U.S. patent application number 11/971694 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-09 for exercise device.
Invention is credited to Todd Brinson.
Application Number | 20090176635 11/971694 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40845043 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090176635 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brinson; Todd |
July 9, 2009 |
Exercise Device
Abstract
An exercise device including vibrating element may be used for
various forms of exercise such as strength training, physical
therapy, balance training, massage, stretching, yoga, pilates and
other exercise. The device includes at least one vibrating motor or
other vibration means and a user may control the vibration
direction, amplitude and frequency through the use of a control
panel disposed on one end of the exercise device.
Inventors: |
Brinson; Todd; (Whittier,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLEINBERG & LERNER, LLP
1875 CENTURY PARK EAST, SUITE 1150
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
40845043 |
Appl. No.: |
11/971694 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/141 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2213/00 20130101;
A63B 2023/006 20130101; A61H 7/001 20130101; A61H 23/0263 20130101;
A61H 2201/1284 20130101; A63B 21/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/141 |
International
Class: |
A63B 6/00 20060101
A63B006/00 |
Claims
1. An exercise device comprising: a padded exterior cover; an
internal casing, fixed within said padded exterior cover; a first
motor, fixed within said internal casing; a first motor shaft,
extending outward from said first motor; and a first motor
stabilizer, used to stabilize the rotation of said first motor
shaft.
2. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a first
counterweight, used to generate vibration as said first motor shaft
rotates.
3. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said padded exterior
cover includes a foam material.
4. The exercise device of claim 3, wherein said foam material is
coated in a water-resistant layer.
5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said padded exterior
cover includes a soft cloth material.
6. The exercise device of claim 1, further including a removable
exterior cover for said padded exterior cover.
7. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein said first motor and
said first motor shaft are arranged such that said first motor
shaft extends parallel to the longest interior traverse of the
exercise device.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, further comprising a second
motor, a second motor shaft and a second counterweight.
9. The exercise device of claim 8, wherein said second motor shaft
and said second counterweight are arranged perpendicularly to the
longitudinal axis of the exercise device.
10. An exercise device comprising: a padded exterior; an internal
casing, housed within said padded exterior, comprising: a. at least
one motor; b. at least one motor shaft, extending through the
internal casing; c. at least one motor stabilizer; and a control
panel, affixed to the exterior of one end of said internal casing
to enable control of said exercise device.
11. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said internal casing
further comprises at least one battery.
12. The exercise device of claim 10, further comprising at least
one connection from an external power supply to said at least one
motor.
13. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said padded exterior
includes foam.
14. The exercise device of claim 13, wherein said foam is coated in
a water-resistant film.
15. The exercise device of claim 10, further comprising a removable
cover, surrounding the padded exterior.
16. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said padded exterior
has a cross-sectional shape consisting of one of the following: a.
a circle; b. an egg; c. a square; d. a rectangle; e. a circle
including various rounded protrusions along said padded exterior;
f. a half-circle; g. a three-quarter circle; h. an oblong
half-circle; i. a triangle; j. a wedge; k. a circle with a series
of square-like protrusions; and l. a round-edged star.
17. The exercise device of claim 10, wherein said padded exterior
has a three-dimensional shape consisting of one of the following:
a. a tube; b. a cube; c. a rectangular cylinder; and d. a pyramid.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to exercise equipment and,
more particularly, to an exercise device. The exercise device may
take one of many shapes, but in each embodiment includes at least
one vibration element. Generally, the exercise device may vibrate
at various amplitudes and frequencies.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] There exist other apparatus in the prior art for use in
exercise, stretching, massage, myofascial release, balance
training, strength training and core strengthening. Still
additional apparatus of various shapes are used for balance
training, yoga and pilates, stretching and strength training.
[0005] Vibrating elements have been used in various devices. Back
massagers, old style "belt" machines, portable telephones and
various other devices include vibrating elements. However, in the
prior art, exercise devices generally take the form of various foam
shapes such as "foam rollers" or "yoga blocks" and do not include
any vibrating elements. The inclusion of one or more vibrating
element results in significant benefit in many of the activities
during which foam (or other material) shapes are used.
[0006] The use of a vibrating element on muscles increases blood
flow due to capillary dilation, increases oxygen and nutrient
consumption by muscles and improves regeneration of damaged tissue.
Additionally, a vibrating device is less stable when used for
support, for example by arms during a "push-up." Therefore, the
vibrating device is suitable for causing additional muscle work in
order to balance in additional to the act of the "push-up" itself.
This increases the effectiveness of the strength training.
[0007] For these reasons and others, there exists in the prior art
a need for a vibrating exercise device suitable for use in various
types of training, massage and stretching. The devices of the prior
art do not satisfy this need and therefore the present invention
provides distinct benefits over the prior art. These benefits and
other benefits will become apparent in the description of the
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is an exercise device, more
particularly, an exercise foam (or other material) device including
one or more vibrating elements embedded within the device. The
exercise device may be used for activities as varied as physical
therapy, strength training, yoga, relaxation and various other
activities. The preferred embodiment of the present invention
provides numerous benefits over the prior art.
[0009] The present invention is an exercise device, typically
taking the form of a foam circular elongated cylinder. Various
other shapes and materials may be used in alternative embodiments.
The present invention overcomes the prior art through its inclusion
of at least one vibrating element within the device. The present
invention also includes controls whereby a user may activate,
deactivate and select the frequency and amplitude of the
vibration.
[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a device for use in various forms of exercise. It is a
further object of the present invention to provide a device which
increases blood flow, muscle relaxation, aids in balance and
strength training. It is a further object of the present invention
to provide numerous shapes for various uses of the exercise
device.
[0011] The novel features which are characteristic of the
invention, both as to structure and method of the operation
thereof, together with further objects and advantages thereof, will
be understood from the following description, considered in
connection with the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred
embodiment of the invention is illustrated by way of example. It is
to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the
purpose of illustration and description only, and they are not
intended as a definition of the limits of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1, made up of FIGS. 1A and 1B, are depictions of the
device of the present invention in perspective and a
cross-sectional view, respectively.
[0013] FIG. 2, made up of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, are each depictions
of various embodiments of the entire vibration element for various
embodiments of the exercise device.
[0014] FIG. 3, made up of FIGS. 3A and 3B, show the internal
components of the vibration elements and the exterior casing for
the vibration element, respectively.
[0015] FIG. 4, made up of FIGS. 4A through 4G, show various forms
which the present invention may take.
[0016] FIG. 5, made up of FIGS. 5A through 5D show additional forms
the present invention may take.
[0017] FIG. 6 is an example of a control panel as used in the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention is used in order to stretch,
strengthen muscles, increase balance or to perform various types of
rehabilitation, for example, after injury. As is known in the art,
devices of varying densities and compression levels may be used for
different results. In general, the device may be used between a
part of the body and the ground, typically for rolling along a
portion of the body for stretching or to increase blood flow.
Alternatively, the device may be placed under a portion of the body
in order to intentionally allow it to move, requiring additional
strength in order to hold the body steady and, thus, increasing
strength and balance training.
[0019] Similarly, the present device may be used in conjunction
with a stretching regimen in order to allow individuals to stretch
or more-thoroughly stretch portions of the body. For example, some
muscles of the back and legs are not capable of being stretched
without suspending the body portion over an edge. This device may
act as that edge in a safe, padded way. Thus, the present device,
allows a user to stretch, while also increasing blood flow and
allowing for greater stretching through the use of vibration, as
described above.
[0020] Referring first to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As can
be seen the device takes the form of an elongated cylinder in the
preferred embodiment. In the preferred embodiment, the device is
approximately 18 to 48 inches long and 4 to 10 inches in diameter.
However, any size and shape may be made. It is to be understood
that the present invention may take many forms, this form is only
intended to be an example. FIGS. 4 and 5 in particular show various
embodiments that the present invention may take.
[0021] The present invention includes various elements. FIG. 1A
shows the padded exterior 10 and the control panel 12. In the
preferred embodiment, the padded exterior 10 is one of various
types of "foam." These types of foam are well-known in the art.
Various foams may be made of plastic-derivatives, padded cloth
materials and other types. The control panel 12 allows the user to
control the amplitude and frequency of vibration.
[0022] Typically, the material which makes up the padded exterior
10 will be designed with a particular density such that it
collapses under a predetermined level of weight. For some purposes,
the density is very high, such that the padded exterior 10 will not
collapse under even a great deal of pressure. In other cases, the
density will be very low, such that the padded exterior 10
collapses almost completely under very little weight. In some
instances, the padded exterior 10 of the exercise device may use
materials which do not collapse under pressure whatsoever.
Additionally, the padded exterior 10 may be covered by a removable
cover made up of cloth, such as velvet, velour, cotton or other
reusable material.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1B, a cross-sectional view of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. The control
panel 12 and the padded exterior 10 can also be seen in this
figure. In this cross section, the remaining elements of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention may be seen. The
motor casing 14 may be seen at one end of the device, near the
control panel 12. A ridge 15, used to keep the motor and other
internal components in place, is present in the preferred
embodiment of the invention.
[0024] The motor casing 14 includes electric coils 16 and magnets
18 which make up motor. The motor may take many forms, however, in
various embodiments. The motor may be a piezoelectric motor,
pneumatic motor, hydraulic motor or various other means for causing
vibration. However, in the preferred embodiment, the present
invention uses an electromagnetic eccentric motor, as depicted in
FIG. 1B. The electromagnetic eccentric motor may take one of
various forms, the motor depicted here is only for purposes of
example.
[0025] The control panel 12 includes, at least, an on-off switch. A
user may depress or enable the switch to cause the device to
vibrate. In the preferred embodiment, the control panel 12 also
includes a knob or several buttons which may be used to indicate
the frequency of the vibration. In embodiments which utilize
multiple motors or motors capable of varying amplitudes, a knob or
button allowing for alteration of amplitude may also be provided on
the control panel 12. Similarly, in the case in which multiple
motors are used, the control panel 12 will provide control
functionality for each of the motors. An example control panel 12
is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6.
[0026] In alternative embodiments, the motor may in fact me a
multiplicity of motors. Additionally, the motor need not include
counterweights and may, instead, use cams. Additionally, the motor
may be oriented such that vibration of various types is created. In
the preferred embodiment, the motor is oriented parallel to the
exercise device's elongated axis 19. This orientation results in
vibration that is perpendicular and radial to the elongated axis
19. In alternative embodiments, a motor may be oriented transverse,
resulting in radial transverse vibration parallel to the elongated
axis 19.
[0027] Additionally, the vibrations may vary dependent upon the
motor type. The vibrations may be oscillating, linear reciprocating
or orbital depending upon the type of motor or other vibration
means used. Combinations of motors of the same type in different
orientations or of different types in various orientations maybe
used to provide oscillations of different frequencies and
amplitudes. The motor or motors may also include or take the form
of a wind-up spring, a hand or foot pump, magnetic motors, use
hydraulic pressure, for example, from a pressurized water line, in
order to induce vibration.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1B, the motor shaft 20 extends throughout
the entire device and is adjacent to a motor stabilizer 22. In the
preferred embodiment the motor stabilizer 22 consists of a
cylindrical insertion, taking up the entirety of the space within
the inner chamber for a relatively small space along the elongated
axis 19. Additionally, the motor stabilizer 22 may be hollow, aside
from the holes through which the motor shaft 20 passes, The motor
stabilizer 22 in some embodiments may include or take the form of
one or more ball bearings or roller bearings. In these embodiments,
the motor shaft 20 may pass through to reduce friction as the motor
shaft 20 turns. The motor stabilizer 22 includes a counterweight 24
in order to create the vibration as the motor turns.
[0029] In alternative embodiments, the motor stabilizer 22 may
extend throughout the entire inner chamber and include one or more
counterweights. However, in the preferred embodiment, the motor
stabilizer 22 ends and a hollow chamber 26, making up part of the
inside of the device including the motor shaft 20, is present in
addition to another counterweight 28 within a second motor
stabilizer 25.
[0030] Finally, an additional ridge 27 may be seen. This ridge 27,
along with the previous ridge 15 are short extensions of a hardened
material (such as plastic) into the padded exterior 10 such that
the interior and exterior remain connected and so that the interior
portions, such as the motor casing 14 and motor stabilizer 28 do
not exit through one end of the padded exterior 10.
[0031] In the preferred embodiment, rechargeable batteries are
included within the hollow chamber 26 or within one or more of the
motor stabilizers, such as motor stabilizer 22 to provide power to
the motor. In the preferred embodiment, the batteries may be
recharged without removing them from the device, by plugging the
device into a standard 120 volt (or 220 volt in some foreign
countries) outlet. In embodiments where batteries are used, a light
indicia of the amount of charge remaining may be used.
[0032] In alternative embodiments, the device may plug into an A/C
or D/C current. The device may also or alternatively use
non-rechargeable batteries or be connected to a 12-volt car battery
by means of a car cigarette lighter. Thus, various power supply and
battery recharging options may be used to supply power to the one
or more motors used to cause vibration in the exercise device.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2A-2C, a series of alternative
embodiments for the internal portion of the exercise device are
shown. FIG. 2A shows one embodiment of the internal portion 29 of
the exercise device. The exterior face 30 is exposed to the outside
when the internal portion 29 is enclosed within the padded exterior
10 so that the user may access the control panel 32 including all
controls for the vibration element.
[0034] The ridge 34 in this embodiment is visible along with a
recessed area 36 into which the padded exterior may be applied. The
recessed area 36 along with the ridge 34 allow the padded exterior
to stay in place once the internal portion 29 is combined with the
padded exterior. In the preferred embodiment, foam, making up the
padded exterior, is molded into the recessed area and over the
ridge 34 in order to ensure that the padded exterior remains fixed.
The large center casing 38 may include one or more motors or motor
stabilizers along with the motor shaft 20 (see FIG. 1).
[0035] In this embodiment, the internal portion 29 also includes an
additional recessed area 40 and an additional ridge 42 for use in
securing the padded exterior (not shown) to the internal portion
29. As with ridge 34, the ridge 42 is at or near the end of the
exercise device. This allows the user access to the internal
portion 29. In some embodiments, batteries may be placed behind the
control panel 32, while in other embodiments, batteries or an
electrical plug or other powering means may be affixed to the end
corresponding to ridge 42.
[0036] In some cases, the motor may generate heat as it operates.
In some embodiments, openings in form of slots, holes or louvers
may be included on the face of ridge 42 or control panel 32 to
allow heat to escape from the interior. In this way, the motor and
other internal elements may be kept from generating excess
heat.
[0037] A very similar embodiment is shown in FIG. 2B. In this
embodiment, the interior portion 43 is triangle-shaped. The
triangle shape corresponds to the shape of the padded exterior. As
with the previous embodiment, the exterior face 44 is shown,
including the control panel 46. A ridge 47 and recessed area 48 are
shown. These are both used to secure the interior portion 43 to the
padded exterior. The center casing 50 may contain the motor or one
or more motor stabilizers as seen in FIG. 1B. An additional
recessed area 52 and ridge 54 are used in a manner similar to those
previously described.
[0038] In FIG. 2C, yet another alternative shape for the internal
portion 55 of the exercise device is shown. This internal portion
55 is square shaped in cross-section. The face 56 includes the
control panel 58. A ridge 59 and recessed area 60 allow the
internal portion 55 to remain fixed to the padded exterior. The
center casing is also shown, serving similar functions to those
described above. An additional recessed area 64 and ridge 66 may be
used to keep the internal portion 55 in place within the padded
exterior.
[0039] It is to be understood that these recesses are only one of
the ways in which the padded exterior may be kept in place relative
to the internal portion. Additional means may be used, such as
round recessed areas, different indentations, ridges or other
irregular areas such that the padded exterior may be securely
fastened to the internal portion 55.
[0040] Each of these shapes, seen in FIGS. 2A-2C correspond to
example padded exterior shapes. As can be understood, the interior
portions may take any shape, corresponding to the desired shape of
the exercise device. This is intended to provide a device which
supports a user evenly throughout use. If the interior portion does
not correspond to the exterior, the device may unevenly respond to
pressure from a user and result in a poor user experience.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3A, the interior components of the
interior portion of the exercise device are shown in perspective
view. The motor 68 is supplied with power through any number of
means. As described above, the power may be of various levels, each
controlled by the associated control panel, such that the motor 68
spins at various speeds. The motor shaft 70 extends outward through
the exercise device. The shaft 70 includes one or more
counterweights 72 in order to create the vibration. In alternative
embodiments, combination motor, counterweights may be used such
that they are both enclosed within a single small enclosure.
Multiple integrated motors and counterweights may be used as
well.
[0042] The motor stabilizer 74 primarily serves to keep the shaft
70 stable and to sit snugly within the interior of the exercise
device. Additional counterweights may be within the motor
stabilizer 74. In some embodiments, the motor stabilizer 74 may
include or take the form of one or more of various types of ball
bearings or roller bearings to reduce friction.
[0043] Counterweight 76 may be used to add additional vibration to
the device. Finally motor stabilizer 78 may provide additional
stabilization and may be hollow so as to contain additional
counterweights, ball bearings or roller bearings. In some
embodiments, motor stabilizer 78 may, in fact, be a separate
additional motor, a ball bearing or roller bearing.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3B, the vibratory element casing 80
may be seen. As can be seen, each of the components resides within
the casing 80. The motor 68, the counterweight 72, the motor
stabilizer 74 and motor stabilizer 78 are all enclosed within the
casing. The casing 80 serves to protect each of the components from
moisture and compression forces. The casing 80 also ensures that
each of the components stay in alignment. In this way the casing 80
serves to enable proper performance of the exercise device.
[0045] FIGS. 4 and 5, made up of 4A-4G and 5A-5F respectively,
depict various alternative embodiments for the present invention.
In FIG. 4A, the first embodiment, shown as the round exercise
device 82 includes the padded exterior 84 and the circular
vibrating element 86. In the preferred embodiment, the vibrating
element 86 includes a control panel on the exterior of one end.
This round exercise device 82 takes the form of an extended
cylindrical padded tube.
[0046] FIG. 4B shows an egg-shaped exercise device 88. The device
is egg-shaped in that a cross-section of the device of this shape
appears similar to a cross-section of a chicken egg. Again, the
padded exterior 90 and vibrating element 92 are shown. Next, FIG.
4C shows a square exercise device 94 and a rectangular exercise
device 100 are shown. These are square and rectangular,
respectively, in cross-section. The padded exterior 96 and padded
exterior 102 surround the square vibrating element 98 and
rectangular vibrating element 104, respectively.
[0047] FIG. 4D shows a cylindrical exercise device with raised
portions 106. This device 106 includes the typical padded exterior
108 and vibrating element 110 (in the preferred embodiment with a
control panel on the exterior). However, this embodiment includes
raised portions 112 useful for applying uneven pressure and
vibration to various portions of the body while exercising,
stretching or otherwise using the device.
[0048] FIG. 4E discloses yet another alternative embodiment of the
device, a half-round exercise device 114. The half round device 114
appears as half of a circle in cross-section. The padded exterior
118 and vibrating element 110 are also present, as in prior
embodiments. FIG. 4F shows a three-quarter round exercise device
120, which appears to be 3/4 of a circle in cross-section. The
device 120 includes the padded exterior 122 and the vibrating
element 124, extending through the padded exterior 122. Finally,
FIG. 4G shows an oblong exercise device 126. This device 126 is a
slightly-widened half-round device. This device 126 includes the
padded exterior 128 and vibrating element 130 seen in each of the
prior embodiments.
[0049] FIG. 5A is yet another alternative embodiment of a triangle
device 132 including the padded exterior 134 and vibrating element
136. FIG. 5B shows a wedge device 138 including a
correspondingly-shaped padded exterior 140 and vibrating element
142. The wedge device 138 is most typically used in physical
therapy situations, often in knee rehabilitation after injury or
surgery.
[0050] The next device, shown in FIG. 5C is the cylindrical device
with ridges 144. The device 144 includes a padded exterior 146 and
the vibrating element 148. This device 144 is essentially the round
device 82 of FIG. 4A, further including ridges, such as ridge 150.
The ridges are made up of additional padded material. The ridges
serve to add additional pressure in small regular intervals around
the device.
[0051] The next embodiment, shown in FIG. 5D, is the star exercise
device 152. This device includes the padded exterior 154 and the
vibrating element 156 of other embodiments. It also includes a
series of rounded protrusions, extending throughout the length of
the device 152. These protrusions, such as protrusion 158, are
wider and more curved ridges for use in providing extra pressure at
larger intervals than shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5C.
[0052] Turning now to FIG. 6, a depiction of an example control
panel 164 is shown as from it's front. The control panel 164 is
shown as installed within the exercise device. The padded exterior
160 is shown in the largest outer area as seen from the angle
shown. The next is the motor casing 162. This portion of the device
contains the motor or motors used to create the vibration. In the
preferred embodiment, the control panel 164 is, typically, affixed
to one end of this casing 162.
[0053] In the preferred embodiment, the control panel is round so
as to correspond to the shape of the motor casing 162. However, as
various types of casings may be used in exercise devices of various
sizes and shapes, the control panel 164 may take on any number of
cross-sectional shapes. It is to be understood that the shape,
elements and design of the control pane 164 depicted is an example.
Other additional elements or fewer elements may be provided in
order to add additional functionality or to provide for simpler
operation of the exercise device. Similarly, various shapes or
designs may be used in order to provide different aesthetic or
functional purposes.
[0054] The control panel 164 includes an on/off switch 166. The
on/off switch 166 is used to power the motors within the casing 162
on and off. In the preferred embodiment, the switch 166 is
depressed to activate and depressed a second time to deactivate the
motors. As can be understood, switches of various other types may
be used.
[0055] Next, a battery life indicator 168 is shown. The indicator
168 takes the form of several light emitting diodes ("LEDs") which
light to indicate the level of charge from 0% up to 100% in
increments of 20%. In alternative embodiments a small liquid
crystal display or similar display may be used to indicate battery
life. In yet other alternative embodiments, a touch-sensitive
display may be used for all controls and indicators associated with
the device, including the battery life indicator 168. In the
preferred embodiment, however, LEDs are used.
[0056] The next element is the intensity selector 170. This
selector 170 is a dial in the preferred embodiment. The dial may be
used to increase the frequency of the vibration of the exercise
device. In some embodiments, additional selectors may be provided
for separate motors or in order to use a different motor such that
the amplitude may also be adjusted. A series of LEDs act as an
intensity indicator 172 to allow an individual to determine the
intensity on a scale of 0 to 3. In alternative embodiments, as
described above, a LCD or other screen may be provided as an
alternative to the LEDs.
[0057] Finally, a power cord connector 174 is present on the
control panel. The connector 174 is used to plug the exercise
device into a wall socket for charging. In alternative embodiments,
no batteries may be used and the device may be required to be
plugged into a wall socket in order to provide power to the device.
The battery compartment 176 is also visible on the face of the
control panel. Batteries sufficient to power the device are
enclosed behind the battery compartment 176. In alternative
embodiments, as described above, batteries need not necessarily be
used.
[0058] In the operation of the present invention, the padded
exterior is applied to a part of the body. The user may then
activate the motor or motors to initiate the vibration of the
device. The user may select one or more levels of intensity, such
as frequency or amplitude. As described above, amplitude selection
requires a variable amplitude motor or the use of multiple motors.
The user may then use the device to stretch, strength train or
exercise. Once finished exercising, the user may deactivate the
motor or motors and the vibration will end.
[0059] Accordingly, an exercise device including vibration-inducing
means has been described. The present invention may be used for
various forms of exercise, physical therapy, stretching, balance
training and strength training. It is to be understood that the
foregoing description has been made with respect to specific
embodiments thereof for illustrative purposes only. The overall
spirit and scope of the present invention is limited only by the
following claims, as defined in the foregoing description.
* * * * *