Portable forearm exercising device

A portable forearm exercising device for developing and strengthening forearm muscles important to sports activities requiring swinging motion. First and second hand grips are provided. The ends of an elongated elastic band are attached transversely at the ends of each hand grip. The elastic bands are coupled together by a ring which may be loosened or tightened to maintain its position along each resistance element. The user exercises by pulling the hand grips apart against the resistance of the elastic bands.

2. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to exercising devices and more particularly 
pertains to portable forearm exercising devices which may be adapted for 
developing and strengthening a group of forearm muscles important to 
sports activities requiring swinging motion such as baseball, tennis, 
golf, and the like. 
3. Description of the Prior Art 
The use of forearm exercising devices is known in the prior art. More 
specifically, forearm exercising devices heretofore devised and utilized 
for the purpose of developing and strengthening a group of forearm muscles 
are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious 
structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs 
encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the 
fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements. 
The present invention is directed to improving devices for developing and 
strengthening a group of forearm muscles important to sports activities 
requiring swinging motion such as baseball, tennis, golf, and the like in 
a manner which is safe, secure, economical and aesthetically pleasing. 
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,652,085 to Cole discloses an exercise device 
for developing and strengthening the arm muscles, particularly those 
muscles associated with the act of throwing. The apparatus includes 
spherical hand grip connected to one end of an elastic cord to which 
structure is provided at the other end for anchoring the apparatus to a 
relatively immobile object of restraint. 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,861,022 to Boatcallie describes an exerciser primarily for 
chest muscles activated by pushing the handle ends of the device toward 
one another with the forearms, the hands playing an insignificant role in 
the use of the exerciser. It consists basically of a pair of levers 
rotatably secured to each other by a pivot pin joining the two levers near 
one pair of their ends, and elastic bands biasing the device in an open 
stance attitude, with the levers spread apart. 
While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and 
requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a portable 
forearm exercising device for developing and strengthening a group of 
forearm muscles important to sports activities requiring swinging motion 
such as baseball, tennis, golf, and the like. Furthermore, neither of 
these devices are portable or do not require an external immobile object 
for anchoring. 
The prior art also discloses an expander type exercising apparatus as shown 
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,796 to Ullmann which consists of an elongated 
stretchable elastic element consisting of one or more coil springs, 
elastic tubes and/or elastic strands. The elastic element is confined in 
the median portion of an elongated tube-like envelope the end portions of 
which are directly or indirectly secured to and extend beyond the 
respective ends of the elastic element. The end portions of the envelope 
have looped sections which constitute handles to be grasped by a person 
wishing to stretch the elastic element by way of the two end portions of 
the envelope. The invention disclosed uses woven filament loops for 
grasping handles. Handles so constructed will pinch together the user's 
hands and fingers making the device uncomfortable and difficult to use. 
Other patents of interest include U.S. Pat. No. 4,455,019 to Harris which 
shows an exerciser for finger, hand, wrist and forearm and U.S. Pat. No. 
4,392,649 to Chapman which discloses a hand, wrist and forearm exercising 
device. Both of these devices are complex in design and construction 
thereby making them costly to manufacture and market. Moreover, neither of 
the inventions described is portable. 
In this respect, the portable forearm exercising device according to the 
present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and 
designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily 
developed for the purpose of developing and strengthening a group of 
forearm muscles important to sports activities requiring swinging motion 
such as baseball, tennis, golf, and the like. 
Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for 
new and improved portable forearm exercising device which can be used for 
developing and strengthening a group of forearm muscles important to 
sports activities requiring swinging motion such as baseball, tennis, 
golf, and the like. In this regard, the present invention substantially 
fulfills this need. 
As illustrated by the background art, efforts are continuously being made 
in an attempt to develop devices for developing and strengthening a group 
of forearm muscles. No prior effort, however, provides the benefits 
attendant with the present invention. Additionally, the prior patents and 
commercial techniques do not suggest the present inventive combination of 
component elements arranged and configured as disclosed and claimed 
herein. 
The present invention achieves its intended purposes, objects, and 
advantages through a new, useful and unobvious combination of method steps 
and component elements, with the use of a minimum number of functioning 
parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, and by employing only readily 
available materials. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of 
forearm exercising devices now present in the prior art, the present 
invention provides an improved portable forearm exercising device 
construction wherein the same can be utilized for developing and 
strengthening a group of forearm muscles important to sports activities 
requiring swinging motion such as baseball, tennis, golf, and the like. As 
such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be 
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved 
portable forearm exercising device apparatus and method which has all the 
advantages of the prior art portable forearm exercising devices and none 
of the disadvantages. 
To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a new and 
improved portable forearm exercising device for developing and 
strengthening a group of forearm muscles important to sports activities 
requiring swinging motion such as baseball, tennis, golf, and the like, 
the portable forearm exercising device comprising, in combination: a first 
functional assembly being in cooperative interconnected relationship with 
a second functional assembly, the second functional assembly being 
identical to the first functional assembly, the first and second 
functional assemblies each comprising: an elongated hand grip, each hand 
grip including a shaft formed in a generally cylindrical configuration 
with two end segments, each end segment having a smaller diameter than the 
remainder of the shaft and including a plurality of external screw 
threads, an inner sleeve formed in a hollow generally cylindrical 
configuration, the sleeve having a slightly larger diameter than the 
shaft, the sleeve being positioned around the shaft between the end 
segments, the configuration and positioning of the sleeve permitting 
circular rotation around the shaft, hand cushioning means being fabricated 
of a resilient material such as foam rubber and affixed around the sleeve, 
the hand cushioning means having thick end regions and a thick central 
region therebetween, the thickness gradually decreasing from the central 
region to each end region, the hand cushioning means providing the user 
with increased comfort and control of the hand grip during vigorous 
manipulation of the device, the hand cushioning means being particularly 
useful when the user's hands become slippery with perspiration; an elastic 
resistance element for each hand grip, the resistance element being 
fabricated of elastic materials and formed in a hollow tubular 
configuration with two open ends, the resistance element including 
coupling means adjacent to each open end; attachment devices for coupling 
the free ends of the resistance elements to each hand grip, each 
attachment device formed in a generally L-shaped configuration, each 
attachment device having a large segment and a small segment, each large 
segment formed in a generally cylindrical configuration with a bore at one 
end, each bore including a plurality of internal screw threads, each bore 
adapted to be coupled to the end segments of each shaft, the small segment 
of each attachment device being formed in a generally cylindrical 
configuration with coupling means affixed thereto, each small segment 
adapted to be positioned within the coupling means of the open ends of the 
resistance elements, the fully constructed functional assemblies each 
being shaped in a generally semi circular configuration; and a coupling 
ring formed in a generally circular configuration, the ring comprising two 
identical generally semi circular shaped portions, each portion having two 
end regions and a rounded middle region therebetween, each end region 
having a circular aperture extending therethrough, the portions being 
coupled together with nuts and bolts through their aligned apertures, the 
ring being positioned around the approximate center point of each elastic 
resistance element, the ring coupling the functional assemblies together 
during operation and use such that a user may grasp the hand grip of the 
first functional assembly with one hand while simultaneously grasping the 
hand grip of the second functional assembly with the other hand, the user 
thereby obtaining a repeatable amount of resistance to specific muscle 
activity, the specific muscles exercised being determined by an exercise 
routine. 
There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features 
of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that 
follows may be better understood, and in order that the present 
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, 
additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter 
and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In 
as much as the foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent 
and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed 
description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that 
the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. 
Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which 
form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated 
by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific 
methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or 
designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the 
present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that 
such equivalent methods and structures do not depart from the spirit and 
scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention 
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its 
application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the 
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the 
drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being 
practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood 
that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose 
of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon 
which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the 
designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the 
several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, 
that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions 
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present 
invention. 
Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent 
and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the 
scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar 
with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a 
cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of 
the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention 
of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to 
be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way. 
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an portable 
forearm exercising device for developing and strengthening a group of 
forearm muscles important to sports activities requiring swinging motion 
such as baseball, tennis, golf, and the like. 
It is therefore an additional object of the present invention to provide a 
new and improved portable forearm exercising device which has all the 
advantages of the prior art portable forearm exercising devices and none 
of the disadvantages. 
It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved 
portable forearm exercising device which may be easily and efficiently 
manufactured and marketed. 
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved portable forearm exercising device which is of a durable and 
reliable construction. 
An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved portable forearm exercising device which is susceptible of a low 
cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which 
accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming 
public, thereby making such portable forearm exercising devices 
economically available to the buying public. 
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved portable forearm exercising device which provides in the 
apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, 
while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally 
associated therewith. 
Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved portable forearm exercising device which is compact and light 
weight thereby being convenient to transport. 
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved portable forearm exercising device which is designed and 
constructed to be easy to grip without pinching the user's hands or 
fingers. 
Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and 
improved portable forearm exercising device which does not require 
connection to any external apparatus or support. 
Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and 
improved portable forearm exercising device for developing and 
strengthening a group of forearm muscles important to sports activities 
requiring swinging motion such as baseball, tennis, golf, and the like, 
the portable forearm exercising device comprising: hand grip means 
comprising a first and a second identical rigid elongated generally 
cylindrical member with two ends; resistance means comprising a first and 
a second identical elongated elastic band with two ends; the first 
resistance means being coupled at each end to the ends of the first hand 
grip means; the second resistance means being coupled at each end to the 
ends of the second hand grip means; and the first and second resistance 
means being operatively coupled such that a user may grasp the first hand 
grip means with one hand while simultaneously grasping the second hand 
grip means with the other hand for employing the resistance means in the 
performance of an exercise routine. 
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 had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there 
is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. The foregoing has 
outlined some of the more pertinent objects of this invention. These 
objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more 
prominent features and applications of the present invention. Many other 
beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in 
a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the 
disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the 
invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the 
detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope 
of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the 
accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1 and 9 
thereof, a new and improved portable forearm exercising device embodying 
the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally 
designated by the reference numerals 10 and 100 will be described. 
From an overview standpoint, the portable forearm exercising device is 
adapted for use for developing and strengthening a group of forearm 
muscles important to sports activities requiring swinging motion such as 
baseball, tennis, golf, and the like. See FIGS. 1 and 9. 
An embodiment of the apparatus is shown in FIGS. 1 through 6. More 
specifically, it will be noted that a portable forearm exercising device 
10 for developing and strengthening a group of forearm muscles important 
to sports activities requiring swinging motion such as baseball, tennis, 
golf, and the like is shown. The portable forearm exercising device 10 
comprises a first functional assembly 20 being in cooperative 
interconnected relationship with a second functional assembly 50, the 
second functional assembly 50 being identical to the first functional 
assembly 20. 
The first functional assembly 20 comprises an elongated elastic resistance 
element 30 fixedly connected on both ends to a generally cylindrical hand 
grip 22. Each end of the resistance element has a non-elastic loop 32 and 
36, formed of metal or the like, fixedly longitudinally projecting 
therefrom. The loops 32 and 36 tightly engage with annular grooves 24 and 
26 formed in opposing ends of the hand grip 22. The resistance element 30 
is thus fixedly connected to opposing ends of the hand grip while also 
providing a gripping area 28 therebetween. The cylindrical hand grip 22 is 
formed of rigid hard material such as plastic or wood. 
The portable forearm exercising device 10 also includes the elastic element 
30 of the first functional assembly 20 being operatively looped through 
the elastic element 60 of the second functional assembly 50. Such an 
interconnection 46 allows a user to grasp the hand grip 22 of the first 
functional assembly with one hand while simultaneously grasping the hand 
grip 52 of the second functional assembly with the other hand to obtain a 
repeatable amount of resistance to specific muscle activity, the specific 
muscles exercised being determined by an exercise routine. 
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate two of many methods of use of the portable forearm 
exercise device 10. 
An alternate embodiment of the portable forearm exercising device, and 
generally designated by the reference numeral 80, is shown in FIGS. 7 and 
8. The cylindrical hand grip 82 further includes hand cushioning means 90. 
The cushioning means 90 is formed of resilient material, such as foam 
rubber, disposed around the gripping area 92 whereby providing the user 
with increased comfort. 
The hand cushioning means 90 may additionally include finger notches 96 
formed thereon whereby providing the user with improved control of the 
hand grip 82 during vigorous manipulation of the device 10 and/or if the 
hand grip 82 becomes slippery with perspiration. 
In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable forearm 
exercising device is comprised of a plurality of components. Such 
components in their broadest context include a first functional assembly 
102, a second functional assembly 104, two elongated hand grips 106, two 
resistance elements 108, four attachment devices 110 and a coupling ring 
112. Note FIG. 10. 
A first functional assembly 102 is in cooperative interconnected 
relationship with a second functional assembly 104. The second functional 
assembly is identical to the first functional assembly. The first and 
second functional assemblies each comprise a hand grip, a resistance 
element and two attachment devices. The functional assemblies are coupled 
together with a coupling ring. Note FIGS. 10 and 12. 
Each elongated hand grip 106 includes a shaft 116 formed in a generally 
cylindrical configuration with two end segments 118. The cylindrical hand 
grip is formed of rigid hard material such as plastic or wood. Note FIG. 
13. Each end segment 118 has a smaller diameter than the remainder of the 
shaft and includes a plurality of external screw threads. The end segments 
are adapted to be releasably coupled to the attachment devices. The 
releasably coupled orientation permits the user to easily assemble and 
disassemble the apparatus when desired. An inner sleeve 120 is formed in a 
hollow, generally cylindrical configuration. The sleeve has a slightly 
larger diameter than the shaft. The sleeve is positioned around the shaft 
between the end segments. The configuration and positioning of the sleeve 
permits circular rotation around the shaft. This configuration permits the 
user to manipulate the apparatus in a plurality of different orientations. 
Note FIGS. 13 and 14. 
Hand cushioning means 124 are fabricated of a resilient material such as 
foam rubber. The hand cushioning means are securely affixed around the 
sleeve 120. The hand cushioning means have thick end regions 128 and a 
thick central region 130 therebetween. The thickness gradually decreases 
from the central region to each end region. The hand cushioning means 
provide the user with increased comfort and control of the hand grip 
during vigorous manipulation of the device. The hand cushioning means are 
particularly useful when the user's hands become slippery with 
perspiration. The thick central region of the hand cushioning means 
provides support to the user's hand where it is most needed. Note FIGS. 
13, 15 and 16. 
An elastic resistance element 108 is coupled to each hand grip 106. The 
resistance element is fabricated of elastic materials and formed in a 
hollow tubular configuration with two open ends 134. Rubber and other 
elastomeric materials make ideal resistance elements. The resistance 
element includes coupling means adjacent to each open end. The resistance 
elements are coupled to the hand grips by way of four attachment devices. 
Note FIGS. 9, 13 and 14. 
Four attachment devices 110 are utilized to couple the free ends of the 
resistance elements to each hand grip. Each attachment device is formed in 
a generally L-shaped configuration. Each attachment device has a large 
segment 140 and a small segment 142. Each large segment is formed in a 
generally cylindrical configuration with a bore 144 at one end. Each bore 
includes a plurality of internal screw threads. Each bore is adapted to be 
coupled to the end segments of each shaft. This configuration permits the 
user to easily assemble and disassemble the apparatus when desired. Note 
FIGS. 13 and 14. 
The small segment 142 of each attachment device is formed in a generally 
cylindrical configuration with generally discoid shaped coupling means 
affixed to it. Each small segment is adapted to be positioned within the 
coupling means of the open ends of the resistance elements. The coupling 
means may be manufactured in an adjustable configuration. This would 
permit the user to effectively adjust the length of the resistance 
elements to perform a greater variety of exercises. The fully constructed 
functional assemblies are each shaped in a generally semi circular 
configuration. Note FIGS. 14-16. 
A coupling ring 112 is formed in a generally circular configuration. The 
ring comprises two identical, generally semi circular shaped portions. 
Each portion has two end regions and a rounded middle region therebetween. 
Each end region has a circular aperture extending through it. The portions 
are coupled together with nuts and bolts through their aligned apertures. 
The ring is positioned around the approximate center point of each elastic 
resistance element. The nuts and bolts permit the user to loosen or 
tighten the ring to ensure that the ring remains positioned at the 
approximate center point of each resistance element. Central positioning 
of the ring is important to the even distribution of tension forces 
throughout the apparatus and eventually to the muscles of the user. Note 
FIGS. 11 and 12. 
The ring 112 couples the functional assemblies together during operation 
and use such that a user may grasp the hand grip of the first functional 
assembly with one hand while simultaneously grasping the hand grip of the 
second functional assembly with the other hand. The user thereby obtains a 
repeatable amount of resistance to specific muscle activity. The specific 
muscles to be exercised are determined by a predetermined exercise 
routine. Note FIGS. 9, 11, 15 and 16. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate two of 
many methods of use of this embodiment of the portable forearm exercise 
device 100. Many other exercise routines may be developed using this 
versatile device. 
As to 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. 
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. In as much as 
the present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims as 
well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has 
been described in its preferred forms with a certain degree of 
particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the 
preferred form has been made only by way of example and numerous changes 
in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts 
may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the 
invention.