U.S. patent application number 12/804811 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-17 for fitness bracelet with timer.
Invention is credited to Sarah Louise Gupta.
Application Number | 20110061424 12/804811 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43729147 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110061424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gupta; Sarah Louise |
March 17, 2011 |
Fitness bracelet with Timer
Abstract
A wearable fitness system comprising a bracelet, a timer, one or
more movable indicators, and one or more fitness-related indicia
visible on the bracelet.
Inventors: |
Gupta; Sarah Louise; (Omaha,
NE) |
Family ID: |
43729147 |
Appl. No.: |
12/804811 |
Filed: |
July 29, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61230878 |
Aug 3, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
63/1.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44C 5/0015 20130101;
A63B 2071/0663 20130101; A63B 71/0672 20130101; G04F 1/005
20130101; A63B 71/0686 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
63/1.13 |
International
Class: |
A44C 5/00 20060101
A44C005/00 |
Claims
1. A fitness article, comprising: a. a bracelet made of any
appropriate combination of materials b. at least one indicia
visible on the physical material of said bracelet c. at least one
movable indicator for marking instances of performing said indicia
d. a timer whereby the means is provided for enhancing the aspects
of fitness prescribed by said indicia.
2. The fitness article of claim 1, wherein said bracelet may be an
elastomeric band having an outer major cylindrical surface.
3. The fitness article of claim 1, wherein said bracelet may be a
band composed of interconnected separate components.
4. The fitness article of claim 1, wherein said bracelet may be of
a semi-circular cuff design.
5. The fitness article of claim 1, wherein said bracelet may be a
plurality of bracelets.
6. The fitness article of claim 1, wherein said indicia may be
selected from the group consisting of alphanumeric characters,
pictures, icons and symbols.
7. The fitness article of claim 1, wherein said indicia may relate
to any aspect of fitness.
8. A fitness system, comprising: a. a bracelet made of any
appropriate combination of materials b. a set of indicia visible on
the physical material of said bracelet c. at least one movable
indicator for marking instances of performing said indicia d. a
timer whereby the means is provided for enhancing the aspects of
fitness prescribed by said indicia.
9. The fitness system of claim 8, wherein said system may be used
to record any number of quantifiable events.
10. The fitness system of claim 8, wherein said system may be used
to record any number of discrete activities.
11. The fitness system of claim 8, wherein said bracelet may be an
elastomeric band having an outer major cylindrical surface.
12. The fitness system of claim 8, wherein said bracelet may be a
band composed of interconnected separate components.
13. The fitness system of claim 8, wherein said bracelet may be of
a semi-circular cuff design.
14. The fitness system of claim 8, wherein said bracelet may be a
plurality of bracelets.
15. The fitness system of claim 8, wherein said indicia may be
selected from the group consisting of alphanumeric characters,
pictures, icons and symbols.
16. The fitness system of claim 8, wherein said indicia may relate
to any aspect of fitness.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/230,878 filed by the present inventor on
Aug. 3, 2009.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not applicable.
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This application relates to the field of bracelets to assist
a user in the improvement of overall fitness, specifically to a
durable, inexpensive device encompassing a complete fitness
regime.
BACKGROUND
[0005] Physical and mental health are key to a long and active
life. Unfortunately, there are a dwindling number of people today
who achieve the minimum fitness goals recommended by professionals.
Fewer than 35% of Americans meet the current American Heart
Association recommendations for weekly exercise, and more than a
third of all Americans over the age of twenty are either overweight
or obese. Accordingly, rates of heart disease, cancer, and mental
health problems are on the rise.
[0006] One of the biggest reasons for these climbing numbers are
that many Americans don't have time to make fitness a priority. For
many people, today's busy lifestyle makes it difficult to get to
the gym, find time to meditate or watch an exercise video.
Therefore, any device that helps make it "easier" to get fit
obviously has the potential to positively impact public health. We
need a better way to make everyday fitness fun, fast and easy.
[0007] There are many fitness bracelets already on on the market
which partially address these needs. Bracelets like those for sale
at dietbracelets.com and countmehealthyjewelry.com offer
attractive, wearable methods of enhancing personal fitness. Movable
beads allow a user to track a number of health-related behaviors,
while the bracelet itself provides a constant visual and tactile
reminder of daily goals.
[0008] The drawback to these kinds of bracelets, however, is that
the user must assign their own values to the beads, and must
remember the values assigned. There are no exercises or values on
the bracelet itself. Therefore, the fitness systems governed by
these types of basic "counting" bracelets are fairly simple.
Additional versions of these types of bracelets are taught in
multiple U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 7,313,929 of Susan
Lazor, U.S. Pat. No. D415,976 of Be Be, and U.S. Pat. Nos.
D547,227, D505,353 and D591,633 of Catherine Del Valle.
[0009] Other inventors have presented more complex designs for
fitness bracelets. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/016,198 of Kaleb Pierce illustrates a "Behavior Modification
Bracelet" which does incorporate actual exercises into the bracelet
itself. Movable quantity indicators slide along the bracelet to
count instances of performing. Another example is taught in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,704,067 of Philip Brady. This "Exercise Organizer" also
has movable indicators and a visible exercise routine.
[0010] While both of these inventions are more sophisticated than
the counting-type bracelets described above, they still lack one
essential element of a complete fitness system: a timer. Since many
users feel time is the biggest obstacle to fitness, a
time-management component is an invaluable part of any fitness
device.
[0011] This concept is addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,032 of
Robert Calvano for a "Wrist Band Workout Display." Calvano's
invention does have both a time-monitoring device and an attached
fitness routine, but unfortunately, has no method for recording
progress through the exercises.
[0012] In summary, despite the varied solutions present in the
fitness bracelet arena, not one can boast a truly complete system.
There is no one design which encompasses all three of the essential
elements: a timer, a set of exercises, and at least one marker. The
need remains for a fitness aid that tells its user which exercises
to do and for how long to do them, then keeps track of which have
been completed--all in the portable convenience of a single,
wearable device.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0013] The fitness bracelet with timer is an all-inclusive fitness
aid designed to be worn on the wrist and to assist a user in
completing a pre-determined set of actions or exercises over the
course of a single day.
[0014] The key advantage of this application over prior designs is
its provision of all of the following in a single lightweight,
portable, durable device: [0015] a tactile and visual motivational
reminder of the user's personal fitness goals [0016] a stand-alone
fitness program displayed on the device itself [0017] a method of
tracking progression through this program [0018] a timer
incorporated into the device itself This combined advantage and
other advantages will become apparent from thoughtful consideration
of the following description of the apparatus and the accompanying
drawings.
GLOSSARY
[0019] As used herein, the term "fitness" means the achievement of
optional functioning of the human body and mind. Methods of fitness
may be directed toward physical strength and flexibility,
anti-aging, corporal beautification, cardiovascular health, proper
hydration, detoxification, stress reduction, spiritual growth,
behavioral management, reversal of chemical dependencies, maternal
and post-partum needs, psychiatric rehabilitation, weight
management, optimal standardized test performance, sports-related
training, physical rehabilitation, post-surgical and in-patient
management, and traveler's health as well as other aspects of
overall physical and mental health not otherwise listed here.
[0020] As used herein, the term "exercise" means a discrete action
related to the pursuit of fitness.
[0021] As used herein, the term "bracelet" means an article
intended to be worn around a human wrist.
[0022] As used herein, the term "fitness program" means a
pre-determined set of exercises or actions designed to lead to
fitness when performed on a regular basis. Examples include a set
of yoga exercises, a series of in-flight stretches, a circuit of
aerobic activities, or a schedule of daily spiritual reading
assignments.
[0023] As used herein, the term "timer" means a device used to
count passage of a factory pre-set period of time according to the
timing program required for a particular fitness program.
[0024] As used herein, the term "indicia" means an alphanumeric or
decorative marking on the fitness bracelet used to indicate a
specific exercise or other actionable item. Examples include the
number "3", an inspirational symbol such as a dove, a complete term
like "push-up," or an alphanumeric abbreviation.
[0025] As used herein, the term "branding indicia" means logo, text
or indicia or any coloring or marking differentiating the
appearance of the fitness bracelet, including any features
associated with product or company branding.
[0026] As used herein, the term "movable indicator" means a
component of or attachment to a fitness bracelet that may be used
to mark progression through the exercises or other indicia.
Examples include a sliding component, a hanging charm or movable
beads.
[0027] As used herein, the term "instances of performing" means the
number of times a user has performed the desired activity. Examples
include performing or adhering to an exercise program or regime or
observing a period of reflective silence. Instances of performing
may or may not be consecutive.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a fitness bracelet with
timer.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows an alternate perspective view of the fitness
bracelet with timer shown in FIG. 1.
[0030] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the movable component
presented in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 4a shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet
with timer.
[0032] FIG. 4b shows one embodiment of the movable component
presented in FIG. 4a.
[0033] FIG. 5a shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet
with timer.
[0034] FIG. 5b shows one embodiment of the movable component
presented in FIG. 5a.
[0035] FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet
with timer.
[0036] FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet
with timer.
[0037] FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet
with timer.
[0038] FIG. 9a shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet
with timer.
[0039] FIG. 9b shows the fitness bracelet with timer presented in
FIG. 9a as seen on a human wrist.
DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0040] 110 bracelet material [0041] 120 sliding movable indicator
[0042] 128 movable indicator window [0043] 130 alphanumeric indicia
[0044] 140 timer [0045] 150 branding indicia [0046] 410 peg-type
movable indicator [0047] 510 charm-type movable indicator [0048]
710 round-type movable indicator [0049] 720 pictorial indicia
[0050] 810 large bead [0051] 820 small bead [0052] 910 cylindrical
tag
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0053] In the hopes of providing a clear understanding of the
present invention, discussion in the following text references
various embodiments of the fitness bracelet with timer, only some
of which are described in extensive detail. It should be understood
that presentation here of one embodiment is not intended to limit
the scope of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will
no doubt understand that changes in the size, shape and materials
of any one embodiment will not alter the overall functionality that
is at the heart of this application. Specific details contained in
the following are to be used only as a basis for the claims and as
a manner of instructing a skilled reader in the use, function and
construction of this device.
[0054] The preferred current embodiment of the bracelet is an
elastomeric bracelet with twenty physical exercises, two sliding
movable indicators and a sixty-second timer. This embodiment is
presented in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 with the express understanding that
a wide variety of alternate embodiments are also possible. For
example: [0055] the bracelet may be made of any combination of
other appropriate materials, including but not limited to leather,
metals, fabric, beads, textiles and organic materials [0056] the
exercises may encompass any number or combination of
fitness-related activities [0057] the exercises may be printed,
embossed, laser-cut or otherwise incorporated into the bracelet
material [0058] the movable indicator(s) may be sliding
indicator(s), detachable charm(s), bead(s), gemstone(s), peg(s) or
other [0059] there may be any number of movable indicators [0060]
the timer may either be set permanently into the bracelet material
or detachable from the bracelet [0061] the bracelet may be
customized by the use of specific color palettes, branding indicia
or other visual, olfactory, audial or tactile elements In addition,
any combination of features from the prior art may be combined in a
novel fashion to create a fitness bracelet with timer, so long as
it remains true to the key elements outlined herein.
[0062] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a perspective
view of the fitness bracelet with timer. As stated above, the
bracelet material 110 may be made of any combination of appropriate
materials and has a set number of indicia 130 marked permanently on
the bracelet material 110. Sliding movable indicators 120 are
attached to the bracelet and are able to slide along the length of
the bracelet material 110 to indicate instances of performing. The
sliding indicators 120 each have an indicator window 128. The timer
140 is integrated into the bracelet material 110.
[0063] FIG. 2 is an alternate perspective view of FIG. 1. Two
sliding movable indicators 120 are shown. There are several
alphanumeric indicia 130 permanently incorporated into the bracelet
material 110. A branding indicia 150 is also incorporated into the
bracelet material 110.
[0064] FIG. 3 is the sliding movable component 120 as presented in
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, showing indicator window 128.
[0065] To operate FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a user first consults the
movable indicator 120 to see which exercise indicia 130 to perform
(as shown in window 128 of movable indicator 120). Next, the user
starts the timer 140 and begins to exercise at once, continuing the
indicated movement until the timer interval expires. Finally, the
user records their progress by sliding indicator 120 to the next
exercise indicia 130 on the bracelet. The user may then continue
with the next exercise immediately, or cease exercising until the
next opportunity.
[0066] FIG. 4a shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness
bracelet with timer. The bracelet material 110 may be made of any
combination of appropriate materials and has a set number of
indicia 130 marked permanently on the bracelet material 110.
Peg-type movable indicators 410 are attached permanently to the
bracelet material 110 and may be toggled between two positions to
indicate instances of performing. The timer 140 is integrated into
the bracelet material 110.
[0067] FIG. 4b is the peg-type movable indicator 410 as presented
in FIG. 4a, featuring a round-headed design.
[0068] FIG. 5a shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness
bracelet with timer. The bracelet material 110 may be made of any
combination of appropriate materials and has a set number of
indicia 130 marked permanently on the bracelet material 110. A
detachable charm-type movable indicator 510 is clipped to the
bracelet and may be moved between positions to indicate instances
of performing. The timer 140 is integrated into the bracelet
material 110.
[0069] FIG. 5b is the charm-type movable indicator 510 as presented
in FIG. 5a, featuring a beaded decoration.
[0070] FIG. 6 shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet
with timer. The bracelet material 110 is made of any combination of
appropriate materials, most preferably linked stainless steel or
sterling silver in this case. A set number of indicia 130 are
marked permanently on the bracelet material 110. Sliding movable
indicators 120 are attached to the bracelet and are able to slide
along the length of the bracelet material 110 to highlight
different indicia 130 through the indicator window 128. The timer
140 is integrated into the bracelet material 110.
[0071] FIG. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet
with timer. The bracelet material 110 is made of any combination of
appropriate materials, most preferably stainless steel, gold or
sterling silver in this case. Each round-type movable indicator 710
features a separate pictorial indicia 720. The timer 140 is
attached to the bracelet material 110.
[0072] FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet
with timer. The bracelet is made of a combination of large beads
810 and small beads 820. Each large bead 810 features a separate
pictorial indicia 720. A detachable charm-type movable indicator
510 is clipped to the bracelet and may be moved between positions
to indicate instances of performing. The timer 140 is integrated
into the bracelet.
[0073] This operation described above for FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 remains
essentially the same for FIG. 4a, FIG. 5a, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG.
8. Each of these embodiments are operated by first determining
which exercise is indicated (by observing the placement of the
appropriate type of movable indicator). The user then stars the
timer 140 and begins to exercise at once, continuing the indicated
movement until the timer interval expires. Finally, the user
records their progress by manipulating the appropriate indicator.
The user may then continue with the next exercise immediately, or
cease exercising until the next opportunity.
[0074] FIG. 9a shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness
bracelet with timer. This design consists of a variable number of
individual bracelets, each consisting of bracelet material 110 made
from any combination of appropriate materials and alphanumeric
indicia 130 marked permanently onto cylindrical tags 910. A timer
140 is integrated into the bracelet material 110 of a separate
bracelet.
[0075] FIG. 9b is an alternate view of FIG. 9a, as shown on a human
wrist. In FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b the user records instances of
performing by moving individual bracelets from wrist to wrist. When
time for exercise is available, the user chooses an exercise from
the bracelets remaining on one wrist, starts the timer 140 and
begins to exercise. The exercise period continues until the timer
expires, at which point, the user moves the active bracelet to the
opposite wrist to indicate that it has been completed. In this
embodiment, the bracelets themselves serve as the movable
indicators required to track instances of performing.
CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0076] The reader will no doubt see that, in its various
embodiments, the fitness bracelet with timer has certain advantages
previously unseen, namely the ability to provide a complete fitness
regimen in a single easy-to-use, wearable and novel device. The
unique combination of a timer, a collection of exercises and method
of tracking these exercises come together to provide a previously
unappreciated result.
[0077] In conclusion, while the fitness bracelet with timer has
been described herein in a variety of embodiments, those skilled in
the art will understand that various changes may be made to the
elements thereof without changing the scope of the invention.
Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims and their legal
equivalents serve to define the full scope of this invention, and
not by any one example given herein.
* * * * *