MUSCLE STRENGTHENING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention provides an exercise apparatus that is three-dimensionally adjustable to mimic sport-specific motions to enable a user to enhance neuromuscular coordination and develop sport-specific muscles. The apparatus provides unilateral or bilateral exercise. The apparatus has at least one cam assembly that rotates about the x-axis. Each cam assembly has a rotatable cam that rotates about the z-axis and is tensioned in one direction. A handle that rotates about the y-axis is mounted to the face of rotatable cam. Optionally, the apparatus has an adjustable height. The invention is also a method of using the apparatus to develop sport-specific muscles.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/857,080, filed on May 28, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an exercise apparatus for strengthening muscles and particularly to an exercise apparatus that strengthens the user's tipper extremities, thereby enhancing muscle strength and improving the user's swing in sports that utilize a swinging motion, such as golf, tennis, or baseball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many athletes who participate in sports such as golf, tennis, or baseball wish to increase the power of their swing. The prior art has recognized the importance of muscle strengthening to achieve this goal, and there are a number of exercise devices known in the prior art that are devoted to strengthening the muscles used in a swinging motion. These devices have a number of associated short-comings and therefore they have never been widely used. For example, these devices are designed to train and strengthen gross movements rather than providing training or exercise for a specific swing. Further, these devices do not provide variable resistance or training for muscles, ligaments, and the like used at the moment of impact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, there is a need for a device that strengthens sport-specific muscles. The present invention meets this need by providing a novel exercise apparatus that can be adjusted to each user's height, arm length, torso length, and stance. Such adjustability enables a user to enhance neuromuscular coordination and develop specific muscles. In particular, the apparatus can be adjusted to mimic the swinging motion involved in a specific sport at the moment of impact, such as golf, tennis, or baseball, by causing the user to rotate the hands, wrists, forearms, and shoulders as he would when swinging a club, racquet, bat, or otherwise. Such motions strengthen the muscles of the upper extremities used in the swinging motion and increase the power of the user's swing. The apparatus may be used unilaterally or bilaterally. In another example, the apparatus may be used in muscle rehabilitation following injury or surgery, such as to improve range of motion in the upper extremities.

The apparatus comprises at least one cam assembly that rotates about an x-axis. Each cam assembly comprises a rotatable cam that rotates about the z Taxis in first and second directions. A handle that rotates about the y-axis is mounted on the face of the rotatable cam. Optionally, rotatable cam is mounted to a cam support. In an example, the apparatus comprises a pair of cam assemblies to provide bilateral exercise or training. In examples, the apparatus is removably attached to a stand, base, or the like, and preferably has an adjustable height to accommodate use in a variety of stances and users of various heights and arm lengths.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus that mimics the motions of various sports, especially those sports that use clubs, racquets, bats, or the like, in order to improve performance by enhancing neuromuscular coordination and strengthening muscles.

It is another object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that adjusts to the user's sport-specific impact position.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that adjusts to the user's specific height.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that increases resistance to injury of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues used in the swinging motion by strengthening those muscles.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that increases resistance to injury of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues used at the moment of impact in a swinging motion.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide an exercise apparatus that rehabilitates injured muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that are used in the swinging and/or gripping motions.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that trains sport-specific neuromuscular pathways.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus that provides resistance exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of an example of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus of the claimed invention.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of an example of an embodiment of the claimed invention attached to a table-top stand.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of the exercise apparatus in combination with an extensible support and a base.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of an embodiment of the claimed invention showing one cam assembly in combination with an extensible support and a base.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an example of embodiment of an adjustable handle shown rotating about the y-axis.

FIG. 6 is a front view of an example of an embodiment of a rotatable cam shown rotating about the z-axis.

FIG. 7 is a top view of an example of an embodiment of a cam assembly shown rotating about the x-axis.

FIGS. 8-10 show examples of embodiments of the claimed invention in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The exercise apparatus 100 is adjustable along the x-, y-, and z-axes to provide a three-dimensionally adjustable apparatus 100 that enhances neuromuscular coordination and strengthens muscles by mimicking particular motions and impact positions. In an example, the three-dimensional adjustment of the apparatus 100 mimics the motions and impact positions used in a particular sport, such as golf, tennis, hockey, or any other sport using clubs, racquets, or bats, thereby strengthening sport-specific muscles that are used to perform those specific motions and/or assume those specific positions. In examples, the apparatus 100 also strengthens muscles used to grip a club, racquet, or the like, by strengthening hand intrinsic muscles. Use of apparatus 100 helps to coordinate the nervous system, and neuromuscular pathways in particular, thereby increasing neuromuscular proficiency at the moment of impact, such as that used to accomplish a sport-specific swing. Thus, the apparatus 100 trains and strengthens muscles used at the moment of impact, one moment in the swinging action at which substantial shock to the user's muscles, ligaments, and joints occurs. The adjustability of the apparatus 100 also permits use as a rehabilitative tool, such as by providing resistance training to muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that are used in a swinging motion

As shown generally in the figures, and particularly in FIGS. 1-4, exercise apparatus 100 comprises at least one cam assembly 10 that rotates about the x-axis. Preferably, there is a locking means 15 that locks cam assembly 10 in place during use, as shown in FIG. 2. Each cam assembly 10 comprises rotatable cam 20 that rotates about the z-axis in first and second directions 21, 22. Each cam 20 has a face 23 on which a handle 30 is mounted. Handle 30 rotates about the y-axis. In an example, each cam assembly further comprises a cam support 27 to which rotatable cam 20 is mounted. Apparatus 100 comprises either a single cam assembly 10, as shown in the example in FIG. 4, or more than one cam assembly 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Single cam assembly 10 provides unilateral exercise when the user 300 operates apparatus 100 with one hand (not shown) or provides bilateral exercise when the user 300 operates apparatus 100 with both hands (FIGS. 10A, 10B). In examples such as the ones shown in FIGS. 1-3, each apparatus 100 comprises two cam assemblies 10 to provide bilateral exercise. See also FIGS. 9 and 11. Cam assemblies 10 rotate about the x-axis as a single unit or as separate units. Where rotation of multiple cam assemblies 10 about the x-axis is as a single unit, optionally apparatus 100 further comprises a connector 80 between cam supports 27 that imparts a unitary rotation to the cam assemblies 10.

As shown in the figures, and particularly in FIG. 6, rotatable cam 20 rotates about the z-axis in first 21 and second (or reciprocal) 22 directions. In the example shown in FIG. 2, rotatable cam 20 is eccentrically positioned on cam support 27 such that the axis of rotation of rotatable cam 20 is displaced from the center of rotatable cam 20, thereby imparting a reciprocal rotation to rotatable cam 20 in second direction 22 when rotatable cam 20 is rotated in first direction 21. It should be noted that although first direction 21 is shown as counterclockwise and second direction 22 is shown as clockwise in the figures, these directions are for exemplary purposes only, and in other examples, first direction 21 is clockwise and second direction 22 is counterclockwise. In examples of use, first direction of rotation 21 is counter-clockwise and direction of reciprocal rotation 22 is clockwise for a right-handed user. In another example of use, direction of first rotation 21 is clockwise and direction of reciprocal rotation 22 is counter-clockwise for a left-handed user. Rotatable cam 20 has a maximum range of rotation about z-axis, angle α. In examples, angle α ranges from about 5° to about 345°, and preferably from about 180° to about 345°. In examples, angle α is affected by the user's 300 strength, training level, health, and the like, and/or is affected by the amount of resistance imparted by resistance means 40. In use, however, user 300 does not have to maximally rotate rotatable cam 20 in first direction 21 to angle α but may optionally rotate rotatable cam 20 less than angle α. Rotatable cam 20 optionally further comprises a stop 70 such as the one shown in FIG. 2 that defines the range of rotation a of rotatable cam 20 about the z-axis. In the example shown, stop 70 is positioned on a rear side of cam 20 and is of a length that is sufficient to substantially contact cam support 27 such that angle α is less than 360°. See also FIG. 6. The skilled artisan will appreciate, however, that stop 70 shown in the figures is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Stop 70 may be any stopping device known to those skilled in the art that will limit the maximum angle of rotation of angle α to less than 360°.

In examples, the adjustable handle 30 permits the exercise apparatus 100 to be used for muscle training for a variety of sports by enabling the user to approximate the orientation of the hands used to grip a particular piece of sports equipment, such as a club, racquet, or bat. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 7 handle 30 is mounted on a face 23 of rotatable cam 20 and rotates about the y-axis at a maximum angle of rotation θ. Angle θ depends, for examples, on geometry of user 300, where user 300 makes contact in a swing, and user's 300 specific stance. In an example, angle θ ranges from about 0 to about 90°. In an example, handle 30 comprises a handle mount 32 which imparts the rotational adjustability to handle 30, such as for example, the handle mount 32 comprising a groove 36 in which handle 30 is adjustably positioned as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 and 7. Preferably, there is a locking means 35 that locks handle 30 in place. Handle 30 optionally includes a grip 38. In an example, handle 30 is removable so that handle 30 can be interchanged with other handles of different diameters, shapes and lengths, each handle approximating the size and shape of a piece of sports equipment, such as a racquet, bat, or club, to provide additional sport-specific training, such as where the user 300 wants to specifically strengthen muscles used for a golf or baseball swing. In another example, handle 30 can be adjusted or interchanged to accommodate use by either a right-handed or a left-handed user.

Optionally, cam assembly 10 further comprises at least one resistance means 40 attached to rotatable cam 20. Resistance means 40 is, for example, a resistive band such as those shown in the figures, or springs, hydraulic mechanisms, electromagnetic mechanisms, weights, or any other means for imparting resistance known in the art (not shown). Preferably, resistance means 40 imparts greater resistance to user as user 300 rotates rotatable cam 20 in first direction 21 and less resistance as cam 20 is rotated in second, or reciprocal, direction 22. In examples, resistance means 40 has a length such that resistance means 40 becomes increasingly taut to impact greater resistance to user 300 and decreasingly taut as rotatable cam 20 reciprocally rotates in second direction 22 as user 300 rotates rotatable cam 20 in first direction 21.

Preferably, resistance means 40 is removable such that apparatus 100 may be used without resistance means 40 or resistance means may be interchanged with resistance means 40 of greater or lesser resistance depending on any of a variety of factors including but not limited to the user's strength and training or rehabilitation goals. In an example, resistance means 40 is attached to cam 20 by a locking means 45 such as the one shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7. As shown, locking means 45 may be comprised of first and second members 45a, 45b, with one of members 45a, 45b preferably being mounted on, connected to, or integral with rotatable cam 20 and the other of members 45b, 45a preferably being mounted on, connected to, or integral with cam support 27. Preferably, members 45a, 45b are positioned or oriented on rotatable cam 20 and cam support 27 such that the resistance means 40 is substantially taut in the resting position prior to rotation of rotatable cam 20 and preferably such that resistance means 40 becomes increasingly taut as cam 20 is rotated in first direction 21. In an example where the apparatus 100 comprises two cam assemblies 10, resistance means 40 for the two cam assemblies 10 have either substantially equal resistances or substantially different resistances, depending for example on the user's 300 training or rehabilitation goals. Optionally and as shown in the example in FIG. 2, a longitudinal groove 26 extends around the cylindrical surface 24 of cam 20 and resistance means 40 is seated therein to prevent resistance means 40 from rolling off cylindrical surface 24 of cam 20 as cam 20 is rotated in use.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, apparatus further comprises a connector 82. In examples, connector 82 removably connects to a second connector 82, an extensible support 50, a base 60, a stand 84, or the like, or a combination thereof. In examples, apparatus 100 is mounted directly to a permanent surface such as a wall or tabletop by connecting connector 82 to another complimentary connector 82 mounted on the wall or tabletop (not shown). As shown in the example in FIG. 2, connector 82 connects or mounts apparatus 100 to a stand 84 or the like, such as by connecting to or engaging with a complimentary second connector 82 that is integral with or connected to stand 84. In the example shown in FIG. 2, stand 84 sits on a tabletop 600 or the like to accommodate use virtually anywhere.

In another example, cam assembly 10 is mounted on a first end 51 of an extensible support 50 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Preferably, the height of extensible support 50 is adjustable to accommodate the user's height, arm length, and/or sport-specific stance. Preferably there is a locking means 55 that locks extensible support 50 in place. In an example, extensible support 50 is made of two lengths of telescoping tubing. Second end 52 of extensible support 50 may be connected to a base 60. In an example, top surface 64 of the base 60 is made from a non-slip material and a plurality of levelers 63 are mounted to a bottom surface of base 60.

FIG. 8 shows a series of schematics in which the apparatus 100 is being used to mimic a golf swing to strengthen muscles used to accomplish a swing of a golf club. Each of FIGS. 8A-8G highlights an adjustable feature of apparatus 100. FIG. 8A shows the apparatus 100 comprising an extensible support 50 and a base 60. User 300 begins an exercise regime by standing on non-slip surface 64 of base 60 and facing apparatus 100 substantially squarely. Optionally, user 300 adds or exchanges resistance means 40. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, user 300 flexes knees and lowers extensible support 50 SO that handles 30 are at a height substantially similar to the height at which his hands would be to hold a golf club. Next, as shown in FIG. 8C, user 300 positions cam assembly 10 by rotating cam assembly 10 about the x-axis so that faces 23 of cams 20 are facing substantially upward so that when user 300 grips handles 30, his an us are substantially parallel to his body as when gripping a golf club. Next, as shown in FIG. 8D, user 300 rotates handles 30 about z-axis so that when handles 30 are gripped, hands are positioned substantially similarly to a grip used for gripping a golf club. Next, user places feet in a position substantially similar to that used for swinging a golf club and faces apparatus 100. Then, user 300 grips handles 30 as he would grip a golf club, as shown in FIG. 8E. For example, as shown, a right-handed user grips the right handle 30 so that the palm of the right hand is on a bottom side of the right handle 30 and the palm of the left hand is on a top side of the left handle 30. Next, as shown in FIGS. 8F and 8G, user 300 rotates rotatable cams 20 about the z-axis while gripping handles 30, thereby mimicking the motion of the upper extremities, arms and wrists during a golf swing. Preferably, user 300 rotates cams 20 using a controlled motion against resistance of resistance means 40. FIG. 8F shows the apparatus 100 in use, with rotatable cams 20 partially rotated about the z-axis. As shown in FIG. 8G, cam are maximally rotated so that stop 70 stops cams 20 from rotating a complete 360°. Note that in contrast to FIG. 8E, the palm of user's right hand is on the top side of the right handle and the palm of user's left hand is on the bottom side of left handle.

Resistance means 40 and the speed of rotation can be varied. For example, using a lighter resistance in combination with a higher speed of rotation increases the speed of the swing, while using a higher resistance in combination with a smaller number of repetitions increases muscle strength. Using a lighter resistance in combination with more repetitions increases circulation to muscles and soft tissues, which facilitates recovery from injury.

FIG. 9 shows an example of an embodiment in which apparatus comprises one cam assembly. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, apparatus 100 is being used to mimic a swing with a hockey stick. Cam assembly is rotated about the x-axis so that face 23 of cam 20 is substantially parallel to the surface on which user 300 stands and handle 30 is adjusted so that handles are positioned to angle θ at which user 300 holds a hockey stick. FIG. 9A shows rotatable cam 20 in the resting position and FIG. 9B shows rotatable cam 20 rotated to about maximum angle of rotation, α.

FIG. 10 shows an example of an embodiment of the claimed apparatus comprising two cam assemblies. In this example, apparatus 100 is adjusted to mimic a baseball swing. Cam assemblies 20 are rotated about the x-axis so that face 23 of each cam 20 is substantially perpendicular to surface 64 of base 60 and handles 30 are adjusted to angle θ at which user 300 holds a baseball bat. In FIG. 10A, rotatable cams 20 are positioned substantially in the resting position and in FIG. 10B, rotatable cams 20 are partially rotated about z-axis.

While presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, the invention may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An exercise apparatus that strengthens or rehabilitates a user's muscles, said apparatus comprising at least one cam assembly that rotates about an x-axis, said at least one cam assembly comprising:

a rotatable cam having a face and rotating about a z-axis in first and second directions; and

a handle that is mounted on a face of said rotatable cam, said handle rotating about a y-axis.

2. An exercise apparatus as in claim 1, said exercise apparatus further comprising a support having first and second ends.

3. An exercise apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said support is extensible.

4. An exercise apparatus as in claim 2, wherein said at least one cam assembly is mounted on said first end of said extensible support.

5. An exercise apparatus as in claim 1, said exercise apparatus further comprising a base.

6. An exercise apparatus as in claim 5 wherein said base has a plurality of adjustable levelers on a bottom surface.

7. An exercise apparatus as in claim 5 wherein a top surface of said base is a non-slip material.

8. An exercise apparatus as in claim 1, said apparatus comprising two cam assemblies.

9. An exercise apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said cam assemblies are adjustable about said x-axis as a single unit.

10. An exercise apparatus as in claim 1, each said at least one cam assembly further comprising a cam support on which said rotatable cam is mounted.

11. An exercise apparatus as in claim 1, each said at least one cam assembly further comprising at least one resistance means attached to said rotatable cam.

12. An exercise apparatus as in claim 11, wherein said at least one resistance means is tensioned in one of said directions.

13. An exercise apparatus as in claim 11, said at least one cam assembly further comprising a locking means that attaches said resistance means to said rotatable cam.

14. An exercise apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said resistance means is one of the following:

a. a resistive band;

b. a spring;

c. a hydraulic mechanism;

d. an electromagnetic mechanism;

e. at least one weight; or

f. a combination thereof.

15. An exercise apparatus as in claim 1 wherein an angle of rotation of said rotatable cam about said z-axis is less than about 360°.

16. An exercise apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising a stop mechanism that limits said rotation of said rotatable cam about said z-axis.

17. An exercise apparatus as in claim 1, each said at least one cam assembly further comprising a handle mount attached to a face of said rotatable cam.

18. A method of using a three-dimensionally adjustable exercise apparatus to strengthen or rehabilitate a user's muscles, said exercise apparatus comprising at least one cam assembly, said at least one cam assembly comprising a rotatable cam and a handle mounted on a face of said rotatable cam, said method of use comprising the steps of:

a. facing said exercise apparatus and assuming a desired stance;

b. adjusting said at least one cam assembly by rotating said cam assembly about an x-axis;

c. adjusting said handle by rotating said handle about a y-axis;

d. gripping said handle; and

e. rotating said rotatable cam about a z-axis for a number of repetitions.

19. A method of using said exercise apparatus as in claim 18, said method further comprising the step of adjusting a height of an extensible support on which said cam assembly is mounted.

20. A method of using said exercise apparatus as in claim 18, said method further comprising the step of selecting and attaching a resistance means to said rotatable cam.