GB2504984A

GB2504984A - Toning belt

Info

Publication number: GB2504984A
Application number: GB1214639.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dave Osh
Original assignee: QUEST ION Pte Ltd
Current assignee: QUEST ION Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2012-08-16
Filing date: 2012-08-16
Publication date: 2014-02-19
Also published as: GB201214639D0

Abstract

A belt having the objective of strengthening and toning muscles and reducing the girth comprises a band 10 configured to fit around the abdominal region of a user is disclosed. It includes means for generating pulsed electrical signals to the surface portion 22 of the band 10, causing electro-muscular stimulation (EMS) of the user's body. It also includes means for generating radiation at infrared wavelength for emission through said surface portion, for the purpose of heating the user's body region. It also comprises a vibratory means including a motor to apply oscillation to said surface portion for the purpose of massaging the user's body region. A power supply is provided for powering the components. The belt further comprises a microprocessor control unit 16 which, under user control, is operable to selectively actuate any one or any combination of two or all three of said pulsed electrical signal generation means, infrared radiation generation means and said motor. Preferably the belt comprises conductive pads 26, 28 and the pulsed electrical signals and infrared (IR) radiation are delivered to these pads.

Description

TONING BELT

[0001] This invention relates to a so-called "slimming belt", , namely a belt configured to fit around the waist region or hip/abdominal region of a user, to impart vibration and heat to the said body region for purposes of massaging, improving circulation and breakdown of fat, thus by regular use reducing the girth of the said body region. In relation to the present invention the belt is more accurately referred to as a "toning belt".

BACKGROUND

[0002] Slimming belts of aforesaid type are commercially available. One available belt incorporates means to provide various different types and/or intensities of vibratory massage to the area of the user's body which is contacted, as well as means of heating the same body area by emission of infrared radiation. Also in the literature a waistband with an electrically powered vibrator and tar infrared electric heating is disclosed in Chinese utility model CN 201328384, and belts incorporating vibratory apparatus and incorporating means to generate infrared heat for application to the surface of the human body are disclosed in Chinese utility models CN 2514826 and CN 200980899. These proposals include a third belt function of magnetic therapy or inflation massage, respectively. Also, an abdomen warming and vibrating belt is disclosed in JP 2003 204982 which incorporates electrical means for generation of electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths in the far infrared pad of the spectrum as well as a vibratory device in the same area of the belt and a control unit for controlling functions of the heat generating pad, of a heat sensor, which senses heat from the body of the user, and of the said vibratory device.

[0003] Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) is known as a means of stimulating subcutaneous nerves and causing muscle contraction. Low-level electric current is applied by electrode pads placed over a muscle which is to be stimulated. EMS units have been used to tone and strengthen muscles in this manner by repeated periodic application, thereby to treat medical conditions, for example to progressively strengthen muscles and joints after fractures or prolonged bed rest, after muscle injury or immobilisation of limbs, or to relieve stress incontinence. Also, EMS has been used for cosmetic purposes to tone and strengthen muscles after or during weight loss. A belt with electrodes for application of such electrical muscle stimulation is disclosed in WO2009/1 30802.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to enhance the functionality of the known type of slimming belt to provide the most effective treatments and optimum user choice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0005] The present invention provides belt apparatus ("atoning belt") comprising a band configured to fit around a waist region or hip/abdominal region of a user and having a surface portion adapted for contact with the said body region when the apparatus is fitted to the user's body. It incorporates a minimum of three functions, namely means operable to generate pulsed electrical signals to said surface portion sufficient for electrically induced muscle stimulation of the user's body region, means operable to generate radiation at infrared wavelength for emission through said surface portion for the purpose of heating the user's body region, and vibratory means including a motor to apply oscillation to said surface portion for the purpose of massaging the user's body region.

Further, the belt of the invention includes electrical power supply means, such as a rechargeable battery, to operate each of aforesaid pulsed electrical signal generation means, infrared radiation generation means and said motor, and also a microprocessor control unit (MPU), which, under user control, is operable to selectively actuate any one or any combination of two or all three of said pulsed electrical signal generation means, infrared radiation generation means and said motor.

[0006] Embodiments of the belt in accordance with the invention include a plurality of pads provided on the surface portion of the band which is adapted to contact the waist or hip/abdominal region. Then, in such embodiments the means operable to generate pulsed electrical signals is preferably configured to supply said signals to at least one of the pads.

Also, the means operable to generate radiation of infrared wavelength is preferably configured so as to emit such radiation through at least one of the pads. Further, the vibratory means may be configured to apply oscillation to at least one of the pads.

[0007] The band of which the belt is formed may suitably be of flexible fabric and the pads may be formed of discrete pieces of plastics material, such as moulded plastics or woven or nonwoven synthetic yarns or fibres, or other form of plastics sheeting, mounted into or below the surface of the flexible fabric. A suitable material for the pads is polypropylene, but other electrically conductive material may be used.

[0008] The material of the pads advantageously incorporates carbon fibres and/or carbon powder in order to have electrical resistance properties and capability of emitting radiation of infrared wavelength.

[0009] In embodiments of the belt apparatus of the invention any number of contact pads may be provided, but in preferred embodiments the band configured to fit around the waist or hip/abdominal region of a user's body usefully incorporates at least four pads. In most preferred embodiments there may be six pads. In such embodiments, the heating by emission of infrared radiation may be only through the central four pads. Also, to cater for larger size waist and hips, extension pieces are preferably provided for optional attachment at respective ends of the main belt, to increase its length. Such attachment may be by any convenient means, such as hook and loop fasteners (such as strip material sold under the trade name Velcro), press fasteners or buttons.

[0010] In preferred embodiments the means operable to generate radiation at infrared wavelength (0.l8pm -1mm) is capable of generating radiation at at least two different levels of intensity or at least two different wavelengths in the far infrared range of the spectrum, namely between 1.4ym -1mm, corresponding to different temperatures of heating of the user's body region and the microprocessor control unit is operable selectively to actuate said infrared generation means at a selected one of said level of intensity or wavelength. Especially preferred is capability for three different levels of intensity, corresponding to heating of the body region wrapped by the belt to 35°C, 40°C and 45°C, respectively. Infrared radiation in this wavelength range is particularly useful for treating the body because it can penetrate the dermis and beyond from one to several millimetres for direct heating of those layers below the surface. The primary action is expansion of the blood capillaries, thus increasing blood flow which increases rate of removal of waste products from the cells.

[0011] In preferred embodiments, the motor is operable at at least two different speeds thus to generate vibration at respective different oscillation frequency and the microprocessor control unit is operable to selectively actuate said motor at a selected one of said speeds. Again, especially preferred is capability for three different oscillation speeds.

[0012] In preferred embodiments the means operable to generate pulsed electrical signals is capable of generating said signals at at least two different amplitudes or frequencies and the microprocessor control unit is operable to selectively actuate the signal generation means at a selected one of said amplitudes or frequencies. Preferably, there is a capability for up to 10 or 15 different levels of amplitude and frequency of pulsed generation, thereby to produce the same number of different intensities of electrical muscle stimulation for the user, depending on user requirements.

[0013] Typically in embodiments in accordance with the invention eectricai muscle stimulation (EMS) is produced as a result of a certain low-frequency pulse voltage from a micro current boost circuit within overall electrical circuitry housed within the fabric band and under control of the MPU. The current generated may be in the region of lOOpA. This is transmitted through connecting wire and conductive contact pads (suitably made of polypropylene plastics) to the skin of the user to stimulate underlying and adjacent epidermal nerves and muscles.

[0014] EMS toning technology is known to create strong, deep muscle contractions to tone the human body. EMS works to mimic the body4s natural muscle movements. Thus the apparatus of the invention, with preset program controls will deliver the electrical impulse signals through the polypropylene electrode pads to the muscles and/or switch on the nerves controlling the muscles causing the muscles to contract naturally. Providing a band for fitting around the waist or hips/abdomen which has six appropriately spaced pads on its surface for contacting the body ensures that all muscles in the targeted region are exercised properly by stimulating specific, relevant nerve-clusters over the whole area. The result is strong, deep, comfortable contractions that, over time, with periodic repeated use, train the muscles to be firmer and stronger. Embodiments of the belt in accordance with the invention target not just muscles which are visible but also muscles that are more difficult to reach with conventional exercise. The rectus abdominal muscles, oblique abdominal muscles (which shape the waist) and the transversus abdominis muscle are all activated. This last is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and is essential lbr stability in the lower back region and is very difficult to reach with conventional exercise. Overall, a slimming effect and an overall health and fitness effect can be achieved.

[0015] For heating purposes, achieved by generation of infrared radiation, in preterred embodiments of the belt of the invention the MPU controls the output voltage applied across ends of a resistance wire of carbon fiber inside the band of the belt that converts electrical energy into heat energy to achieve the required heating effect for each control setting. This carbon fiber wire is mounted beneath the surface of the conductive contact pads and heat is conducted through each pad, and optionally via an applied surface film of gel, to reach the surface of the body.

[0016] It is believed that infrared heating causes some ionisation of water molecules within the tissues, as well as vasodilation which facilitates dispersal of fat from the subcutaneous tissue. The preferred embodiments of the belt are capable of delivering heat treatment to the user from 35 °C -45 °C. The concentrated heat helps the massage pulses act more effectively on fatty layers of skin and disperses them for excretion from the body. The thermal effect also makes the user sweat and eliminate fat naturally by sweating. The net effect is to firm up and reduce girth of the body regions, namely the waist region or the hips/abdominal region, underlying the belt by promoting blood crculation arid helping to reduce cellulite in those areas.

[0017] To produce vibration massage a drive circuit controlled by the MPU, can turn on or turn off the output voltage applied to the motor and also change the speed at which the motor rotates to produce different speed of vibration. This oscillating mechanism can effectively tone the abdomen of the user. In preferred embodiments of the belt of the invention the built-in electrical motor is preset with three speeds for selection, from a minimum 1400rpm to a maximum 2265rpm. Such high speed rotation and resulting vibration can assist in efficient dispersal of underlying fat below the skin of the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the toning belt apparatus of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing components of a preferred embodiment of the belt of the invention separated and spread out prior to use; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing only the belt viewed from the side which makes contact with the body, and with extension pieces attached, immediately prior to use; Figure 3 is an enlarged front view of the manual control unit; Figure 4 is a fragmentary view showing the belt of the preceding figures as in use around the waist of a user; and Figure 5 is a block diagram of the circuitry for operation of the belt shown in the preceding figures.

DETAILED DECRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

[0019] As shown in figures 1 and 2, a preferred practical embodiment of the toning belt of the present invention together with accessories comprises the following: * Main belt (10) * Extension belt sections (12, 14) * Digital manual control unit (16) * Rechargeable battery (18) * Power adaptor (13) (battery recharger) The belt integrates three technologies, namely electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), far infrared radiation (FIR) and vibration massage (VM) to tone, firm, shape, tighten and strengthen underlying muscles, particularly the abdominal muscles of the user when applied around the waist and/or hip/abdominal region.

[0020] The main belt 10 comprises an outer layer 20 of woven polyester material and an inner layer 22 of polyurethane fabric, these outer and inner layers being connected around their periphery by stitching or adhesion or both to provide a broad flexible band. In use, the outer layer 20 faces away from the user's body while the inner layer 22 provides a waterproof lining which touches the skin of the user. A casing 24 moulded of plastics material is mounted centrally into the outer layer 20. This casing 24 houses a motor and other circuitry (see figure 5) necessary for achieving the above-mentioned functions of EMS, FIR and VM. A handheld control unit 16 incorporates a microprocessor control unit (MPU), which is electrically connected to above circuitry in the casing 24 by means of a cable 36 and is thereby effective to control the aforesaid functions, as indicated generally in figure 5, dependent on the manual input to the keypad on the control unit 16. A liquid crystal display (LCD) is also provided on the manual control unit 16 to indicate the status of the selected functions.

[0021] Six moulded polypropylene electrode pads 26, 28 are mounted into the lining 22 of the belt 10, as shown in figure 2. These pads are arranged symmetrically, in a row, in the central region of the flexible band 10. The four pads 26 in the middle are designated as A on the manual control unit 16 and the two outer pads 28 are designated as B. At least the central pads 26 incorporate carbon powder, which when electrically heated by the circuit means which extends from the casing 24 between the outer and inner layers 20, 22, emits infrared radiation in the far infrared spectrum, namely between about 1.4 pm and 1mm. Suitably the heating is achieved by part of the electrical circuit applying a voltage across a resistance wire of carbon fiber in the vicinity of the relevant pads 26 through which infrared radiation is to be emitted.

[0022] All of the pads 26, 28 are connected by electrical circuit means to the MPU to receive low-level current in the region of 100 pA under control of the manual control unit 16. Therefore, in use, EMS which stimulates the nerves in the abdominal muscles to cause these muscles to contract and relax is mediated through all of the six electrode pads 26, 28. In contrast, FIR which causes resonance with water molecules and ionises and activates water molecules in the body cells and also causes heating at the level of the muscles, below the skin surface, improving blood circulation, is mediated by only the four middle pads 26.

[0023] The motor in the casing 24 is supplied with power by the battery 18. Ander control of the MPU the motor is operable at any one of three pre-set speeds between 1400 and 2265 rpm in order to impart vibration to the main belt 10. Such vibration has a massaging effect on the underlying abdominal muscles, increasing metabolism and burning calories more rapidly.

[0024] The baftery 18 is preferably a rechargeable lithium battery. In use it is housed in a pocket (not shown) on the main belt, adjacent the casing 24, where it is connected into the circuitry. Input voltage from the battery 18 to the MPU is in the region of 12.6 V, current 500 mA.

[0025] The length of the main belt is typically in the region of 90 to 110 cm (in a specific example 106.6 cm). As shown, the belt can be extended by additional end pieces 12, 14, each of which may be between 30 and 40 cm (in a specific example 35 cm). The weight of the belt is only about 800 g.

[0026] The function of the controls on the manual control unit 16, which houses the MPU and is connected by electrical cable 36 to the casing 24 is explained in the following table: On/function Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) function, with 3 HEAT adjustable temperature levels: 35'C, 40CC and 45CC.

The level is indicated by number of fire icons.

EMS Electrical Muscular Stimulation (EMS) function, with levels of intensity.

A÷ Increase the intensity of Channel A (EMS).

A-Decrease the intensity of Channel A (EMS).

VIB Vibrating Massage (VM) function, with 3 levels of intensity.

B-i-Increase the intensity of Channel B (EMS) B-Decrease the intensity of Channel B (EMS).

a Indicates the amount of run-time remaining [0027] The manner of operation of the illustrated belt is as follows: 1. Charge the battery 18 with the supplied adaptor 13. During charging, an indicator light on the adaptor 13 will light up in red. Once fully charged, the indicator light will turn green.

2. Prior to fitting the belt 10, with optional extensions 12, 14, optionally apply gel onto the polypropylene pads 26, 28 to enhance the sensation of the EMS treatment.

3. Wrap the belt 10 around the waist (or just below) and tighten the belt according to size so that it is a good, close fit. In this respect, the preferred embodiment of belt is suitable for waist size 27" to 39", but with use of the extension pieces 12, 14 if required, it becomes suitable for up to 50" waist (125cm).

4. Press the on/off button 30 on the digital control unit 16 and then the required function or functions. In this respect any one of EMS, FIR orVM can be selected, or any two of these, or all three together. Also, the intensity of each can be appropriately selected by the user.

5. For electrical muscle stimulation, press EMS button on remote control 16. As previously noted, the electrode pads are distributed in 2 channels "Channel A" (pads 26) and "Channel B" (pads 28). The intensity of operation of EMS can be increased or decreased from 1 to 10; according to user preference by pressing A+/A-or B+/B-. When using EMS, a green light blinks on the main belt casing 24.

6. For infrared heating press HEAT button on remote control 16 for starting FIR. One of the three temperature options can be chosen by using same button. The temperature range is approximately 35°C, approximately 40°C and approximately 45°C. For each increase in temperature range one extra heat icon appears on the LCD screen 34 of the control unit 16. When using FIR, a red light blinks on the main belt casing 2 7. For vibration massaging press VIB button on remote control 16. One of the vibration intensity options can be chosen by using same button. When using VIB a yellow light blinks on the main belt casing 24.

[0028] As previously noted, any one or any combination of two or all three functions together can be selected according to user convenience and comfort.

[0029] There is a in-built auto timer in the circuitry connected to the MPU which times out at 15 minutes for belt for safety and comfort of user. An icon 38 for the timer is at the top of the LCD screen 34 of the control unit 16 so that the user can watch his/her session time.

[0030] When the control unit 16 is not in use, it can be inserted into another pocket (not shown) provided on the main belt 10.

[0031] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment and many variations in detail are possible in other embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the number and layout of the electrode pads may vary from the illustrated embodiment. Also the design of the manual control unit may differ from that shown and the provision of different intensities of EMS, temperatures provided by FIR and intensities of vibration are not essential to the invention and may vary in other embodiments. Also, in other embodiments, the MPU in the manual control could be a remote wireless control, as is well known in the electronic field, instead of being connected by cable to the functional electrical components in the main belt. Many other design variations are possible and are readily apparent to a person skilled in this technical field.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Belt apparatus comprising: a band configured to fit around a waist or abdominal region of a body of a user and having a surface portion adapted to contact the said body region when the apparatus is fitted to the user's body; means operable to generate pulsed electrical signals to said surface portion sufficient for electrically induced muscle stimulation of the user's body; means operable to generate radiation at infrared wavelength for emission through said surface portion for the purpose of heating the user's body; vibratory means including a motor to apply oscillation to said surface portion for the purpose of massaging the user's body; electrical power supply means to operate each of aforesaid pulsed electrical signal generation means, infrared radiation generation means and said motor; and a microprocessor control unit, which, under user control, is operable to selectively actuate any one or any combination of two or all three of said pulsed electrical signal generation means, infrared radiation generation means and said motor.
2. Belt apparatus according to claim 1 including a plurality of pads provided on the surface portion of the band which is adapted to contact the body of the user.
3. Belt apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the means operable to generate pulsed electrical signals is configured to supply said signals to at least one of the pads.
4. Belt apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the means operable to generate radiation of infrared wavelength is configured so as to emit such radiation through at least one of the pads.
5. Belt apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 4 wherein said vibratory means is configured to apply oscillation to at least one of the pads.
6. Belt apparatus according to any of preceding claims 2 to 5 wherein the band is of flexible fabric and the pads are formed of discrete pieces of plastics sheet material! such as woven or nonwoven synthetic yarns or fibres, mounted into the surface of the flexible fabric.
7. Belt apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the material of the pads incorporates carbon fibre and/or carbon powder in order to have electrical resistance properties and capability of emitting radiation of infrared wavelength.
8. Belt apparatus according to any of preceding claims 2 to 7 wherein the band incorporates at least four pads.
9. Belt apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means operable to generate radiation at infrared wavelength is capable of generating radiation at at least two different levels of intensity or at least two different wavelengths in the far infrared range of the spectrum, namely between 2 and 25 microns, corresponding to different temperatures of heating of the user's body part and the microprocessor control unit is operable to selectively actuate said infrared generation means at a selected one of said level of intensity or wavelength.
10. Belt apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the motor is operable at at least two different speeds thus to generate vibration at respective different speeds and the microprocessor control unit is operable to selectively actuate said motor at a selected one of said speeds.
11. Belt apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the means operable to generate pulsed electrical signals is capable of generating said signals at at least two different amplitudes or frequencies and the microprocessor control unit is operable to selectively actuate the signal generation means at a selected one of said amplitudes or frequencies.