Finger Loop Patents (Class 482/48)
  • Patent number: 10974098
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a housing and one or more receptacles for receipt of a jointed body part, positioned to the outside of the housing, wherein each of the receptacles is biased toward the housing and independently repositionable away from the housing against a substantially constant bias force at all positions relative to the housing. In the disclosed finger exercising embodiment the housing includes a base defining a front surface for engagement with the fingers during retraction of the finger receptacles and an inner surface over which the cords pass toward the finger receptacles. A joint isolation element, such as a flexible band, is positioned at the front surface of the base, whereby the user keeps one or more fingers engaged with the housing while one or more other fingers can be extended against resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: D'Addario & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Zerbo, Andrzej J. Krol
  • Patent number: 10828525
    Abstract: A collapsible hand exercise assembly is disclosed. The frame comprises a substantially rectangular box having a plurality of panels to define a hollow upper section and the box is removably attached to a hollow vertical member via a fastening mechanism. The hollow vertical member is fixedly attached to a weighted base section of the frame. The hollow section comprises a plurality of resilient members tensioned to the sidewalls of the rectangular box is configured to provide resistance for muscles when a user performs the hand exercise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Jason Dinkins
  • Patent number: 10672291
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving technical ability related to the use of a musical instrument, in particular for finger exercise, comprising a bearing structure that can be mated to the back of the hand of a user by removable fastening means; the apparatus further comprises a movable component, constituted by one or more rings, each of which is designed to be associated with a phalanx of a finger of the hand, each ring being connected to the bearing structure by elastic means; the apparatus finds application both in the development of technical ability related to the use of any musical instrument, with particular effectiveness on stringed instruments, and in the medical field in rehabilitation therapy for use of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Inventor: Daniele Raimondi
  • Patent number: 10388180
    Abstract: A teaching device that teaches a user how to properly use a piano keyboard by restraining the fingers of a hand of the user in a specifically bent orientation. The teaching device includes a wrist band and a restrainer arrangement. The wrist band wraps around the wrist of the hand of the user. The restrainer arrangement is operatively connected to the wrist band and engages the fingers of the hand of the user to teach the user how to properly use the piano keyboard by restraining the fingers of the hand of the user in the specifically bent orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Dalia Dayan
  • Patent number: 10269263
    Abstract: An apparatus for improving finger speed, agility and grip strength for musicians, athletes, and patients requiring finger, hand, wrist or forearm rehabilitation; the apparatus comprises a set of rings in which each ring is placed on the middle phalanx of a finger and the distal phalanx of a thumb; each ring further comprises a groove in the outer center surrounding each ring in which the loops of an elastic tension band, comprised of a series of seamless interconnected closed loops, are inserted into the groove around each ring to complete the apparatus; the apparatus provides positive and negative resistance to the fingers while practicing musical instruments, sports activities, or performing medical rehabilitation therapy, for the purposes of improving finger speed, agility and overall grip strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Todd Carrick
  • Patent number: 10252105
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for training tendons and muscles of a kinetic chain including the finger tips through the elbow, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The system uses finger attachments to secure the digits or other anatomical components to one or more resistance members that allow the attachments to be positionable in any direction with respect to one another when a force is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Inventor: Brian Andrew Dickens
  • Patent number: 10112073
    Abstract: Conditioning devices for gainers and eSports athletes are presented. The devices includes a wrist rest device, a massage sleeve, a hand exercise bracelet, a knuckle bracelet and a tri-finger exercise device. The wrist rest device is configured to provide appropriate warmth to the forearms while gaming, using a keyboard, or any data input device. The massage sleeve is configured to be wrapped around a person's forearm. It includes multiple elevated geometric shapes that are be built into the fabric of the material to provide appropriate pressure along the musculature of the wrist and forearm. The hand exercise bracelet, the knuckle bracelet and the tri-finger exercise device are configured for increasing the flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and intrinsic muscle strength of fingers, wrists, and forearms especially for individuals who do extensive amounts of keyboarding as well as texting, typing, gaming, and data entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: HARRISON LEGACY 301, LLC
    Inventor: Danny Levi Harrison
  • Patent number: 10029146
    Abstract: A hand therapy kit includes a housing having a lid that is expandable from a folded position to an unfolded position to expose a working surface on an inside of the lid. An elastic cord is attached at two or more anchor points on the working surface to define at least one gap for receiving a finger. The finger can be therapeutically exercised by moving from a first position proximal to the working surface to a second position distal to the working surface. The hand therapy kit can also include removable hand therapy modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: ISOS Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Dimitrios Christoforou, Vipul Patel
  • Patent number: 9470474
    Abstract: A device for cyclically operating a trigger of a firearm includes biasing means for biasing a finger applied to a trigger away from the trigger, and a contact switch coupled to the biasing means and configured to be disposed between the finger and the trigger. In response to the contact switch detecting contact between the finger and the trigger, the biasing means actuates to cyclically bias the finger away from the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: Steven K. Uhlmann, Thomas G. Kieran
  • Patent number: 9387112
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an orthotic glove intended to be worn by a human hand and be used for assisting or controlling movement of one or more fingers of the hand, the thumb, and/or the wrist in response to an input signal and methods related thereto. The finger is animated by the shape recovery of a shape memory alloy wire. The invention further relates to a microprocessor-controlled, electromechanical hand orthosis to provide functional use of a hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Marvin Frank Bryant
  • Patent number: 9380820
    Abstract: A glove to prevent involuntary clenching of the hand may comprise a five phalange regions extending outwardly from a dorsal and palm region which are configured to receive portions of the hand of a user. A pull strap anchor may be positioned on the dorsal region. The glove may further comprise five pull straps. Each pull strap may be configured to receive a finger or a user's hand, and may comprise a first end which may be coupled to a phalange region and a second end which may be removably coupled to the pull strap anchor. By coupling the pull straps to the pull strap anchor, a reverse counterforce may be exerted against the phalange regions as to open the hand and prevent involuntary clenching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Linda M. Griego
  • Patent number: 9301898
    Abstract: A device for the passive movement of the fingers for the therapeutic treatment of a patient includes a plurality of supporting elements, each one adapted to receive a finger of a patient, and a movement unit having a plurality of actuating elements each one operatively connected to one respective of the supporting elements so as to move it with movements uncoordinated from the movements of the other supporting elements which are moved with other actuating elements; a plurality of motion transmission members each one interposed between one of the actuating elements and one respective of the supporting elements and all of them designed to move the supporting elements with three degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Aldo Cehic
  • Patent number: 8764614
    Abstract: A center pull cable handle apparatus includes a length of hollow cylindrical steel tube. An outer grip layer is provided on the cylindrical tube. The grip layer and the tube each have a wall opening. A length of aircraft cable having a first cable end extends through the wall opening and is crimped in position inside the steel tube with a cable nut. A connector is provided on an opposite cable end. A length of a soft flexible tubing surrounds the cable between the grip layer and the connector. When a user grasps the handle the first cable end is located inside the grasp of the user and said cable and tubing pass between two fingers of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel W. Emick
  • Patent number: 8523792
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rehabilitative training device for use with a stroke patient includes a first component that is operatively coupled to a first body part (unaffected body part) of the patient and a second component that is operatively coupled to a second body part (affected body part) of the patient. The first component and second component are operatively coupled to one another such that motion of the first component as a result of movement of the first body part by the user causes the second component and second body part to move in a symmetrical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mount Sinai School of Medicine
    Inventors: Donald J. Weisz, Preeti Raghavan
  • Patent number: 8491448
    Abstract: A hemispherical grip member has an outer hemispherical surface and a grip layer and a grip member opening. A length of aircraft cable having a first cable end extends through the opening and is crimped in position onto the grip member with a cable nut. A connector is provided on an opposite cable end. A length of a soft flexible tubing surrounds the cable between the grip member and the connector. When a user grasps the hemispherical surface of the grip member, the first cable end is located inside the grasp of the user and the cable and tubing passes between two fingers of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel W. Emick
  • Patent number: 8458817
    Abstract: The glove includes a base portion having a palm side and a back side adapted to cover a hand, the base portion having integral finger segments and also including detachable finger segments to extend from the base portion. The base portion includes base mounts encircling finger openings on an interior side and the detachable finger segments include finger mounts encircling the detachable finger segments on an exterior side. The detachable finger segments extend through finger openings of the base portion and the finger mounts interlock with the base mounts to secure the detachable finger segments to the base portion. The mounts, when in the connected state, are located on an interior side of the base portion to restrict visibility of the mounts and also restrict accidental engagement with foreign objects. The mounts each comprise a halved ring-structure having elastic elements connecting opposing halves for diametric adjustment of the mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jonathan J. Babb
  • Patent number: 8343015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise device that allows the user to strengthen the muscles that close the hand, against the resistance of a flexion member, as well as to strengthen the muscles that open the hand and spread the digits, against resistance of an extension member, all through full natural planes of motion, without lulls of resistance during the exercise. The device is always taut, due to its unique design, either resisting finger and thumb flexion and adduction or finger and thumb extension and abduction. The result of consistent use is maximum strength, balance and blood flow to the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Terry Zachary
  • Publication number: 20120065027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an exercise device that allows the user to strengthen the muscles that close the hand, against the resistance of a flexion member, as well as to strengthen the muscles that open the hand and spread the digits, against resistance of an extension member, all through full natural planes of motion, without lulls of resistance during the exercise. The device is always taut, due to its unique design, either resisting finger and thumb flexion and adduction or finger and thumb extension and abduction. The result of consistent use is maximum strength, balance and blood flow to the hand, wrist, forearm and elbow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Terry Paul Zachary
  • Patent number: 8118719
    Abstract: An exercise routine includes holding an elastic band in clenched fists and rotating the fists against the elastic restraining force of the elastic band while obtaining leverage through the contact of both hands. In one approach the right arm is rotated in the clockwise direction while in another approach the right arm is rotated in the counter-clockwise direction. The left arm rotates in the opposite sense to that of the right arm. By rotating the fists, wrists, and lower arms against elastic force, the biceps and triceps muscles are worked, and by repeating the exercise over a controlled program of repetitions and sets with increasing resistance, the arm muscles can be strengthened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Michael Stassi
  • Patent number: 7935026
    Abstract: Extremity therapy apparatus configured to maintain an extremity in a suitable geometry for performing extremity therapy. The extremity therapy apparatus includes two or more arcuate members which are radially repositionable about a common vertical axis with a support member and/or base member. Each arcuate member is configured to maintain a radial element in a suitable geometry with the extremity for performing the extremity therapy by providing a bias force or movement inhibition in opposition to movement of at least a joint associated with the extremity undergoing the extremity therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Inventor: Tyrone G. McSorley
  • Publication number: 20110045953
    Abstract: A device (10) for stressing and training the joints and muscles of the hand, wrist and forearm, usable by an individual in order to develop each single muscular group involved in the movement of each finger of the hand, comprising a horizontal support plane or base (11) to which a vertical column (16) is associated and means suitable for allowing the movement of one or more fingers (15) of the hand (14) either at the same time or in an alternate way and according to a plane both horizontal and vertical against a resistance, in which a support element or block (12) for the metacarpus placed onto said plane (11) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Tiziano Poli
  • Patent number: 7797758
    Abstract: There is proposed a finger protector for a sports glove, including a plate that is connected in one piece with strips to be associated to several fingers of one hand, each strip consisting of a chain of members which are connected in one piece with each other and can be moved relative to each other in two opposite directions by means of through holes extending transverse to the chain direction, and a member band with nipples which are pushed into the through holes. The invention further relates to a sports glove incorporating such finger protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Uhlsport GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Keppler, Thomas Spitzer
  • Patent number: 7731633
    Abstract: An exercise glove for intrinsic muscles and method of use. The exercise glove incorporates rigid ribs having rib distal end angles corresponding to patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles. The ribs passively hold the patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles in extension, while the patient actively flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints and distal interphalangeal joints to obtaining optimal intrinsic muscle stretching. The rib distal end angles may be set by a physical therapist to correspond to individual patient metacarpal phalangeal joint angles, or alternately an array of ribs of different rib distal end angles may be provided with the exercise glove, from which rib assortment the physical therapist may choose ribs having appropriate rib distal end angles ribs to attach to the exercise glove. The method includes the steps of using the exercise glove to passively hold metacarpal phalangeal joints in extension, while actively flexing proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Randall K. Williams
  • Publication number: 20100130330
    Abstract: Extremity therapy apparatus configured to maintain an extremity in a suitable geometry for performing extremity therapy. The extremity therapy apparatus includes two or more arcuate members which are radially repositionable about a common vertical axis with a support member and/or base member. Each arcuate member is configured to maintain a radial element in a suitable geometry with the extremity for performing the extremity therapy by providing a bias force or movement inhibition in opposition to movement of at least a joint associated with the extremity undergoing the extremity therapy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Tyrone G. McSorley
  • Patent number: 7662068
    Abstract: A two piece finger weight device including a weight member and a strap for connecting the weight member to a finger. The device has an arcuate surface for receiving a strap defined by transversely spaced flanges at each end of the arcuate surface and outwardly extending flanges at the central portion of the arcuate section. The strap is secured to the weight member by interfitting openings in the strap with outwardly extending projections provided on the arcuate surface. The strap is further retained in position by a hinged member secured to one flange member, which hinged member is extended over the strap on the arcuate surface and secured to a projection located on the other flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew S. Geller
  • Publication number: 20080300112
    Abstract: A finger exerciser has a frame with a thumb receiving portion that includes a thumb receiving aperture. Four stretchable elements are mounted in a spaced relationship to a portion of the frame substantially opposed to the thumb receiving portion and extend toward the thumb receiving portion. A finger receiving element is attached to the distal end of each stretchable element. The stretchable elements are preferably springs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Gene Crout
  • Patent number: 7273463
    Abstract: A dynamic gauntlet including at least two of a base, a hand piece, and a thumb piece. At least one of the base, hand piece and thumb piece is constructed of an elastomeric material and includes an anchor having an attachment element extending toward the at least one other of the base, hand piece and thumb piece, which includes an attachment area. The attachment element is secured to the attachment area in a variety of pre-selected locations, thereby providing variable tension in the anchor to reconfigure the hand or digits. A method of the invention includes applying at least two of the base, the hand piece and the thumb piece to a wrist, arm or hand, and securing an anchor attachment element of one or more of these components to a pre-selected location on an attachment area of these components to reconfigure the hand or digits in a desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Allan T. Priore
  • Patent number: 7210172
    Abstract: A rigid glove has openings at the ends of the fingers such that the ends of the fingers from the most distal joint to the end protrude therefrom. The fingers may be flexed as an exercise. Caps of varying resistance may also be applied to the ends of the glove's fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventor: Merle Harrison Adams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7160228
    Abstract: An improved structure finger strengthening device, the design of which features elastic components installed between upper and lower housings and finger sleeves. The fingers of the user are inserted into the finger sleeves, the fingers then forced outward and relaxed inward for conditioning and drilling. At the same time, the present invention provides for simple assembly and component replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Yao-Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 6986728
    Abstract: A new, novel and useful wrist, hand and finger exercise device method of use and method of manufacture. The wrist, hand and finger exercise device is manufactured to facilitate the method of exercising and concomitant strengthening of the wrist, hand and fingers while engaged in the activity for which the exercise is directed. The method of manufacture permits the manufacture of exercise devices of widely varied resistance using the same stock material according to user defined parameters. This invention allows the user to exercise during the activity with minimal restriction or interference from the device itself. This method of use is particularly beneficial in strengthening the wrist, hand and fingers for users engaged in various dextrous activities, such as: typing; playing of instruments; surgery; arts of coiffure; fine art; and mechanical work, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Kasun
  • Patent number: 6817967
    Abstract: A finger exercise device is comprised of an elastic elongated central loop and elastic side loops attached to opposite ends of the central loop. The loops are for being worn around a plurality of fingers, and the exercise is comprised of repeatedly spreading the fingers apart against the tension of the loops. The central loop has a varying width between its opposite edges, wherein the opposite ends of the loop are wider than the intermediate portion for improved grip and comfort on the fingers. The side loops have outer ends which are wider than the inner ends for improved grip and comfort. In an alternative embodiment, the finger exercise device is comprised of a plurality of loops, and radial arms extending from a solid junction are connected to respective loops. The loops have widened outer ends for improved grip and comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ott, David Adam
  • Patent number: 6785963
    Abstract: A cover for a rotary die is centrifugally cast with multiple layers to substantially eliminate stress when the cover is cast in an arcuate shape for use in a die cutting system. A locking mechanism attached to ends of the cover is designed to be convenient to install on and remove from a cutting cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: IAM Corporation
    Inventors: Alan D. Kirkpatrick, Jr., Christopher D. Kirkpatrick
  • Publication number: 20030087729
    Abstract: A new, novel and useful wrist, hand and finger exercise device method of use and method of manufacture. The wrist, hand and finger exercise device is manufactured to facilitate the method of exercising and concomitant strengthening of the wrist, hand and fingers while engaged in the activity for which the exercise is directed. The method of manufacture permits the manufacture of exercise devices of widely varied resistance using the same stock material according to user defined parameters. This invention allows the user to exercise during the activity with minimal restriction or interference from the device itself. This method of use is particularly beneficial in strengthening the wrist, hand and fingers for users engaged in various dextrous activities, such as: typing; playing of instruments; surgery; arts of coiffure; fine art; and mechanical work, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Kasun
  • Patent number: 6450924
    Abstract: A portable finger exercising device for exercising and strengthening the muscles responsible for controlling the movement of the fingers, hand and arm of a human. The device can be configured to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the fingers and hand responsible for forming a closed-fist, as well as the muscles responsible for straightening fingers from the closed-fist position. During either movement, the muscles of the fingers, hand and arm are exercised by moving each finger against a counteracting force exerted by resilient or elastic members of the finger exercising device. The finger exercise device includes a base member or a glove-like body member which is adapted to be adjustably and removable attached to an operator's hand. The base member or body member is capable of releasably receiving a plurality of resilient or elastic members at locations generally corresponding to the location of the operator's fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Block Patents, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Block
  • Patent number: 6413193
    Abstract: The present invention includes a band for a person's limb or digit. The band has a body portion, at least one first strap portion extending in cantilever fashion from one side of the body portion toward another side of the body portion and at least one second strap portion extending in cantilever fashion from the another side of the body portion toward the one side of the body portion. The body and strap portions define an opening for receiving a limb or digit. The first and second strap portions flex when the band receives the limb or digit to securely and comfortably hold the band on the limb or digit. The band also includes at least one weight releasably securable to the body portion for increasing or decreasing the weight of the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Fingerweight Corporation
    Inventors: Burton I. Geller, Andrew S. Geller, Greg N. Miller, Sohail Shadman
  • Patent number: 6361511
    Abstract: An adjustable massaging exerciser worn on a wrist comprises a flexible band member and a string. The flexible band member has a first end, a second end, an upper end, a lower end, an outer peripheral surface, and a pair of elongated holes. The first end and the second end circularly approach each other with a hiatus therebetween so that each of the upper end and the lower end forms an open loop. The holes are respectively formed through the upper and lower ends and in an opposite adjacency to the hiatus. A plurality of bosses are formed on the outer peripheral surface. The string has string ends and is flexibly placed through the first hole and the second hole while forming a flexible hook about the lower end of the band member. The string ends are hooked at upper entrances of the holes to support the flexible hook that can be hooked on a user's finger or a thumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Henry H. Shim
  • Patent number: 6228001
    Abstract: An exercise, strengthening and therapy device for the hand, wrist and arm. An elastomeric disk-like body has a plurality of spaced apart apertures for receiving the thumb and fingers of the user. A convex enlargement extends from at least one surface of the body positioned inward of the apertures. The enlargement may be spherical, semi-spherical or other curved configuration. In use, the device is inserted over the ends of the fingers and the thumb. In a preferred embodiment the device is integral, and in another the components may be disassembled and used separately. Exercise, strengthening and therapy benefits are achieved by flexing the fingers against the elastic resistance of the body and by alternately compressing the elastomeric projection within the palmar surface and fingers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald B. Johnson, David Hillery
  • Patent number: 6213918
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to strengthen an individual hands, fingers and wrists includes at least one resilient band supported by at least one of a plurality of spaced pegs which extend from at least one side of a support base and wherein resistance of the at least one resilient band to manipulation by the fingers and hands is used to exercise and strengthen muscles of the hands and wrists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Patent/Marketing Concepts, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Eddie C. Rogers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6179751
    Abstract: A device for exercising the tendons and muscles affected by tennis elbow takes the preferred form of a closed band of elastic material of sufficient circumference to fit around the fingers and thumb of the hand. On the band are four finger loops and one thumb loop. The wearer repeatedly extends the fingers and thumb against the tension of the elastic band and then retracts them. This exercising of the inflamed tendons and muscles ameliorates over time the pain and discomfort of tennis elbow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Weldon R. Clears
  • Patent number: 6059694
    Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a hand of a user allowing a full range of motion of the hand during use. The hand exerciser includes a dorsal wrap releasably secured about a wrist of the user and extending over a back side of the hand. A finger power band releasably engages the dorsal wrap and extends over at least one finger of the hand of the user providing a resistance to movement of the at least one finger. A thumb power band is also releasably engaged with the dorsal wrap and extends along a surface of a thumb of the hand of the user providing a resistance to movement of the thumb. The finger and thumb power bands move independently of each other allowing exercise of any of the entire hand, any individual finger or thumb and any combination thereof. Furthermore, the resistance provided by the finger and thumb power bands is adjustable based upon the strength of the user. Finger and thumb power bands having variable resistance levels may be interchangeably connected to the dorsal wrap as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: James Villepigue
  • Patent number: 5768702
    Abstract: The invention is a bicycling device and method of use thereof, whereby muscle power can be more efficiently transferred from the cyclist's upper-extremities (arms) to the conventional footpedals via the cyclist's lower-extremities (legs) without need of mechanical contrivance and associated drain on fractional human-power capability. The device is attached proximally to the knee region as a method by which a cyclist may obtain a firm manual handhold, whereby the cyclist can grasp the device with his hand and proceed to exert appropriate downward-thrust or upward-thrust (during up-stroke using shoe/pedal-cleats) supplied from upper-extremities according to the regular cyclic rotation of the associated footpedal. Since upper extremity thrusting is applied directly through mechanism of the cyclist's own lower extremities, the need for manufactured mechanical contrivance and its associated weight penalty has been averted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Sinil Kim
  • Patent number: 5738613
    Abstract: A device for training hand and finger muscles including a hand engaging element, a fixed weight and a mechanism for moving the weight in response to movement of a finger. The moving mechanism may include a rope connected to the weight and the hand engaging element, the weight being freely suspended from the rope. This device allows the resistance presented to fingers to be exercised to be varied in exact and reproducible amounts which are in an appropriate range for the fingers. The device also allows many positions of the fingers, both along and among the fingers, so that the exercises may be tailored for the individual and the task for which the fingers are being trained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Tom Clayton
  • Patent number: 5723785
    Abstract: A new Hand Muscle Tension Measuring Apparatus for providing a therapeutic hand exercise aid and for obtaining an objective reading of finger muscle tension during rehabilitation. The inventive device includes a T-member, a support member slidably engaging the longitudinal portion of the T-member, a plurality of tension transducers positioned within the support member, a corresponding plurality of resilient loops connected to the tension transducers, and a display screen electronically coupled to the tension transducers to display the tension from each individual finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Inventor: Michael R. Manning
  • Patent number: 5613923
    Abstract: An exercise device includes an attachment mechanism which is located adjacent the fingertips and thumb tip on the user's hand. A first resilient member is attached to the attachment mechanism. An anchor mechanism is located at a fixed point relative to the user's wrist, and is attached to the first resilient member. As the user's wrist is extended, and the user's fingers and thumb are abducted, the user encounters resistance, thereby providing resistive exercise to the extensor muscles of the user's forearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Jeff Anliker
  • Patent number: 5603679
    Abstract: A gripping device and method for enhancing hand gripability of an elongated cylindrical exercise bar by a user during exercise. The device consists of a single resilient, flexible pad formed of a flat sheet of thin elastomeric material such as rubber, latex and the like. The pad is sized in length and width to cover substantially most of the user's palm and fingers up to the first joint. Being uncoated, the surfaces of the pad of elastomeric or latex, resist slippage. No adhesives or other attaching means are required to maintain the position and resilient shape of the device around the exercise bar; hand gripping pressure against the outer surface of the pad which is positioned between the exercise bar and the hand is sufficient for pad position retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Pedro Reis
  • Patent number: 5538488
    Abstract: A glove for exercising digits of a human hand. The inventive device includes an inner glove for receiving a human hand therewithin. Digit cups are secured to the inner glove for receiving the outermost portion of each digit. A plurality of spring-loaded tension cables extend along a posterior of the glove and operate to resist motion of the glove during closing of the hand. An adjustment assembly effects tensioning of the cables to a desired resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: James C. Villepigue
  • Patent number: 5492525
    Abstract: An exercise device and method for the treatment of symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome is described. The device comprises an elastic member, retained in a mouse pad, which removably attaches to the distal tips of the fingers and the thumb of the affected hand. The patient dons the device and with the fingers and thumb extended, repetitively forces the fingers and thumb outward away from one another against the elastic restoring force of the device. Brief, frequent, (preferably daily) use of this device relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Inventor: Joel Gibney
  • Patent number: 5445582
    Abstract: An exerciser device having a band, a wrist securing member connected to the band such that the band extends outwardly of the wrist securing member, and finger engagement member affixed to the band at a position generally opposed to the wrist securing member. The wrist securing member serves for removable attachment around a human wrist. The finger engagement member extends inwardly of the band. A thumb engagement member is affixed to the band at a position generally between the finger engagement member and the wrist securing member. The band has a generally rigid and generally circular configuration extending from the wrist securing member. The finger engagement member includes a slide member extending around an exterior of the band and a plurality of finger receptacles extending from the slide member in a direction generally facing the wrist securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Inventor: Gary L. Brown
  • Patent number: 5413554
    Abstract: The invention provides a device made up of a combination of a splint for dorsal protection and an exerciser in which the exerciser applies a force which mimics the natural forces applied by the tendons of the finger. The finger then moves and bends at all three finger joints in a more natural manner with minimal application of tensile forces to the finger and without significant loading on the root of the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Constance C. Trueman
  • Patent number: 5298001
    Abstract: A strap of leather, for extending along the palm of a user's hand, has a finger end and a wrist end, with the wrist end anchored to a pad secured around the wrist by a belt and held in place by hook and loop materials. The finger end of the strap has a dowel extending sideways at approximately the finger tip position. Beyond the dowel are a couple of holes through which the two middle fingers extend during use, with the distal end of the strap folded back over the dowel and the fingers extending through the holes. An elastic strip is attached to the palm face of the finger end of the strap and forms a pair of loops through which the fingers extend during use. The strip is attached to the finger end distally of the dowel and finger holes so that the fingers pass through the loops prior to being inserted in the holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: G. S. Grips, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark P. Goodson