Method and apparatus for kinesthetic body conditioning

• US 7,462,140 B1
• Filed: 09/06/2007
• Issued: 12/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John L. Lombardozzi
• Original Assignee: John L. Lombardozzi
• Inventors: Lombardozzi, John L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mathew; Fenn C
• Assistant Examiner(s): LONG, ROBERT FRANKLIN
• Application Number:
  US11/899,641
• Time in Patent Office: 460 Days
• Field of Search: 482/82, 482/74, 482108-110, 601/15
• US Class Current: 482/82
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/00196 using pulsed counterforce, e.g. vibrating resistance means A61H1/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2213/00 Exercising combined with therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 5/20 Skipping-ropes or similar devices rotating in a vertical plane

Abstract

A kinesthetic Chi rope employs a pair of handles, each handle formed as a cylindrical rod with a resonating chamber attached to one end, the chamber having a first coil spring secured as by welding to the internal surface of the chamber and a ball bearing surrounded by the coils which causes an audible vibration when the handle is shaken. A magnet having cylindrical polarity is housed within the cylindrical rod and a second coil spring is compressed between the outer surface of the resonating chamber and the cylindrical magnet, serving as a conductor of the vibratory forces. When the vibration issues from the resonating chamber, the vibrations pulsate through the magnet, into the handle and the hands of the user causing a tactile stimulation to flow into the user'"'"'s hand, arm and upper torso, an auditory signal to be received from such vibration, a visual stimulus received, and a sinew tension produced by the predetermined weight of the handle, all four inputs combining to provide a kinesthetic input into the user'"'"'s body restoring homeostasis and balancing to his/her nervous system through her/his acupuncture meridians. A regimen of 12 exercises using the chi handle and rope are taught for stimulating all body parts.

Claims

1. An exercise device comprising:

first and second handles each handle having a predetermined weight and including

a) a cylindrical rod having a cylindrical bore therein creating a housing;

b) a first cap attached to a first upper end of said cylindrical rod closing said housing, said first cap including a generally spherical resonating chamber;

c) a second cap attached to a second lower end of said cylindrical rod;

d) a first coil spring fixed within said resonating chamber;

e) a ball bearing seated within said first coil spring, said ball bearing oscillating within said first coil spring to produce an audible vibration when shaken by a user;

f) an elongated, hollow cylindrical magnet having cylindrical polarity, said hollow cylindrical magnet being anchored within said housing in said cylindrical rod;

g) a second coil spring in said first cap extending between said resonating chamber and said hollow cylindrical magnet, said second coil spring having a conical configuration with a first large end in physical contact with an external portion of said resonating chamber and a second small end in physical contact with an internal surface of said cylindrical magnet, said second coil spring serving to transmit said auditory vibration into/through said cylindrical magnet;

whereby when said first and second handles are retained in a user'"'"'s hands and shaken to induce said ball bearing to oscillate within said resonation chamber, a tactile stimulation is induced to flow into the user'"'"'s hands, arms and upper torso, an auditory signal is received from such oscillation, a visual stimulus received, and a sinew tension produced by the predetermined weight of the handles, all four inputs combining to provide a kinesthetic input into the user'"'"'s body restoring homeostasis and balancing to his/her nervous system through her/his acupuncture meridians.

2. The exercise device of claim 1 further comprising means to interconnect said first and second handles.

3. The exercise device of claim 2 wherein said means to interconnect said first and second handles comprises a braided rope.

4. The exercise device of claim 3 further comprising a swivel bracket connecting said braided rope to each of said first and second handles.

5. The exercise device of claim 1 wherein said second spring is a conical spring with a large end and a small end, said small end being received in a first end of said hollow cylindrical magnet.

6. An exercise device comprising:

at least a first handle having a predetermined weight and including

a) a cylindrical rod having a cylindrical bore therein creating a housing;

b) a first cap attached to a first upper end of said cylindrical rod closing said housing, said first cap including a generally spherical resonating chamber;

c) vibration producing means within said resonating chamber for generating an audible vibration signal when said first handle is shaken by a user;

d) a magnet having cylindrical polarity, said magnet being anchored within said housing in said cylindrical rod;

e) conducting means extending between said resonating chamber and said magnet, said conducting means having a first end in physical contact with an external portion of said resonating chamber and a second end in physical contact with a portion of said magnet, said conducting means serving to transmit said auditory vibration through said magnet;

whereby when said at least one handle is retained in a user'"'"'s hands and shaken to activate said vibration producing means in said resonation chamber, a tactile stimulation is induced to flow into the user'"'"'s hand, arm and upper torso, an auditory signal is received from such vibration, a visual stimulus received, and a sinew tension produced by the predetermined weight of the handle, all four inputs combining to provide a kinesthetic input into the user'"'"'s body restoring homeostasis and balancing to his/her nervous system through her/his acupuncture meridians.

7. The exercise device of claim 6 further comprising a second handle of identical configuration to said at least first handle.

8. The exercise device of claim 6 wherein said conducting means comprises a conical spring with a first large end in direct contact with said generally spherical resonating chamber and a second smaller end, a terminus of said smaller end entering a hollow end of said magnet.

9. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) simultaneously said shake handles;

d) lift your right leg, gently shaking the handles with a gentle flipping of your lower right leg from the knee down;

e) repeat on the opposite side;

f) relax your neck muscles allowing your head to drop forward as far as possible;

g) slowly revolve your head clockwise for two revolutions and then counterclockwise for two revolutions;

h) standing erect, extend your arms directly out from your shoulders with your palms downwardly;

i) now extend your arms straight above your head stretching upwardly on the balls of your feet reaching as high as you can;

j) shake chi handles for a five count, then allow your arms to return to your sides and your heels to the floor;

k) stand completely still for a five count as your muscles relax;

l) repeat twice before proceeding.

10. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) breathe through your nose while shaking chi handles throughout the inhale/exhale cycle;

d) inhale while stepping forward with your left foot swinging your right arm forward straight in front of you to shoulder height;

e) shake chi handle for a two count;

f) exhale and return to starting position;

g) shake the chi handles twice while at your sides;

h) repeat for the opposite side;

i) perform exercise for each side three times.

11. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) bend your knees to a height generally equal to sitting on a chair with heels on the ground;

d) inhale and extend handles in front of you parallel to your shoulders, shaking twice;

e) lift handles directly overhead fully extended and shake twice;

f) bending your elbows, return handles to shoulder height;

g) repeat sequence 3-5 times;

h) stand erect with handles at your side and shake each leg successively;

i) stand quietly for 1 minute.

12. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) while inhaling, bend the right knee parallel to the ground forming a 90°

while simultaneously extending the left-handed chi handle to full extension directly overhead;

d) shake handles twice;

e) while exhaling, lower left arm and right leg;

f) repeat with opposite arm/leg combination;

g) return to starting position;

h) shake handles twice.

13. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) inhale and lift both arms directly overhead keeping elbows straight;

d) lift heels off the ground;

e) shake the handles twice;

f) lower your arms and squat as deeply as you can with arms extended toward the front toward the ground;

g) shake the chi handles twice.

14. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) inhale deeply;

d) as you are exhaling, squat as deeply as you can resting your elbows on your knees with your arms fully extend toward the ground in front of you;

e) gently bounce on the balls of your feet while shaking the chi handles;

f) hold for 1-3 minutes, depending on your individual comfort level;

g) inhale as you slowly stand erect resuming the position of step b);

h) continue breathing while shaking handles for a count of two cycles.

15. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) lift the chi handles overhead with palms inward as you inhale;

d) continue inhaling, as you bend backwards as far as possible, until your lung capacity is reached;

e) then, slowly lean forward as far as you are able reaching the chi handles between your legs;

f) give the handles two shakes;

g) repeat three times.

16. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) take a big step forward with the right foot as you inhale while swinging your left arm forward to an angle 45°

above horizontal while shifting your weight to your front foot in a lunge position;

d) hold the lunge position, as well as your breath, while shaking both handles twice;

e) exhale and slowly reverse the motion returning to the position of step b);

f) shake handles twice;

g) repeat on the opposite side.

17. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) inhale and shake the chi handles twice;

d) taking a deep breath, lifting the right leg to a 90°

bend;

e) lean your body forward reaching outwardly in front of you with both arms while extending your right leg behind you for balance until your body forms a straight line which is orthogonal to your left supporting leg;

f) shake the chi handles twice;

g) slowly exhale and begin to reverse the movement to the starting position;

h) shake the handles twice;

i) repeat for the opposite leg.

18. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) inhale deeply as you raise your arms from your sides to a position crossed above your head, shaking throughout the movement;

d) reverse the movement while exhaling until your arms are at your sides;

e) repeat four times.

19. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

b) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides;

c) shake chi handles 25 times simultaneously;

d) stand in silence for two minutes while breathing deeply, slowly, ensuring that you extend your diaphragm fully with each inhalation and fully collapsing with each exhalation.

20. An exercise performed using the exercise device of claim 7, said exercise comprised of the steps of

a) attaching a rope to said two handles;

b) use alternating nostril breathing before initiating to fire both sides of the brain;

c) grasping one handle in each hand, stand erect with feet shoulder width apart;

d) relax the hands and arms allowing them to hang loosely by your sides, said rope extending in front of your feet;

e) shake the handles twice;

f) jump rope in a conventional manner as many reps as possible;

g) each time a misstep is encountered, breathe for a full cycle and shake the handles twice to re-initialize, before starting again;

h) continue until you achieve 25 reps without a hitch.