Abstract:
A protocol for body fat management comprises the steps of stimulating the release of free fatty acids into the bloodstream of a person and, within 20 minutes thereafter, ingesting into the person a collagen-based formula. The stimulating step may be conducted by delivering a low voltage alternating current to the person&#39;s body, which may be accomplished utilizing an electronic stimulation device to deliver the current to the feet of the person. The device may be provided with the capability for adjustment of both the voltage level and frequency of the current as well as the capability to enable operation of the device only upon payment to a service provider of a fee.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
   The present application is a continuation-in-part, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of Applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/933,030 filed Aug. 20, 2001. By this reference, the entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/933,030 is incorporated herein as though now set forth in its entirety. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to systems and methods for weight loss and body fat management. More particularly, the invention relates to methods and apparatus wherein previously proposed weight loss modalities are combined in a manner designed to produce weight loss results not available through their individualized or uncoordinated usage. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Collagen-based formulas have been reported to increase lean body muscular mass and promote fat loss when taken as a dietary supplement. Although the exact physiology is not known, it is believed that the collagen-based formula enhances the known physiological processes for the metabolism of fat and muscle as influenced by the complex interplay between insulin, exercise and stress and other hormones. Regardless of the physiological basis, however, the reported weight loss results speak for themselves. 
   Other unrelated studies have reported that persons receiving mild electrical currents into their bodies have experienced weight loss. While the underlying causes for the weight loss are not completely understood, it is believed that the electrical currents cause the sympathetic nervous system to produce catecholemines, which in turn attach to receptor sites on fat cells. As a result, it is believed that free fatty acids are released into the blood stream. Depending on the user&#39;s exercise regime and dietary habits, the released free fatty acids may be converted to more useful products. 
   Although each of the foregoing modalities is associated with weight loss, no suggestion for their combination has been made. Applicant has found, however, that the combination of the foregoing modalities according to a strictly timed protocol can produce weight loss results far faster either modality alone or through the combination of the foregoing modalities in noncompliance with the discovered time protocol. It is therefore an overriding object of the present invention to set forth a protocol for combining electrical stimulation therapy with the ingestion of a collagen-based formula such that results in synergistic weight loss. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present invention—a protocol for body fat management—generally comprises the steps of stimulating the release of free fatty acids into the bloodstream of a person and, within 20 minutes thereafter, ingesting into the person a collagen-based formula. The stimulating step may be conducted by delivering a low voltage alternating current to the person&#39;s body, which may be accomplished utilizing an electronic stimulation device to deliver the current to the feet of the person. The device may be provided with the capability for adjustment of both the voltage level and frequency of the current as well as the capability to enable operation of the device only upon payment to a service provider of a fee. 
   Finally, many other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, especially in light of the foregoing discussions and the following drawings, exemplary detailed description and appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with illustrative figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  shows, in a flowchart, the preferred body fat management protocol of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  shows, in a functional block diagram, details of an electronic stimulation device utilized as part of the protocol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  shows, in a schematic diagram, details of the electronic stimulation device of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4  shows, in flowchart, steps taken in the utilization of the electronic stimulation device of  FIG. 2  within the protocol of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  shows, in flowchart, certain details of the utilization of the electronic stimulation device according to the steps outlined in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  shows, certain other details of the utilization of the electronic stimulation device according to the steps outlined in  FIG. 4 ; and 
       FIG. 7  shows, in flowchart, details regarding control of the electronic stimulation device of FIG.  2 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Although those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize many alternative embodiments, especially in light of the illustrations provided herein, this detailed description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of which is limited only by the claims appended hereto. 
   Referring now to the figures, and to  FIG. 1  in particular, the preferred weight loss protocol  10  of the present invention is shown to generally comprise the ingestion  11  of a collagen-based formula within a critical time window following the usage  12  of an electronic stimulation device  13 . As will be better understood further herein, the electronic stimulation device  13  serves to stimulate reduction of fat cells as a key part of the novel weight loss protocol  10 . In particular, Applicant has found that ingestion  11  of a collagen-based formula on an empty stomach and within 20 minutes following usage  12  of the electronic stimulation device  13  produces weight loss results not attainable through the independent, uncoordinated usage  12  of the electronic stimulation device  13  and ingestion  11  of the collagen-based formula. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the preferred embodiment of the electronic stimulation device  13  generally comprises a stimulation control module  14 , adapted to deliver  15  a low current voltage to the user&#39;s body, and a spectral analysis circuit  16 , adapted to determine  17  the optimum frequency for conduction into the user&#39;s body of the low current voltage. Although much of the benefit of the present invention may be attained utilizing a simplified version of the electronic stimulation device  13  having the minimal capability to deliver  15  a low current voltage to the user&#39;s body, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, in light of this exemplary disclosure, that the features of the preferred embodiment directed toward adjustment of voltage level and treatment frequency are highly desirable in order to ensure that the user receives the maximum weight loss benefit available from the described protocol  10 . In any case, the preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a pair of specially manufactured, electrically conductive “socks” or “slippers,” or the substantial equivalent thereof, to provide electrical contact between the electronic stimulation device  13  and the user&#39;s feet. Appropriate socks and slippers are described in detail in Applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. patent application filed on Mar. 11, 2002 in the names of David M. TUMEY and Teryl B. SANDERS, which by this reference is incorporated herein as though now set forth in its entirety. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , the preferred embodiment of the stimulation control module  14  comprises a frequency control circuit  18 , for controlling the frequency of the delivered current signal, and a voltage control circuit  19 , for controlling the amplitude of the delivered current signal. In particular, the frequency control circuit  18  comprises an operational amplifier  20 , configured as a comparator, which in turn drives a  555  integrated circuit timer  21 , configured as a monostable oscillator, according to the level of an input signal. As will be better understood further herein, the input  22  to the comparator  20  is interfaced to a controller  23  , which provides the input signal according to a determination utilizing the spectral analysis circuit  16  of which frequency is best conducted into the feet of the user. The output  24  from the monostable oscillator is then utilized to drive the gate of a medium power MOSFET  25 . The transistor&#39;s source and drain circuits are in series with a 10 to 1 step-up transformer  26 , which interfaces the stimulation control module  14  through a plurality of jacks  27  to the electrically conductive socks or slippers. 
   Likewise, the controller  23  is connected to an envelope detector  28  configured to drive the positive input  29  of an operational amplifier  30 , the output  31  of which is also connected to the step-up transformer  26 . The signal supplied from the controller  23  to the envelope detector  29  is determined based upon an adjustment made by the user through an appropriate input device such as, for example, a variable resistor  32  or the like. In this manner, both the amplitude and the frequency of the signal generated through the step-up transformer  26  may be controlled. 
   Finally, as also shown in  FIG. 2 , the spectral analysis circuit  16  generally comprises a current amplifier  33  having inputs  34  connected across a shunt resistor  35  in the output of the step-up transformer  26 . In this manner, the current amplifier  33  may monitor current flow through the socks or slippers and into the user&#39;s feet. The output from the current amplifier  33  is then communicated to the controller  23  as part of a spectral sweep  36  to determine which frequency or frequencies are best conducted into the user&#39;s feet. In operation, the controller is adapted to generate  36  a sweep of frequencies (through the frequency control circuit  18 ) in response to an input from the user such as, for example, depression of a momentary switch  37  connected to an input to the controller  23 . During the spectral sweep  36 , the controller  23  is utilized to determine which frequency or frequencies are best conducted into the feet of the user. As described above, the determined best frequency is stored and utilized for the delivery  15  to the user of the stimulation voltage. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 1 , the preferred protocol of the present invention is detailed. According to the preferred protocol, a user wishing to lose weight with the assistance of the present invention is directed to fast  38  for at least three hours prior to bedtime. If, however, the user should have difficulty abstaining from food or carbonated or sugary beverages for the full three hour period, the present invention also comprises the utilization  39  of an electronic appetite suppressor. The electronic appetite suppressor generally comprises a headphone type device adapted to produce a mild electrical current at known acupuncture points near the ears which induces in the user a sense of well being similar to that obtained through acupuncture techniques. Exemplary of such an electronic appetite suppression device is that which is described in Applicant&#39;s co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “APPETITE SUPPRESSION DEVICE,” filed in the name of David M. TUMEY on Feb. 4, 2002, which by this reference is incorporated herein as though now set forth in its entirety. In any case, the user then makes use  12  of the electronic stimulation device  13  during the final 10 minutes to one hour prior to bedtime. Use  12  of the electronic stimulation device  13  (as described in greater detail further herein) is thought to activate the sympathetic nervous system in the production of catecholemines. The produced catecholemines then attach to receptor sites on the user&#39;s fat cells, thereby releasing free fatty acids into the blood stream. Upon completion of the electronic stimulation therapy, the user consumes  11  a collagen-based formula and retires  40  to bed. As the user sleeps, the collagen-based formula utilizes the released free fatty acids for tissue, muscle and bone repair. In this manner, body fat is effectively is redistributed and converted into more healthy tissues. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , the use of the electronic stimulation device preferably begins with the user placing one foot only into each of either the socks or the slippers and sitting comfortably in a chair. The appropriate treatment frequency is then determined  17  and the therapy delivered  15 , each as described in greater detail further herein. Although those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the treatment frequency may be manually selected or may be determined a priori based upon empirical data, it is preferred that an analysis be performed each time the electronic stimulation device  13  is utilized in order to determine  17  which frequency or frequencies are best conducted into the user&#39;s feet at that time. In this manner, factors such as hydration and the like may be accounted for, thereby ensuring that the user will receive the maximum benefit of the described protocol  10 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 5 , a low voltage and low current spectral sweep preferably encompassing frequencies from about 100 Hz to about 10 kHz is first performed  36  (at the direction of the user as determined by detecting depression of the switch  37  connected to the provided input to the controller  37 ). During the spectral sweep  36 , the spectral analysis circuit  16  is utilized to measure the current conducted into the user&#39;s feet. The measurements are then processed to identify  41  the peak energy point or points, which are correlated  42  with the frequency or frequencies responsible for their generation. 
   As detailed in  FIG. 6 , once the treatment frequency has been determined  42 , the therapy is delivered  15  by first setting  43  the therapy frequency according to the previous determination  42 . Under the control of the voltage control circuit  18 , the lowest level current is then delivered  44  at the set treatment frequency through the socks or slippers to the user. The user then adjusts  45  the treatment voltage level, by adjustment of the input device  32  connected to the corresponding input to the controller  23 , until a slight “tingling” sensation is felt in the feet. Upon generation of sufficient current to produce a tingling sensation indicative of current flow through the user&#39;s feet, a treatment timer is started  46  in order to deliver  15  8 to 20 minutes of therapy to the user, although up to one hour of therapy is thought to contribute to the synergistic weight loss results produced through the protocol  10  of the present invention. 
   Upon completion of the electronic stimulation, the user consumes  11  the collagen-based formula. As previously discussed, it is critical that this consumption take place within 20 minutes following the electronic stimulation  12  in order to achieve the synergistic effect of combining these weight loss modalities. Additionally, it is noted that the user should retire  40  to bed within about 15 minutes following consumption  11  of the collagen-based formula in order to ensure that the user&#39;s body is in a sleeping state for a substantial portion of the 90 minute window during which the collagen-based formula is most efficacious. 
   While the foregoing description is exemplary of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, those of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize the many variations, alterations, modifications, substitutions and the like as are readily possible, especially in light of this description, the accompanying drawings and claims drawn thereto. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 7 , it may be desirable for the controlled commercialization of the described protocol  10  to provide a means by which the operation of the electronic stimulation device may be dependent upon satisfaction of some criteria, such as the establishment  47  of credit with a service provider. To this end, provision is made in at least one embodiment of the protocol  10  for the establishment  47  of credit as a prerequisite to the enabling  48  of the controller  23  for operation. 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , the establishment  47  of credit may involve the periodic establishment  49  of communication with the service provider. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the establishment  49  of communication may be through a MODEM connection, Internet connection or any substantial equivalent thereof. In any case, once it is determined  50  that the user is “paid up” or otherwise authorized to make use of the general protocol  10 , appropriate authorization codes are stored  51  within the controller  23  in order that the user may then make use of the device at any time or place so long as his or her authorization remains valid. This may be for a number of therapy minutes or may be based upon the passage of a number of days or may be based upon any other substantially equivalent measurement technique. In any case, because the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, the foregoing detailed description should not be construed as a limitation of the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims appended hereto.