Patent Publication Number: US-2011053736-A1

Title: Hand exercise device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of the parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/422,728, filed Apr. 13, 2009, titled Hand Exercise Device, currently pending. The present application is related by the same inventor for both applications, David Gordon Bearden. The parent application U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/422,728, filed Apr. 13, 2009 is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to hand exercise device and methods. More specifically, the hand exercise device and method uses magnetic attractive and repulsive forces for increasing strength, improving function, and providing rehabilitation to the muscles, soft tissues of the fingers, wrists, hands, and forearms of the human arm. 
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Hand exercisers are a well-known method of exercising the muscles of the fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms to increase the strength/function of these body parts along with rehabilitating the soft tissue (cartilage, ligaments, tendons, nerves) but these hand exercisers have fallen short in many aspects. Previous references that produce an exercise/rehabilitation component typically teach a mechanical means of resistance such as a spring, elastic webbing, rubber band, pulley with weights, elastic bands, loops that fit over the distal end of the fingers that are connected with elastic bands, or a simple rubber ball, but few have shown or proposed that the resistant force could be produced by a means other than a physical resistance, such as a magnetic field. These previous reference devices have used many types of resistance methods that provide the desired exercise, but many have been limited by their mechanical design to provide only a benefit to one group of muscles such as the flexor or extensor muscle groups. U.S. Pat. No. 4,678,181 to Ditsh, et al. discloses a hand exerciser that limits the user to a flexion contraction only. U.S. Pat. No. 5,062,625 to Vonk limits the user to an extension contraction only. U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,734 to Greenfield and U.S. Pat. No. 7,121,983 to Trent both depict a deformable elastic webbing that is attached to a rigid outer frame to hold the elastic webbing tight within a rigid frame, where the user inserts their fingers into openings that are formed within the elastic webbing material to perform the desired exercise against the resistance of the webbing. The fingers can then be exercised in not only flexion/extension exercises, but can also be exercised in abduction/adduction movements. These types of exercisers are a definite improvement over exercisers that offer a one-dimensional exercise, such as only flexion, or only extension. 
     There are a few previous references to gloves with a magnetic element. U.S. Pat. No. 7,363,660 to Gilliland teaches a modified work glove featuring a magnetic tip that may make it easier to pick up and hold small metal objects by way of a magnet contained in the tip of the glove finger. U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 20060185057 by Terpinski uses a stretchy material to form what is called a finger glove, with a mounted magnet at the distal end of the finger glove. The Magnetic Finger is designed for use in the automotive industry to hold small ferrous metal parts such as nuts, bolts, screws along with other small metallic parts when they are being installed to avoid dropping them, or in a confined area where the entire hand or more than one finger could not be used to install the part. Both Gilliland and Terpinski use a single magnet for attracting and holding a small metal part. In addition U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,931 to Russell teaches a stretchable strap with small permanent magnets that may be strapped around the hand for easing pain and healing effects. U.S. Pat. No. 5,989,178 teaches a magnetic ring worn on the little finger of the hand, around all of the fingers of the hand, or around all of the toes of the foot for aiding circulation in the body. U.S. Pat. No. 3,421,500 to Jacobson discusses a portable orthopedic device that is referred to as a glove with magnetic elements but is a mitten with all fingers moving together. This mitten employs magnetic forces to flex and rehabilitate body members. However, Jacobson does not provide for moving or exercising individual fingers, nor does it utilize an opposable thumb to accomplish a higher level of reconditioning for the human hand. 
     In the health and exercise field, a device and method are needed that utilizes a magnetic force capable of exercising individual digits of the hand for multiple types of exercises for the hand, fingers, wrist, and forearms of the human arm. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is a primary aspect of this invention to provide a hand exercise device that utilizes magnetic force capable of exercising individual digits of the hand for multiple types of exercises of the hand, fingers, wrist, and forearms of the human arm. In addition, the hand exercise device provides a method for exercising the hand, fingers, wrist, and forearms of the human arm. 
     This invention in one embodiment comprises a hand exercise device for exercising human hands and digits that comprises: a plurality of separate digit sleeves wherein the diameter and length are such that the separate digit sleeves slide over individual digits of the human hand; a magnetic element is attached with each separate digit sleeve near a distal end of each separate digit sleeve, wherein a first magnetic element facilitates a desired exercise with multidirectional movements when the first magnetic element is approximated near a second magnetic element. Another embodiment may include separate digit sleeves in the form of a splint. Yet another embodiment of the hand exercise device may include the finger separate digit sleeve with the magnetic element such that a magnet and a thumb separate digit sleeve has at least two magnetic elements that are magnets and one of the at least two magnets of the thumb separate digit sleeve is a like polarity as the magnet of the finger separate digit sleeve and the other of the at least two magnetic elements of the thumb separate digit sleeve is an opposite polarity from the magnet of the finger separate digit sleeve wherein the thumb separate digit sleeve may be rotated approximately 180 degrees on the thumb digit such that a repulsive force may be changed to an attractive force and the attractive force may be changed to the repulsive force dependent upon the orientation of the thumb separate digit sleeve. 
     The hand exercise device in another embodiment may include separate digit sleeves in the form of a glove. Yet another embodiment of the hand exercise device may include magnetic elements that are magnets and one of the separate digit sleeves is a thumb separate digit sleeve for a thumb, and the thumb separate digit sleeve magnet is attached with the thumb separate digit sleeve and orientated with an opposite polarity with the magnets for finger separate digit sleeves for finger digits such that the magnet for the thumb separate digit sleeve is attracted with the magnet for the finger separate digit sleeve such that an extension contraction exercise is produced when the thumb separate digit sleeve and the finger separate digit sleeves are pulled apart. Still another embodiment may include the hand exercise device wherein the magnetic elements are magnets and wherein one of the separate digit sleeves is a thumb separate digit sleeve for a thumb, and the thumb separate digit sleeve magnet is attached with the thumb separate digit sleeve and orientated with a like polarity with the magnets for finger separate digit sleeves for finger digits such that the magnet for the thumb separate digit sleeve is repulsed with the magnet for the finger separate digit sleeve such that an erratic flexion contraction exercise is produced when the thumb separate digit sleeve and the finger separate digit sleeves are moved toward each other. A further embodiment of the hand exercise device may include the magnetic element attached with the separate digit sleeve with a cavity wherein the cavity allows the interchange of the magnetic elements for adjusting the magnetic element&#39;s strength between weak and strong. 
     Another embodiment may include a hand exercise device wherein one of the magnetic elements is a flat ferrous metal surface such that a resistance is facilitated for the movement of the human hand with digits or wherein one of the magnetic elements is a waveform ferrous metal surface such that a resistance is facilitated for the movement of the human hand with digits. 
     The hand exercise device may also comprise provisions of a method for exercising with a hand exercise devise comprising the steps of: inserting a finger digit in the finger separate digit sleeve; inserting a thumb digit in the thumb separate digit sleeve; moving the finger digit with the finger separate digit sleeve and the thumb digit with the thumb separate digit sleeve together; and moving the finger digit with the finger separate digit sleeve and the thumb digit with the thumb separate digit sleeve apart wherein the movement of the separate digit sleeves with magnetic elements provide for exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. Another embodiment of a method may include exercising wherein the magnetic element of the finger separate digit sleeve and the magnetic element of the thumb separate digit sleeve are of opposite polarity wherein the step of moving the finger digit and the thumb digit together by attractive forces is a pulling apart motion for extension exercises. Still another method may include exercising wherein the magnetic element of the finger separate digit sleeve and the magnetic element of the thumb separate digit sleeve are of like polarity wherein the step of moving the finger digit and the thumb digit together against the repulsive forces of the magnetic element is an erratic flexion motion for exercise. Yet another method may include exercising wherein one of the magnetic elements is a flat ferrous metal surface and the method of exercising includes the steps of: placing the finger separate digit sleeves with the finger digit and the thumb separate digit sleeve with the thumb digit on the flat ferrous metal surface and moving the finger digits as well as the thumb digit together and apart. 
     A further embodiment of a method of exercising with a hand exercise device may include the steps of: inserting a finger digit of a first hand in the finger separate digit sleeve; inserting a thumb digit of the first hand in the thumb separate digit sleeve; inserting the finger digit of a second hand in the finger separate digit sleeve; inserting a thumb digit of the second hand in the thumb separate digit sleeve; moving the first hand with the finger digit with the finger separate digit sleeve and the thumb digit with the thumb separate digit sleeve toward the second hand with the finger digit with the finger separate digit sleeve and the thumb digit with the thumb separate digit sleeve wherein the magnetic elements with the first hand are in a like polarity with the magnetic elements of the second hand wherein the movement of the hands with the separate digit sleeves with magnetic elements provide for exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. 
     Another embodiment of a method for exercising with a hand exercise device may comprise the steps of: inserting a finger digit of a first hand in the finger separate digit sleeve; inserting a thumb digit of the first hand in the thumb separate digit sleeve; inserting the finger digit of a second hand in the finger separate digit sleeve; inserting a thumb digit of the second hand in the thumb separate digit sleeve; moving the first hand with the finger digit with the finger separate digit sleeve and the thumb digit with the thumb separate digit sleeve toward the second hand with the finger digit with the finger separate digit sleeve and the thumb digit with the thumb separate digit sleeve wherein the magnetic elements with the first hand are in an opposite polarity with the magnetic elements of the second hand wherein the movement of the hands with the separate digit sleeves with magnetic elements provide for exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. 
     Yet another embodiment of a method for exercising with a hand exercise device wherein one of the magnetic elements is a waveform ferrous metal surface, the method may further comprise the steps of: inserting a finger digit in the finger separate digit sleeve; inserting a thumb digit in the thumb separate digit sleeve; placing the finger separate digit sleeves with the finger digit and the thumb separate digit sleeve with the thumb digit on the waveform ferrous metal surface; and moving the finger digits with the finger separate digit sleeves and the thumb digit with the thumb separate digit sleeve across the wave form ferrous metal surface. 
     Another embodiment of the hand exercise device for exercising human hands and thumb and finger digits includes a magnetic turntable further comprising: an upper structural portion and a lower structural portion attached with a bearing such that the upper structural portion turns while the lower structural portion remains stationary; and the upper structural portion further comprises a top surface and multiple magnets randomly disposed and embedded in the top surface of the upper structural portion such that the top surface and the multiple magnets randomly disposed form a smooth top surface such that the digit does not engage ridges or valleys as the hand moves across the smooth top surface while exercising the hand and digit. An embodiment may further include the bearing adjustable for varying a force required to turn the upper structural portion in relation to the lower structural portion. 
     Yet another embodiment may include a hand exercise device for exercising human hands and thumb and finger digits including: at least one separate digit sleeve wherein the at least one separate digit sleeve diameter and length are such that the at least one separate digit sleeve slides over at least one digit of the hand; wherein the at least one separate digit sleeve is in a form of a splint; a magnetic element is attached with each separate digit sleeve at a distal end of the each separate digit sleeve, wherein a first magnetic element facilitates a desired exercise with multidirectional movements when the first magnetic element is approximated near a second magnetic element. An embodiment may further include the hand exercise device in combination with a randomly disposed magnetic field including: a top surface and multiple randomly disposed magnets wherein the multiple said randomly disposed magnets are embedded in the top surface such that as the at least one separate digit sleeve moves from one said randomly disposed magnet to the next said randomly disposed magnet a snap force occurs for exercising the hand and the digits. In addition, the hand exercise device randomly disposed magnetic field may further include: an upper structural portion and a lower structural portion attached with a bearing such that the upper structural portion turns while the lower structural portion remains stationary; and the upper structural portion comprises the top surface and the multiple said randomly disposed magnets are embedded in the top surface of the upper structural portion such that the top surface and the multiple said randomly disposed magnets form a smooth top surface such that the digit does not engage ridges or valleys as the hand moves across the smooth top surface while exercising the hand and the digit. 
     A method for exercising with the hand exercise devices may include the steps of: inserting the at least one digit in the at least one separate digit sleeve; placing the hand with the at least one separate digit sleeve in a magnetic proximity of the randomly disposed magnetic field; and moving the at least one separate digit sleeve in a forward and aft motion from one said randomly disposed magnetic field to a next said randomly disposed magnetic field such that snap forces are created in the digit and provide for exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the digit, and the hands. Another method for exercising may further include the at least one digit in the at least one separate digit sleeve being at least two digits in at least two separate digit sleeves and wherein the moving the at least one separate digit sleeve in the forward and aft motion from the one said randomly disposed magnetic field to the next said randomly disposed magnetic field step is a walking the digits type of motion wherein one of the separate sleeves is moved forward and then a next separate sleeve is moved forward and the one of the separate sleeves is moved aft and then the next separate sleeve is moved aft wherein this forward and aft motion comprises another step of rotating the upper structural portion of the randomly disposed magnetic field. Yet another method may further include the bearing being adjustable for varying a force required to rotate the upper structural portion in relation to the lower structural portion, further including an additional step of adjusting the bearing for adjusting the force required to rotate the upper structural portion of the randomly disposed magnetic field. 
     Another embodiment of a method for exercising with a hand exercise device may comprise the steps of: inserting the at least one digit in the at least one separate digit sleeve; placing the hand with the at least one separate digit sleeve in a magnetic proximity of the randomly disposed magnetic field; and moving the at least one separate digit sleeve in a side to side motion from one said randomly disposed magnetic field to a next said randomly disposed magnetic field such that snap forces are created in the at least one digit and provide for exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the digits, and the hands. Another method may further include the at least one digit in the at least one separate digit sleeve including at least two digits in at least two separate digit sleeves and wherein the moving the at least one separate digit sleeve in the side to side motion from the one said randomly disposed magnetic field to the next said randomly disposed magnetic field step is a side stepping the digits type of motion wherein one of the separate sleeves is moved to a side then a next separate sleeve is moved to the side and then the one of the separate sleeve is moved to the side, repeating the side to side motion wherein the side to side motion comprises another step of rotating the upper structural portion of the randomly disposed magnetic field. 
     Yet another embodiment of a method for exercising with a hand exercise device may comprise the steps of: inserting the at least one digit in the at least one separate digit sleeve; placing the hand with the at least one separate digit sleeve in a magnetic proximity of the randomly disposed magnetic field; and moving the randomly disposed magnetic field by rotating the upper structural portion such that snap forces are created in the at least one digit providing exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the digits, and hands for users with limited capability of movement of the digit. Another embodiment of the method may further include the at least one digit in the at least one separate digit sleeve being at least two digits in at least two separate digit sleeves and wherein the moving the randomly disposed magnetic field by rotating the upper structural portion step is a forward and aft motion from one randomly disposed magnetic field to a next randomly disposed magnetic field further includes a step of rotating the upper structural portion of the randomly disposed magnetic field such that the at least two separate digit sleeves is moved forward and then a next separate digit sleeve is moved forward and one of the separate sleeves is moved aft and then another separate sleeve is moved aft due to the placing of the hand over the randomly disposed magnetic field and the rotation of the randomly disposed magnetic field. Still another embodiment of the method may further include the at least one digit in the at least one separate digit sleeve is at least two digits in at least two separate digit sleeves and wherein the moving the randomly disposed magnetic field by rotating the upper structural portion step creates a side to side motion from one randomly disposed magnetic field to a next randomly disposed magnetic field further includes a step of rotating the upper structural portion of the randomly disposed magnetic field such that the at least two separate digit sleeves is moved sideward and then a next separate digit sleeve is moved sideward due to the placing of the hand over the randomly disposed magnetic field and the rotation of the randomly disposed magnetic field. 
     Another embodiment of a method for exercising a hand and digits of the hand with a means for hand exercise with magnet forces, a means for securing a magnet on a distal end of the digit and a randomly disposed magnetic field, may comprise the steps of: inserting at least one digit in at least one means for securing a magnet on the distal end of the digit; placing the hand with the means for securing the magnet on the distal end of the digit in a magnetic proximity of the randomly disposed magnetic field; and moving the means for securing the magnet on the distal end of the digit in a forward and aft motion from a first randomly disposed magnetic field to a next randomly disposed magnetic field such that snap forces are created in the digit and provide exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the digits, and hands. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of one embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device depicting two finger sleeves and one thumb sleeve; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device placed on the human hand depicting four finger sleeves and one thumb sleeve; 
         FIG. 3A  depicts one embodiment of the glove type hand exercise device with opposite polarity placed on the human hand; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts one embodiment of the glove type hand exercise device with similar polarity placed on the human hand; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the hand exercise device depicting one embodiment of one separate digit sleeve with a magnet attached with the separate digit sleeve; 
         FIG. 5  is an end view of the hand exercise device depicting an embodiment of one separate digit sleeve with a magnet attached with the separate digit sleeve; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the hand exercise device depicting another embodiment of the separate digit sleeve with a cavity for interchanging various magnets with the separate digit sleeve; 
         FIG. 7  depicts one embodiment of the hand exercise device and one method of using the hand exerciser on a ferrous metal surface; 
         FIG. 8  shows one embodiment of the hand exercise device and one method of using the hand exerciser on a flat ferrous metal surface; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates one embodiment of the hand exercise device and one method of using the hand exerciser on a waveform ferrous metal surface; 
         FIG. 10A  is a side view of one embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device depicting a magnet on the distal tip of the splint type hand exercise device; 
         FIG. 10B  is a side view of another embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device depicting a flexible magnet on the distal tip of the splint type hand exercise device; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device placed on the human hand depicting two finger sleeves one on the index finger and one on the ring finger; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a magnetic turntable hand exercise device depicting an upper portion and a lower portion; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of one embodiment of the magnetic turntable hand exercise device depicting magnets embedded in the top surface of the upper portion of the magnetic turntable hand exercise device; 
         FIG. 14  is a front view of one embodiment of a magnetic turntable hand exercise device depicting an upper portion and a lower portion with a bearing between the upper and lower portion; 
         FIG. 15  is a cutaway view  15 - 15  of  FIG. 13  depicting the upper portion and the lower portion with the bearing between the upper and lower portion; 
         FIG. 16A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device depicting a splint type hand exercise device exercising forward and aft movement with the magnetic turntable exercise device; 
         FIG. 16B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device depicting a splint type hand exercise device exercising forward and aft movement with the magnetic turntable exercise device upper portion rotating; 
         FIG. 17A  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device depicting a splint type hand exercise device exercising side to side movement with the magnetic turntable exercise device; 
         FIG. 17B  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device depicting a splint type hand exercise device exercising side to side movement with the magnetic turntable exercise device upper portion rotating; and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the splint type hand exercise device depicting a splint type hand exercise device exercising hand movement by the upper portion of the magnetic turntable exercise device being turned. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of hand exercisers, and provides a means for exercising the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms with magnetic forces. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and to incorporate it in the context of particular applications. Various modifications, as well as a variety of uses in different applications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to a wide range of embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. 
     A separate digit sleeve is defined as allowing each digit, fingers and thumb to be exercised separate or independently from the other digit. When each individual finger cannot move individually, but must moved as a unit, the stronger finger or fingers will continue to get stronger with an increased range of motion, while the weaker finger or fingers will continue to stay weak, because the stronger finger or fingers will be performing the majority of the exercise. To accomplish the desired exercises and rehabilitation, each individual digit should be exercised on an individual basis to achieve the desired results. The separate digit sleeves may be joined together as a glove as long as the digits are allowed to move individually for individual motion and exercise of the digits. In addition, the use of a magnet attached with each separate and independent digit sleeve allows for multidirectional movement of the digits including the thumb. The thumb performs very important functions with the exercise of the fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms by the fact that the human hands have opposable thumbs. These thumbs can completely and thoroughly exercise, rehabilitate and strengthen the human hand to perform and function at the peak capacity but this requires the use of all the finger digits and the opposing thumb digit operating independently to accomplish and regain the ultimate level of reconditioning on an individual basis. In lieu of a magnet combined with the thumb, the finger with the sleeve magnet may be used with a magnetic turntable or a piece of material with a magnetic field for exercising the hand. 
     Plyometrics is defined as a type of exercise training designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system as it relates to the muscle being exercised. Plyometric movements, in which the fibers of a muscle are loaded and then contracted in rapid sequence, use the strength, elasticity and innervations of muscle and surrounding tissues to accomplish this type of exercise, depending on the desired training goal. Plyometric training involves practicing plyometric movements to toughen tissues and train nerve cells to stimulate a specific pattern of muscle contraction so the muscle generates as strong a contraction as possible in the shortest amount of time. A plyometric contraction involves first a rapid muscle lengthening movement (eccentric phase), followed by a short resting phase (amortization phase), then an explosive muscle shortening movement (concentric phase), which enables muscles to work together in doing the particular motion. Plyometric training engages the myotatic reflex, which is the automatic contraction of muscles when their stretch sensory receptors are stimulated. Plyometric exercises use explosive force to develop muscular power. The present invention has found a way to use magnets to create this explosive force. The explosive force is very similar to a snap action created by one field of a magnet such as a positive pole being attracted to an opposite field magnet such as a negative pole magnet. As the positive pole of the magnet is forced away from one negative pole magnet toward another negative pole magnet, at a point between the two negative pole magnets, the second negative pole magnet pulls the positive pole magnet with a greater force than the first. This transfer of forces produces a snap reaction or a snap force that can be used effectively for hand and finger therapy and exercise. 
     Erratic is defined as having no fixed course, wandering, not consistent, deviating from the ordinary, and moving in ways that are not expected. The following helps to illustrate this. When the magnets with the digit sleeves are in a like pole, and then approximated towards each other, the inherent energy of the magnetic field will cause the digits to be repulsed away from each other when the digits are performing the flexion contraction exercise. This magnetic repulsion force will result in erratic, unpredictable movements of the digits that cannot be predicted or expected, that will produce exercise for the flexor muscle groups of the digits in the human hand in multidirectional movements. The user may turn the digit sleeves, approximately 180° to exercise the extensor muscle groups of the human hand. Whereas hand exercise devices that use mechanical means for resistance to exercise are predictable, and consistent in the direction that the digits can be moved in to produce the desired exercise. When using the non-mechanical means of magnetic forces of the current hand exercise device with magnetic elements to provide this erratic resistance for exercise, it will cause the muscles and/or soft tissue of the human hand to move in directions that are inconsistent, cannot be predicted, or expected. The fingers, wrists, hands, forearms, and the associated soft tissue of the human arm move in a wide range of motion. Many previous hand exercise devices are limited as to what range of motion is possible due to their mechanical design. When the main goal of the doctor, physical therapist or home user is to strengthen and/or rehabilitate the fingers, wrists, hands, forearms, associated soft tissue of the human arm it is desirable that these body parts are able to move in all of the ranges of motion that they were created to perform, which the current hand exercise device with magnetic elements allows by using a non-mechanical means in the form of magnetic energy. 
     A magnetic element is defined as any material which impart magnetic forces upon another material when brought within a magnetic field created by either or both of the materials. Therefore, the magnetic elements may be permanent magnets, or a permanent magnet in combination with a piece of material such as steel which is attracted or repelled in a magnetic field. 
     Overview of the Invention: 
     The hand exercise device  100  is an improved device as well as method for exercising, strengthening, and rehabilitating the muscles, along with the supporting soft tissue of the fingers, thumbs, hands, wrists, and forearms by using the inherent energy of magnets that provide both the attractive and repulsive forces with multidirectional movements for exercise, strength, and rehabilitation without the use of a mechanical means for resistive force to accomplish this action. 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 1 through 3B  and  10  through  11 , the hand exercise device  100  may comprise a plurality of separate digit sleeves  110  with at least one magnetic element  120  attached with each of the separate digit sleeves  110  on or near the distal end  116  of the separate digit sleeve  110 . The separate digit sleeves  110  have a diameter and length such that the separate digit sleeves  110  slide over the individual finger digits  105  and thumb digit  106  of a human hand  102 . The magnetic element  120  facilitates the desired exercise with multidirectional movements when the magnetic element  120  is approximated near another magnetic element  120 . The method for exercising with the hand exercise device  100  may include but is not limited to inserting finger digits  105  in the finger separate digit sleeves  112 , inserting thumb digits  106  in the thumb separate digit sleeve  114 , moving the finger digits  105  with the finger separate digit sleeve  112  and the thumb digits  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  together, and moving the finger digits  105  with the finger separate digit sleeve  112  and the thumb digits  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  apart such that the movement of the separate digit sleeves  110  with the magnetic elements  120  provide for exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. Additional methods for hand and finger exercising may include but are not limited to one or more magnetic finger sleeves  110  on the hand  102  with at least one finger  105  walking or moving, forward and aft  FIG. 16A  or side to side  FIG. 17A , across a field of magnets  129  randomly disposed on a top surface  163  wherein the randomly disposed magnetic elements  120  disposed on the top surface  163  may be moveable as illustrated in  FIGS. 16B and 17B  such as with multiple magnets  129  randomly disposed on a rotatable magnetic turntable  160 . 
     Design Specifications: 
     When using typical mechanical means such as elastic material and spring types of resistance for opposition to exercise and for rehabilitation, the resistant force is predictable and consistent in a predictable line of movement. A means for hand exercise with magnet force includes the following devices. When using a non-mechanical means such as magnetic repulsion, the exercise and rehabilitation component is performed in an advantageous unpredictable erratic movement when the magnets  129  that are attached with the finger digit sleeves  112  are approximated to the magnet  129  attached with the thumb digit sleeve  114  and the magnets  129  are a like polarity  125 . When the magnets  129  in the finger digit sleeves  112  are approximated to the magnet  129  in the thumb digit sleeve  114  are the like polarity  125  the energy field between the opposing forces will create an erratic type of exercise that cannot be achieved when using a mechanical means for resistance. 
     Moving the fingers  105  with magnetic separate digit sleeves  110  over an object such as a magnetic turntable  160  with multiple opposite pole magnets  129  disposed in a random pattern also creates an erratic force for exercise and additionally creates a snap force as previously mentioned such that as the finger sleeve magnetic force moves from one random placed magnet to the next random placed magnet as the fingers walk forward and aft or side to side, or as the magnetic turntable  160  with the random placed magnets is rotated, and the stronger magnetic attraction is moved from one magnet to the next causing the snap force to exercise the hand  102  and finger  105 . Normally opposite magnetic polarities are used with embodiments including a randomly disposed magnetic force  161 . 
     Another advantage of non-mechanical means for resistance in exercise and rehabilitation is that there are no mechanical parts involved in the exercise to fatigue or fail due to the fact that magnetic resistance is consistent in resistant forces whether in an attractive or a repulsive component. With the non-mechanical, magnetic resistance there is no elastic webbing, elastic rubber bands or any type of elastic material to crack or be stretched beyond the limits of the material while trying to provide the resistance that is needed to effectively exercise and rehabilitate the fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms of the human arm. The following include a means for securing a magnet  129  on or near a distal end  116  of a digit  105 ,  106 . 
     The hand exercise device  100  includes but is not limited to a splint type  130  of hand exercise device and a glove type  140  of hand exercise device. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 2  and  10 A through  11  with the splint type  130  of digit sleeve hand exercise device  100 , the separate digit sleeve  110  may include an aluminum finger splint  132  as the separate digit sleeve  110 . A magnetic element  120  is attached with the separate digit sleeve  110  on or near the distal end  116  of the separate digit sleeve  110 . One means of attaching the magnetic element  120  to the separate digit sleeve  110  is bonding the magnetic element  120  which may be a magnet  129  with the separate digit sleeve  110  or aluminum finger splint  132  with an adhesive. The magnetic element  120  may be a flexible, pliable magnetic strip  121  that wraps around, or follows the contour of, the distal end  116  of the splint type  130  of separate digit sleeve  110 . A strip of hook and loop style fabric  136  or an elastic or rubber band may be used around the separate digit sleeve  110  to securely hold the separate digit sleeve  110  with the finger digit  105  and the thumb digit  106  of the human hand  102  that will keep the separate digit sleeve  110  from moving when exercising. In addition padding  134  may be bonded to the separate digit sleeve  110  for comfort while using the hand exercise devise  100  and to help secure the separate digit sleeve  110  in place in relation to the finger digit  105  or thumb digit  106  while exercising. One embodiment of the hand exercise device  100  may include a plurality of separate digit sleeves  110  wherein the diameter and length are such that the separate digit sleeves  110  slide over individual digits of the human hand  102  and the separate digit sleeves  110  are in the form of a splint  130 . A magnetic element  120  is attached with each separate digit sleeve  110  on or near a distal end  116  of each separate digit sleeve  110 , wherein the magnetic element  120  facilitates a desired exercise with multidirectional movements when the magnetic element  120  is approximated near a second magnetic element  122 . One embodiment may include a finger separate digit sleeve  112  with at least one magnetic element  123  that is a magnet  129  and a thumb separate digit sleeve  114  has at least two magnetic elements  124  that are magnets  129  and one of the at least two magnets  124  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  is a like polarity  125  as the magnet  129  for the magnetic element  120  of the finger separate digit sleeve  112  and the other of the at least two magnetic elements  120  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  is an opposite polarity  126  from the magnet  129  of the finger separate digit sleeve  112  wherein the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  may be rotated approximately 180 degrees on the thumb digit  106  such that a repulsive force may be changed to an attractive force and the attractive force may be changed to the repulsive force dependent upon the orientation of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 3A through 6  with the glove type  140  of digit sleeve hand exercise device  100 , the separate digit sleeve  110  may include elastic or stretchable material  142  that may be cut in contoured strips and then sewn together as is typical of the fingers of a glove. The separate digit sleeve  110  will fit snugly around the finger digit  105  and the thumb digit  106  of the human hand  102 . The magnetic elements  120  or magnets  129  of the separate digit sleeve  110  may be either sewn into the distal portion  116  of the separate digit sleeve  110 , inserted into a pocket  144  sewn into the separate digit sleeve  110 , or bonded with the separate digit sleeve  110  with adhesive. The pocket  144  attachment of the magnetic element  120  with the separate digit sleeve  110  may include a cavity or pocket  144  sewn into the separate digit sleeve  110  at the distal end  116  of the separate digit sleeve  110  such that a magnet  129  may be inserted or removed and still be snug enough to hold the magnet  129  firmly with the separate digit sleeve  110 . The cavity or pocket  144  allows the interchange of magnetic elements or the adjusting of the magnet strength between weak and strong as well as removing or changing the polarity of the magnet  129 . The magnetic elements  120  contained in the separate digit sleeves  110  should be of an appropriate strength to accomplish the desired exercise and rehabilitation exercise. The separate digit sleeve  110  may have as a minimum one magnetic element  120  per separate digit sleeve  110 , whether finger separate digit sleeve  112  or thumb separate digit sleeve  114 , with the glove type  140  configuration. As shown in  FIG. 3A , another embodiment of the hand exercise device may include a plurality of separate digit sleeves  110  wherein the diameter and length are such that the separate digit sleeves  110  slide over individual digits of the human hand  102  and the separate digit sleeves  110  are in the form of a glove  140 . A magnetic element  120  may be attached with each separate digit sleeve  110  on or near a distal end  116  of each separate digit sleeve  110 , wherein the magnetic element  120  facilitates a desired exercise with multidirectional movements when the magnetic element  120  is approximated near a second magnetic element  122 . One of the separate digit sleeves  110  may be a thumb separate digit sleeve  114  for a thumb digit  106 , and the magnet  129  for the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  may be attached with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  and orientated with an opposite polarity  126  with the magnets  129  for finger separate digit sleeves  112  for finger digits  105  such that the magnet  129  for the thumb separate digit sleeve  112  is attracted with the magnet  129  for the finger separate digit sleeve  112  such that an extension contraction exercise is produced when the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  and the finger separate digit sleeves  112  are pulled apart. As depicted in  FIG. 6 , with a pocket or cavity the polarity may be changed for the magnetic element. As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the polarity of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  may be reversed wherein the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  and the finger separate digit sleeve  112  polarity may change from the opposite polarity  126  previously mentioned to a like polarity  125  such that the magnet  129  for the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  is repulsed with the magnet  129  for the finger separate digit sleeve  112  such that an erratic flexion contraction exercise is produced when the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  and the finger separate digit sleeves  112  are moved toward each other. 
     Magnetic Turntable: 
     The structure of the magnetic turntable  160  comprises an upper portion  162  and a lower portion  164  attached with a bearing  166  for turning the upper portion  162  while the lower portion  164  remains stationary. The upper portion structure  162  comprises multiple magnets  129  embedded in a top surface  163  of the upper portion  162  preferably such that the top surface  163  and the top of the magnets is a smooth surface. The upper portion  162  may further have a smooth coating over the top surface  163  such that the fingers  105  with the finger separate digit sleeves  110  do not engage ridges or valleys as they move across the top surface  163 . The bearing  166  is attached with the upper and lower portion  162 ,  164 . The bearing  166  may be adjustable for varying the force required to turn the upper portion  162  in relation to the lower portion  164 . In some applications the bearing  166  and the lower portion  164  may be omitted for exercising the hand  102  and fingers  105  with a fixed instead of rotational randomly disposed magnetic field  161 . The magnetic turntable  160  may be horizontal, mounted vertically or positioned at any angle between horizontal and vertical for optimum exercise, strengthening or rehabilitation for the user. 
     Manner of Use: 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 A,  3 B,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  16 A through  18 , the following list includes but does not limit the exercises that may be performed using the hand exercise device when the separate digit sleeves  110  are placed on the fingers of the user: 
     1. When the magnets  129  in the finger separate digit sleeves  112  are in an opposite polarity  126  with the magnet  129  in the thumb separate digit sleeve  114 , the magnets  129  of the finger separate digit sleeves  112  are alternately approximated to the magnet  129  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  by an attractive force that pulls the magnets  129  of the finger separate digit sleeves  112  together with the magnet  129  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114 , then pulled apart to provide the extension exercise.
 
2. When the magnets  129  in the finger separate digit sleeves  112  are in the same or like polarity  125  with the magnet  129  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114 , the magnets  129  of the finger separate digit sleeves  112  are alternately approximated to the magnet  129  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  that repels the magnets  129  of the finger separate digit sleeves  112  from the magnet  129  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  to produce an erratic flexion exercise.
 
3. When all of the digits on both hands are inserted into either a finger separate digit sleeve  112  or a thumb separate digit sleeve  114 , the users left and right hands are approximated towards each other whereby the users hands will be exercised against each other depending upon whether the magnets  129  of the thumb separate digit sleeves  114 , the magnets  129  of the finger separate digit sleeves  112  are in a like polarity  125  or an opposite polarity  126 . The finger digits  105  with the finger separate digit sleeves  112  and the thumb digit  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  are placed on a flat or waveform ferrous metal surface  150 ,  151 ,  152 , then spread apart to perform the abduction exercise. The finger digits  105  with the finger separate digit sleeves  112  and the thumb digit  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  are placed on a flat or waveform ferrous metal surface  150 ,  151 ,  152 , then after the abduction exercise is performed by spreading the fingers and thumb digits  105 ,  106  apart, the fingers and thumb digits  105 ,  106  are brought together to perform the adduction exercise.
 
4. The finger digits  105  with the finger separate digit sleeves  112  and the thumb digit  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  are placed on a waveform ferrous metal surface  152 , the finger digits and thumb digits  105 ,  106  can then perform an abduction, adduction, flexion, extension exercise in a fluid motion without the finger digits  105  having to be repositioned to perform the different exercises.
 
5. The magnetic turntable  160  used with the forward and aft movement of the digits  105  as depicted in  FIGS. 16A and 16B  or the side-to-side movement of the digits  105  as shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , may be used for extension and flexion movement of digits  105  as well as to generate a snap force/action at the point where the force of the approaching magnetic element  120  is greater than the force of the leaving magnetic element  120 . This movement of the digits  105  may also be used to cause the magnetic turntable  160  to rotate and the force required to move the magnetic turntable  160  may be adjusted for the user as strength is developed with the hand  102  and fingers  105 . In addition where the user is unable to move the fingers  105  from one magnet  129  to another, the magnetic turntable  160  may be moved by the user or another person. The person that is unable to move the fingers or digits  105  forward and aft or side-to-side may take advantage of moving the magnetic turntable  160  or having another person move the magnetic turntable  160  to cause the magnets  129  to exercise the hand  102  and fingers  105 . The exercise allows the user to develop encouragement by seeing their fingers  105  begin to move again even if the magnets  129  are initially causing the movement. With time and work the user may begin to develop strength and hand  102  and finger  105  usages.
 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6 , one method for exercising with a hand exercise device  100  includes, the method comprising the steps of inserting a finger digit  105  in the finger separate digit sleeve  112 ; inserting a thumb digit  106  in the thumb separate digit sleeve  114 ; moving the finger digit  105  with the finger separate digit sleeve  112  and the thumb digit  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  together; and moving the finger digit  105  with the finger separate digit sleeve  112  and the thumb digit  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  apart wherein the movement of the separate digit sleeves  110  with magnetic elements  120  provide for exercise, strength, and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. Another method wherein the magnetic element  120  of the finger separate digit sleeve  112  and the magnetic element  120  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  are of opposite polarity  126  may further include the step of moving the finger digit  105  and the thumb digit  106  together by attractive forces is a pulling apart motion for extension exercises. Yet another method wherein the magnetic element  120  of the finger separate digit sleeve  112  and the magnetic element  120  of the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  are of like polarity  125  includes the step of moving the finger digit  105  and the thumb digit  106  together against the repulsive forces of the magnetic element  120  is an erratic flexion motion for exercise. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , another method for exercising with a hand exercise device  100  wherein one of the magnetic elements  120  is a flat ferrous metal surface  151  and the method of exercising includes the steps of: placing the finger separate digit sleeves  112  with the finger digit  105  and the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  with the thumb digit  106  on the flat ferrous metal surface  151  and moving the finger digits  105  and the thumb digit  106  together and apart. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , yet another method for exercising with a hand exercise device  100  may include a glove type  140  hand exercise device  100  wherein one of the magnetic elements  120  is a flat ferrous metal surface  150 ,  151 . The method may further comprise the steps of: inserting a finger digit  105  in the finger separate digit sleeve  112 ; inserting a thumb digit  106  in the thumb separate digit sleeve  114 ; placing the finger separate digit sleeves  112  with the finger digit  105  and the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  with the thumb digit  106  on the flat ferrous metal surface  150 ,  151 ; and moving the finger digits  105  with the finger separate digit sleeves  112  and the thumb digit  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  across the flat ferrous metal surface  150 ,  151 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , still another method for exercising with a hand exercise device  100  wherein one of the magnetic elements  120  is a waveform ferrous metal surface  150 ,  152 . The method may further comprise the steps of: inserting a finger digit  105  in the finger separate digit sleeve  112 ; inserting a thumb digit  106  in the thumb separate digit sleeve  114 ; placing the finger separate digit sleeves  112  with the finger digit  105  and the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  with the thumb digit  106  on the waveform ferrous metal surface  150 ,  152 ; and moving the finger digits  105  with the finger separate digit sleeves  112  and the thumb digit  106  with the thumb separate digit sleeve  114  across the waveform ferrous metal surface  150 ,  152 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 16A and 16B , a method for exercising the fingers  105  and hand  102  with a forward and aft walking of the fingers type of movement across a randomly disposed magnetic field  161 . This randomly disposed magnetic field  161  may be stationary or rotational, preferably a randomly disposed magnetic turntable  160 . The method comprises the steps of: inserting at least one but preferably two or more digits  105 ,  106  in the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114 ; placing the hand  102  with the digits  105 ,  106  in the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  in the proximity of the randomly disposed magnetic field  161 ; moving the digits  105 ,  106  with the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  in a forward and aft motion similar to walking with the fingers forward and backward allowing the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  to snap between the randomly disposed magnetic fields  161  for exercise, strength and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. This exercise may be repeated with and without rotation of the randomly disposed magnetic fields  161 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , another method for exercising the digits  105 ,  106  and hand  102  with a side-to-side walking of the fingers type of movement across a randomly disposed magnetic field  161 . This randomly disposed magnetic field  161  may be stationary or rotational. The method comprises the steps of: inserting at least one but preferably two or more digits  105 ,  106  in the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114 ; placing the hand with the digits  105 ,  106  in the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  in the proximity of the randomly disposed magnetic field  161 ; moving the digits  105 ,  106  with the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  in a side to side motion similar to walking with the fingers side to side allowing the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  to snap between the randomly disposed magnetic fields  161  for exercise, strength and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. This exercise may be repeated with and without rotation of the randomly disposed magnetic fields  161 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates yet another method for exercising the digits  105 ,  106  and hand  102  by turning a randomly disposed magnetic field  161  producing a forward and aft walking of the fingers type of movement. The method comprises the steps of: inserting at least one but preferably two or more digits  105 ,  106  in the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114 ; placing the hand  102  with the digits  105 ,  106  in the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  in the proximity of the randomly disposed magnetic field  161 ; turning the randomly disposed magnetic field  161  such that the digits  105 ,  106  with the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  move in a motion similar to walking with the fingers as the hand  102  is held steady and the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  are attracted to and from magnets  129  with a snap action allowing the separate digital sleeves  112 ,  114  to snap between the randomly disposed magnetic fields  161  for exercise, strength and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists and forearms. The randomly disposed magnetic field  161  may be turned by the user or another person helping the user such as a therapist, trainer, or assistant. 
     Uniqueness: 
     The purpose of this invention is to allow the physical therapist, doctor, athlete or home user to perform all of the described exercises for the improved function, strength, training, and rehabilitation of the fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms by using only one type of hand exercise device. This hand exercise device will also allow the physical therapist to treat the patient after a stroke, injury, surgery to regain the use of the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms by using various strengths of magnets in the digit sleeves. 
     The methods provide exercising and strengthening of the muscles of the fingers, hands wrists, and forearms of the human arm. The methods not only exercise and strengthen the muscles of the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms but also their associated soft tissues including ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and nerves to provide rehabilitation for the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms, along with their associated soft tissue. The methods achieve a balance in all of the opposing muscle groups that must be obtained for optimal strength and function of the fingers, hands, wrists, forearms. In addition the methods reinforce and maintain the proper mechanical/structural function of the carpal tunnel by deepening the hollow in the palmar side of the hand and wrist. In addition by reinforcing the carpal tunnel to the proper function structurally and mechanically that impingement of the median nerve will be alleviated. Yet another advantage of the methods is to alleviate repetitive stress injuries by restoring the proper function of the wrists along with the surrounding supporting structures.