Finger and hand exerciser with tension adjuster

A finger and hand exerciser includes a housing defining four chambers arranged side-by-side in parallel with one another. Each chamber receives a tension adjustment member, a plunger that is reciprocatingly slidable in the chamber, and a helically wound compression spring extending between the plunger and the tension adjustment member. Each tension adjustment member includes a knurled wheel which the user of the finger and hand exerciser may turn to decrease or increase the force the spring exerts on the plunger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to finger and hand exercisers for medical and non-medical applications.

2. Description of the Prior Art

U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,256 (Silagy) discloses a combination individual finger and entire hand exerciser. As disclosed in the Silagy '256 patent, the exerciser includes three cooperating body members, mainly an upper body member12, a centrally disposed body member14and a lower body member16. Body member12is provided to promote individual finger exercising and includes four adjacent, individually independently slidable finger grips12a,12b,12cand12d. The bottom body member16is provided to promote entire hand exercising.

Each of the finger grips12a-12dis maintained in an initial clearance position from the centrally disposed body member14by a helical spring30which is disposed in an encircling relation about a pin34which is slidable in the middle body member14. Exposed caps18a-18dof the upper body member12are respectively provided on finger grips12a-12d. A user may contact the caps18a-18dwith his fingers and press down on finger grips12a-12dagainst the resistance of springs30to exercise his fingers.

It is noted that the tension in the exercising springs30forming part of the finger grips12a-12dis not adjustable by the user, and may provide too great or too little resistance for the user's individual fingers when the user is performing exercises with the finger and hand exerciser disclosed in the Silagy '256 patent.

Another finger and hand exerciser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,431,611 (Silagy). The Silagy '611 patent discloses an exerciser where the finger plunger components that are pressed by the user are allegedly adjustable in size to accommodate the hand width and finger length dimensions of the user.

The Silagy '611 patent discloses that the finger and hand exercising device includes four resistance spring, plunger-type, finger-actuated members12a-12d, each of which is attached to a base14. Each finger-actuated member includes an externally threaded, height-adjusting member30which is threadingly engaged with a housing24and in which is received an exercise spring36. Slidably disposed in relation to height-adjusting member30is a tube46for containing spring36. A removable cap60for engagement with a user's finger is removably threaded onto tube46to hold the exercising spring in place.

The user may raise or lower the height of the finger-actuated members12a-12dto adjust for variations in the user's finger lengths by turning threaded member30in housing24of each of the plungers12a-12d.

It should be noted from the Silagy '611 patent that the tension of the exercising springs36is not individually adjustable and remains the same even as the height of the plungers12a-12dis adjusted. In fact, the Silagy '611 patent teaches that the cap60must be removed from tube46to replace and insert an exercise spring36of an appropriate construction material and helical turns or configuration to vary the exercise effort in using the device.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a finger and hand exerciser which allows the user thereof to adjust the resistance provided by the exerciser applied individually to each finger of the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a finger and hand exerciser which allows the user to adjust the individual spring tension in each finger plunger of the exerciser without affecting the height of the finger plungers relative to the base or housing of the exerciser on which they are mounted.

It is yet another object of the present invention to overcome the inherent disadvantages of the finger and hand exercisers disclosed in the Silagy '256 and '611 patents.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a finger and hand exerciser which includes markings for the user of the exerciser to note the relative resistance applied to each finger.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a finger and hand exerciser which is adaptable to be fitted with a mechanical or electronic metronome.

In accordance with one form of the present invention, a finger and hand exerciser includes a housing or base defining four chambers arranged side-by-side in parallel with one another. Each chamber receives a tension adjustment member in a lower portion of the chamber defined by the housing, a plunger captively received by and reciprocatingly slidable in an upper portion of each chamber defined by the housing, and a helically wound compression spring extending between the plunger and the tension adjustment member in each chamber.

Each tension adjustment member includes a knurled wheel having its outer peripheral edge at least partially exposed through a pair of cutouts formed through the thickness of the housing on opposite faces thereof. The lower portion of each tension adjustment member is threaded, and is threadingly received by threaded portions of interior side walls of the housing defining each chamber at the lower portion thereof.

The user may turn the knurled wheel of any one of the tension adjustment members to cause the adjustment member to move axially within its respective chamber toward and away from the bottom of the housing, depending upon the direction that the knurled wheel is rotated. Turning the wheel in one direction causes the tension adjustment member to rise within its respective chamber toward the plunger aligned therewith, which compresses the helical spring and increases the force the spring exerts on the plunger. Thus, a user must exert greater finger or hand pressure when forcing the plunger into the chamber to overcome the resistance of the compressed spring.

Alternatively, the user may rotate the knurled wheel of a particular tension adjustment member to cause the adjustment member to move downwardly axially in the chamber, away from the plunger, thus allowing the corresponding compression spring to expand between the plunger and the tension adjustment member. This action decreases the force which the compression spring exerts on the plunger, so that the user need exert less force on the plunger to move the plunger downwardly into its corresponding chamber to overcome the resistance of the compression spring.

Accordingly, the effort which the user requires to depress the corresponding plunger for each finger may be individually adjusted and tailored to meet the exercise requirements of the user.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Initially referring toFIGS. 1-17of the drawings, it will be seen that a finger and hand exerciser100having a spring tension adjustment for each finger, formed in accordance with the present invention, includes a housing102having a front wall104, a rear wall106situated opposite the front wall104, a top wall108and a bottom wall110situated opposite the top wall108. The housing102may be integrally formed, or may be formed from a front half and a back half which may be joined together by adhesive, fasteners or any other means well known in the art, such as shown inFIG. 3. The housing102is preferably shaped with four semi-cylindrical or arcuate wall protrusions112on its front wall104and opposite rear wall106. Each wall protrusion112defines interiorly of the housing a chamber114so that, overall, the housing102defines interiorly preferably four chambers114, each arranged side-by-side in parallel and extending from the bottom wall110of the housing to the top wall108.

Preferably, the top wall108is formed with four circular openings116, each opening116communicating with a respective chamber114formed in the housing102.

The housing102defines each chamber114with a generally cylindrical shape that extends axially from the bottom wall110to the top wall108of the housing, each chamber114being aligned and communicating with a corresponding opening116formed in the top wall108.

The lower portion of the housing102is formed with four interiorly threaded bores118, each of which is in communication with a respective chamber114. Each threaded bore118may be axially extended by including a bushing120which is integrally formed with the lower portion of the housing102and which extends into the chamber114. The bushing120is similarly interiorly threaded and, as will be seen, extends the overall axial length of the bore118so that a greater range of spring tension adjustment may be provided with respect to each finger of the user's hand.

Each cylindrical protrusion112of the front wall104and rear wall106of the housing includes a cutout122formed through the thickness thereof, which cutout122communicates with a corresponding chamber114defined by and interiorly of the housing102. As will be described in greater detail, the cutouts122define a window through which a spring tension adjustment knob or wheel124is at least partially exposed to the user for adjustment of the exercise force required by the user with respect to each finger of the user's hand. Slots126are also formed through the cylindrical portions112of the front wall104and rear wall106of the housing, which slots126extend axially along at least a portion of the length of each cylindrical wall portion112. Again, as will be described in greater detail, the slots126are provided to hold captive a finger exercising plunger128within a corresponding chamber114.

A spring tension adjustment member130is received by each chamber114. Each tension adjustment member130is generally cylindrical in shape and includes an upper portion132, a lower portion134which is disposed axially opposite the upper portion132, and a middle portion136. The upper portion132is cylindrical in shape and has an outer diameter which is equal to or slightly less than the inner diameter of the helically wound, compression spring138so that the lower portion of the compression spring138may be closely disposed about the outer surface of the upper portion132of the tension adjustment member130. The closeness in the outer diameter of the upper portion132of the tension adjustment member130and the inner diameter of the compression spring138helps minimize or prevents the compression spring138from buckling or protruding sideways and deviating from its longitudinal axis during the spring's compression and expansion.

The lower portion134of each tension adjustment member130includes threads so that the lower portion134of the tension adjustment member130may be threadingly received by the threaded bore118and bushing120of the lower portion of the housing102.

The middle portion136of each tension adjustment member130includes a radially outwardly extending wheel or knob124, which wheel or knob124includes an outer periphery which is knurled to facilitate rotation of the wheel by the user. The wheel124is integrally formed on the tension adjustment member130so that rotation of the wheel134in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction will cause the tension adjustment member130and the threaded lower portion134thereof to turn with the wheel. The wheel124of each tension adjustment member130has an outer diameter which is preferably equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the circular openings116formed in the top wall108of the housing and the inner diameter of the chambers114, and preferably has a greater diameter than those of the upper portion132and lower portion134of the tension adjustment member130, so that each tension adjustment member130may be received through the corresponding circular opening116in the top wall108of the housing102and positioned within the corresponding chamber114during assembly of the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention. Furthermore, the middle portion136of each tension adjustment member130, and in particular the wheel124thereof, preferably has formed in the upper surface thereof a recess or well140for seating the lowermost end of the compression spring138.

The finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention also includes a plurality of finger exercising plungers128. Each plunger128has a generally cylindrical portion142that defines an internal bore144. The inner diameter of the plunger bore144is slightly greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the compression spring138so that the upper portion of the compression spring138may be closely received by the bore144of a corresponding plunger128. Again, the closeness in the inner diameter of the plunger bore144and the outer diameter of the compression spring138maintains the axially extending shape of the spring138and prevents it from bulging sideways during compression and expansion of the spring caused by movement of the plunger128.

The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion142of each plunger128is equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the circular opening116formed in the top wall108of the housing and the diameter of the corresponding chamber114by which it is received to allow the plunger128to move reciprocatingly axially within its corresponding chamber114and to minimize or prevent its rocking sideways within the chamber114as the plunger128slides reciprocatingly therewithin. Preferably, each plunger128includes a pair of diametrically opposed ribs146extending longitudinally axially along at least a portion of the length of the cylindrical portion142thereof and radially outwardly from the outer surface of the plunger128. The ribs146of each plunger128are received by corresponding grooves148formed on diametrically opposite sides of each chamber114by the inner surface of the cylindrical portions of the housing102defining the chambers114. The cooperation of the plunger ribs146and the corresponding housing grooves148prevents each plunger128from rotating as it moves reciprocatingly within its corresponding chamber114during an exercise routine.

Each plunger128also preferably includes resilient tabs150formed on diametrically opposite sides of the lower portion of the cylindrical portion142of the plunger. The resilient tabs150are defined by axially extending cuts152formed through the thickness of the cylindrical portion142of the plunger128on opposite sides of each tab150to provide the tabs with resiliency and to allow radial movement of the tabs150when the plunger128is received by a corresponding chamber114formed in the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser100. Extending radially outwardly from each tab150of each plunger128is a shoulder154, which is urged radially outwardly from the cylindrical portion142of the plunger128by each resilient tab150.

When the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention is assembled, a tension adjustment member130is placed in a corresponding chamber114. The wheel124is then turned so that the threaded lower portion134of the tension adjustment member is received by the threaded lower portion of the housing102and bushing120defining the bore144situated below the chamber114. Then, the helically wound compression spring138is placed in its corresponding chamber114, with its lowermost end resting in the well140defined by the wheel124of the tension adjustment member130. The cylindrical portion142of the plunger128is then at least partially received by a corresponding chamber114through the aligned opening116formed in the top wall108of the housing102, with the upper portion of the compression spring138being received by the bore144defined by the cylindrical portion142of the plunger. When placing the plunger128in the corresponding chamber144, the ribs146on the plunger128are aligned with the grooves148formed in the interior walls of the housing102defining the corresponding chamber114to allow the plunger128to move reciprocatingly axially within the chamber114, but not rotationally.

As described previously, diametrically opposed slots126are formed through the thickness of the front wall104and rear wall106of the housing102at each cylindrical portion112defining a corresponding chamber114. As the plunger128is maneuvered into a corresponding chamber114, the resilient tabs150formed on the lower end of the plunger cylindrical portion142are radially inwardly deflected by the interior wall surfaces of the housing102defining the corresponding chamber114and are positioned in alignment with a corresponding slot126formed in the front wall104and rear wall106of the housing102. When each resilient tab150of the plunger128reaches the uppermost extent of a corresponding slot126during insertion of the plunger128into the housing102, the shoulder154, which is dimensioned in width to be equal to or slightly less than the width of the slot126, is biased radially outwardly by the resiliency of the tab150on which it is mounted and is captively received by a corresponding slot126formed in the front wall104and rear wall106of the housing. The shoulder154of each tab150is retained by and moves axially within its corresponding slot126as the plunger128is reciprocatingly moved by finger pressure within its corresponding chamber114. The cooperation of the plunger tabs150and housing slots126secures the plungers128to the housing102while allowing the plungers128to move reciprocatingly on the housing102under finger or hand pressure.

Each plunger128includes a rectangularly-shaped upper portion156which is integrally formed at the upper axial end of the cylindrical portion142. The upper portions156of the plungers128reside outside of the housing102above the top wall108thereof. The upper portion156of each plunger128includes upstanding side walls158which define a well160for receiving a finger pad or cushion162. The finger pad162may be formed from rubber or other resilient material to cushion the user's fingers when he or she is using the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention and depressing each plunger128. A rectangular central protrusion164extends upwardly from the lower surface166of the upper portion156of the plunger128into the well160. Additionally, preferably, a pair of pins168formed on opposite sides of the rectangular protrusion164extends upwardly from the lower surface166of the upper portion156of the plunger128into the well160. As shown inFIG. 9, the underside of the pad162includes a rectangular recess170and circular recesses172formed in the lower surface174of each pad162to respectively receive the rectangular protrusion164and pins168of a corresponding plunger128. The pad162is press fitted into the well160defined by the side walls158of the upper portion156of the plunger128such that the rectangular protrusion164is received by the correspondingly dimensioned rectangular recess170of the finger pad162, and the pins168are received by the correspondingly dimensioned circular recesses172of the finger pad162. Thus, the pads162are press fitted into the wells160and maintained therein in a slightly compressed state, but are preferably removable for replacement, if necessary.

The upper surface176of each finger cushioning pad162is formed with a concave shape so that the user may rest his finger comfortably and securely, without slipping off the plunger128, on the concavely-shaped upper surface176of the plunger pad162.

One of the advantages of the present invention over the aforementioned Silagy patents is that the tension in the spring138for each finger may be adjusted by the user. As described previously, the knurled wheel124on each tension adjustment member130is exposed through the cutout122formed in the front wall104and rear wall106of the housing102, and thus may be grasped and rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction by the user. When the wheel124is turned in one direction, for example, in the clockwise direction, when the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention is viewed from the top, the tension adjustment member130to which the wheel124is connected moves axially downwardly within its corresponding chamber114by the interaction of the threaded lower portion134of the tension adjustment member130and the threaded bore118in which it is received. This allows the helically wound compression spring138to expand, so that it provides less force on the plunger128and, concomitantly, less resistance to the user to press the plunger128downwardly into the housing102with his finger resting on the pad162of the plunger.

Alternatively, by turning the wheel124of the tension adjustment member130in the opposite direction, for example, in the counterclockwise direction, when the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention is viewed from the top, the tension adjustment member130to which the wheel124is connected moves axially upwardly within its corresponding chamber114, and compresses the spring138such that the spring138exerts greater force on the plunger128in which it is partially received and provides greater resistance to a user pressing down on the plunger128with his finger. Thus, the compression spring138inside each finger exercising plunger128may be adjusted in tension by the user to provide more or less resistance for each of the user's fingers when he presses down on the plungers128. The pitch of the threads of the bore118and the lower portion134of the tension adjustment member130is chosen to allow an infinite fine adjustment in spring tension and resistance to the user when he presses down on the plungers128.

It should be further noted that, even though the tension in each spring138may vary to provide different resistance for each finger, each of the finger plungers128remains at the same height above the top wall108of the housing102when not depressed by the user.

In a preferred form of the present invention, and as shown inFIG. 11, the front wall104and rear wall106of the housing102may be provided with a series of markings or gradations178situated axially along the cylindrically shaped portions112on the outer surface of the housing102, and positioned alongside and in alignment with the cutouts122through which the tension adjustment wheel124is exposed. Thus, the user can easily see, with the aid of these gradations178, the relative tension placed on each compression spring138and the resistance provided by these springs to the user when depressing the plungers128with his fingers. When a wheel124of a corresponding tension adjustment member130is situated at the lower end of the wheel cutout122, and in alignment with the lowermost gradation or marking178, the user knows that the compression spring138is in its most expanded state and provides the least resistance when the user depresses the corresponding plunger128with his finger. When the wheel124for adjusting tension in the spring138is situated at the upper end of the cutout122, and in alignment with the uppermost gradation or marking178, the user knows that the spring138is in its most compressed state and provides greater resistance to the user when depressing the corresponding plunger128against the force of the spring138. The gradations or markings178between the lowermost marking and the uppermost marking indicate to the user, when the tension adjusting wheel124is situated in alignment with such marking178, the relative degree of resistance provided by the compression spring138when he presses on a corresponding plunger128.

As can be seen byFIGS. 6 and 7of the drawings, the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention may include a palm cushion180made from rubber or other elastic material which is fitted over and removable from the lower portion of the housing102. This cushion180may be removed therefrom and fitted over the upper portions156of the plungers128, as shown inFIG. 11. The finger and hand exerciser100may thus be repositioned in the user's hand such that the plungers128, with the palm cushion180fitted thereon, rests in the palm of the user's hand, and the user's fingers now rest on the bottom wall110of the exerciser housing102. With the exerciser100being held by the user in this manner, the plungers128of the exerciser are depressed in unison by the user, with one or more of his fingers resting on the bottom wall110of the housing102. Alternatively, the exerciser100of the present invention may be held by the user between his thumb and other fingers in order to provide exercise to the user's thumb.

Another feature of the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention is to allow the user to build up calluses on his fingers, which is advantageous when the user plays a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar. In a preferred form of the invention, one or more ribs182extend along the length of the housing102and are situated on the bottom wall110thereof, and extend outwardly from the surface of the bottom wall110. Normally, the ribs182are covered by the palm cushion180which is fitted over the lower portion of the housing102. However, and as mentioned previously, the palm cushion180may be removed and placed atop the plungers128, exposing the ribs182formed on the bottom wall110of the housing. The user would then place his fingers on one of the ribs182and hold the housing102upside down, with the palm cushion180, fitted over the plungers128, resting in the palm of his hand. By pressing down with his fingers on the housing ribs182against the resistance provided by the springs138, the user may develop calluses on his finger tips in this manner of exercise using the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention.

Another feature of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention is that it is adaptable to receive an electronic or mechanical metronome184. As shown inFIG. 6A, the metronome184, the electronics and mechanics of which are not described herein, may be mounted to the bottom wall110of the housing102by a pair of screws (not shown) which are threadingly received by corresponding threaded bores186formed in the bottom wall110of the housing. In this embodiment, the palm cushion180is fitted over the metronome184attached to the bottom wall110of the housing, and may also extend over the lower portion of the housing102, and may be removed therefrom. The cushion180protects the metronome184when the finger and hand exerciser100is being used, and may be temporarily removed therefrom to turn on or adjust the tempo of the metronome184.

Other versions of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention are shown inFIGS. 12-71of the drawings. These alternative embodiments operate similarly, and have similar structure, to the embodiments described previously and illustrated byFIGS. 1-11of the drawings. These embodiments will now be described.

FIG. 12illustrates a version of the finger and hand exerciser in which there are two ribs182situated on the bottom wall110of the housing102, and which extend outwardly from the surface of the bottom wall110. The ribs182are covered by the palm cushion180, which is shown inFIG. 12as having been removed and placed atop the plungers128. Relief holes190are formed in the relatively thick bottom wall110of the housing102. The relief holes190are provided to minimize the formation of sink marks which may have otherwise formed during cooling of the housing102after it is injection molded, and for economy of plastic and to promote more rapid cooling of the molded piece.

It should be further noted fromFIG. 12of the drawings that the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention has the tension adjustment members130shown in their lowest position on the housing102to reduce the tension in the compression springs138, thereby reducing the necessary force required by the user to overcome the resistance of the springs against plungers128.

FIG. 13is an exploded view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention illustrated byFIG. 12.

FIG. 14is an exploded view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention shown inFIG. 12, taken from a different perspective than that shown inFIG. 13.

FIG. 15is a partial cutaway of the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention shown inFIG. 12. This view is very similar to that shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 16is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention shown inFIG. 12, with the palm cushion180affixed to the bottom wall110of the housing102. This view is very similar to the view of the finger and hand exerciser shown inFIG. 4. It can be clearly seen fromFIG. 16that the tension adjustment members130are situated at their lowest position in housing102to provide the least resistance for the user. In this position, the tension adjustment members130allow the compression springs138to be in a relatively expanded state in order to reduce the tension in the springs138.

FIG. 17is a cross-sectional view through the assembled housing102of the finger and hand exerciser100shown inFIG. 12. This view is very similar to the view shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 18is a bottom isometric view of one of the finger pads162of the finger and hand exerciser shown inFIG. 12of the drawings. This view is very similar to that shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 19is a bottom isometric view of one of the finger pads162of the finger and hand exerciser shown inFIG. 12, taken from a different perspective than that ofFIG. 18. Again, this view is very similar to that shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 20is an isometric view of one of the compression springs138used in the various embodiments of the finger and hand exerciser100described herein.

FIGS. 21-71of the drawings relate to another preferred form of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention. This particular embodiment will now be described in detail.

With this particular embodiment, the plunger128is slightly modified from the previous version of the finger and hand exercisers shown inFIGS. 1-11. Here, the tabs150of the plunger128are moved ninety degrees from the plunger128shown inFIGS. 1-11so that they are on diametrically opposite sides of the plunger and situated where ribs146of the earlier-described embodiment were located. The tabs150extend in the longitudinal axial direction of the plunger128, as shown inFIGS. 22-26of the drawings. A stiffening rib196situated on an inside surface of each tab150extends along the length of each tab150and project outwardly from the inside surface of the tab. The ribs196are provided for stiffening the tabs150, but not so much as to prevent the tabs150from being resilient and movable in a radially inward and outward direction with respect to the cylindrical portion142of each plunger. At the free end of each tab150of each plunger128is situated a shoulder154which extends outwardly from the outer surface of each tab150. The tabs150are received in corresponding grooves198formed in the housing102, which grooves198are similar in many respects to the grooves148of the finger and hand exerciser described previously and illustrated byFIGS. 1-11of the drawings. Each groove198communicates with an enlarged slot200formed below a corresponding groove198. Thus, the slots200are situated on diametrically opposite sides of the chamber114which receives the cylindrical portion142of a corresponding plunger128(seeFIG. 40).

The finger and hand exerciser of the embodiment shown inFIGS. 21-71of the drawings is assembled in a manner similar to that described previously with respect to the embodiments shown inFIGS. 1-11. That is, the plungers128are inserted through the circular openings116formed in the top wall108of the housing102, after a tension adjustment member130and compression spring138are placed in a corresponding chamber. The tabs150of the plunger128are aligned with corresponding grooves198and slots200, and the plunger128is inserted into its corresponding chamber114formed in the housing102. The shoulders154, which extend outwardly from tabs150, are compressed radially inwardly by the housing interior side walls which define the grooves198. As the plunger128is forced downwardly into its respective chamber114, the shoulder154on each tab150passes the end of a respective groove198and is captively received by a corresponding slot200by resiliently expanding radially outwardly from the plunger128. Thus, the shoulder154on each tab150resides and slides in a corresponding slot200, while each tab150resides and slides within a corresponding groove198. The tabs150and grooves198are dimensioned so that the tabs150are closely received by the grooves198to allow the plunger128to move reciprocatingly within chamber114. Also, the cooperation of the tabs150and their respective grooves198prevent the plunger128from rotating on housing102as it is moved reciprocatingly within chamber114under finger pressure.

FIG. 27is a side view of each tension adjustment member130used in the finger and hand exerciser of this preferred embodiment. The tension adjustment members130shown inFIG. 27have similar structure to those used in the embodiments described earlier and shown inFIGS. 1-11.

FIG. 28is a cross-sectional view of the tension adjustment member130shown inFIG. 27.

FIG. 29is a bottom view of the tension adjustment member130shown inFIG. 27.

FIG. 30is a bottom isometric view of the tension adjustment member130shown inFIG. 27.

FIG. 31is a top isometric view of the tension adjustment member130shown inFIG. 27.

FIG. 32is a bottom isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 33is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser in its preferred form.

FIG. 34is an end view of the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 35is a transverse cross-sectional view of the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 36is an isometric view of the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 37is a top view of the housing of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention.

FIG. 38is a bottom view of the housing of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in a preferred form.

FIG. 39is a cross-sectional view of the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 40is a top isometric view of the housing102, transversely sectioned and with a portion thereof removed, of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 41is another isometric view of the housing102, also transversely sectioned with a portion thereof removed, of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 42is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the assembled finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form. It should be noted fromFIG. 42that the finger and hand exerciser has its plungers128in their most outwardly extended position with respect to housing102, and each tension adjustment member130is situated at its lowest position within housing102to provide the least resistance for the user during an exercise regimen.

FIG. 43is a side view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form. Again, the finger and hand exerciser is shown with the tension adjustment members130in their lowest position on housing102and with the plungers128in their non-depressed state.

FIG. 44is an isometric view of a callus rib plate202of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form. The callus rib plate202includes a plurality of resilient prongs204, having outwardly and perpendicularly extending shoulders206situated at the free end of each plate prong204. The plate prongs204are received by corresponding openings208formed through the bottom wall110of housing102and extending through the housing102and through recessed portions210situated between the cylindrical wall protrusions112which define the chambers114. The openings208are situated on the housing102to be in alignment with plate prongs204so that the callus rib plate202may be positioned on the housing102with its inner surface266facing the bottom wall110. The callus rib plate202is forced against the bottom wall110of the housing102such that the plate prongs204are received by corresponding openings208. The plate prongs204are resilient and are deflected inwardly of the callus rib plate202when they are received by corresponding openings208. When the free end of each plate prong204is fully received by its corresponding opening208formed in the housing102, they resiliently move from their inwardly deflected position to an outwardly expanded position such that the plate shoulders206situated on the free ends of the plate prongs204hook on to the recessed portion210of housing102. In this matter, the callus rib plate202is secured in place to the bottom wall110of housing102.

The outer surface of the rib plate202includes one or more ribs182(three parallel ribs are shown inFIG. 44) which extend along the length of callus rib plate202, in a similar manner as the ribs182extend along the bottom wall110of the finger and hand exerciser described previously and shown inFIGS. 1-11of the drawings. Even more preferably, each rib182may include a series of bumps or projections212situated along its length to simulate the feel of wire-wound guitar strings and to help build up calluses on the user's fingertips in less time. In this embodiment of the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention, no callus ribs182are formed directly on the bottom wall110of the housing102, since the callus rib plate202includes such ribs182.

The callus rib plate202in this preferred form of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention is provided as a separate piece which may be attachable to the bottom wall110of the housing102if the user so desires. Or, the user may choose not to attach the callus rib plate202to the housing102, for example, if the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention is used for health purposes, or sports purposes, to strengthen the grip or fingers of the user, or where the user plays a wind musical instrument rather than a stringed musical instrument.

FIG. 45is another isometric view of the callus rib plate202, showing the inside surface of the plate. As can be seen, a plurality of circular recesses214are formed on the inside surface of the callus rib plate202. Each circular recess214is aligned with a corresponding opening215in the bottom wall110of the housing102, in the event that the threaded lower portion134of each tension adjustment member130extends slightly outwardly from the bottom wall110of the housing102. Such openings215in the bottom wall110are provided to allow even further adjustment of the tension provided by the compression springs138by greater axial movement of the tension adjustment members130. Also, it can be seen fromFIG. 45that locator posts216formed as projections which extend outwardly from the inner surface of the callus rib plate202are provided. Such locator posts216are received by corresponding openings218formed in the bottom wall110of housing102, and are provided to help properly align the callus rib plate202on the bottom wall110when the callus rib plate202is being affixed to the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser.

FIG. 46is a top view of the callus rib plate202shown inFIGS. 44 and 45.

FIG. 47is a bottom view of the callus rib plate202shown inFIGS. 44-46.

FIG. 21is an isometric view of the palm cushion180of the finger and hand exerciser shown inFIG. 12of the drawings. The palm cushion180, on its inside surface, includes three parallel recesses192for receiving the ribs182formed on the callus rib plate202, when the palm cushion180and callus rib plate202are mounted on the bottom wall110of the housing. Protrusions194which extend from the side walls of the palm cushion180towards the interior space defined by the palm cushion180fill in the void between the side edges of the callus rib plate202and the prongs204, which are slightly recessed inwardly from the edges. The palm cushion180preferably includes a flexible and deformable lip205situated at the edge of the open side of the cushion and extending radially inwardly therefrom. The palm cushion180and lip205stretch over the bottom wall110and callus rib plate202, and metronome184if such is included, to secure the palm cushion180to the housing102until it is purposely removed therefrom by the user.

FIG. 48is a side view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form. Again, it can be seen fromFIG. 48that the tension adjustment members130are situated in their lowest position on housing102to provide the least resistance to finger exercise, and the finger plungers128are situated in their most extended position on housing102. Also, it can be clearly seen fromFIG. 48that the palm cushion180has a central indentation220formed transversely across the central portion thereof. This indentation is provided to allow the user to rest his thumb thereat in a more comfortable position when exercising his thumb and fingers and to prevent or minimize his thumb from slipping off the palm cushion180during an exercise regimen.

FIG. 49is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention shown inFIG. 48.

FIG. 50is an isometric, cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention shown inFIG. 48.

FIG. 51is an isometric, transverse cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention shown inFIG. 48.

FIG. 52is a transverse cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 53is yet another transverse cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 54is an isometric, transverse cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 55is yet another transverse cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 56is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form. Here, the finger and hand exerciser is illustrated with the plungers128in a depressed state.

FIG. 57is another isometric, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 58is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form. Here, it can be seen that each tension adjustment member130is situated in its highest position within housing102to provide the greatest tension in compression springs138and the most resistance to the user during an exercise regimen. Also, it can be seen fromFIG. 58that each plunger128is depressed to its lowest position with respect to housing102.

FIG. 59is a transverse cross-sectional view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention shown inFIG. 59, again with the tension adjustment member130shown in its highest position on housing102, and the plunger128depressed to its lowest position with respect to housing102.

FIG. 60is an end view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form, with the tension adjustment members130shown in their highest position on housing102, and the plungers128shown fully depressed.

FIG. 61is a bottom isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form, again with the tension adjustment members130shown in their highest position on housing102, and each finger plunger128shown fully depressed.

FIG. 62is a top isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form, again showing each tension adjustment member130in its highest position on housing102to provide the greatest resistance for the user, and with each finger plunger128being shown in its fully depressed state.

FIG. 63is a bottom isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form. Here, each tension adjustment member130is shown in its lowest position on housing102to provide the least resistance for the user, and each finger plunger128is shown as being fully depressed on housing102.

FIG. 64is a partially exploded, bottom isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 65is another partially exploded, bottom isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 66is a partially exploded, top isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 67is another partially exploded, top isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form, and viewed from a different angle than that shown inFIG. 66.

FIG. 68is a partially exploded, end view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention, in its preferred form.

FIG. 69is a partially exploded, side view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 70is a partially exploded, side view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

FIG. 71is another partially exploded, isometric view of the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention in its preferred form.

As can been seen from the drawings and the foregoing description, a finger and hand exerciser100in one form of the present invention includes a housing102defining a plurality of chambers114arranged side-by-side, a plurality of tension adjustment members130, each tension adjustment member130being received by a corresponding chamber114, a plurality of plungers128, each plunger128being received by a corresponding chamber114and being reciprocatingly axially movable within the corresponding chamber, and a plurality of compression springs138. Each compression spring138is received by a corresponding chamber114and is operatively in engagement with a corresponding tension adjustment member130and operatively biases a corresponding plunger128received by the corresponding chamber114. Furthermore, each tension adjustment member130is axially movable within a corresponding chamber114to place a selected amount of tension on the compression spring138received by the corresponding chamber. Preferably, each compression spring138received by a corresponding chamber114is interposed between a respective plunger128and a respective tension adjustment member130received by the corresponding chamber.

Even more preferably, each tension adjustment member130is rotatable within a corresponding chamber114. The rotation of a respective tension adjustment member130causes axial movement of the respective tension adjustment member within the corresponding chamber114. Each tension adjustment member130preferably includes a wheel124exposed on the housing102for a user of the finger and hand exerciser100to contact in order to rotate each tension adjustment member130, which effects axial movement of the tension adjustment member within a corresponding chamber114.

In another preferred embodiment of the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention, the housing102includes a plurality of threaded bores118, each threaded bore118being co-axial and in communication with a corresponding chamber114. Each tension adjustment member130includes a first axial end portion132, a second axial end portion134situated opposite the first axial end portion132, and a middle portion136interposed between the first axial end portion132and the second axial end portion134. The second axial end portion134includes a threaded outer surface, the threaded outer surface of the second axial end portion134of each tension adjustment member130being in threading engagement with a corresponding threaded bore118.

Furthermore, each compression spring138preferably is an elongated member in the form of a helical coil and includes a first axial end portion250and a second axial end portion252situated opposite the first axial end portion250, and defines a bore254extending axially between the first axial end portion250and the second axial end portion252. The first axial end portion132of each tension adjustment member130preferably overlaps the second axial end portion252of a corresponding compression spring138in order to help prevent the corresponding compression spring138from deflecting in a radial direction when the corresponding compression spring is compressed. Even more preferably in this regard, the first axial end portion132of each tension adjustment member130is received by the bore254of a corresponding compression spring138at the second axial end portion252of the corresponding compression spring.

In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the middle portion136of each tension adjustment member130defines a cup or well140for receiving the second axial end portion252of a corresponding compression spring138.

A finger and hand exerciser100constructed in accordance with another form of the present invention includes plungers128in which each plunger128has a first axial end portion256, a second axial end portion258situated opposite the first axial end portion256, and a middle portion260interposed between the first axial end portion256and the second axial end portion258. The second axial end portion258of each plunger128has an open end262, and the middle portion260of each plunger128defines a bore144extending axially between the first axial end portion256of a respective plunger and the second axial end portion258of a respective plunger, the bore144being in communication with the open end262of the second axial end portion258of the respective plunger128. The bore144of each plunger128preferably receives the first axial end portion250of a corresponding compression spring138.

In another preferred form of the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention, the housing102has formed therein a plurality of slots126. Each slot126is in communication with a corresponding chamber114. Additionally, the second axial end portion258of each plunger128includes at least one resilient tab150, the resilient tab150being received by a corresponding slot126to cause each plunger128to be captively received by and reciprocatingly slidable in a corresponding chamber114.

Preferably, the first axial end portion256of each plunger128extends axially outwardly from a corresponding chamber114for engagement by a user of the finger and hand exerciser100, and the first axial end portion256of each plunger128has mounted thereon a finger cushion162. Even more preferably in this regard, the finger cushion162mounted on the first axial end portion256of each plunger128has a concave surface for receiving a finger of the user of the finger and hand exerciser100.

In accordance with another preferred form of the present invention, the housing102of the finger and hand exerciser100has a top side108and a bottom side110situated opposite the top side108, and a front side104and a rear side106situated opposite the front side104. Furthermore, portions of the plungers128extend at least partially from the housing102on the top side108thereof.

Additionally, the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention preferably includes a removable palm cushion180. The removable palm cushion180is mounted on the bottom side110of the housing102and is removable therefrom. The removable palm cushion180is dimensioned to fit over the portions of the plungers128which extend at least partially from the housing102on the top side108thereof.

In another embodiment of the finger and hand exerciser100of the present invention, the bottom side110of the housing includes at least one elongated rib182extending outwardly from the surface thereof to simulate a musical instrument string. Even more preferably, the finger and hand exerciser100further includes a removable plate202, the removable plate202having a first surface266and a second surface268situated opposite the first surface266. The second surface268has at least one elongated rib182extending outwardly therefrom to simulate a musical instrument string. The removable plate202is removably mounted at the first surface266thereof on the bottom side110of the housing102.

In yet another embodiment of the finger and hand exerciser100, the housing102includes a plurality of cutouts122formed in at least one of the front side104and the rear side106. Each cutout122is in alignment and communication with a corresponding chamber114to expose a portion (e.g., the wheel124) of the tension adjustment member130received by the corresponding chamber114and to allow a user of the finger and hand exerciser100to contact the portion (e.g., the wheel124) of the tension adjustment member130exposed through the cutout122to cause the tension adjustment member130to move axially within the corresponding chamber114.

Also, in a preferred form of the present invention, the housing102further includes a plurality of markings178. The markings178are disposed on at least one of the front side104and the rear side106of the housing102. At least one of the markings178is situated in proximity to a corresponding cutout122and the portion (e.g., wheel124) of the tension adjustment member130exposed through the corresponding cutout122. The markings178provide an indication of the relative tension placed on a compression spring138by a corresponding tension adjustment member.

In still another embodiment, the finger and hand exerciser100includes a metronome184, the metronome184being mounted on the bottom side110of the housing102.

The finger and hand exerciser of the present invention allows the user to adjust the resistance provided by the exerciser applied individually to each finger of the user. More specifically, the finger and hand exerciser of the present invention allows the user to adjust the individual spring tension in each finger plunger without affecting the height of the finger plungers relative to the base or housing of the exerciser on which they are mounted. Indicia situated on the front and rear sides of the housing of the finger and hand exerciser provides an indication of the relative resistance provided by the exerciser for each finger of the user.