| Fitness machine -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Fitness machineRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Having Specific Electrical FeatureFitness machine description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070173376, Fitness machine. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] The present invention relates to a fitness machine for training the body, comprising a frame with a vibrating element and a vibration generator operatively connected to the vibrating element. [0002] Such a fitness machine has been known since back in the nineteen sixties and is often used by such people as top sports players and persons recovering from an injury. [0003] The known fitness machine of the type mentioned in the preamble is put on the market, inter alia, under the name of Power Plate.RTM.. This known fitness machine is in the form of a vibrating plate placed on a frame positioned low down, close to the ground, in the case of which a user can go and stand on the vibrating plate, or can assume other positions, during the training. The vibrating plate in this case generates vibrations, which are transmitted as energy to the user's body. The mechanical stimulus generated as a result produces a so-called stretch reflex, which occurs a certain number of times per second depending on the set frequency of the vibrating plate. The result of this is that the muscles are continuously tensed very hard. It has been found that the use of such a vibrating plate produces a very great effect when used for a short training period, and there is less strain on the locomotor system than is the case with conventional training methods. Beneficial effects of vibrating stimulation of the body are described in, inter alia, the Journal of Sports Sciences, 1999, 17, pp. 177-182. [0004] A problem in the case of the abovementioned known fitness machine is that the training load cannot be varied to the desired degree, at least not by adapting the movement stroke, i.e. the distance covered in the course of a vibration. [0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution to the abovementioned problem and other problems. A further object of the present invention is to provide a cheap and simple solution to the abovementioned problem and other problems. [0006] To that end, the present invention provides a fitness machine for training the body, comprising a frame with a vibrating element, a vibration generator operatively connected to the vibrating element, and a vibration damper, it being possible to set the vibration damper in such a way that said vibration damper can absorb to a selected degree vibrations produced by the vibrating element, as a result of which a training load desired by the user can be obtained. [0007] The fitness machine according to the invention makes it possible in a very simple and elegant manner to adjust the training load to the requirements of a user. This is particularly advantageous if the fitness machine is being used in, for example, a sports college, where different people with different training loads are using one and the same fitness machine. [0008] The frame of a fitness machine according to the invention can be designed in many ways. The frame generally serves to accommodate and support the vibrating element and the vibration generator operatively connected to it. [0009] The vibration generator of the fitness machine according to the invention can be designed in many ways, so long as the envisaged effect can be produced. The vibration generator generally comprises a vibration-absorbing material, such as, for example, natural or synthetic rubber, or another suitable plastic. [0010] The person skilled in the art will quickly understand what is meant by `training load`, namely the difficulty of the exercise being performed on the fitness machine according to the invention. [0011] If desired, the frame of the fitness machine according to the invention, in addition to having the abovementioned vibration damper, can be provided on the underside with vibration-absorbing means, in order to prevent damage to the floor during use of the fitness machine according to the invention. The person skilled in the art will quickly understand that these vibration-absorbing means are not the same as the vibration damper, since they serve another purpose. [0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the fitness machine according to the invention, the vibration damper is at least partially removable. [0013] This means that part of the vibration-absorbing capacity of the vibration damper can be taken away, as a result of which a different training load can be obtained. [0014] When the machine is in use the vibration damper is preferably placed between the vibrating element and the user, thus providing an efficient absorption of vibrations. [0015] According to a very advantageous embodiment of the fitness machine according to the invention, the vibration damper comprises one or more plates made of a vibration-absorbing `material`. [0016] The desired training load can be obtained in a simple manner by removing or adding the desired number of plates. It is preferably possible here for the plates to be attachable to each other, for example by means of Velcro, a snap fastener etc. This prevents one or more of the plates from becoming detached from the fitness machine during use, which is, of course, undesirable. [0017] According to a very elegant embodiment of the fitness machine according to the invention, the vibration damper comprises plates with a differing vibration absorption capacity. The vibration damper preferably comprises three plates, the thickness of which determines the degree of vibration absorption, and in the case of which the thickness ratio of the three plates is approx. 1:0.5:0.25. [0018] This means that the training load can be selected in a simple manner with great precision, which minimizes the risk of injuries. [0019] The person skilled in the art will understand that the training load of the fitness machine according to the invention is in principle adjustable over a wide range. Very good training results are, however, obtainable if the training load is adjustable between 1 and 6 G, more preferably between 1.6 and 3.2 G, as measured with an accelerator of the type that is used, inter alia, at the Catholic University in Leuven, Belgium, for measuring training loads. [0020] The vibrating element also preferably comprises a plate which extends substantially horizontally. [0021] This enables the user to assume a comfortable position during the training on the fitness machine according to the invention. The plate of the vibrating element can have any desired cross section, such as round, square, rectangular etc. [0022] It has also been found advantageous if the frequency of the vibration generator is adjustable in such a way that the vibrating element can vibrate at a vibration frequency between 20 and 80 Hz, preferably between 25 and 60 Hz. It has been found that the best training results are obtained if the vibration generator is set in such a way that the vibrating element can vibrate at a vibration frequency between 30 and 45 Hz. [0023] It is further preferable in the case of the fitness machine according to the invention for the frame to comprise a support which the user can grip. The support preferably comprises a display on which training data can be shown. [0024] The present invention also relates to a vibration damper, which is obviously intended for a fitness machine according to the invention. Continue reading about Fitness machine... Full patent description for Fitness machine Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Fitness machine patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Fitness machine or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Yoga belt and method of use Next Patent Application: Method and apparatus for detecting types of exercise Industry Class: Exercise devices ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Fitness machine patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.70469 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
