, for therapeutic effect. Some devices are portable massagers that are applied to body parts. Other devices are larger machines in which a person positions themselves in the device for vibration therapy.
One device that is used is a vibration platform, where the user stands on a platform and the platform is then vibrated, thus a vibration is imparted upon the whole body that may be isolated into individual body areas through various techniques and devices. Control for the vibration platform is usually located on top of the apparatus, in front of the user and hand grips are usually provided so the user may self-stabilize during treatment.
However, the vibration platform is usually a rather thick construction that often also houses the motor and vibration mechanism. As a thicker construction, it can be difficult for some patients to mount and dismount the platform, in particular the elderly or those suffering from injury. A larger platform is also more difficult to move or transport. There is also an issue with noise as the motor and drive train of most prior art whole body vibrators are larger machines with many moving parts.
The present invention is a redesigned whole body vibrator platform featuring an iso-linear drive and a plurality of bushing mounts. The iso-linear drive is centrally located on the platform base and the platform itself is bent in a manner to accommodate the components of the iso-linear drive while presenting a lower platform for easier access to the machine. The utilization of bushing mounts makes the drive system quieter than prior art systems and allow for the use of fewer parts. The bushings also cushion the oscillatory motion, making it less jarring. The platform assembly of the present invention then is one of the quietest and most comfortable drive systems presenting a light unit with a lower profile.
The present invention represents a departure from the prior art in that the platform of the present invention allows for a quiet drive for a whole body vibrator platform while also providing for the lowest possible height and most compact and lightest design to date.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of vibration platforms, this invention provides a vibration platform with an iso-linear drive. As such, the present invention's general purpose is to provide a new and improved vibration platform that is quiet, gentler on the body, and lower to the ground than previous platforms.
To accomplish these objectives, the vibration platform comprises a motor unit and two support bushings arranged on a base in a single line at the center of what would be the platform. The platform then rests as a carapace over the motor and bushings, being supported by a central strut while the platform sides flare downward and outward from the central strut. The bushings provide the oscillatory force to the platform, providing the quiet and softer vibration.
The platform according to the present invention, then, has numerous advantages over the prior art. It runs softer and quieter than prior art systems. It also tends to be more stable and lighter, thereby being more portable. The light weight allows for a wider and more stable frame. It is also customizable for individual weights and requires less power from the drive system to run.
The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.
Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the platform for a whole body vibrator unit is herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the specification and drawings are directed to just the platform and drive motor, a console is also required, one example being shown in
With reference to the figures, the platform 10 is comprised of three main components, a frame 12, an iso-linear drive system 14 and a carapace 16. The frame 12 holds the drive system 14 and provides a stable base on the ground. It features two legs 22, each with two feet 24 connected by a central beam 28. Generally the frame is made from a strong, durable and light material, such as aluminum. The feet are made of some form of polymer or other elastomeric material and are adjustable by the use of bolts 26.
The central beam 28 provides a cradle for the majority of the iso-linear drive system 14, in this case motor 42 and bushings 44. Motor 42 may be of any design necessary to produce oscillatory motion. As such, the motor 42 is represented schematically in
The carapace 16 is mounted upon the bushings 44 and it is comprised of three major parts: a central strut 62 and two wings 64. The central strut 62 is directly mounted to the bushings and provides a brace for each wing 64. The wings 64 are curved, swooping down from the central strut to a lower height over the remainder of the legs 22. This decrease in height makes the platform easier to mount and dismount by a patient. The drive system 14, however, is housed underneath the central strut 62, where there is a greater height to accommodate the motor 42 and bearings 44. Any suitable material may be used for the central strut 62 and wings 64, including metal, polymers or composites. The carapace may be formed in any shape to maximize benefit.
Attachment to a central column is accomplished by connecting the platform to a column structure along the legs 22 of the platform 10 (
Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.
This Application claims priority as a non-provisional perfection of prior filed U.S. provisional application No. 61/804,587, filed Mar. 22, 2013, and incorporates the same by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61804587 | Mar 2013 | US |