WO2017197597A1

WO2017197597A1 - A handheld fitness device and a method of manufacturing thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2017197597A1
Application number: PCT/CN2016/082485
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hiu Ying LAM; Chi Kuen LAM
Original assignee: Lam Hiu Ying
Priority date: 2016-05-18
Filing date: 2016-05-18
Publication date: 2017-11-23

Abstract

A handheld fitness device (10), and a method of manufacturing thereof. The device (10) comprises a resilient head portion (20) having one or more engaging units (22) for engaging a body part of a user; a handle portion (30) for gripping by the user; wherein the head portion (20) is arranged to be flexibly connected with the handle portion (30) such that, when the handle portion (30) is manipulated by the user, the head portion (20) is made movable relative to the handle portion (30) as a consequence of the user's manipulation thereby engaging a body part of the user.

Description

Title of Invention: A Handheld Fitness Device and A Method of

Manufacturing Thereof

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates generally to a fitness device and, particularly but not exclusively, to a handheld device for use in fitness or healthy living related activities such as, but not limited to, massage and/or exercise.

Background Art

[0002] With the growing consciousness of people's fitness and wellbeing in the modern world, massage has been receiving more and more acceptance from the general public. In particular, the general perception on the activity of "massage" has appeared to shift from being merely a luxurious service provided in a spa or a health club, to a health- promoting fitness activity for all ages. It is also recognized that massage is becoming a useful part of one's fitness routine, which complements physical exercise or even as a form of treatment in one's physical therapeutic regimen.

[0003] Massage is a general term for applying pressure by the action of, for example,

pressing, rubbing and/or manipulating a massage receiver's body parts such as skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments conducted by a masseuse, a therapist or, more recently, powered massage devices. Massage is known for the benefits of, for example, relieving stress and pain in muscles and promoting blood circulation in the receiver's body.

[0004] To meet the desire in having body parts massaged whenever a relief to muscle

tensions or body fatigues is needed, various portable massage devices have been developed to assist one to conduct self-massage of body parts, without being restricted by the prerequisites of having suitable facilities such as a massage table or even a masseuse to conduct the massage. Nevertheless, many of the portable massage devices in the market are either too bulky and/or heavy which significantly limit their applications. Some of the portable massage devices are also configured with complicated designs which impose difficulties in usage and also, during the manufacturing processes. Furthermore, most of these devices are of complicated construction and consequently relatively expensive to manufacture.

Technical Problem

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a handheld fitness device.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to mitigate or obviate to some degree one or more problems associated with known fitness devices, or at least to provide a useful alternative.

[0007] The above objects are met by the combination of features of the main claims; the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] One skilled in the art will derive from the following description other objects of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing statements of object are not exhaustive and serve merely to illustrate some of the many objects of the present invention.

Solution to Problem

Technical Solution

[0009] In a first main aspect, the invention provides a handheld fitness device. The device comprises a resilient head portion for engaging a body part of a user, and a handle portion for gripping by the user. The head portion is arranged to be flexibly connected with the handle portion such that, when the handle portion is manipulated by the user, the head portion is made movable relative to the handle portion as a consequence of the user' s manipulation thereby engaging a body part of the user. The resilience of the head portion is such that engagement of the head portion with a user's body presses, rubs and/or manipulates the area of contact of the head portion with the user's body.

[0010] In a second main aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a

handheld fitness device according to the first main aspect. The method comprises: providing a resilient head portion for engaging a body part of a user; providing a handle portion for gripping by the user; and arranging the head portion to flexibly connect with the handle portion such that, when the handle portion is manipulated by the user, the head portion is made movable relative to the handle portion as a consequence of the user's manipulation thereby engaging a body part of the user.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

Advantageous Effects

[0011] The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all the features essential for defining the invention; the invention may reside in a sub-combination of the disclosed features.

Brief Description of Drawings

Description of Drawings

[0012] The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figure, of which:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the handheld fitness device of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing part of the device of Figure 1;

[0015] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing part of the internal structure of the device of Figure 1; and

[0016] Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing part of the internal structure of the device of Figure 1.

Mode for the Invention

Mode for Invention

[0017] The following description is of preferred embodiments by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

[0018] Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0019] Referring to Fig. 1, shown is a preferred embodiment of the handheld fitness device 10 of the present invention. The device 10 comprises a resilient head portion 20 for engaging one or more body parts of a user, and a handle portion 30 for gripping by the user. Specifically, the head portion 20 is arranged to be flexibly connected with the handle portion 30 such that, when the handle portion 30 or a remote (proximal) end of the handle portion 30 is manipulated by the user in use, the head portion 20 is made movable relative to the handle portion 30 as a consequence of the user's manipulation thereby engaging one or more body parts of the user to provide the required pressure to "massage" the body parts.

[0020] In the context of this description, the term "manipulation" refers to any suitable actions of the user such as, but are not limited to, moving, controlling, handling, applying, operating, swinging, waving, oscillating, rotating or the like the handle portion 30 or an end of the handle portion 30, with an intention to cause the head portion of the handheld device of the present invention to engage one or more body parts of the same or a different user so as to achieve the effect of a massage.

[0021] Particularly, the resilient head portion 20 of the device 10 may comprise one or more engaging units 22 for engaging the body parts of the user. For example, as shown in the embodiment of Fig. 1, the head portion 20 comprises three engaging units 22a, 22b and 22c aligned in a row towards the handle portion 30. The engaging units 22 can be configured with identical resiliency or preferably different resiliencies, i.e. different moduli of elasticity. For example, in this embodiment, the engaging units 22a, 22b and 22c are of increasing stiffness towards the handle portion 30, i.e. with the engaging unit 22c being the stiffest and the engaging unit 22a being the softest among the three units.

[0022] In one embodiment, the engaging units 22 may each comprises a core member 24, with the one or more core members 24a, 24b and 24c of the respective engaging units 22a, 22b, 22c being arranged to be covered by a cover member 40, as shown in Fig. 2. At least one of the core members 24 is preferred to be formed of one or more resilient materials, such as but are not limited to, synthetic rubbers, foams, sponges or the like.

[0023] The cover member 40 can be formed of one or more fabric materials. Preferably, the fabric materials are resilient and stretchable materials, and more preferably, are the so- called "2-way stretch" fabrics which are stretchable in one direction, i.e. either crosswise or lengthwise (in contrast to the 4-way stretch fabrics which are stretchable in both directions, i.e. both crosswise and lengthwise). In this preferred embodiment, the one or more fabric materials forming the cover member 40 are "2-way stretch" materials arranged such that the cover member 40 is adapted to stretch along a longitudinal axis (i.e. lengthwise) of the device 10, but is not stretchable to any practical extent along a transverse axis (i.e. crosswise) of the device 10.. In yet a further embodiment, the one or more fabric materials forming the cover member 40 are "4-way stretch" materials arranged such that the cover member 40 is substantially less stretchable along the transverse axis (i.e. crosswise) than along the longitudinal axis (i.e. lengthwise) of the device 10.

[0024] The cover member 40 can be arranged in the form of a sleeve-like member extending longitudinally away from the one or more engaging units 22 and along the length of the device 10 to form the handle portion 30. For example, in the embodiment as shown in the internal view of Fig. 3, the cover member 40 is adapted to sleeve over and accommodate the core members 24 therein at a distal end 42 of the sleeve-like member, and to extend longitudinally away from the core members 24 to form the handle portion 30.

[0025] The cover member 40 is of a simple structure and is relatively easy to manufacture.

For example, in one embodiment, the one or more fabric materials forming the cover member 40 may first form a sheet material, with at least two opposing sides of the sheet material being then connected, for example, via stitching 45 (see Figs. 1 and 2), to form the sleeve-like, cylindrical body (see Fig. 3). The cylindrical body of the cover member 40 may then be arranged to accommodate the one or more core members 24 at its distal end 42, and to form the handle portion 30 at its proximal end 44.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1 and also the magnified view of Fig. 2, the engaging units 22 are preferably arranged to be separated from, but adjacent to, one another, and are kept in place within the cover member 40 via one or more fixing means 50. Specifically, the one or more fixing means 50 may comprise one or more knots, which are, in this em- bodiment, knots 52, 54, with knots 52 substantially overlaying and covering respective knots 54. Furthermore, the head portion 20 and the handle portion 30, or more specifically, a junction between the engaging unit 22c and the handle portion 30, forms a connection via a connecting means 55. The connecting means 55 may comprise one or more knots 56, 58 as shown in Fig. 1, with knot 56 substantially overlaying and covering knot 58. Preferably, the knots of the fixing means 50 and/or the connecting means 55 are formed of elongate materials of different elasticities. For example, the "outer knots" 52a, 52b and 56 are formed of one or more materials which are more elastic than those forming the "inner knots" 54a, 54b and 58. In other words, the "inner knots" 54a, 54b and 58 are formed of materials which are less elastic than those forming the "outer knots" 52a, 52b and 56. This arrangement is advantageous to provide tight fastenings at the connections and at the same time, allow a soft skin feel when the head portion 20 is arranged to touch or hit on the user's skin in use. In one specific embodiment, the "inner knots" 54a, 54b and 58 are formed of one or more rigid or fairly rigid, plastic materials, whereas the "outer knots" 52a, 52b and 56 are formed of one or more elastic elongate fabric materials. It will be understood that other forms of fixing means 50 and/or connecting means 55 may be employed in some embodiments such as stitching the cover sleeve, stapling the cover sleeve, heat welding the cover sleeve, etc.

[0027] In another embodiment, an intermediate layer can be provided between the cover member 40 and the core members 24. The intermediate layer can be formed of one or more fabric materials, and preferably, at least one of the fabric materials is non- stretchable. The intermediate layer is adapted to at least partially cover the core members 24 within the external cover member 40 so as to provide additional strength to the head portion 20 of the device 10. In one embodiment, the core members 24 are arranged to be substantially covered by the intermediate layer within the cover member 40. Optionally, one or more fixing means, which can be arranged in a similar manner to that of the fixing means 50 as described above, can be provided at or over the intermediate layer to keep the core members 24 in place therein.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the device 10 may further comprise a securing means 60 for securing the device 10 to the user in use, for example, for securing the device 10 to the wrist or forearm of the user so that the device 10 may not accidentally fly off the user's hand during the swinging action. Preferably, the securing means 60 is arranged at the handle portion 30 and more preferably, the securing means 60 is provided as a loop structure with part of the loop preferably lining around the circular open end 46 of the handle portion 30. For example, the securing means 60 can be configured to comprise one or more elastic portions such as elastic bands for elastically fastening device 10 with the user' s wrist or forearm. [0029] Optionally, the device 10 may further comprise a strengthening member 70 arranged at the handle portion 30 for strengthening the handle portion 30. In the embodiment as shown in Fig. 4, the strengthening member 70 is arranged to extend longitudinally along the handle portion 30. The strengthening member 70 can be configured in the form of, for example, a line structure, a loop structure (as shown in Fig. 4), or to comprise multiple separate pieces or an interconnected network of pieces. Preferably, the strengthening member 70 is arranged within the sleeve-like, cover member 40 of the handle portion 30, although it is also apparent that the strengthening member 70 can be arranged anywhere at the handle portion 30 in any suitable manner which serves to strengthen the handle portion 70 and preferably limit an amount of its longitudinal stretching.

[0030] The strengthening member 70 may be connected to the handle 30 by way, for

example, adhesive or stitching at one or more points along the length of the inner surface of the handle portion 3. In the embodiment as shown in Fig, 4 the loop shape strengthening member 70 is stitched at the inner surface of the cover member 40 at two points, i.e. one at the circular open end 46 and the other at the junction between the head portion 20 and the handle portion 30.

[0031] Preferably, at least one of the engaging units 22 is of a spherical shape as shown in the figures. Nevertheless, the skilled person would appreciate that the engaging units 22 should not be limited to only spherical shapes, although these are preferred. Any variations in shape such as, but not limited to, an ellipsoid, a spherical polyhedron or the like, would also be encompassed by the present invention. In addition, the head portion 20 may further comprise one or more small- sized protrusions such as bumps or round-headed stubs to increase the intensity of the applied pressure and/or improve the skin feel when the head portion 20 is made to engage the body parts, etc.

[0032] In one specific embodiment, it is preferred that lengths of the head portion 20 and the handle portion 30 are arranged substantially in a ratio of about 1: 1, with the length of the head portion 20 (or the handle portion 30) in a range of about 15-20 cm, preferably 19 cm.

[0033] In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing the handheld fitness device 10. The method comprises the steps of providing a resilient head portion 20 for engaging a body part of a user; providing a handle portion 30 for gripping by the user; and arranging the head portion 20 to flexibly connect with the handle portion 30 such that, when the handle portion 20 is manipulated by the user, the head portion 30 is made movable relative to the handle portion 20 as a consequence of the user's manipulation thereby engaging a body part of the user.

[0034] Specifically, the steps of providing a head portion 20 and a handle portion 30 comprise providing a cover member 40 adapted to cover one or more core members 24 to form one or more engaging units 22 of the head portion 20, and that the cover member 40 is arranged to extend longitudinally and away from the one or more engaging units 22 to form the handle portion 30.

[0035] More specifically, the step of providing a cover member 40 may comprise providing a sheet material formed of one or more fabric materials; and connecting at least two opposing sides of the sheet material to form a sleeve-like, cylindrical body for accommodating the one or more core members 24. The method may further comprise a step of closing an opening at a distal end 42 of the cylindrical body, at which end the core members 24 are to be accommodated.

[0036] The step of forming one or more engaging units 22 further comprises providing one or more fixing means 50 between two adjacent engaging units 22. Specifically, the step of arranging the fixing means 50 comprises tying one or more knots 52 and/or 54 between the two adjacent engaging units 22 over the cover member 40. Specifically, the step comprises tying the one or more knots 52 to substantially overlay or cover the one or more knots 54, with the knots 52 being formed of materials which are relatively more elastic than those of the knots 54.

[0037] Furthermore, the step of arranging the head portion 20 to flexibly connect with the handle portion 30 comprises arranging one or more connecting means 55 between the handle portion 30 and the adjacent engaging unit 22c. Specifically, the step of arranging the connecting means 55 comprises tying one or more knots 56 and/or 58 between the handle portion 30 and the adjacent engaging unit 22c. Specifically, the step comprises tying the knot 56 to substantially overlay or cover the knot 58, with the knot 56 being formed of materials which are relatively more elastic than those of the knot 58.

[0038] The method of manufacturing the handheld fitness device 10 may further comprise a step of arranging a securing means 60 at the device 10 for securing the device 10 with a user in use, for example, for securing to the wrist or the forearm of the user. Optionally, the method may further comprise a step of providing a strengthening member 70 at the handle portion 30 of the device such as, by stitching the strengthening member 70 at the inner surface of the cover member 40 of the handle portion 30.

[0039] The present invention is advantageous in that it provides a compact and light-weight handheld fitness device which enables a user to massage their body parts in a simple and user friendly manner whilst exercising at least their arms. For example, the user may massage the back side of their upper body by simply swinging the device over their shoulder or around the body such that the resilient head portion of the device is adapted to resiliency hit onto the body parts of interest to thereby apply the required pressure for relieving muscle tensions and/or assisting circulation of body fluids. For a more intense massage experience, the user may utilize two devices at a time, one at each hand, to double up the massaging effect and increase the exercise effort. In addition, the fitness device of the present invention may further be applied only as an exercise tool, for example, for exercising and stretching the arm portions of the user during the swinging action without necessarily engaging the body. The device of the present invention can thus allow benefits of both massaging and exercising at the same time or be used only as an exercise device or even as only a massaging device - the latter being true where one person is using the device to massage another person. Furthermore, the fitness device of the present invention is easy, simple and relatively non- expensive to manufacture.

[0040] The present description illustrates the principles of the present invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope.

[0041] Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future, i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure.

[0042] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.

[0043] In the claims hereof, any element expressed as a means for performing a specified function is intended to encompass any way of performing that function. The invention as defined by such claims resides in the fact that the functionalities provided by the various recited means are combined and brought together in the manner which the claims call for. It is thus regarded that any means that can provide those functionalities are equivalent to those shown herein.

[0044] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

A handheld fitness device, comprising:

a resilient head portion for engaging a body part of a user;

a handle portion for gripping by the user;

wherein the head portion is arranged to be flexibly connected with the handle portion such that, when the handle portion is manipulated by the user, the head portion is made movable relative to the handle portion as a consequence of the user' s manipulation thereby engaging a body part of the user.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 1, wherein the head portion comprises one or more engaging units for engaging a body part of the user.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more engaging units comprise a plurality of engaging units with different resiliencies.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more engaging units comprise a plurality of engaging units aligned in a row towards the handle portion.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of engaging units are of increasing stiffness towards the handle portion. The handheld fitness device according to claim 2, wherein the one or more engaging units each comprises a core member, with the one or more core members covered by a cover member, the cover member is formed of one or more fabric materials.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the core members of the one or more engaging units is resilient. The handheld fitness device according to claim 6, wherein the one or more fabric materials of the cover member are resilient.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 8, wherein the cover member is adapted to stretch along a longitudinal axis of the device.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 9, wherein the cover member is less stretchable along a transverse axis than the longitudinal axis of the device.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 9, wherein the cover member is not stretchable along a transverse axis of the device.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 6, further comprising an intermediate layer arranged between the cover member and the one or more core members to at least partially cover the one or more core members within the cover member.

[Claim 13] The handheld fitness device according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate layer is formed of one or more fabric materials.

[Claim 14] The handheld fitness device according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the one or more fabric materials forming the intermediate layer is non-stretchable.

[Claim 15] The handheld fitness device according to claim 6, wherein the cover member extends longitudinally along the device and away from the one or more engaging units to form the handle portion.

[Claim 16] The handheld fitness device according to claim 6, wherein the one or more fabric materials of the cover member form a sheet material, with at least two opposing sides connected to form a cylindrical body, the cylindrical body of the cover member is adapted to accommodate the one or more core members at a distal end, and to form the handle portion at a proximal end.

[Claim 17] The handheld fitness device according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of engaging units are arranged to separate from one another and are kept in place via one or more fixing means.

[Claim 18] The handheld fitness device according to claim 17, wherein the one or more fixing means comprise one or more knots.

[Claim 19] The handheld fitness device according to claim 1, wherein the head portion and the handle portion are connected via a connecting means. [Claim 20] The handheld fitness device according to claim 19, wherein the connecting means comprises one or more knots.

[Claim 21] The handheld fitness device according to claim 18 or 20, wherein the one or more knots comprise a plurality of knots formed of materials of different elasticities.

[Claim 22] The handheld fitness device according to claim 21, wherein the knot formed of a more elastic material is arranged to overlay the knot formed of a less elastic material.

[Claim 23] The handheld fitness device according to claim 1, further

comprising a securing means for securing the device with the user in use.

[Claim 24] The handheld fitness device according to claim 23, wherein the securing means is arranged at the handle portion.

[Claim 25] The handheld fitness device according to claim 1, further comprising a strengthening member at the handle portion.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 25, wherein the strengthening member is arranged to extend longitudinally along the handle portion.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the engaging units is of a spherical shape.

The handheld fitness device according to claim 1, wherein lengths of the head portion and the handle portion are arranged substantially in a ratio of about 1:1.

A method of manufacturing a handheld fitness device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of:

providing a resilient head portion for engaging a body part of a user; providing a handle portion for gripping by the user; and

arranging the head portion to flexibly connect with the handle portion such that, when the handle portion is manipulated by the user, the head portion is made movable relative to the handle portion as a consequence of the user's manipulation thereby engaging a body part of the user.

The method according to claim 29, wherein the steps of providing a head portion and providing a handle portion comprise providing a cover member adapted to cover one or more core members to form one or more engaging units of the head portion, the cover member is arranged to extend longitudinally and away from the one or more engaging units to form the handle portion.

The method according to claim 30, wherein the step of providing a cover member comprises:

providing a sheet material formed of one or more fabric materials; and connecting at least two opposing sides of the sheet material to form a cylindrical body for accommodating the one or more core members.

The method according to claim 30, wherein the step of forming one or more engaging units further comprises providing one or more fixing means between two adjacent engaging units.

The method according to claim 30, further comprising a step of providing an intermediate layer between the cover member and the one or more core members to at least partially cover the one or more core members within the cover member.

The method according to claim 32, wherein the step of arranging one or more fixing means comprises tying one or more knots between the two adjacent engaging units over the cover member.

The method according to claim 29, wherein the step of arranging the head portion to flexibly connect with the handle portion comprises arranging one or more connecting means between the handle portion and one adjacent engaging unit.

The method according to claim 35, wherein the step of arranging one or more connecting means comprises tying one or more knots between the handle portion and the adjacent engaging unit.

The method according to claim 31, further comprising a step of closing an opening at a distal end of the cylindrical body at which end the one or more core members are to be accommodated.

The method according to claim 29, further comprising a step of arranging a securing means at the device for securing the device with a user in use.

method according to claim 29, further comprising a step of providing a strengthening member at the handle portion of the device.