U.S. patent application number 13/565157 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-07 for exercise device for generating vibration.
The applicant listed for this patent is Branden Wehmeier, Edwin Williams. Invention is credited to Branden Wehmeier, Edwin Williams.
Application Number | 20130035219 13/565157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47627298 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130035219 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Williams; Edwin ; et
al. |
February 7, 2013 |
EXERCISE DEVICE FOR GENERATING VIBRATION
Abstract
An exercise device for generating vibration is provided. The
device includes a body that is attachable to exercise equipment
through a pair of attachment mechanisms coupled to the body. One of
the pair of attachment mechanisms is attachable to a cable of the
exercise equipment and the other of the pair of attachment
mechanisms is attachable to an accessory for the exercise
equipment. A vibrational assembly is positioned within the body and
includes a rotatable shaft having a weight attached thereto. The
rotatable shaft rotates the weight to generate vibrations in the
body, wherein the vibrations in the body generate vibrations in the
accessory for the exercise equipment.
Inventors: |
Williams; Edwin; (St. Louis,
MO) ; Wehmeier; Branden; (St. Louis, MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Williams; Edwin
Wehmeier; Branden |
St. Louis
St. Louis |
MO
MO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47627298 |
Appl. No.: |
13/565157 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61574418 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/110 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/068 20130101;
A63B 21/0058 20130101; A63B 21/4033 20151001; A63B 23/08 20130101;
A63B 21/00196 20130101; A63B 21/4023 20151001; A63B 21/4029
20151001; A63B 21/0724 20130101; A63B 21/22 20130101; A63B 21/152
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/110 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/22 20060101
A63B021/22 |
Claims
1. An exercise device for generating vibration, comprising: a body
that is attachable to exercise equipment; and a vibrational
assembly positioned within the body and including a rotatable shaft
having a weight attached thereto, the rotatable shaft rotating the
weight to generate vibrations in the body, wherein the vibrations
in the body generate vibrations in the exercise equipment.
2. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a pair of
attachment mechanisms coupled to the body, one of the pair of
attachment mechanisms attachable to a cable of the exercise
equipment, and the other of the pair of attachment mechanisms
attachable to the accessory for the exercise equipment so that the
exercise device is positioned between the cable for the exercise
equipment and the accessory for the exercise equipment.
3. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a weight arm
extending radially outward from the shaft, the weight attached to
an end of the weight arm distal from the shaft.
4. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the weight rotates
around the shaft to generate vibrations.
5. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the weight is shaped as
an arc that forms a portion of a circumference around the
shaft.
6. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising a motor joined
to the shaft by pulleys, the motor powering the pulleys to rotate
the shaft.
7. The exercise device of claim 6 further comprising a rechargeable
battery to power the motor.
8. The exercise device of claim 1, wherein the exercise device is
portable and attachable to a plurality of exercise equipment.
9. An exercise device for generating vibration, comprising: a body
that is attachable to exercise equipment; an attachment mechanism
coupled to the body, wherein the attachment mechanism attaches to
the exercise equipment to join the body to the exercise equipment;
and a vibrational assembly positioned within the body to generate
vibrations in the body, wherein the vibrations in the body generate
vibrations in the exercise equipment.
10. The exercise device of claim 9 further comprising a pair of
attachment mechanisms, wherein one of the pair of attachment
mechanisms is attachable to a cable of the exercise equipment, and
the other of the pair of attachment mechanisms is attachable to an
accessory for the exercise equipment so that the exercise device is
positioned between the cable for the exercise equipment and the
accessory for the exercise equipment
11. The exercise device of claim 9 further comprising a shaft
positioned in the vibrational assembly, a weight arm extending
radially outward from the shaft, the weight attached to an end of
the weight arm distal from the shaft.
12. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the weight rotates
around the shaft to generate vibrations.
13. The exercise device of claim 11, wherein the weight is shaped
as an arc that forms a portion of a circumference around the
shaft.
14. The exercise device of claim 11 further comprising a motor
joined to the shaft by pulleys, the motor powering the pulleys to
rotate the shaft.
15. The exercise device of claim 9, wherein the exercise device is
portable and attachable to a plurality of exercise equipment.
16. An exercise device for generating vibration, comprising: a body
that is attachable to exercise equipment; a pair of attachment
mechanisms coupled to the body, one of the pair of attachment
mechanisms attachable to a cable of the exercise equipment, and the
other of the pair of attachment mechanisms attachable to an
accessory for the exercise equipment so that the exercise device is
positioned between the cable for the exercise equipment and the
accessory for the exercise equipment; and a vibrational assembly
positioned within the body and including a rotatable shaft having a
weight attached thereto, the rotatable shaft rotating the weight to
generate vibrations in the body, wherein the vibrations in the body
generate vibrations in the accessory for the exercise
equipment.
17. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the exercise device is
portable and attachable to a plurality of exercise equipment.
18. The exercise device of claim 16 further comprising a weight arm
extending radially outward from the shaft, the weight attached to
an end of the weight arm distal from the shaft.
19. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the weight rotates
around the shaft to generate vibrations.
20. The exercise device of claim 16, wherein the weight is shaped
as an arc that forms a portion of a circumference around the shaft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/574,418 filed Aug. 3, 2011 and having the
title "Multifunctional piece of fitness equipment that uses
vibrational movement and force, which can be used by itself or with
any other additional piece of equipment to augment standard workout
routines in multiple planes of motion", which is herein
incorporated in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable.
APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to an exercise device, and
more particularly to an exercise device for generating
vibrations.
[0006] 2. Related Art
[0007] Exercise devices that generate vibration are generally
known. For example, vibrational belts and platforms are used to
augment a user's workout. In particular, vibratory devices are
utilized to transfer vibrations to the body to trigger a myotatic
reflex or stretching response within the body. These vibratory
devices are generally considered to improve a user's balance,
enhance the user's flexibility, and speed the user's muscle
recovery after a workout. Vibratory devices are also known improve
a person's coordination and increase the user's collagen
production. Moreover, such devices may enhance a person's skin
quality because the vibrations aid in proper blood flow and
circulation throughout the person's body.
[0008] Unfortunately, most vibratory devices are bulky and limit
the exercise that the device may be used for. For example,
vibrational belts are limited to vibrating a person's waist or
buttocks, while the person stands at the device. Additionally,
vibrational platforms are generally stationary and limit the user
to exercises that can be performed while standing in the platform.
A need remains for a vibrational exercise device that is portable
and capable of being used with various pieces of exercise
equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one embodiment, an exercise device for generating
vibration is provided. The device includes a body that is
attachable to exercise equipment. A vibrational assembly is
positioned within the body and includes a rotatable shaft having a
weight attached thereto. The rotatable shaft rotates the weight to
generate vibrations in the body, wherein the vibrations in the body
generate vibrations in the accessory for the exercise
equipment.
[0010] In another embodiment, an exercise device for generating
vibration is provided. The device includes a body that is
attachable to exercise equipment. An attachment mechanism is
coupled to the body. The attachment mechanism attaches to the
exercise equipment to join the body to the exercise equipment. A
vibrational assembly is positioned within the body to generate
vibrations in the body. The vibrations in the body generate
vibrations in the accessory for the exercise equipment.
[0011] In another embodiment, an exercise device for generating
vibration is provided. The device includes a body that is
attachable to exercise equipment. A pair of attachment mechanisms
is coupled to the body. One of the pair of attachment mechanisms is
attachable to a cable of the exercise equipment. The other of the
pair of attachment mechanisms is attachable to an accessory for the
exercise equipment so that the exercise device is positioned
between the cable for the exercise equipment and the accessory for
the exercise equipment. A vibrational assembly is positioned within
the body and includes a rotatable shaft having a weight attached
thereto. The rotatable shaft rotates the weight to generate
vibrations in the body, wherein the vibrations in the body generate
vibrations in the accessory for the exercise equipment.
[0012] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of an exercise device
for generating vibrations.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of the exercise
device shown in FIG. 1 and coupled to the cable of exercise
equipment and an accessory for the exercise equipment.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of a vibrational
assembly that is configured to be positioned within a body of the
exercise device shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the vibrational assembly
shown in FIG. 3 and taken about line 4-4.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise device
shown in FIG. 1 and taken about line 5-5.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the exercise device
shown in FIG. 1 and taken about line 6-6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0021] The present invention is a portable, hand-held exercise
device 10 that may be used to generate vibrations with various
pieces of exercise equipment. As used herein, the term "exercise
equipment" is defined as any equipment used for exercising, for
example, an exercise machine or free-standing weights, such as
barbells, ankle weights, or the like. The device 10 may attach to a
cable 12 of the exercise equipment and accessories 14 of the
exercise equipment to generate vibrations through the cable 12 and
the accessory 14 while the user works out with the exercise
equipment. For example, the accessory 14 may be a seated row chin
bar, a straight bar, a lat bar, a curl bar, a triceps press bar, a
handle, a triceps rope, or any other similar exercise accessory.
The exercise device 10 quickly attaches to the cable 12 and
accessory 14 in a similar manner to the accessory 14 attaching
directly to the cable 12. The device 10 may be quickly removed and
attached to another piece of exercise equipment. In one embodiment,
the device 10 may be used by itself when not attached to exercise
equipment. For example, the device 10 may be held in the user's
hand while exercising without equipment. Additionally, the device
10 may be attached to free-standing weights, such as barbells,
ankle weights, or the like.
[0022] The exercise device 10 has a body 16 that is attachable to
the accessory 14 for exercise equipment. A vibrational assembly 60
is positioned within the body 16 and includes a rotatable shaft 18
having a weight 20 attached thereto. The rotatable shaft 18 rotates
the weight 20 to generate vibrations in the body 16, wherein the
vibrations in the body 16 generate vibrations in the accessory 14
for the exercise equipment. A weight arm 22 extends radially
outward from the shaft 18. The weight 20 is attached to an end 24
of the weight arm 22 distal from the shaft 18. The weight 20
rotates around the shaft 18 to generate vibrations. The weight 20
is shaped as an arc that forms a portion of a circumference around
the shaft 18. A motor 26 is joined to the shaft 18 by a belt 28 and
pulleys 30, 32. The motor 26 powers the pulleys 30, 32 to rotate
the shaft 18. A rechargeable battery 54 is provided to power the
motor 26. A pair of attachment mechanisms 34, 36 are coupled to the
body. One of the pair of attachment mechanisms 34, 36 is attachable
to the cable 12 of the exercise equipment. The other of the pair of
attachment mechanisms 34, 36 is attachable to the accessory 14 for
the exercise equipment so that the exercise device 10 is positioned
between the cable 12 and the accessory 14 and vibrates both the
cable 12 and the accessory 14. The exercise device 10 is portable
and attachable to a plurality of exercise equipment.
[0023] The exercise device 10 vibrates a user's body or a portion
thereof while working out to trigger a myotatic reflex or
stretching response within the body 16. The device 10 improves a
user's balance, enhances the user's flexibility, and speeds the
user's muscle recovery after a workout. The device 10 may also
improve a person's coordination and increase the user's collagen
production. Moreover, the device 10 may enhance a person's skin
quality because the vibrations aid in proper blood flow and
circulation throughout the person's body.
[0024] The body 16 is defined by a housing 40. The housing 40 is
formed from a material capable of withstanding the maximum weight
of standard exercise equipment. The housing may customized to
support any weight. The housing 40 has rounded contours and is
ergonomically shaped to comfortably fit in a user's hand so that
the user may utilize the device 10 independently without exercise
equipment. The attachment mechanisms 34, 36 extend from the top 42
and bottom 44, respectively, of the housing. The attachment
mechanism 34 is illustrated as being joined to the cable 12 and the
attachment mechanism 36 is illustrated as being joined to the
accessory 14. However, the attachment mechanism 34 may be joined to
the accessory 14 and the attachment mechanism 36 may be joined to
the cable 12. The attachment mechanisms 34, 36 are illustrated as
clips that couple to a loop or clip in the cable 12 or accessory
14. Alternatively, the attachment mechanisms 34, 36 may be any
suitable attachment mechanisms. In other embodiments, the
attachment mechanism 34, 36 may extend from any portion of the
housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the attachment mechanism 34
extends from an opposite end of the housing 40 from the attachment
mechanism 36.
[0025] A switch 46 is provided in the housing 40 to power the
vibrational assembly 60 to generate vibrations in the body 16. A
power outlet 48 electrically couples to a power supply to charge
the device 10. In particular, the power outlet 48 is used to charge
the battery 38 in vibrational assembly 60. In the exemplary
embodiment, the battery 38 is a rechargeable nickel cadmium
battery, but may be any suitable rechargeable battery. The device
10 is configured to be charged and disconnected from the power
supply during use.
[0026] The battery 38 powers the motor 26 to rotate a pulley 30
having center 50 joined to the motor 26. The pulley 30 drives the
belt 28 to rotate the pulley 32. The rotatable shaft 18 is attached
to a center 52 of the pulley 32. The motor 26 drives the pulleys
30, 32 and the belt 28 to rotate the shaft 18. The shaft 18 extends
into a weight housing 62 that contains the weight 20. Within the
weight housing 62 a weight arm 22 extends radially outward from the
shaft 18. In the exemplary embodiment, two weight arms 22 extend
from the shaft 18 at different radial angles. The weight 20 is
attached to an end 24 of the weight arms 22 distal from the shaft
18. The weight is positioned adjacent to the weight housing 62. The
shaft 18 is driven by the motor 26 to rotate the weight 20 around
the shaft 18. The weight 20 is shaped as an arc that forms a
portion of a circumference around the shaft 18. As the weight 20
rotates the weight shifts the balance of the device 10 so that the
device 10 shakes or vibrates.
[0027] The attachment mechanisms 34, 36 are joined to the
vibrational assembly 60. Accordingly, the vibrational assembly 60
is formed from a material that can withstand the maximum weight of
exercise equipment. The attachment mechanisms 34, 36 are joined to
the vibrational assembly 60 so that attachment mechanisms 34, 36
can swivel with respect to the vibrational assembly 60 to account
for movement in the cable 12 and the accessory 14 when working out.
The vibrations in the device 10 are transferred to the accessory 14
via the attachment mechanism 36 to vibrate the accessory 14.
Accordingly, the accessory 14 vibrates the portion of the user's
body joined to the accessory 14, for example, the hand and arm. The
vibration enhances the workout of the user by providing the
benefits described above.
[0028] The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain
the principles of the invention and its practical application to
persons who are skilled in the art. As various modifications could
be made to the exemplary embodiments, as described above with
reference to the corresponding illustrations, without departing
from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter
contained in the foregoing description and shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather
than limiting. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention
should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary
embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the
following claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *