Abstract:
The invention is directed to an arm exercising device having a base assembly with a base handle telescopically extendable from a first end of the base assembly. An arm actuator is pivotally mounted to the base assembly. A user interface is connected to the arm actuator to allow a user to pivot the arm actuator relative to the base assembly. A resistance medium is mounted between the arm actuator and the base assembly and provides resistance for the user as the arm actuator pivots in on or more directions with respect to the base assembly. In addition to providing a device for working the tendons and muscles of the shoulders and arms, this device is also collapsible for easy transport of the device. The base assembly and arm actuator are telescopic and are a fraction of their extended length when moved to the retracted position. Additionally, the user interface has a hollow cavity for receiving an holding an elbow pad that can be used to cushion the elbow of the user during operation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/380,102, filed May 6, 2002. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for exercising and conditioning the muscles of the arm and shoulder. More particularly, the present invention relates to an arm exercising device that exercises the users arm and shoulders by mimicking the range of motion found in the sport of arm wrestling.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    In the physical fitness and therapy fields it is often necessary for individuals to undergo exercises that will strengthen and condition an individual&#39;s arms including the tendons of the shoulder region. Frequently athletes such as tennis players, golfers, baseball pitchers, football quarterbacks, hockey player, etc. suffer from overexerted and straining tendons in the elbow and shoulder region. Similarly individuals who have undergone surgery for a torn rotor cuff or other type of shoulder surgery will have a similar need for strengthening the tendons in their shoulder and arms so that they can improve their mobility after surgery. Tendon strengthening exercises are much needed in both the sports and physical therapy industries. However, because of the range of motion involved very few exercise devices have been developed that specifically focus on strengthening both the tendons and muscles in the arm.  
           [0004]    One sport that improves both tendon and muscle strength is arm wrestling. The range of motion that an arm wrestler experiences strengthens both of the bicep and deltoid muscles as well as the tendons associated with the bicep and deltoid. The reason for this is that the range of motion in arm wrestling involves radial movement of the upper arm, thus exerting the tendon which is something that is not commonly achieved using many conventional exercise means.  
           [0005]    Oftentimes individuals who focus on strengthening the tendons in their shoulder are patients who have undergone shoulder surgery that are in physical therapy. These individuals will often receive instructions for exercises that involve the radial movement of the upper arm. Oftentimes the patient will require some form of resistance during their exercises. Patients are often given rubber bands or elastic rubber sheets need to be connected to a stationary object such as a door handle. Once the elastic material is attached in a stationary manner patients can perform exercises by pulling the material through the range of motion that will exert resistance on the tendons in the shoulder and arm. However, such methods of providing resistance are somewhat archaic in that they do not provide the user with a consistent range of motion, and can also be somewhat discouraging to use since the user is forced to locate or make room for a suitable location to perform his or her exercises. Additionally there is a problem of inconsistent motion since the user may “cheat” and use improper form when carrying out their exercises using elastic rubber material for resistance. Therefore, there is a need in the physical therapy and sports industry for an apparatus that is portable, easy to use, and will provide the user with a sufficient and proper way of exercising the muscles and tendons of the arm and shoulder.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0006]    The invention is directed to a portable arm exercising device for strengthening the tendons and muscles of the arms and shoulders. The arm exercising device has a base assembly with a base handle telescopically extendable from a first end of the base assembly. An arm actuator is pivotally mounted to the base assembly. A user interface is connected to the arm actuator to allow a user to pivot the arm actuator relative to the base assembly. A resistance medium is mounted between the arm actuator and the base assembly and provides resistance for the user as the arm actuator pivots in on or more directions with respect to the base assembly. In addition to providing a device for working the tendons and muscles of the shoulders and arms, this device is also collapsible for easy transport of the device. The base assembly and arm actuator are telescopic and are a fraction of their extended length when moved to the retracted position. Additionally, the user interface has a hollow cavity for receiving and holding an elbow pad that can be used to cushion the elbow of the user during operation.  
           [0007]    Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0008]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0009]    [0009]FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an arm exercising device as shown in the expanded position;  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 a  is a perspective view of the elbow pad aligning and being inserted into the elbow pad locking mechanism of the hinge;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the invention with each of the individual components aligned for assembly;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 3 is a side view of the arm exercising device in the collapsed portable position;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 4 is a side view of the arm exercising device with the elbow pad removed from the hollow channel of the grip handle;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention showing the telescopic capability of the arm actuator; and  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 a  is a plan view of the adjuster located on the arm actuator shaft.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0016]    The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
         [0017]    Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 an arm exercise device  10  is depicted. The arm exercising device  10  has a base assembly  12  with a longitudinally extending telescopic shaft  13  with a base handle  14  attached. The telescopic shaft  13  extends from a first end  16  of the base assembly  12 . The telescopic shaft  13  can be extended or retracted by sliding the telescopic shaft  13  into the base assembly  12  via the first end  16 . In order to lock the telescopic shaft  13  in either the extended or retracted position, a drop lock  15  is connected to the base assembly  12 . The drop lock  15  has a pin that drops through the side of the base assembly  12  to contact the telescopic shaft  13 . The telescopic shaft has two drop lock holes  17  drilled into the telescopic shaft  13  that are configured to allow the post of the drop lock  15  to drop into one of the drop lock holes  17  to lock the telescopic shaft  13  in either the extended or retracted position. The drop lock in this particular embodiment operates by using gravity; however, it is possible to incorporate a spring loaded drop lock  15 .  
         [0018]    A second end  18  of the base assembly  12  is connected to a hinge  20   a,    20   b  which rotatably connects some of the moveable components to the base assembly  12 . Mounted to the hinge  20   a,    20   b  is an actuator shaft  28  that has an arm actuator  22  that telescopically slides over the open end of the actuator shaft  28 . The arm actuator  22  has a user interface  24  that allows a user to operate the arm exercising device  10 . As depicted in the present embodiment of the invention the user interface  24  is a grip handle  26 , however, it is possible to incorporate other various types of user interfaces such as wrist straps, T-bars, or ropes. Virtually any type of user interface can be incorporated on the arm exercising device  10 . The various interfaces are only limited by the range of motion obtained by use of the arm exercising device  10 .  
         [0019]    A tension mounting shaft  32  is also connected to the hinge  20 . The tension mounting shaft  32  in combination with a pair of tension bands  30   a,    30   b  make up a resistance medium that provides resistance to the user during operation of the arm exercising device  10 . The tension mounting shaft  32  has a first end  34  that is pivotally connected to the hinge  20   a ,  20   b  and a second end  36  that is connected to a band mount  38 .  
         [0020]    The tension bands  30   a ,  30   b  are generally made of rubber material that is molded so that mounting holes are located near a first end  40   a ,  40   b  and a second end  42   a ,  42   b  of the tension bands  30   a ,  30   b . The first end  40   a ,  40   b  is connected to the band mount  38 , and the second end  42   a ,  42   b  is connected to an adjuster  44  slidably located on the actuator shaft  28 . The tension bands provide resistance when they are pulled and stretched in the longitudinal direction when the arm actuator  22  and actuator shaft  28  pivot away from the tension mounting shaft  32 . FIG. 1 shows the movement of the arm actuator  22  as depicted with an arrow and phantom lines at  22   a . When the arm actuator  22  and the actuator shaft  28  are moved back toward the tension mounting shaft  32 , resistance decreases and stops as the tension bands  30   a ,  30   b  contract to a rested or unstreched state. In order to prevent the tension mounting shaft  32  from rotating with the arm actuator  22  and actuator shaft  28  a pin lock  46  is disposed through a pin lock hole  48  located in the hinge  20   a ,  20   b . The pin lock  46  locks the tension mounting shaft  32  in place when the arm exercising device  10  is in the expanded position and being operated.  
         [0021]    The tension bands  30   a ,  30   b  are removable and are held onto the band mount  38  and adjuster  44  using clips  31 . Therefore, while this particular embodiment depicts the use of two tension bands  30   a ,  30   b , it is possible to vary the amount of resistance by incorporating a greater or lesser number of tension bands  30   a ,  30   b  depending on the amount of tension desired by the user. Additionally, it is also possible to incorporate tension bands  30   a ,  30   b  that have a different degree of elasticity, thus making the resistance lesser or greater. For each of the above variations it will only require removing the clips  31  and changing the number or type of tension bands  30   a ,  30   b.    
         [0022]    It should also be known that it is possible to use other mechanisms of resistance for the arm exercising device  10 . The arm exercising device  10  could easily be modified to incorporate resistance mediums such as springs or weights. Additionally it is also possible to use friction between the actuator shaft  28  and the hinge  20   a ,  20   b  for providing resistance. Such an embodiment would involve tightening the connection between the actuator shaft  28  and the hinge  20   a ,  20   b.    
         [0023]    An elbow pad  50  connects to the hinge  20  and supports the elbow of a user during operation. As shown in FIG. 2 the elbow pad  50  rests on top of an elbow pad base  52 . An elbow pad shaft  54  extends from the elbow pad base  52 . The elbow pad shaft  54  has a raised notch  56  located along the surface of the elbow pad shaft  54 . The elbow pad  50  connects to the arm exercising device  10  by sliding into one of two elbow pad locks  58   a ,  58   b  located on the hinge  20   a ,  20   b . The present embodiment of the invention depicts two separate elbow pad locks  58   a ,  58   b  located on opposite sides of the hinge  20   a ,  20   b  to allow for the elbow pad  50  to be positioned on either side of the arm exercising device  10 . This permits the arm exercising device  10  to be used with both of the user&#39;s left and right arms.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 1 a  depicts a close up view of the elbow pad locks  58   a ,  58   b  located on the hinge  20   a ,  20   b . The insertion of the elbow pad  50  is depicted in solid and phantom lines. The elbow pad locks  58   a ,  58   b  include holes  60   a ,  60   b  drilled into the surface of the hinge  20   a ,  20   b . The holes  60   a ,  60   b  (seen best in FIG. 2) are configured to slidably receive the elbow pad shaft  54 . Each of the holes  60   a ,  60   b  have a groove  64   a ,  64   b  (seen best in FIG. 2) that allows for alignment of the elbow pad shaft  54  using the raised notch  56 . Once the elbow pad shaft  54  is positioned inside of the holes  60   a ,  60   b  a pivotable latch  62   a ,  62   b  slides down to cover the opening of the groove  64   a ,  64   b  to lock the elbow pad  50  in place.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 depicts a side plan view of the arm exercising device  10  in the collapsed portable position. One particularly advantageous characteristic of the arm exercising device  10  is that it collapses to a fraction of its length and height to make it more compact and portable for the user. This makes the arm exercising device  10  ideal for persons who travel, as well as for use in medical facilities such as hospitals or physical rehabilitation clinics where it may be necessary to transport the arm exercising device  10  from room to room without the hassle of having to move a large bulky apparatus.  
         [0026]    When the arm exercising device  10  is in the collapsed position or phase the length of the base assembly  12  is shortened by sliding the telescopic shaft  13  inside of the base assembly  12 . The telescopic shaft is locked in place using a pin lock  46 . The pin lock  46  is removed from the pin lock hole  48  on the hinge  20   b . This unlocks the tension mounting shaft  32  and allows it to pivot with respect to the hinge  20   b . The tension mounting shaft  32  then pivots forward allowing the arm actuator  22  and actuator shaft  28  to pivot downward toward the base assembly  12  until the actuator shaft  28  contacts the top of the post lock  72 .  
         [0027]    At this point the arm actuator  22  and actuator shaft  28  are parallel with the base assembly  12 . As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 the elbow pad  50  is stored by sliding the elbow pad shaft  54  into a hollow channel  66  that extends longitudinally through the grip handle  26 . Once the elbow pad  50  is connected to the grip handle  26  can be rotated so the elbow pad  50  rests against the tension bands  30   a ,  30   b . The arm actuator  22  also slides down to contact the adjuster  44  and places tension on the tension mounting shaft  32 , tension bands  30   a ,  30   b  and the actuator shaft  28 . The tension prevents the actuator shaft  28  and the tension mounting shaft  32  from moving during transport. As shown in FIG. 3 the pin lock  46  can be inserted into a hole in the side of the actuator shaft  28  to maintain tension on the adjuster  44  that is asserted by the arm actuator  22 .  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 depicts a variation of the arm exercising device  10 ′ wherein a collar  78  is slidably connected to the tension mounting shaft  32 . With the exception of the variations mentioned herein, all other aspects of FIG. 5 are the same for all embodiments of this invention. The collar  78  replaces the need to have a removable pin lock  46 . When the collar  78  slides down the tension mounting shaft  32  to abut the hinge  20 , the tension mounting shaft  32  will be secured without the need for further reinforcement. This variation also uses a modified hinge  20   b′  that is square shaped to allow better contact between the collar  78  and the hinge  20   b′ . Additionally, FIG. 5 depicts the telescopic capability of the arm actuator  22  with respect to the actuator shaft  28 . This feature is characteristic among all previously mentioned embodiments of the invention. The telescopic capability of the arm actuator  22  accommodates for the various arm length and exercise techniques of various individual users of the arm exercising device  10 . This particular embodiment of the invention does not utilize any locks for holding the arm actuator  22  at a determined height along the actuator shaft  28 . Instead the arm actuator  22  is held in place at a desired height along the actuator shaft  28  by force since it will not move when the arm actuator  22  and actuator shaft  28  are pivoting during an exercise operation.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5 a  is an enlarged plan view of the adjuster  44  from viewpoint  5   a - 5   a.  The adjuster  44  has a collar  74  slidably disposed eccentrically around actuator shaft  28 . Collar  74  has a post  76  that extends perpendicularly into the center of the collar  74 . The adjuster  44  functions by sliding the collar  74  to a desired position on the actuator shaft  28 . Once a user desired position is selected the collar  74  can be removably locked in place by inserting the post  76  into one of several holes  70  located along the longitudinal axis of the actuator shaft  28 . Moving the adjuster  44  up or down along the length of the actuator shaft  28  changes the distribution of resistance setting of the arm exercising device  10 . This affects the distribution or amount of resistance that will be experienced as the arm actuator  22  pivots. The resistance will be greater during the initial movement of the arm actuator  22  when the collar  74  is secured at a higher height along the actuator shaft  28 . Conversely, the amount of resistance will be greater near the end movement of the arm actuator  22  when the collar  74  is secured at a lower height on the actuator shaft.  
         [0030]    In operation, when the arm exercising device  10  is moved from the portable position (or first phase) to the expanded position (or second phase) the following steps are carried out. Extending the telescopic shaft  13  and base handle  14  by sliding said telescopic shaft  13  out of the first end  16  of the base assembly  12 . The telescopic shaft  13  is then locked into place by allowing the post of the drop lock  17  to drop into the drop lock hole  15  located on the telescopic shaft  13 . The next step involves removing the pin lock  46  from the hole on the actuator shaft  28  to allow the arm actuator  22 , tension mounting shaft  32  and tension bands  30   a ,  30   b  to pivot freely with respect to the hinge  20   a ,  20   b . The arm actuator  22  and the actuator shaft  28  are then rotated from a substantially parallel position to the base assembly  12  to a position that is substantially perpendicular to the base assembly  12 . The tension mounting shaft  34  is then locked in place by inserting the pin lock  46  into the pin lock hole  48  located on the hinge  20   a ,  20   b . Insertion of the pin lock  46  prevents the tension mounting shaft  32  from rotating with the arm actuator  22  and actuator shaft  28  during operation of the arm exercising device  10 .  
         [0031]    The next step entails inserting the elbow pad  50  into the elbow pad locks  58   a ,  58   b  by aligning the raised notch  56  with the elbow pad shaft  54  and inserting it into the holes  60   a ,  60   b . The elbow pad  50  is then held in place by pivoting the pivotable latch  62   a ,  62   b  downward to cover the opening of the groove  64   a ,  64   b.    
         [0032]    Now the arm exercising device  10  is ready for operation. A user can operate the device by grasping the grip handle  26 . The grip handle  26  can swivel three hundred sixty degrees to allow the user to select an appropriate position. Additionally, the appropriate height of the grip handle  26  can be set by raising or lowering the arm actuator  22  with respect to the actuator shaft  28 . During operation the arm actuator  22  is held in place with respect to the actuator shaft  28  through force that the user provides by pressing the arm actuator  22  against the actuator shaft  28  using the grip handle  26 .  
         [0033]    The arm exercising device may now be placed in the compact phase by reversing the above steps with the additional step of placing tension on the arm actuator  22 , the actuator shaft  28 , and the tension bands  30   a ,  30   b . This involves sliding the arm actuator  22  against the adjuster  44  and placing the pin lock  46  into a hole located in the side of the actuator shaft  28 . The pin lock  46  helps to maintain tension on the tension bands  30   a ,  30   b  to prevent movement during transport.  
         [0034]    The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.