GB2222087A

GB2222087A - Vibrating machine

Info

Publication number: GB2222087A
Application number: GB8817582A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Baxter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-07-22
Filing date: 1988-07-22
Publication date: 1990-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2008-07-22
Also published as: GB2222087B; GB8817582D0

Abstract

A vibrating machine comprises a motor to which is attached an eccentric nut such that when operating, the nut spins around an axis and resulting vibrations are transmitted or transferred to any body in contact with a part of the machine, the machine being used for body tone-up, weight loss or other therapeutic purposes. <IMAGE>

Description

VIBRATING MACHINE This invention relates to a vibrating machine.

Vibrating machines are well known, being devices, whereby the vibrations set up by a motor or other means are transferred or transmitted to the article in contact with the vibrating component of the machine. Some forms of such vibrating machines are used to transfer or transmit the vibrations to the human body.

It is also well known that the practise of jogging or taking muscular exercise can in many cases be therapeutically beneficial to the person undergoing the exercises. The beneficial effect may manifest itself in a number of ways, including an improvement in the circulatory system and "toningup" of the muscles of the legs. The process of "toning-up" is usually followed by a period of muscle relaxation not only of the lower limbs but of the whole body.

In order to achieve this therapeutic affect it has often been necessary in the past to undergo exercise under conditions which are not conducive to relaxation, for example out-of-doors when raining or cold.

According to the present invention there is provided a vibrating machine comprising a motor to which is attached an eccentric nut such that when operating, the nut spins around an axis and resulting vibrations are transmitted or transfered to any body in contact with a part of the machine.

The motor is preferably connected by any of a variety of means to a device which transmits or transfers the vibrations produced to whatever is in contact with the device.

In a specific embodiment of the invention the machine comprises a means of transmitting or transferring vibrations to a person whereby a motor, preferably an electric motor, to which is attached an eccentric nut, transmits or transfers vibrations to a plate on which there is situated a person.

The plate is preferably one on which the person stands and by vibration confers a pleasant, stimulating or soothing sensation to the legs and body.

In one embodiment, which will be described with reference to Fig. 1 there is provided a machine which may be called a "lazy jogger" and is preferably coin operated. The main components of the machine are made from formed sheet metal. A lockable access door (12) is set into the front panel. The body is preferably finished in a powder paint-type finish, providing an attractive weather-resistant coating, enabling the machine to be used out-of-doors. A plastic panel attached to the body of the machine displays a set of instructions for its use.

The footplate is shown at 4, the motor at 7, and the eccentric nut assembly at 6.

Internal to the machine, there is a baseplate as shown in Fig.2. The base plate is preferably constructed of steel and is fitted with mounting brackets to which the motor is attached.

A footplate, on which a person preferably stands and is preferably constructed of aluminium is attached to the baseplate. In the Fig.2 a steel base plate is shown as 3, with a steel plate 8 attached and fitted with motor mounting brackets and bolts as shown as 1. A cast aluminium footplate is shown as 4.

In more detail, a preferred embodiment is shown in Fig.3. where the anti-vibration mountings of the motor are numbered 2. These anti-vibration mountings prevent vibrations being transferred to the rest of the machine. The motor is shown to be mounted on the baseplate which is connected to the footplate, thee motor mounting bolts being shown as 5, the baseplate shown as 3, the footplate shown as 4, fixing bolts for footplate to baseplate shown as 1.

In even greater detail, Fig.4 shows the motor with a preferred eccentric nut assembly, where the electric motor is shown at 7, the motor-mounting plate is shown at 8, the baseplate shown at 3, the anti-vibration mountings shown at 2 and the eccentric nut assembly shown at 6.

Although the invention has been described with reference especially to the preferred embodiment other features may be incorporated. For example, the footplate may be constructed of a tough plastic material. Similarly the means whereby the vibrations are transferred or transmitted to a person may be other than a footplate. Therapeutically it may be advantageous to use a surface on which a person can sit or lie.

Alternatively, the vibrating device may be in the form of a belt or supporting means.

Under some conditions of use it is preferred to have the machine on a timed action, using a coin mechanism. This is illustrated in Fig.1. Where 11 is a means for inserting coins.

tokens or cards, 10 is an electric timer actuated by the coin, token or card, 13 is the cash box and 19 is the lockable door.

When, as is usual, the motor is an electric motor, power leads are shown at 15 in Fig.1.

Although the rate of vibrations of the motor is not critical, it must not be such that discomfort is experienced. A suitable vibration effect has been found to be achieved using a motor of 5 horse power operating at 2000 to 3000 rpi.

Claims

1. A vibrating machine which comprises a motor to which is attached an eccentric nut such that when operating, the nut spins around an axis and resulting vibrations are transmitted or transferred to any body in contact with a part of the machine.

2. A vibrating machine as claimed in claim 1 in which the motor is connected by any of a variety of means to a device which transmits or transfers the vibrations produced to whatever is in contact with the device.

3. A vibrating machine as claimed in claims 1 and 2 in which the motor is an electric motor.

4. A vibrating machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the vibrating part is a base plate.

5. A vibrating machine as claimed in claim 4 in which the base plate is constructed of metal.

6. A vibrating machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the foot plate is constructed of aluminum.

7. A vibrating machine as claimed in claims 1 to 5 in which the foot plate is constructed of a plastic material.

8. A vibrating machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the material from which the machine is constructed is metal.

9. A vibrating machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which there is provided a timing action, optionally operated by coins, tokens and/or cards.

10. A vibrating machine as claimed in any of the preceding claims in which a vibrating action is provided by a belt or support means.

11. A vibrating machine as hereinbefore described with particular reference to the drawings.

12. The manufacture of a vibrating machine as herein described and claimed, with particular reference to the drawings.

13. Use of a vibrating machine as hereinbefore described to produce vibrations which lead to body tone-up and optionally weight loss.