VIBRATION UNIT
The invention relates to a vibration unit with a grip or a contact surface, to be mounted detachably on exercise machines or on a body part. The vibration unit comprises a vibration generating element (1, 2) and a mounting device (4). According to some embodiments of the invention, the mounting device is adapted for application around or inside a handle of an exercise machine. According to other embodiments of the invention, the mounting device is adapted for application on a frame of an exercise machine or on a body part, by means of various devices. According to other embodiments of the invention, the vibration unit is provided as a separate unit for mounting to a rigid support.
The present invention relates to a vibration unit, comprising a grip or a contact surface, to be mounted detachably on exercise appliances or on a body part or as a separate unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONIt is known that vibrations in exercise equipment or free weights, enhances the effect of the exercise on the muscles.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,951 an exercise machine with a permanently attached vibration unit is disclosed.
It is also known to build in vibration units in free weights. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,039,679 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,653.
There are many different machines in a gym, representing a considerable value. To replace a set of ordinary machines with a set of machines equipped with built-in vibration units would be very costly. Machines with vibration units are therefore seldom or never seen.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present inventor has realized that it would be advantageous if external detachable vibration units could be fitted on existing machines. The gym owner would then be able to lend or let a number of such detachable units to customers using the gym. Alternatively, individuals can buy such units themselves, and bring the units with them to any gym, or use them when exercising at home. The units could then be designed according to individual preferences as regards grip shapes, vibration amplitudes, etc. The grips may also be designed to suit people with rheumatism, for example in the form of spherical grips. Detachable vibration units may also be applied directly on the body of the individual doing exercises, such as on his/her chest, arm or leg. A vibration unit may also be provided as a separate unit.
The invention relates to a vibration unit with a vibration generating element. According to the invention, the vibration unit comprises a mounting device for mounting the unit detachably on an exercise machine or on a part of the body.
According to some embodiments of the invention, the mounting device is adapted for application around or inside a handle on an exercise machine.
According to other embodiments of the invention, the mounting device is adapted for application on the frame of an exercise machine or on a body part, by means of various devices.
According to other embodiments of the invention, the vibration unit is provided as a separate unit for mounting to a rigid support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSBelow, the invention will be described in detail, with reference to the attached drawings, of which:
The invention generally relates to vibration units, in particular to movable vibration units that can be attached to various exercise machines and appliances. The vibration unit can be built into grips and other surfaces in contact with the body, comprising exercise machines for leg kicks, knee bends etc.
The invention comprises an external vibrating grip, which can be mounted on exercise machines, home gym appliances, free weights, bicycles, bars, etc. The grip is connected to a vibration generating element. Such elements are known per se, and can consist of two motors, each fitted with an eccentric load, causing vibrations when the motors rotate. Each motor is mounted on a steel frame, which in turn can be mounted on certain exercise machines by means of a mounting device. The unique aspect of the invention is the fact that it is movable, which enables gyms, rehab centres and private individuals to develop both their exercise appliances and their training methods. Gyms and rehab centres do not have to buy new machines, but rather attachable vibration units, in order to offer their customers more efficient and reliable training. The inventive concept also comprises the use of vibrating plates that can be attached to exercise machines, such as for leg training.
If the unit is mounted inside the machine, the mounting device is provided with a plug section for connection to the inside of a handle on the machine. The plug section preferably comprises an expansion mechanism, which can be activated via a lever or the like. The expansion mechanism is lockable, to keep the vibration unit securely in place.
If the unit is to be mounted on the outside of the machine, the mounting device is provided with an encompassing element 3, preferably in the form of a channel through the grip 4. The vibration unit would then suitably be fitted on some existing handle on the machine, using screws or the like.
A dampening material, such as plastic, rubber or other elastic material and springs, may be provided between the handle and the machine in order to hinder the vibrations to propagate into to the machine. A movable non-rigid shaft or a bearing may also be placed on the attachment means for the same reason and also to make the handle movable and not rigidly mounted on the machine.
The ball comes in two variants. In the first variant, shown in
The vibration unit of the invention can also be attached to other parts of exercise machines than their handles.
The motor and the vibration-generating load are built into a body 9, made of metal or plastic, depending on the intended use. The handle or other machine part to which the unit is to be attached rests in the concavity 10 on the unit. The concavity is adapted to fit cylindrical objects and tubes. The unit can also be manufactured without any concavity, to be mountable on machines with square tubes or on flat surfaces or plates.
The vibration unit is attached by means of straps 11, screws or plates as detailed below.
Considering that each manufacturer provides different exercise machines for different exercises, and that machines from different manufacturers are different from each other, several variants will be needed to solve the problem of training with the current machines.
The following three embodiments using plates have the same function and purpose as above.
A machine for leg extension exercises and the like is provided with an external pad, which may be replaced by a vibration unit according to the invention.
In other machines, the seat or back support may be replaced.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate that there are other possible ways of attaching the vibration unit of the invention. The scope of the invention is determined only by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A vibration unit, comprising:
- a vibration generating element; and
- a mounting device for mounting the unit detachably on an exercise appliance or a body part.
2. A vibration unit according to claim 1, wherein said mounting device comprises a plug section (4) for internal attachment to a handle.
3. A vibration unit according to claim 2, wherein said plug section comprises an expansion mechanism.
4. A vibration unit according to claim 1, wherein said mounting device comprises an encompassing section for external attachment.
5. A vibration unit according to claim 4, wherein said encompassing section comprises a dampening material.
6. A vibration unit according to claim 4, wherein said encompassing section comprises a non-rigid shaft.
7. A vibration unit according to claim 4, wherein said encompassing section comprises a grip.
8. A vibration unit according to claim 5, wherein said grip is provided with a ball for gripping by a hand.
9. A vibration unit according to claim 4, wherein said encompassing section comprises a pad for body contact.
10. A vibration unit according to claim 9, wherein said pad has the shape of a hollow cylinder.
11. A vibration unit according to claim 4, wherein said encompassing section comprises a strap for attachment around a body part, such as an arm or a leg.
12. A vibration unit according to claim 1, wherein said mounting device is designed to be attached to the frame of an exercise appliance.
13. A vibration unit according to claim 1 1, wherein said mounting device comprises an encompassing section and straps for external attachment.
14. A vibration unit according to claim 1, wherein said mounting device comprises a plate with damping elements to prevent vibrations from spreading to other parts of the exercise appliance than the part being in contact with the body.
15. A vibration unit according to claim 1, wherein said mounting device is attached to a pad in the form of a seat support or a back support.
16. A vibration unit comprising:
- a ball; and
- a shaft and a plate intended to be attached to a rigid support wherein a vibration generating element is located in the ball or in the shaft.
17. A vibration unit according to claim 16, wherein the shaft is articulated by means of a link.
18. A vibration unit according to claim 1, wherein said vibration generating element comprises a number of vibration motors.
19. A vibration unit according to claim 16, wherein said vibration generating element comprises a number of vibration motors.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 28, 2006
Publication Date: Jan 4, 2007
Applicant: VibroGrip AB (Hollviken)
Inventor: Carl-Magnus Johansson (Halmstad)
Application Number: 11/426,944
International Classification: A63B 15/02 (20060101); A63B 21/00 (20060101);