U.S. patent application number 12/380918 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for chest strap heart rate monitor harness method and apparatus.
Invention is credited to Jim Baldesare.
Application Number | 20090235436 12/380918 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41087429 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090235436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baldesare; Jim |
September 24, 2009 |
Chest strap heart rate monitor harness method and apparatus
Abstract
The present invention describes an apparatus and associated
method of use that ensures that the sensor contained within the
strap of a chest strap type heart rate monitor remains directly
over the heart thereby providing the user with the most constant
and reliable heart rate data. In one embodiment an attachable
harness is fitted with loops that fit over the strap of a typical
chest strap type heart rate monitor. The harness then fits over the
shoulders of a user and prevents the sensor within the strap of the
heart rate monitor from downward slippage due to activity of the
user.
Inventors: |
Baldesare; Jim; (Kent,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Bruce A. Thompson
6700 Auburn Folsom Road
Granite Bay
CA
95746
US
|
Family ID: |
41087429 |
Appl. No.: |
12/380918 |
Filed: |
March 5, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61068889 |
Mar 10, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/338 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/02438 20130101;
A61B 5/6831 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/338 |
International
Class: |
A41F 17/00 20060101
A41F017/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for stabilizing the position of a chest strap heart
rate monitor, comprising: a plurality of straps, each of said
plurality of straps being formed by a front strap portion and a
rear strap portion, said front and rear strap portions being
continuous and having loops at opposed ends sized to accept a chest
strap heart rate monitor, and; at least one vertical adjustment on
at least one of said straps, said vertical adjustment allowing said
chest strap heart rate monitor to be adjusted vertically such that
the sensor in said heart rate monitor may be positioned for optimum
sensing of a user's heart rate.
2. A first apparatus according to claim 1 further comprised of: a
first front strap portion, said first front strap portion having at
its end a first loop sized to accept one end of a chest strap heart
rate monitor and a vertical adjustment means to allow changing the
length of said first front strap portion; a second front strap
portion, said second front strap portion having at its end a first
loop sized to accept one end of a chest strap heart rate monitor
and a vertical adjustment means to allow changing the length of
said second front strap portion; a front horizontal strap fixably
attached between said first and said second front strap portions; a
first rear strap portion, said first rear strap portion having a
first loop sized to accept one end of a chest strap heart rate
monitor; a second rear strap portion, said second rear strap
portion having a second loop sized to accept an opposing end of a
chest strap heart rate monitor; a rear horizontal strap fixably
attached between said first and said second rear strap portions
such that the combination of said front horizontal strap and said
rear horizontal strap prevent said first and said second front
strap portions and said first and second rear strap portions from
separating laterally.
3. A second apparatus according to claim 1 further comprised of: a
front strap, said front strap having a vertical adjustment means to
allow changing the length of said front strap and a loop at its
first end sized to accept the body of a chest strap heart rate
monitor; a first rear strap having a loop sized to accept the strap
of a chest strap heart rate monitor at its first end and a second
rear strap having a loop sized to accept the strap of a chest strap
heart rate monitor at its first end, said first and second rear
straps having their second ends fixably attached to the second end
of said front strap, said attachment forming a "Y" just above said
vertical adjustment, and; a rear horizontal strap fixably attached
between said first and said second rear straps such that said rear
horizontal strap prevents said first and said second rear straps
from separating laterally.
4. A method for stabilizing the position of a chest strap heart
rate monitor, comprising: passing one or more end(s) of a chest
strap heart rate monitor through one or more loop(s) in one or more
front strap(s) of a position stabilizing harness; passing one or
more end(s) of said chest strap heart rate monitor through one or
more loop(s) in one or more rear strap(s) of a position stabilizing
harness; fitting said position stabilizing harness on the chest of
a user, and; adjusting one or more vertical adjustments to
correctly position said chest strap heart rate monitor such that
the sensor located within said chest strap heart rate monitor is
placed directly over the heart of the user.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority based upon U.S. provisional
application 61/068,889 filed Mar. 10, 2008.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0002] The subject of this invention is athletic training
equipment. Specifically, the present invention discloses a position
stabilizing harness for use with chest strap type heart rate
monitors. Generally, the present invention prevents the chest strap
heart rate monitor from slipping downward as the result of athletic
activity. Such downward slippage is detrimental to the acquisition
of accurate heart rate data required by athletes during training
and competition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The use of heart rate monitors for athletic training and
competition is quite old. Advances in technology have given the
athlete, both professional and amateur, an economic means of
observing their heart rate and adjusting their effort as a result.
This data is useful, for example, to allow an athlete to adjust his
or her effort in response to heart rate activity. This ability, in
turn, allows athletes to manage their effort and thus be more
successful in their training or competition.
[0004] Contemporary heart rate monitors may be placed in two
general categories: chest strap types and wrist strap types. The
wrist strap type of heart rate monitor gathers pulse data from the
underside of the wrist and displays it on the face of a watch-like
device. This device may or may not have other functions included.
One disadvantage of this type of heart rate monitor is that the
athlete must raise his or her arm to view the face of the device.
Depending on circumstances, this may or may not be possible. A
further disadvantage of the wrist strap type heart rate monitor is
that unless worn very tightly, the accuracy of the data displayed
can be errant. Moreover, this type of heart rate monitor is more
susceptible to data drop out--that is the heart rate data are not
acquired for some reason or another, for example, the strap is
loose and can not reliably acquire pulse rate data.
[0005] An alternative to the wrist strap heart rate monitor is the
chest strap type heart rate monitor. With this device, the user
places a strap around his or her chest. The front of the device has
a housing containing a heart rate sensor that is placed directly
over the heart. Included in the housing as well is wireless
transmitter that sends heart rate data to a receiver. The receiver
can be a wrist strap device or some other type of device, for
example, a multi-function cycle computer mounted on the handlebars
of a bicycle. One advantage of the chest strap type heart rate
monitor is the close proximity of the sensor to the source of the
heart rate data. This means that the data are more reliable.
Another advantage of this type of heart rate monitor is that the
remote display device may be viewed by the user without disrupting
normal activity. For example, a user riding a bicycle can determine
heart rate by a simple glance rather than having to lift an arm to
view the wrist strap mounted device.
[0006] The chest strap type of heart rate monitor, while providing
more reliable data, also has the disadvantage that, under certain
conditions, the strap containing the pulse rate sensor may slip
downward. If this happens, as with the wrist strap type monitor,
accurate data cannot be acquired reliably. What would be desirable
would be a method and associated apparatus for insuring that the
pulse rate sensor within the strap of the chest strap type heart
rate monitor remained directly over the heart to provide the most
reliable and constant heart rate data to the athlete.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention describes an apparatus and associated
method of use that ensures that the sensor contained within the
strap of a chest strap type heart rate monitor remains directly
over the heart thereby providing the user with the most constant
and reliable heart rate data. In one embodiment an attachable
harness is fitted with loops that fit over the strap of a typical
chest strap type heart rate monitor. The harness then fits over the
shoulders of a user and prevents the sensor within the strap of the
heart rate monitor from downward slippage due to activity of the
user.
[0008] In a first embodiment of the disclosed invention a single
loop is fitted over the front of the chest strap type heart rate
monitor. At a point above the first loop the harness is bifurcated,
with one strap passing over each of the shoulders of the user. The
ends of the bifurcated sections each have a loop that is fitted
over the back of the chest strap type heart rate monitor.
Advantageously, the front section of the harness has an adjustment
that allows users to set the location of the sensor within the
chest strap type heart rate monitor for optimum performance.
[0009] In a second embodiment of the disclosed invention a pair of
straps running from the back of the chest strap type heart rate
monitor to the front are provided, with a loops at each end to be
fitted over the chest strap type heart rate monitor. As with the
first embodiment, an adjustment that allows users to set the
location of the sensor within the chest strap type heart rate
monitor for optimum performance is provided, one on each of the two
straps.
[0010] A third embodiment of the present invention relates to
integrating the harness directly into the heart rate monitor
device. While the previous embodiments are directed to existing
heart rate devices, this third embodiment is directed to newly
manufactured devices.
[0011] As well as these advantages, the present invention has other
advantages discussed in detail below in conjunction with the
drawings and figures attached.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1: provides a detailed view of a first embodiment of
the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2: shows a first embodiment of the present invention in
use.
[0014] FIG. 3: provides a detailed view of a second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4: shows a second embodiment of the present invention
in use.
[0016] FIG. 5: provides a detailed view of a third embodiment of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6: shows a third embodiment of the present invention in
use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment 100 of the present
invention. In this preferred embodiment a commercial chest strap
type heart rate monitor 10 is shown. The strap has two tabs 15
which separate to allow the heart rate monitor to be placed about
the chest of a user. Chest strap type heart rate monitor 10 also
has an adjustment [not shown for clarity] that allows the monitor
to be used by users with different chest sizes.
[0019] In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention
three straps are used to locate the chest strap type heart rate
monitor 10 in the vertical direction. Front strap 105 has a loop
108 that is sized to allow the chest strap type heart rate monitor
10 to pass through it. Front strap 105 also has an adjustment 107
to allow precise location of the sensor over the heart. Rear straps
120 and 110 form a "Y" connection with front strap 105, with rear
strap 110 passing over the left shoulder of the user and rear strap
120 passing over the right shoulder of the user. Each of the rear
straps 110 and 120 have a loop 118 and 128 respectively that
accomplish the same function as loop 108 of the front strap
105.
[0020] Rear horizontal strap 130 attaches to both rear straps 110
and 120 to provide stable location of the rear straps on the chest
strap type heart rate monitor 10. In the preferred embodiment the
attachment is made by stitches 115 and 125, however, it will be
understood that other attachment methods could be used without
departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0021] Looking now at FIG. 2, the first embodiment of the present
invention 100 is shown on a typical user 20. As can be seen, the
chest strap type heart rate monitor 10 is placed about the chest of
a user, with the vertical location set to be directly over the
heart. As described above, the adjustment 107 allows the user 20 to
set the location of the sensor with great accuracy. Regardless of
the level of activity of the user, the harness of the present
invention prevents the chest strap type heart rate monitor 10 from
slipping downward thereby providing constant and accurate data for
the user.
[0022] FIG. 3 presents a second embodiment 200 of the present
invention. In this instantiation a four point strap/loop method is
used. Right strap 220 and left strap 210 each have a front loop,
229 and 219 respectively, and a rear loop, 228 and 218
respectively, that fit about the chest strap type heart rate
monitor 10. Each of the straps 220 and 210 also have a vertical
adjustment 223 and 213 respectively, to provide the vertical
adjustment needed to place the sensor within the chest strap type
heart rate monitor 10 accurately over the heart. Front horizontal
strap 240 and rear horizontal strap 230 prevent the right strap 220
and left strap 210 from slipping off the shoulders of the user
during activity. In this embodiment front horizontal strap 240 and
rear horizontal strap 230 are attached to the right strap 220 and
left strap 210 by means of stitching 225, 215, 227 and 217,
however, it will be understood that other attachment methods could
be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 4, the second embodiment 200 of the
present invention is shown in use. As can be seen, the chest strap
type heart rate monitor 10 is placed about the chest of a user 20,
with the vertical location set to be directly over the heart. As
described above, the adjustments 213 and 223 allow the user 20 to
set the location of the sensor with great accuracy. Regardless of
the level of activity of the user, the harness of the present
invention prevents the chest strap type heart rate monitor 10 from
slipping downward thereby providing constant and accurate data for
the user.
[0024] The first and second embodiments of the present invention
discussed above apply generally to chest strap type heart rate
monitors already in existence, or to what is referred to as the
after-market user population. This population of users has already
invested in a monitor, but wishes to have the advantages of the
present invention. FIG. 5 presents yet a third embodiment of the
present invention 300. In this embodiment, the harness of the
present invention is integrated into the original device by the
heart rate monitor manufacturer.
[0025] As with the previous embodiments, a front strap 305 with a
vertical adjustment 307 attaches to a left strap 310 and a right
strap 320 forming a "Y" connection on the front of the harness. In
this instance, however, the front strap 305 has been permanently
integrated into the chest strap type heart rate monitor 10. In a
like manner the left strap 310 and the right strap 320 have been
permanently integrated into the rear of the chest strap type heart
rate monitor 10. The strap has two tabs 15 which separate to allow
the heart rate monitor to be placed about the chest of a user.
Chest strap type heart rate monitor 10 also has an adjustment [not
shown for clarity] that allows the monitor to be used by users with
different chest sizes. Note that while the three point strap method
is illustrated, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art
that a four point strap method could be used without departing from
the spirit of the invention.
[0026] Looking at FIG. 6, the third embodiment 300 of the present
invention is shown in use. As can be seen, the chest strap type
heart rate monitor 10 is placed about the chest of a user 20, with
the vertical location set to be directly over the heart. As
described above, the adjustment 307 on front strap 305 allows the
user 20 to set the location of the sensor with great accuracy.
Regardless of the level of activity of the user, the straps 310 and
320 of the present invention prevents the chest strap type heart
rate monitor 10 from slipping downward thereby providing constant
and accurate data for the user.
[0027] The straps for any of the embodiments of the present
invention are made from stretch fabric. The integrated embodiment
straps of FIG. 5 are made from the same stretch fabric, but a lower
portion of the front strap is made of the same plastic as the body
of the heart rate monitor. In one variant of the integrated
embodiment, the front strap can be detached from the body of the
heart rate monitor allowing for easy mounting and dismounting of
the monitor.
* * * * *