Hand/Arm fulcrum and exercise device

Abstract

A hand/arm fulcrum acting exercise device made of two semi-cylindrical components whose lengths and diameter differ, with the smaller sized semi-cylinder optionally permanently or removably affixed to the larger component, the smaller diameter half cylinder acting to position the internal cavity of the palm of a user's hands. The larger semi-cylinder or base structure acts as a support base for the hand aligning member and further acts as the support base for the load-bearing structures of the anatomy of a user's hand.

Description

BACKGROUND AND FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to exercise equipment and more particularly, to those exercise devices primarily utilized for strengthening the arms, shoulders and upper body.

Those experienced in the fields of exercise are adept in the “floor—type” exercise modalities, which include but are not limited to yoga, Pilates, calisthenics and dance floor exercises. All these forms of exercise, share a common denominator. Each of these modalities (as well as many others) demand that the participant must engage the palms of the hands on the ground.

Yoga in particular is perhaps the most prolific at utilizing this indigenous hand-to-ground interaction. However, interestingly enough, most yoga practitioners seldom have prominent and developed shoulders, arms or necks.

Conversely, one would think that given extensive load bearing with this hand-to-ground interaction, one would think that yoga practitioners would actually develop large backs and shoulders.

Therefore it is the observation of this inventor that the connection between the hand and the ground, as currently utilized by today's yoga practitioners must be flawed.

For demonstration purposes: An example of a dynamic hand-to-ground inter-connection can be illustrated by examining the “set position” of a football player or a sprinter. It is widely acknowledged that this “set-position” is when the athlete puts the load of their upper body onto the fingertips of one hand.

It is the observation of this inventor that when one applies a load to the ground, via their fingertips, one gains a greater mechanical advantage, as opposed to having ones' hand and placed flat against the ground. And more specifically, more force can be delivered, “dynamically” into the floor or ground via the fingertips than can be done through the palms of the hands. Subsequently, it must be understood that as more force is exerted downward into the floor, the greater the resulting force or reflective force, which travels upward through the arms, shoulders, back and neck will result. This will obviously further increase the intensity and muscular activity to those structures.

Another observation points to the fact that the anatomy of hand reveals some very definite structural load-bearing components. When we look at the front or palm side of the hand, in light of a discovery of opportunity to improve strengthening of back and neck, it becomes very clear that there are distinct load bearing structures, which by virtue of their size and density, are designed to absorb greater force loads.

One area is that the base of the wrist and the other area is at the base of the fingers. Both these areas exemplify bones, which by virtue of their size and density are designed to absorb great force loads. When combined with force loads distributed on both of these structures simultaneously one will subsequently achieve the opportunity to accomplish the greatest load bearing possible on ones' hand structure.

Let it be further understood that the hand to ground relationships accomplished by said modalities of yoga, Pilates, dance and calisthenics utilize a flat hand support base. And therefore undermine the maximum load potential of these structures. Note; this flat hand to ground relationship only utilizes one of these support structures. That being, the base of the wrist with very little load distributed onto the support structure at the base of the fingers.

To effectively load both support structures of the hand simultaneously, one must examine the shape or geometry of the anatomy of the hand. When we do this, we find that in a relaxed position, the internal shape or cavity of the hand is an arc or a semicircle. With further inspection, web find that the geometry of the hand points, more specifically to two arcs or semicircles where the smaller one sits on top of one larger, the smaller obviously, between the thumb and forefinger.

If we returned for a moment to this “set-position” of the sprinter, where the load bearing is on the fingertips, we find that although this relationship demonstrates a stronger load capacity, we conclude that it would be impossible for one to assume this position for any extended period of time. Thus, this would not be suitable or logical for our floor-based exercise modalities.

However, it should be understood that the reason that the “set-position” is more suitable for load bearing than the flat hand position is because the force load, which travels through the radius and ulna bones passes into the ground centrally within the base of support of the fingertips. This causes a greater degree of stability.

Conversely, when the force load travels through the radius and ulna and then on to the flat hand-to-ground relationship, the force falls disproportionately to the base of the hand without equal distribution onto the support structure at the base of the fingers. Stability is then undermined.

The Object of this Invention.

Having established that the two functional load bearing structures of the hand are the base of the fingers and the base of the wrist, the challenge then becomes, “How to engage both of these surfaces simultaneously?”

It is the object of this invention to offer the user a stable, geometrically correct and interactive fulcrum for the hands and the arms to allow one the ability to facilitate any hand-to-ground, floor, wall or table exercise modality, in such a way as to insure that the maximum force load can be generated onto the support structure of ones' hands simultaneously.

A further object of this invention is to provide the user with an anatomically correct handheld weighted dumbbell device.

It is a further object of this invention to provide the user with an anatomically correct handheld device that can be attached to conventional resistance exercise machines, utilizing weights or bungiey-type resistance modalities.

Since it has been determined, that the support structures of the hand are actually the base of the wrist and the base of the fingers, one could only reason that canes, crutches, walkers and the like are, by design, actually undermining those structures and subsequently may even be undermining the strength potential which could be accomplished if those apparatus were reconfigured.

So it is a further object of this invention that this geometrically shaped hand/arm fulcrum be fitted on to crutches, walkers, canes and the like to give the user the ability to generate greater force loads onto them and gain greater muscular activity as a result, and re-strengthen ones arms, shoulders and backs proportionately.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects set forth above, as well as, further and other objects and advantages of the present invention are achieved by the embodiments of the invention described herein below.

The present invention incorporates a base structure, which is a semi circular or half cylindrical structure. Said structure is composed of two half cylindrical arches, one having a larger diameter than the other.

The larger diameter component is comprised of four or more feet having rubber or anti-friction/anti-skid surfaces, fixedly attached to the base structure.

The smaller arch is connected to the larger arch and may be permanently fixed to said base each structure, or may be repositioned at two alternate locations as needed via a system of snaps and slots to change the angle of force onto said base arch, cylindrical component.

A further component is a means of strapping or otherwise retaining the user's hand firmly against the convexed or outer surface of the said hand/arm fulcrum device. The strap or other retainer is arranged such that it may be tightened firmly against the back of the hand. This gives the user the opportunity to reposition said fulcrun device at will to a location of choice without having the need to “grip” said device with the user's fingers.

Additional straps are positioned on the larger arch component of the base structure, via slots or channels to align said straps. Said straps are for the purpose of holding fixed and additional weight component. Said component can be inserted on the bottom surface or concave surface of the base structure and then held into place via the straps.

A further embodiment of said the base structure and combination dual arched hand/arm fulcrum device, involving a blow molded procedure, would utilize the hollow cavity of the blow molded structure to have an entry-way, through which, to introduce density and gain weight to said apparatus.

A further component of said hand/arm fulcrum device is a means, via two sets of key ways, so positioned on the outside aspect of the anchoring slots for the hand strap, to allow for a double looped cable to be inserted at will and held loosely into place by said key ways to provide a means of attaching said fulcrum device to an external resistance mechanism either a weighted or spring type apparatus.

Other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures on pages 1, page 2 and page 4 are side perspectives of the Hand/Arm Fulcrum-Acting Exercise Device.

Figures on page 3, page 5 and page 6 are top perspectives of said Hand/Arm Fulcrum Exercise Device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is made to page number one of the drawings, which pictorially represents the side perspective of the hand/arm fulcrum-acting exercise device. The base structure (FIG. 1-5) of said device is preferrably made of high-impact plastic material capable of withstanding any potentially excessive loads, so administered by one's full body load capacity passing through one's hands.

FIG. 1-1 illustrates the high friction foot surfaces.

The smaller arch component (FIG. 1-6) is so designed as to position the internal cavity of the anatomy of one's hand. That being the soft tissue area, located between the base of the wrist and the bony structure found at the base of the fingers.

FIGS. 1-3 and 3-3 illustrate the entry point for a cable, having loops at both ends such that said cable can be securely fastened to an external resistance device, either a weighted or bungee type apparatus, often found in health clubs.

FIGS. 1-2 and 3-2 illustrate the passageway for passing an adjustable strap to hold one's hand firmly against the convex surface of said hand/arm fulcrum-acting exercise device, and more specifically to the hand positioning member.

FIGS. 14, 2-3 and FIG. 3-1 are the passageways for two adjustable straps located at both ends of and perpendicular to the hand positioning member. Said straps are to secure a supplemental weighted device, that is so configured as to fit inside the hollow cavity on the underside of the hand/arm fulcrum-acting exercise device. FIG. 2-1 further demonstrates the location for said supplemental weighted structure to be inserted.

FIG. 2-2 again illustrates the hand positioning member. FIG. 2-4 designates the location of the load structure of the hand found at the base of ones wrist. The location at FIG. 2-5 designates the location of the load structure found that the bottom of one's fingers consisting of those large bony structures.

FIG. 4-1 demonstrates the strap, with adjusting buckle so utilized for holding said supplemental weight component as described above.

FIG. 5-1 illustrates the adjustable strap, with adjustable buckle to hold one's hand firmly against said hand positioning member.

FIG. 6-1 is representative of the multiple slot arrangement for a proposed movable hand positioning member. Thus allows the user to change the angle of direction of said hand positioning member, at will, as circumstances demand.

The invention is also usable, applying the above principles, to crutches, walker products and the like to aid handicapped people.

It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments, improvements, details, and uses can be made consistent with the letter and spirit of the foregoing disclosure and within the scope of this patent, which is limited only by the following claims, construed in accordance with the patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is: cm 1) A hand/arm fulcrum acting exercise device, so configured as to address the unique geometry of a user's hand comprised of a base and attached members comprising:

A) semi-cylindrical base structure with a hollow or opened bottom cavity for adding density; and

B) a second smaller semi-cylindrical structure permanently affixed or removably attached to said base structure having a distance between 1½″ to 2 inches in diameter and a length of not less than 2 inches to serve as a hand positioning member.

2) The hand/arm fulcrun exercise device as defined in claim 1, wherein said base structure further comprises high friction pads or feet to restrict or prevent the movement of said base unit.

3) The hand/arm fulcrum exercise device as defined in claim 1, wherein said smaller semi-cylindrical hand positioning member comprises an adjustable and removable strapping mechanism, having a tension adjustable means, which is attached via slots or cut-outs at either side of the hand location.

4) The hands/arm fulcrum exercise device as defined in claim 1, wherein:

A) the base structure with the “opened-bottom” arrangement is equipped with two sets of straps that pass through slots running the lengthwise direction of the base structure, such that a weighted member may be added to said base structure, and then secured into place via said straps; and

B) the base structure having a closed bottom arrangement.

5) The hand/arm fulcrum acting exercise device as defined in claim 1, wherein: said base structure having the open bottom configuration is equipped with key ways on either end of said hand positioning member, acting as passageways for cable, with loops at both ends, such that the cable and base structure can be attached to an external resistance mechanism.

6) The hand/arm fulcrum acting exercise device as defined in claim 1, wherein said hand, distinct member is:

A) fixedly attached at a position, eccentric to the centerline of the bottom base structure component; and

B) removably attached to said base structure component, such that, it may be attached and removed and repositioned as desired via a series out of slot and tap configuration. With tabs fixedly attached to the hand positioning member and slots fixedly attached to said base member.

7) A body fulcrum device comprising:

C) semi-cylindrical base structure with a hollow or opened bottom cavity for adding density; and

D) a second smaller semi-cylindrical structure permanently affixed or removably attached to said base structure having a distance between 1½″ to 2 inches in diameter and a length of not less than 2 inches to serve as a hand positioning member.

8) The device of claim 7 wherein said base structure further comprises high friction pads or feet to restrict or prevent the movement of said base unit.