SAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to health exercise equipment and a method of using the health exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It may be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention.

[0003] Majority of people exercise by working out in the gym, running, jogging, walking, golfing, playing tennis, etc. and in general develop single muscle groups. It is understood here that each human body is recognized as one comprehensive muscle making up of various types of muscles. When performing an exercise like running and working out in the gym, a few types of muscles will be working in unison to complete the exercise at any one point in time and not all muscles are working. Thus, causing inadvertently an asymmetrical development of the body.

[0004] Notwithstanding, many people however experience a lot of pain such as pain in the joint, groin, neck, head, and shoulders as they age. Sometimes, the pain could lead to difficulty in performing day-to-day activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or when simply reaching for an object.

[0005] There are very few exercises to develop the body as a whole. The most notable one would be Tai Chi. Those who practice Tai Chi usually move with great flexibility and without suffering from any pain or aches.

[0006] However, a continuous Tai Chi exercise for at least 8 to 12 months is required to achieve any significant benefits (Song QH, et al., 2014). Furthermore, it requires time to learn and to employ exact movements. [0007] Therefore, there exists a need for a better solution to ameliorate the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention seeks to address and/or ameliorate the problems or difficulties in the prior art by providing a health exercise equipment that is easier and faster to learn and practice, and capable of achieving similar results as doing Tai Chi.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a health exercise equipment including a body having an inner storage space, means for selectively filling and sealing a liquid and/or solid within the inner storage space, an elongate member, and a handle, wherein one end of the elongate member is securely attached to the body and another end thereof is securely attached to the handle using engagement means.

[0010] In some embodiments, the body and the handle are removably engaged at opposing ends of the elongate member.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the health exercise equipment further includes a counter device with a motion sensor.

[0012] In some embodiments, the counter device records the number of rotation, weight, and speed of rotation to calculate the calories burnt.

[0013] In some embodiments, the counter device includes (1 ) a control unit for receiving and analysing a data value detected by the motion sensor and calculating the number of rotations for each rotational direction to provide exercise information and transmit the data value, (2) a communication unit for providing the exercise information and transmitting the data value on a display unit, and (3) a power unit for turning on/off the control unit.

[0014] In some embodiments, the counter device includes a wireless communication device having a dedicated program installed therein for receiving the exercise information or data value transmitted from the communication unit to show the exercise information and the data value.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment including the steps of: a) providing a body having an inner storage space and means for selectively filling and sealing a liquid and/or solid within the inner storage space; b) securely attaching one end of an elongate member to the body and another end thereof to a handle using engagement means; and c) spinning the equipment when exercising.

[0016] In some embodiments, a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment includes the step of: i) holding the handle with one hand while standing upright; ii) spinning the equipment around the level of a user’s waist in one direction; iii) transferring the equipment to the other hand and back to the previous hand in a continuous manner; and iv) repeating the spinning motion in an opposite direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment includes the step of: i) holding the handle with one hand only while standing upright; ii) spinning the equipment above the level of a user’s head in one direction in a continuous manner; iii) repeating the spinning motion in an opposite direction in a continuous manner; and iv) repeating the spinning motion in steps ii) and iii) using the other hand. [0018] In some embodiments, a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment includes the step of: i) holding the handle with one hand while standing upright; ii) spinning the equipment above the level of a user’s head in one direction; iii) transferring the equipment to the other hand and back to the previous hand in a continuous manner; and iv) repeating the spinning motion in an opposite direction.

[0019] In some embodiments, a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment includes the step of: i) holding the handle with both hands while standing upright; ii) spinning the equipment above the level of a user’s head in one direction continuously; and iii) repeating the spinning motion in an opposite direction.

[0020] In some embodiments, a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment includes the step of: i) holding the handle with one hand only while standing upright; ii) spinning the equipment above the level of a user’s head in one direction; iii) transferring the equipment to the other hand; and iv) spinning the equipment around the level of the user’s waist.

[0021] In some embodiments, a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment includes the step of: i) holding the handle with both hands while standing upright; ii) spinning the equipment above the level of a user’s head in one direction; and iii) spinning the equipment around the level of the user’s waist. [0022] In some embodiments, a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment includes the step of: i) holding the handle with one hand only while standing upright; ii) spinning the equipment around the level of a user’s waist; iii) transferring the equipment to the other hand; and iv) spinning the equipment above the level of the user’s head.

[0023] In some embodiments, a method for exercising with a health exercise equipment includes the step of: i) holding the handle with both hands while standing upright; ii) spinning the equipment around the level of a user’s waist in one direction; and iii) spinning the equipment above the level of the user’s head.

[0024] The health exercise equipment according to the present disclosure can be used by active users as a warm-up and conditioning routine before commencing any exercises to strengthen the body and enhance the overall exercise performance. It can also be used by sedentary users for at least 5 minutes each time and as number of times daily so as to invigorate the body and stimulate the body as a whole for maintaining the optimum bodily functions and strengthening and keeping the muscles active thereby preventing the risk of muscle atrophy or weakening of the muscles.

[0025] Other aspects and features will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In the figures, which illustrate, by way of example only, embodiments of the present invention,

[0027] Figure 1 shows an illustrative view of a first embodiment of an equipment of the present invention; [0028] Figure 2 shows an illustrative view of a second embodiment of an equipment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 shows an illustrative view of a third embodiment of an equipment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 shows an illustrative view of a fourth embodiment of an equipment of the present invention; and

[0031] Figure 5 shows an illustrative view of a fifth embodiment of an equipment of the present invention.

[0032] Other arrangements of the invention are possible and, consequently, it is appreciable that the accompanying drawings are not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION / DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms “comprising”, “consisting of”, “having” and the like, are to be construed as non- exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning “including, but not limited to”.

[0034] Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “include” or variations such as “includes” or “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0035] The term “major muscle” used throughout the specification will have ordinary meaning in the art and will be understood by a skilled person to refer to the major muscles of the body which include but are not limited to deltoid muscle, pectoralis major, biceps brachii, brachioradialis, triceps brachii, latissimus dorsi, and trapezius.

[0036] The term “core muscle” used throughout the specification will have ordinary meaning in the art and will be understood by a skilled person to include but are not limited to the pelvic floor muscles, traverse abdominis, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, multifidus, and erector spinae.

[0037] The terms “supporting muscle” and “secondary muscle” used interchangeably throughout the specification refers to the muscles that assist the primary or major muscles during an exercise.

[0038] In several embodiments of the disclosure and with reference to Figures 1 to 5, there is provided a health exercise equipment 100 comprising a handle 110, an elongate member 120, and a body 130 having an inner storage space (not shown). The elongate member has engagement means 111 , 112 to securely attach one end of the length member to the handle and the other end to the body.

[0039] The handles 110 can have a number of different configurations as shown in Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 shows the handle 110 having a grip portion and enlarged end. Figure 2 shows a handle 110 with a similar configuration to Figure 1 , but with a more elongated grip portion. Figures 3 to 5 show various configurations of a ‘pistol’ shaped handle 110 shaped to more ergonomically fit the hand to thereby minimise the possibility of the handle 110 slipping from the hand. The handle 110 may also include a groove 113, or combination of grooves and lines to provide the user with a more comfortable grip. The shape and texture of the handle 110 are designed ergonomically for a smooth a comfortable grip. The shape of the handle can therefore be in “J”, “I”, “L” or any other shapes. Preferably, the handle may be made from suitable materials, such as synthetic or natural rubber, plastic, or silicone, and may have a suitable texture to enable the user to hold the handle firmly using either left, right, or both hands throughout the exercise, and to enable the transfer of the handle from one hand to another, without losing grip or hold of the handle.

[0040] The elongate member 120 provides the means to secure the handle 1 10 on one end and the body 130 on the other end through the engagement means 111 , 112. The elongate member 120 can be of any materials which is strong enough to hold the statis and dynamic weight of the body 130 and to allow the body 130 and the handle 110 forming a contiguous embodiment allowing it to be spun around the user’s body to thereby create a sustained centrifugal motion without the body 130 or elongate member 120 breaking apart from the handle 110. The elongate member 120 comprises a flexible, inelastic material such as but is not limited to a length of rope, twine, cord, or cable, braided, unbraided, coated, or uncoated. The engagement means 111, 112 on the opposing ends of the elongate member 120 may be secured to the handle and the body through various methods which include but are not limited to, a knot, mechanical lock, clip, etc. It would be appreciated that the length of the elongate member 120 may be adjustable in length depending on the user’s preference.

[0041] The weight of the body 130 can be adjusted by the user through means 131 , 132 for selectively filling and sealing liquid such as water or solids such as sand within the inner storage space of the body 130. The means may include one or two way valves 131 located on each side of the body 130 as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the means may include a plug 132 with a thread screw on one end and an eye-piece on the other end for allowing access to the body 130 inner storage space as shown in Figures 2 to 5. The body 130 is constructed substantially from materials, which include but are not limited to, plastic, silicone, etc.

[0042] The body 130 may be in the form of a cork bottle as shown in Figures 1 and 2, may have a flattened bottom as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The plug 132 may also be shaped to integrate with the shape of the body 130 as shown in Figure 5. It should be appreciated that the weight of body 130 is contributed by the weight of the liquid and/or solid contained within the inner storage space of the body 130. The liquid could for example have a density of 0.8 or more.

[0043] It would also be understood that the body 130 may include more than one engagement means to be securely attached to the elongate member 120.

[0044] The health exercise equipment 100 may include a counter device 140 (not shown) having a motion sensor to record the number of rotations, weight, and speed of rotation in order to calculate the calories burnt. The counter device 140 comprises (1 ) a control unit for receiving and analysing a data value detected by the motion sensor and for calculating a rotating direction and the number of rotations to provide exercise information and transmit the data value, (2) a communication unit for providing the exercise information and for transmitting the data value on a display unit, and (3) a power unit for turning on/off the control unit. In some embodiments, the counter device 140 comprises a wireless communication device having a dedicated program installed therein for receiving exercise information and/or data values transmitted from the communication unit to show the exercise information and the data value.

[0045] In one embodiment, the health exercise equipment 100 is used by doing a low-level spin. For example, the health exercise equipment 100 may be used by doing a low-level spin wherein the equipment is spun clockwise around the level of the user’s waist and then transferred from one hand to another hand continuously. After a few minutes, the health exercise equipment can be spun counter-clockwise around the user’s waist. In another example, the health exercise equipment 100 may be used by doing a low-level spin wherein the health exercise equipment is spun counter-clockwise around the level of the user’s waist and is transferred from one hand to another hand continuously. After a few minutes, the equipment can be spun clockwise around the user’s waist.

[0046] In another embodiment, the health exercise equipment 100 is used by doing a high-level spin. For example, the health exercise equipment 100 may be used by doing a high-level spin wherein the health exercise equipment is spun above the user’s head by using one hand only in one circular direction. After a few minutes, the health exercise equipment 100 can be spun in the opposite circular direction using the same hand. After a few minutes, the health exercise equipment 100 is spun above the user’s head by using the other hand only in one circular direction. After a few minutes, the health exercise equipment 100 is spun above the user’s head by using the same hand only but in the opposite circular direction. In another example, the health exercise equipment 100 may be used by doing a high-level spin wherein the equipment is spun above the user’s head by using one hand only and then transferred to another hand after some time continuously in the same circular direction. After a few minutes, the equipment can be spun in the opposite circular direction using using one hand only and then transferred to another hand after some time.

[0047] In another embodiment, the health exercise equipment 100 as described in the present application may be used by doing a high-level spin using two hands continuously. For example, the health exercise equipment 100 is spun clockwise above the user’s head using two hands continuously. In another example, the health exercise equipment 100 is spun counter-clockwise above the user’s head using two hands continuously.

[0048] In some embodiments, the health exercise equipment 100 as described in the present application may be used by doing a high-level spin followed by low- level spin or vice-versa or alternating directions or vice-versa. For example, the health exercise equipment 100 is spun clockwise above the user’s head using one hand only and transfer to the other hand to do a low-level spin with alternating hands. After some time, the health exercise equipment 100 is spun continuously moving from low-level spin to high-level spin using either one hand only, both hands or transferring from one hand to another. In another example, the health exercise equipment 100 is spun beginning with low-level spin followed by high-level spin using one hand only, both hands or transferring one hand to another hand in completing the high-level spin. After some time, the health exercise equipment 100 is spun continuously moving from high-level spin to low-level spin with alternating hands to complete the spin.

[0049] In some embodiments, the user of the health exercise equipment 100 may also include gyrating the body or the feet, clockwise, counter-clockwise or in opposing direction to the motion of the health exercise equipment 100 so as to provide different levels and degree of exercising.

[0050] In addition, while the body 130 is being rotated, the centre of gravity of the user will shift. This is due to the centrifugal force applied on the user by the rotating body 130. This is similar to Tai Chi where the centre of gravity of a person is shifted during the practice to exercise the whole body. Flowever, the centre of gravity of the user is urged to move due to the centrifugal force applied by the rotating body 130 when using the health exercise equipment 100. The rotating body 130 therefore acts as a force multiplier that can lead to accelerated results in exercising the major and secondary muscles of the body when compared with Tai Chi.

[0051] In some embodiments, performing the method of using the health exercise equipment for at least 5 minutes daily helps develop all of the major and supporting muscles of the body which is needed for the normal function of the body.

[0052] In some embodiments, performing the method of using the health exercise equipment for at least 5 minutes daily helps improve the user’s stability and balance.

[0053] In some embodiments, performing the method of using the health exercise equipment for at least 5 minutes daily activates and stimulates all of the supporting muscles throughout the body so that any pain or ache will eventually go away.

[0054] In some embodiments, performing the method of using the health exercise equipment as a warm up and conditioning before commencing any other sports and exercises may prepare the body and enhance the sport performance, thereby minimizing the chances of bodily injury.

[0055] In some embodiments, performing the method of using the health exercise equipment for at least 5 minutes daily will invigorate the body and stimulate both the major and supporting muscles for bodily functions overcoming the risk of muscle atrophy or weakening of the muscles.

[0056] Advantages of the embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following. The embodiments of the invention provide effective methods for building muscle strength, stimulating least used muscles, and increasing flexibility. The embodiments of the present invention also provide effective methods to target majority of the human body muscles, in particular all of the secondary muscles, for a short period of time unlike the known strenuous exercise which only targets a selected group of muscles, in particular selected major muscles and/or selected secondary muscles.

[0057] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by a skilled person to which the subject matter herein belongs.

[0058] It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiment described. It is appreciable that modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0059] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that one or more of the above modifications or improvements, not being mutually exclusive, may be further combined to form yet further embodiments of the present invention.