Abstract:
The present invention provides an improved universal, multidirectional exerciser for exercising hand, wrist and forearm in multiple planes of motion with adjustable resistance. The invention also provides a method of exercising wrists, hands and forearms by holding the handle in one hand and the knob/grip member in the other hand, and repetitively twisting the handle and knob/grip member in opposite directions. A detachable grip member is mounted over the knob and the detachable grip member further comprises a gyro ring and a squeeze grip strengthener.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is a Divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/425,909 filed 17 Apr. 2009, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,157,709. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Various types of wrist exercise devices are known in the art, generally exercising in only one plane of motion and are not adjustable. One particularly effective device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,727. Other devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat Nos. 4,838,542 and 3,856,267. These devices basically operate by holding one portion of the device in one hand and grasping a knob with the other hand. The exercise is achieved by twisting the knob or handle in the opposition to resistance against the twisting motion. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    One object of the present invention is to provide an exerciser capable of exercising three major motions of the wrist including rotational movement, up and down movement and side to side movement. Another object of this invention is to provide a method and device for increasing grip and finger strength through isometric and repetitive squeezing over a full range of resistance. A further object of the invention is to provide an exerciser for lowering stress and blood pressure. With lowering of stress and blood pressure, a further object of the present invention is to aid in weight loss. 
         [0004]    The present invention includes a sports model for improving strength, conditioning, range of motion and flexibility. The present invention also includes a medical kit designed to aid in injury prevention and rehabilitation from an injury or surgery. 
         [0005]    A further object of this invention is an improved exercise dumbbell comprising the exerciser of the present invention and further comprising one or more weighted end caps or circular weights on at least one end of the exerciser. Thus, the improved dumbbell incorporates new wrist and grip development dimensions for a major improvement to traditional dumbbells. 
         [0006]    Another object of this invention is to provide an improved multidirectional exerciser for hand, wrist and forearm generally of the above type wherein the resistance of the device can be easily set and readily readjusted to achieve a desired level for a workout. The level of resistance precisely adjusts continuously from zero at the low end of resistance, to complete lock up at the high end of resistance. Specifically, zero resistance is little or no resistance wherein lock up is at the point where the knob will not move during exercise. Thus, the present invention provides a complete range of resistance for all users. 
         [0007]    Specifically, the present invention provides a multidirectional exerciser for hand, wrist and forearm that comprises a detachable or non-detachable grip member wherein the detachable squeeze grip member further comprises a gyro ring. The present invention is readily adjustable for a regular progressive exercise program for all types of people with varying hand sizes, age and physical strength. Thus, the invention is universal in nature, with one model providing a range of hand and wrist exercises, for all people. The exerciser of the present invention is equally suited for rehabilitative uses, for improving strength, flexibility and range of motion, as an injury preventative, and for work or sports training and strengthening. 
         [0008]    In accordance with this invention the wrist exercise device includes a handle having an axial opening. In one embodiment, a bolt extends completely through the opening with a spring mounted means around one end of the bolt against an adjustment ring mounted around the bolt. A resistance adjustment knob is mounted on the bolt. The resistance offered by the spring can be readily adjusted by a twisting of the resistance adjustment knob to axially compress or relax the spring means. 
         [0009]    A pressure plate is disposed at the opposite end of the handle between the handle and the head of the bolt. At least one clutch disc is mounted against the handle and pressure plate with a knob disposed around the handle and the pressure plate and the disc for relative rotational movement with respect to the handle. The device is operated with the user holding the handle in one hand and holding the second knob with the other hand and then twisting the handle or second knob. Thus, one wrist is moved up and down and the other wrist moved side to side at the same time. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of this invention is a progressive exercise and hand rehabilitation program and method of exercising hand, wrist and forearm comprising the steps of: 
         [0011]    a) turning the resistance knob of the exerciser of the present invention thereby setting the desired resistance level; 
         [0012]    b) holding the exerciser of the present invention by placing a first hand around the handle and placing a second hand over the detachable grip member; 
         [0013]    c) rotating the first hand/wrist up and down while simultaneously rotating the second hand/wrist side to side thereby simultaneously rotating the hands/wrists in different direction; 
         [0014]    d) turning the exercise device 180 degrees and placing the first hand over the detachable grip member and placing the second hand around the handle; and 
         [0015]    e) rotating the first hand up and down while simultaneously rotating the second hand side to side thereby simultaneously rotating the hands in opposite directions; 
         [0016]    f) rotating wrists in a circular motion with the gyro; and 
         [0017]    g) repetitive squeezing of grips of various strength and sizes. 
         [0018]    In a preferred practice of the invention a resistance adjustment knob is mounted to the bolt and is seated in the adjustment ring. The adjustment knob includes indicia on its exposed face to provide an indication of the level of resistance which would be utilized in the use of the device and would also be used to determine the direction to the turn the knob to get lower/higher resistance. The spring may preferably be in the form of a Bellville washer. Preferably two clutch discs are provided with each disc being on a separate side of an inward extension of a knob. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1A  is a cross sectional view of the exerciser of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1B  is a cross sectional view of the detachable grip member. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the exerciser of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a partially exploded view of the exerciser with a preferred handle and detachable grip member. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a side view of the exerciser. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a top view of the detachable grip member. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4C  illustrates a squeeze ball before insertion into the cavity of the detachable grip member. 
           [0026]      FIG. 4D  illustrates a squeeze ball after insertion into the cavity of the detachable grip member. 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the medical kit of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6A  is a side view of the improved dumbbell of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 6B  is a top view of a weight of the improved dumbbell of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the improved dumbbell kit of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate a side view and top view of the carrying case of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    The present invention relates to a wrist exercise device which operates along the general principles of U.S. Pat Nos. 5,046,727; 4,838,542 and 3,856,267, the details of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto. In general, wrist exercise device  10  comprises a handle  12  which has an outer surface  13 , such as neoprene or rubber, to facilitate gripping by the user. Several variations of grips can be used as desired with raised bumps or ribs. As best shown in  FIG. 1A  handle  12  includes an axial opening  14  extending completely therethrough. A bolt  16  is mounted through the axial opening. The bolt  16  is predominantly thread-free with the exception of a threaded portion at the first end. Bolt  16  is threaded at the first end  20  and has an enlarged head  18  at its second end. The threaded section of the bolt does not extend to the end of the bolt. Instead, the end of the bolt  17  is thread-free. In addition, there is a cutout  21  in the thread-free end of the bolt  16  wherein the bolt diameter is reduced. A retaining clip made of metal, plastic or other suitable material can be secured in the reduced diameter section as a further attachment means. The bolt end  17  of the bolt  16  is thread-free with a diameter similar the entire length of the bolt  16 . 
         [0033]    As best shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 2 , spring means, which can be in the form of a standard washer or optionally with a lock washer  38 , or in the form of a Bellville washer, is mounted around threaded end  20  of bolt  16 . Washer  38  can function as a compression spring which applies tension to the bolt as later described. An adjustment knob  24  is fixedly secured to a metal nut  23 . The adjustment knob  24  and nut  23  are mounted in threaded engagement with threaded end  20  and handle  12 . A pin  26  is disposed through a hole  19  in the lower portion of bolt  16  between the washer  38  and end of bolt  17 . The pin  26  helps secure the adjustment knob  24  to the bolt  16  so that once assembled, the adjustment knob  24  cannot be removed. When adjustment knob  24  is rotated clockwise it compresses washer  22  ( FIG. 2  only) for increasing the resistance as described later. Conversely counterclockwise rotation decreases the resistance by permitting washer  22  to relax. Adjustment knob  24  fits into and around the nut  23  and bolt end  17 , cutout  21  and threaded end  20  of bolt  16 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIG. 2  the adjustment knob  24  is provided with one or more indicators  28  and/or an arrow  30 . Indicator arrow  30  is disposed along indicia  28  on the outer surface of adjustment knob  24 . By the fixed threaded engagement of adjustment knob  24  with bolt end  20  the resistance would change in accordance with the rotation of adjustment knob  24  relative to handle  12  and bolt  16 . 
         [0035]    As also shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 2  a flat washer  38 , such as a ⅜ inch washer is mounted against handle  12  between the end of handle  12  and pin  26  and the peripheral extension  42  formed in adjustment knob  24 . The peripheral extension  42  of adjustment knob  24  is dimensioned to fit around the tapered surface at the end of handle  12  and conceal pin  26  and washer  38 . Flat washer  38  functions as a metal bearing surface for spring washer  22  to protect plastic handle  12  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0036]    As also illustrated in  FIG. 1A ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , a second knob  44  is provided at the opposite end of handle  12  for relative rotation with respect to handle  12 . Second knob  44  includes an annular inward extension  46  with a clutch disc  48  and  50  mounted on top of the extension  46 . Outer clutch disc  50  is disposed against pressure plate  52  which is sandwiched between enlarged head  18  of bolt  16  and the end wall of handle  12 . At least one pin  54  extends through plate  52  and into handle  12  to prevent any relative rotation of pressure plate  52  with respect to handle  12 . Thus, although bolt  16  extends through an opening  53  in plate  52  there is no relative rotation between plate  52  and bolt  16  or handle  12 . Once assembled, a retainer clip  76  secures the second knob to the handle  12  so that the second knob  44  cannot be removed. 
         [0037]    As illustrated a plurality of gripping elements  58  are provided on the outer surface of second knob  44  to facilitate the user gripping and rotating second knob  44 . The gripping elements may be protrusions or depressions. As later described the gripping elements engage complementary structure  68  on the inner surface of detachable grip member  62  ( FIG. 1B  and  FIG. 2 ) to prevent slipping of the detachable grip member. 
         [0038]    Seated within the detachable grip member  62  is a gyro ring  70 . Weighted balls  72  are contained within the ring  70 .  FIG. 3  shows the balls  72  on top of the ring  70  for illustration purposes, however, the balls  72  are contained within the gyro ring  70 . The gyro ring  70  can be removeable from the detachable grip member  62 . The gyro ring  70  can be used with the detachable grip member or independently by holding the ring  70  in one hand and rotating the hand. 
         [0039]    As illustrated, second knob  44  is of generally annular shape having an open outer end to facilitate the assembly of the various components. The open end is then closed by a knob cap  60  which not only conceals unsightly parts, such as bolt head  18 , but also provides a surface on which, for example, advertising logo can be placed. 
         [0040]    In practice, resistance adjustment knob  24  is secured to the end of bolt  16  by any securing means and can be glued, secured with a retaining clip, or molded around the nut. When adjustment right  24  is rotated clockwise it compresses washer  22 . Washer  22  reacts against handle  12  to increase the pressure on clutch discs  48  and  50  thereby increasing the force required to turn or rotate knob  44  with respect to handle  12 . Since adjustment knob  24  has indicia  28  and  30  on its outer face the user can readily determine the direction to turn adjustment knob  24  and the compression of washer  22  for increasing or decreasing the resistance. Extension  46  of knob  44 , like plate  52 , acts as an abutment member for its clutch disc. 
         [0041]    As indicated, in one embodiment, washer  22  acts as a compression spring which applies tension to the bolt  16  forcing the clutch discs  48 ,  50  against the knob  44  and pressure plate  52  and handle  12 . The handle  12  can be held stationary with one hand and the knob  44  is turned with the other hand. Alternatively handle  12  can be turned while knob  44  is held stationary producing the restraining forces required for exercising the wrists. 
         [0042]    The clutch discs  48  and  50  provide the necessary friction and wear surfaces as the handle and knob are rotated with respect to each other. Pressure plate  52  functions to transfer the spring force on the head  18  of bolt  16  to the clutch discs  48 ,  50 . Thus, the bolt  16  provides a means of adjusting the tension on the washer  22 . Extension  46  of knob  44 , like plate  52 , acts as an abutment member for its clutch disc. 
         [0043]    Flat washer  38  functions to prevent washer  22  from damaging the plastic handle  12 . Pin  54  functions to restrain the pressure plate  52  from turning with respect to handle  12  thereby providing four clutch bearing surfaces. 
         [0044]    In initial operation the user would set up wrist exercise device  10  to its zero adjustment. This would be accomplished by turning adjustment knob  24  so that there is minimum force required to turn the knob  44  with respect to handle  12 . While holding the adjustment knob  24  and handle  12  together, the adjustment knob  24  would then be tightened, increasing resistance and thereby conditioning device  10  for initial use. 
         [0045]    In further operation when it is desired to increase the force for turning the knob  44  and handle  12  with respect to each other, adjustment knob  24  would be rotated so that the level of resistance is increased or decreased as desired. Several obvious variations showing resistance level can be used including an increasing series of vertical lines. 
         [0046]    A further feature of this invention is the provision of a larger detachable grip member  62 , to accommodate different hand sizes. Grip member  62  is designed to push on and pull off the knob  44 . The detachable grip member  62  can be changed depending upon the users physical characteristics, thus providing a smaller or larger and softer or harder hand hold for more comfort to accommodate larger and smaller hand size. In this respect, grip member  62  would be made of a softer material than knob  44 . To facilitate the gripping of grip member  62  its outer surface can be textured. Interchangeable grips provided by grip member  62  provides the flexibility of customizing the knob with varying size and varying durometer for different squeeze resistance in accordance with the size and strength of the hands of the individual user. 
         [0047]    The resistance of the detachable grip member  62  can be further adjusted by the placement of a squeeze insert, or squeeze ball, in the cavity in the grip member. By placing squeeze inserts of varying durometer in the grip member cavity, the resistance of the grip member  62  can be increased and varied depending upon the resistance desired. 
         [0048]    As illustrated, grip member  62  includes a plurality of mounting members  68  which fit in depressions  58  of knob  44  so as to firmly hold grip member  62  on knob  44  without any relative rotation therebetween. 
         [0049]    In the preferred practice of the invention handle  12 , adjustment knob  24 , and second knob  44  are all made of suitable plastic materials. Bolt  16 , nut  23 , washer  22 , washer  38  and plate  52  as well as pin  54  are preferably made of metal materials. Although  FIG. 3  illustrates only one pin  54  a plurality of pins (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) can be used for mounting plate  52  to handle  12 . If desired, head  18  can include enlarged extensions having openings through which the pins  54  may extend. 
         [0050]    The invention may be practiced with certain variations. For example, instead of having a Bellville washer mounted against an internally threaded insert which engages the externally threaded end  20  of bolt  16 , it is possible to use other compression spring means. It is also possible to simply mount the Bellville washer or other types of spring over the exposed end of member  16 . In this variation member  16  need not be a bolt but could be a rod or shaft having a smooth unthreaded end  20 . Thus member  16  can be broadly considered as a shaft which functions to provide a means of adjusting tension. When the shaft is provided with threads at one end and a head at the other end the shaft may be a bolt as illustrated. Otherwise any other suitable structure may be used in accordance with the remaining components with which the shaft interacts. Where shaft or member  16  is not a bolt, adjustment knob  24  would be mounted on shaft  16  for longitudinal movement on the shaft to control the amount of compression of the spring. 
         [0051]    Several additional modifications to the exerciser can be included depending upon the desires of the end user. For example, the exerciser can also incorporate a vibration mechanism in the detachable grip member, the handle or the second knob  44 . A flashlight mechanism can also be incorporated into the device. As the exerciser uses repetitions for strengthening and increasing flexibility and range of motion, a repetition counter or meter can be incorporated into the device. For ease of measurement, an audible tone or click can signal a completed repetition. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate the exerciser of the present invention and alternative uses of the detachable grip member.  FIG. 4A  is a side view of the exerciser with the massage grip detachable member with protrusions  64  on the surface of the member.  FIG. 4B  is a top view of the massage grip detachable member.  FIGS. 4C and 4D  illustrate an additional use of the grip member  62  with the insertion of a squeeze ball into the center cavity within the grip member  62 . By inserting a squeeze ball of varying durometer, one can adjust the resistance of the grip member itself. 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the present invention can be configured as a hand, wrist and forearm medical rehabilitation kit comprising the exerciser of the present invention, one or more detachable grip members of varying size and durometer; one or more gyro rings of varying weight; one or more interchangeable grips; a grip gauge, a squeeze ball, squeeze putty, a slide caliper, a glove, a medication jar and a carrying case. 
         [0054]    The exerciser of the present invention also provides an improved dumbbell. The exerciser is designed and adapted to receive interchangeable weighted end caps thereby converting to a smart dumbbell. The weighted end caps can connect by any means including clip on, snap on, screw on or interference fit.  FIG. 6A  illustrates the weights sliding on both ends of the exerciser.  FIG. 6B  is a top view of an annular weight of the present invention. The exerciser of the present invention can be incorporated into a dumbbell kit which is shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the exerciser of the present invention can be stored and carried in a convenient case.  FIG. 8A  illustrates a side view of the case while  FIG. 8B  shows a top view of the case. The case includes a carry strap on top of the case and zippers for securing a storage compartment and the exerciser itself. 
         [0056]    The exerciser of the present invention can also be used as stationary universal multidirectional, exerciser for hand, wrist and forearm of claim  1  for gym or home use wherein the exerciser is incorporated into an exercise station/machine and a user is preferably seated but could be standing. For this application, a larger exerciser can be used. 
         [0057]    Use of the universal multidirectional exerciser of the present invention can increase the users strength, conditioning, mobility, range of motion and flexibility. Use of the exerciser also can improve grip strength which can lower stress and reduce blood pressure. A further benefit of using the exerciser in reducing stress and blood pressure is that it can aid in weight loss, since stress has been associated with increased fat production. 
         [0058]    Other variations are also possible within the concepts of this invention.