APPARATUS FOR THE STIMULATION OF THE HUMAN BODY BY MEANS OF VIBRATIONS

The invention concerns an apparatus for the stimulation of the human body by means of vibrations as can be used for muscle training or for the invigoration of the body in general.

Such an apparatus can be fashioned as fitness apparatus with a vibrating platform upon which a user may stand or sit or prop a part of their body. It is also possible for a user to grip and stretch looping belts that are secured to the platform. The vibrations trigger reactions in the body, thus generating a stimulating and training effect.

It is the object of the invention to provide an improved apparatus with a vibrating plate and/or such an apparatus at reduced manufacturing costs.

According to the invention an apparatus is provided for the stimulation of the human body by means of vibrations, comprising an vibrating plate with a platform, which can be powered to vibrate. The position in which the user is to stand upon the platform is defined by the apparatus: gripping devices (handles and/or markings) define a forward direction (and therefore also a backward direction). I.e. the sagittal

plane (the vertical plane in which the forward/backward-axis extends in relation to the human body) of the user is defined in relation to the apparatus.

The apparatus comprises a vibration activator incorporating at least one revolving weight in eccentric relation to a rotational axis and an electric motor which enables the eccentric weight to be put in revolving motion, wherein the position of the rotational axis in relation to the vibrating plate is fixed, so that forces manipulating the rotational axis due to the unbalanced mass can be transmitted to the vibrating plate. The rotational axis, or all the axes, is/are selected to extend transversely

(preferably at right angles or approximately at right angles, i.e. between 75° and 105°) to the defined sagittal plane.

In the following description the directions in space in relation to the apparatus are defined by a system of cartesian coordinates. Therein the direction _z is vertically upwards. The direction x corresponds with the horizontal sagittal direction (forwards) when the user is standing on the apparatus in the manner defined by the apparatus. In this standard operation modus the sagittal plane is therefore the plane x- z.

The apparatus according to the invention features the advantage to produce three- dimensional vibrations to a particularly stimulating effect. The generated vibrations have been found to produce an intensive stimulation of the propriozeptive system (mechanoreceptors). Due to the manifold influences upon various physiological systems the harmonious vibrations effective in the directions z and x result in bio- positive adjustments in the human organism if the apparatus is operated correctly (exercising position according to standard operation). Contrary to the vibrating platforms working exclusively in the vertical plane (direction z), the additional deflection in direction x produces an increased neuro-muscular and proprioceptive

strain. It has also been found that for physiological reasons vibrations in direction y would be undesirable.

This way of generating vibrations thus creates a possibility to increase the effectiveness of vibratory training.

There is the added advantage that the use of just one motor results in reduced manufacturing costs compared with the solution with two motors according to the state-of-the-art technology.

These advantages are further reinforced by powering just a single shaft, which revolves one eccentric - or a group of at least two eccentrics - on either side of the motor. Furthermore, mechanically highly charged deflection means (cardan shafts or similar) are thus rendered unnecessary. If the two eccentrics or eccentric groups are of equal eccentricity, virtually no shearing forces act upon the motor.

Particularly advantageous are embodiments of the apparatus where the vibrating plate is coupled to an - advantageously plate-shaped - intermediate element via first elastic elements and the intermediate element is coupled via second elastic elements to a base plate, a base frame, or a base casing. This principle is described in the application EP 04 405 659.6 and PCT/CH 2005/000626, the latter being based upon the former, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Also particularly advantageous is the principle that at identical vibration frequency two levels with different oscillation amplitudes are possible. This principle is also described in the application EP 04 405 659.6 and PCT/CH 2005/000626 (in each case Fig. 6). It builds on a compensating eccentric being assigned to at least one

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eccentric weight per group of eccentrics, wherein the compensating eccentric can pivot in relation to the shaft between two stop faces, wherein during a rotation of the shaft in one direction the compensating eccentric abuts against the first stop face to be revolved along with it, and during a rotation in the other direction abuts against the other stop face to be revolved along with it, and that the compensating eccentric makes a different contribution to the whole eccentricity when it abuts against the first stop face than when it abuts against the second stop face. Here too, explicit reference is made to the description of this principle in Fig. 6 of the applications mentioned above.

In the following, embodiments of the invention are described on the basis of drawings, which outline:

Fig. 1 a view of an apparatus according to the invention for the stimulation of the human body by means of vibrations.

- Fig. 2 a schematic view of the platform from above, which also illustrates the orientation of the vibration activator,

Fig. 3 a very schematic illustration of a single electric motor to which two eccentrics (or groups of eccentrics) are coupled,

Fig. 4 an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention with an intermediate element, .

Fig. 5 a sketch for the illustration of an embodiment permitting the operation with two different amplitudes of vibration at a given vibration frequency.

The apparatus in Fig. 1 comprises a vibrating plate 1 with a platform 1.1. The vibrating plate can be activated to vibrate for the stimulation of a user. Gripping devices 12, namely handles, are attached to a control column 11. These define the positioning of the user - the user faces the control column (sagittal horizontally forwards, i.e. in the direction vertical to the frontal plane), i.e. the so-called sagittal plane of the user corresponds with the x-z plane according to the indicated system of coordinates.

Fig. 2 shows the platform in a schematic view 1.1 from above. The system of coordinates corresponds, as in the following Figs, with the one according to Fig. 1. In the figure, one can see how the electric motor 66 coupled to the vibrating plate beneath the platform is installed transversely to the x-z plane. Consequently the shaft 61, upon or with which the eccentrics 60 revolve, extends transversely to the x-z plane.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the powering means is illustrated very schematically in Fig. 3. It shows an electric motor 66 (stator 66.1 , rotor 66.2, casing 66.3, bearing 66.4) driving a shaft 61. An eccentric 60 is fastened rigidly on both sides of the shaft. Both eccentrics are brought into line in their angular position to prevent any shear forces. The electric motor is fastened to the vibrating plate as a whole unit.

Fig. 4 shows in an exploded view a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, i.e. an embodiment with an intermediate element. The vibrating plate 1 is

coupled to an intermediate element 3 via first elastic elements 2, i.e. honeycombed elastomer bodies. This intermediate element is in turn coupled to a base plate 5 via second elastic elements 4. The base plate rests upon a surface — e.g. the floor of a fitness hall -, wherein damping elements of a generally known kind can be provided between the base plate and the floor.

The intermediate element 3 can be fashioned as an essentially rigid body, e.g. a plate. However, it may also incorporate a weight which, within certain limits, can move in relation to the rest of the intermediate element.

The connection between the base plate 5 and the control column 11 incorporating the handles 12 for the user and a control panel 13 is essentially rigid. Inside the construction or attached thereto there are also some steering electronics and possibly power units and such like. The vibrating plate 1 is made of a rigid glass fibre composite or any other chosen suitable material (reinforced synthetic material, metal alloy, etc.) and comprises a platform 1.1 designed for the user's comfort, e.g. with an anti-slip covering or matting. The vibrating plate 1 further comprises mounting holes

31, 32 for the electric motor and elastic elements and for looping belts. The intermediate element 3 here is rigid, essentially plate-shaped, and comprises a T- shaped opening 3.1. In the illustrated embodiment, this opening 3.1 serves to make room for the electric motor, which is fixed to the vibrating plate and connected via a shaft with two eccentrics or groups of eccentrics, as previously illustrated. The drive unit 16 consisting of the transversely incorporated electric motor, shaft, and eccentrics is illustrated but very schematically in this figure.

Even though the intermediate element 3 is particularly advantageous - it decouples the vibrating plate 1 better from the underlying surface - it is in fact not necessary.

The vibrating plate 1 can e.g. also be coupled directly to the base plate 5 by first elastic elements - e.g. in the manner of the illustrated first elastic elements 2.

As mentioned previously, accordance with the invention, the vibrating plate 1 during the vibrations is deflected not one vertically (in the z-direction) but also horizontally (thus in the x-direction). This is firstly reflected by the fact that there are no guiding means of fixation means fixing the lateral position of the vibrating plate with respect to the base element. Secondly, this is reflected by the way the elastic elements 2, 4 are formed. The resistance against a deflection in x-direction thus is of the same order of magnitude than the resistance against a deflection in z-direction. More concretely, the spring constant (i.e. the force to be excerpted for displacing the vibrating plate 1 with respect to the base plate 5 by a distance unit) with respect to a displacement in x direction is higher by at most a certain factor (for example 10 or 8 or, especially preferred, 3) than the spring constant or even equal to or lower than it. In the shown embodiments, this is achieved both, by the chosen materials and symmetry of the elastic elements, and by their arrangement. The same considerations hold for a set-up with only one set of elastic elements directly between the base element and the vibrating plate, i.e. without an intermediate element.

To each eccentric, at least one compensating eccentric may be assigned, wherein the compensating eccentric can pivot relative to the shaft between two stop faces, wherein the compensating eccentric during a rotation of the shaft in one direction abuts against the first stop face to be revolved along with it and during a rotation in the other direction abuts against the other stop face to be revolved along with it. Thus the compensating eccentric can make a different contribution to the whole exxentricity while abutting against the first stop face than while abutting against the second stop face. There are thus two operation levels (high/low) at any given rotational speed (which sets the vibration frequency). Even the eccentric does not necessarily need to be affixed fixedly but can be revolved by abutting against stop

faces; the only important factor in this embodiment being that the relative angle positions of eccentrics and compensating eccentrics are not identical for both rotational directions.

This is sectionally illustrated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment in Fig. 5. The components illustrated in Fig. 5 correspond e.g. with the components present on one side of the electric motor 66 illustrated schematically in Fig. 3. Advantageously these components are repeated in the same (i.e. mirrored) arrangement on the other side of the electric motor. The shaft 61 revolving around a rotational axis 55 is held by bearing means 71 at gates 72, which gates are firmly connected to the vibrating plate. A first eccentric 50 is fixed to the shaft. A pair of compensating eccentrics are also provided (instead there may be just one compensating eccentric per side, i.e. per group of eccentrics). These possess a lesser eccentricity than the eccentrics 50 in relation to the rotational axis, e.g. because they are lighter. Contrary to the eccentrics 50 they are not rigidly attached to the shaft but are pivotable in relation to it. They are also immediately assigned to a wheel 54 fixedly mounted on the shaft. The wheel comprises two driving pins 52 causing the compensating eccentrics to be pivoted along during a rotation of the wheel 54. During a rotation in one of the directions the compensating eccentrics 51 are situated in such a manner, as shown in the drawing, that their eccentricity counteracts that of the eccentrics 50. Thus the total eccentricity is reduced and therefore also the inertial force at a rotational speed determined by the vibration frequency. During a rotation in the other direction, the compensating eccentrics arrive automatically on the other side of their driving pin 52 - the two sides of the driving pin serve as stop faces for the compensating eccentric - and are then in the same rotational position as the eccentrics 50 and increase the eccentricity and thus the inertial forces. By this simple means the vibrating amplitude can be varied between two values by choosing the rotational direction of the driving mechanism.