EP2632557A2

EP2632557A2 - A motion mechanism in a weight device

Info

Publication number: EP2632557A2
Application number: EP11835737.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ilan Greenberg; Pinchas Shalev
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-10-28
Filing date: 2011-10-27
Publication date: 2013-09-04
Also published as: WO2012056454A3; US20130274077A1; WO2012056454A2; EP2632557A4; JP2013540556A; CN103313760A

Abstract

The subject matter discloses a wobble system comprising a first wobbling weight, wherein the first wobbling weight is maneuvered rotationally; and wherein the first wobbling weight swings around a connection point when maneuvered rotationally. In some cases, the wobble system comprises a power unit and a first plate; wherein the first wobbling weight is connected to the first plate on a single point, such that the first wobbling weight swings around the single point; wherein the power unit generates rotational movement of the first plate. In some other cases, the wobble comprises two plates connected to opposite ends of the wobble system and rotate upon operation of the power unit.

Description

A MOTION MECHANISM IN A WEIGHT DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter relates generally to fitness devices, and more specifically to weight devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A dumbbell is a conventional weight training device that has long been used by body builders and others to improve their physical strength and appearance as part of a weight training or exercise program. Such a dumbbell typically includes a cylindrical gripping handle that carries a pair of weight plates at opposite ends thereof. In this regard, the weight plates are fixedly connected to the ends of the gripping handle.

Users of such dumbbells perform dozens of movements in order to strengthen their muscles. In many cases, the movements are routine, for example lifting the dumbbell up and lowering the dumbbell downward, working on a single muscle in a monotonic manner.

SUMMARY

The subject matter discloses a wobble system comprising a first wobbling weight, wherein the first wobbling weight is maneuvered rotationally; and wherein the first wobbling weight swings around a connection point when maneuvered rotationally. In some cases, the wobble system further comprises a power unit and a first plate; wherein the first wobbling weight is connected to the first plate on a single point, such that the first wobbling weight swings around the single point; wherein the power unit generates rotational movement of the first plate.

In some cases, the wobble system further comprises two plates connected to opposite ends of the wobble system and rotate upon operation of the power unit; a power unit operating to provide power used for rotational movement of the two plates; two wobbling weights, each weight is connected to one plate of the two plates at a single point of connection, such that each weight of the two wobbling weights swings around the single point of connection when the two plates rotate.

In some cases, the wobble system further comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, one plate of the two plates is connected to the first end and another plate of the two plates is connected to the second end.

In some cases, the wobble system further comprises a limiting unit connected to each of the two plates for limiting the swing of the two wobbling weights. In some cases, each of the two plates comprises two limiting units for limiting the swing of the two wobbling weights on two directions.

In some cases, the wobble system further comprises two balancing structures connected to each of the two plates for balancing the two wobbling weights and returning the two wobbling weights to their starting position when operating the wobble system. In some cases, the balancing structures are springs.

In some cases, the wobble system is encased. The wobble system may operate inside a dumbbell, a push up bar, a pedal or any other physical training device.

In some cases, the wobble system further comprises a control unit for controlling the rotational movement of the two plates. In some cases, the control unit further controls a direction in which the two plates rotate.

In some cases, the wobble system further comprises a spiral path in which the first wobbling weight moves when the system rotates. In some cases, the system rotates according to a user's operation of the system. In some cases, the wobble system rotates according to a motor operating to rotate the spiral path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary non-limited embodiments of the disclosed subject matter will be described, with reference to the following description of the embodiments, in conjunction with the figures. The figures are generally not shown to scale and any sizes are only meant to be exemplary and not necessarily limiting. Corresponding or like elements are optionally designated by the same numerals or letters.

Figures 1A and IB show a wobble system for wobbling an exercising weight, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter;

Figures 2A and 2B show an actuated wobble system, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter;

Figures 3A and 3B show a wobble system operating inside a dumbbell, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter;

Figures 4A and 4B show perspective cut views of a dumbbell comprising a wobble system, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a weight's additional movement generated by the wobble system on operation by a user, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter;

Figures 6A and 6B show a spiral shaped wobble system, having a weight located inside a spiral, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter; and, Fig.7 shows various embodiments of structures fitted with a wobble system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed subject matter provides for a weight device used for personal training. The weight device may be a kettlebell, dumbbell, weight belt device or may be incorporated in a training device as a weight or additional weight, for example in a chest press exercise device, leg-press, and the like. The wobble system of the disclosed subject matter includes at least one weight. In some cases, the weight device comprises two wobbling weights, a first wobbling weight and a second wobbling weight, according to the design of the device that comprises the wobble system. For example, a dumbbell device of the disclosed subject matter comprises a first wobbling weight and a second wobbling weight, located at two opposite sides of the dumbbell device. The first wobbling weight and a second wobbling weight move rotationally around a shaft, thereby creating an extra force applied on a user of the dumbbell device or any other exercising device in which the user maneuvers a weight, for example by pushing, pressing, lifting and the like. The first wobbling weight and the second wobbling weight may weigh the same or differ, and may include between 1-5000 grams of wobbling weight to change the force applied on a user of a dumbbell comprising the wobble system of the disclosed subject matter. The size and weight of at least one weight of the wobble system may be a function of the weight of the dumbbell device, for example 12 percent of the weight of the dumbbell device. The wobbling weights may be replaceable, according to fitness or user's requirements. The first wobbling weight and the second wobbling weight may be aligned or in an angle relative to one another.

Figures 1A and IB show a wobble system for wobbling an exercising weight, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. The wobble system shown from a first side view 100 in figure 1A and from a second side 101 view in figure IB.

In the first side view 100 of figure 1A, the wobble system comprises a power unit 102 used to generate movement of the first wobbling weight 11 1 and the second wobbling weight 119. The power unit 102 may be an engine, a motor, may include batteries or any other power source desired by a person skilled in the art. The power unit 102 may generate movement of a shaft 105 connecting the first wobbling weight 1 1 1 and the second wobbling weight. The first wobbling weight 111 and the second wobbling weight 1 19 are located in two opposite sides of the shaft 105. The power unit 102 may be fitted with a worm gear 103 and a spur gear 104 to rotate the shaft 105. In some exemplary cases, the worm gear 103 rotates the spur gear 104. The spur gear 104 is fitted with the shaft 105, such that rotation of the spur gear 104 generates rotation of the shaft 105. The shaft 105 then rotates a first plate 108 and a second plate 116 on which the first wobbling weight 111 and the second wobbling weight may be mounted respectively.

In some exemplary cases, the shaft 105 is connected to or comprises a first bearing 107 and a second bearing 106. The first bearing 107 and the second bearing 106 isolates the shaft 105 from the casing (not shown) thus allowing the wobbling system to rotate substantially free within the casing. The first bearing 107 and the second bearing 106 are configured to reduce friction once the wobble system 100 and 101 are encased.

The first wobbling weight 111 and the second wobbling weight rotate around the shaft 105. In some exemplary cases, each weight of the first wobbling weight 1 1 1 and the second wobbling weight 1 19 is connected to a plate using a connector. In addition to the rotational movement of the plate, each weight swings around a swing housing. The first wobbling weight 111 rotates by swinging around a first swing housing 110. The first swing housing 110 is connected to the first plate 108 using a first connector 109, wherein the first connector 109 is connected to first swing housing 1 10. The first wobbling weight 111 may be housed within the first swing housing 110, and swings relatively to the first plate 108 using the secure connection of the first swing housing 110. The second view 101 shows the second plate 116 and a second connector 1 17. The second connector 1 17 is connected to a second swing housing 118. The second wobbling weight 1 19 is housed within the second swing housing 118, thus the second wobbling weight 119 relatively swings around the second plate 1 16 while the second wobbling weight is attached to the second swing housing 1 18.

In some exemplary cases, the wobble system of first side view 100 further comprises a balancing structure. The balancing structure may comprise a first spring 113 connected between a first jag 112 of the first swing housing 110 and first cleat 1 14 of the first plate 108. The first cleat 114 connects the first spring 1 13 to the first plate 108. The first spring 113 is used to balance the first wobbling weight 111 when the wobble system is moved, such that the first wobbling weight 111 is returned to its starting position as described in this figure. The second side view 101 also depicts a balancing structure shaped as a second spring 121, connected between a second jag 120 of the second swing housing 118 and a second cleat 122 of the second plate 116. The second cleat 122 connects the second spring 121 to the second plate 1 16. The second spring 121 is used to balance the second wobbling weight 119 when the wobble system is moved, such that the second wobbling weight 119 is returned to its starting position as described in this figure.

In some exemplary cases, the wobble system of first side view 100 further comprises a limiting element. The limiting element is used to limit the swing movement of the first wobbling weight 111 and the second wobbling weight 1 19 around the first swing housing 110 and second swing housing 118, respectively. In such exemplary cases, the first plate 108 further comprises a first limiting unit 1 15 and second limiting unit (not shown) to limit the swinging of first wobbling weight 11 1 relative to the first plate 108 while the first plate 108 rotates. Similarly, the second plate 116 further comprises a third limiting unit 123 and fourth limiting projection (not shown) to limit the swinging of second wobbling weight 119 relative to the second plate 116 while the second plate 116 rotates.

In some exemplary cases, the wobble system further comprises a vibrating engine. The vibrating engine may include a vibration motor 124 connected to an unbalanced weight 125. The second motor 124 is fitted with the housing of the wobble system. The vibrating motor 124 adds vibration to the wobble created using the wobble system described above.

Figures 2A and 2B show an actuated wobble system, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. At first rotation 201, shown in figure 2A, the wobble system rotates to first direction 202. At second rotation 224, shown in figure 2B, the wobble system rotates to second direction 213.

In the present embodiment, a rotation source (not shown) is connected to a first shaft connection 204 of a first plate 203. Various rotation sources can be used for rotating the first shaft, such as a motor, an engine, and the like. In some exemplary cases, a rotation source is used to rotate the first plate and the second plate. In such case, the shaft is not used and the dumbbell comprises two separate wobble systems.

When the first plate 203 rotates, the first wobbling weight 205 swings around a first swing housing 206. The first swing housing 206 is connected to the first plate 203 using a first connector 207. The first rotation direction 202 of the first plate 203 swings the first wobbling weight 205 at the opposite direction of direction 202; toward a first limiting unit 208. A first spring 209, connected between a first jag 210 of the first swing housing 206 and a first cleat 211 of the first plate 203. The first spring 209 is unable to pull first swing housing 206 back to its resting position (as demonstrated in Fig.l) as long as the rotation force generated by the rotation of the first plate 203 is stronger than its pulling force.

The relative distance that first wobbling weight 205 will divert from its resting position (as demonstrated in Fig. l) is determined by the rotation direction 202, the rotation force versus the pulling force of the first spring 209, the location of the first limiting unit 208. The second limiting unit 212 limits the first swing housing 206 when the first plate 203 rotates against the direction 202.

At second rotation 224, disclosed in figure 2B, a second plate 214 rotates at a second direction 213 and a second wobbling weight 216 swings around a second swing housing 217. The second swing housing 217 is connected to second plate 214 using second connector 218.

The second direction 213 of the second plate 214 swings the second wobbling weight 216 at the opposite direction of direction 213; toward a third limiting unit 219. second spring 221, connected between second jag 220 of second swing housing 217 and second cleat 222 of second plate 214, can't pull second swing housing 217 back to its resting position (as demonstrated in Fig.l) as long as the rotation force generated by the rotation of second plate 214 is stronger than its pulling force.

The relative distance that the second wobbling weight 216 will divert from its resting position (as demonstrated in Fig.l) is determined by rotation direction 213, by a rotation force versus pulling force of second spring 221 and limited by the third limiting unit 219. A fourth limiting unit 223 limits the second swing housing 217 when the plate rotates opposite to second direction 213.

Each plate can be rotated at both directions 202 / 213. When both plates are connected, as demonstrated at Fig.l, both plates rotate at the same direction. An inversion system can be included, rotating each plate at opposite direction.

Figures 3A and 3B show a wobble system operating inside a dumbbell, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. A first view 300 of the dumbbell shown in figure 3A discloses dumbbell housing, including a control unit 302. The control unit 302 controls preferred settings of the wobble system, for example, the rotation direction, RPM (rounds per minutes), actuation of the vibration source, timers, and other exercise features. A second view 301 of the dumbbell shown in figure 3B discloses a power source 303. In the embodiment of figure 3B, the power source 303 is one or more batteries. The power source 303 can be rechargeable and include inlet for charging; removable batteries; and the like.

Figures 4A and 4B show perspective cut views of a dumbbell comprising a wobble system, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. The first side view 400 of Figure 4A shows two plates 410, 420 on two opposite ends of a shaft 430. When the shaft 430 rotates, a weight 440 connected to the plate 420 swings around a single point of connection between the weight 440 and the shaft 430. A control unit 450 may control the movement of the shaft 430. Batteries 460, 462, 464 are incorporated in the dumbbell. A first side casing 470 and a second side casing 480 are used to house the plates 410, 420. A middle casing 490 covers the shaft 430. The casings 470, 480, 490 may be of a single unit or structure. Similarly, the second side view 401 of Figure 4B shows two plates 411, 421 on two opposite ends of a shaft 431. When the shaft 431 rotates, a weight 441 connected to the plate 421 swings around a single point of connection between the weight 441 and the shaft 431. A first side casing 471 and a second side casing 481 are used to house the plates 411, 421. A middle casing 491 covers the shaft 431. The casings 471 , 481 , 491 may be of a single unit or structure.

The wobble system fits inside the dumbbell, as can be seen at the first side view 400 and second side view 401, thus the wobble system add wobble movement to the user of the dumbbell, changing the forces applied on the user when exercising, when the wobble system is actuated. Additional weights can be added to the dumbbell housing, creating heavier dumbbells.

. A user of a dumbbell comprising the wobble system of the subject matter moves the dumbbell from a first location 500 to a second location 501, and vice versa. The swing movement of weights with the wobble system actuated, provides an additional force to be applied on the user of the wobble system. The direction of the additional force is disclosed in wobbly movement 502 in which the direction is of a spiral shape.

Figures 6A and 6B show a spiral shaped wobble system, having a weight located inside a spiral, according to some exemplary embodiments of the subject matter. In figure 6A, the wobble system 600 rotates on a first direction 601. The first direction 601 may be counterclockwise. The wobble system 600 comprises a spiral path in which the weight moves when a shaft connected to the wobble system rotates. The weight 603 is located at a first end of the spiral 602. The second end of the spiral 602 is towards the center of the spiral 602, depending on the size of the weight 603. The spiral may rotate using a motor, without regard to the shaft (not shown). A connector 604 connects the wobble system 600 to a dumbbell.

At first end of first spiral 602, the generated wobble is stronger than the wobble generated at a second view 605 disclosed in Figure 6B. The second view 605 shows a weight 608 at the second end of a second spiral 607. Rotating spiral 607, using a motor (not shown) or another power unit, connected to a second connector 609 that connects the spiral to a dumbbell, slides second wobbling weight 608 along the spiral.

Each spiral end can include anchoring system, such as for example magnets, a niche, a friction surface; and the like, to position the weight during rotation of the spiral. This embodiment of the wobble system can be included with an exercise weight, as shown at previous figures.

Fig.7 shows various embodiments of structures fitted with a wobble system, including snap on 701 ; kettle-bell 702; one-side dumbbell 703; and palm weight 704.

Each structure, and other exercising systems that includes weight, can be used for exercising with the wobble system disclosed above. The wobble system may also be embedded in various devices operated by the user's foot, for example a bicycle pedal, a squat pedal and the like. The wobble system may be embedded in a push up bar, even when used without weights. Such push up bar may include one weight that wobbles, two wobbling weights, and in some cases, more than two wobbling weights, according to user's desire and exercising plan.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but only by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A wobble system comprising a first wobbling weight, wherein the first wobbling weight is maneuvered rotationally; and wherein the first wobbling weight swings around a connection point when maneuvered rotationally.

2. The wobble system of claim 1, further comprising a power unit and a first plate; wherein the first wobbling weight is connected to the first plate on a single point, such that the first wobbling weight swings around the single point; wherein the power unit generates rotational movement of the first plate.

3. The wobble system of claim 1, further comprising:

two plates connected to opposite ends of the wobble system and rotate upon operation of the power unit;

a power unit operating to provide power used for rotational movement of the two plates;

two wobbling weights, each weight is connected to one plate of the two plates at a single point of connection, such that each weight of the two wobbling weights swings around the single point of connection when the two plates rotate.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprises a shaft having a first end and a second end, one plate of the two plates is connected to the first end and another plate of the two plates is connected to the second end.

5. The system of claim 3, further comprises a limiting unit connected to each of the two plates for limiting the swing of the two wobbling weights.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the two plates comprises two limiting units for limiting the swing of the two wobbling weights on two directions.

7. The system of claim 3, further comprises two balancing structures connected to each of the two plates for balancing the two wobbling weights and returning the two wobbling weights to their starting position when operating the wobble system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the balancing structures are springs.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the wobble system is encased.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the wobble system operates inside a dumbbell.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the wobble system operates inside a push up bar.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the wobble system operates inside a pedal.

13. The system of claim 3, further comprises a control unit for controlling the rotational movement of the two plates.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the control unit further controls a direction in which the two plates rotate.

15. The system of claim 1, further comprises a spiral path in which the first wobbling weight moves when the system rotates.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the system rotates according to a user's operation of the system.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the system rotates according to a motor operating to rotate the spiral path.