COMPRESSIBLE HAND EXERCISER ADAPTED TO CONTAIN AN ARTICLE

Abstract

Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe and disclose compressible hand exercisers (hand exercisers) which may be adapted to contain an article, where the article may be a container. In other exemplary embodiments, a hand exerciser may comprise a container located within the hand exerciser. In further exemplary embodiments, said container may further comprise a lip balm. In still further exemplary embodiments, said lip balm may comprise a curved outer surface. In yet still further exemplary embodiments, said lip balm may occupy substantially all of an interior volume of said container.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to compressible hand exercisers also commonly known as stress balls and more specifically to a compressible hand exerciser which may be adapted to contain an article, where the article may be a container, the hand exerciser may comprise a hand-held container, and the container may comprise lip balm.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent application may contain material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

Certain marks referenced herein may be common law or registered trademarks of third parties affiliated or unaffiliated with the applicant or the assignee. Use of these marks is by way of example and should not be construed as descriptive or to limit the scope of this invention to material associated only with such marks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hand exercisers, which are also commonly known as “stress balls,” are known in the art. Such hand exercisers are often spherical in geometry, which explains why such devices are typically known as “balls.” Additionally, such hand exercisers generally fit within an enclosed hand, i.e. within a palm with fingers of the hand wrapping around the hand exerciser.

The “stress” aspect of the name derives from the benefit that may be received when a user repeatedly squeezes such a hand exerciser. The stress release benefit derives from the exercisable aspect of hand exercisers. This benefit may be achieved because such hand exercisers may be compressible, in the sense the hand exerciser is constructed of a resilient material of construction which resists applied compression forces to the hand exerciser (to a certain degree as defined by the geometry and material of construction) and tends to return to an uncompressed geometry once the applied compression force is removed. Hence, such hand exercisers may be repeatedly squeezed and then relaxed, offering resistive forces against the user's applied compression force, which allows the hand exerciser to exercise the hand, fingers, and arm of the user, and where such motion tends to release stress in the user.

In terms of interior geometry, such hand exercisers are generally of a solid and single material of construction, such as a polyurethane foam. Other hand exercisers may be of two materials, a surface or covering material and an interior material, such as a gel, where the density of the gel may be varied to achieve varying resistive strengths. Additionally, other hand exercisers may be filled with fine particulates, such as powders or sands.

However, the art does not teach solid-cored hand exercisers, i.e. a hand exerciser which encloses a solid object, such as a single hard object. Thus, the art does not teach a hand exerciser which encapsulates a container where the container is hard and would act as a solid core within such a hand exerciser.

Nor does the art teach hollow-cored hand exercisers, where the exterior surface is continuous. But the art does teach stress balls with an external lattice structure, approximating the shape of a “bocky ball” which, due to the external lattice structure, forms a hollow core. However, such external lattice-structured stress balls would be of limited use in containing articles, as many such articles would fall out (such as articles smaller than the lattice openings, liquid articles, gas articles, etc.) from the openings in the lattice structure. Additionally, such articles which could be held within an external lattice structured stress ball would tend to rattle around within the hollow core (i.e. cavity), which may present problems depending on the article.

Additionally, hand-held containers which may fit entirely within an enclosed hand are also known in the art. For example, such hand-held containers may contain such articles as: lip balm, lipstick, makeup, deodorant, sunscreen and sunblock, medications, vitamins, gels, and the like.

In another example, the art does teach a generally ovoid-shaped container which contains a lip balm with a curved outer surface. However, in such art, the ovoid-shaped container contains only a limited amount of lip balm which occupies approximately just the top hemisphere of such a container, leaving the bottom hemisphere of such a container largely devoid of the lip balm. Thus, for a lip balm container that contains lip balm with a curved outer surface, it would be desirable to have that lip balm substantially fill the interior of such a container, so that both hemispheres would be substantially filled with the lip balm.

Furthermore, what is currently lacking in the art is a hand exerciser which may contain an article, where the article may repeatedly be removably inserted and withdrawn from within the hand exerciser. It would be desirable if there were a hand exerciser which included the dual functions of a compressible hand exercising device and the ability to store, hold, and contain various articles which may fit within the hand.

Additionally, it would be desirable if such a hand exerciser that was adapted to contain an article also held the article in a desired conformation, such that the article is not permitted to freely roll around a cavity within the hand exerciser.

Further, it would be desirable if a hand exerciser also comprised a container, such that the hand exerciser and the container were integral with respect to each other.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a hand exerciser which may be adapted to contain an article, where the article may be a container, the hand exerciser may comprise a hand held container, and the container may comprise lip balm. Additionally, there is a need for a lip balm container, wherein the contained lip balm has a curved outer surface, and wherein the interior volume of the lip balm container is able to be substantially filled with the lip balm. It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, the present invention describes a compressible hand exerciser (hand exerciser), which may be adapted to contain an article, where the article may be a container for limp balm.

In exemplary embodiments, a hand exerciser may comprise a container located within the hand exerciser. In further exemplary embodiments, said container may further comprise a lip balm. In still further exemplary embodiments, said lip balm may comprise a curved outer surface. In yet still further exemplary embodiments, said lip balm may occupy substantially all of an interior volume of said container.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a hand exerciser which is adapted to contain an article, where the article and the hand exerciser are each capable of fitting within a user's hand.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a hand exerciser which is adapted to hold a container, where the container may hold various articles.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a hand exerciser which is adapted to hold a container, where the container and the hand exerciser are integral with respect to each other, i.e. the hand exercise comprises the container.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a hand exerciser which comprises a container and where said container further comprises a lip balm.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a hand exerciser which comprises a container, where said container further comprises a lip balm, and where said lip balm further comprises an outer curved surface.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a hand exerciser which comprises a container, where said container further comprises a lip balm, where said lip balm further comprises an outer curved surface, and where the method of forming the curved outer surface allows an interior volume of the container to be filled substantially with said lip balm.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale in order to enhance their clarity and improve understanding of these various elements and embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, elements that are known to be common and well understood to those in the industry are not depicted in order to provide a clear view of the various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1(a) depicts a user's hand holding an exemplary compressible hand exerciser (hand exerciser) adapted to contain an article, while the hand is in a relaxed position, and shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 1(b) depicts the user's hand holding the exemplary hand exerciser from FIG. 1(a), but while the hand is in a flexed position compressing the hand exerciser, and shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 1(c) depicts the user's hand while holding an exemplary hand exerciser, containing lip balm with a curved outer surface, while the lip balm is being applied to the user's lips, and shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 2(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hand exerciser where a lid is removed from a bottom, shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 2(b) depicts an exemplary embodiment of the hand exerciser from FIG. 2(a), shown from an exploded cross-sectional view taken along the line 2A.

FIG. 2(c) depicts the exemplary embodiment of the hand exerciser from FIG. 2(b), shown in the same cross-sectional view, but depicting the device assembled together with the lid or cover open to expose the lip balm.

FIG. 2(d) depicts the exemplary embodiment hand exerciser from FIG. 2(c), but where the lid may be removably attached to the bottom.

FIG. 2(e) depicts exemplary methods for forming a curved outer surface of lip balm which may utilize the exemplary hand exerciser depicted in FIGS. 2(a), (b), (c) and (d).

FIG. 3(a) depicts another exemplary embodiment of a hand exerciser, shown from an exploded cross-sectional side view.

FIG. 3(b) depicts exemplary methods for forming curved outer surface of lip balm which may utilize the exemplary hand exerciser depicted in FIG. 3(a).

FIG. 4(a) depicts another exemplary embodiment of a hand exerciser, shown from an exploded cross-sectional side view.

FIG. 4(b) depicts an exemplary embodiment of a polygonal lattice, which may be a component of the hand exerciser of FIG. 4(a), shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 4(c) depicts exemplary methods for forming a lip balm with curved outer surface which may utilize the exemplary hand exerciser depicted in FIG. 4(a) and the polygonal lattice of FIG. 4(b).

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hand exerciser which may comprise a plurality of raised ridges along the hand exerciser's exterior surface, shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hand exerciser which may comprise a region for placing a finger or thumb in order facilitate opening the device.

FIG. 7 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a compressible hand exerciser includes a receptacle for housing an article or item.

FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a compressible hand exerciser includes a rectangular shaped receptacle for housing an article or item.

FIG. 9 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a compressible hand exerciser includes a cover adapted to receive one or more keychain rings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A compressible hand exerciser (hand exerciser) adapted to contain an article is disclosed and described. Thus at the most basic level, the hand exerciser comprises two functions: (1) a hand exercising property; and (2) a storage property containing an article within the hand exerciser. Each of these two fundamental properties is discussed briefly below and then the discussion turns to detailing the various features of the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures.

In various exemplary embodiments, such a hand exercising property functions because the hand exerciser comprises a compressible covering, which exerts a resistive force opposing a compression force applied by a user to the hand exerciser. The compressible covering's ability to generate a resistive force may be a byproduct of the compressible covering's materials of construction, as well as the compressible covering's geometry. In various exemplary embodiments, when the user exerts a compression force against the compressible covering by squeezing the fingers of the hand towards each other, muscles of the user's hand and arm are exercised by the compressible covering exerting a resistive force against the user's hand and fingers.

Additionally, the compressible covering's material of construction may comprise a resilient property, such that the compressible covering may be compressed when squeezed by the user's hand, but then return to an uncompressed state when the user relaxes the squeezing.

Hence, such a hand exerciser may also function as what is commonly called a “stress ball,” which helps to alleviate overall stress in a user when the user repeatedly squeezes and relaxes the compressible covering of the hand exerciser.

Turning now to the hand exerciser's other fundamental property, in various exemplary embodiments, the hand exerciser may also be adapted to contain or hold an article. Such a storage function of a hand exerciser may take on at least five exemplary embodiments: (1) a hand exerciser with an inner volume capable of holding the article; (2) a hand exerciser which further comprises a container configured to fit into the inner volume; (3) a hand exerciser which comprises a container and where the container further comprises a lip balm; (4) a hand exerciser with comprised container, where the container further comprises a lip balm, and where the lip balm comprises a curved outer surface; and (5) a hand exerciser with comprised container, where the container further comprises a lip balm, where the lip balm further comprises a curved outer surface, and where substantially all of an interior volume of the container may be filled with the lip balm.

Note, in each of these five exemplary embodiments, each hand exerciser embodiment retains its fundamental property as a hand exerciser, which further implies that in each of these five exemplary embodiments, the hand exerciser fits within the palm of the user's hand, with the user's fingers capable of at least partially enclosing the hand exerciser. Thus, with respect to the article or articles which may be held, contained, or stored within a given hand exerciser, such articles are typically of sufficiently small size to fit within both the hand exerciser and then within the palm of the user. Thus, there is a limit as to what articles may be contained within the hand exerciser. This same limitation applies equally to the size of containers which may be held within a given hand exerciser.

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of compressible hand exerciser (hand exerciser 200), while hand exerciser 200 may be in a relaxed position, and shown from a perspective view.

FIG. 1(b) depicts user's hand 901 holding the exemplary hand exerciser 200 from FIG. 1(a), in a flexed position compressing hand exerciser 200, shown from a perspective view.

Thus, the contrast between FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b) demonstrates how hand exerciser 200 may function as a hand exerciser by hand exerciser 200 exerting a resistive force against a compression force applied by the user against hand exerciser 200. For example, when the user exerts the compression force against hand exerciser 200 by squeezing the fingers of hand 901 towards each other, the muscles of hand 901 and the user's arm may be exercised by hand exerciser 200 exerting the resistive force against hand 901 and its fingers.

Hand exerciser 200's ability to generate such a resistive force may be a byproduct of the hand exerciser 200's materials of construction, as well as the hand exerciser 200's geometry. In various exemplary embodiments, hand exerciser 200 may comprise compressible covering 206, which may be the component of hand exerciser 200 that provides the resistive force opposing a user supplied compression force.

In various exemplary embodiments, compressible covering 206 may be constructed of a compressible yet resilient material such as a solid foam material, a non-foam elastomeric material, and the like.

Such applicable foam materials may be compressible foams such as low density polyethylene foam, high density polyethylene (HDPE) foam, polyurethane foam, and the like. The foam material utilized for compressible covering 206 may be capable of being repeatedly compressed by a single user's hand, with the ability to return to an uncompressed geometry when the user relaxes their hand, i.e. the chosen material may not only be compressible but also may be resilient.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, instead of using the compressible foam as noted above for compressible covering 206, other non-foam materials may be used, such as silicones, rubbers, and the like. When a rubber compound is selected, it may be a natural rubber with latex or a synthetic rubber without latex. Likewise, the non-foam elastomeric material utilized for compressible covering 206 may be capable of being repeatedly compressed by a user's hand, with the ability to return to an uncompressed geometry when the user relaxes their hand.

Additionally, in other embodiments the compressible and resilient properties may be achieved by utilizing filler materials within compressible covering 206, such as gels or a plurality of fine particulates such as sands or powders. In such embodiments, exterior surface 209 acts to contain the filler materials with the compressible and resilient properties.

Note with respect to the materials of construction, it is not desired nor intended to unnecessarily limit the present invention by reason of such restricted disclosure.

In terms of exterior geometry, in various exemplary embodiments, hand exerciser 200 may be a “substantially” “ovoid shape.” Depending upon the embodiment, it should be understood that an “ovoid shape” includes both three dimensional ellipse shapes (e.g. ellipsoids, which includes egg-like shapes), as well as three dimensional spherical shapes. Hand exerciser 200's exterior shape may be “substantially” ovoid, where substantially is used to note the exterior shape may not be strictly ovoid, as various embodiments may comprise specific surface geometry to aid the user in gripping hand exerciser 200, such a plurality of raised ridges or a plurality of raised protrusions. (Note, such a plurality of raised ridges is not depicted in FIG. 1(a) nor FIG. 1(b), instead see FIG. 5 and its corresponding discussion below for such a depiction.). Additionally, hand exerciser 200 may not be strictly ovoid because of the various mechanisms which may be used to removably seal seam 220 which may permit first compressible covering 207 to be removably attached to second compressible covering 208, along seam 220. Thus, because there may be need for seam 220 to be openable, a region along seam 220 may not be strictly ovoid. Note, first compressible covering 207 and second compressible covering 208 may each be distinct sub-components of compressible covering 206, i.e. compressible covering 206 may comprise first compressible covering 207 and second compressible covering 208.

Further, while the above discussion regarding exterior shapes was in specific reference to exemplary embodiment hand exerciser 200, this exterior shape discussion applies to each of the exemplary embodiments of hand exercisers depicted in the figures. That is each of the exemplary embodiments of hand exercisers depicted in the figures may be of substantially an ovoid shape as discussed in the preceding paragraph.

But other exterior three dimensional shapes may also be employed other than substantially void shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a hand exerciser may have a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially cubical shape. Many different three dimensional shapes may fit into the hand of the user. However, such other embodiments are not depicted within the figures for the sake of brevity.

Also depicted in both FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b) are a plurality of raised protrusions 275 substantially covering hand exerciser 200's exterior 209. Such regions of raised geometry, such as plurality of raised protrusions 275, may provide areas of frictional engagement with the user's hand and fingers. Additionally such regions of raised geometry may comprise surface texturing of the exterior surface other than use of ridges and raised protrusions, for example a plurality of dimples (indentations).

Additionally, such regions of exterior raised geometry may also permit the compressible hand exerciser to remain in a stationary position upon a flat surface, i.e. provide an anti-rolling feature, which may be desirable in embodiments where the overall exterior shape may be substantially ovoid.

Note, while the plurality of raised protrusions 275 depicted in FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b) substantially covers exterior 209, in other exemplary embodiments, such regions may be smaller, but generally with at least one region located per the exterior of each compressible covering hemisphere (e.g. 207 and 208).

Lastly, both FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b) depict first compressible covering 207 meeting second compressible covering 208 at seam 220. As noted above, first compressible covering 207 and second compressible covering 208 may each be distinct sub-components of compressible covering 206. As shown in both FIG. 1(a) and FIG. 1(b), seam 220 may circumscribe the entirety of hand exerciser 200's exterior such that both first compressible covering 207 and second compressible covering 208 each make up a separate hemisphere of hand exerciser 200.

Whereas in other exemplary embodiments, the seam may be shorter and not circumscribe the entirety of a hand exerciser's exterior. But regardless of the length of the seam, in various embodiments the seam is important because it may provide an access point for the article to enter and exit an inner volume of the hand exerciser. In various exemplary embodiments, the first compressible covering (e.g. 207) may comprise a first inner surface (e.g. 207b) and the second compressible covering (e.g. 208) may comprise a second inner surface (e.g. 208b), such that the first inner surface and the second inner surface circumscribe the inner volume (e.g. 214a), which may be capable of holding the article. And it may be via the seam that such an article enters and exits the inner volume.

In various exemplary embodiments, the seam is then openable to allow the article to enter and exit the inner volume. In such embodiments, two opposing seam surfaces may be removably sealable by various means, such as with a zipper, Velcro®, magnets, and the like. Whereas in other embodiments the seam may be merely openable and not removably sealable because the inner volume may contain a container which further comprises a lid and a bottom, where the lid is removably attachable to the bottom, i.e. the sealable function is provided by the container's lid and bottom and thus a seam need not be additionally sealable.

Now turning to FIG. 1(c), the figure depicts hand 901 while holding an exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 200, which may comprise lip balm 150 shown with a curved outer surface 151, wherein lip balm 150 may be applied to the user's lips, and shown from a perspective view. In this particular embodiment, hand exerciser 200 may further comprise container 201, which may further comprise lip balm 150, which may possess curved outer surface 151. The steps for forming curved outer surface 151 are shown in FIG. 2(e) and discussed below under the FIG. 2(e) discussion.

Also note in hand exerciser 200, once curved outer surface 151 has worn down, the user may use a finger to apply remaining lip balm 150 which may reside in bottom 204. Thus, hand exerciser 200 demonstrates an advantage over certain related art lip balm products. For instance, after such related art lip balm products have their curved surface wear down, very little lip balm remains in the container because the lip balm does not substantially fill the product container. By contrast, hand exerciser 200, once curved outer surface 151 is worn down, there may still be remaining lip balm 150 within hand exerciser 200.

FIG. 2(a) depicts exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 200 where lid 202 may be separated from bottom 204, shown from a perspective view and FIG. 2(b) depicts the same exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 200 shown from an exploded cross-sectional side view along line 2A. FIG. 2(c) depicts the exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 200 from FIG. 2(a), again where lid 202 may be separated from bottom 204, shown from a cross-sectional side view. And FIG. 2(d) depicts the exemplary hand exerciser 200 from FIG. 2(c), but where lid 202 may be removably attached to bottom 204.

In the series of figures making up FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 200 may comprise compressible covering 206, which may further comprise first compressible covering 207 and second compressible covering 208. Hand exerciser 200 may also comprise container 201. Container 201 may comprise lid 202 and bottom 204, such that that lid 202 is removably attachable to bottom 204, and when lid 202 is removably attached to bottom 204, the coupled assembly of container 201 is formed. Lid 202 may comprise first outer surface 203 and bottom 204 may comprise second outer surface 205. With respect to the relationship between compressible covering 206 and container 201, first compressible covering 207 may substantially cover first outer surface 203, and second compressible covering 208 may substantially cover second outer surface 205, such that first compressible covering 207 with first outer surface 203 is detachable from second compressible covering 208 with second outer surface 205 along seam 220. Furthermore, when lid 202 is removably attached to bottom 204, hand exerciser 200 may fit into hand 901, as depicted in FIG. (1) and FIG. 1(b).

With respect to use of “substantially” in the preceding paragraph, each respective compressible covering (first and second) may substantially cover each respective outer surface (first and second) because there may be regions of each respective outer surface that are not covered by a respective compressible covering. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, along seam 220, there may be gap where each respective compressible covering does not cover each respective outer surface, such that a gap along seam 220 facilitates opening of container 201.

Also note in other exemplary embodiments, container 201 may be a subcomponent of compressible covering 206, i.e. compressible covering may comprise container 201; whereas in the immediately preceding discussion, container 201 may be a subcomponent of hand exerciser 200.

Container 201 may be constructed from a material suitable for injection molding in which, when the material is cured (i.e. in a solid state), it becomes suitable for containing the article. In various exemplary embodiments, such as in hand exercisers 200, 300, and 400, which all may comprise a container, the lid of such containers may be used as a mold cavity to form curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150. In such embodiments, it is desirable for the first interior surface (i.e. the interior surface of the lid) to be non-tactile with respect to the lip balm being molded in the lid, such that when the lip balm solidifies, it does not adhere to the first interior surface, i.e. the first interior surface may act as a mold release for the lip balm poured into the lid when the lid is acting as a mold cavity.

For example, with respect to hand exerciser 200, lid 202 may comprise first interior surface 212, and it may be desirable for curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150, formed by first interior surface 212 and acting as a mold, to not adhere to first interior surface 212. For example, HDPE is generally known in the art to be a “slippery” material that some lip balm formulations would not adhere to once cured and solidified and thus could act as a mold release for first interior surface 212.

Note with respect to the materials of construction, it is not desired nor intended to unnecessarily limit the present invention by reason of such restricted disclosure.

In some exemplary embodiments, such as exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 200, first compressible covering 207 may be permanently attached to first outer surface 203, and second compressible covering 208 may be permanently attached to second outer surface 205. Thus in such embodiments, lid 202 with first compressible covering 207 may operate as a single article of manufacture, and bottom 204 with second compressible covering 208 may operate as a single article of manufacture. In further detail, in such embodiments, first inner surface 207b (a component of first compressible covering 207) may be in communication, via direct physical contact, with first outer surface 203 (a component of lid 202). And second inner surface 208b (a component of second compressible covering 208) may be in communication, via direct physical contact, with second outer surface 205 (a component of bottom 204).

Various methods may be used to accomplish such a permanent attachment, such as, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, ultra-sonic bonding, and the like. Additionally, each of the two compressible coverings (e.g. 207 and 208) may be molded directly to each respective outer surface (e.g. 203 and 205), such that when the compressible covering materials cool down from the injection molding process, such that the compressible covering material naturally contracts and adheres to the respective outer surface (e.g. 203 and 205). Thus, in such embodiments, each respective outer surface may be acting as a mold insert that the each respective compressible covering is molded around. Further, in some exemplary embodiments, the surface of each respective outer surface may comprise further geometry to provide anchor points that the compressible covering material may attach to during the injection molding process.

Note, in embodiments where each respective compressible covering (such as first compressible covering 207 and second compressible covering 208) may be permanently attached to each respective outer surface (such as first outer surface 203 and second outer surface 205), such permanent attachment may aid in the opening of a container (such as container 201) that may reside within the compressible covering, as any opening motion by the user which is directed to exterior surfaces of the compressible covering (such as exterior surface 209) are thus communicated to opening the lid from the bottom.

With respect to opening the container (e.g. 201), i.e. removably separating the lid from the bottom, various methods may be utilized, such as, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, complimentary mating threads, frictional gripping, snap connectors, magnets, and the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lid and the bottom may be in further communication via a hinge.

For example, in the exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 200 which is depicted in the FIG. 2 series of figures, lid 202 and bottom 204 may be removably attached to each other via compatible complimentary mating threads, such that when container 201 is closed, lid 202 may be screwed to bottom 204. In some embodiments, the lid may have inside threads, while the bottom has complimentary outside threads; whereas in other embodiments, the lid may have the outside threads and the bottom may have the complimentary inside threads.

Further, in the embodiments where the lid may be acting as a mold cavity for forming curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150, an exemplary arrangement of threads may be one in which the outside threads circumscribe the lid opening and the complimentary mating inside threads then circumscribe the bottom's top opening, as such an arrangement minimizes lip balm 150 from getting into such threads.

Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 200 which is depicted in the FIG. 2 series of figures, hand exerciser 200 may further comprise interior volume 214, such that the article may occupy a portion of said interior volume 214. Interior volume 214 may be formed by first interior surface 207b and second interior surface 208b together circumscribing 214b. First interior surface 207b may be in communication with first outer surface 203 and oppose first outer surface 203. Likewise, second interior surface 213 may be in communication with second outer surface 205 and oppose second outer surface 205. That is, container 201 may comprise lid 202 and bottom 204 as noted above. And lid 202 may comprise first outer surface 203 and first interior surface 207b, where first outer surface 203 opposes and is in communication with first interior surface 207b. And bottom 204 may comprise second outer surface 205 and second interior surface 213, where second outer surface 205 opposes and is in communication with first interior surface 208b. In each case, for both the lid and the bottom, the manner of communication may be via a thickness of the lid and a thickness of the bottom. In various embodiments, the thickness of the lid and the thickness of the bottom may be the same or they may be different.

Also note, this specification has referred to an inner volume 214- as used in this specification, volume is the broader term and encompasses the interior volume because the inner volume may circumscribe the volume immediately circumscribed by the inner surfaces of the compressible covering, while interior volume refers to the volume within the container, where the container fits into the inner volume.

Note, in hand exerciser 200, hand exerciser 200 may further comprise the article and the article may further comprise lip balm 150, such that lip balm 150 is the article which container 201 contains. In other embodiments, it may be the container which comprises the article, where the article is lip balm 150. Further, in hand exerciser 200, lip balm 150 may comprise curved outer surface 151, such that curved outer surface 151 protrudes above top opening 214 of bottom 204, when curved outer surface 151 is first formed. This geometry of lip balm 150 allows the user to apply lip balm 150 directly to one or both lips simultaneously by uncapping lid 202 from bottom 204 and holding bottom 204, with lip balm 150 imbedded in bottom 204, up to the lips for application. Upon such repeated method of application, curved outer surface 151 will become worn down until the curved outer surface geometry is no longer present, upon which the user may then use a finger to apply remaining lip balm 150 from bottom 204 onto the user's lips. As in various exemplary embodiments, bottom (e.g. 204) may be filled with lip balm 150 when curved outer surface 151 is first formed.

In hand exerciser 200, additional geometry and components may be necessary to form curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150. Bottom 204 may further comprise bottom opening 216 located at a bottom end of bottom 204. Additionally, bottom end cap 217, which is adapted to seal the bottom opening 216, may comprise at least one protrusion 218 which extends partially into interior volume 214b when the bottom end cap 217 seals the opening 216.

FIG. 2(e) depicts exemplary methods for forming curved outer surface 151 that may utilize the exemplary hand exerciser 200 depicted in FIG. 2(a), (b), and (c), where the exemplary steps may be:

Step 1: Removably attaching bottom 204 to lid 202 to form a coupled assembly, but where bottom end cap 217 is not attached to bottom 202. Turning this coupled assembly upside down, so the lid is now on the bottom, with respect to a gravitational pull.

Step 2: Pouring liquid lip balm 152 into the upside down coupled assembly, such that first interior surface 212 acts a mold cavity for lip balm 150. Additionally, pour liquid lip balm 152 into the upside down assembly to a liquid fill level on bottom 204. In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid fill level may be at or below bottom opening 216, which minimizes loss of liquid lip balm 152 due to spillage when bottom end cap 217 with the at least one protrusion 218 is inserted into bottom opening 216. (Generally, lip balms may be liquefied by heating the lip balm to a melting point. Obviously it is desirable if the lip balm's melting point is a temperature which does not melt or materially distort first interior surface 212, nor second interior surface 213.)

Step 3: While lip balm 152 is still in liquid form, insert bottom end cap 217 into bottom opening 216 such that the at least one protrusion 218 immerses in liquid lip balm 152 and where bottom end cap 217 completely seals bottom opening 216. While the coupled assembly is still in the upside down position, and with bottom end cap 217 sealing bottom opening 216, allow lip balm 150 to solidify and anchor onto the at least one protrusion 218. Once lip balm 150 has solidified, it may be anchored onto the least one protrusion 218.

Step 4: Turn coupled assembly right side up and open lid 202 from bottom 204. Curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150 may now be formed and lip balm will typically be solidified and anchored to bottom 204 by virtue of the at least one protrusion 218.

Note, bottom end cap 217 may seal bottom opening 216 using various exemplary mechanisms. The FIG. 2 series depicts bottom end cap 217 with a plurality of snaps 219 along an outside peripheral edge of bottom end cap 217 where the outside peripheral edge complimentarily mates with an edge circumscribing bottom opening 216. In other exemplary embodiments, the sealing means may be via use of adhesives, solvent bonding, ultrasonic welding, complimentary mating threads (e.g. locking threads), and the like. Additionally, in exemplary embodiments, the bottom end cap sealing bottom opening may be permanent and not intended to be reversible once the seal has been made.

Additionally, note, the at least one protrusion 218 in exemplary embodiments may be integral with bottom end cap 217, such that the at least one protrusion 218 and bottom end cap are manufactured as one component.

Turning to the exemplary hand exerciser 300 depicted in the FIG. 3, FIG. 3(a) depicts an exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 300, shown from an exploded side view. And FIG. 3(b) depicts exemplary methods for forming curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150 which may utilize exemplary hand exerciser 300 depicted in FIG. 3(a).

A primary difference between hand exerciser 300 and hand exerciser 200 may be in the manner of how curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150 is formed. For example, the main five steps for forming curved outer surface 151 as disclosed above regarding FIG. 2(e) may be the same for hand exerciser 300, with the exception that bottom end cap 317 of hand exerciser 300 no longer includes the at least one protrusion 218 which may be found in hand exerciser 200. Instead in exemplary embodiment hand exerciser 300 there may be plurality of flange protrusions 318, which may extend into interior volume 214b and which may point towards bottom end cap 317, when bottom end cap 317 seals bottom opening 316. Here in hand exerciser 300, the plurality of flange protrusions 318 may originate from the second interior surface 313; whereas in hand exerciser 200 the at least one protrusion 218 may originate from bottom end cap 217. However, functionally, the plurality of flange protrusions 318 may serve the same lip balm 150 anchoring function as the at least one protrusion 218. Thus, in both hand exerciser 200 and in hand exerciser 300, each utilizes the same lid 202, but each uses a different bottom, bottom 204 for hand exerciser 200 and bottom 304 for hand exerciser 300.

Likewise, as in hand exerciser 200, hand exerciser 300 may have lip balm 150 completely fill bottom 304 when curved outer surface 151 is first formed. And thus the user may still utilize lip balm 150 in container 301 once curved outer surface 151 has worn down.

Now turning to hand exerciser 400 depicted in the FIG. 4 series of figures, which demonstrates another method for forming curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150, by virtue of hand exerciser 400's componentry and geometry. FIG. 4(a) depicts exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 400, shown from an exploded side view. And FIG. 4(b) depicts exemplary embodiment of polygonal lattice 416, which may be a component of hand exerciser 400 of FIG. 4(a), shown from a perspective view.

Container 401 may further comprise polygonal lattice 416 that attaches to an inside of bottom 404. Polygonal lattice 416 may be a generally planar polygon which comprises outer edge 421, such that a plane of the generally planar polygon may be parallel with top opening 415 of bottom 404. Additionally, polygonal lattice 416 may further comprise internal lattice structure 422, such that internal lattice structure 422 is within outer edge 421 and in the plane as the generally planar polygon. Further, polygonal lattice 416 may further comprise a plurality of locking protrusions 417, which may extend from outer edge 421, extending towards bottom 404. Each locking protrusion 417 may further comprise a tab 418 located on a terminal end of each protrusion 417.

As shown in FIG. 4(b), polygonal lattice 416 may have four outer edges defining the polygon. In other exemplary embodiments, the polygon may be defined by three sides, five sides, six sides, seven sides, or eight sides.

Container 401's bottom 404 may then further comprise locking ridge 420 which circumscribes second interior surface 413, such that locking ridge 420 provides an edge for the tabs 418 to lock onto when the plurality of locking protrusions 417 are inserted into the inside of bottom 404. Additionally, container 401's lid 402 may further comprise barrier shelf 419 which circumscribes first interior surface 412, such that polygonal lattice 416 may not be permitted beyond barrier shelf 419. The purpose of polygonal lattice 416 may be to function as an anchor for lip balm 150 to adhere to, such that lip balm 150 is secured to bottom 404.

FIG. 4(c) depicts exemplary methods for forming curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150 which may utilize exemplary hand exerciser 400 depicted in FIG. 4(a) and polygonal lattice 416 depicted in FIG. 4(b), where the exemplary steps may be as follows:

Step 1: Place lid 402 upside down with respect to a gravitational pull, so that first interior surface 412 may act as a mold cavity for liquid lip balm 152.

Step 2: Pour liquid lip balm 152 into upside down lid 402 up to a liquid fill level within lid 402.

Step 3: Place polygonal lattice 416 into lid 402 such that the plurality of locking protrusions 417 point away from lid 402 and where polygonal lattice 416 abuts against barrier shelf 419.

Step 4: While lip balm 152 is still in liquid form and while lid 402 is still upside down, place bottom 404 over and onto the plurality of locking protrusions 417, such that tabs 418 engage and lock with locking ridge 420 of bottom 404.

Step 5: While lip balm 152 is still in liquid form and while lid 402 is still upside down, secure bottom 404 to lid 402.

Step 6: Once lip balm 150 has solidified, turn container 401 right-side up and open lid 402 from bottom 404, curved outer surface 151 of lip balm 150 may now be formed and lip balm 150 may be anchored to bottom 404 by virtue of polygonal lattice 416.

With respect to securing bottom 404 to lid 402, in hand exerciser 400 as depicted in the FIG. 4 series of figures, bottom 404 may be removably attached to lid 402 using complimentary mating threads 411a and 411b. In other exemplary embodiments, other removable attachment mechanisms may be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention, such as snaps, frictional gripping, magnets, and the like.

Note, the above sequence may also proceed by Step 1, Step 3, Step 2, Step 4, Step 5, and Step 6, without deviating from the scope of the present invention, i.e. Step 2 and Step 3 may be interchangeable.

Additionally note, in exemplary embodiment hand exerciser 400, lip balm 150 may generally not fill bottom 404, as lip balm 150 may do with the embodiments of hand exerciser 200 and 300.

Turning to hand exerciser 500 as depicted in FIG. 5, the illustrated exemplary embodiment focuses on varying exterior surface geometry of the hand exerciser for the purpose of providing regions of the hand exerciser's exterior which may be more easily gripped by the user for facilitating detachment of the first compressible covering, with lid, from the second compressible covering, with bottom.

FIG. 5 depicts exemplary embodiment of hand exerciser 500 which may comprise a plurality of raised ridges 575 along the hand exerciser's exterior surface 509, shown from a perspective view. Such a plurality of raised ridges 575 may serve the same purpose as the plurality of raised protrusions 275 in hand exerciser 200, i.e. to aid the user in opening and closing the container within the hand exerciser or to aid the user in inserting and taking out an article from the inner volume of the hand exerciser.

Additionally, the plurality of raised ridges 575 may also permit compressible hand exerciser 500 to remain in a stationary position upon a flat surface, i.e. provide an anti-rolling feature, and which may also be a desirable embodiment where the overall exterior shape of a hand exerciser is substantially ovoid.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a hand exerciser which may comprise a region for placing a finger or thumb in order facilitate opening the device. Such a region may also be utilized for displaying logos, trademarks, slogans, and other marketing and promotional materials which may aid in the sales and distribution of hand exerciser 600. Additionally hand exerciser embodiments 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, and other exemplary embodiments may all also utilize a region upon the exterior surface for displaying such graphics.

FIG. 7 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a compressible hand exerciser includes a receptacle for housing an article or item. Compressible hand exerciser 700 comprises covering 706. Rather than housing lip balm, covering 706 houses container 701 for storing any number of articles. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, container 706 may be used for housing jewelry or similarly small items that a user may desire to carry around.

FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a compressible hand exerciser includes a rectangular shaped receptacle for housing an article or item. Compressible hand exerciser 800 comprises covering 806. Rather than housing lip balm, covering 806 houses container 801 for storing any number of articles. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, container 806 may be used for housing a cylindrically shaped lip balm stick. Alternatively, other similarly small items that a user may desire to carry around, may be placed inside container 801.

Turning to the last figure, FIG. 9 depicts yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein a compressible hand exerciser includes a cover adapted to receive one or more keychain rings. For example, compressible hand exerciser 900 may comprise covering 909, which implements a protrusion 935 adapted to hold a key ring. In this embodiment, the device may be a smaller device so that it easily fits into a user's pocket. Of course, the device's size may be altered without deviating from the scope of the present invention. As with the device shown in FIG. 6, compressible hand exerciser 900 may further include a region for aiding with opening and closing the covering. Such a region may also be utilized for displaying logos, trademarks, slogans, and other marketing and promotional materials which may aid in the sales and distribution of hand exerciser 900.

A compressible hand exerciser adapted to contain an article has been described and disclosed. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A compressible hand exerciser adapted to contain an article, comprising:

a compressible covering further comprising: a first compressible covering further comprising: a first exterior surface; and a first inner surface which is in communication with and opposes the first exterior surface; a second compressible covering further comprising: a second exterior surface; and a second inner surface which is in communication with and opposes the second exterior surface; wherein the first inner surface and the second inner surface together circumscribe an inner volume adapted to contain the article; wherein the first compressible covering is detachable from the second compressible covering along a seam, such that the article has access to the inner volume; and wherein the first exterior surface and the second exterior surface together form an exterior surface which fits into a hand of a user with fingers of the hand also circumscribing the exterior surface.

2. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the compressible covering is constructed of a compressible material selected from a solid foam material or a non-foam elastomeric material.

3. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 2, wherein the solid foam material is a low density polyethylene foam, a high density polyethylene foam or a polyurethane foam.

4. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 2, wherein the non-foam elastomeric material is a silicone compound or a rubber compound.

5. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the compressible covering comprises a substantially ovoid shape.

6. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the compressible covering further comprises a region adapted to be frictionally engaged by the user, such that removably detaching the first compressible covering from the second compressible covering along the seam is facilitated.

7. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the exterior surface comprises a flat portion adapted to permit the compressible hand exerciser to remain in a stationary position upon a flat surface.

8. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 1, wherein the article is a container.

9. A compressible hand exerciser adapted to contain an article, comprising:

a compressible covering further comprising: a first compressible covering further comprising: a first exterior surface; and a first inner surface which is in communication with and opposes the first exterior surface; a second compressible covering further comprising: a second exterior surface; and a second inner surface which is in communication with and opposes the second exterior surface; wherein the first inner surface and the second inner surface together circumscribe an inner volume adapted to contain a container, the container comprises: a lid with a first outer surface; and a bottom with a second outer surface, such that the lid is removably attachable to the bottom, and when the lid is removably attached to the bottom a coupled assembly is formed,

wherein the first compressible covering substantially covers the first outer surface, and the second compressible covering substantially covers the second outer surface, such that the first compressible covering with the first outer surface is removably detachable from the second compressible covering with the second outer surface along the seam.

10. The hand exerciser according to claim 9, wherein the lid and the bottom are removably attached to each other via compatible mating threads, such that when the container is closed, the lid is screwed to the bottom.

11. The hand exerciser according to claim 9, wherein the lid and the bottom are removably attached to each other via a snap geometry, such that when the container is closed, the lid is snapped to the bottom.

12. The hand exerciser according to claim 9, wherein the lid and the bottom are removably attached to each other via compatible mating geometry, such that when the container is closed, the lid is frictionally gripped by the bottom.

13. The hand exerciser according to claim 9, wherein the lid and the bottom are removably attached to each other via compatible mating attractable magnets or magnets and a magnetically attractable material.

14. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 9, wherein the container further comprises:

a first interior surface opposing the first outer surface and in communication with the first outer surface; and

a second interior surface opposing the second outer surface and in communication with the first outer surface;

wherein the first interior surface and the second interior surface together circumscribe an interior volume when the lid is removably attached to the bottom, such that the article may occupy a portion of the interior volume.

15. A compressible hand exerciser adapted to contain an article, comprising:

a compressible outer housing;

a rigid inner housing contained within the compressible outer housing, wherein the rigid inner housing includes a volume for storing the article.

16. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 15, wherein the compressible outer housing is constructed of a compressible material selected from a solid foam material or a non-foam elastomeric material.

17. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 16, wherein the solid foam material is a low density polyethylene foam, a high density polyethylene foam or a polyurethane foam.

18. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 17, wherein the non-foam elastomeric material is a silicone compound or a rubber compound.

19. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 18, wherein an exterior surface of the compressible outer housing comprises a substantially ovoid shape.

20. The compressible hand exerciser according to claim 19, wherein the rigid inner housing further comprises: wherein the first interior surface and the second interior surface together circumscribe an interior volume when the lid is removably attached to the bottom, such that the article may occupy a portion of the interior volume.

a first interior surface opposing a first outer surface and in communication with the first outer surface; and

a second interior surface opposing the second outer surface and in communication with the first outer surface;