Patent Publication Number: US-9408774-B2

Title: Portable device for training, exercising and pain relief utilizing rotatable eccentric masses

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Muscle exercising can be accomplished in many different ways including by a stationary individual or by an individual generally moving about. A very large selection of devices exists that provide for exercising of muscles, including without limitation, devices based on dead weights and devices based on active weights. Some of the simpler dead weight devices comprise dumbbells, typically composed of a short bar with large heavy balls or disks at opposing ends of the short bar, the short bar typically held with one hand, and barbells which are generally similar but composed of a longer bar meant to be held with two hands. The main common drawbacks of these devices are the amount of time and energy needed for a successful productive workout and the danger of cramping of the muscles. In particular, training with dumbbells and/or barbells places a high requirement on the endurance of the user, since measurable success requires a significantly long period of repetitive use. 
     Muscle stimulation by vibration is thought to exercise muscles by invoking a muscle&#39;s natural involuntary reflexive, or stretch, response, by imparting a sudden increase in load on the muscle over a predefined time period and over a predetermined amplitude. Such devices are commercially available, typically as whole body vibration platforms. However, such a platform does not allow for exercise of specific muscles. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,653, issued Feb. 9, 1999 to Klasen, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, is addressed to a vibrating barbell which includes a substantially tubular shaped barbell bar enclosing a device which causes the barbell bar to vibrate, comprising weights attached to each end of the barbell bar and a damping material interposed between the barbell bar and the weights. It is believed that the vibrations stimulate the nerves that coordinate the sequence of movement, and thus a more marked hypertrophy of the muscles used in lifting the device is noted with a reduced tendency to develop cramps. Disadvantageously, the majority of the benefit of the device remains solely a function of lifting the vibrating barbell, and is typically a function of the amount of repetition and continuous increase in the weight level being lifted. Further disadvantageously, the vibration rate and amplitude is not adjustable. 
     There is thus a long felt need for a device allowing for variable vibration speed and amplitude, which can be applied to specific muscles, or muscle groups. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. In certain embodiments this is provided by a portable device comprising a shakable member, at least one rotational member and at least one eccentric mass in communication with each rotational member. The rotational member is in communication with a motor, the motor responsive to a control circuitry. The control circuitry is arranged to irregularly rotate the at least one rotational member so as to shake the shakable member. The term shake is defined as to move or sway with short, quick, irregular vibratory movements. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a portable device is provided, the portable device comprising: a shakable member; at least one rotational member in communication with the shakable member, each of the at least one rotational member exhibiting a respective axis of rotation; at least one mass exhibiting a center of gravity, each of the at least one mass in communication with a particular one of the at least one rotational member, the center of gravity of each mass offset from the axis of rotation of the respective rotational member; at least one motor in communication with the at least one rotational member and arranged to rotate the at least one rotational member about the respective axis of rotation thereof; and a control circuitry in communication with the at least one motor, the control circuitry arranged to operate the at least one motor so as to irregularly rotate the at least one rotational member to thereby shake the shakable member. 
     In one embodiment the irregular rotation comprises a random adjustment of one of frequency and amplitude of rotation. In another embodiment the portable device further comprises an extremity adaptor secured in relation to the shakable member, the extremity adaptor arranged to receive a portion of a user&#39;s extremity therein, thus providing training or exercising of muscles of the user&#39;s extremity responsive to the shake of the shakable member. 
     In one embodiment the portable device further comprises a double leg adaptor secured in relation to the shakable member, the double leg adaptor arranged to receive a portion of a pair of user&#39;s legs therein, thus providing lower back pain relief responsive to the shake of the shakable member. In another embodiment the portable device further comprises an abdomen adaptor secured in relation to the shakable member, the abdomen adaptor arranged to receive a portion of a user&#39;s abdomen therein, thus providing lower back pain relief responsive to the shake of the shakable member. 
     In one embodiment the shakable member is a straight bar. In another embodiment the at least one rotational member comprises two rotational members and the at least one mass comprises two masses. 
     In one further embodiment the control circuitry is arranged to rotate the two rotational members such that the two masses rotate in-phase. In another further embodiment the control circuitry is arranged to rotate the two rotational members such that the two masses rotate out of phase. 
     In one embodiment the amount of the offset is adjustable. In another embodiment the rotational axis of the at least one rotational member is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shakable member. 
     In one embodiment the rotational axis of the at least one rotational member is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shakable member. In another embodiment the portable device further comprises a user input device in communication with the control circuitry, the control circuitry arranged to select a range of rotational frequencies responsive to the user input device. 
     In one embodiment the at least one mass is a free mass. In another embodiment the at least one mass is constrained to substantially move only vertically responsive to the rotation of the at least one rotational member. 
     Independently, a method for training, exercising or pain relief is provided, the method comprising: providing a shakable member; providing at least one eccentric mass in communication with the shakable member; and irregularly eccentrically moving the at least one eccentric mass, the irregular eccentric motion of the provided at least one eccentric mass shaking the shakable member. 
     In one embodiment the irregularly eccentrically moving of the at least one eccentric mass comprises irregularly eccentrically rotating the at least one eccentric mass. In one further embodiment the irregularly eccentrically rotation of the at least one eccentric mass is about an adjustable rotational radius. In another further embodiment the irregularly eccentrically rotating comprises randomly adjusting one of frequency of rotation and amplitude of rotation. 
     In another embodiment the at least one eccentric mass comprises two eccentric masses. In one further embodiment the irregularly eccentrically moving of the two eccentric masses comprises irregularly eccentrically rotating the two eccentric masses in-phase. In another further embodiment the irregularly eccentrically moving of the two eccentric masses comprises irregularly eccentrically rotating the two eccentric masses out of phase. 
     In one embodiment the provided at least one eccentric mass is a free mass. In another embodiment the method further comprises constraining the provided at least one mass to substantially move only vertically. 
     In one embodiment the method further comprises securing the shakable member in relation to a user&#39;s extremity, thus providing training or exercising of muscles of the user&#39;s extremity responsive to the shaking of the shakable member. In another embodiment the method further comprises securing the shakable member in relation to a pair of user&#39;s legs, thus providing lower back pain relief responsive to the shaking of the shakable member. In one embodiment the method further comprises securing the shakable member in relation to a user&#39;s abdomen, thus providing lower back pain relief responsive to the shaking of the shakable member. 
     Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a better understanding of various embodiments of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate corresponding elements or sections throughout. 
       With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable device for training and exercising; 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a side cut view of the first embodiment of the portable device for training and exercising of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a high level schematic diagram of the control circuitry of the first embodiment of the portable device for training and exercising of  FIG. 1A ; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a portable device for training and exercising; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of a portable device for training and exercising; 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a portable device for training and exercising; 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a side cut view of the fourth embodiment of the portable device for training and exercising of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of the portable device for training and exercising of  FIGS. 4A-4B  comprising a leg adaptor; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of the portable device of  FIGS. 4A-4B  adapted for pain relief and comprising a double leg adaptor; 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a perspective view of the portable device of  FIGS. 4A-4B  adapted for pain relief and comprising an abdomen adaptor; 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates a user in connection with each of the portable devices of  FIGS. 5A-5C ; 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a rotatable member of a fifth embodiment of a portable device for training and exercising; 
         FIG. 6B  illustrates a side view of the rotatable member of the fifth embodiment of the portable device for training and exercising of  FIG. 6A ; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of a rotatable member of a sixth embodiment of a portable device for training and exercising; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a side view of the rotatable member of the sixth embodiment of the portable device for training and exercising of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a rotatable member of a seventh embodiment of a portable device for training and exercising; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a high level flow chart of a method for providing training and exercising. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before explaining at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     The device is herein described primarily as being useful for training and exercising, however this is not meant to be limiting. In certain embodiments the device is utilized to relieve pain, particularly lower back pain. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a portable device  10  useful for training and exercising,  FIG. 1B  illustrates a side cut view of portable device  10  and  FIG. 1C  illustrates a high level electrical schematic diagram of the control circuitry of portable device  10 , the figures taken together. In particular, portable device  10  comprises: a shakable member  20 ; a frame  25 ; a plurality of nuts  27 ; a plurality of rotatable members  30 ; a plurality of masses  40 ; a plurality of centers of gravity  45  each associated with one or more masses  40 ; a longitudinal axis  50 ; a control circuitry  60 ; and a plurality of motors  70  each exhibiting a rotating shaft  75 . Control circuitry  60  further comprises a plurality of drivers  80 , a battery  90 , an optional acceleration sensor  100  and an optional user input device  110 . Longitudinal axis  50  is the longitudinal axis of shakable member  20 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated, shakable member  20  is a straight bar, and frame  25  is a C shaped member connected to opposing ends shakable member  20  and functions as a handgrip. Plurality of masses  40  are illustrated as circular masses, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and masses of any shape can be used. Two masses  40  are illustrated, each connected to a particular rotatable member  30 , however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and any number of masses  40  can be connected to each rotatable member  30 . A plurality of motors  70  and a plurality of drivers  80  connected respectively thereto are illustrated, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way. In one embodiment only one motor  70  and one driver  80  connected thereto is provided. 
     Shakable member  20  is a hollow member, with a pair of motors  70  placed within shakable member  20  so that rotating shaft  75  of each motor  70  extends past the respective end of shakable member  20 . In one embodiment frame  25  is secured to opposing ends of shakable member  20  by a pair of nuts  27  exhibiting a central pass through for the respective rotating shaft  75 . Each motor  70  is associated with a particular rotatable member  30  connected to a distal end of the respective rotating shaft  75 , and arranged to rotate responsive to rotation of the respective rotating shaft  75 . In an exemplary embodiment, the rotational axis of rotating shaft  75 , the rotational axis of rotatable member  30  and longitudinal axis  50  coincide. Each rotatable member  30  extends radially from the connection to the respective rotating shaft  75 , and a pair of masses  40  is connected to each rotatable member  30  at a point distal of the longitudinal axis  50 . The pair of masses  40  connected together exhibit a respective center of gravity  45 . Thus masses  40  represent eccentric masses in respect to longitudinal axis  50 , since center of gravity  45  is offset from longitudinal axis  50 . 
     Control circuitry  60  is connected to battery  90  and to plurality of drivers  80 . Each driver  80  is connected to a respective motor  70 . In an embodiment wherein only one motor  70  is provided, motor  70  is connected to each rotatable member  30 . In one embodiment, not shown, portable device  10  further exhibits a power line connection and battery  90  is connected thereto, thereby providing means for recharging battery  90 . Optional acceleration sensor  100  is connected to an input of control circuitry  60  and optional user input device  110  is connected to an input of control circuitry  60 . 
     In operation, a user grips shakable member  20 , and preferably operates optional user input device  110 . Control circuitry  60  is operative, responsive to optional user input device  110 , to irregularly operate each of plurality of motors  70 , via respective drivers  80 , thereby rotating each respective rotatable member  30 . In particular, control circuitry  60  is preferably operative to randomly adjust at least one of the frequency of rotation and amplitude of rotation of the respective motor  70 . The amplitude of rotation is defined herein as the amount of rotation of the respective rotatable member  30 , over a pre-determined time period, preferably measured in one or more of degrees, radians, or complete circuits. Each mass  40  is thus irregularly rotated around longitudinal axis  50  and shakable member  20  is thus shaken thereby training or exercising the muscles of a user holding shakable member  20 . After a pre-determined time period control circuitry  60  is preferably operative to cease operation of motors  70 . Preferably, the rotatable members  30 , and the respective masses  40  connected thereto, connected at each end of shakable member  20  are symmetrical and connected symmetrically. The symmetry allows torque to be applied to the wrist only in specific desired planes, thereby avoiding any unnecessary stress on the wrist. 
     In one embodiment optional acceleration sensor  100  is provided, acceleration sensor  100  being arranged to sense the actual acceleration, preferably in x,y,z components, of shakable member  20 , thereby allowing control circuitry  60  to perform closed loop control of the actual shaking of shakable member  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, random adjustment of at least one of the frequency of rotation and amplitude of rotation of the respective motors  70  is accomplished responsive to the output of optional acceleration sensor  100  thus providing for controlled irregular motion thereby constantly changing the eccentric forces applied to the user&#39;s wrist. In one embodiment irregular motion is provided in accordance with a predetermined pattern stored in control circuitry  60 , and in another embodiment a random function if further provided. 
     In one embodiment rotatable members  30  are rotated in-phase and in another embodiment rotatable members  30  are rotated out of phase. In another embodiment rotatable members  30  are rotated in and out of phase according to a pre-determined program, thereby constantly changing the eccentric forces applied to the user&#39;s wrist. In one embodiment a plurality of pre-determined programs for rotation speed and phase are provided to the user, for selection via optional user input device  110 , as will be described further below in relation to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . Adjusting the irregular rotation according to a pre-determined program allows a varied muscle construction-relaxation ratio thus improving muscle strength, blood circulation and flexibility. Additionally, preferably the difficulty level is increased gradually to prevent injury caused by excessive strain on “cold” muscle. 
     In one embodiment each of plurality of masses  40  can be replaced with a different mass  40 , exhibiting a different weight, or additional masses may be added to the mass  40 , thereby placing different eccentric forces on the user&#39;s hand. In one embodiment the location of each of plurality of masses  40  can be changed, thereby placing different eccentric forces on the user&#39;s hand, as will be described below in relation to  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment the pulse rate of the user is monitored and control circuitry  60  is operative to cease shaking of shakable member  20  if the pulse rate exceeds a pre-determined level, as will be described below in relation to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a second embodiment of a portable device  100 , comprising: a shakable member  20  exhibiting a longitudinal axis  23 ; a plurality of rotatable members  30 ; a plurality of masses  40 ; a plurality of centers of gravity  45  each associated with one or more masses  40 ; a plurality of longitudinal axes  50 ; a plurality of motors  70  (not shown) each exhibiting a rotating shaft  75 ; and a plurality of housings  77 . Shakable member  20  comprises a control circuitry  60 , battery  90 , drivers  80 , optional acceleration sensor  100  and optional user input  110  as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A -1C , not shown for clarity. In one non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated, shakable member  20  is a straight bar. Plurality of masses  40  are illustrated as circular masses, each connected to a particular rotatable member  30 , however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and masses of any shape can be used. Two masses  40  are illustrated as being connected to each rotatable member  30 , however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and any number of masses  40  can be connected to each rotatable member  30 . Two rotatable members  30  are illustrated, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and any number of rotatable members  30  can be provided. For each rotatable member  30  a center of gravity  45  is primarily defined by the positioning and shape of the respective attached masses  40 . 
     Each end of shakable member  20  has connected thereto a respective housing  77 , each housing  77  containing therein a respective motor  70  with a respective rotating shaft  75 . Each housing  77  exhibits a respective longitudinal axis  50  running there through, preferably coincident with the axis of rotation of the respective rotating shaft  75 . In an exemplary embodiment, the respective longitudinal axes  50  are perpendicular to longitudinal axis  23  of shakable member  20 . Each motor  70  is associated with a particular rotatable member  30  connected to a distal end of the respective rotating shaft  75 , and arranged to rotate responsive to rotation of the respective rotating shaft  75 . In an exemplary embodiment, the rotational axis of each rotating shaft  75 , the rotational axis of the respective rotatable member  30  and respective longitudinal axis  50  coincide. Each rotatable member  30  extends radially from the connection to the respective rotating shaft  75 , and a pair of masses  40  is connected to each rotatable member  30  at a point distal of the longitudinal axis  50 . The pair of masses  40  connected together exhibit a respective center of gravity  45 . Thus masses  40  represent eccentric masses in respect to longitudinal axis  50 , since center of gravity  45  is offset from longitudinal axis  50 . 
     The operation of the portable device of  FIG. 2  is in all respects similar the operation of device  10  of  FIGS. 1A-1C , and thus in the interest of brevity is not further detailed. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a third embodiment of a portable device  200  suitable for training and exercising, comprising: a shakable member  20 ; a rotatable member  30 ; a plurality of masses  40  connected to rotatable member  30 , exhibiting a common center of gravity  45 ; a longitudinal axis  50 ; and a plurality of connections  210 . A single rotatable member  30  is connected to one end of shakable member  20 , and masses  40  may be secured at any of a plurality of connections  210 , thus providing for an adjustable offset between center of gravity  45  and longitudinal axis  50 , resulting in an adjustable eccentric force. In all other respects the construction and operation of portable device  200  is similar to the construction and operation of portable device  10  of  FIGS. 1A-1C , and thus in the interest of brevity is not described. Preferably each mass  40  is easily detached from and connected to connections  210 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a portable device  300  and  FIG. 4B  illustrates a side cut view of the fourth embodiment of portable device  300 , comprising: a housing  320 ; an input pad and display  330 ; and a pulse rate monitor  340 . For ease of understanding  FIGS. 4A and 4B  will be described together. Optional user input device  110  is provided on input pad and display  330 . 
     The construction of portable device  300  is as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1C , with housing  320  covering plurality of rotatable members  30  and plurality of masses  40 , thereby removing any danger of injury from contact with rotating masses  40 , with the exception that frame  25  is replaced with input pad and display  330  arranged to connect an end of each portion of housing  320  covering a respective rotatable member  30 . Pulse rate monitor  340  is connected to control circuitry  60  (not shown), and display  330  is further connected to an output of control circuitry  60 . 
     In one non-limiting embodiment user input device  110  comprises: an on/off switch; a start/stop switch; a mode switch enabling selection of one of a plurality of modes; and a level switch comprising a plurality of levels. The term “switch” includes any of a mechanical switch, a push button, a knob and a touch screen, without limitation. In operation, a user enables the on/off switch thereby powering on portable device  300 . The user selects the desired mode. In one embodiment the plurality of modes comprises: a fixed shaking speed and amplitude mode, wherein masses  40  are rotated at a regular fixed speed; a gradually increased and decreased shaking speed and amplitude mode, wherein the amplitude of the irregular rotation of rotatable members  30  is gradually increased and then decreased; and a random mode, wherein the irregular rotation speed and amplitude and the phase relation of the plurality of masses  40  change according to a pre-determined program, seeming to the user as being random. The user then selects the level switch to select the desired difficulty level. In one embodiment the plurality of levels comprises a plurality of ranges of allowed rotation amplitudes and frequencies for rotatable members  30 . 
     The user then enables the start/stop switch thereby causing control circuitry  60 , via plurality of motors  70  and rotatable members  30 , to rotate plurality of masses  40  thereby commencing shaking of shakable member  20 , as described above. In one embodiment pulse rate monitor  340  is operative to monitor the pulse rate of the user and in the event that the pulse rate of the user exceeds a pre-determined value control circuitry  60  is operative to stop the rotation of plurality of masses  40 , thereby ceasing the shaking of shakable member  20 . In one embodiment the mode and level selections of the user are displayed on the LCD display of input pad and display  330 . In one further embodiment the user&#39;s pulse rate, monitored by pulse rate monitor  340  is displayed on the LCD display of input pad and display  330 . 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of portable device  300  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , further comprising an extremity adaptor  350  adapted to receive therein a portion of a user&#39;s leg or arm, with extremity adaptor  350  secured in relation to shakable member  20  of portable device  300 . In operation, as illustrated in  FIG. 5D , a user attaches portable device  300  to the user&#39;s extremity utilizing extremity adaptor  350 , thus providing exercise to a target leg muscle or arm as described above. Extremity adaptor  350  provides for an adjustable inner diameter so as to securely encase therein a portion of the user&#39;s extremity. 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of portable device  300  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , further comprising a double leg adaptor  360 , each portion of double leg adaptor  360  adapted to receive therein a portion of a user&#39;s leg, preferably one of a calf portion or a thigh portion, with the diameter of each portion adjustable as described above in relation to extremity adaptor  350 . Double leg adaptor  360  is secured in relation to shakable member  20  of portable device  300 , thus transmitting any shaking of shakable member  20  to double leg adaptor  360  and to the user&#39;s leg portion inserted there within. In operation, and as illustrated in  FIG. 5D , a user lies on a surface, with legs raised and inserted within double leg adaptor  360  and portable device  300  shakes the user&#39;s legs, and the shaking is transmitted via the user&#39;s skeleton to the lower back, thus providing lower back pain relief. 
       FIG. 5C  illustrates a perspective view of portable device  300  of  FIGS. 4A-4B , further comprising an abdomen adaptor  380 , with abdomen adaptor  380  adapted to receive therein a portion of a user&#39;s abdomen. Abdomen adaptor  380  provides for an adjustable inner diameter, and in one embodiment is hinged at one end to allow for entry of the user&#39;s abdomen there within, so as to securely encase therein a portion of the user&#39;s abdomen. Abdomen adaptor  380  is secured in relation to shakable member  20  of portable device  300 , thus transmitting any shaking of shakable member  20  to abdomen adaptor  380  and to a user&#39;s abdomen portion inserted there within. In operation, and as illustrated in  FIG. 5D , a user lies on a surface with the user&#39;s abdomen encased within abdomen adaptor  380 , preferably with legs raised. Portable device  300  shakes the user&#39;s abdomen, and the shaking is transmitted via the user&#39;s skeleton to the lower back, thus providing lower back pain relief. 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates a user in connection with each of the portable devices  300  of  FIGS. 5A-5C . There is no requirement that a user utilize all of the portable devices  300  of  FIGS. 5A-5C  simultaneously, and  FIG. 5D  simply provides an illustration of a potential location for use with each of the provided portable devices of  FIGS. 5A-5C . In particular, extremity adaptor  350  is shown secured to a user&#39;s forearm, double leg adaptor  360  is shown secured to the user&#39;s legs, particularly at the calves, and abdomen adaptor  380  is shown secured to the user&#39;s abdomen. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates a perspective view of a rotatable member  400  of a fifth embodiment of a portable device and  FIG. 6B  illustrates a side view of rotatable member  400  of the fifth embodiment of the portable device, the views being taken together. Rotatable member  400  may be used to replace rotatable member  30  of any of portable device  10 , portable device  100 , portable device  200  and portable device  300 , as described above. Rotatable member  400  comprises: a plurality of masses  40 ; a center of gravity  45  associated with masses  40 ; a longitudinal axis  50 ; a plate  405 ; a slit  410 ; a motor  420 ; a screw  430 ; and a connection hole  440 . In one embodiment motor  420  is a stepper motor. Slit  410  is arranged along the center line of plate  405 , preferably proceeding from one end of motor  420  axially away from connection hole  440 . Motor  420  is placed within a detent arranged within slit  410  in proximity to connection hole  440 . A pair of masses  40  is illustrated, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and any number of masses can be provided, including, without limitation, a single mass  40 . In one exemplary embodiment the rotational axis of rotatable member  400  and longitudinal axis  50  coincide. 
     Each of plurality of masses  40  is connected to screw  430  and screw  430  is longitudinally connected to the rotating shaft of motor  420 . Screw  430  is placed within slit  410 . Rotating shaft  75  of the respective motor  70  (not shown), as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1C , is placed in connection hole  440  and secured such that rotation of rotating shaft  75  results in rotation of rotatable member  400  around longitudinal axis  50 . Masses  40  connected together exhibit a respective center of gravity  45 . Thus masses  40  represent eccentric masses in respect to longitudinal axis  50 , since center of gravity  45  is offset from longitudinal axis  50 , as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
     In operation, the rotation of rotatable member  400  is in all aspects similar to the rotation of rotatable members  30  of  FIGS. 1A-1C , and thus in the interest of brevity is not further detailed. Motor  420  is operative to rotate screw  430 , thereby translating plurality of masses  40  longitudinally along slit  410 , and thus providing for an adjustable offset between center of gravity  45  and longitudinal axis  50 , resulting in an adjustable eccentric force. The operation of motor  420  is in one embodiment responsive to one or both of: a user input from a user input device, such as user input device  110  of  FIGS. 4A and 4B ; and a pre-determined program stored on control circuitry  60  of  FIG. 1C . 
       FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of a rotatable member  500  of a sixth embodiment of a portable device and  FIG. 7B  illustrates a side view of rotatable member  500  of the sixth embodiment of the portable device, the views being taken together. Rotatable member  500  may be used to replace one or more of rotatable member  30  of any of portable device  10 , portable device  100 , portable device  200  and portable device  300 , as described above. Rotatable member  500  comprises: a plurality of masses  40 ; a center of gravity  45  associated with masses  40 ; a longitudinal axis  50 ; a plate  505 ; a slit  510 ; a spring  520 ; and a connection hole  540 . Slit  510  is arranged along the center line of plate  505 , preferably proceeding axially away from the vicinity of connection hole  540 . A pair of masses  40  is illustrated, however this is not meant to be limiting in any way and any number of masses  40  can be provided including, without limitation, a single mass  40 . In one exemplary embodiment the rotational axis of rotatable member  500  and longitudinal axis  50  coincide. Masses  40  are arranged to travel longitudinally along slit  510  responsive to the action of spring  520 . Masses  40  are connected to one end of spring  520 , and the second end of spring  520  is secured to the end of slit  510  defined by the vicinity of connection hole  540 . Connection hole  540  is arranged for connection to rotating shaft  75  of motor  70  as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
     The pair of masses  40  connected together exhibit a respective center of gravity  45 . Thus masses  40  represent eccentric masses in respect to longitudinal axis  50 , since center of gravity  45  is offset from longitudinal axis  50 , as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1C . 
     In operation, the rotation of rotatable member  500  is in all aspects similar to the rotation of rotatable members  30  of  FIGS. 1A-1C , and thus in the interest of brevity is not further detailed. As rotatable member  500  is rotated masses  40  are translated along slit  510  responsive to the combination of the action of spring  520  and the force of gravity. In particular, when masses  40  begin to travel upwards, both gravity and the force of spring  520  act to reduce the amount of offset; and when masses  40  begin to travel downwards, gravity attempts to extend the amount of offset which is resisted by the force of spring  520 . Thus, as rotatable member  500  is rotated the amount of offset changes during the rotational cycle, adding to the eccentricity. The speed of translation of masses  40  is determined by the spring constant of spring  520  and the amount of masses  40 . Masses  40  are not fixed during a rotation cycle of rotating shaft  75 , and thus represent free masses. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a rotatable member  600  of a seventh embodiment of a portable device. Rotatable member  600  may be used to replace one or more of rotatable member  30  of any of portable device  10 , portable device  100 , portable device  200  and portable device  300 , as described above. Rotatable member  600  comprises: a plurality of masses  40 ; a center of gravity  45  associated with one or more masses  40 ; a longitudinal axis  50 ; a rotating member  610 ; an extending member  620 ; and a connecting member  630 . Further shown are nut  27  and an end of rotating shaft  75  of motor  70 , the direction of rotation of rotating member  610  and the direction of the force of gravity, as indicated by the letter G. Rotating shaft  75 , whose longitudinal axis defines longitudinal axis  50 , protrudes through nut  27  and into a center hole of rotating member  610  and is secured therein. Extending member  620  is secured to rotating member  610  radially removed from rotating shaft  75 . A first end of connecting member  630  is connected to extending member  620  and a second end of connecting member  630  is secured to the plurality of masses  40 , preferably on, or near, center of gravity  45 . In an exemplary embodiment connecting member  630  is composed of a non-rigid substance, such as a spring material, or other compliant material. 
     In operation, the rotation of rotating shaft  75 , responsive to the respective motor  70 , as described above in relation to  FIGS. 1A-1C , rotates rotating member  610 , as indicated by the arrow. The rotation of rotating member  610  is operative to move masses  40  exclusively in line with the force of gravity, G, without providing any lateral movement, due to the compliance of extending member  620 . In one particular embodiment, masses  40  are not fixed during a rotation cycle of shaft  75 , and thus represent free masses. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a high level flow chart of a method for providing training and exercising. In stage  1000  a member, such as shakable member  20 , is provided. In stage  1010  at least one eccentric mass is provided in communication with the member of stage  1000 . In one embodiment a rotational member, such as rotational member  30 , connects the member with the at least one eccentric mass. In one embodiment the at least one eccentric mass comprises two eccentric masses. In another embodiment the at least one eccentric mass comprises one eccentric mass. In one embodiment, as described above in relation to  FIGS. 7A-7B and 8 , at least one free mass is further provided in communication with the member of stage  1000 . 
     In stage  1020  the at least one eccentric mass is irregularly eccentrically moved thereby causing the member to shake. In one embodiment the at least one eccentric mass is rotated at changing frequencies and amplitudes according to a pre-determined program. In one further embodiment the pre-determined program is selected responsive to a user input. In one embodiment the eccentric masses are rotated in phase according to a pre-determined program, and in another embodiment the eccentric masses are rotated out of phase according to a pre-determined program. In one further embodiment the pre-determined program is selected responsive to a user input. 
     It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as are commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods are described herein. 
     All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub-combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.