U.S. patent application number 10/430504 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-05 for arm exercising device.
Invention is credited to Sleiman, Tony.
Application Number | 20040023763 10/430504 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31191064 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040023763 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sleiman, Tony |
February 5, 2004 |
Arm exercising device
Abstract
The invention is directed to an arm exercising device having a
base assembly with a base handle telescopically extendable from a
first end of the base assembly. An arm actuator is pivotally
mounted to the base assembly. A user interface is connected to the
arm actuator to allow a user to pivot the arm actuator relative to
the base assembly. A resistance medium is mounted between the arm
actuator and the base assembly and provides resistance for the user
as the arm actuator pivots in on or more directions with respect to
the base assembly. In addition to providing a device for working
the tendons and muscles of the shoulders and arms, this device is
also collapsible for easy transport of the device. The base
assembly and arm actuator are telescopic and are a fraction of
their extended length when moved to the retracted position.
Additionally, the user interface has a hollow cavity for receiving
an holding an elbow pad that can be used to cushion the elbow of
the user during operation.
Inventors: |
Sleiman, Tony; (Windsor,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Warn, Burgess & Hoffmann, P.C.
P.O. Box 70098
Rochester Hills
MI
48307
US
|
Family ID: |
31191064 |
Appl. No.: |
10/430504 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60380102 |
May 6, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/126 ;
482/121 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2225/09 20130101;
A63B 23/03508 20130101; A63B 21/0421 20130101; A63B 23/129
20130101; A63B 2210/50 20130101; A63B 21/4047 20151001; A63B 21/055
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/126 ;
482/121 |
International
Class: |
A63B 021/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An arm exercising device comprising: a base assembly; a
telescopic shaft having a base handle connected to the end of said
telescopic shaft, wherein said telescopic shaft and said base
handle are extendable from a first end of said base assembly; an
arm actuator pivotally mounted to said base assembly, wherein said
arm actuator has a user interface connected to said arm actuator;
and a resistance medium mounted between said arm actuator and said
base assembly, wherein said resistance medium provides resistance
as said arm actuator pivots in one or more directions with respect
to said base assembly.
2. The arm exercising device of claim 1 further comprising an
actuator shaft mounted to said base assembly, wherein said arm
actuator is telescopically connected to said actuator shaft to
allow height adjustment of said arm actuator.
3. The arm exercising device of claim 2 wherein said user interface
is a grip handle connected to an end of said arm actuator, wherein
said grip handle is capable of swiveling of three hundred sixty
degrees about said arm actuator to allow both left handed and right
handed use.
4. The arm exercising device of claim 3 further comprising a hinge
mounted to a second end of said base assembly located at an end
opposite said base assembly, wherein said actuator shaft is
pivotally mounted to said base assembly.
5. The arm exercising device of claim 4 wherein said resistance
medium is formed of a tension mounting shaft having a first end
pivotally coupled to said hinge and a band mount located at a
second end of said tension mounting shaft located opposite said
first end, a tension band is connected at a first end to said band
mounting assembly and at a second end to an adjuster connected to
said actuator shaft.
6. The arm exercising device of claim 5 wherein said adjuster is a
collar slidably coupled to said actuator shaft, said adjuster has a
post extending into the center of said collar, wherein a
distribution of resistance setting is made when said post is
secured by inserting said post into one of a series of one or more
holes located at various heights along said actuator shaft, wherein
said distribution of resistance as said actuator shaft, and said
arm actuator pivot will be greater during initial movement of said
actuator shaft and said arm actuator when said collar is secured at
a higher height, and said resistance will be greater near the end
movement of said actuator shaft and said arm actuator when said
collar is secured at a lower height on said actuator shaft.
7. The arm exercising device of claim 5 wherein said tension band
is removable and can be replaced with a different tension band
having a different resistance property.
8. The arm exercising device of claim 7 wherein there are one or
more tension bands for providing greater or lesser resistance.
9. The arm exercising device of claim 6 further comprising an elbow
pad having a base with a padded surface mounted to said base, and
an elongated shaft extending from said base, wherein said elongated
shaft has a raised notch extending from the surface of said shaft
at an end opposite said base; and one or more elbow pad locks
located on said hinge, wherein each one of said one or more elbow
pad locks has a hole for slidably receiving said elbow pad shaft,
wherein said hole each has a groove configured to align with said
raised notch on said shaft to allow alignment of said elbow pad,
wherein said one or more elbow pad locks further comprise a
pivotable latch that pivots to cover the opening of said
groove.
10. The arm exercising device of claim 9 wherein said grip handle
is configured to have a hollow channel extending longitudinally
through said hollow handle, wherein said hollow channel is
configured to receive said elongated shaft of said elbow pad during
storage of said arm exercising device.
11. The arm exercising device of claim 9 further comprising a
locking pin for sliding through a locking pin hole extending
through said hinge, wherein said locking pin is disposed through
said locking pin holes to prevent said tension mounting shaft from
pivoting during operation of said arm exercising device.
12. The arm exercising device of claim 9 further comprising a
collar slidably disposed on said tension mounting shaft, wherein
said collar prevents said band mounting assembly from pivoting with
respect to said hinge by sliding down said tension mounting shaft
and abuttingly engaging said hinge.
13. An arm exercising device comprising: a base assembly having a
longitudinally extending telescopic handle connected to a first end
of said base assembly and a hinge mounted to a second end opposite
said first end, wherein said telescopic handle has a shaft that
slides into said first end of base assembly and said shaft has one
or more holes configured to line up with a pin lock that is
connected to said first end of said base assembly, wherein the
extension length of said telescopic handle can be set by allowing
said pin lock to drop into said one or more holes on said shaft; an
arm actuator coupled to said hinge and bi-directionally pivotable
about said base assembly, wherein said arm actuator is telescopic
to allow said arm actuator to be lengthened or shortened; a tension
mounting shaft having a first end rotatably coupled to said hinge
member, and a second end located at an end opposite the first end;
on or more tension bands connected between said tension mounting
shaft and said arm actuator, wherein a first end of said one or
more tension bands is removably connected to said second end of
said tension mounting shaft, and a second end of said one or more
tension bands is connected to a lower adjuster located on said arm
actuator, wherein said lower adjuster can be adjusted to increase
or decrease the resistance of said arm actuator as said arm
actuator bi-directionally pivots about said base assembly; an elbow
pad connected to said hinge and extending perpendicular to said
base assembly, wherein said elbow pad has a padded upper surface
for allowing a user to place his or her elbow on said pad during
operation of said arm exercising device, and a bottom surface
having padded seats; and a lock pin removably inserted into said
hinge allowing said tension mounting shaft to be held in place
during operation of said arm exercising device.
14. A method of assembly of a portable arm exercising device having
a first compact and portable phase and a second expanded
operational phase, wherein transition of the arm exercising device
between the first and the second phases comprises the steps of:
providing a base assembly having a telescopic shaft with a grip
handle attached; providing an actuator shaft connected to and
bi-directionally rotatable about said base assembly; providing an
arm actuator telescopically connectable to the end of said actuator
shaft; providing a user interface connected to said actuator shaft;
providing a resistance medium connected between said base assembly
and said actuator shaft; collapsing said telescopic shaft by
sliding said telescopic shaft into said base assembly during said
first phase and extending said telescopic shaft and said handle
away from said first end of said base assembly when said arm
exercising device is in said second phase; rotating said actuator
shaft to a position substantially parallel to said base assembly
when said arm exercising device is in the first phase, and said
actuator shaft rotates to a substantially perpendicular angle to
said base assembly when said arm exercising device is in said
second phase; locking said resistance medium in place to prevent
said resistance medium from rotating during operation of said arm
exercising device when said arm exercising device is in said second
phase; and operating said arm exercising device by pivoting said
arm actuator and said actuator shaft from a substantially
perpendicular position with respect to said base assembly to a
substantially parallel position with respect to said base
assembly.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of operating said arm
exercising device further comprises the step of: positioning a
swivel grip handle connected to said arm actuator, wherein said
swivel grip handle rotates three hundred sixty degrees; and setting
the height of said arm actuator, wherein said arm actuator is
telescopic with respect to said actuator shaft and is held in place
during operation of said arm exercising device by force of said arm
actuator against said actuator shaft.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of: removing
an elbow pad from a hollow channel longitudinally disposed through
said grip handle; and connecting said elbow pad to said base
assembly using an elbow pad shaft connected to said elbow pad,
wherein said elbow pad shaft has a raised notch disposed on the
surface of said elbow pad shaft, wherein said elbow pad shaft
slidably engages one or more elbow pad locks each having a hole
with a groove configured to align with said raised notch on said
elbow pad shaft.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/380,102, filed May 6, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for
exercising and conditioning the muscles of the arm and shoulder.
More particularly, the present invention relates to an arm
exercising device that exercises the users arm and shoulders by
mimicking the range of motion found in the sport of arm
wrestling.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the physical fitness and therapy fields it is often
necessary for individuals to undergo exercises that will strengthen
and condition an individual's arms including the tendons of the
shoulder region. Frequently athletes such as tennis players,
golfers, baseball pitchers, football quarterbacks, hockey player,
etc. suffer from overexerted and straining tendons in the elbow and
shoulder region. Similarly individuals who have undergone surgery
for a torn rotor cuff or other type of shoulder surgery will have a
similar need for strengthening the tendons in their shoulder and
arms so that they can improve their mobility after surgery. Tendon
strengthening exercises are much needed in both the sports and
physical therapy industries. However, because of the range of
motion involved very few exercise devices have been developed that
specifically focus on strengthening both the tendons and muscles in
the arm.
[0004] One sport that improves both tendon and muscle strength is
arm wrestling. The range of motion that an arm wrestler experiences
strengthens both of the bicep and deltoid muscles as well as the
tendons associated with the bicep and deltoid. The reason for this
is that the range of motion in arm wrestling involves radial
movement of the upper arm, thus exerting the tendon which is
something that is not commonly achieved using many conventional
exercise means.
[0005] Oftentimes individuals who focus on strengthening the
tendons in their shoulder are patients who have undergone shoulder
surgery that are in physical therapy. These individuals will often
receive instructions for exercises that involve the radial movement
of the upper arm. Oftentimes the patient will require some form of
resistance during their exercises. Patients are often given rubber
bands or elastic rubber sheets need to be connected to a stationary
object such as a door handle. Once the elastic material is attached
in a stationary manner patients can perform exercises by pulling
the material through the range of motion that will exert resistance
on the tendons in the shoulder and arm. However, such methods of
providing resistance are somewhat archaic in that they do not
provide the user with a consistent range of motion, and can also be
somewhat discouraging to use since the user is forced to locate or
make room for a suitable location to perform his or her exercises.
Additionally there is a problem of inconsistent motion since the
user may "cheat" and use improper form when carrying out their
exercises using elastic rubber material for resistance. Therefore,
there is a need in the physical therapy and sports industry for an
apparatus that is portable, easy to use, and will provide the user
with a sufficient and proper way of exercising the muscles and
tendons of the arm and shoulder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention is directed to a portable arm exercising
device for strengthening the tendons and muscles of the arms and
shoulders. The arm exercising device has a base assembly with a
base handle telescopically extendable from a first end of the base
assembly. An arm actuator is pivotally mounted to the base
assembly. A user interface is connected to the arm actuator to
allow a user to pivot the arm actuator relative to the base
assembly. A resistance medium is mounted between the arm actuator
and the base assembly and provides resistance for the user as the
arm actuator pivots in on or more directions with respect to the
base assembly. In addition to providing a device for working the
tendons and muscles of the shoulders and arms, this device is also
collapsible for easy transport of the device. The base assembly and
arm actuator are telescopic and are a fraction of their extended
length when moved to the retracted position. Additionally, the user
interface has a hollow cavity for receiving and holding an elbow
pad that can be used to cushion the elbow of the user during
operation.
[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an arm exercising
device as shown in the expanded position;
[0010] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the elbow pad aligning and
being inserted into the elbow pad locking mechanism of the
hinge;
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the invention with
each of the individual components aligned for assembly;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of the arm exercising device in the
collapsed portable position;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the arm exercising device with the
elbow pad removed from the hollow channel of the grip handle;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a side view of the invention showing the
telescopic capability of the arm actuator; and
[0015] FIG. 5a is a plan view of the adjuster located on the arm
actuator shaft.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 an arm exercise device 10 is
depicted. The arm exercising device 10 has a base assembly 12 with
a longitudinally extending telescopic shaft 13 with a base handle
14 attached. The telescopic shaft 13 extends from a first end 16 of
the base assembly 12. The telescopic shaft 13 can be extended or
retracted by sliding the telescopic shaft 13 into the base assembly
12 via the first end 16. In order to lock the telescopic shaft 13
in either the extended or retracted position, a drop lock 15 is
connected to the base assembly 12. The drop lock 15 has a pin that
drops through the side of the base assembly 12 to contact the
telescopic shaft 13. The telescopic shaft has two drop lock holes
17 drilled into the telescopic shaft 13 that are configured to
allow the post of the drop lock 15 to drop into one of the drop
lock holes 17 to lock the telescopic shaft 13 in either the
extended or retracted position. The drop lock in this particular
embodiment operates by using gravity; however, it is possible to
incorporate a spring loaded drop lock 15.
[0018] A second end 18 of the base assembly 12 is connected to a
hinge 20a, 20b which rotatably connects some of the moveable
components to the base assembly 12. Mounted to the hinge 20a, 20b
is an actuator shaft 28 that has an arm actuator 22 that
telescopically slides over the open end of the actuator shaft 28.
The arm actuator 22 has a user interface 24 that allows a user to
operate the arm exercising device 10. As depicted in the present
embodiment of the invention the user interface 24 is a grip handle
26, however, it is possible to incorporate other various types of
user interfaces such as wrist straps, T-bars, or ropes. Virtually
any type of user interface can be incorporated on the arm
exercising device 10. The various interfaces are only limited by
the range of motion obtained by use of the arm exercising device
10.
[0019] A tension mounting shaft 32 is also connected to the hinge
20. The tension mounting shaft 32 in combination with a pair of
tension bands 30a, 30b make up a resistance medium that provides
resistance to the user during operation of the arm exercising
device 10. The tension mounting shaft 32 has a first end 34 that is
pivotally connected to the hinge 20a, 20b and a second end 36 that
is connected to a band mount 38.
[0020] The tension bands 30a, 30b are generally made of rubber
material that is molded so that mounting holes are located near a
first end 40a, 40b and a second end 42a, 42b of the tension bands
30a, 30b. The first end 40a, 40b is connected to the band mount 38,
and the second end 42a, 42b is connected to an adjuster 44 slidably
located on the actuator shaft 28. The tension bands provide
resistance when they are pulled and stretched in the longitudinal
direction when the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 pivot away
from the tension mounting shaft 32. FIG. 1 shows the movement of
the arm actuator 22 as depicted with an arrow and phantom lines at
22a. When the arm actuator 22 and the actuator shaft 28 are moved
back toward the tension mounting shaft 32, resistance decreases and
stops as the tension bands 30a, 30b contract to a rested or
unstreched state. In order to prevent the tension mounting shaft 32
from rotating with the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 a pin
lock 46 is disposed through a pin lock hole 48 located in the hinge
20a, 20b. The pin lock 46 locks the tension mounting shaft 32 in
place when the arm exercising device 10 is in the expanded position
and being operated.
[0021] The tension bands 30a, 30b are removable and are held onto
the band mount 38 and adjuster 44 using clips 31. Therefore, while
this particular embodiment depicts the use of two tension bands
30a, 30b, it is possible to vary the amount of resistance by
incorporating a greater or lesser number of tension bands 30a, 30b
depending on the amount of tension desired by the user.
Additionally, it is also possible to incorporate tension bands 30a,
30b that have a different degree of elasticity, thus making the
resistance lesser or greater. For each of the above variations it
will only require removing the clips 31 and changing the number or
type of tension bands 30a, 30b.
[0022] It should also be known that it is possible to use other
mechanisms of resistance for the arm exercising device 10. The arm
exercising device 10 could easily be modified to incorporate
resistance mediums such as springs or weights. Additionally it is
also possible to use friction between the actuator shaft 28 and the
hinge 20a, 20b for providing resistance. Such an embodiment would
involve tightening the connection between the actuator shaft 28 and
the hinge 20a, 20b.
[0023] An elbow pad 50 connects to the hinge 20 and supports the
elbow of a user during operation. As shown in FIG. 2 the elbow pad
50 rests on top of an elbow pad base 52. An elbow pad shaft 54
extends from the elbow pad base 52. The elbow pad shaft 54 has a
raised notch 56 located along the surface of the elbow pad shaft
54. The elbow pad 50 connects to the arm exercising device 10 by
sliding into one of two elbow pad locks 58a, 58b located on the
hinge 20a, 20b. The present embodiment of the invention depicts two
separate elbow pad locks 58a, 58b located on opposite sides of the
hinge 20a, 20b to allow for the elbow pad 50 to be positioned on
either side of the arm exercising device 10. This permits the arm
exercising device 10 to be used with both of the user's left and
right arms.
[0024] FIG. 1a depicts a close up view of the elbow pad locks 58a,
58b located on the hinge 20a, 20b. The insertion of the elbow pad
50 is depicted in solid and phantom lines. The elbow pad locks 58a,
58b include holes 60a, 60b drilled into the surface of the hinge
20a, 20b. The holes 60a, 60b (seen best in FIG. 2) are configured
to slidably receive the elbow pad shaft 54. Each of the holes 60a,
60b have a groove 64a, 64b (seen best in FIG. 2) that allows for
alignment of the elbow pad shaft 54 using the raised notch 56. Once
the elbow pad shaft 54 is positioned inside of the holes 60a, 60b a
pivotable latch 62a, 62b slides down to cover the opening of the
groove 64a, 64b to lock the elbow pad 50 in place.
[0025] FIG. 3 depicts a side plan view of the arm exercising device
10 in the collapsed portable position. One particularly
advantageous characteristic of the arm exercising device 10 is that
it collapses to a fraction of its length and height to make it more
compact and portable for the user. This makes the arm exercising
device 10 ideal for persons who travel, as well as for use in
medical facilities such as hospitals or physical rehabilitation
clinics where it may be necessary to transport the arm exercising
device 10 from room to room without the hassle of having to move a
large bulky apparatus.
[0026] When the arm exercising device 10 is in the collapsed
position or phase the length of the base assembly 12 is shortened
by sliding the telescopic shaft 13 inside of the base assembly 12.
The telescopic shaft is locked in place using a pin lock 46. The
pin lock 46 is removed from the pin lock hole 48 on the hinge 20b.
This unlocks the tension mounting shaft 32 and allows it to pivot
with respect to the hinge 20b. The tension mounting shaft 32 then
pivots forward allowing the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28
to pivot downward toward the base assembly 12 until the actuator
shaft 28 contacts the top of the post lock 72.
[0027] At this point the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 are
parallel with the base assembly 12. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4
the elbow pad 50 is stored by sliding the elbow pad shaft 54 into a
hollow channel 66 that extends longitudinally through the grip
handle 26. Once the elbow pad 50 is connected to the grip handle 26
can be rotated so the elbow pad 50 rests against the tension bands
30a, 30b. The arm actuator 22 also slides down to contact the
adjuster 44 and places tension on the tension mounting shaft 32,
tension bands 30a, 30b and the actuator shaft 28. The tension
prevents the actuator shaft 28 and the tension mounting shaft 32
from moving during transport. As shown in FIG. 3 the pin lock 46
can be inserted into a hole in the side of the actuator shaft 28 to
maintain tension on the adjuster 44 that is asserted by the arm
actuator 22.
[0028] FIG. 5 depicts a variation of the arm exercising device 10'
wherein a collar 78 is slidably connected to the tension mounting
shaft 32. With the exception of the variations mentioned herein,
all other aspects of FIG. 5 are the same for all embodiments of
this invention. The collar 78 replaces the need to have a removable
pin lock 46. When the collar 78 slides down the tension mounting
shaft 32 to abut the hinge 20, the tension mounting shaft 32 will
be secured without the need for further reinforcement. This
variation also uses a modified hinge 20b' that is square shaped to
allow better contact between the collar 78 and the hinge 20b'.
Additionally, FIG. 5 depicts the telescopic capability of the arm
actuator 22 with respect to the actuator shaft 28. This feature is
characteristic among all previously mentioned embodiments of the
invention. The telescopic capability of the arm actuator 22
accommodates for the various arm length and exercise techniques of
various individual users of the arm exercising device 10. This
particular embodiment of the invention does not utilize any locks
for holding the arm actuator 22 at a determined height along the
actuator shaft 28. Instead the arm actuator 22 is held in place at
a desired height along the actuator shaft 28 by force since it will
not move when the arm actuator 22 and actuator shaft 28 are
pivoting during an exercise operation.
[0029] FIG. 5a is an enlarged plan view of the adjuster 44 from
viewpoint 5a-5a. The adjuster 44 has a collar 74 slidably disposed
eccentrically around actuator shaft 28. Collar 74 has a post 76
that extends perpendicularly into the center of the collar 74. The
adjuster 44 functions by sliding the collar 74 to a desired
position on the actuator shaft 28. Once a user desired position is
selected the collar 74 can be removably locked in place by
inserting the post 76 into one of several holes 70 located along
the longitudinal axis of the actuator shaft 28. Moving the adjuster
44 up or down along the length of the actuator shaft 28 changes the
distribution of resistance setting of the arm exercising device 10.
This affects the distribution or amount of resistance that will be
experienced as the arm actuator 22 pivots. The resistance will be
greater during the initial movement of the arm actuator 22 when the
collar 74 is secured at a higher height along the actuator shaft
28. Conversely, the amount of resistance will be greater near the
end movement of the arm actuator 22 when the collar 74 is secured
at a lower height on the actuator shaft.
[0030] In operation, when the arm exercising device 10 is moved
from the portable position (or first phase) to the expanded
position (or second phase) the following steps are carried out.
Extending the telescopic shaft 13 and base handle 14 by sliding
said telescopic shaft 13 out of the first end 16 of the base
assembly 12. The telescopic shaft 13 is then locked into place by
allowing the post of the drop lock 17 to drop into the drop lock
hole 15 located on the telescopic shaft 13. The next step involves
removing the pin lock 46 from the hole on the actuator shaft 28 to
allow the arm actuator 22, tension mounting shaft 32 and tension
bands 30a, 30b to pivot freely with respect to the hinge 20a, 20b.
The arm actuator 22 and the actuator shaft 28 are then rotated from
a substantially parallel position to the base assembly 12 to a
position that is substantially perpendicular to the base assembly
12. The tension mounting shaft 34 is then locked in place by
inserting the pin lock 46 into the pin lock hole 48 located on the
hinge 20a, 20b. Insertion of the pin lock 46 prevents the tension
mounting shaft 32 from rotating with the arm actuator 22 and
actuator shaft 28 during operation of the arm exercising device
10.
[0031] The next step entails inserting the elbow pad 50 into the
elbow pad locks 58a, 58b by aligning the raised notch 56 with the
elbow pad shaft 54 and inserting it into the holes 60a, 60b. The
elbow pad 50 is then held in place by pivoting the pivotable latch
62a, 62b downward to cover the opening of the groove 64a, 64b.
[0032] Now the arm exercising device 10 is ready for operation. A
user can operate the device by grasping the grip handle 26. The
grip handle 26 can swivel three hundred sixty degrees to allow the
user to select an appropriate position. Additionally, the
appropriate height of the grip handle 26 can be set by raising or
lowering the arm actuator 22 with respect to the actuator shaft 28.
During operation the arm actuator 22 is held in place with respect
to the actuator shaft 28 through force that the user provides by
pressing the arm actuator 22 against the actuator shaft 28 using
the grip handle 26.
[0033] The arm exercising device may now be placed in the compact
phase by reversing the above steps with the additional step of
placing tension on the arm actuator 22, the actuator shaft 28, and
the tension bands 30a, 30b. This involves sliding the arm actuator
22 against the adjuster 44 and placing the pin lock 46 into a hole
located in the side of the actuator shaft 28. The pin lock 46 helps
to maintain tension on the tension bands 30a, 30b to prevent
movement during transport.
[0034] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of
the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention.
Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the
spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *