EXERCISE DEVICE

Abstract

An exercise device comprises a rigid endless tubular ring having an internal bore, a handle element extending radially across a main aperture bounded by the ring, and a weighted freely movable element received in said ring for movement therearound. The handle element is attached to the tubular ring via first and second attachment portions which extend around the tubular ring for improved stability. By gyrating the exercise device to cause the ball to roll within the ring, a user is able to generate inertial resistance within the device and improve the strength in his or her wrist and other body parts. The exercise device is designed to be used in a one-handed or two-handed mode of operation. The attachment portions extending around the tubular ring stabilize the junction between the ring and handle, allowing greater ball weights and larger diameter rings to be used.

Description

The present invention relates to an exercise device, and more particularly but not necessarily exclusively to an exercise device for exercising and training, fingers hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and stomach related muscles.

Whilst the fitness industry has been developed globally and can be commercially very profitable, to date little focus has been placed on developing exercise equipment for the hand and wrist. It is known to provide a wrist exerciser in the form of a spherical hand-held gyroscope. This hand gyroscope comprises a spherical housing and a computer balanced flywheel which is able to revolve freely inside. By rotating the wrist, the flywheel starts to spin. When spinning, force is exerted on the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and even chest. The force is dependent on the speed of rotation of the flywheel. A drawback of this construction is that the hand gyroscope is relatively expensive and complicated to manufacture, primarily due to the number of component parts. Furthermore, in order to use the hand gyroscope effectively, the user must learn a new and relatively obscure technique, which can act as a barrier to new users. This is a problem particularly for users who are undergoing rehabilitation and/or therapy to the wrist/hand area.

Additionally, such a spherical hand-held device cannot be used to exercise other body parts, such as the stomach.

It is an object of the invention to provide an exercise device which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems.

According to the present invention there is provided an exercise device comprising a rigid endless tubular ring having an internal bore, a handle element which extends radially across a main aperture bounded by the ring, and a weighted freely movable element received in said ring for movement therearound, the handle element being attached to the tubular ring via first and second attachment portions which extend around or substantially around a lateral extent of the tubular ring for improved stability.

The exercise device is advantageous because it is straight forward and intuitive to use.

The construction is robust and is designed to withstand daily use in environments such as hospitals and gyms without incurring a significant risk of breakage. By having minimal component parts, the exercise device is simple and relatively cost-effective to manufacture.

Preferable and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in dependent claims 2 to 26.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of an exercise device, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows an elevational side view of a second embodiment of an exercise device, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows a top plan view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 3.

Referring firstly to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an exercise device is indicated generally at 10. The device 10 includes a rigid endless tubular ring 12 having an internal bore and a weighted movable element 13, shown in phantom, disposed within the tubular ring 12. An elongate handle element 14 is connected to the ring 12 and extends across an aperture 16 bounded by the ring 12.

Preferably, the weighted movable element 13 is a ball which is rollably received in the ring 12 for free and unrestricted travel therearound. By way of example only, the ball may be solid. However, the ball may include a hollow core, for example. Preferably, the ball is made entirely from metal or other dense material. Preferably, the ball has a mass of 100 to 400 g.

The ring 12 is or is substantially toroidal shaped and has a uniform or substantially uniform circular lateral bore cross-section along its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, the interior diameter of the ring 12 is also preferably uniform around the inner circumference, and likewise the outer diameter of the ring 12 is preferably uniform or substantially uniform around the outer circumference. The lateral cross-section of the bore of the ring 12 and/or the outer surface of the ring 12 may however be non-circular, such as elliptical or oval.

The diameter of the lateral cross-section of the bore is greater than the diameter of the ball 13 such that the ball 13 is able to freely move along the inside of the ring 12 without or substantially without restraint.

An inner surface of the ring 12 is preferably at least substantially covered by a shock absorbent liner 15, shown in phantom, for example being a rubber coating. This absorbs the shock of the ball 13 passing around the ring 12 in use. The purpose of the liner 15 is to reduce the amount of noise and vibration caused by movement of the ball.

As shown in FIG. 1, two grip portions 18 are provided on an outer surface 20 of the ring 12, and project at least in part outwardly. The grip portions 18 are positioned, in this case, diametrically opposite to each other on the ring 12. Each grip portion 18 comprises a plurality of spaced hemispherical protrusions 22 disposed on or adjacent to upper 24 and lower 26 faces of the ring 12. The protrusions 22 are also spaced so that a first number face generally outwardly and a second number face generally inwardly.

In this embodiment, each protrusion 22 is formed integrally as one-piece with an outer surface of the ring 12. However, the protrusions 22 may be bumps or nodules made of a different material and fixed to the outer surface 20 of the ring 12. The protrusions 22 are preferably equi-angularly spaced along the circumference of the ring 12. Beneficially, the protrusions 22 form a massage element by which a user's hand or other body part can be massaged.

The ring 12 is preferably moulded plastics, but may be made from metal. Furthermore, the ring 12 may be transparent, semi-transparent, translucent or opaque. The diameter of the ring 12 in this case is 265 mm. The diameter of the outside lateral cross-section is 45 mm. However, the general size of the exercise device 10 may be increased or decreased to suit a particular exercise or group of users. The ring 12 is typically formed in two endless circular channel parts which are, for example, snap-fit interconnectable to form the ring 12.

The handle element 14 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the tubular ring, and comprises a substantially linear central portion 28 that terminates in first and second attachment portions 30 and 32. The central portion 28 is generally square, oval or circular in lateral cross-section, and preferably includes an ergonomic grip portion 34. The central portion 28 may comprise a series of laterally extending elongate grooves or ridges. Such grooves are substantially perpendicular to the upper and lower faces 24, 26 of the ring 12.

The first and second attachment portions 30 and 32 are suitable for use as a display surface for indicia. Each attachment portion 30, 32 preferably laterally extends or wraps around the tube wall of the ring 12 so as to encompass and surround the lateral extent of the tube.

The attachment portions 30, 32 are preferably flared, being generally frusto-pyramidical in shape, and have two short opposing sidewalls 36, two long opposing sidewalls 38 and a generally rectangular non-planar base 40. This provides an improved surface area for a user to grip, whilst also improving the stability at the junction between the handle and the ring 12. This therefore provides for a heavier ball 13 and/or a ball 13 with greater frictional resistance, in addition to a larger diameter ring and more rigorous usage.

An aperture 42 is provided through the short sidewalls 36 for receiving the ring 12 therethrough. The position of the handle element 14 relative to the ring 12 is fixed in use. The base 40 of the attachment portions 30, 32 in this embodiment curves circumferentially and axially for enhanced ergonomics. Although curved, the base 40 may be planar in at least one direction.

A further grip portion 44 is provided on or by the base 40 of each first and second attachment portion 30, 32. Each grip portion 44 includes a plurality of protrusions 46a extending radially outwards from the base 40. In this embodiment, the protrusions 46b are similar to those described above, and are spaced and generally part-spherical, such as hemi-spherical.

However, any other suitable shape of protrusion may be used.

The protrusions 46a are equi-angularly spaced along the circumference to ensure an evenly distributed grip. The grip portions 18, 44 prevent or limit slippage between the hand of the user and the exercise device, when in use.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a second embodiment of the exercise device 10 is shown. Like references refer to like parts, and further detailed description is therefore omitted.

As best seen in FIG. 3, a counter 48 is provided on the long sidewall 38 of one of the attachment portions 30, 32 of the handle element 14. The counter 48 is used to count the number of times the ball 13 passes the respective attachment portion 30, 32 during an exercise session. The counter 48 may use circuitry to generate an electromagnetic field which is disturbed by the passing of the ball 13, or for example an optical device such as an LED and photoreceptor which is broken by the passing of the ball 13.

The counter 48 is advantageous for the user who wishes to develop their strength and endurance by monitoring the number of revolutions the ball 13 makes around the ring 12 over time. It is envisaged that the counter 48 may be positioned at any suitable position along the ring 12 or on the handle element 14 as desired provided that the location is fit for purpose.

In a modification, the counter may be additionally or alternatively a calorie counter. In this case, the energy expended to move the ball 13 through one revolution of the ring 12 may be determined and thus displayed by the counter as a calorific value. A revolution monitoring means would typically be provided to monitor the passing of the ball 13, and this may be a magnetic sensor, for example, where the ball 13 would include a ferrous material. The output would be supplied to a calorie determining means, typically being a electronic circuit, which would calculate the calorific expenditure based on the number of revolutions, and thus output the result to a display on the handle or the ring for the user to view.

A further difference between the first and second embodiments of the exercise device 10 is protrusions 46b on an outer surface of the attachment portions 30, 32. In this case, the protrusions 46b are generally rectilinear or elongate as best seen in FIG. 2. This would be beneficial in providing a different kind of grip and/or a variant of the massage element.

In the above embodiments, the handle element 14 is made in two substantially similar longitudinal halves and clamped together either side of the ring 12. The two halves are secured to each other using a pair of hex bolts 50 which are positioned at or adjacent to an innermost edge 52 of the ring 12. However, any other suitable securing means may be used, for example, a snap-fit engagement between the two handle element halves, or bonding. The handle element 14 is preferably made from moulded plastics and may be hollow.

In use, the user can hold the exercise device 10 in a number of positions, for example, by gripping the central portion 28 of the handle element 14 using one hand or by gripping the ring 12 at the two ring grip portions 18 using two hands. The user gyrates the exercise device 10 to cause the ball 13 to travel in a circumferential or longitudinal direction in the bore of the tubular ring 12. By repeating this movement over time, the strength in one's wrist is improved.

The exercise device can beneficially be held by the grip portion 34 of the handle element 14, or the further grip portions 44 of the attachment portions 30, 32 of the handle element 14, or by the diametrically opposed grip portions 18 integrally formed as part of the tubular ring 12. Combinations of grip can also be advantageously utilised. Furthermore, the grip portions can be held against other body parts and supported thereby, for example, by being pressed against a user's abdominal region whilst the device 10 is gyrated. This enable working of other muscle groups aside from just the wrist and hand area.

In brief, use of the exercise device 10 is beneficial for people who have undergone surgery on the fingers, hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and are undergoing subsequent rehabilitation to improve the strength and/or flexibility of that body part, or for users who wish to strengthen the core abdominal muscle group. The exercise device 10 is also beneficial for people undertaking therapy following an injury or for those simply with a desire to improve their current strength and/or flexibility, such as the elderly or infirm. The movement is of a non-impact nature and is intuitive, making the device ideal for users of all ages and abilities.

In a first modification to the above embodiments, the tubular ring and or one or both attachment portions of the handle element may be provided with an access opening to the bore of the tubular ring. The access opening is closable by an openable access cover, thereby together with the access opening providing an access element. Preferably, the access opening would be in an inner side or a top side of the tubular ring to prevent the access cover being unduly pressurised during use. The access opening is dimensioned to allow the weighted moveable element to pass therethrough when being removed and/or inserted. As such, a plurality of differently sized and/or weighted movable elements can be provided for selection and insertion into the tubular ring. This modification allows a user to change and selectably adjust the weighted movable element dependent on the kind of workout required.

In a second modification, an axial grip is provided which extends coaxially with the axis of the tubular ring. The axial grip thus would extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal extent of the handle element. Conveniently, the axial grip may be formed integrally as one-piece with the handle element. However, it may be demountably attachable to the handle element, for example, by screw-threaded attachment and/or clamping. The axial grip is preferably ergonomically shaped to accommodate a user's hand, and may include an enlarged head at its free distal end to prevent or limit slipping from a user's hand. In use, the tubular ring would thus sit above or below a user's hand gripping the axial grip. By gyrating the axial grip and thus the tubular ring, a different exercise option is provided for the user which may specifically target the bicep, tricep and forearm muscle groups.

The axial grip may be connected to the tubular ring, thus dispensing with the need for the handle element, either as a support or altogether. In this case, instead of an axial grip, the grip may have legs and a non-axial grip which is spaced from but which extends substantially in parallel with a plane of the tubular ring. The non-axial grip would typically be supported by the legs at its ends. Other ends of the legs would connect to the tubular ring and/or the handle element.

Although the weighted movable element has been described as being a ball, the element could alternatively be a weighted arcuate packet or receptacle containing a solid such as sand, or even a fluid or gel. The weighted moveable element could alternatively be an elongate solid cylinder or roller element. In this case, the roller element would typically have an arcuate longitudinal axis to match an arc of the longitudinal axis of the bore of the tubular ring 12.

Although the handle element has been described as being elongate terminating in first and second attachment portions, the handle element could take the form of a, preferably solid, plate mounted within the central opening of the ring. In this arrangement, the plate is a disc which may extend across the full aperture bounded by the ring and is attached to the ring, for example continuously, along the innermost edge of the ring. In this case, the disc would be circular or substantially circular. A plurality of finger holes may be provided for gripping. In this case, the finger holes may extend from one face of the disc through to the other, or may be bottomed. In use, the user places their fingers into the finger holes to hold the exercise device. As in the first embodiment, the user gyrates the exercise device to cause the ball to travel circumferentially along the inside of the ring. By repeating this movement over time, the strength in at least the user's fingers and wrist-related muscles are improved. Depending on the form of movement taken, other body parts may be exercised in a similar way.

Although preferably circular, the plate may be non-circular so as to only provide a grip across a segment of the circular aperture of the tubular ring.

Although the bore of the tubular ring may have a shock-absorbent liner, additionally or alternatively the weighted freely movable element, such as a ball, may have the shock-absorbent coating.

The tubular ring may be formed of metal, such as aluminium, and this would be beneficial for a more sturdy device for use, for example, by men. In this case, having the higher friction liner with a metal-surfaced movable element, such as a metal ball, provides increased resistance to movement and thus an improved workout. The higher friction liner may be a shock-absorbing material, such as rubber or elastomer, and this is useful for damping undesirable vibrations generated during rotation of the movable element in the tubular ring.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

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27. An exercise device comprising a rigid endless tubular ring having an internal bore, a handle element which extends radially across a main aperture bounded by the ring, and a weighted freely movable element received in said ring for movement therearound, the handle element being attached to the tubular ring via first and second attachment portions which extend at least substantially around a lateral extent of the tubular ring to improve stability.

28. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which an inner surface of the tubular ring includes a higher-friction layer having a coefficient of friction which is greater than that of an outer surface of the tubular ring.

29. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which a shock absorbent liner is provided at least partially along the surface of the bore.

30. The exercise device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the shock absorbent liner is or includes rubber.

31. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising a calorie counter having a display, a revolution monitor, and a calorie determiner which outputs a calorie total to the display based on a number of revolutions of the movable element monitored by the revolution monitor.

32. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which the tubular ring has two endless channel parts which are interconnectable to form the bore of the tubular ring.

33. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the handle element includes an ergonomically shaped grip.

34. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which the first and second attachment portions are flared with respect to a longitudinal extent of the elongate handle element to improve grip and stability.

35. The exercise device as claimed in claim 34, in which the first and second attachment portions are generally frusto-pyramidal shaped, with a base thereof extending along a circumferential portion of the tubular ring.

36. The exercise device as claimed in claim 34, wherein at least one of the first and second attachment portions include grip elements.

37. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising at least one grip portion integrally formed as one-piece with the surface of the tubular ring tom enable gripping of the exercise device.

38. The exercise device as claimed in claim 37, in which the grip portion includes a plurality of radially-outwardly projecting spaced protrusions.

39. The exercise device as claimed in claim 38, in which the grip portion includes at least one of part-spherical and rectilinear shaped protrusions.

40. The exercise device as claimed in claim 39, further comprising a further said grip portion on the first and/or second attachment portions.

41. The exercise device as claimed in claim 37, in which two said grip portions are provided on the tubular ring, said grip portions being diametrically opposed to each other.

42. The exercise device as claimed in claim 37, wherein the grip portion is at least in part a massage element.

43. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which the weighted movable element is a rollable element.

44. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, in which an outer surface of the weighted movable element is coated with a high-friction material.

45. The exercise device as claimed in claim 27, further comprising an access element to enable access to the bore of the tubular ring.

46. The exercise device as claimed in claim 45, wherein a plurality of different selectable said weighted movable elements is provided and receivable through and removable from the access element.