Patent Publication Number: US-2011061424-A1

Title: Fitness bracelet with Timer

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/230,878 filed by the present inventor on Aug. 3, 2009. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
     Not applicable. 
     SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM 
     Not applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This application relates to the field of bracelets to assist a user in the improvement of overall fitness, specifically to a durable, inexpensive device encompassing a complete fitness regime. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Physical and mental health are key to a long and active life. Unfortunately, there are a dwindling number of people today who achieve the minimum fitness goals recommended by professionals. Fewer than 35% of Americans meet the current American Heart Association recommendations for weekly exercise, and more than a third of all Americans over the age of twenty are either overweight or obese. Accordingly, rates of heart disease, cancer, and mental health problems are on the rise. 
     One of the biggest reasons for these climbing numbers are that many Americans don&#39;t have time to make fitness a priority. For many people, today&#39;s busy lifestyle makes it difficult to get to the gym, find time to meditate or watch an exercise video. Therefore, any device that helps make it “easier” to get fit obviously has the potential to positively impact public health. We need a better way to make everyday fitness fun, fast and easy. 
     There are many fitness bracelets already on on the market which partially address these needs. Bracelets like those for sale at dietbracelets.com and countmehealthyjewelry.com offer attractive, wearable methods of enhancing personal fitness. Movable beads allow a user to track a number of health-related behaviors, while the bracelet itself provides a constant visual and tactile reminder of daily goals. 
     The drawback to these kinds of bracelets, however, is that the user must assign their own values to the beads, and must remember the values assigned. There are no exercises or values on the bracelet itself. Therefore, the fitness systems governed by these types of basic “counting” bracelets are fairly simple. Additional versions of these types of bracelets are taught in multiple U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. No. 7,313,929 of Susan Lazor, U.S. Pat. No. D415,976 of Be Be, and U.S. Pat. Nos. D547,227, D505,353 and D591,633 of Catherine Del Valle. 
     Other inventors have presented more complex designs for fitness bracelets. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/016,198 of Kaleb Pierce illustrates a “Behavior Modification Bracelet” which does incorporate actual exercises into the bracelet itself. Movable quantity indicators slide along the bracelet to count instances of performing. Another example is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,067 of Philip Brady. This “Exercise Organizer” also has movable indicators and a visible exercise routine. 
     While both of these inventions are more sophisticated than the counting-type bracelets described above, they still lack one essential element of a complete fitness system: a timer. Since many users feel time is the biggest obstacle to fitness, a time-management component is an invaluable part of any fitness device. 
     This concept is addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,041,032 of Robert Calvano for a “Wrist Band Workout Display.” Calvano&#39;s invention does have both a time-monitoring device and an attached fitness routine, but unfortunately, has no method for recording progress through the exercises. 
     In summary, despite the varied solutions present in the fitness bracelet arena, not one can boast a truly complete system. There is no one design which encompasses all three of the essential elements: a timer, a set of exercises, and at least one marker. The need remains for a fitness aid that tells its user which exercises to do and for how long to do them, then keeps track of which have been completed—all in the portable convenience of a single, wearable device. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The fitness bracelet with timer is an all-inclusive fitness aid designed to be worn on the wrist and to assist a user in completing a pre-determined set of actions or exercises over the course of a single day. 
     The key advantage of this application over prior designs is its provision of all of the following in a single lightweight, portable, durable device:
         a tactile and visual motivational reminder of the user&#39;s personal fitness goals   a stand-alone fitness program displayed on the device itself   a method of tracking progression through this program   a timer incorporated into the device itself
 
This combined advantage and other advantages will become apparent from thoughtful consideration of the following description of the apparatus and the accompanying drawings.
       

     GLOSSARY 
     As used herein, the term “fitness” means the achievement of optional functioning of the human body and mind. Methods of fitness may be directed toward physical strength and flexibility, anti-aging, corporal beautification, cardiovascular health, proper hydration, detoxification, stress reduction, spiritual growth, behavioral management, reversal of chemical dependencies, maternal and post-partum needs, psychiatric rehabilitation, weight management, optimal standardized test performance, sports-related training, physical rehabilitation, post-surgical and in-patient management, and traveler&#39;s health as well as other aspects of overall physical and mental health not otherwise listed here. 
     As used herein, the term “exercise” means a discrete action related to the pursuit of fitness. 
     As used herein, the term “bracelet” means an article intended to be worn around a human wrist. 
     As used herein, the term “fitness program” means a pre-determined set of exercises or actions designed to lead to fitness when performed on a regular basis. Examples include a set of yoga exercises, a series of in-flight stretches, a circuit of aerobic activities, or a schedule of daily spiritual reading assignments. 
     As used herein, the term “timer” means a device used to count passage of a factory pre-set period of time according to the timing program required for a particular fitness program. 
     As used herein, the term “indicia” means an alphanumeric or decorative marking on the fitness bracelet used to indicate a specific exercise or other actionable item. Examples include the number “3”, an inspirational symbol such as a dove, a complete term like “push-up,” or an alphanumeric abbreviation. 
     As used herein, the term “branding indicia” means logo, text or indicia or any coloring or marking differentiating the appearance of the fitness bracelet, including any features associated with product or company branding. 
     As used herein, the term “movable indicator” means a component of or attachment to a fitness bracelet that may be used to mark progression through the exercises or other indicia. Examples include a sliding component, a hanging charm or movable beads. 
     As used herein, the term “instances of performing” means the number of times a user has performed the desired activity. Examples include performing or adhering to an exercise program or regime or observing a period of reflective silence. Instances of performing may or may not be consecutive. 
    
    
     
       DRAWING FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a fitness bracelet with timer. 
         FIG. 2  shows an alternate perspective view of the fitness bracelet with timer shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows one embodiment of the movable component presented in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4   a  shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet with timer. 
         FIG. 4   b  shows one embodiment of the movable component presented in  FIG. 4   a.    
         FIG. 5   a  shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet with timer. 
         FIG. 5   b  shows one embodiment of the movable component presented in  FIG. 5   a.    
         FIG. 6  shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet with timer. 
         FIG. 7  shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet with timer. 
         FIG. 8  shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet with timer. 
         FIG. 9   a  shows an alternate embodiment of a fitness bracelet with timer. 
         FIG. 9   b  shows the fitness bracelet with timer presented in  FIG. 9   a  as seen on a human wrist. 
     
    
    
     DRAWING REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           110  bracelet material 
           120  sliding movable indicator 
           128  movable indicator window 
           130  alphanumeric indicia 
           140  timer 
           150  branding indicia 
           410  peg-type movable indicator 
           510  charm-type movable indicator 
           710  round-type movable indicator 
           720  pictorial indicia 
           810  large bead 
           820  small bead 
           910  cylindrical tag 
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     In the hopes of providing a clear understanding of the present invention, discussion in the following text references various embodiments of the fitness bracelet with timer, only some of which are described in extensive detail. It should be understood that presentation here of one embodiment is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will no doubt understand that changes in the size, shape and materials of any one embodiment will not alter the overall functionality that is at the heart of this application. Specific details contained in the following are to be used only as a basis for the claims and as a manner of instructing a skilled reader in the use, function and construction of this device. 
     The preferred current embodiment of the bracelet is an elastomeric bracelet with twenty physical exercises, two sliding movable indicators and a sixty-second timer. This embodiment is presented in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  with the express understanding that a wide variety of alternate embodiments are also possible. For example:
         the bracelet may be made of any combination of other appropriate materials, including but not limited to leather, metals, fabric, beads, textiles and organic materials   the exercises may encompass any number or combination of fitness-related activities   the exercises may be printed, embossed, laser-cut or otherwise incorporated into the bracelet material   the movable indicator(s) may be sliding indicator(s), detachable charm(s), bead(s), gemstone(s), peg(s) or other   there may be any number of movable indicators   the timer may either be set permanently into the bracelet material or detachable from the bracelet   the bracelet may be customized by the use of specific color palettes, branding indicia or other visual, olfactory, audial or tactile elements
 
In addition, any combination of features from the prior art may be combined in a novel fashion to create a fitness bracelet with timer, so long as it remains true to the key elements outlined herein.
       

     Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the fitness bracelet with timer. As stated above, the bracelet material  110  may be made of any combination of appropriate materials and has a set number of indicia  130  marked permanently on the bracelet material  110 . Sliding movable indicators  120  are attached to the bracelet and are able to slide along the length of the bracelet material  110  to indicate instances of performing. The sliding indicators  120  each have an indicator window  128 . The timer  140  is integrated into the bracelet material  110 . 
       FIG. 2  is an alternate perspective view of  FIG. 1 . Two sliding movable indicators  120  are shown. There are several alphanumeric indicia  130  permanently incorporated into the bracelet material  110 . A branding indicia  150  is also incorporated into the bracelet material  110 . 
       FIG. 3  is the sliding movable component  120  as presented in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , showing indicator window  128 . 
     To operate  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a user first consults the movable indicator  120  to see which exercise indicia  130  to perform (as shown in window  128  of movable indicator  120 ). Next, the user starts the timer  140  and begins to exercise at once, continuing the indicated movement until the timer interval expires. Finally, the user records their progress by sliding indicator  120  to the next exercise indicia  130  on the bracelet. The user may then continue with the next exercise immediately, or cease exercising until the next opportunity. 
       FIG. 4   a  shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet with timer. The bracelet material  110  may be made of any combination of appropriate materials and has a set number of indicia  130  marked permanently on the bracelet material  110 . Peg-type movable indicators  410  are attached permanently to the bracelet material  110  and may be toggled between two positions to indicate instances of performing. The timer  140  is integrated into the bracelet material  110 . 
       FIG. 4   b  is the peg-type movable indicator  410  as presented in  FIG. 4   a,  featuring a round-headed design. 
       FIG. 5   a  shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet with timer. The bracelet material  110  may be made of any combination of appropriate materials and has a set number of indicia  130  marked permanently on the bracelet material  110 . A detachable charm-type movable indicator  510  is clipped to the bracelet and may be moved between positions to indicate instances of performing. The timer  140  is integrated into the bracelet material  110 . 
       FIG. 5   b  is the charm-type movable indicator  510  as presented in  FIG. 5   a,  featuring a beaded decoration. 
       FIG. 6  shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet with timer. The bracelet material  110  is made of any combination of appropriate materials, most preferably linked stainless steel or sterling silver in this case. A set number of indicia  130  are marked permanently on the bracelet material  110 . Sliding movable indicators  120  are attached to the bracelet and are able to slide along the length of the bracelet material  110  to highlight different indicia  130  through the indicator window  128 . The timer  140  is integrated into the bracelet material  110 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet with timer. The bracelet material  110  is made of any combination of appropriate materials, most preferably stainless steel, gold or sterling silver in this case. Each round-type movable indicator  710  features a separate pictorial indicia  720 . The timer  140  is attached to the bracelet material  110 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet with timer. The bracelet is made of a combination of large beads  810  and small beads  820 . Each large bead  810  features a separate pictorial indicia  720 . A detachable charm-type movable indicator  510  is clipped to the bracelet and may be moved between positions to indicate instances of performing. The timer  140  is integrated into the bracelet. 
     This operation described above for  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  remains essentially the same for  FIG. 4   a,    FIG. 5   a,    FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 . Each of these embodiments are operated by first determining which exercise is indicated (by observing the placement of the appropriate type of movable indicator). The user then stars the timer  140  and begins to exercise at once, continuing the indicated movement until the timer interval expires. Finally, the user records their progress by manipulating the appropriate indicator. The user may then continue with the next exercise immediately, or cease exercising until the next opportunity. 
       FIG. 9   a  shows an alternate embodiment of the fitness bracelet with timer. This design consists of a variable number of individual bracelets, each consisting of bracelet material  110  made from any combination of appropriate materials and alphanumeric indicia  130  marked permanently onto cylindrical tags  910 . A timer  140  is integrated into the bracelet material  110  of a separate bracelet. 
       FIG. 9   b  is an alternate view of  FIG. 9   a,  as shown on a human wrist. In  FIG. 9   a  and  FIG. 9   b  the user records instances of performing by moving individual bracelets from wrist to wrist. When time for exercise is available, the user chooses an exercise from the bracelets remaining on one wrist, starts the timer  140  and begins to exercise. The exercise period continues until the timer expires, at which point, the user moves the active bracelet to the opposite wrist to indicate that it has been completed. In this embodiment, the bracelets themselves serve as the movable indicators required to track instances of performing. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     The reader will no doubt see that, in its various embodiments, the fitness bracelet with timer has certain advantages previously unseen, namely the ability to provide a complete fitness regimen in a single easy-to-use, wearable and novel device. The unique combination of a timer, a collection of exercises and method of tracking these exercises come together to provide a previously unappreciated result. 
     In conclusion, while the fitness bracelet with timer has been described herein in a variety of embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made to the elements thereof without changing the scope of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims and their legal equivalents serve to define the full scope of this invention, and not by any one example given herein.