GB2588419A

GB2588419A - Vibration device for exercise apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2588419A
Application number: GB1915320.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Faulkner Peter
Original assignee: Fitkitpro Int Ltd
Current assignee: Fitkitpro Int Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-23
Filing date: 2019-10-23
Publication date: 2021-04-28
Anticipated expiration: 2039-10-23
Also published as: GB201915320D0; GB2588419B

Abstract

A vibrating device for an exercise band or strap having a power source, vibrations means and a fastener to secure the vibrator to the band. The vibrator causes the strap to vibrate to increase muscle contraction and may be used in vibration therapy. The vibrating device may be detachable via releasably attachment to the strap such as poppers or hook and loop fasteners or via insertion into a sleeve. There may be a controller for altering the vibration frequency of the device. The vibrating device may be attached to a resistance band. The vibration device may form part of a bodyweight suspension trainer, wherein the device may be in the form of a vibrating handle 6 attached to inelastic straps or a vibrating support bar 10.

Description

Vibration Device for Exercise Apparatus This invention pertains generally to the field of vibration devices for exercise apparatus, and in particular means to impart a vibration through various strap or band-based exercise apparatus, such as bodyweight suspension training apparatus Straps and bands are widely used items of exercise equipment, either on their own or as part of an exercise apparatus. To undertake variable resistance training or strength training, a user may make use of elastic bands or resistance bands. These elastic bands are commonly used in physical therapy following a muscular injury, and where a slow rebuild of strength is required. The bands typically comprise an elongate member with a handle at either end or may comprise a loop. The bands may also be flat or tubular in construction.

To undertake bodyweight suspension training, a user may use the straps within a suspension training system. The straps within such a system are typically inelastic, comprising webbing or rope material. Bodyweight suspension trainers allow a user to work against their own body weight to improve strength, balance. flexibility and joint stability.

It has been known for centuries that applying manual vibration to the human body can have therapeutic benefits. When vibrations are transmitted to a user's body, they cause their muscles to contract and relax, and are even thought to cause the body to produce more osteoblasts, which are the cells that are used to produce bone. It is therefore thought that vibration therapy can help to increase bone density, increase muscle mass, improve circulation, reduce joint pain and back pain, boost circulation and thus improve oxygen supply to the muscles, remove lactic acid and help in the repair of injured muscles arid rehabilitation.

Existing exercise equipment that delivers vibration therapy to the body is typically somewhat cumbersome and expensive. Vibration plate machines are typically instilled within gymnasiums and specialist therapy centres and are therefore not accessible for all, and not always convenient. They comprise a large machine with a vibrating plate that a user stands on to perform various exercises. There are a limited number of exercises that can be performed on such a platform.

Whilst resistance training bands, and strap-based exercise apparatus such as suspension training systems, offer a portable and relatively cheap solution to rehabilitation and training in a wide variety' of environments, they do not currently appear to combine the benefits of vibration therapy within such user-friendly exercise systems. A user may seek to combine their use of these exercise strap or exercise band-based systems with a massage device, that often incorporate a degree of vibration, should they wish to experience the benefits of vibration therapy on the body when away from gymnasiums and therapy centres.

The prior art shows a number of devices which attempt to address these needs in various ways.

US 2019 240 529 (Burkinshaw) discloses a full body exercise apparatus and suspension trainer, that offers an easily portable exercise assistance apparatus. The apparatus comprises a strap-based exercise system that combines inelastic straps with elastic fasteners and allows a user to use the apparatus in a wide variety of locations, such as when away from the gymnasium. This demonstrates a typical strap-based, portable exercise system, but does not provide any additional vibration therapy whilst using said system.

Whilst the prior art appears to address the issue of portability of exercise apparatus, and the growing desire to be able to exercise away from gymnasiums, it does not offer any additional therapy whilst exercising.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a portable, retrofittable device that converts any strap or band based exercise equipment into a tool for vibration therapy, configured such that the device can be added onto or within typical strap based exercise systems, and bodyweight suspension apparatus, without being detrimental to the portability of such apparatus, thereby allowing for continued use in a wide variety of locations and environments. Further embodiments aim to provide a bodyweight suspension training system with inbuilt vibration therapy functionality.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vibration device for an exercise band or strap, the vibration device comprising: a power source; at least one vibration generating means operatively connected to said power source; and, at least one fastening means for fastening the vibration device to said band or strap, whereby, in use, the vibration generating means is configured to impart a vibration along said band or strap.

The vibration generating means may comprise a piezoelectric vibration generator.

Preferably, the vibration generating means comprises a vibration motor.

The vibration motor may comprise an eccentric rotating motor operatively connected to a linear resonant actuator.

The fastening means may comprise hook and loop fasteners.

Alternatively, the fastening means may comprise one or more poppers.

Preferably, the fastening means comprises a sleeve, said sleeve having been sewn into or onto the band or strap.

Preferably, the power source is rechargeable.

The power source may comprise a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

Preferably, the vibration device incorporates a control means for controlling the vibration frequency.

According to a further aspect of the proposed invention, there is provided a bodyweight suspension trainer that comprises at least one band or strap, at least one handle and attaching means for releasablv attaching the both/weight suspension trainer to a support bar, the bodyweight suspension trainer incorporating at least one vibration device of any one of the preceding claims.

The vibration device may be incorporated within the at least one handle.

The vibration device may form the support bar.

Preferably, the at least one vibration device is releasably secured along the band or strap Preferably, the v brat on device is releasably secured by at least one karabme For a better understanding of the invention and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure I shows one embodiment of vibration device mounted to an exercise band; Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of vibration device, mounted to an exercise strap, whereby the exercise strap incorporates a handle at each end; Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of vibration device, housed within a sleeve, and provided with aplurality of straps for releasably securing within an existing strap-based exercise system; Figure 4 shows one embodiment of configuration of vibration device within a typical body-weight suspension trainer, whereby the vibration device is relcasably secured within the straps of the trainer; Figure 5 shows a further configuration of vibration device within a typical bodyweight suspension trainer, where the vibration device is contained within the handle of the trainer; Figure 6 shows yet a further configuration of vibration device within a typical bodyweight suspension trainer, showing a pair of vibration devices configured along each of the straps of the trainer; Figure 7 shows an alternative configuration of vibration device within a typical bodyweight suspension trainer, showing the vibration device within a support bar of the trainer; Figure 8 shows the vibration device of Figure 3 when incorporated within a dual strap bodyweight suspension training system; and, Figure 9 shows the vibration device of Figure 3 when incorporated within a single strap bodyweight suspension training system.

In the figures like references denote like or corresponding parts.

Figure 1 shows one possible configuration of vibration device 1 when releasably secured to an exercise band 2, through a fastening means 5. The vibration device I incorporates at least one power source 3, which might be a rechargeable or disposable battery. A rechargeable battery may be lithium ion, and the batten, be charged through wireless or wired means, not shown. The power source 3 is operatively connected to a vibration generating means 4. The vibration generating means 4 may comprise a piezoelectric vibration generator, or vibration generating motor. The vibration generating means 4 is configured in relation to the strap 2, such that when secured to the strap 2 through the fastening means 5, the power source 3 supplies the vibration generating means 4 with power to supply a desired frequency of vibration to the strap 2.

The strap 2 may comprise an elastic or inelastic strap, and may or may not incorporate one or more handles, not shown. The strap 2 may comprise a resistance band that is typically used for strength training or rehabilitation, A user typically holds the strap 2 in at least one place and carries out various exercises. The vibration device I is configured to be sufficiently portable, and retrofittable, for releasably securing to an existing resistance band 2, to impart a vibration through the strap 2 and therefore through a hand of the user who is holding the strap 2 in at least one place. The user therefore experiences some instability or vibration therapy, whilst conducting their various exercises.

Figure 2 shows an alternative to the strap 2, where the vibration device 1 is mounted to an exercise strap 7. The exercise strap 7 is typically an inelastic strap, made from webbing or similar material. The exercise strap 7 is shown with a pair of handles 6, one at either end of the strap 7. The user holds the handles 6 and performs various exercises with the exercise strap 7. The vibration device 1 is configured such that the vibration generating means 4 imparts a vibration along the exercise strap 7, and into the handles 6, and therefore, in use, through the hands of the user holding the handles 6 whilst performing their exercises.

The vibration device 1 typically comprises a motor, not shown, that vibrates in a longitudinal, lateral, or a combination of both directions, and is located within a housing of the vibration device 1, such that it lies in close proximity to the portion that is to be secured to a strap 7. When the vibration device 1 is switched on, and the vibration started, the vibrations generated by the motor are therefore conveyed to the strap 7. The frequency of these vibrations may be variable, within a desired range, or specific for a user or type of vibration therapy.

Figure 1 shows a fastening means that comprises a mechanical fastener that can releasably secure the vibration device I to any exercise band 2 or exercise strap 7. This mechanical fastener may comprise, but is not limited to, one or more of the following fastening means: hook and loop, popper, karabiner, spring loaded clamp Alternatively, and as shown in figure 2, the vibration device I may be configured within a sleeve 13 within the strap 7 or band 2. This sleeve may be sewn from strap material and be of suitable dimensions to be slightly larger than the circumference of the vibration device 1, such that the vibration device 1 is a snug fit within the sleeve 13. The sleeve 13 containing the vibration device 1 may incorporate further means to secure the sleeve 13 to existing exercise straps 7 or bands 2, not shown. The sleeve 13 may comprise elastic material and configured such that it grips the vibration device 1 when contained within.

Figure 3 shows one embodiment of vibration device 1, contained within a fabric sleeve 13, whereby the sleeve 13 has been sewn to a plurality of straps 7. The vibration device 1 is securely held within the sleeve 13 whilst exercises are performed. The vibration device 1 imparts a vibration to the sleeve 13, that imparts a vibration along the straps 7, and through any strap fastening means 12. In this figure the strap fastening means 12 comprises a karabiner. The karabiner can be releasably secured to further straps, and or handle arrangements. The vibration created by the vibration generating means 4, that causes the oscillations along the strap 7, is conveyed through the karibiners or strap fastening means 12 and along any further straps or handles releasably secured thereto, such that the vibration is felt by the user who is holding onto these further straps or handles at the other end.

Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 show possible configurations of vibration device I when used with a typical bodyweight suspension trainer 8. Figure 4 shows the vibration means 1, housed within a sleeve 13, whereby the sleeve 13 has been rcleasablv secured within the strap 7 arrangement of the bodyweight suspension trainer 8 through a plurality of strap fastening means. The strap 7 may comprise a single loop of strap 7, as shown, that loops about a support bar or similar, or alternatively it may comprise a pair of straps 7 that each connect with a support bar through various means, not shown. Within a gymnasium, bodyweight suspension trainers 8 are often clipped or tied onto existing equipment such as weight training machines, or larger support frames. They may also be clipped onto hooks or loops screwed or embedded within the walls. The important feature is that the support is sufficiently stable to support the weight, and therefore the suspended load, of a user. Outside of the gymnasium, these bodyweight suspension trainers 8 are looped about frames at recreational facilities, fence posts, or even hooked over the top of a closed door. The strap fastening means 12 may simply comprise a hook that engages within a hop in the end of the strap 7 or may comprise a mechanical fastening means such as a karabiner or mechanical clamp or clip. Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement where a pair of vibration devices I make up the handles 6 of the bodyweight suspension trainer 8. The vibration device 1 in this case may be the handle 6 itself, and either replace an existing handle 6 for an existing bodyweight suspension trainer 8 or may be releasably secured to an existing handle 6 or may alternatively be contained within a sleeve that is adjacent to an existing handle 6, enough to impart the vibration through the handle 6.

Figure 6 shows a pair of vibration devices 1 where one device is affixed to one strap 7 of the bodyweight suspension trainer 8, and the other device 1 is affixed to the other strap 7 of the bodyweight suspension trainer 8. This arrangement would allow different vibration frequencies to be felt through the handles 6 and therefore through the user holding these.

Figure 7 shows another alternative arrangement where the vibration device 1 becomes the support bar 10 of the bodyweight suspension trainer 8. Typically, a bodyweight suspension trainer 8 is looped over a bar, handrail, frame, or other suitable support stnicture, that is at a suitable height, and that can cope with the body-weight of a user acting upon it. Some bodyweight suspension trainers 8 are provided with a support bar 10, that a user can trap within a dosed door, or fasten to an existing item of exercise equipment. In these instances, providing a vibration device 1 that is contained within the support bar 10, or is in fact the support bar 10, would impart a vibration through the straps 7 and therefore through a body of the user.

Figures 8 and 9 show two possible configurations of bodyweight suspension trainer 8. Figure 8 shows an arrangement where the strap 7 is looped about the support bar 10, and therefore requires that the vibration device 1 be secured to two straps 7 emerging either side of the support bar 10, by the strap fastening means 12. In the configuration shown, the vibration device 1 is contained within a sleeve 13, that is sewn to four shorts traps 7, and releasably secured through the strap fastening means 12 to a support bar 10 support strap 7, and the handle support straps 7, that link to the handles 6. A user 9 holds the handles 6, or places their feet into them, not shown, and performs various exercises using their bodyweight when part suspended from the support bar 10. The user 9 in Figure 8 is shown performing a pull-up whilst holding the handles 6 of the bodyweight suspension trainer 8.

By activating the vibration device 1, the power source 3 within the housing of the device, powers the vibration generating means 4, which is adjacent to the sleeve 13, and/or straps 7, so that die generated vibration, at the required frequency, is imparted through the rest of the bodyweight suspension trainer 8, including the handles 6.

The user 9, holding these handles 6, will feel this vibration through their hands and into their body, thus experiencing vibration therapy. The vibration device 1 may incorporate a control means 11, as shown in Figure 1, that allows the frequency of vibration to be altered. A typical desired frequency range is from 12 Hertz to 56 Hertz for vibration training, but the control means 11 is not necessarily limited to this The vibration device 1 in one embodiment is essentially a rechargeable, portable, vibration tube, that is held within a fabric sleeve 13. The sleeve 13 incorporates a configuration of exercise straps 7 suitable for the various different strap-based exercise trainers that are currently available. The straps 7 incorporate strap fastening means 12 to connect into these existing exercise trainers. Figure 9 shows a different configuration of bodyweight suspension trainer 8 where a single strap is arranged to releasably secure the trainer to the support bar 10. The vibration device 1 takes this into account with strap positioning, to have a single strap fastening means 12 on one side, and a dual strap fastening means 12 on the other.

A key benefit of the vibration device 1 as disclosed, is that it is interchangeable with numerous strap and band based exercise systems, it is configured such that it is very portable. The power source 3 may be rechargeable, or may comprise batteries that are convenient to replace. A user 9 can simply attach one or more vibration devices 1 onto their existing strap or band based exercises equipment to impart a vibration along the item of kit, thereby experiences vibration therapy alongside any exercise that they carry out. The vibration device 1 may in the same way be used for rehabilitation and for muscle stimulation and massage.

The vibration device 1 when incorporated within a bodyweight suspension tminer 8 provides a vibration device 1 that is specific to this use. By being incorporated within a fabric sleeve 13 and provided with a plurality of straps 7, with plurality of fastening means 12, the vibration device 1 can be used to deliver a vibration to any bodyweight suspension trainer 8 whilst still maintaining the portability and convenience of this type of exercise kit.

In use, the vibration device 1 can be housed within a sleeve of fabric 13, and affixed through various strap configurations into an existing strap based exercise system, to convey a vibration throughout the straps that make up that strap based exercise system.

In this specification, the verb "comprise" has its normal dictionary meaning, to denote non-exclusive inclusion. That is, use of the word "comprise" (or any of its derivatives) to include one feature or more, does not exclude the possibility of also including further features. The word "preferable" (or any of its derivatives) indicates one feature or more that is preferred but not essential All or any of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all or any of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in I0 this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS:II 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
A vibration device for an exercise band or strap, the vibration device comprising: a power source; at least one vibration generating means operatively connected to said power source; and, at least one fastening means for fastening the vibration device to said band or strap, whereby, in use, the vibration generating means is configured to upart a vibration along said band or strap A vibration device according to Claim 1, wherein the vibration generating means comprises a piezoelectric vibration generator.
A vibration device according to Claim 1, wherein the vibration generating means comprises a vibration motor.
A vibration device according to Claim 3, wherein the vibration motor comprises an eccentric rotating motor and a linear resonant actuator.
A vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means comprises hook and loop fasteners.
A vibration device according to claims 1 to 4 wherein the fastening means comprises one or more poppers.
A vibration device according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastening means comprises a sleeve, said sleeve having been sewn into or onto the band or strap.
A vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power source is rechargeable.
A vibration device according to claim 8, wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
10. A vibration device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vibration device incorporates a control means for controlling the vibration frequency.
II A bodyweight suspension trainer that comprises at least one band or strap, at least one handle and attaching means for releasably attaching the bodyweight suspension trainer to a. support bar, the bodyweight suspension trainer incorporating at least one vibration device of any one of the preceding claims.
12. A bodyweight suspension trainer according to claim 11, wherein the vibration device is incorporated within the at least one handle.
13. A bodyweight suspension trainer according to claim 11 wherein the vibration device forms the support bar.
14. A bodyweight suspension trainer according to claim 11, wherein at least one vibration device is releasably secured along the band or strap.
15. A bodyweight suspension trainer according to claim 14, wherein the vibration device is releasably secured by at least one karabiner.
16. A vibration device substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A bodyweight suspension trainer as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.