Abstract:
An exercise device includes a central case with a first end and a second end, the first and second end having an outer threaded portion, a friction case clutch configured as a cylinder with a first threaded end and a second open end, and a set of handles. The first threaded end of the friction case clutch attaches to each inner threaded portion of the central case. The handles attach to the friction balls positioned in the friction case clutch.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This utility patent application filed under 35 USC §111 claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 61/759,900 filed on Feb. 1, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The device relates to exercise and fitness products and more particularly to upper body fitness. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Exercise equipment is frequently used to develop strength in the upper body, including the wrists and forearms. This equipment includes weights suspended from ropes, compression exercisers such as springs or other resilient materials that can be squeezed in a user&#39;s hand, and small bar bells. Much of this equipment is not easily portable. 
         [0004]    There are hand and wrist exercisers of the general type which include a pair of hand grips which are mounted generally coaxially to each other and which can be rotated relative to each other against a resistance force. These devices are more lightweight and portable. An exercise routine can be performed to develop forearm muscles by counter-rotating the hand grips against the resistance force. These devices also loosen and stretch the muscles and tendons of the wrists. 
         [0005]    Many of these devices do not provide a way to vary the degree of resistance offered the rotation of the hand grips. Consequently, a device that may be suitable for use by one individual may provide resistance forces too large for others. But after a while, the exercise may become too easy. 
         [0006]    These devices also typically do not allow exercises in more than one plane and do not allow exercises based on rotational movement. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    In one general aspect, an exercise device includes a central case with a first end and a second end, the first and second end having an inner threaded portion and an outer threaded portion, a friction element case configured as a cylinder with a first threaded end and a second open end. The first threaded end attaches to each inner threaded portion of the central case. 
         [0008]    A friction ball is housed inside the friction element case and a friction element is positioned between the friction ball and the central case. A friction case clutch is positioned over the friction element case and it is in the shape of a cylinder that tapers from a first threaded end to a narrower open end. The first threaded end of the friction case clutch is attached to the outer threaded portion of the central case such that the friction case clutch encloses the friction element case and rotateably secures the friction ball. 
         [0009]    A handle rod is attached to the friction ball, with the handle rod extending out of the open end of the friction element case. A handle assembly is attached to the handle rod. 
         [0010]    Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. For example, the friction case clutch may be rotateably adjustable to press the friction ball against the friction element. The friction element may be a compressible material, such as, for example, a rubber disc. 
         [0011]    In one embodiment, the handle assemblies may be opposingly paired along a central axis of the central case. As another feature, the exercise device may have a digital display and an electronics panel that are secured inside a compartment of the central case. A battery may also be connected to the electronics panel. As a further feature, the rotational movement of the handles converts mechanical to electrical energy and stores the energy in the battery of operate the electronics panel. 
         [0012]    A pressure sensor may be positioned between the friction element and a circular end wall of the central case. A conductor can be used to connect the electronics panel to the pressure sensor. As another feature, a pair of spacer discs may be positioned on each side of the pressure sensor. 
         [0013]    The handle assembly may have a conductive band and the handle rod, friction ball and friction element case may be composed of a conductive material. A conductor may be connected between the electronics panel and the friction element case and another conductor connects the handle rod and the conductive band of the handle. These features allow feedback from the user so that the user&#39;s pulse or heart rate can be measured. 
         [0014]    An apron may be attached to the central case and may cover the outer threaded portion of the central case and the threaded end of the friction case clutch. The apron protects the threaded portion and the threaded end and gives the exercise device a clean look. The apron may also be interchangeable to add logos, branding, etc. 
         [0015]    In another general aspect, an exercise device includes a central case with a first end and a second end, the first and second end having an outer threaded portion, a friction ball inside the friction element case, a friction element between the friction ball and the central case, a friction case clutch configured as a cylinder with a first threaded end and a narrower open end, wherein the first threaded end of the friction case clutch is attached to the outer threaded portion of the central case such that the friction case clutch rotateably secures the friction ball, a handle rod attached to the friction ball, the handle rod extending out of the open end of the friction element case and a handle assembly attached to the handle rod. Embodiments may include one or more of the above or following features. 
         [0016]    In still a further general aspect, an exercise device is composed of a central case that includes a first end and a second end, the first and second end having a threaded portion, a circular wall proximate to each of the first end and the second end, a friction element in contact with each circular wall, a friction ball pressed against each friction element, a friction case clutch that houses the friction element and the friction ball, the friction case clutch configured as a cylinder with a first threaded end and an open end, wherein the first threaded end of the friction case clutch is attached to the threaded portion of the central case such that the friction case clutch rotateably secures the friction ball and a handle attached to each friction ball. 
         [0017]    Embodiments may include one or more of the above or following features. For example, the friction case clutch may be tapered from the threaded end to a narrower open end to secure the friction element and the friction ball. As another feature, rotation of the friction case clutch in a first direction relative to the central case compresses the friction ball against the friction element and rotation of the friction case clutch in a second direction relative to the central case decompresses the friction ball from the friction element. 
         [0018]    The friction element may be a compressible material relative to the friction ball. For example, the friction element may be made of rubber and the friction ball may be made of metal. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of the assembled exercise device; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 2 and 3  are exploded views of the exercise device; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a view of the central case with digital display and electronics panel; 
           [0022]      FIGS. 5A-5D  show various configurations of handle assemblies; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a second embodiment of the exercise device; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  is a partial cut-away view of the exercise device; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the first embodiment with shading to provide further detail; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the second embodiment with shading to provide further detail; 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the exercise device  10  has a central case  15  and two handle assemblies  20 . The handle assemblies  20  can be rotated and moved relative to the central case  15  so a user can develop strength, endurance and dexterity for the upper body, including strength in the hands, wrists and arms. 
         [0028]    A friction case clutch  25  can be adjusted to vary the amount force needed to move the handle assemblies  20 . For example, clockwise rotation of the friction case clutches  25  increases the amount of force necessary to move the handle assemblies  20  and counterclockwise rotation reduces the amount of force necessary to move the handle assemblies. 
         [0029]    A display panel  30  can be used to track various exercise and fitness parameters and to prompt a user to perform a certain exercise routine. 
         [0030]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3  the central case  15  has a cylindrical shape with interior and exterior threaded portions  35 ,  40 . 
         [0031]    A friction element case  45  with a threaded end  50  is secured to the central case  15  by fixing the threaded end  50  to the interior threaded portion  35 . The friction element case has a cylindrical shape with a tapered end  50 . The friction element case may be made of metal or another type of conductive material. 
         [0032]    A friction ball  55  and a friction element  60  are positioned inside the friction element case. The friction element  60  may be a rubber pad that is compressed against the friction ball  55  thereby causing some resistance to the rotation of the friction ball  55 . As mentioned above, the friction case clutch  25  can be rotated in one direction to increase the compressive force between the friction element  60  and the friction ball  55  and in the opposite direction to decrease the compressive force between the friction element  60  and the friction ball  55 . 
         [0033]    An apron  63  is attached to the central case and covers the wide end of the friction case clutch  25 . The apron  63  prevents damage to end of the friction case clutch  25  and protects the exterior threaded portion  40  of the central case  15 . 
         [0034]    A pressure sensor  65  is positioned between a wall  70  of the central case  15  and the friction element  60 . Circular discs or spacers  75  are positioned on each side of the pressure sensor  65 . 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a wire  80  connects the pressure sensor  65  to an electronics panel  85 . Another wire  90  connects a sensor  95  in the handle assembly to the electronics panel  85 . The sensor  95  can be used for measuring parameters such as user pulse rate. The electronics panel controls the functions of the display panel  30  and operation buttons (not shown). A battery  100  is positioned behind or underneath the electronics panel  85 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5D , the handle assemblies  20  can be removed from the central case  15  with a tool  105  that loosens and tightens a clamp  110 . The handle assemblies  20  are interchangeable to provide handles with various configurations for different training needs. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 5B and 5C , a wire  115  attaches a sensor band  120  in the handle assembly  20  to a handle rod  125  that attaches to the friction ball  55 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 5D , the handle assembly  20  includes a handle base  130  that attaches to the handle rod  125 . An interchangeable outer handle  135  is held in place by a handle lock  140 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of the exercise device. In the embodiment shown, there is no friction element case inside the friction case clutch  25 . Instead, components such as the friction element  60  and the friction ball  55  are held in place by the friction case clutch  25 . The embodiment shown in Fig. may or may not have an electronics panels and/or sensors to measure force needed to move the handles. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  shows a partial cut-away view of the exercise device. As shown, the friction ball  55  contacts the friction element  60  which has a circular cut-out to accommodate the shape of the friction ball  55 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are exploded views of the embodiments with shading to illustrate the components.  FIG. 8  shows the first embodiment with the friction element case  45  enclosed by the friction case clutch  25 .  FIG. 9  shows the second embodiment without a friction element case  45 . The second embodiment may or may not include items such as pressure sensors. 
         [0042]    The variety of exercise routines that can be employed are very flexible based on the needs of the user. The basic initial positions for the exercise device are in front of the body, behind the back, over the head and to the side. Planes of motion of the exercise device can be horizontal, vertical-transversal, vertical-longitudinal and it can also be used in intermediate planes. 
         [0043]    Main modes of gripping the handles are with the thumbs turned to the body of the exerciser, with the thumbs turned from the body of the exerciser, and with one thumb turned toward and the other one turned away from the body of the exerciser. 
         [0044]    In one of the exercises, the handles are rotated in a vertical plane up-down. The exercise can be performed with the initial position behind the back, overhead, and on the side. The device can be held at the waist, at the breast, at the head level and over the head. Movements can be performed in different planes including horizontal, vertical-transversal and intermediate planes. The exercises may differ in the way the handles are gripped, such as, for example, with thumbs turned to or from the body of the exerciser, with one thumb to and the other away from the body of the exerciser. 
         [0045]    The following is a list of exemplary exercises:
       1. Move the exerciser upwards simultaneously rotating the handles downwards. Get back to the initial position in reverse order.   2. Rotate the handles of the exerciser onwards in a horizontal plane; simultaneously bring the elbows to the front and then backwards.   3. Rotate the handles of the exerciser onwards in a horizontal plane; simultaneously bring the elbows to the utmost in front of yourself and then backwards to the farthest point behind the back.   4. Rotate the handles of the exerciser in a vertical plane upwards with elbows up and down to the farthest points.   5. With one hand gripping the exerciser&#39;s body and the other grasping the handle, rotate the handle in all possible directions.   6. Rotate the handles along their longitudinal axes, perform movements simulating twisting a wet cloth. Get back to the initial position in a reverse order.   7. With one of the handles firmly fixed to the user&#39;s body, rotate the other handle around and backwards behind the back together with the exerciser&#39;s body, while simultaneously moving the elbows in the same directions.   8. Move the upper handle downwards and the lower handle upwards in parallel directions.   9. With one of the handles firmly fixed to the body, move the other handle to the right and left in parallel direction.   10. With one of the handles firmly fixed to the body move the other handle up and down, keeping them parallel.   11. With arms straightened, move the upper handle downwards and the lower handle upwards, keeping the handles parallel.   12. Move the handles in parallel planes simulating bicycle pedaling.   13. With one of the handles firmly fixed to the user&#39;s body, rotate the other handle simulating brace movement. The handles should remain parallel.   14. Perform a cone-shaped rotation of the handles simultaneously moving the exerciser&#39;s body onwards-backwards.   15. With thumbs against the exerciser&#39;s body, grip the handles with the four fingers of both hands and rotate them upwards; get back to the initial position rotating the exerciser along its longitudinal axis.   16. One hand holds the exerciser&#39;s body; the other hand with the thumb against the body grips the handle with one, two or three fingers. Rotate the handle upwards; get back to the initial position, rotating the exerciser along its longitudinal axis.   17. One hand holds the exerciser&#39;s body and the handle is located between the fingers of the other hand. While gripping the handle by the fingers rotate the handle in different directions.       
 
         [0063]    To accumulate maximum muscle strength from the exerciser, the load offered should be high enough for the athlete to perform 6-12 repetitions of the exercise at a minimum possible rate. To develop power endurance, the number of repetitions should be 20 at a minimum. The load used throughout the exercise should leave the individual with muscle fatigue at the end of the exercise. This regimen can be applied to train the cardiovascular system along with strength training. 
         [0064]    To increase speed and strength parameters, exercises should be repeated 6-15 times before upgrading to a higher resistance level. Before upping the resistance level, an individual must be able to rotate the handles at a fast pace at the current resistance setting. Athletes can perform 5-6 sets of every exercise, with 1-3 minute intervals of active rest in between sets. 
         [0065]    Rapid progress in strength and endurance can be maximized with systematic use of the exercise device according to the program explained above. Since keeping tracking of training routines and progress results can be complex and time consuming, the on-board electronics panel can store the information so that the user does not have to manually log exercise routines and progress. 
         [0066]    The information that is can be displayed and stored includes the amount of force needed to move the handles, the number of repetitions, the user workload, pulse, calories burned, etc. In one embodiment, the display on the exercise device generates a moving image of a person showing how to use the exercise device. In another embodiment, the electronics panel communicates by Bluetooth or other wireless technology to download workout information and to upload exercise routines.