Abstract:
A wearable rhythmic device and method for imparting vibrational rhythms to the wearer is described. The device generally includes wearable band having a housing connected thereto, and a rhythm and vibration mechanism contained within the housing. Use of the device may induce different states of mind and physiological states in a wearer, varying from active and energetic alertness to relaxation.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to wearable therapeutic device for men and women. Specifically, the device may be said to relate to functional jewelry. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rhythmic or vibrating device, such as a bracelet, for positively affecting physical, physiological, and/or psychological states in men and women. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Rhythmic beats have been known to induce different mind sets and physiological states in people since the dawn of time. Military and ritualistic drum beats are just a couple of examples where rhythm is used to induce a desired effect. Rhythms are just an everyday experience for many people, especially those who frequently listen to music. In fact, physiological rhythm pacemakers are now routinely used in medicine for patients. 
         [0003]    What is new is that vibrational rhythms are the oldest in evolution and one of the most powerful, while also being one of the most subtle and least invasive. The effect of vibration stimulation can quickly and effectively change physiological conditions that otherwise might need years of training to overcome. Based on the physiological principle of entrainment, the inventors of the present application have developed a device that can provide that stimulation. 
         [0004]    However, until the invention of the present application, the simple problem of getting rhythm to the general public went either unnoticed or unsolved by those skilled in many fields. The present invention provides an easy and inexpensive solution which will allow individuals to use and control rhythmic effects without interfering with work, rest or other people nearby. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    There is disclosed herein a wearable rhythmic device which avoids the disadvantages of prior devices while affording additional structural and operating advantages. 
         [0006]    In an embodiment, a wearable rhythmic device for inducing different states of mind and physiological states in a wearer, is described. The device comprises a wearable band, a housing connected to the wearable band, and a rhythm and vibration mechanism contained within the housing. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, a method of for inducing a therapeutic state of mind and physiological states in a person, is described. The method includes the steps of providing a wearable article, connecting a housing to the wearable article, disposing a rhythm and vibration mechanism within the housing, and, activating the rhythm and vibration mechanism when the wearable article is worn. 
         [0008]    These and other aspects of the device and method may be understood more readily from the following description and the appended drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the wearable rhythmic device of the present disclosure; and, 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a schematic of the working components of the wearable rhythmic device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0012]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail at least one preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to any of the specific embodiments illustrated. 
         [0013]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a wearable rhythmic device  10  of the present disclosure. The particular embodiment illustrated is for a bracelet to be worn by a user in contact with the skin. In fact, while the embodiment described is directed to a wrist bracelet, it should be understood that the principles of the invention can be more broadly applied to ankle bracelets, necklaces, rings, or any other types of jewelry in contact with the wearer&#39;s skin. 
         [0014]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the wearable rhythmic device  10  is formed as a band  12  from any suitable material, including metal, rubber, silicone or leather. The bracelet band  12  may open as a simple semi-circular slip on, as shown, or may be in a continuous form, such as a bangle, or may include a clasp (not shown) for adjusting the size, so as to be wearable by a number of different people. 
         [0015]    The bracelet band  12  also includes a housing  20  for containing the working mechanism  100  of the invention. The housing  20  may be formed in any shape, including circular, rectangular or square, and mounted or secured in any known manner to the bracelet band. For example, the housing  20  may be secured using small screws, or molded into the band  12  itself. In addition, although one housing  20  is shown, it should be understood that the present invention may include a number of housings for containing multiple vibration and rhythmic mechanism components  100 . Also, the housing  20  may be positioned anywhere on the bracelet band  12 . 
         [0016]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a schematic of the vibration and rhythmic mechanism  100  of the wearable rhythmic device  10  of the present disclosure. The mechanism  100  comprises only a few key components. In one embodiment, a microprocessor  120  is electronically coupled to an amplifier  122  with both being powered by a suitable battery  124 , such as a typical button-battery as is known in the art. It should be understood that the battery may also include a solar powered battery and/or a rechargeable battery. A crystal clock or crystal oscillator  126  is coupled to the microprocessor  120  to provide an electrical signal with a very precise frequency using a vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material. This frequency is commonly used to keep track of time (as in quartz wristwatches), to provide a stable clock signal for digital integrated circuits, and to stabilize frequencies for radio transmitters and receivers. The most common type of piezoelectric resonator used is the quartz crystal. These crystals are manufactured in abundance and can have a frequency from a few tens of kilohertz (KHz) to tens of megahertz (MHz). 
         [0017]    A transducer  130  is connected to the amplifier  122  in the illustrated embodiment. The transducer  130  converts the electrical signal pulse to a mechanical or acoustic energy which can be felt or heard by the bracelet user. 
         [0018]    The wearable rhythmic device  10  is designed to provide rhythmic and/or vibrational stimulation by the push of a button (not shown). The rhythm and/or vibration imparted to the user induces at least four states: active and energetic alertness, moderate strong and prolonged physical performance (marathoner style to be “in the zone”), super-performance, and although brief, sprinter&#39;s style quick deep relaxation. 
         [0019]    During field trials of the testing device on athletes, the wearable rhythmic device  10  produced initial encouraging results. The present device  10  may have other applications for the general public, including possible medical uses relating to physiotherapy and relaxation. 
         [0020]    The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While a particular embodiment has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicants&#39; contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.