U.S. patent application number 12/546581 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for exercise device integrally incorporating digital capabilities for music, light, video and still imagery, heart rate measurement and caloric consumption.
This patent application is currently assigned to ThinkFit, LLC. Invention is credited to Douglas Lenard, Paul Widerman.
Application Number | 20100190607 12/546581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42354621 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100190607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Widerman; Paul ; et
al. |
July 29, 2010 |
EXERCISE DEVICE INTEGRALLY INCORPORATING DIGITAL CAPABILITIES FOR
MUSIC, LIGHT, VIDEO AND STILL IMAGERY, HEART RATE MEASUREMENT AND
CALORIC CONSUMPTION
Abstract
A fitness device integrally incorporating digital technology can
include capabilities for providing music and auditory stimulus that
can be heard through a headphone, Bluetooth; or speakers for
ambient music. Further capabilities enable the device to record
video and still imagery, play video to provide instruction,
feedback; or for leisure viewing. Along with sound and video
capability, the device can have light emitting capability for a
visual dimension in use. For biofeedback, the device can include a
heart rate calculator to provide feedback on the level of exercise
intensity and caloric consumption. The light emitting capacity
allows the user to create patterns in use. Thus, the device can be
multi-faceted able to provide ambient music, recording and viewing
video, enveloping the user in a "bath" of light, sound, very subtle
electromagnetic fields. All of said baths are created at distances
from the users body that correspond to the length of the users
arms, degree of bend at the elbow joint and chosen pathway for the
circular/orbital movements.
Inventors: |
Widerman; Paul; (Accord,
NY) ; Lenard; Douglas; (Kerhonkson, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
ThinkFit, LLC
Redwood City
CA
|
Family ID: |
42354621 |
Appl. No.: |
12/546581 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61091257 |
Aug 22, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/1 ;
482/93 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2214/00 20200801;
A63B 23/03516 20130101; A63B 21/0726 20130101; A63B 71/0622
20130101; A63B 2225/74 20200801; A63B 21/072 20130101; A63B
2213/007 20130101; A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 2213/001 20130101;
A63B 2230/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/1 ;
482/93 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/06 20060101
A63B021/06 |
Claims
1. A multipurpose exercise weight comprising an exercise weight
having an oblong body extending along a major axis and a minor
axis; and a digital device or a recess for receiving a digital
device, substantially centered on the major axis of the body; a
pair of generally diametrically opposed handgrips located along the
major axis of the body of the exercise weight; a concave surface on
the body forming a clearance when placed on a flat horizontal
surface; wherein the digital device or the recess is positioned on
the concave surface; and wherein the digital device does not touch
a horizontal surface when placed on a horizontal surface in any
position.
2. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1, wherein the concave
surface has a radius of curvature between about 7 inches and about
20 inches.
3. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1, wherein a depth of
the concave surface is between about 1 and 3 inches, as measured
from distal portions of the hand grips to a center of the concave
area.
4. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1, wherein a majority
of the mass of the exercise device is disposed between the
handles.
5. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 where the digital
device is selected from the group consisting of a media device, a
phone, a personal digital assistant; a portable computing device;
or a vibration device.
6. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital
device is selected from the group consisting of a sound device, a
camera, a video recorder, a video player, and a lighting
device.
7. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 further comprising
at least one speaker, wherein the at least one speaker is located
on the concave surface of the exercise weight.
8. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital
device is a phone.
9. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital
device is a personal digital assistant.
10. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital
device is a portable computing device.
11. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 wherein the digital
device is a vibration device.
12. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising
a heart rate monitor proximate at least one handgrip of the
multipurpose exercise weight.
13. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising
a docking station.
14. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising
a docking station insertion point on an edge of the exercise
weight.
15. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1 further comprising
a headphone or a remote headphone.
16. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 15 further comprising
a headphone insertion point and/or remote headphone software on the
exercise weight.
17. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 comprising wherein
the digital device is an iPhone, iPod or MP3 player.
18. The multipurpose exercise weight of claim 5 comprising a first
media device and a second media device; wherein the first media
device is an iPhone, iPod or MP3 player; and wherein the second
media device is a light device.
19. A multipurpose exercise weight comprising an exercise weight; a
digital device; and a recharging or docking station for the digital
device.
20. A method of using the multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1
further comprising operating the digital device while exercising
with the multipurpose exercise weight of claim 1.
21. A method of exercising comprising raising the multipurpose
exercise weight of claim 1 over an exerciser's head; wherein each
of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically
opposed handgrips; wherein the concave surface of the exercise
weight is facing the exerciser; and wherein the digital device is
operating.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein the multipurpose exercise weight
is positioned in front of the exerciser at hip level before said
raising step.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein the multipurpose exercise weight
is positioned behind the exerciser's head before said raising
step.
24. The method of claim 20 further comprising moving the exercise
weight from overhead to along one side of the exerciser's body and
about parallel to the exerciser's body to along one side of the
exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body; moving
the exercise weight from the one side of the exerciser's body to
the front of the exerciser's body at about hip level, wherein the
concave surface is facing upwards; moving the exercise weight from
hip level to along the other side of the exerciser's body and about
parallel to the exerciser's body; returning the exercise weight to
the overhead position; wherein the moving steps for a fluid
circular motion.
25. The method of claim 20 further comprising moving the exercise
weight in an arc path from overhead to between the exerciser's legs
while the exerciser is bending the exerciser's knees.
26. A method of exercising comprising moving the multipurpose
exercise weight of claim 1 in orbital circles around an exerciser's
head; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the
diametrically opposed handgrips; wherein the concave surface of the
exercise weight is facing the head of the exerciser; and wherein
the digital device is operating.
27. A method of exercising comprising moving the multipurpose
exercise weight of claim 1 from an exerciser's first side to the
exerciser's second side; wherein the multipurpose exercise weight
is positioned at about hip level; and wherein the concave surface
is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is
holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; and wherein
the digital device is operating.
28. A method of exercising comprising moving the multipurpose
exercise weight of claim 1 towards the chest of an exerciser from
about knee level; wherein the exerciser is bent at the waist;
wherein the exerciser's knees are bent; wherein the concave surface
is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is
holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; and wherein
the digital device is operating.
29. The method of claim 20 wherein the digital device emits a sound
bath around the exerciser.
30. The method of claim 20 wherein the digital device is an iPhone,
and wherein the iPhone is configured to perform a workout program
application.
31. The method of claim 12 wherein the heart rate monitor is
configured to store a history of heart rate data and is configured
to upload heart rate data.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/091,257, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to the advances in
exercise equipment, improvements for better providing instructions
for using exercise equipment and directing sound around the body of
a user during exercise.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Certain known exercise devices, which can be referred to as
a "sculpted exercise weights", have been specifically designed to
be well balanced for exercises in which the weight is moved in
fluid, curving movements around the head and torso, as well as
other fluid-movement exercises. These types of sculpted exercise
weights feel more natural and are safer when used in conjunction
with exercises involving fluid circular movements that are
pervasive in natural human movements and a host of activities
including dance, yoga, tai chi and what is called "functional
fitness" in the fitness industry. SmartBells are an example of such
sculpted weight that are useful in one embodiment of the
multipurpose weight.
[0004] By contrast, many classic dumbbell and free weight exercises
such as curling, military press, bench press, etc., are performed
while standing or sitting stationary, with movements designed to
isolate muscles. These isolating and limited movements are not the
typical movements humans perform during normal activities.
[0005] Rather, humans move more fluidly, using many muscle groups
during normal movements, such as movements performed while dancing,
golf, bowling, playing basketball, pushing your children on swings,
etc. Exercises for which sculpted exercise weights are designed are
much more similar to normal human movements, and thus provide other
benefits than classic dumbbell exercises.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0006] An aspect of at least one of the inventions disclosed herein
includes the realization that users can benefit in several ways by
providing an accommodation for a media player on a sculpted
exercise weight. For example, although exercises including fluid
circular movements that are pervasive in natural human movements
and a host of activities including dance, yoga, tai chi and what is
called "functional fitness" in the fitness industry with a sculpted
weight can provide unique benefits, they can be much more difficult
to perform and difficult to describe in line drawings than classic
dumbbell exercises. This is because some sculpted weights are
designed to provide a certain feeling of balance during a movement,
when performed at a certain minimum speeds. Users can have
difficulty understanding how to perform such exercises when relying
on line drawings or photographs of such movements. Thus, by
providing a media player, such as a video player or audio player,
on an inwardly facing surface of a sculpted exercise weight, a user
can receive instructions for performing these more complex
exercises while holding the exercise weight and media player in
their hands. Another surprising use relates to therapies known as
"sound bathing".
[0007] Sound bathing therapies include techniques for directing
sound at the body from many directions with a powerful sound system
in an acoustically reflective room. Others include immersing the
body in liquid and directing sound waves into the liquid, thereby
conducting sound into the body with a liquid medium. However,
including a media player into a hand-held exercise weight allows a
user to perform fluid therapeutic movements, including Tai Chi type
movements, and benefit from a form of sound bathing therapy.
[0008] For example, a user can activate a media player which is
directed from the front surface of the sculpted exercise weight
toward the user, and perform exercises with Tai Chi type, and other
fluidic movements. Some of these movements can include moving the
sculpted exercise weight along curved, circular or oblong paths
around parts of the body, such as the head, torso, and legs. Thus,
the media player can direct sound around the body of the user,
eventually directing sound, at close range to the user, at the
entire body of the user. This provides a convenient way to obtain
the benefits of sound therapy without the need for immersion in
water or a large and powerful sound systems designed to direct
sound so as to surround a focused area in which the user must
stand.
[0009] Thus, in some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight
comprises an exercise weight; and a digital device or a recess for
receiving a digital device; wherein the digital device or recess is
substantially centered on a horizontal axis of the multipurpose
exercise weight; wherein the exercise weight comprises a pair of
generally diametrically opposed handgrips located along the
horizontal axis of the exercise weight; wherein the exercise weight
further comprises a concave surface defining a clearance when
placed on a flat horizontal surface; wherein the digital device or
the recess is positioned on the concave surface; and wherein the
digital device does not touch a horizontal surface when placed on a
horizontal surface in any position.
[0010] The digital device may be selected from one or more device
from the group consisting of a media device, a phone, a personal
digital assistant; a portable computing device; or a vibration
device. The digital device may be selected from the group
consisting of a sound device, a camera, a video recorder, a video
player, and a lighting device. In some aspects where the
multipurpose exercise weight comprises two or more digital devices,
one may be a first media device and a second media device and the
other may be a light device. The first media device may be, for
example, an iPhone, iPod or MP3 player; and the second media device
may be a light device.
[0011] In some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight
further comprises at least one speaker, wherein the at least one
speaker is located on the concave surface of the exercise
weight.
[0012] In some embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight
further comprises a heart rate monitor proximate at least one
handgrip of the multipurpose exercise weight. In some embodiments,
the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a docking
station. In some aspects, the multipurpose exercise weight further
comprises a docking station insertion point on an edge of the
exercise weight.
[0013] In other embodiments, the multipurpose exercise weight
further comprises a headphone or a remote headphone. In some
aspects, the multipurpose exercise weight further comprises a
headphone insertion point and/or remote headphone software on the
exercise weight.
[0014] In other embodiments, a multipurpose exercise weight
comprises an exercise weight; a digital device; and a recharging or
docking station for the digital device.
[0015] Methods of using the multipurpose exercise weights described
herein are also contemplated, such as by operating the digital
device while exercising with the multipurpose exercise weight.
[0016] Particular methods of exercising that are beneficial for use
with the digital device include raising the multipurpose exercise
weight over an exerciser's head; wherein each of the exerciser's
hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed handgrips;
wherein the concave surface of the exercise weight is facing the
exerciser; and wherein the digital device is operating. In further
methods the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned in front of
the exerciser at hip level before the raising step. In other
methods the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned behind the
exerciser's head before the raising step.
[0017] In other embodiments, the method may further comprise moving
the exercise weight from overhead to along one side of the
exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body to
along one side of the exerciser's body and about parallel to the
exerciser's body; moving the exercise weight from the one side of
the exerciser's body to the front of the exerciser's body at about
hip level, wherein the concave surface is facing upwards; moving
the exercise weight from hip level to along the other side of the
exerciser's body and about parallel to the exerciser's body; and
returning the exercise weight to the overhead position; wherein the
moving steps for a fluid circular motion.
[0018] In other embodiments, methods further comprise moving the
exercise weight in an arc path from overhead to between the
exerciser's legs while the exerciser is bending the exerciser's
knees.
[0019] In some embodiments, a method of exercising comprises moving
the multipurpose exercise weight in orbital circles around an
exerciser's head; wherein each of the exerciser's hands is holding
each of the diametrically opposed handgrips; wherein the concave
surface of the exercise weight is facing the head of the exerciser;
and wherein the digital device is operating.
[0020] In other embodiments, a method of exercising comprises
moving the multipurpose exercise weight in a twisting motion from
an exerciser's first side to the exerciser's second side; wherein
the multipurpose exercise weight is positioned at about hip level;
and wherein the concave surface is facing the exerciser; wherein
each of the exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically
opposed handgrips; and wherein the digital device is operating.
[0021] In other embodiments, a method of exercising comprises
moving the multipurpose exercise weight towards the chest of an
exerciser from about knee level; wherein the exerciser is bent at
the waist; wherein the exerciser's knees are bent; wherein the
concave surface is facing the exerciser; wherein each of the
exerciser's hands is holding each of the diametrically opposed
handgrips; and wherein the digital device is operating.
[0022] In some embodiments, the digital device emits a sound bath
around the exerciser while exercising.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] These and other features, aspects and advantages will now be
described with reference to drawings of a preferred embodiment. The
drawings comprise the following figures.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment; FIG. 1A is an
embodiment showing a recess configured to receive a media
device.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a back view of an embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 3 is an end view of an embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side of an embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 6 shows a front view of an embodiment with lights;
[0030] FIG. 7 shows an end view with the lights turned on;
[0031] FIG. 8 shows a profile of the embodiment and demonstrates
how it produces the image of the infinity symbol; and
[0032] FIG. 9 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 with the
lights turned off.
[0033] FIG. 10 demonstrates a method of exercising using an
embodiment of the multipurpose weight by holding both handles at
waist height with elbows slightly bent; lifting up and away to
create an arc; pausing when directly overhead; and returning along
same curved path pausing at your waist.
[0034] FIG. 11 demonstrates a method of exercising using an
embodiment of the multipurpose weight by positioning a SmartBell
overhead, arms extended and elbows slightly bent; bringing it down
the right side of your body while continuing in a smooth, circular
motion to the left and upward until overhead; maintaining a smooth
rhythmic flow; and reversing direction.
[0035] FIG. 12 demonstrates a method of exercising using an
embodiment of the multipurpose weight by starting with a SmartBell
overhead, slowly bending elbows to lower it behind your head;
pausing and then lifting slowly to starting position.
[0036] FIG. 13 demonstrates a method of exercising using an
embodiment of the multipurpose weight by positioning a SmartBell
overhead with shoulders down and back and feet just over hip width
apart, toes pointing slightly outward; moving the SmartBell forward
and down to create an arc; keeping back upright, bend knees as
SmartBell swings between your legs; and using the natural
pendulum-like flow to reverse the arc movement until back
overhead.
[0037] FIG. 14 demonstrates a method of exercising using an
embodiment of the multipurpose weight by positioning feet shoulder
width apart and keeping SmartBell behind head; moving the SmartBell
in an orbital motion around head; passing one ear, around front of
chin, past other ear and finish behind head; and repeating in the
reverse direction.
[0038] FIG. 15 demonstrates a method of exercising using an
embodiment of the multipurpose weight by flowing continuously
optionally from Orbital Circles illustrated in FIG. 14 into Twists
by using the weight of SmartBell for momentum; using care not to
twist beyond a comfortable range; adjusting the distance from body
for comfort; and holding further out to increase force.
[0039] FIG. 16 demonstrates a method of exercising using an
embodiment of the multipurpose weight by positioning SmartBell in
front, knees slightly bent; leaning forward, bending at hips;
keeping head up and in line with back; pulling SmartBell up along
front of body; atop of chest, pushing out and up and guiding it
downward to create a circular flowing pattern.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0040] Some of the embodiments disclosed herein incorporate a media
device including a media player, and can also include other devices
such a still camera, video camera device, video recorder and/or
light device, or a combination, e.g., of audio and a visual
device(s). The exercise weight, such as a SmartBell, may be
equipped with a recess to fit a commercially available media
player, or may include a media device, such as an iPhone, MP3
player or an iPod, incorporated into the body of the weight, such
as shown in FIG. 1.
[0041] The exercise weight can be a sculpted weight. For example,
as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 10-16 the weight can have a body that is
elliptically shaped and has at least two hand grips diametrically
opposed toward the outer poles of the ellipse. Though the exact
dimensions can vary, in some embodiments, the weight measures 13''
along its longitudinal axis (i.e., its longest or "major" axis) and
about 11'' along its transverse (i.e., its shortest or "minor")
axis. When a user holds the weight with both hands on the handles,
the longitudinal axis can be approximately horizontal and the
transverse axis can be approximately vertical.
[0042] The thickness of the weight can vary depending on the
desired mass and the preferences of the user. In some embodiments,
the thickness can be approximately 0.75 to 1.5 inches with the
circumference of the hand grips 24 approximately 6''.
[0043] The body of the weight can also be curved in two different
directions. For example, the front face of the weight can be
curved, in a generally concave manner, about the transverse of the
weight. The rear face of the weight can also be curved, in a
generally concave manner, about the longitudinal axis of the
weight. The extreme ends of the weight, at the hand grips, can
optionally be turned slightly back away from the front face. In
some embodiments, the hand grips can be 5.5'' long and 2.25''
wide.
[0044] The weight could be made of a suitable combination of any of
metal, wood, plastic, or rubber, and covered with a soft neoprene
type material vinyl, rubber or chrome plating, making it
comfortable to hold and handle-and less likely to do damage if
dropped. It can also be made of a plastic shell and filled with a
suitable substance to give it greater mass, or with other
configurations.
[0045] The above noted shape of the weight is only one example of a
sculpted exercise weight that can be used with the media device
accommodating features disclosed below.
[0046] An exercise weight, such as that described above or another
exercise weight, in accordance with some embodiments, can include a
recess sized to receive the housing of typically sized portable
hand held media players, iPods.RTM., iPhones.RTM.,
Blackberries.RTM., or any other such media player that is currently
available on the retail market. The recess can also include
connections or cables to connect the media player to one or more
speakers supported by the body of the weight. In some embodiments,
the speaker or speakers are connected to a power source and an
amplifier as shown in FIG. 9. The power source may comprise a
housing for receiving batteries, e.g., to power the speakers. The
digital device in the multipurpose weight can be run on battery
power to run the lights and sound etc. In one embodiment, digital
device in the multipurpose weight provides a light and is run on
two AA batteries.
[0047] This combination has many purposes. With a media player
connected to the speakers, an instructional video demonstrating
exercises with the weight can be displayed conveniently for the
user. In this case, a person needs only to look down at or toward
the device and see the video instruction on how to use it. In one
aspect, a training video such as a short 2-5 minute workout can be
used from an iPhone of other media device. However, it provides
another benefit in a learning situation. A person could use the
fitness device to record imagery of someone else in a training
situation. In one embodiment, a video recording could be made of
the person training and immediate feedback provided in the training
environment. This imagery could also be downloaded for later use on
a monitor or to be edited on a computer, and be posted on e.g.,
youtube.
[0048] Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed
herein can also include a built in heart rate monitor, with heart
rate sensors in the handles of the weight. This would enable a
person to both monitor their exercise heart rate and be used to
calculate the calories burned in their training session. These
measurements may appear on a central screen and can be stored and
logged to compare with training sessions over a period of time. The
digital device may also be used to garner important information
from how the user has used the product.
[0049] Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed
herein can also have a docking station so that in certain training
situations it could be used as a location to look at the video it
contains, or has been recorded in the session. The docking station
can also serve as a location from which music for ambient listening
for the training session can be provided.
[0050] Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed
herein can incorporate electronics to emit light. The light could
be matched to pulse of music, or the light can change to various
colors, or in other embodiments, remain one consistent hue. This
enables the user to use our device in the dark and or in front of a
mirror to carve out light patterns while exercising. In the
preferred embodiment of the shape of the weight disclosed in the
inventor's previous U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,996, one of the light
images created through movement is the infinity symbol which can be
seen floating through the air to the enjoyment of the user. In one
embodiment, the light device comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs)
stringed together through a hollow, interior space within the body
of the exercise device.
[0051] Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed
herein can provide unexpected and unseen benefits. For example,
some embodiments of the fitness device can provide a light, sound
and electromagnetic field "bath." The baths created by the circular
and orbital patterns of using the fitness device in certain
embodiments, and moving it around the head, the limbs and the
body.
[0052] Further some of the embodiments of the fitness device
disclosed herein can provide a "vibration" from the speaker into
the hands of the user. Evidence now shows that sound can have a
"healing" component. Some of the embodiments can include an
electric vibration device, such as a motor with an unbalanced
weight, or other types of vibration generation devices.
[0053] By choosing the tone or frequency appropriate for the user,
tones would be perceived by the user in a new and novel
way--vibrationally through the tissue and bone structure of the
hand--as well as through the auditory system. Because of the
patterning of the circular movements of the exercises the weight is
designed to facilitate, the user is able to create concentric
circles of sound waves around the body and varying distances from
the body directing the sound wave around the head and into the
body. Thus, the user experiences the sound "vibrationally" through
the bones and is metaphorically and literally bathed in the sound.
In this way the subtle EM fields are created. The body's natural
internal "chi" may be stimulated in this process of creating the
orbital and circular movement patterns.
[0054] Some of the embodiments of the fitness device disclosed
herein change the perception of a "fitness device" into a mind/body
tool that provides new benefits that include providing audio and
visual instruction built into the device, the creation of light
patterns around the user as the device is used, and providing music
that emanates in various ways from the device to enhance its
perception by the user. All of the said baths (sound, that light,
EMF) are created at distances from the users body that correspond
to the length of the users arms, degree of bend at the elbow joint
and chosen pathway for the circular/orbital movements giving the
user control of the bathing process.
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 a fitness device with an
MP3 Player, speakers and video/still technology integrally
incorporated is shown. In some embodiments, this device can have
the shape of the sculptured exercise weight illustrated in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,692,996. However, these concepts could be employed in
other fitness devices such as in FIG. 5, which illustrates a
traditional dumbbell.
[0056] Such a weight 1 is shown FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4. The weight 1
houses digital technology, for instance, to provide capability for
music and/or video viewing as well as, optionally, video and still
image recording.
[0057] FIG. 1 shows the weight 1 including a video screen 2,
digital controls for music and video 3, a docking station insertion
point 4, speakers 5, heart rate Sensor 6. The docking station 8
would be used to hold the device for stationery use while playing
music and also to charge the battery and upload data. At the bottom
of FIG. 1 is a model for the docking station 8.
[0058] FIG. 1a shows an alternate embodiment, further showing the
weight 1 with a recess 11 for receiving a digital device such as a
media player, a cable 13 for connecting the media player to the
weight, a securing device 9 for protecting the media player, a
power source and amplifier device 12, and a wire 10 connecting the
speaker to the power source. The securing device may in some
embodiments include a transparent cover, such as a flap that can be
at least partially attached to the weight or device with, e.g.,
Velcro magnets system, or other connectors. Further, a wire 14
connects the heart rate sensor 6 to the power source 12.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows the unit to have a camera lens 7 in the back
for taking video and still imagery.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows the docking station insertion point 4, and also
headphone insertion point 9. The device can also have Bluetooth
capabilities.
[0061] FIG. 4 shows the heart rate sensor 6 from a side view, the
camera lens 7, the docking station insertion point 4, and the
docking station 8.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment using conventional
dumbbells as the housing unit for the digital technology.
[0063] It is contemplated that visual instructions could be
provided through video embedded in the device. A further benefit is
the device could be used as a "learning tool" and video could be
taken in a fitness situation by one person (the instructor), and
then shown to the student who was performing.
[0064] It is also contemplated that a person could use this device
to listen to music while training through the headphones, Bluetooth
technology or using the embedded speakers providing music for an
ambient environment. Thus, the device could be used as a stand
alone musical device, or video viewing station.
[0065] A possible unexpected benefit of this device is the
"vibratory aspect" of sensing vibration of the music through the
bones of the hands. There is growing evidence of a healing benefit
for the user. Additionally, we contemplate that the circular
movements as described in the inventor's previous U.S. Pat. No.
5,692,996, which is incorporated herein by reference, accomplish
many healthful attributes at the same time; traditional exercise of
moving all the major muscle groups at once to produce a
cardiovascular and anaerobic improvement, a stimulus of the body's
natural internal Chi energy, and the creation of sound, light, and
EMF baths that create a positive feeling for the user.
[0066] Some of the embodiments disclosed above incorporate the
various digital technologies into a fitness device. These
technologies can enhance the use of the fitness device in unique
new ways.
[0067] Some of the embodiments of the device incorporates sound
capability for music to accompany training. The sound may be heard
through speakers built into the device, a headset with a cord, or
Bluetooth technology. Additionally, the device may rest in a
docking station and provide music through built in speakers for
enjoyment, or for a fitness class where people are exercising.
Thus, the exercise device with built in musical capability could
provide ambient music. Additionally, a phone incorporated in to the
device can provide a means to contact help in an emergency while
exercising, or could be used for leisure purposes.
[0068] Although the present embodiments have been described in
terms of certain embodiments, other embodiments apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art also are within the scope of these
inventions. Thus, various changes and modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. For
instance, various components may be repositioned as desired.
Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are
necessarily required to practice the present inventions.
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