Abstract:
An improved wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus which consists of an elongated hollow cylindrical handle for grasping in both hands and turning in a forward or in a reverse direction. A long elastic flexible tube which is attached to the opposite ends of the handle. The user then places the free end of the tube under his or her feet. Rotation of the handle to raise and then lower the tube requires an effort, therefore strengthening the wrist and forearm. The wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus can also be used to perform other functions such as to strengthen other body parts such as the upper arms, shoulders, back and chest. The user of the apparatus can vary the degree of effort necessary to perform the desired exercise by how many times the user wraps the tube around the handle prior to performing the exercise.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to devices commonly referred to as wrist and forearm exercisers. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Apparatuses of the foregoing nature are well known in the prior art, and commonly comprises a flexible material, such as a rope, strong enough for supporting a load (ex: metal or plastic weights), and a cylindrical handle on which the rope is wound using both hands held away from the body. 
         [0005]    The apparatus is used by in various ways in energizing the wrists and forearms, one common way involves the alternate rotation of the wrists as much as the user is able to use his or her free hand to grasp the handle slightly forward or backward in a manner to wind or unravel the rope onto the handle, thereby raising or lowering the weight or load as depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,934 dated May 22, 2001 issued to Gorczyca. In the majority of the prior art devices, the handle has a rotational axis of symmetry, and the effort required to raise or lower the weight or load is constant. In U.S. Pat No. 5,312,309 issued May 17, 1994 to Fox, his patent varied from prior art by manufacturing a reel on the handle which is offset allowing for those persons in whom the wrists have substantially different strengths, it is desirable a different effort be required for each wrist. It is however more desirable for the user and his or her muscles to start his or her workout from a minimal resistance or effort and progressively increase the resistance or effort until he or she reaches his or her peak maximum resistance or effort no matter which wrist is stronger. 
         [0006]    Additionally, it is unnecessary to use a cumbersome weight or weights to create a load or effort, which could injure the user if the weight or weights are accidently dropped. The user also doesn&#39;t need to spend unnecessary time changing the weights, if multiple weights are used to increase the load or effort of the device. My invention is small, simple in design, light in weight, economical to manufacture, and can be easily stored away when not in use, unlike other devices which have multiple heavy weights which the user has to contend with. 
         [0007]    It is another object of my invention is to provide an improved wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus wherein the apparatus can be constructed with one or more elastic flexible tubes of varying lengths and strengths, which can be used to create resistance or effort for different age groups, who have varying strengths. 
         [0008]    It is another object of my invention is to provide an improved wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus wherein the progress of the user can be easily achieved by the user counting the number of rotations the handle turns using the visual marker which is clearly marked on the handle of the apparatus. It goes without saying that the apparatus can be improved by adding a mechanical, or an electronic or a magnetic device that is attached to the handle to keep track of the number of times the handle rotates around one full turn. 
         [0009]    It is another object of my invention is to provide an improved wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus wherein the user is able to regulate the amount of resistance or effort of the apparatus by merely rotating the tube or tubes around the handle. 
         [0010]    Furthermore, it is another object of my invention is to provide an improved wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus wherein this apparatus is also able to perform multiple exercises to strengthen, not only the wrist and forearms of the user, but it can strengthen the upper arms, the shoulders, the back, and the chest with varying degrees of resistance or effort, which the user regulates by the number of times he or she wraps the elastic flexible tube or tubes around the handle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In accordance with one aspect of my invention, in a wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus, which includes an elastic flexible tube, or multiple tubes, in which they are attached to the opposite ends of a cylindrical handle (1 st  fixed points) which the user uses to grasp the handle which he or she rotates to wind the tube or tubes onto or off of the handle. The free end of the tube or tubes are placed under the feet of the user (2 nd  fixed points). Accordingly, the resistance or effort necessary to wind the tube or tubes around the handle progressively increases as the user continues to wind the tube or tubes around the handle and progressively decreases as the user unwinds the tube or tubes from the handle 
         [0012]    When I initially invented this apparatus, I intended it to be solely used for exercising the wrist and forearm, however, I realized that it could be used for exercising the users upper arms, shoulders, back and chest, and that the user can adjust the resistance or effort merely by winding more or less of a tube or tubes around the handle. Furthermore, since no weights are needed to create a load, this apparatus can be used safely by children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. 
         [0013]    These foregoing objects and aspects of the invention, together with other objects, aspects and advantages thereof will be more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
         [0014]    These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a schematic frontal view of a new wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus according to the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a schematic frontal view of the second alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a schematic frontal view of the third alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a schematic cross sectional view of the hollow handle of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4   a  is also a schematic cross sectional view of the hollow handle of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view of a bicep curl using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a schematic side view of a tricep exercise using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of a back exercise using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a schematic frontal view of a shoulder exercise using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a schematic side view of a chest exercise using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0025]    With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIGS. 1 through 3  thereof, a new wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  depicts the inside of the hollow handle where the tube or tubes are attached to a rod. The end cap is then placed on the end of the hollow tube and secured with a bolt and a wing nut depicted in  FIG. 4   a .  FIGS. 5 through 9  are additional exercises the user can perform using the present wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus, depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0026]    As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4  and  4   a,  the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus generally consisting of an elongated, hollow, cylindrical handle which is made of PVC, metal, wood, or similar rigid material  12 , two end caps made of PVC, metal, wood or similar rigid material  13  and one or more elastic, flexible tubes  14  with opposite upper and lower ends  15 ,  16 . The upper ends of the tube or tubes are attached to the inside of the cylindrical handle (discussed below). A solid base  17  or a flexible base  18  is attached to the lower end of the tube or tubes. This apparatus may be built with no base at all, just the tube or multiple tubes  19 . The solid base, flexible base, or the tube or tubes are supported by the user&#39;s feet to keep the base against the ground while the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus is in use. The user of the equipment also has the means to record his or her physical progress by counting the number of rotations the tube or tubes wrap around the handle using a distinct visual mark or graphic or colorful screw head  20  on the handle. The apparatus can be manufactured with a mechanical, electronic or magnetic counter that is placed on the handle of the apparatus (not described). Furthermore, this allows the user to regulate the degree of resistance or effort, and to increase the resistance or effort over a period of time as he or she gets stronger, unlike typical resistance bands having two handles to grasp in each hand. 
         [0027]    In more detail, the inventive apparatus may take three forms as previously described in the aforementioned paragraph. The first exercise apparatus  10 , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , comprises an elongated hollow cylindrical handle  12  with a generally circular transverse cross section taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle. 
         [0028]    Preferably the handle  12  is made of lightweight hollow PVC pipe in which the ends of the tube or tubes  15 ,  16  are placed in the opposite ends of the handle through a hole drilled large enough to accommodate the circumference of the tube or tubes. When the tubes are placed inside the handle, they are attached to a small PVC pipe, wood dowel, a small metal rod, or any other suitable cylindrical object  22  by knotting  28  the tubes to the cylindrical object. The cylindrical object is then placed inside of the handle  12 . The handle can be filled with metal ball bearings or other suitable metal  23  to add weight to the handle. One of the end caps  13  is glued to the handle using PVC glue. The other end cap, which is removable by the user, is secured to the handle using a bolt  24  having two washers  25 , a lock nut  26  and a wing nut  27 . Solid handles, of various materials, such as wood, may also be used by placing the tube or tubes on the outside of the handle using an appropriate metal fastening device (not depicted). The lower ends of the tube or tubes  19  are then supported by the user&#39;s feet to keep the tube or tubes against the ground while the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus is in use. A slight modification of the apparatus permits the handle to be used with the other two embodiments (discussed below). 
         [0029]    A second exercise apparatus  30 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 , comprises an elongated hollow cylindrical handle  12  with a generally circular transverse cross section taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle. 
         [0030]    Preferably the handle  12  is made of lightweight hollow PVC pipe in which the upper end of the tube or tubes  15  are placed in the center of the handle through a hole drilled large enough to accommodate the circumference of the tube or tubes. When the tube or tubes are placed inside the handle, they are attached to a small PVC pipe, wood dowel, a small metal rod, or any other suitable cylindrical object  22  by knotting  28  the tube or tubes to the cylindrical object. The cylindrical object is then placed inside of the handle  12 . The handle can be filled with metal ball bearings or other suitable metal  23  to add weight to the handle. One of the end caps  13  is glued to the handle using PVC glue. The other end cap, which is removable by the user, is secured to the handle using a bolt  24  having two washers  25 , a lock nut  26  and a wing nut  27 . Solid handles, of various materials, such as wood, may also be used by placing the tube or tubes on the outside of the handle using an appropriate metal fastening device. The lower end of the tube or tubes  16  are attached to the center  31  of a solid base  17  using an appropriate metal fastener  32 . The base is then supported by the user&#39;s feet to keep the base against the ground while the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus is in use. 
         [0031]    The third exercise apparatus  40 , as depicted in  FIG. 3 , comprises an elongated hollow cylindrical handle  12  with a generally circular transverse cross section taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle. 
         [0032]    Preferably the handle  12  is made of lightweight hollow PVC pipe in which the upper end of the tubes  16  are placed in the opposite ends of the handle through a hole drilled large enough to accommodate the circumference of the tubes. When the tubes are placed inside the handle, they are attached to a small PVC pipe, wood dowel, a small metal rod, or any other suitable cylindrical object  22  by knotting  28  the tube or tubes to the cylindrical object. The cylindrical object is then placed inside the handle  12 . The handle can be filled with metal ball bearings or other suitable metal  23  to add weight to the handle. One of the end caps  13  is glued to the handle using PVC glue. The other end cap, which is removable by the user, is secured to the handle using a bolt  24  having two washers  25 , a lock nut  26  and a wing nut  27 . Solid handles, of various materials, such as wood, may also be used by placing the tubes on the outside of the handle using an appropriate metal fastening device. The lower ends of the tubes  16  are attached to a flexible base  18  made of durable strapping or other flexible material whereas two grommets  41  are placed on the opposite ends of the flexible base where the tubes can be attached to the grommets. The flexible base is then supported by the user&#39;s feet to keep the base against the ground while the wrist and forearm apparatus is in use. 
         [0033]    In all three apparatuses, one or more tubes can be used to increase the resistance or effort to the user. It also goes without saying, tubes with varying elasticity can be used to change the resistance or effort of the device thereby limiting the number of tubes which have to be used. 
         [0034]      FIGS. 5 through 9  are additional exercises the present wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus can perform. 
         [0035]    With reference to  FIG. 5 , a schematic perspective view of a bicep curl using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . To perform a bicep curl, the user has to start in a standing position with his or her feet shoulder width apart and his or her knees relaxed. The user then grasps the handle with his or her hands about shoulder with apart. His or her grip of the handle should be underhand, palms facing upwards, and his or her hands should be shoulder width apart. While standing upright, the user should let the handle hang in front of his or her thighs. The user then bends his or her elbows to curl the handle to shoulder level. The user then should slowly lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat the process. 
         [0036]    Also referring to  FIG. 6 , a schematic side view of a tricep exercise using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . To perform a tricep curl, the user has to start in a standing position with his or her feet shoulder width apart and his or her knees relaxed. The user then grasps the handle which is behind his or her back. His or her grip of the handle should be underhand, palms facing upwards, and his or her hands should be shoulder width apart. While standing upright, the user should let the handle hang in back of his or her thighs. The user then lifts the handle up and away from body with his or her elbows locked. The user then should slowly lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat the process. 
         [0037]    Also referring to  FIG. 7 , a schematic side view of a back exercise using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . To perform a back exercise, the user has to start in a bent position at the hips or at a 90-degree angle with his or her feet shoulder width apart and his or her knees relaxed. His or her grip of the handle should be underhand, palms facing upwards, and his or her hands should be shoulder width apart. While bent over, the user should let the handle hang in front of his or her knees. The user then bends his or her elbows to raise the handle to his or her chest. The user then should slowly lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat the process. 
         [0038]    Also referring to  FIG. 8 , a schematic frontal view of a shoulder exercise using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . To perform a shoulder exercise, the user has to start in an upright position with his or her feet shoulder width apart and his or her knees relaxed. His or her grip of the handle should be overhand, palms facing downwards, and his or her hands should be shoulder width apart. While standing upright, the user should let the handle hang in front of his or her waist. The user then lifts the handle over his or her head. The user then should slowly lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat the process. 
         [0039]    In  FIGS. 5 through 8 , the user places the free end the tube or tubes under his or her feet. In  FIG. 9 , described below, the user places the tube or tubes behind his or her back. 
         [0040]    Also referring to  FIG. 9 , a schematic side view of a chest exercise using the wrist and forearm exerciser apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 . To perform a chest exercise, the user has to be on his or her back. His or her grip of the handle should be underhand, palms facing upwards, and his or her hands should be shoulder width apart. The user should let the handle lay on his or her chest. The user then lifts the handle up and away from his or her chest. The user then should slowly lower the handle back to the starting position and repeat the process. 
         [0041]    In  FIGS. 5 through 9 , the user can adjust the resistance or effort to perform the exercise by merely winding more or less tubing around the handle prior to initiating the exercise. As said previously, the user may also use the distinct visual mark or graphic or colorful screw head on the handle, or even a possible electronic or magnetic counter that is attached on the handle of the apparatus to precisely regulate the degree of resistance or effort, and to increase the resistance or effort over a period of time as he or she gets stronger; 
         [0042]    As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0043]    Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.