U.S. patent application number 12/001535 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-12 for vibrating exercise apparatus.
Invention is credited to Richard Charnitski.
Application Number | 20080139370 12/001535 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39498821 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080139370 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Charnitski; Richard |
June 12, 2008 |
Vibrating exercise apparatus
Abstract
An exercise device has a motor rotating an eccentric weight to
cause a vibration. The motor is powered by a power source external
to the exercise device and has at least one handle is sized and
configured to be gripped by a user for exercise. A pair of opposing
end frames are connected to the motor on opposite ends of the motor
with the handle extending between the end frames in a straight line
of sufficient length so a user can grab the handle with both hands
at once. The handle optionally extends beyond the end frames so
weights can be added thereto. A speed control is connected to the
motor to vary the vibration speed. A first connector is fastened to
the device and configured to releasably fasten to a flexible member
which is preferably connected to a variable resistance such as a
weight stack. Thus, a portable vibrating handle can be connecting
to existing exercise devices to provide vibrational exercise. A
second connector allows the portable device to be interposed
between the handle and the adjustable resistance of the exercise
device.
Inventors: |
Charnitski; Richard;
(Mission Viejo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
75 ENTERPRISE, SUITE 250
ALISO VIEJO
CA
92656
US
|
Family ID: |
39498821 |
Appl. No.: |
12/001535 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60874461 |
Dec 12, 2006 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/139 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/169 20151001;
A63B 21/0555 20130101; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B 23/03508
20130101; A63B 23/03575 20130101; A63B 21/00061 20130101; A63B
2208/0204 20130101; A63B 23/03525 20130101; A63B 21/055 20130101;
A63B 23/12 20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/0628 20151001;
A63B 23/1209 20130101; A63B 2208/0252 20130101; A61H 23/0263
20130101; A63B 21/0552 20130101; A63B 21/154 20130101; A63B
23/03583 20130101; A63B 21/00069 20130101; A63B 21/00196 20130101;
A63B 21/0442 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/139 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00 |
Claims
1. A portable exercise device, comprising: a motor rotating an
eccentric weight to cause a vibration below about 200 Hz with an
amplitude of about 3 mm to 8 mm, the motor being powered by a power
source external to the device; at least one handle sized and
configured to be gripped by a user for exercise; a pair of opposing
end frames on opposite ends of the motor with the handle extending
between the end frames in a straight line of sufficient length so a
user can grab the handle with both hands at once, the handle
extending beyond the end frames so weights can be added thereto; a
speed control connected to the motor to vary the vibration speed;
and a first connector fastened to the device and configured to
releasably fasten to a flexible member adapted to be connected to a
variable resistance device during use.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. The portable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the power
source is electrical an electrical cord connects the speed control
to the motor.
5. The portable exercise device of claim 1, wherein the connector
is a separate part threadably connected to the exercise device.
6. The portable exercise device of claim 1, further comprising an
elastic member connected to the first connector or to a flexible
member that is connected to the first connector.
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. A portable exercise device, comprising: an elongated barbell
bar having gripping areas configured to be grabbed by weight
lifters; an electric motor fastened to the bar, the motor having an
eccentric weight thereon to vibrate the bar, the motor connected to
the bar to vibrate the bar as the eccentric rotates, the motor
being powered by a power source external to the exercise
device.
12. The portable exercise device of claim 11, wherein the bar
passes through the motor.
13. (canceled)
14. The portable exercise device of claim 11, further comprising at
least one weight on each opposing end of the bar.
15. The portable exercise device of claim 11, further comprising an
electric power connected to the motor which is an electric
motor.
16. The portable exercise device of claim 11, further comprising an
electric power cord connected to a variable speed control and to
the motor which is an electric motor.
17. The portable exercise device of claim 11, further comprising a
first connector connected to the portable exercise device, the
first connector adapted to releasably connect to a flexible
member.
18. The portable exercise device of claim 11, wherein the motor is
contained in a housing with end frames connecting the housing to
the bar, and further comprising a first connector connected to the
motor housing or to the end frames, the first connector adapted to
releasably connect to a flexible member.
19. The portable exercise device of claim 18, wherein the connector
comprises one of a hook, eyelet, or U-shaped connector.
20. (canceled)
21. The portable exercise device of claim 17, further comprising a
variable resistance exercise device connected to the first
connector through a flexible member and further connected to a
device engageable by a person exercising connected to the second
connector.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. (canceled)
25. The portable exercise device of claim 17, further comprising a
flexible member connected to the first connector and to a variable
resistance exercise device.
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
33. (canceled)
34. (canceled)
35. (canceled)
36. (canceled)
37. (canceled)
38. (canceled)
39. (canceled)
40. (canceled)
41. (canceled)
42. (canceled)
43. A method for exercising, comprising: providing a motor rotating
an eccentric to cause vibration, the motor having an electric power
cord with an electrical plug and having a variable speed control;
fastening the motor to a flexible member and to a device engageable
by a person exercising so the motor vibrates the device engageable
by the person and vibrates the flexible member as the motor
rotates.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein the device engageable by the
person is a handle connected by end frames to a housing for the
motor.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein the motor is in a housing
having end frames which are fastened to a handle, with the flexible
member fastened to the housing or an end frame.
46. (canceled)
47. The method of claim 43, further comprising an elastic member
connected to the flexible member.
48. The method of claim 43, further comprising a variable
resistance device connected to the flexible member.
49. The method of claim 43, wherein the flexible member is fastened
to a non-moving structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e), of application Ser. No. 60/874,461, filed Dec. 12, 2006,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vibrating platforms are used for exercise because the
vibration provides neuromuscular stimulation that results in
increased blood flow, flexibility, muscle fiber contractions.
Existing vibrating strength platforms are fixed in position and the
person using the vibrating platform has to perform exercise
movements with respect to the machine. Vibrating platforms are
expensive. Some specific vibrating dumbbells are known, but they
are limited to specific dumbbell type exercises, are battery
powered and are not readily usable with other exercise equipment.
Exercise equipment exists having eccentric motors mounted to large
exercise devices to vibrate the cable between the user and the
weights, but that limits the portability of the equipment and types
of equipment to which the vibration can be applied. An improved
exercise apparatus is thus needed, especially an apparatus to allow
the user to engage in vibration exercise while performing free body
movements in space.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] A portable electric motor with an offset or eccentric weight
is powered by a 110 volt current. A speed control varies the
vibration frequency. A frame holds opposing ends of the motor and
one or two handles for the user to grab for exercise. A connector,
such as a loop, hook or eyelet is provided that releasably engages
a rope, cable or chain that typically passes over one or more
pulleys fastened to a variable resistance device such as adjustable
springs or a variable frictional resistance or an adjustable stack
of weights. More than one connector can be used to interpose the
entire portable vibrating device along a length of a flexible
cable, etc. The handle can be short, like a dumbbell, or elongated
for use as a barbell or lifting bar. Advantageously, two eyelet
connectors are located on opposing sides of the device, preferably
180.degree. apart on the vibrating frame or the housing, so any
exercise resistance device can be connected to one eyelet and any
style exercise handle or strap can be connected to the other
connector.
[0005] There is thus advantageously provided a portable exercise
device having a motor rotating an eccentric weight to cause a
vibration below about 200 Hz with an amplitude of about 3 mm to 8
mm with an amplitude of 5 mm being preferred. The motor is powered
by a power source external to the exercise device. At least one
handle is sized and configured to be gripped by a user for
exercise. A pair of opposing end frames are connected to the motor
on opposite ends of the motor with the handle extending between the
end frames in a straight line of sufficient length so a user can
grab the handle with both hands at once. The handle optionally
extends beyond the end frames so weights can be added thereto. The
exercise device also has a speed control connected to the motor to
vary the vibration speed, and a connector fastened to the device
and configured to releasably fasten to a flexible member.
[0006] In further variations, this portable exercise device has
weights releasably fastened to opposing ends of the handle.
Further, the motor is preferably electrically powered and there can
be two handles located on opposing sides of the exercise device.
Additionally, a speed control is connected to the motor to vary the
vibration. In further variations, there are two connectors on
opposing sides of the exercise device, and the connectors
optionally comprise a separate part threadably connected to the
exercise device.
[0007] There is also provided a portable exercise device having an
elongated barbell bar with gripping areas configured to be grabbed
by weight lifters. An electric motor is fastened to the bar, with
the motor having an eccentric weight thereon to vibrate the bar.
The motor is connected to the bar to vibrate the bar as the
eccentric rotates. The motor is powered by a power source external
to the exercise device, with an electrical power source and
electric motor being preferred, and pneumatic power being one
alternative.
[0008] In further variations, the portable exercise device has the
bar passing through the motor. Further, opposing ends of the bar
can be configured to receive removable weights, and thus there can
also be at least one weight on each opposing end of the bar.
Moreover, the motor is preferably an electric motor connected to a
variable speed control.
[0009] The portable exercise device preferably includes an electric
power cord connected to a variable speed control and to an electric
motor. Preferably, but optionally, the motor is contained in a
housing with end frames connecting the housing to the bar. The
exercise device can further optionally include a connector
connected to the motor housing or end frames, the connector adapted
to releasably connect to a flexible member. The connector
preferably, but optionally, comprises one of a hook, eyelet, or
U-shaped connector. In any of the above embodiments having a
connector, a spring can be connected to one of the connector, or to
a flexible member that is connected to the connector, to provide a
softer resistance.
[0010] There is also advantageously provided a method for
exercising using an exercise machine having an adjustable
resistance connected to a flexible member that is also connected to
a handle which a user grabs to exert a force against the adjustable
resistance. The method includes providing a motor rotating an
eccentric to cause vibration, where the motor is powered by a power
source external to the handle. The method further includes
fastening the motor to the handle so the vibration from the
eccentric vibrates the handle. In further variations, the method
uses a handle that is connected to a connector which releasably
connects to the flexible member. Moreover, the motor is preferably,
but optionally placed in a housing having end frames which are
fastened to the handle and the flexible member is connects to the
housing or an end frame. In further variations, the motor is
cylindrical and the handle comprises an elongated bar, with the bar
passing through the motor and the eccentric rotating around the
bar. Advantageously, the bar has opposing ends adapted to
releasably fasten to weightlifting weights, and weights can be
placed on that bar. Moreover, there can also be two connectors
placed on opposing sides of the portable exercise device so the
device can be interposed along a length of a flexible member.
Advantageously, the two connectors are placed on opposing sides of
the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a hand held vibrating
exercise device with a single handle and a U-shaped connector;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a right side plan view of the exercise device of
FIG. 1, with the left side being substantially a mirror image
thereof except for a power cord;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 2
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portable vibrating
exercise device applied to barbells;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the exercise device of FIG. 1
used with a first variable resistance device;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the exercise device of FIG. 1
used with a second variable resistance device;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1
with two handles;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a right side plan view of the device of FIG. 7,
with the left side view being a mirror image thereof except for the
addition of a power cord;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1
connected to a flexible tension member of an exercise device having
a pulley and using an elastic member;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1
connected to an elastic member;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1
without a handle and connected to two elongated members through the
end frame; and
[0023] FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the exercise device of FIG. 1
without a handle and connected to two elongated members connected
to the housing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the portable exercise device 18 has
a motor 20 with a shaft 22 having an eccentric 24 at one or both
ends of the shaft. The motor 20 is electrically powered through
cord 26 connected to a control box 28 that varies the rotational
frequency of rotation of motor 20. The cord 26 plugs in to a wall
outlet, e.g., a 110 volt outlet. The motor 20 is preferably mounted
to a housing, typically cylindrical, having at least one mounting
flange 42. The motor mounting flange 42 is fastened to exercise
frame 32 having opposing end frames 34a, 34b and handle 36. The
motor 20 is preferably, but optionally enclosed within housing 38
that is preferably cylindrical and extends between the opposing and
optionally parallel end frames 34a, 34b. The motor can be fastened
various ways to the motor frame 32 but preferably the motor 20 is
held between end frames 34a, 34b. In the illustrated embodiment,
bolts 40 fasten the flange(s) 42 on the end of the motor 20 to one
or preferably both, of the end frames 34a, 34b using threaded
fasteners such as nuts 41.
[0025] Preferably, but optionally, shaft the handle 36 comprises a
shaft that extends through the end frames 34a, 34b so that weights
W can be fastened onto the shaft by releasable fasteners 45, known
in the art. The wrights are preferably fastened on the outer or
exterior side of the end frames 34a, 34b. The device 18 is a
portable device as a single user can lift the device, typically
using a single hand. The device 18 weights under 10 pounds,
advantageously under 5 pounds, and preferably under 3 pounds.
Weights W are added as desired.
[0026] Fastened to the frame 32 is a connector 44. In the
illustrated embodiment, the connector 44 is a U-shaped piece of
metal with opposing ends fastened to the housing 38, preferably
using threaded fasteners in the ends of the legs of the U-shaped
connector 44. Advantageously, but optionally, the connector 32 is
fastened opposite the handle 36. The connector 44 is large enough
and sturdy enough so that exercise loads (several hundred pounds)
can be applied to the connector 44 and exercise device 18. The
connector 44 is preferably a separable item which can be removed
from the exercise device 18 or added thereto, but it could comprise
an opening formed in one or both of the end frames 34.
[0027] In use, electrical power is applied to the motor 20 causing
it to vibrate. A user can lift the device 18 as it vibrates. The
motor 18 and frame 32 typically weigh several pounds. If additional
weight is desired, various weights W can be fastened to the shaft
36 using releasable fasteners 45. The amount of vibration can be
varied using the control 28 to adjust the frequency of the
vibration. Optionally, the amount of offset on eccentric 24, or the
mass of the eccentric 24 can be adjusted to vary the amplitude of
vibration for a given frequency.
[0028] As desired, the user can attach the exercise device 18 to
other exercise systems using the connector 44. For example,
referring to FIGS. 5-6, the connector 44 can be fastened to the end
of a flexible member 48 such as a cable or rope on a weight stack.
Because the vibration is provided by the motor 20 connected to the
handle 36, a conventional or pre-existing static weight bench can
be converted into a vibrating weight bench. The vibration is
believed to provide improved muscle development compared to
non-vibrating systems.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 7-8, the end frames 34a, 34b extend on
opposite sides of shaft 36 and attach to a second handle 36b, with
handles 36a, 36b located on opposite sides of motor 20. The
connector 40 is again preferably, but optionally fastened to the
housing 38, preferably at the middle and in a plane perpendicular
to the plane containing handles 36. In this two-handle (or
continuous handle) embodiment of exercise device 18, the connector
44 can be attached to ropes, cables or other flexible members 46 of
exercise devices and used to provide vibration to those exercise
devices. But as two spaced-apart handles 36 are provided, the user
can perform the exercise with two-spaced apart hand-grips.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, the exercise device 18 has an elongated
through shaft 36 to form a barbell, with the end frames 34a, 34b
being fastened to the shaft 36 and the handles 36 omitted.
Alternatively, the motor 20 could be mounted on one side of the
shaft 36, and if so it is preferably, but optionally parallel to
the shaft 36. The connector 44 is fastened to the housing 38, and
through the end frames 34a, 34b is fastened to the shaft 36 to
vibrate the shaft.
[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the elongated handle,
shaft or bar 36 allows various exercises performed with both hands
on a single bar, and allows vibration to be added to existing
equipment connected to the connector(s) 44. The motor 20 for this
embodiment is preferably cylindrical so the handle 36 can pass
through the motor, with the eccentric either encircling and
rotating about the longitudinal axis along handle 36 or
alternatively, located completely to one side thereof (as, for
example, by extending handle 36 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and
abutting housing 38 against the handle or placing the handle within
the housing). The motor housing 38 is preferably small, less than
about 4-6 inches in diameter, so that it reduces potential contact
with a user lifting the handle or bar 36.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, two connectors 44 can be located
on opposing sides of the exercising device 18 so the vibrating
device 18 can be connected to two flexible members 46 and thus
added to any exercise system having a flexible member 46. The
connectors 44 can be fastened to various portions of the device 18,
including the end frames 34a, 34b, the handle(s) 36, or the housing
38.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 9-10, the connector 44 allows the
portable vibrating exercise device 18 to be connected and used with
any stationary exercise device to which the connector can be
fastened. Any exercise device having a flexible force member such
as a rope, cable or chain 46 or pulley 49 can probably be used with
the device 18. This includes exercise devices used for
rehabilitation which have an elastic member 47 (e.g., a linear or
torsion spring) interposed between the handles(s) griped by the
user and the exercise device itself. Such an elastic member is
illustrated in FIG. 6, where a spring with stiffness K can be
interposed along the length of the flexible member 46 connected to
handle 36.
[0034] In FIG. 9 the elastic member 47 is interposed between the
vibrating device 18 and the exercise handle engaged by the user,
with a pulley 49 connecting to any variable weight stack or
variable resistance device. Such variable weight and resistance
devices are known and not described in detail herein. In
particular, first and second connectors 44 are fastened to the
device 18, advantageously to opposing sides of the device 18 and
preferably on opposing sides of either the housing 38 (FIG. 1) or
end frames 34. An elastic member 47 such as a spring, a bungee
cord, a rubber or elastomeric strip or other resilient or springy
material has one end fastened to a first connector 44 and the other
end fastened to an engageable device configured to be engaged by
the person exercising, such as a handle, bar or foot stirrup
engaged by the user. An intervening connector, such as a
rope-climber's clip-hook or threaded coupling can be used to fasten
various types of engaging devices to the couplings 44. The flexible
member 46 of a variable resistance exercise device can be connected
to the second connector 44, or alternatively, could be connected to
the same connector 44 as the elastic member 47. second connector 44
on the FIG. 10 shows the portable, vibrating exercise device 18
grasped by user with an elastic member 47 interposed between the
device 18 and a non-movable structure, such as a wall (shown) or
floor (not shown). Specifically, one end of the elastic member 47
fastens to an eyelet (or other engaging device) in the wall and the
other end of the member 47 fastens to the connector 44. A threaded
connector 51 of the type used by rope climbers is shown for
illustration.
[0035] If the portable, vibrating exercise device 18 is interposed
along a length of flexible member 46 then the handle 36 may be
omitted and the housing 38 configured to more efficiently transfer
the forces in the flexible member 46 through the housing or through
the end frames 34. Thus, as seen in FIGS. 11-12, the flexible
member 46 (or elastic member 47) could fasten to the end frame 34
(FIG. 11) (e.g., by holes in the end frame or fasteners attached
thereto), or it could fasten to connectors 44 on opposing sides of
the housing 38, where the housing does not have a handle 36.
[0036] The control 28 preferably varies the speed at which the
eccentric weight is rotated and thus varies the amount of
vibration. The control 28 also has an on-off switch, preferably
separate from the speed variation. In a still more preferred form,
a simple on-off switch located within easy reach of the user is
provided separate from the speed control. The on-off switch could
be provided without the speed control. The controls 28 could be
provided inside the housing 38 with appropriate on-off and speed
control dials and switches being accessible on the housing 28 or
the end frames 34a, 34b.
[0037] The motor 20 is described as an electric motor, but a
pneumatic motor could be used. The motor 20 advantageously rotates
the eccentric 24 at speeds of from 0 to about 80 Hz, more and
preferably about 25-60 Hz, although any desired speed could be
used. When used with one or more elastic members, the vibrational
frequency is preferably from 10-40 Hz. There are believed to be
disadvantages if rotational speeds of the eccentric 24 exceed 200
rpm, as some literature indicates such vibrational speeds may have
undesirable effects on the users.
[0038] The motor 20 advantageously causes an amplitude of vibration
of about 3 mm to 8 mm with an amplitude of 5 mm being preferred.
Various combinations of amplitude and frequency can be achieved
using the control 28. The amplitude at the motor 20 is preferably
the same at the handle, but in embodiments where an elastic member
is interposed between the motor and handle the amplitude at the
handle will decrease.
[0039] Various motors 20 can be used. It is believed advantageous
to use off-the-shelf vibrators designed for vibrating hoppers etc,
and modify them for use as described herein. A motor made by Vibco
for use in vibrating bins or hoppers is believed suitable for use
herein when modified to provide the connectors and other
applications and features as described herein.
[0040] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein. For example, in the above described
device various shapes of frames could be devised, as could various
ways of fastening a flexible member 42 to the device 18. Further,
the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be
used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not
intended to be limited to the specific combination described
herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the
illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *