FINGER WEIGHT DEVICE

A Finger Weight System have a main central body portion and a pair of end body portions hinged to the main central body portion, allowing the end body portions to flex and hinge away from the main central body portion. A weight holder on each of the body portions for receiving weights. An outwardly bulb-shaped projection located on at least one of the end body portions, wherein the projection is sized to be received in an opening in a strap after the strap has been wrapped around a person's finger. A member hinged to a rear flange member for retaining the strap in position against the main central body portion, the member secured in a locked position against the strap by a front flange member including a tab or upstanding projection that fits into a groove on an end of the member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device that is weighted and resiliently securable to a finger to assist in strengthening the finger during use of the finger. Such a strengthening device is invaluable for sports usage, piano playing and other activities where fingers are in constant use and thus in need of strengthening.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

There are a number of finger weight devices capable of holding a plurality of weights for strengthening fingers. These include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,413,193 and 7,662,068. These devices while effective require the use of a strap and do not have the desirable flexibility so they can be quickly and effortlessly affixed in position on a figure or removed therefrom. In addition to this high degree of flexibility they lack the ready positioning and removable of weights so that they can readily adapt to varying weight requirements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is illustrated an articulating weight system allowing for the center of gravity to lower as the strap is tightened to a desired fit and tension. This feature is critical as it allows for the center of gravity to remain constant during high velocity movements. An example of a “high velocity” movement would be the torque generated from throwing a baseball at one's maximum speed.

It can be appreciated that this simple and efficient design will not restrict circulation thus allowing the wearer to use the device for an extended period of time without discomfort.

The weight sections each include cylindrical weight holders for receiving weights for the finger weight device. Also included in this embodiment is a centrally disposed weight holder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring toFIG.1-7there is illustrated a Finger Weight System100which includes a strap130to secure it to a person's finger F.

The Finger Weight System100that includes a main central body portion110with a pair of end body portions120on either side of the central body portion110. The end body portions120are hinged to the main central body portion110, such that it allows the end body portion to flex or hinge away from each other. In one example, the hinge is a living hinge118.

Each of the body portions (110and120) also include a weight holder115and125, respectively, for receiving weights105. The width of the central body portions apparat from each other is configured and arranged to fit in an arcuate pattern around the top portion of the finger.

Located on opposite sides of the pair of end body portions120are outwardly bulb-shaped projections125. The projections125are sized to be received in openings135in the strap130after the strap has been tightly wrapped around a finger. Specifically the strap130when in the finger-wrapped position has been guided around d the finger and about the outside of the weight holders and located and secured in place by the inter-fitting projections125and strap openings135. While projections are illustrated, the system100can use a ratchet type mechanism to tighten and secure the strap. In that embodiment the strap is inserted like a zip tie. It will have a flush release button/lever on top. It could even have a dial to tighten and loosen. The center weight is always in the center of the finger, while the articulating weights move with the size of the finger maintaining a center of gravity at or below the finger line.

To retain the strap130in position against the Finger Weight System100, a member145is hinged to a rear flange member140. To secure the member28in a locked position against the strap130, a front flange member150includes a tab or upstanding projection155that fits into a groove147on an end of the member145.

The Finger Weight System100defines longitudinally extending cylindrical weight holders115and125for the receipt of cylindrical finger weights160. The finger weights are in frictional engagement with the holders to retain them in position. One or more weights can be inserted at any given time to vary the weight of the weight member as desired. Furthermore, the material of the weight can also be varied and two material examples that can be employed are stainless steel having an approximate weight of 10 grams/rod or tungsten having an approximate weight of 25 grams/rod. The weight holders do not extend all the way through in that the holders are formed with generally semi-spherical end covers162.

As illustrated inFIGS.4-7the Finger Weight System100is placed on a finger F. As the strapped is pulled down and tightened, the pair of end body portions120hinge or flex outwardly around the finger moving the center of gravity of the device closer to the center of gravity of the finger.