Abstract:
An exercise device has a motor rotating an eccentric weight to cause a vibration. The motor is powered by a power source external to the exercise device and has at least one handle is sized and configured to be gripped by a user for exercise. A pair of opposing end frames are connected to the motor on opposite ends of the motor with the handle extending between the end frames in a straight line of sufficient length so a user can grab the handle with both hands at once. The handle optionally extends beyond the end frames so weights can be added thereto. A speed control is connected to the motor to vary the vibration speed. A first connector is fastened to the device and configured to releasably fasten to a flexible member which is preferably connected to a variable resistance such as a weight stack. Thus, a portable vibrating handle can be connecting to existing exercise devices to provide vibrational exercise. A second connector allows the portable device to be interposed between the handle and the adjustable resistance of the exercise device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), of application Ser. No. 60/874,461, filed Dec. 12, 2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Vibrating platforms are used for exercise because the vibration provides neuromuscular stimulation that results in increased blood flow, flexibility, muscle fiber contractions. Existing vibrating strength platforms are fixed in position and the person using the vibrating platform has to perform exercise movements with respect to the machine. Vibrating platforms are expensive. Some specific vibrating dumbbells are known, but they are limited to specific dumbbell type exercises, are battery powered and are not readily usable with other exercise equipment. Exercise equipment exists having eccentric motors mounted to large exercise devices to vibrate the cable between the user and the weights, but that limits the portability of the equipment and types of equipment to which the vibration can be applied. An improved exercise apparatus is thus needed, especially an apparatus to allow the user to engage in vibration exercise while performing free body movements in space. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A portable electric motor with an offset or eccentric weight is powered by a 110 volt current. A speed control varies the vibration frequency. A frame holds opposing ends of the motor and one or two handles for the user to grab for exercise. A connector, such as a loop, hook or eyelet is provided that releasably engages a rope, cable or chain that typically passes over one or more pulleys fastened to a variable resistance device such as adjustable springs or a variable frictional resistance or an adjustable stack of weights. More than one connector can be used to interpose the entire portable vibrating device along a length of a flexible cable, etc. The handle can be short, like a dumbbell, or elongated for use as a barbell or lifting bar. Advantageously, two eyelet connectors are located on opposing sides of the device, preferably 180° apart on the vibrating frame or the housing, so any exercise resistance device can be connected to one eyelet and any style exercise handle or strap can be connected to the other connector. 
         [0005]    There is thus advantageously provided a portable exercise device having a motor rotating an eccentric weight to cause a vibration below about 200 Hz with an amplitude of about 3 mm to 8 mm with an amplitude of 5 mm being preferred. The motor is powered by a power source external to the exercise device. At least one handle is sized and configured to be gripped by a user for exercise. A pair of opposing end frames are connected to the motor on opposite ends of the motor with the handle extending between the end frames in a straight line of sufficient length so a user can grab the handle with both hands at once. The handle optionally extends beyond the end frames so weights can be added thereto. The exercise device also has a speed control connected to the motor to vary the vibration speed, and a connector fastened to the device and configured to releasably fasten to a flexible member. 
         [0006]    In further variations, this portable exercise device has weights releasably fastened to opposing ends of the handle. Further, the motor is preferably electrically powered and there can be two handles located on opposing sides of the exercise device. Additionally, a speed control is connected to the motor to vary the vibration. In further variations, there are two connectors on opposing sides of the exercise device, and the connectors optionally comprise a separate part threadably connected to the exercise device. 
         [0007]    There is also provided a portable exercise device having an elongated barbell bar with gripping areas configured to be grabbed by weight lifters. An electric motor is fastened to the bar, with the motor having an eccentric weight thereon to vibrate the bar. The motor is connected to the bar to vibrate the bar as the eccentric rotates. The motor is powered by a power source external to the exercise device, with an electrical power source and electric motor being preferred, and pneumatic power being one alternative. 
         [0008]    In further variations, the portable exercise device has the bar passing through the motor. Further, opposing ends of the bar can be configured to receive removable weights, and thus there can also be at least one weight on each opposing end of the bar. Moreover, the motor is preferably an electric motor connected to a variable speed control. 
         [0009]    The portable exercise device preferably includes an electric power cord connected to a variable speed control and to an electric motor. Preferably, but optionally, the motor is contained in a housing with end frames connecting the housing to the bar. The exercise device can further optionally include a connector connected to the motor housing or end frames, the connector adapted to releasably connect to a flexible member. The connector preferably, but optionally, comprises one of a hook, eyelet, or U-shaped connector. In any of the above embodiments having a connector, a spring can be connected to one of the connector, or to a flexible member that is connected to the connector, to provide a softer resistance. 
         [0010]    There is also advantageously provided a method for exercising using an exercise machine having an adjustable resistance connected to a flexible member that is also connected to a handle which a user grabs to exert a force against the adjustable resistance. The method includes providing a motor rotating an eccentric to cause vibration, where the motor is powered by a power source external to the handle. The method further includes fastening the motor to the handle so the vibration from the eccentric vibrates the handle. In further variations, the method uses a handle that is connected to a connector which releasably connects to the flexible member. Moreover, the motor is preferably, but optionally placed in a housing having end frames which are fastened to the handle and the flexible member is connects to the housing or an end frame. In further variations, the motor is cylindrical and the handle comprises an elongated bar, with the bar passing through the motor and the eccentric rotating around the bar. Advantageously, the bar has opposing ends adapted to releasably fasten to weightlifting weights, and weights can be placed on that bar. Moreover, there can also be two connectors placed on opposing sides of the portable exercise device so the device can be interposed along a length of a flexible member. Advantageously, the two connectors are placed on opposing sides of the housing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  is a front plan view of a hand held vibrating exercise device with a single handle and a U-shaped connector; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a right side plan view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1 , with the left side being substantially a mirror image thereof except for a power cord; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the device of  FIG. 2   
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a portable vibrating exercise device applied to barbells; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  used with a first variable resistance device; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  used with a second variable resistance device; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a front plan view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  with two handles; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a right side plan view of the device of  FIG. 7 , with the left side view being a mirror image thereof except for the addition of a power cord; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a side plan view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  connected to a flexible tension member of an exercise device having a pulley and using an elastic member; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a side plan view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  connected to an elastic member; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a side plan view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  without a handle and connected to two elongated members through the end frame; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a side plan view of the exercise device of  FIG. 1  without a handle and connected to two elongated members connected to the housing. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the portable exercise device  18  has a motor  20  with a shaft  22  having an eccentric  24  at one or both ends of the shaft. The motor  20  is electrically powered through cord  26  connected to a control box  28  that varies the rotational frequency of rotation of motor  20 . The cord  26  plugs in to a wall outlet, e.g., a 110 volt outlet. The motor  20  is preferably mounted to a housing, typically cylindrical, having at least one mounting flange  42 . The motor mounting flange  42  is fastened to exercise frame  32  having opposing end frames  34   a ,  34   b  and handle  36 . The motor  20  is preferably, but optionally enclosed within housing  38  that is preferably cylindrical and extends between the opposing and optionally parallel end frames  34   a ,  34   b . The motor can be fastened various ways to the motor frame  32  but preferably the motor  20  is held between end frames  34   a ,  34   b . In the illustrated embodiment, bolts  40  fasten the flange(s)  42  on the end of the motor  20  to one or preferably both, of the end frames  34   a ,  34   b  using threaded fasteners such as nuts  41 . 
         [0025]    Preferably, but optionally, shaft the handle  36  comprises a shaft that extends through the end frames  34   a ,  34   b  so that weights W can be fastened onto the shaft by releasable fasteners  45 , known in the art. The wrights are preferably fastened on the outer or exterior side of the end frames  34   a ,  34   b . The device  18  is a portable device as a single user can lift the device, typically using a single hand. The device  18  weights under 10 pounds, advantageously under 5 pounds, and preferably under 3 pounds. Weights W are added as desired. 
         [0026]    Fastened to the frame  32  is a connector  44 . In the illustrated embodiment, the connector  44  is a U-shaped piece of metal with opposing ends fastened to the housing  38 , preferably using threaded fasteners in the ends of the legs of the U-shaped connector  44 . Advantageously, but optionally, the connector  32  is fastened opposite the handle  36 . The connector  44  is large enough and sturdy enough so that exercise loads (several hundred pounds) can be applied to the connector  44  and exercise device  18 . The connector  44  is preferably a separable item which can be removed from the exercise device  18  or added thereto, but it could comprise an opening formed in one or both of the end frames  34 . 
         [0027]    In use, electrical power is applied to the motor  20  causing it to vibrate. A user can lift the device  18  as it vibrates. The motor  18  and frame  32  typically weigh several pounds. If additional weight is desired, various weights W can be fastened to the shaft  36  using releasable fasteners  45 . The amount of vibration can be varied using the control  28  to adjust the frequency of the vibration. Optionally, the amount of offset on eccentric  24 , or the mass of the eccentric  24  can be adjusted to vary the amplitude of vibration for a given frequency. 
         [0028]    As desired, the user can attach the exercise device  18  to other exercise systems using the connector  44 . For example, referring to  FIGS. 5-6 , the connector  44  can be fastened to the end of a flexible member  48  such as a cable or rope on a weight stack. Because the vibration is provided by the motor  20  connected to the handle  36 , a conventional or pre-existing static weight bench can be converted into a vibrating weight bench. The vibration is believed to provide improved muscle development compared to non-vibrating systems. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 7-8 , the end frames  34   a ,  34   b  extend on opposite sides of shaft  36  and attach to a second handle  36   b , with handles  36   a ,  36   b  located on opposite sides of motor  20 . The connector  40  is again preferably, but optionally fastened to the housing  38 , preferably at the middle and in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing handles  36 . In this two-handle (or continuous handle) embodiment of exercise device  18 , the connector  44  can be attached to ropes, cables or other flexible members  46  of exercise devices and used to provide vibration to those exercise devices. But as two spaced-apart handles  36  are provided, the user can perform the exercise with two-spaced apart hand-grips. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the exercise device  18  has an elongated through shaft  36  to form a barbell, with the end frames  34   a ,  34   b  being fastened to the shaft  36  and the handles  36  omitted. Alternatively, the motor  20  could be mounted on one side of the shaft  36 , and if so it is preferably, but optionally parallel to the shaft  36 . The connector  44  is fastened to the housing  38 , and through the end frames  34   a ,  34   b  is fastened to the shaft  36  to vibrate the shaft. 
         [0031]    Still referring to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the elongated handle, shaft or bar  36  allows various exercises performed with both hands on a single bar, and allows vibration to be added to existing equipment connected to the connector(s)  44 . The motor  20  for this embodiment is preferably cylindrical so the handle  36  can pass through the motor, with the eccentric either encircling and rotating about the longitudinal axis along handle  36  or alternatively, located completely to one side thereof (as, for example, by extending handle  36  in the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and abutting housing  38  against the handle or placing the handle within the housing). The motor housing  38  is preferably small, less than about 4-6 inches in diameter, so that it reduces potential contact with a user lifting the handle or bar  36 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , two connectors  44  can be located on opposing sides of the exercising device  18  so the vibrating device  18  can be connected to two flexible members  46  and thus added to any exercise system having a flexible member  46 . The connectors  44  can be fastened to various portions of the device  18 , including the end frames  34   a ,  34   b , the handle(s)  36 , or the housing  38 . 
         [0033]    Referring to FIGS.  6  and  9 - 10 , the connector  44  allows the portable vibrating exercise device  18  to be connected and used with any stationary exercise device to which the connector can be fastened. Any exercise device having a flexible force member such as a rope, cable or chain  46  or pulley  49  can probably be used with the device  18 . This includes exercise devices used for rehabilitation which have an elastic member  47  (e.g., a linear or torsion spring) interposed between the handles(s) griped by the user and the exercise device itself. Such an elastic member is illustrated in  FIG. 6 , where a spring with stiffness K can be interposed along the length of the flexible member  46  connected to handle  36 . 
         [0034]    In  FIG. 9  the elastic member  47  is interposed between the vibrating device  18  and the exercise handle engaged by the user, with a pulley  49  connecting to any variable weight stack or variable resistance device. Such variable weight and resistance devices are known and not described in detail herein. In particular, first and second connectors  44  are fastened to the device  18 , advantageously to opposing sides of the device  18  and preferably on opposing sides of either the housing  38  ( FIG. 1 ) or end frames  34 . An elastic member  47  such as a spring, a bungee cord, a rubber or elastomeric strip or other resilient or springy material has one end fastened to a first connector  44  and the other end fastened to an engageable device configured to be engaged by the person exercising, such as a handle, bar or foot stirrup engaged by the user. An intervening connector, such as a rope-climber&#39;s clip-hook or threaded coupling can be used to fasten various types of engaging devices to the couplings  44 . The flexible member  46  of a variable resistance exercise device can be connected to the second connector  44 , or alternatively, could be connected to the same connector  44  as the elastic member  47 . second connector  44  on the  FIG. 10  shows the portable, vibrating exercise device  18  grasped by user with an elastic member  47  interposed between the device  18  and a non-movable structure, such as a wall (shown) or floor (not shown). Specifically, one end of the elastic member  47  fastens to an eyelet (or other engaging device) in the wall and the other end of the member  47  fastens to the connector  44 . A threaded connector  51  of the type used by rope climbers is shown for illustration. 
         [0035]    If the portable, vibrating exercise device  18  is interposed along a length of flexible member  46  then the handle  36  may be omitted and the housing  38  configured to more efficiently transfer the forces in the flexible member  46  through the housing or through the end frames  34 . Thus, as seen in  FIGS. 11-12 , the flexible member  46  (or elastic member  47 ) could fasten to the end frame  34  ( FIG. 11 ) (e.g., by holes in the end frame or fasteners attached thereto), or it could fasten to connectors  44  on opposing sides of the housing  38 , where the housing does not have a handle  36 . 
         [0036]    The control  28  preferably varies the speed at which the eccentric weight is rotated and thus varies the amount of vibration. The control  28  also has an on-off switch, preferably separate from the speed variation. In a still more preferred form, a simple on-off switch located within easy reach of the user is provided separate from the speed control. The on-off switch could be provided without the speed control. The controls  28  could be provided inside the housing  38  with appropriate on-off and speed control dials and switches being accessible on the housing  28  or the end frames  34   a ,  34   b.    
         [0037]    The motor  20  is described as an electric motor, but a pneumatic motor could be used. The motor  20  advantageously rotates the eccentric  24  at speeds of from 0 to about 80 Hz, more and preferably about 25-60 Hz, although any desired speed could be used. When used with one or more elastic members, the vibrational frequency is preferably from 10-40 Hz. There are believed to be disadvantages if rotational speeds of the eccentric  24  exceed 200 rpm, as some literature indicates such vibrational speeds may have undesirable effects on the users. 
         [0038]    The motor  20  advantageously causes an amplitude of vibration of about 3 mm to 8 mm with an amplitude of 5 mm being preferred. Various combinations of amplitude and frequency can be achieved using the control  28 . The amplitude at the motor  20  is preferably the same at the handle, but in embodiments where an elastic member is interposed between the motor and handle the amplitude at the handle will decrease. 
         [0039]    Various motors  20  can be used. It is believed advantageous to use off-the-shelf vibrators designed for vibrating hoppers etc, and modify them for use as described herein. A motor made by Vibco for use in vibrating bins or hoppers is believed suitable for use herein when modified to provide the connectors and other applications and features as described herein. 
         [0040]    The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein. For example, in the above described device various shapes of frames could be devised, as could various ways of fastening a flexible member  42  to the device  18 . Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.