WRIST AND FOREARM EXERCISE DEVICE

Abstract

A wrist and forearm exercise device includes first and second handle sections each having an elongated generally tubular shape. A central pin can be disposed between the handle sections to limit all movement other than independent radial movement of each handle section. A plurality of resistance members extend between the handle sections and are attached to posts that extend perpendicular to the major axis of the device. A pair of knobs are provided along the distal ends of the handles. The knobs function to permit exercise of the hands and forearms through ulnar and radial deviation of the wrists, whereas the handle sections permit exercise of the hands and forearms through flexion and extension movements of the wrists.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and more particularly to a handheld wrist and forearm exercise device.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

There are many areas of athletics and physical therapy in which it is desirable to rehabilitate or increase the strength in a specific area of the body. It should be appreciated that in the prior art, wrist development and lower forearm development is an area that has been neglected by most health equipment manufacturers when in fact, the wrist and forearm are vital not only in the performance of daily functions but particularly in sports such as tennis, bowling, and golf where wrist movement provides a substantial increase in power and control.

Accordingly, the need exists for a portable resistance exercise device that can specifically target the muscle groups of the wrist and forearms, in order to build strength and/or rehabilitate the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a wrist and forearm exercise device. One embodiment of the present invention can include first and second handle sections each having an elongated generally tubular shape. A central pin can be disposed between the handle sections to limit all movement other than independent radial movement of each handle section. A plurality of resistance members can extend between the handle sections. Each resistance member can be attached to a post that extends perpendicular to the major axis of the device.

In one embodiment, a pair of knobs are provided along the distal ends of the handles. The knobs function to permit exercise of the hands and forearms through ulnar and radial deviation of the wrists, whereas the handle sections permit exercise of the hands and forearms through flexion and extension movements of the wrists.

This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a side view of the wrist and forearm exercise device, that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wrist and forearm exercise device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the wrist and forearm exercise device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is another side view of the wrist and forearm exercise device in operation, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is another side view of the wrist and forearm exercise device, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the description in conjunction with the drawings. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the inventive arrangements in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.

As described herein, the term “rotatably secured” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two identified objects are joined together in a manner that allows one or both of the objects to rotate about or in relation to the other object.

As described herein, the term “removably secured” and derivatives thereof shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a non-permanent manner so as to allow the same objects to be repeatedly joined and separated. This can be accomplished through the use of any number of commercially available connectors such as opposing strips of hook and loop material (i.e. Velcro®), magnets, and/or compression fittings such as locking pins, clamps, nut/bolts, tethers (e.g., zip ties), snaps and buttons, for example.

Moreover, the term “permanently secured” shall be used to describe a situation wherein two or more objects are joined together in a manner so as to prevent the same objects from being separated. Several nonlimiting examples include various adhesives such as glue or resin, hardware such as nuts and bolts, and welds, for example.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate one embodiment of a wrist and forearm exercise device 10 that is useful for understanding the inventive concepts disclosed herein. In each of the drawings, identical reference numerals are used for like elements of the invention or elements of like function. For the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. For purposes of this description, the terms “upper,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1.

As shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the device, 10, can include two elongated generally tubular-shaped handle sections 11 and 12, each having a proximal end 11a and 12a, and a distal end 11b and 12b, respectively. In one embodiment, a pair of generally circular/hemispherical-shaped knobs; 13, can be positioned along the distal ends of the handles. As will be described below, the knobs can be permanently or removably secured to the handle sections.

As described herein, both the knobs and handle sections may be constructed from any number of different materials suitable for withstanding high torsional forces caused by the below described resistance members during operation of the device. Several nonlimiting examples include but are not limited to various metals or metal alloys (e.g., aluminum, steel, titanium, or alloys thereof), plastic/polymers (e.g., high-density polyethylene (HDPE), rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), and/or various composite materials (e.g., carbon fibers in a polymer matrix, etc.).

In the preferred embodiment, the handle sections and/or knobs can include a high grip coating, 14, such as synthetic rubber, for example, which can be located along the entirety or a portion of the exterior surfaces. The high grip coating can function to aid users in maintaining firm contact with the device during operation. Of course, any number of other materials capable of performing the above described features are also contemplated.

A central pin, 15, can extend between the proximal ends of the handle sections 11a and 12a. In the preferred embodiment, the central pin can include protrusions 15a along each end that are located within the interior of the handle sections. The protrusions 15a can be positioned within a hollow portion of the handle sections to prevent independent lateral and/or angular (e.g., up, down, left right, forward, backward, etc.) movement of the handle sections while allowing each handle section to independently rotate relative to the central pin.

As shown best in FIG. 2, each of the handle sections can include a plurality of posts 21 which extend outward in a perpendicular manner from the major axis of the device. In the preferred embodiment, each handle will include four posts, 21, that are arranged equidistantly along the outer diameter of the respective handle surface. Each post on each handle section being positioned so as to be parallel to a respective post on the other handle section and including an aperture 22 for engaging a resistance member 25.

As described herein, each resistance member, 25, can include any number of different objects capable of expanding and contracting when receiving a pulling force. In the preferred embodiment, each of the resistance members, 25, can include, comprise or consist of helical extension springs having integrated hooks along each end which are capable of being removably secured within the apertures 22. Of course, any number of other devices such as elastomeric tethers, for example, that can impart a resistance force in the manner described herein are also contemplated.

Although described as including four pairs of posts for engaging four resistance members, this is for ease of illustration, as the device may be configured to include any number of different posts each capable of engaging any number of different resistance members (see FIG. 5). Additionally, each device can include a plurality of different resistance members each having varying levels of resistance. These members can be used individually or in any combination to allow a user to adjust the total resistance encountered during a workout utilizing the device.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the wrist and forearm exercise device in operation. As shown, a user can grip the handle sections 11 and 12, with their hands, 5, in the neutral arm position and can then impart alternating flexion and extension movements (see arrows a). As the handle sections incur the alternating torsional movements, the resistance members of each post expand and contract, thus providing torsional resistance to the muscles in the wrist and forearm along with beneficial effects to other upper body muscles such as the shoulders and chest.

As shown in FIG. 4, a user can also utilize the exercise device, 10, by first griping the knobs, 13, with their hands, 5, and can then perform alternating ulnar and radial deviation of the wrists (see arrows b). As the knobs incur the alternating torsional movements, the resistance members of each post expand and contract, thus providing torsional resistance to the muscles in the wrist and forearm along with beneficial effects to other upper body muscles such as the shoulders and chest.

In either instance, the gap, G, located between the handle sections 11 and 12, provides room for the resistance members to move diagonally. Such a feature ensures the resistance members will not become ensnared by or rub against the handle sections during use.

As shown in FIG. 5, the knobs, 13, can be removably secured onto the distal ends of the handle sections via connectors, 51. Such a feature can allow the device to accommodate any number of secondary devices which can be designed to accommodate specific needs. For example, the device can include any number of handgrips, 52, having straps, 53, or other such components that can receive a user's hand and allow the user to perform ulnar and radial exercises without having to physically grip the knob. Such a feature is particularly advantageous for those rehabilitating hand injuries and/or suffering from arthritis, for example. Of course, other handgrips having any number of different shapes and sizes are also contemplated for securement to the handle sections.

Accordingly, the above described device is designed to allow a user to perform at least two distinct exercises without having to reconfigure the device. The knobs permit exercise of the hands and forearms through ulnar and radial deviation of the wrists, whereas the handle sections permit exercise of the hands and forearms through flexion and extension movements of the wrists. Moreover, by providing a plurality of resistance members which can be removably secured to the device, the user can customize the amount of resistance to suit their specific level of fitness or rehabilitation.

As described herein, one or more elements of the wrist and forearm exercise device, 10, can be secured together utilizing any number of known attachments means such as screws, glue, compression fittings, and welds, among others. Moreover, although the above embodiments have been described as including separate individual elements, the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not so limiting. To this end, one of skill in the art will recognize that one or more individually identified elements may be formed together as one or more continuous elements, either through manufacturing processes, such as welding, casting, or molding, or through the use of a singular piece of material milled or machined with the aforementioned components forming identifiable sections thereof.

As to a further description of the manner and use of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Likewise, the terms “consisting” shall be used to describe only those components identified. In each instance where a device comprises certain elements, it will inherently consist of each of those identified elements as well.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An exercise device, comprising:

a first handle section having a proximal end and a distal end;

a second handle section having a proximal end and a distal end;

a pin that is interposed between the proximal end of the first handle section and the proximal end of the second handle;

a plurality of posts that are positioned along the first handle section and the second handle section; and

at least one resistance member that is in communication with one of the plurality of posts on the first handle section and one of the plurality of posts on the second handle section.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first handle section and the second handle section are configured to independently rotate along a major axis of the device.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one resistance member is removably secured to the one post on the first handle section and the one post on the second handle.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the at least one resistance member comprises:

a helical extension spring.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second handle sections include an elongated tubular-shaped member that are configured to receive a users hands to perform a flexion and extension exercise.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second handle sections include an identical shape and construction material.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first knob that is disposed along the distal end of the first handle section; and

a second knob that is positioned along the distal end of the second handle section,

said first and second knobs being configured to receive a user's hands to perform an ulnar and radial deviation exercise.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second handle sections include an identical shape and construction material.