Neuromuscular Vibration Training Multi-Purpose Handle

Abstract

A vibrating handle assembly provides enhanced vibrating therapy and training benefits with important features in a small compact package. The vibration is provided through twin DC motors attached to a common offset weight, re-chargeable batteries, and an on/off switch. Vibration therapy is designed for convenience, portability, therapeutic purposes, and use with other training equipment via a strap attachment.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/735,002 filed on Dec. 8, 2012. The entire provisional application is incorporated by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING

[0003] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] (1) Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is directed toward physical training, and in particular, muscular therapy; where vibration, stretching, and strengthening of muscles provide important benefits. The invention generally relates to a specialized muscular training device with specific features that provide convenience, needed therapeutic effects, and economy in a small portable package capable of multi-functional features that, in combination, provide important benefits for use in a variety of situations.

[0006] (2) Description of Related Art

[0007] Others have attempted to provide vibratory benefits to a degree. For example, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/557,531 describes a vibrating dumbbell. However it lacks important training features, such as incorporating a design that allows it to be used for normal weight training routines, the ability to connect to other training equipment, and compactness. Though a vibrating unit is shown as located in an end, the reciprocating weight style creates a lot of friction requiring a high capacity battery charge.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,215, describes a rotating weight that provides training by use of the gyroscopic effect. The gyroscopic effect requires a large rotational energy demanding a high battery storage and capacity. Additionally, this unit lacks important portability, compactness, and convenience features; and due to these reasons appears to be hindered in finding actual use in the marketplace.

[0009] U.S. patent D297962 shows a weight training dumbbell with a strap, but the strap is used to assist the trainer for keeping the weight on the hand, rather than providing for an additional training effect. U.S. application Ser. No. 12/669,362 is a dumbbell device with a strap attachment, and this application does incorporate the concept of training by use of the attached strap to become a pulling exerciser through the use of an strap. However, no thought was given to vibration therapy or any features incorporated into the dumbbell.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to further improve known training devices so that the training is more effective and also more convenient than with single previous devices, eliminating the need for multiple training units.

[0011] What is needed in the marketplace is a vibration product along with weight training that provides complete features in a compact, economic style. Convenience and portability are important issues when a person needs to carry equipment to a site such as a gym along with other personal items such as clothing. It is desirable to provide vibration training, therapeutic effects, light resistance weight training, and the ability to connect to heavier weight training equipment if needed. Simplified controls for vibration control, on/off, and recharging are important for acceptance and general use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides enhanced therapy and training benefits along with important features in a small compact vibrating handle assembly. It includes vibration therapy in a re-chargeable battery powered package which is useful for a variety of therapeutic training methods. An attachable strap provides connection to other training equipment. It is designed for convenience, portability, therapeutic purposes, and use with other training equipment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0013] FIG. 1 shows an isometric exploded view of the parts of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows one basic embodiment of the invention where it is used without accessories.

[0015] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment where a strap attachment is added for therapy purposes.

[0016] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment where a weight attachment is added for additional training and therapy purposes.

[0017] FIG. 5 shows details of how the offset weight is mounted on the motor shaft.

[0018] FIG. 6 shows an important embodiment where a strap is attached to the gripping handle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] An important object of the invention is to provides therapy training benefits in a small compact vibrating handle. Another important object is to provide a compact muscular training package that does not need power and is portable. Another important object it to provide connecting to existing training equipment. Another object is to provide convenience and use as a general therapeutic device.

[0020] Additional objects of the invention become clear when the details are further described as follows.

[0021] According to embodiments of the invention, a vibration effect is created by an offset weight that is on a rotating shaft between two battery powered motors that is mounted inside a vibrating handle assembly. By providing electronic equipment that allows an operator to vary the motor speed, it is possible to create a stronger or softer vibration effect. Alternately, by increasing the weight mass or the offset amount, the vibration effect can be increased. Typically, for a given situation, the weight, the offset distance, and the motor speed are all pre-chosen according to the effect desired to be achieved. Thus, the therapy is simply a matter of turning the device on. This is a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0022] Vibration therapy is known to cause a person to achieve muscular goals such as relaxation, blood flow, bone mineral density, or enhanced muscular strength. These are desirable traits to incorporate into a gripping handle.

[0023] It is preferable to choose a particular vibration design for simplicity and reliability. In this case a pair of motors attached to a common offset weight are used to create a vibration. The twin motor design allows the weight to be well supported, and the motors to be of a common design. The motors are also mechanically synchronized because they are both connected through the offset weight. Motor and bearing parts are designed to withstand the vibration levels created. Small weights are capable of providing significant vibration amounts at commercially available motor RPM.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the vibration is generated at a frequency of 30-60 Hz. This range is useful for therapeutic purposes. The electronic control of the motors can be chosen to a particular frequency to achieve the desired vibration frequency.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a particular exploded view embodiment of the invention. A gripping handle 101 houses two motors 103a,b which are both mechanically connected to a weight 102 through end linkages. The motors 103a,b and weight 102 are housed inside a motor holder frame 104 which provides stability and additional bracing for the vibration inducing part of the assembly. The assembled motor frame is attached to the gripping handle 101 through screws holes on the top (seen) and on the bottom (not in view).

TABLE-US-00001 Item Description 101 Gripping Handle 102 Weight 103a,b Motor 104 Motor Holder Frame 105a,b Battery 106a,b Padding 107a,b End Cap 108 On/Off Power Switch 109 Power Plug 201 On/off Switch 402 End Plug Connector 501 Motor Shaft 502 Offset Weight 503 Setscrew 504 Attaching Block

[0026] The two motors 103a,b are connected to respective batteries 105a,b which provide power. In one embodiment, the batteries are rechargeable nine volt DC, and in other embodiments are other voltages as required by a particular motor. The batteries 105a,b are secured in place by foam padding/packing 106a,b.

[0027] The handle assembly is further comprised of end caps 107a,b, power switch 108, and power plug 109. The end caps are rigidly attached via screws by the screw holes shown.

[0028] The handle 101 is connected to a power plug 109 which provides external power for charging the batteries. An external AC plug incorporates a power transformer (not shown), or the transformer is included with the power plug 109. The device is turned on and off via the on/off switch 108 which is mounted in the end cap 107b and is accessible to the user.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an assembled view of the embodiment shown in the exploded view of FIG. 1. The handle 101 is shown with the two end caps 107a,b installed/screwed onto the handle. An on/off switch 201 is conveniently located in one end.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a an assembled view of an embodiment of the invention where two specialized end caps 301a,b are attached to the handle 101 and provide the ability to attach straps to the assembly. The rectangular projections are easily attached to an external strap that provides the user with the ability to flex his/her muscles by additional resistance training. The training can include repetitive flexing against a resistive force, or a steady resistance against a continuous force. The vibration can be turned on or off as desired for the needed effect. The strap can then be attached to other workout equipment for additional therapy training and a higher weight resistance workout.

[0031] FIG. 4 is an assembled view of an embodiment of the invention where lifting weights 401a,b are added to the end caps which are attached to the handle 101. The weights provide the ability for the user to train with (or optionally without) vibration therapy. In a preferred embodiment, the lifting weights 401a,b are made from metal.

[0032] FIG. 5 shows how the offset weight is mounted on the motor shaft of both motors and allows for a tolerance fit sufficient to provide freedom from binding. The motor shaft 501 is driven by electromotive force. An offset weight 502 is first mounted to the motor shaft 501 with a slight clearance. A mounting block 504 is then firmly attached to the motor shaft 501 via a setscrew 504. The mounting block is a shape that fits into the offset weight and provides the ability to push it when the motor rotates. A minor tolerance fit is acceptable between the mounting block 504 and the offset weight 502 as the motive rotating force will eliminate any tolerance in operation. This method of mounting the offset weight to both motors (see FIG. 1) will allow both motors to avoid being over constrained, and avoid maintenance issues with bearings, too much force, etc.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an example of use of the gripping handle when an attached strap is added. The top ring is then used for attaching to other training equipment.

[0034] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, the invention may be modified and adapted to various operational methods to those skilled in the art. Therefore, this invention is not limited to the description and figure shown herein, and includes all such embodiments, changes, and modifications that are encompassed by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vibrating handle assembly useful for muscular training comprising: a. a gripping handle, wherein said gripping handle has two ends, b. two end caps attached to said gripping handle, wherein each said end cap is located at one end of said gripping handle, c. two motors, wherein said two motors are both connected to an offset weight, d. wherein said offset weight is configured to create a predetermined vibration when said two motors are turned on, e. wherein said two motors and said offset weight are mounted in a frame, f. wherein said frame is attached inside said gripping handle, g. wherein said two motors are: i) activated by a switch, and ii) powered by a least one rechargeable battery, and h. wherein a power plug is used to recharge said rechargeable battery, i. wherein a power switch is incorporated into either of said end caps, and i. wherein said predetermined vibration is useful for therapeutic purposes, whereby said vibrating handle assembly is useful for muscular training when activated by power from said rechargeable battery.

2. The vibrating handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein a strap is attached to said gripping handle for the purpose of providing additional resistance training.

3. The vibrating handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein weights are attached to said gripping handle for the purpose of providing additional resistance training.

4. The vibrating handle assembly according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined vibration is a fixed vibration frequency.